Games like The Witcher 3: 8 story-rich RPGs to play next

If you want games like The Witcher 3, start with Red Dead Redemption 2 for the writing, Cyberpunk 2077 for the same studio and Baldur's Gate 3 for choices. They all share what makes Geralt's adventure special: strong characters, side quests as good as the main story, and a world you want to get lost in. Here are our 8 best leads.

What makes The Witcher 3 unforgettable

Released in 2015 by CD Projekt RED, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for Ciri, his adopted daughter. The world is grim, political and full of dilemmas with no right answer. What stays with you most are the side quests: a simple monster contract can turn into a small, unforgettable story.

According to players on IGDB, the main story takes about 37.5 hours, but with side content it climbs to around 71, and 161.5 to do everything. The details are in how long to beat The Witcher 3.

How to pick your next RPG

Think about what you loved most. The writing and characters? Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. Choices and consequences? Baldur's Gate 3 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. Exploring a big world? Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild. The grounded medieval feel? Kingdom Come: Deliverance. For even more options, check our games like Skyrim.

1. 

   1. Red Dead Redemption 2

   2018 · Main story 48.5 h

   The one open-world game that truly matches The Witcher 3 on writing. You follow Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in a gang on the run, in a slow, sad and beautiful story. Every detail of the world is handcrafted. If you loved the quiet moments with Geralt, you'll love Arthur's. More ideas in our games like Red Dead Redemption 2.

   Add to my pile →
2. 

   2. Cyberpunk 2077

   2020 · Main story 33 h

   Same studio, completely different world. In Night City you play V, a mercenary trying to survive a deadly implant. You get CD Projekt RED's talent for side quests and memorable characters. After its updates, it's a really solid RPG. See also our games like Cyberpunk 2077.

   Add to my pile →
3. 

   3. Baldur's Gate III

   2023

   A turn-based tactical RPG where almost every choice changes something. Your companions are as lovable and complex as those in The Witcher 3, and the game reacts to wild ideas you didn't think it would allow. Combat is different, but the storytelling depth is all there. More in our games like Baldur's Gate 3.

   Add to my pile →
4. 

   4. Elden Ring

   2022 · Main story 46 h

   Less dialogue, a lot more demanding combat. But if you loved poking into every ruin and cave in The Witcher 3, the Lands Between will reward you at every turn. The world is darkly beautiful and hides secrets everywhere. For anyone who wants a tougher challenge in a dark fantasy setting.

   Add to my pile →
5. 

   5. Dragon Age: Inquisition

   2014 · Main story 39.5 h

   A big fantasy RPG with a party of companions, romances and political choices. You lead the Inquisition and decide who joins your cause. The zones are wide and packed with quests. Great if you want another epic adventure with a real crew of characters around you.

   Add to my pile →
6. 

   6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

   2017 · Main story 37.5 h

   Nothing alike in story, everything alike in freedom. You can climb anything, go anywhere and solve problems your own way. If you loved riding off with no destination in The Witcher 3, this one will make you very happy. A different way to live in a huge open world.

   Add to my pile →
7. 

   7. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

   2014 · Main story 18 h

   An open-world action game set in The Lord of the Rings universe. Its Nemesis system means orc captains remember you, rise through the ranks and become your sworn enemies. Combat feels a lot like the Batman Arkham games. Shorter and more direct, perfect between two big RPGs.

   Add to my pile →
8. 

   8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

   2018 · Main story 32.5 h

   A realistic medieval RPG set in Bohemia, with no magic and no monsters. You play Henry, a blacksmith's son who learns everything from scratch: fighting, reading, even riding properly. It's demanding, but the immersion is huge. If you loved the down-to-earth villages of Velen, this is for you.

   Add to my pile →

FAQ

What game is most like The Witcher 3?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the closest in the quality of its writing and open world. Cyberpunk 2077, from the same studio, CD Projekt RED, shares the way it tells stories and builds side quests. Dragon Age: Inquisition is the closest if you want fantasy specifically.

How long does it take to beat The Witcher 3?

According to players on IGDB, plan on about 37.5 hours for the main story, around 71 hours if you do a good share of the side content, and about 161.5 hours to complete everything. Most players land somewhere between the first two numbers.

Do I need to play the first two Witcher games?

No. The Witcher 3 is easy to follow without the first two games, which feel more dated to play. It introduces the important characters clearly. Knowing the books or the show helps a little with some relationships, but it's never required.