6 Best CRPG To Play On PC In 2023

Due to its heavy reliance on the role-playing element, AAA publishers and developers today typically view the CRPG genre as long-dead. Since the 2000s, 3D games with an action-driven rather than narrative focus, like Fallout 3 and Mass Effect, have surpassed them. Even while such games are fantastic, older CRPGs like Planescape: Torment and Baldur's Gate gave much more in the form of plot, choices, and outcomes.

In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the 6 best CRPGs to play on PC in 2023.

1. UnderRail

Underrail is a turn-based RPG set in a dark, post-nuclear wasteland, featuring an isometric view and reminiscent of Fallout 2 in terms of game structure, but without the option of a party system. Players can enjoy classic RPG gameplay with diverse character development options that allow for various playthrough experiences. A vast selection of passive and active abilities, unlockable with level and attribute requirements, as well as Specialization points and Veteran perks, offer a chance to upgrade skills and focus on a class's purpose.

Exploring the depths of Underrail will put players in different situations, including dealing with bandit gangs, exploring old world outposts, and encountering inexplicable events. Crafting mechanics, divided into subcategories, add depth to commerce, looting, and progression. Combat is highly tactical and varies based on character types, with each build requiring a unique strategy. The game offers two XP gain choices: Classic, where XP is obtained from quests and enemies, and Oddity, where XP is received from artifacts only. Underrail is a deep, complex, and gratifying experience, comparable to the best classic RPGs like Baldur's Gate, with a huge amount of content at a great price, including DLC. Fans of RPGs should not hesitate to get this game.

2. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

The narrative of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire centers on the Watcher, who travels to Eothas with a variety of companions and overcomes a number of challenges by fighting, cajoling, or plotting their way past them. Players experience political entanglements, betrayals, and quests that call for going to certain locations and carrying out specified duties as they go through the game. There are many unexplored areas in the Deadfire Archipelago, and four factions, each with a different covert goal, fight for control of the isles.

The original 2D text-based RPGs from the 1990s are updated in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, which has a top-down perspective, a fixed camera angle, and rich text explanations that can deepen immersion and players' vocabulary. The fighting system is akin to the first Pillars of Eternity, where a character's recovery time is based on their equipment, stats, and past actions. To succeed in intense battles, players must manually position and command their units, as relying on AI is not advisable on higher difficulty levels.

One notable addition to the game is the use of ships as home bases, allowing players to manage their party composition, resources, and character interactions. Sailing through the Deadfire requires adequate resources and personnel.

3. Wasteland 2

To fully appreciate Wasteland 2, it's recommended to spend around 10-20 hours playing this expansive RPG. While the user interface is outdated and the first half of the game may not be very remarkable, investing in the Outdoorsman skill can help with random encounters and lengthy travel times.

Despite being a slow game, Wasteland 2 offers a lot in terms of quest and map design, as well as interesting factions and story choices in the second half of the game. The roleplaying aspect is particularly enjoyable, as you can create specialized characters and explore the story with real consequences. It's a game that requires patience, but the potential for a tremendously enjoyable experience makes it worth the investment of time.

4. Planescape: Torment

Interplay Entertainment and Black Isle Studios initially released Planescape: Torment in 1999, a cult favorite RPG among fans. The Nameless One, an amnesiac man who awakens in a zombie-infested morgue, is the protagonist of the game. A funny floating skull named Morte joins him and assists him in navigating the perplexing planet.

The two embark on an adventure to revive The Nameless One's memories and learn the significance of the tattooed scribbles on his back. The Dungeons and Dragons multiverse, which contains numerous planes of reality, is where the game is set. This multiverse is called Planescape. The game does a fantastic job at explaining this background despite how complicated it is. The game's characters are memorable as well, and many of them have interesting backstories.

5. Divinity: Original Sin 2

One of the best things about DOS 2 is its gameplay. It's a turn-based game with a slow pace, but it's very interactive with various elemental combinations and cool interactions between abilities and the surrounding environment.

For instance, you can create a chain reaction of explosions by combining Fire and Poison, and any kind of liquid on the battleground can react to Air, turning it into a pool of Electricity, which damages and stuns anyone in it.

Moreover, buffs and debuffs have more than one effect and may interact with each other. For example, Stone Armor not only increases physical armor but also prevents bleeding and burning because you're solid rock. Peace Of Mind is a skill that provides stats boost, cures Blindness, and removes frenzy status Rage, making the target wiser and less prone to bold actions. Rage, on the other hand, increases damage output but lowers defense.

Talents in the game allow you to play in various styles depending on your choice. Lone Wolf or One Man Army lets you play solo, while Leech turns you into a vampire, allowing you to heal when standing near blood, and Zombie makes Poison heal you instead of damaging you. Since the game is classless, you can be anything and mix and match whatever you like. You can even be born a warrior but dream of becoming a mage; learn some magic and become a battlemage. Warriors can also be sneaky, so go ahead and get some rogue abilities!

6. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga

Turn-based tactics games like Ogre Battle and Fire Emblem haven't been available on the PC gaming platform for 30 years; instead, the market has been dominated by real-time and turn-based strategy games. Even if titles like Total War, Starcraft, and Command & Conquer are fantastic, they don't quite quench the need of fans of the turn-based tactics subgenre like turn-based tactics games do.

Thankfully, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga has arrived to provide a breath of fresh air. This game artfully combines the classic squad-based unit formation of Ogre Battle with the general aesthetic and grid map of Fire Emblem. Building your squads and watching them in action is immensely gratifying. If you're familiar with Fire Emblem, you'll feel right at home with this game. But if you're new to the turn-based tactics genre, The Nephilim Saga is an excellent place to start.