Most Complex Dungeons & Dragons Games, Ranked

Dungeons & Dragons is one of the most iconic franchises ever developed, crossing the boundaries of tabletop RPGs and spreading into other mediums like movies, books, comics, and especially video games. Its rules translated well to virtual platforms, leading to a range of titles that offer distinctive approaches and deep stories for fans to immerse themselves in D&D’s fantasy worlds.

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The complexity in Dungeons & Dragons games is a major draw, adapting to different playstyles. Some stand out for their combat, offering varied builds and layered tactics. Others scale back the emphasis on battles to spotlight sophisticated storylines that make full use of colorful backdrops and narrative potential, delivering an experience that feels truly special.

8

Neverwinter

Online Experience For Tabletop RPG Fans

Systems

Released

June 20, 2013

Publisher(s)

Perfect World Entertainment
, Gearbox Publishing

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Neverwinter stands out as one of the most popular MMOs set in the Dungeons & Dragons world, transporting players to iconic spots. Inspired by the tabletop rules, it blends open-ended discovery, combat, and an active community, delivering a rich and expansive experience for D&D followers.

The game features a high level of complexity by offering a huge virtual space where players can team up, customize characters, and tackle intricate dungeons. With quests that let players investigate well-known locations and a fast-paced combat system, Neverwinter invites deep involvement in the D&D setting, capturing the feel of grand adventures in a virtual, immersive format.

7

Solasta: Crown Of The Magister

A Great Option For Those Seeking A Faithful Take On D&D 5e Rules

Systems

Released

May 27, 2021

Developer(s)

Tactical Adventures

Publisher(s)

Tactical Adventures

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Many Dungeons & Dragons-based games streamline certain rules for a smoother experience, but Solasta: Crown of the Magister stands out as a complex D&D title by faithfully keeping the 5th Edition mechanics. This approach appeals to those who favor a more traditional and genuine interpretation of tabletop rules.

Additionally, Solasta: Crown of the Magister provides a wide array of character customization choices. With DLCs that broaden the range of possibilities, players can assemble unique parties with class and race mixes comparable to those in the Dungeons & Dragons 5e Player’s Handbook, producing a gripping and demanding experience for the most committed fans.

6

Neverwinter Nights 2

One Of The Best Adventures In The Well-Known D&D Setting

Neverwinter Nights 2 is a well-known Dungeons & Dragons game developed by Obsidian that raises the bar for RPGs based on the system. Rooted in the 3.5 ruleset, it presents a rich, absorbing adventure where players step into the shoes of a rising hero battling the King of Shadows. Add-on content provides new layers to the story, making it even more compelling.

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What sets Neverwinter Nights 2 apart is its depth. From character creation with multiple race and class choices to the tactical challenges of combat, it demands solid mastery of the mechanics. Expansive campaigns draw players into a detailed world, while the feature-packed Toolset allows for custom scenarios, extending the life of an already outstanding title.

5

Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition

A Dungeons & Dragons Classic With A Big Emphasis On Combat

Icewind Dale is a Dungeons & Dragons title focused on combat, set in the frozen regions of the main D&D settings. Based on the AD&D 2nd Edition rules, it emphasizes dungeon investigation and tough battles. Unlike other entries in the series, it scales back the storyline element, leaning into a strategic experience for players seeking tactical challenges.

Icewind Dale really shines in its customization and party management. Players form a squad of up to six characters, tuning each skill and build to tackle daunting foes in harsh tundras. This setup calls for careful planning and solid command of the rules to triumph in battle, making it a strong pick for RPG enthusiasts who favor well-crafted tactics.

4

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn

One Of The Most Iconic And Influential Isometric RPGs

Among the more complex D&D titles, Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn stands out as a timeless masterpiece. Released in 2000 and set in the main D&D environment, it blends a deep storyline with meaningful choices that shape the experience. It uses AD&D 2nd Edition rules, offering a rich and demanding foundation for those seeking immersion.

The game shines in its complexity thanks to detailed character customization, real-time combat with pause, and engaging interactions among companions. As a true isometric RPG, it demands tactical planning and rules knowledge to handle formidable enemies and investigate a vast world filled with secrets, delivering a singular and influential entry in the genre.

3

The Temple Of Elemental Evil

One Of The Most Popular D&D Campaigns Turned Into A Complex Game

• Developer: Troika Games
• Platforms: PC
• Release: September 16, 2003
• Genre: RPG

Although not a common choice, some Dungeons & Dragons games adapt adventures from the setting into video games, such as The Temple of Elemental Evil, which is based on one of the most popular tabletop RPG modules. Before venturing into the game’s massive dungeon, players need to organize the party meticulously.

This is because, during the early levels of The Temple of Elemental Evil and slightly beyond, the game presents a higher difficulty than expected, with encounters that can easily defeat all allies. Advancing through the initial hours makes the game challenging for Dungeons & Dragons fans, but the experience remains incredible.

2

Baldur’s Gate 3

Combat Can Be Complex In Honor Mode

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Based on the 5th edition rules of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most ambitious games based on the tabletop RPG, offering players complex turn-based combat, numerous characters to interact with, and a highly interactive world. Just considering the choices, the title becomes quite intricate, as decisions can lead to different outcomes.

However, due to the combat, Baldur’s Gate 3 once again becomes one of the most advanced Dungeons & Dragons games in terms of gameplay. There are various ways to approach the same situation, and on the hardest difficulties, combat becomes extremely punishing, requiring players to master their strategies to overcome these challenges.

1

Planescape: Torment

The Most Complex Story Ever Created For A Dungeons & Dragons Game

Going completely against the norm, Planescape: Torment delivers a unique and intricate experience for Dungeons & Dragons players, known for its philosophical depth in the narrative. Thus, the game hardly focuses on combat but presents a story filled with moral choices and multiple endings in a highly interactive world.

Therefore, for players who want to fully engage with the story, careful consideration of each decision or response to the different characters in the plot is essential, as a different choice can completely change the storyline. In this way, Planescape: Torment, by presenting something new within the Dungeons & Dragons formula, also becomes one of the best games in the franchise.

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