There are thousands of role playing games to play in 2022. But most of them focus more on combat rather than dialogue aspect. That feels totally wrong. A role playing game should be focused on dialogues, choices, and decisions. I think we can all agree on that. So, I made a top 20 list of best dialogue focused RPGs. I hope they satisfy your role-playing needs!
BEST TEXT BASED RPGS < Also check!
Dialogue focused role playing games are the best. Because you can really feel like your decisions matters. Also they are like literature. Believe me, combination of gaming and literature is highly addictive. Better don’t lose yourself!
Let’s get started shall we? Best dialogue heavy RPG games:
1. Disco Elysium
Best dialogue focused RPG to play in 2022 is Disco Elysium. Even though it is released at 2019, Disco Elysium still holds the number one spot for dialogue heavy RPGs. Simply because its revolutionary take on non-combat role playing game mechanics.
You are a detective with a unique skill system, trying to solve a murder in a 90s eastern European town. Interrogate, solve mysteries or take bribes. The choice is yours after all.
In essence, Disco Elysium is a dialogue heavy detective RPG. Disco Elysium received phenomenal ratings from various magazines and won many awards. It is considered all times best by many and expected to be a cult classic in the next 10 years.
2. Torment: Tides of Numenera
Now this is a real deal old school RPG. Number two on our list is Torment: Tides of Numenera, which is the thematic successor to cult classic Planescape: Torment.
Torment: Tides of Numenera is much more than a regular role playing game. It has a deep, philosophical, thematically satisfying story. You are in for a philosophical treat!
Find companions and start your journey. Use deception, intimidation, persuasion, or stealth. If all else fails, blood need to be spilled.
3. The Wolf Among Us
Gritty, violent, and mature thriller, I present you The Wolf Among US. It is based on the award winning Fables comic books. Therefore writing and story is amazing!
The the role of a werewolf detective and discover murders. As well as various mysteries. But remember, your every choice have enormous consequences
Best thing about is; the game is is set before the events seen in the first issue of comic. So, after finishing the game, you can jump right into the Fables comic books.
4. The Walking Dead
From the creators of Wolf Among Us, comes the 2012 game of the year, The Walking Dead.
It is based on the Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic books, just like the TV series.
Jump right into five part adventure horror series. You will be forced to make many decisions. Almost all of them will be super hard to make… So, get ready to make choices between lose-lose situations. Choices must be made really fast though. Because undead are roaming around, no time to ponder!
5. Undertale
Undertale is one of those RPGs where you can finish the game without killing anyone.
In Undertale, you take control of a regular human who have fallen underground into the monster world. You must find your way out! Otherwise you will stay trapped forever…
In spite of the fact that it is created by one person, Undertale is an amazing game that will blow your mind away.
6. The Council
Ready to experience a narrative adventure where your choices truly matter? The Council is a RPG adventure set in 1793. You play as a member of secret society. So, intrigue and manipulation are the main element on this game.
INTRIGUE GAMES < Similar games.
All in all, The Council is one of these dialogue focused RPG games you might like.
7. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Capcom‘s famous visual novel The Great Ace Attorney is lucky number 7 on this list. It is an anime, adventure, and mystery game where you find yourself in courtroom-battles. Something which I have never seen before in gaming.
The game is set in late 19th century Japan and England. You play as the rookie lawyer Ryunosuke. In each case, you will speak to witnesses, examine evidence, and attempt to deduce intent behind the crime. But the most fun will be in court. You will hear testimonies, cross examine witnesses, and present evidence to the judge.
8. Fallout: New Vegas
Best game in the Fallout franchise is without a doubt New Vegas. Simply because its amazing writing, story, and freedom of choice. Of course the later Fallout games have better graphics, but gaming and role-playing is much more than fancy visuals.
Fallout: New Vegas is an open world game set in post apocalyptic universe. There are lots of quests, factions, options, and choices in it. Will you be a peace-maker, or a scum of the earth? That is for you to decide.
9. Dragon Age Origins
Dragon Age Origins was a revolutionary game for it’s age. It is probably the first dialogue heavy RPG I have ever played. Even though it is an old 2009 game, graphics, and gameplay is still good. Besides, if you like it, you can play the other three Dragon Age games released after Origins.
You can expect top tier writing, realistic quests, fantastic characters, and crazy good music from Dragon Age: Origins. Combat is a bit clunky though… Still worth it.
10. The Elder Scrolls Series
Skyrim is my all time favorite RPG. It has many elements in it. However, dialogue aspect of the Skyrim is kind of weak. Thankfully we have mods to fix that.
I recommend you to use mods that are valuing dialogue aspect of Skyrim. Such as 3DNPC, relationship dialogue overhaul, the forgotten city, and the choice is yours. Of course don’t forget to grab a custom fully voiced follower to asist you though your journeys.
SKYRIM BEST CUSTOM VOICED FOLLOWER MODS
Also don’t forget the illusion skill tree on Skyrim. It has many spells that allows pacifying opponents. You can end the game with very few kills on your record.
11. Baldur’s Gate 3
Let’s continue with a real deal Dungeons & Dragons game, the Baldur’s Gate 3. From the creators of award-winning Divinity 2, BG3 emerged at 2020. However, Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in the early access. Therefore you might want to wait for the full release.
Still, you have access to almost all features and can play the entire act 1 in early access. Besides, it has multiplayer co-op too!
12. Divinity Original Sin 2
Divinity Original Sin 2 is a RPG masterpiece. It has overwhelmingly positive comments on steam and have already won multiple awards from various gaming reviewers.
So, if you call yourself a RPG enthusiast, you should definitely play the DOS2.
GAMES LIKE DIVINITY ORIGINAL SIN 2
Choose your rage and origin, recruit companions, make critical decisions through your journey, and enjoy the beautifully designed world of Rivellon.
13. Tyranny
Tyranny is one of those dialogue heavy RPGs where you can choose the become a villain protagonist. It is set in a world that is devastated by war and rule of a despot. Will you be a cog of this system or dismantle it from inside?
GAMES WHERE YOU CAN PLAY AS THE VILLAIN
Branching and unique stories are awaiting you. Every decision you make will have far-reaching consequences.
In Tyranny, you are an officer with considerable resources and authority. That is alone offers a completely unique RPG experience.
14. Life is Strange
Wow looks like this list is filled with award winning games… Life is strange is an episodic adventure game with time travel elements. Player can rewind time to affect the past, present and future. It doesn’t always work though. That is why choices matters a lot.
It is a beautifully written modern adventure game that must be played. Also, Life is Strange has won many awards including the golden joystick. So, don’t miss it out!
15. Detroit: Become Human
Don’t skip this because you don’t have a PlayStation. Detroit: Become Human first released at 2018 for console. But in 2020, it is ported to PC and is available on steam. What’s more, it has overwhelmingly positive steam reviews. I wouldn’t miss it.
Detroit: Become Human takes you to a near future where machines have become more intelligent that humans. Every choice comes with a consequence because Detroit: Become Human is hosting one of the most intricately branching narratives.
16. Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of friends who mistakenly open a demonic rift. This story reminds me of Stranger Things.
Take control of a rebellious teenager Alex. Then start your journey in an overnight island party that has gone horribly wrong. There will be many mysteries to uncover. Also, your choices will determine the fate of your friends lives. So, think carefully before making any decisions.
17. Pillars Of Eternity
What’s next is just another beautiful isometric RPG, Pillars of Eternity. It is an epic journey from the developers of Fallout: New Vegas and South Park: The Stick of Truth.
Prepare to be enchanted by a world where the choices you make shape your destiny. Deep and diverse fantasy world is waiting to be explored. So, gather your party and venture forth!
18. Citizen Sleeper
Citizen Sleeper is another award winning RPG with overwhelmingly positive steam reviews. It is really a dialogue heavy game since it is mostly text-based.
Story is basically like this: You will live the life of an escaped worker, washed up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society.
Role-play in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Explore, make friends, escape your past, and change your future.
19. The Age of Decadence
The Age of Decadence is a hard core RPG set in a magical post apocalyptic fantasy world.
The game features multiple skills, different ways to handle quests, choices & consequences, and branching dialogue trees.
Its role-playing and dialogue features are unmatched. However, graphics and combat mechanics are somewhat backwards. Therefore it is not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you don’t mind the downsides, Age of Decadence offers a great experience.
20. Mass Effect Series
We are ending this dialogue heavy RPGs list with probably the best Sci-Fi RPG franchise Mass Effect. It is especially great now, because BioWare released a remastered trilogy version in 2021. Mass Effect Legendary Edition contains first three games, completely remastered and optimized for 4k Ultra HD.
Live the epic saga of legendary commander Shephard! Create and customize your own character, reflect on your choices, and explore the stars above!
Thank you for checking out my top 20 list of dialogue heavy role playing games. I hope you enjoyed reading it and found yourself a new game to play!
My job here is done I guess. Now it is your turn. Leave a nice comment below and join our discord channel for support! See you later.