10 Best Complex Isometric RPGs, Ranked

Isometric RPGs have established themselves as a unique subgenre, characterized not only by it perspective but also by deep narratives and strategic mechanics. This game style combines rich storytelling with tactical combat, offering challenges that go beyond visuals and require planning and intelligence with every move. Its legacy highlights the ability to engage critical and passionate minds.

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The best complex isometric RPGs reveal themselves as works that challenge paradigms, integrating intricate mechanics and stories full of branches. These games captivate players in various ways, showcasing the genre’s full potential in embracing different gameplay styles, allowing different audiences to find something they enjoy within rich worlds, where choices deeply impact both narrative and gameplay.

10

Wasteland 3

A Post-Apocalyptic Journey Filled With Important Decisions

Released

August 28, 2020

ESRB

m

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Wasteland 3 transports players to a snow-covered post-apocalyptic Colorado, where they lead a team of Rangers on missions that require complex moral choices. The game combines turn-based tactical combat with a rich narrative, allowing isometric RPG fans to play an important role in determining the fate of this region and what happens in the struggle between the Patriarch and his children.

Players’ decisions profoundly affect the world of the game, influencing alliances with various factions and determining different endings throughout the story, allowing even some branching paths to have noticeable differences. Detailed character customization and a variety of available skills allow for different approaches to each group, enabling players to adapt to what fits their gameplay style.

9

Baldur’s Gate 3

The Game Offers A Unique Complexity Among Isometric RPGs

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Despite being based on Dungeons & Dragons 5e, a more basic and beginner-friendly version of the system for many players, Baldur’s Gate 3 still presents complex gameplay, with enemies having various weaknesses and strengths, as well as positioning being crucial during combat. This makes the game an excellent choice for those who enjoy the genre.

However, one of Baldur’s Gate 3‘s greatest complexities lies in its narrative and exploration, as this isometric RPG boasts one of the best stories in the genre. Events unfold modularly, allowing players to explore freely across different scenarios in whatever order they desire, without needing to complete main quests in a specific order to progress.

8

Tyranny

Isometric RPG That Is One Of The Genre’s Most Unique Games

Released

November 10, 2016

ESRB

t

With a unique premise in the genre, Tyranny doesn’t place players as heroes or characters with a choice, but rather as an authority of the evil forces that dominate the universe. This isometric RPG by Obsidian brings a new perspective on how morality is treated in the genre, offering players a unique viewpoint.

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In fact, this is what makes Tyranny such a standout game, challenging players who are used to traditional stories. Characters do have some routes aligned with kinder paths, but this isometric RPG consistently shows the consequences of those choices, making it an essential experience for hardcore isometric RPG fans.

7

Fallout 2

The Original Fallouts Are Remembered For Not Holding Players’ Hands

Released

October 29, 1998

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Strong Language

Though the original Fallout games rely more on player-made builds and aren’t the most difficult isometric RPGs, they are known for not holding players’ hands, offering little visual help on where to go to advance in both the main stories and side quests. In Fallout 2, while traveling through the Wasteland in search of the G.E.C.K., paying attention to dialogues is crucial.

This is because, normally, it is through these dialogues that characters can figure out where they need to go for their next objective. Sometimes the details are straightforward, but other times, players must think a bit and grasp the subtle hints in between the lines to fully understand the information. This makes the game one of the most satisfying Sci-Fi isometric RPGs when it comes to exploration.

6

Planescape: Torment

Game Focuses On Dialogue Rather Than Combat

Released

December 12, 1999

ESRB

t

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Breaking away from the genre’s usual format, Planescape: Torment offers a gameplay approach focused on rich, philosophical dialogues, prioritizing player choices over combat. Despite having lighter mechanics, the plot of this isometric RPG is far more complex, delving into existential themes throughout its narrative.

The choices made by players can be intricate and influence the development of the story, whether in a broad sense, altering several events, or on a smaller scale, such as how certain characters react. As the secrets of the narrative are revealed, players encounter one of the best stories ever crafted for an isometric RPG.

5

Divinity: Original Sin 2

The Combat In This Isometric RPG Is Highly Complex

Released

September 14, 2017

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Transporting players to an original world developed by Larian Studios, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a game that manages to be complex in multiple layers, with good options for character customization and deeper mechanics such as crafting. Additionally, the game features charismatic and interesting characters that develop well throughout the story.

However, what truly makes Divinity: Original Sin 2 a hardcore isometric RPG is its combat. Not only do players need to position characters well during each encounter, but they must also pay attention to the surroundings. Enemies can use these to their advantage, destroying objects or combining specific spells to increase damage and the area affected.

4

Arcanum: Of Steamworks And Magick Obscura

An Isometric RPG With Complexity And Deep Choices

Arcanum: of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

Released

September 26, 2000

ESRB

t

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is considered by many players to be one of the most complex Old School isometric RPGs ever created. Set in a world where magic coexists with technology during an Industrial Revolution, the game offers a unique setting that influences both the narrative and character development. Every choice shapes the experience and impacts the course of the story.

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The character creation system allows the choice between several races and specializations, enabling unique builds based on magic, technology, or a balanced approach. Arcanum encourages freedom of choice, where varied solutions to quests can be achieved through combat, diplomacy, or stealth, inspiring many other titles.

3

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn

The Advanced Dungeons & Dragons System Makes This One Of The Most Complex Isometric RPGs

Released

September 21, 2000

ESRB

T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Though also based on tabletop RPGs, Baldur’s Gate 2 is inspired by the rules of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, an older edition that is less accessible to players used to modern entries in the series, like 5e. The game’s complexity lies in the system differences, which can cause some confusion.

As a result, it takes time for players, especially newcomers to the genre or those accustomed to the modern entries, to get used to these mechanical differences, one of the most noticeable being the difference in Armor Class. These elements make Baldur’s Gate 2 one of the most complex isometric RPGs ever made and a true masterpiece for players.

2

The Age Of Decadence

An Isometric RPG Known For Its High Difficulty

Released

October 14, 2015

ESRB

t

The Age of Decadence is an isometric RPG that stands out for its narrative complexity and freedom of choice. Set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by the Roman Empire, the game offers multiple paths and factions, allowing players to experience different and realistic approaches, from diplomacy and political intrigue to direct combat, where every decision impacts the story deeply.

In addition to its branching narrative, The Age of Decadence is known for its high difficulty. The turn-based combat is unforgiving and requires careful planning, as even a single mistake can be fatal. With no linear progression or “safe” quests, players must prepare for constant challenges, whether through strength, intelligence, or manipulation, making it a hardcore experience.

1

Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous

Game Is One Of The Best And Most Complex Isometric RPGs Ever Created

Released

September 2, 2021

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Based on the tabletop RPG of the same name, Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous challenges players to face a large horde of demons through various battles that can test their patience. The game also features a wide array of classes and races, allowing for a unique character customization.

However, even on normal difficulty, without an optimized build, players will encounter difficulties progressing, as truly powerful enemies may appear at unexpected moments. At the same time, because of these challenges, Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous is one of the best isometric RPGs for players who enjoy optimizing each character to overcome challenges.

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