The past half-decade has been a golden age for fantasy video games, delivering everything from sprawling Norse epics to intimate indie roguelikes. Whether you're a fan of high-stakes quests or character-driven narratives, there's been no shortage of worlds to get lost in. We've ranked the 10 best fantasy games released since 2021, blending critical acclaim, cultural impact, and pure fun.
10. Hades II (Early Access 2024)
Supergiant Games' follow-up to the beloved Hades expands the underworld with new gods, weapons, and a deeper story. Even in early access, its fluid combat and Greek mythology charm make it a must-play. It's a testament to how indie studios can rival AAA polish.
9. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024)
Square Enix's second chapter in the Remake trilogy opens up the world of Gaia like never before. With a sprawling open world, refined combat, and emotional twists, it's a love letter to fans. The game also introduces spin-off characters, expanding the universe in exciting ways.
8. Elden Ring (2022)
FromSoftware's magnum opus blends George R.R. Martin's lore with punishing yet rewarding gameplay. Its open world is a masterpiece of discovery, filled with hidden dungeons, towering bosses, and a sense of wonder that redefined the action RPG genre.
7. God of War: Ragnarok (2022)
Santa Monica Studio's sequel to the 2018 reboot delivers a cinematic Norse saga that balances brutal combat with heartfelt father-son dynamics. The realms of Norse mythology are rendered in stunning detail, making every journey feel epic.
6. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
Larian Studios' CRPG brought Dungeons & Dragons to life with unprecedented depth. Its branching narratives, turn-based tactics, and player freedom set a new standard for role-playing games. It's a game where every choice truly matters.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
Nintendo's sequel to Breath of the Wild took Hyrule to new heights—literally. With sky islands, underground caves, and ultra-creative building mechanics, it expanded the sandbox in ways that felt both fresh and familiar.
4. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (2023)
While not pure fantasy, this expansion's spy-thriller narrative and dystopian world blur the line between sci-fi and dark fantasy. CD Projekt Red's redemption arc turned a troubled launch into one of the most immersive RPG experiences of the decade.
3. Hogwarts Legacy (2023)
Avalanche Software's open-world Harry Potter game let fans live out their wizardry dreams. From exploring Hogwarts Castle to brewing potions and battling dark wizards, it captured the magic of the books while offering a compelling original story.
2. Final Fantasy XVI (2023)
Square Enix's mainline entry went full action-RPG with a dark medieval setting and epic Eikon battles. Its mature story, political intrigue, and jaw-dropping summons made it a standout for fans of high fantasy.
1. Elden Ring (2022)
It's hard to top the game that dominated 2022 and won Game of the Year. Elden Ring's seamless world, deep lore, and challenging combat set a new benchmark. It's a game that rewards exploration and patience, offering hundreds of hours of content.
Honorable mentions include Diablo IV, Starfield, and Dragon's Dogma 2, but these 10 represent the best of the best. For more on gaming's highs and lows, check out our list of the absolute worst video games ever made. And if you're craving more fantasy, don't miss our feature on Brandon Sanderson meets Attack on Titan.
