Best RPGs with Branching Dialogue Trees, Ranked

Most people love branching dialogue trees in their RPGs for obvious reasons. If players want to believe the illusion that they can play whatever role they put their minds to in these titles, then it’s important to accommodate as many unique responses as possible to cater to different playstyles.

This makes it important for players to check out RPGs with complex scripts that adhere to their in-game actions. The best dialogue systems take into account everything from the protagonist’s background to their morality as they go through an unforgettable experience.

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8

Pillars Of Eternity

Everything From The Watcher’s Reputation To Their Choices Determine Dialogue Flow

Released

March 26, 2015

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Pillars of Eternity was Obsidian’s attempt to bring back the glorious age of CRPGs, and they accomplished this goal to a certain extent. Players control a Watcher who takes over the fort of Caed Nua and pursues Thaos, the grandmaster of the Leaden Key, who will do everything in his power to enact the goddess Woedica’s chaotic goal.

The game had some missteps, but fans were pleasantly surprised by how robust the dialogue trees were. Players could channel their expertise in certain skills to give advice or fool other people. Their actions govern how people treat them after a point, as the dialogue reflects their personalities.

7

Tyranny

Numerous Branching Paths Offer Unique Dialogue In Every Playthrough

Released

November 10, 2016

Platform(s)

Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS

It’s a shame that Tyranny stumbled right before the end, since fans were being treated to one of the best modern CRPGs of all time until that point. Players loved exploring what it meant to be evil in this game, using the dialogue system to decide the fate of people and cities, which ranged from somewhat good to deeply unpleasant.

Based on the Loyalty and Fear of their companions, new conversation options and powers can be unlocked. This is just one of the many ways that Tyranny keeps players engaged with its dialogue. Players are capable of some truly heinous actions if they pursue certain paths.

6

Dragon Age: Origins

An Excellent RPG With Dialogue That Covers All Bases

Systems

Released

November 3, 2009

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content

The beauty of Dragon Age: Origins stems from its deep role-playing gameplay, something that BioWare has struggled to live up to ever since. The Grey Warden that players control has access to numerous dialogue options in combat based on their unique origin story and the path they wish to pursue.

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The tactical combat and memorable characters enhance the depth of this beloved RPG. Players who want to check out a classic role-playing game with excellent branching dialogue options will love what Dragon Age: Origins brings to the table.

5

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Several Dialogue Options Have Major Consequences

Released

May 19, 2015

ESRB

M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content

The Witcher 3 is one of the best open-world games ever made. Fans love experiencing Geralt’s final journey as he moves heaven and earth to find Ciri, deciding the fate of everyone from simple citizens to entire kingdoms in the process.

The branching dialogue of The Witcher 3 is deceptively complex and can lock players into certain routes based on their actions. Characters can turn on Geralt or join his cause, and the ending can be decided by some impactful dialogue choices. This makes it important to pay attention to the story and choose the most apt dialogue choices.

4

Mass Effect 2

The Tantalizing Dialogue Is Better Than Ever Before

Action RPG

Third-Person Shooter

Systems

Released

January 26, 2010

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence

The unique dialogue wheel introduced in the Mass Effect games did a great job of making simple conversation one of the best parts of the game. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Mass Effect 2, a game that whisks players away on a grand adventure where Shepard makes numerous meaningful choices.

Whether players choose to embody the spirit of a Paragon or Renegade, there’s no denying that Mass Effect 2 is a blast to play. The improvements made to the combat coupled with its superb script means that players will be invested in Shepard’s journey, making important decisions along the way.

3

Fallout: New Vegas

Incredible Role-Playing Extends To Impressive Branching Dialogue

Systems

Released

October 19, 2010

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

New Vegas is one of the deepest and most engaging role-playing experiences players can enjoy. The Courier is roped into a plot against his will, and can govern the fate of New Vegas and the entire Mojave based on their actions.

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rom managing medieval survival to spy intrigue, these RPGs offer realism-packed gameplay for fans of authentic, grounded adventures.

This makes it important to form valuable alliances, complete quests, and decide what is best for the people of this wasteland as the Courier shapes their legacy in New Vegas. As one would expect, the dialogue trees are massive and ensure that players will have to keep track of several storylines as they strive to make the best decisions.

2

Baldur’s Gate 3

Class, Background, & Skills Influence Dialogue Options

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

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

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the deepest and most intricate CRPGs players can get their hands on. The combat and story are excellent in their own right, but what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 an excellent title is the numerous role-playing options it offers.

Everything from the player’s actions to their responses governs how they progress in this amazing game. The chosen character’s background, class, and expertise are some of the many metrics that decide what they can and cannot say in every conversation, which enhances a player’s immersion.

1

Disco Elysium

Tantalizing Dialogue In A Class Of Its Own

Released

October 15, 2019

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence

One of the greatest story-driven video games of all time, Disco Elysium is perfect for players who don’t want to interact with a combat loop. Rather, the crux of this plot revolves around investigations and conversations, with the latter being a story part of the experience courtesy of its impressive script.

The detective players control can specialize in one of several skills, letting them empathize with characters, visualize crimes, perform athletic feats, and do anything else they set their minds to. The fact that one of the possible game-overs stems from a conversation where a powerful man dominates the player character is a testament to how magical the branching dialogue paths of Disco Elysium are.

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