Games Like Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

You've just unearthed the classic post-apocalyptic role-playing game that revitalized the entire CRPG genre. The Fallout® SPECIAL system allows drastically different types of characters, meaningful decisions and development that puts you in complete control. Explore the devastated ruins of a golden age civilization.

Why similar: Classic 34.3% ★, RPG 18.9%, Isometric 15.2%, CRPG 11%, Open World 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by many of the same creators, this game shares the exact engine, UI, and deep, reactive role-playing philosophy found in Arcanum.

Fallout® 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game that took RPG'ing out of the dungeons and into a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. It's been 80 long years since your ancestors trod across the wastelands.

Why similar: Classic 31.3% ★, RPG 17%, Isometric 16.6%, CRPG 9.2%, Open World 7%

Why You'll Like It: Expands on the original with even more world-building and player choice, mirroring the open-ended nature of Arcanum's quest design.

Experience a story-driven RPG where your choices mean all the difference in the world.

Why similar: CRPG 23.2%, RPG 21.3%, Isometric 18.6%, Story Rich 7.8%, Real-Time with Pause 7.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on player agency and moral ambiguity, allowing you to shape the world in ways that feel truly consequential.

Prepare to be enchanted by a world where the choices you make and the paths you choose shape your destiny. Obsidian Entertainment, the developer of Fallout: New Vegas™ and South Park: The Stick of Truth™, together with Paradox Interactive is proud to present Pillars of Eternity.

Why similar: RPG 21.2%, CRPG 20.3%, Isometric 19.1%, Real-Time with Pause 8.2% ★, Story Rich 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern classic that successfully revives the isometric CRPG style with deep lore and party-based mechanics.

Uncover secrets of past lives in this story-rich, tactical roleplaying game set in Sigil, a dark fantasy city at the heart of the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse. Explore the planes, survive combat alongside a party of bizarre companions, and solve puzzles unlike any ever seen in the genre.

Why similar: CRPG 21.9%, Classic 18.3% ★, Isometric 16.5%, RPG 12.9%, Real-Time with Pause 9.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers a level of philosophical depth and narrative complexity that rivals the best writing found in Arcanum.

Vampire®: The Masquerade-Bloodlines™ delivers a new type of RPG experience-one that blends all the core elements of a traditional RPG with the graphical richness, immediacy and brutal combat of a first-person action game. The game plunges players into the dark and gritty vampire underworld of modern-day L.A. as a creature of the night.

Why similar: RPG 37.9%, Classic 36.3% ★, Story Rich 9%, Great Soundtrack 7.8%, Atmospheric 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the same sense of a secret, reactive world with deep character customization and a unique, atmospheric setting.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power.

Why similar: CRPG 27.6%, RPG 22.4%, Character Customization 11.2%, Story Rich 10.7%, Turn-Based Combat 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: The modern pinnacle of choice-driven CRPGs, providing the same level of reactivity and systemic depth that Arcanum fans crave.

Harebrained Schemes' biggest Shadowrun game to date, and the definitive Shadowrun RPG experience available on PC. Now a standalone title with tons of new content & improvements!

Why similar: RPG 26.4%, Isometric 22.9%, CRPG 20.3%, Turn-Based 13%, Story Rich 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Perfectly blends magic and technology in a gritty, narrative-heavy setting that feels like a spiritual successor to Arcanum's themes.

Torment: Tides of Numenera is the thematic successor to Planescape: Torment, one of the most critically acclaimed role-playing games of all time. Immerse yourself in a single-player, isometric, story-driven RPG set in Monte Cook’s Numenera universe. What does one life matter? Find your answer.

Why similar: RPG 24.7%, Isometric 23.6%, CRPG 23.6%, Story Rich 8.3%, Turn-Based Combat 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on strange, high-concept world-building and narrative choices rather than traditional combat, much like the more cerebral aspects of Arcanum.

Patch 5.0 - Turn-based mode and The Ultimate challenge out now! Pursue a rogue god over land and sea in the sequel to the multi-award-winning RPG Pillars of Eternity. Captain your ship on a dangerous voyage of discovery across the vast unexplored archipelago region of the Deadfire.

Why similar: CRPG 21.6%, RPG 21.4%, Isometric 17.4%, Real-Time with Pause 6.9% ★, Story Rich 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the classic CRPG formula with a unique setting and a high degree of reactivity to player decisions.

Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition is the capstone title in Harebrained Schemes' Shadowrun series - and now includes the all-new, 6+ hr Shadows of Hong Kong Bonus Campaign. Experience the most impressive Shadowrun RPG yet, hailed as one of the best cRPG / strategy games of 2015!

Why similar: RPG 24.8%, Isometric 21.9%, CRPG 18.3%, Turn-Based 11.5%, Story Rich 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the excellent magic-meets-cyberpunk aesthetic with tactical combat and strong character-driven storytelling.

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.

Why similar: Isometric 21%, CRPG 20.8%, RPG 20.6%, Story Rich 13.1%, Choices Matter 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an incredibly reactive, text-heavy world where your character build dictates how you interact with the environment and its inhabitants.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition is the first isometric party-based cRPG set in the Pathfinder fantasy universe. Enjoy a classic RPG experience inspired by games like Baldur's Gate, Fallout 1 and 2 and Arcanum. Explore and conquer the Stolen Lands and make them your kingdom!

Why similar: CRPG 22.9%, RPG 19.8%, Isometric 17.9%, Real-Time with Pause 9.1% ★, Character Customization 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an incredibly deep character-building system and a massive world to explore, satisfying the desire for complexity.

UnderRail is an old-school turn-based isometric role-playing game that features a large open post-apocalyptic world, deep and challenging combat and an intricate storyline.

Why similar: CRPG 27.1%, Isometric 25.6%, RPG 23.3%, Turn-Based 8%, Turn-Based Combat 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, isometric CRPG that emphasizes exploration and deep, rewarding character customization.

Following the critically acclaimed 2014 Game of the Year winner Wasteland 2, the RPG series that pioneered the post-apocalyptic genre in video games returns with Wasteland 3.

Why similar: CRPG 28%, Isometric 18.1%, RPG 11.7%, Character Customization 8.2%, Story Rich 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep tactical combat and a reactive world where your choices have significant impacts on the game's outcome.

This critically acclaimed first-person RPG from Arkane Studios takes the player on an amazing journey into the fantasy world of Arx. Arx is wrought with turmoil, brought to the brink of destruction by a violent war.

Why similar: Classic 43.4% ★, RPG 30.3%, Fantasy 7.7%, Atmospheric 5.2%, Magic 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: An immersive sim that features a dark, atmospheric fantasy world with unique mechanics and deep exploration.

ELEX is a handcrafted action role-playing experience from the award-winning creators of the Gothic series, set in a brand new post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy universe that puts players into a huge seamless game world full of original characters, mutated creatures, deep moral choices and powerful action.

Why similar: RPG 38.2%, Open World 29%, Fantasy 9.8%, Story Rich 8.2%, Choices Matter 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Directly mirrors the science-fantasy clash of Arcanum by pitting high-tech factions against magic-wielding groups in an open world.

Engage in a core roleplaying experience, and forge the destiny of a new world seeping with magic, and filled with riches, lost secrets, and fantastic creatures. With diplomacy, deception and force, become part of a living, evolving world - influence its course and shape your story.

Why similar: RPG 31.6%, Open World 17.4%, Character Customization 14.1%, Story Rich 10.6%, Choices Matter 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Explores a colonial-era fantasy setting that incorporates steampunk elements and complex political factions.

Take a stand in the eternal conflict between Arcane Magic and Steampunk Revolution and tip the uneasy balance between sorcery, elves, dwarves and mysterious monsters on one side and steampunk gadgets, zeppelins, and tesla guns on the other in this single-player, party-based, story-rich RPG.

Why similar: Steampunk 33.6% ★, CRPG 18.8%, Isometric 11.9%, RPG 8%, Story Rich 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Directly inspired by the steampunk-fantasy conflict of Arcanum, focusing on the tension between magic and technology.

Rediscover the beloved RPG classic— now enhanced for modern adventurers! Gather your party of heroes and continue the legendary adventure in this story-rich fantasy epic where every choice matters.

Why similar: CRPG 21.6%, Isometric 14.4%, RPG 13.4%, Real-Time with Pause 10.8% ★, Open World 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for classic party-based CRPGs, offering a vast, epic adventure with memorable companions.

The Age of Decadence is a turn-based, hardcore role-playing game set in a low magic fantasy world. The game features a detailed skill-based character system, multiple skill-based ways to handle quests, choices & consequences, and extensive dialogue trees.

Why similar: CRPG 32%, Isometric 23.8%, RPG 11.9%, Story Rich 9.5%, Turn-Based Combat 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A brutal, choice-heavy CRPG that rewards clever character builds and offers multiple paths to success.

Gothic II: Gold Edition brings together the excitement of Gothic II and the add-on Night of the Raven to your fingertips!

Why similar: Classic 44.2% ★, RPG 21.7%, Open World 10.7%, Story Rich 5.2%, Fantasy 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an immersive, reactive open world where your choices and faction allegiances drastically change the gameplay experience.

A Victorian steampunk RPG with tarot cards instead of dice. Investigate the disappearance of society’s most vulnerable to uncover a mysterious cult. Play as three characters, each with their own skills and motivations. Customize your characters with narrative choices to unlock new tarot cards.

Why similar: Steampunk 30.7% ★, CRPG 19.3%, Isometric 14.8%, RPG 9.4%, Story Rich 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A steampunk-themed RPG that prioritizes narrative depth and character-driven choices over traditional combat.

Return to the Forgotten Realms in this bestselling Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Combines all the content of Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition with all-new enhanced features. Includes 100+ hours of award-winning adventures and the tools to create your own!

Why similar: CRPG 29.7%, RPG 17.5%, Real-Time with Pause 14.3% ★, Character Customization 8.7%, Fantasy 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic D&D-based CRPG that offers extensive player freedom and a wide variety of character builds.

Avernum is a land underground, a subterranean nation full of rogues, misfits, and brigands, struggling for survival in the monster-infested darkness. Hunt for glory, treasure, and justice in the underworld. Fight for survival, freedom, and even vengeance in the epic indie cult-classic.

Why similar: Isometric 26.6%, RPG 23%, CRPG 20.9%, Turn-Based 7.6%, Fantasy 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides old-school isometric exploration and turn-based combat with a focus on world-building.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition includes Morrowind plus all of the content from the Bloodmoon and Tribunal expansions. The original Mod Construction Set is not included in this package. An epic, open-ended single-player RPG, Morrowind allows you to create and play any kind of character imaginable.

Why similar: Classic 31.7% ★, RPG 20.8%, Open World 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, Fantasy 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers unparalleled world-building and a sense of discovery that resonates with the exploration-heavy nature of Arcanum.

The critically acclaimed RPG that raised the bar, from the creators of Baldur's Gate 3. Gather your party. Master deep, tactical combat. Venture as a party of up to four - but know that only one of you will have the chance to become a God.

Why similar: CRPG 34%, RPG 16.7%, Isometric 13.7%, Story Rich 10.5%, Character Customization 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features a highly reactive world and deep systemic gameplay that allows for creative solutions to problems.

Delve into a gritty, raw and atmospheric fantasy world in which every action has a consequence. In the epic world of Risen, filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters and unimaginable treasures, forge your path with the sword, learn the art of staff fighting or become a powerful mage.

Why similar: RPG 35.8%, Open World 21.2%, Classic 10.2% ★, Fantasy 9.1%, Magic 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features open-world exploration with a distinct, gritty fantasy atmosphere and meaningful faction choices.

Each person you aid, each flower you crush, and each creature you slay will change this world forever. Fable: Who will you be?

Why similar: Classic 27.6% ★, RPG 27.3%, Fantasy 8.1%, Open World 6.6%, Choices Matter 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique world with a strong focus on player morality and the consequences of your actions.

THE GREAT MACHINE AWAKENS

Why similar: Classic 32.1% ★, RPG 20.7%, Open World 9.9%, CRPG 9.3%, Fantasy 8.8%

Divine Divinity is an epic role-playing game with hack-and-slash action, offering a huge world to explore and thousands of items to investigate, trade and use.

Why similar: Classic 27.1% ★, RPG 22.3%, Isometric 18.6%, CRPG 8.7%, Fantasy 6.5%

The prequel to Radon Labs' award-winning RPG, Drakensang: The River of Time introduces a brand new story within the Drakensang universe. The new story brings many innovations and new game elements for experienced as well for first time players, who will jump right into the fascinating medieval fantasy RPG scenario of Drakensang: The...

Why similar: RPG 43.2%, CRPG 13.6%, Real-Time with Pause 11.8% ★, Fantasy 10.9%, Dwarves 8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A solid, party-based CRPG that captures the classic feel of tabletop-inspired adventures.

Gather your party and get ready for a new, back-to-the-roots RPG adventure! Discuss your decisions with companions; fight foes in turn-based combat; explore an open world and interact with everything and everyone you see. Join up with a friend to play online in co-op and make your own adventures with the powerful RPG toolkit.

Why similar: RPG 33.4%, CRPG 16.2%, Isometric 13.3%, Turn-Based 12%, Fantasy 7.9%

Dungeon Siege® combines the immersive elements of a role-playing game with over-the-top intensity and non-stop action. Dungeon Siege plunges you into a continuous 3D fantasy world where you face off against an army of evil that has been unleashed.

Why similar: Classic 34.7% ★, RPG 26.9%, Isometric 12.5%, Fantasy 9.2%, Real-Time with Pause 6.7% ★

Gedonia is a classic open world rpg, featuring a complete freedom of building your character, exploring a huge world and completing quests.

Why similar: Classic 21.9% ★, CRPG 16.4%, RPG 15.7%, Open World 12.5%, Magic 8.7%

Avadon: The Black Fortress is an epic, Indie fantasy role-playing saga. You will serve the keep of Avadon, working as a spy and warrior to fight the enemies of your homeland. As a servant of the Black Fortress, your word is law. Use your power to crush a growing rebellion! (Or join it.)

Why similar: RPG 27.4%, Isometric 25.9%, CRPG 19.9%, Fantasy 8%, Turn-Based 7.2%

Lead a party of relic hunters in an epic cRPG adventure set in a war-torn Guns N’ Sorcery world. Experiment with a tactical slo-mo and a modern combat system!

Why similar: Steampunk 37.1% ★, CRPG 15.9%, Isometric 13%, Real-Time with Pause 9% ★, RPG 7.4%

Welcome to Age of Wonders, the authentic turn based fantasy strategy classic that started the hit series. Age of Wonders’ intimate atmosphere with painterly graphics still shines today. The game’s fully patched up, start building your fantasy empire today!

Why similar: Classic 38.8% ★, RPG 22.9%, Fantasy 10.6%, Dwarves 10.3% ★, Turn-Based 8.8%

Drakensang is a third-person party-based RPG based on the pen & paper role-play rules of The Dark Eye. Drakensang is the first PC game for over 10 years to be based on Germany's most successful and popular role-play system. Drakensang builds on the pen & paper rules as applied in version 4.0.

Why similar: RPG 37.8%, CRPG 16%, Real-Time with Pause 14% ★, Fantasy 9.8%, Dwarves 7.9% ★

Huge indie fantasy role-playing adventure in a massive, underground land. Packed with over 100 towns and dungeons and an epic story. Fight to complete up to three distinct game-winning quests. Master over 60 spells and abilities. Hunt for hundreds of magical artifacts. Over 50 hours of gameplay.

Why similar: CRPG 28.4%, Isometric 25.6%, RPG 24.3%, Turn-Based 6.7%, Fantasy 6.6%

Eschalon: Book I is an old-school role-playing game that will take you across massive outdoor environments and deep into dozens of sprawling dungeons as you seek to uncover the mystery of who you are. It features a tile-built, turn-based game world where the result of absolutely every action is rolled, calculated or statistically...

Why similar: RPG 36.6%, Isometric 31.6%, CRPG 14.3%, Turn-Based 9.8%, Fantasy 6.7%

Wander free through this epic, indie fantasy adventure. Explore a huge world that evolves as time passes. Towns fight battles. Refugees flee. Disasters happen. Features cunning adventures, great depth, and unlimited freedom. Be a merchant or bounty hunter, buy a home, save the world!

Why similar: CRPG 28.7%, RPG 26.7%, Isometric 23.9%, Story Rich 6.9%, Fantasy 6.4%

Unique, truly open-ended fantasy adventure in a strange, new world. Use battle or cunning to change the world, served by your own army of custom-made mutant monsters. Over 80 zones to explore and 50+ hours of gameplay. Multitudes of skills, abilities, factions, treasures, and servants to create.

Why similar: CRPG 35.6%, Isometric 20%, RPG 15.4%, Turn-Based 9.7%, Story Rich 6.8%

Vaporum is a grid-based dungeon crawler RPG in an original steampunk setting, inspired by old-school classics of the genre. Stranded in the middle of an ocean, in front of a gigantic tower, the hero has to find out what the place is, what happened there, and most importantly, who he is.

Why similar: Steampunk 38.6% ★, CRPG 22.6%, RPG 10.2%, Character Customization 6.4%, Story Rich 5.5%

A New Wizardry for a New GenerationThe universe is in the throes of violent upheaval and change. Vast and mysterious forces are preparing for the final confrontation. A small group of heroes from distant lands must plunge into the heart of the maelstrom, to uncover long-forgotten secrets, and bring about a new era.

Why similar: Classic 35.5% ★, RPG 23%, CRPG 17.6%, Turn-Based Combat 8%, Fantasy 5.4%

The classic adventure returns! Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition includes the original Baldur’s Gate adventure, the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion, and all-new content including three new party members.

Why similar: CRPG 27.2%, Isometric 21.5%, RPG 12.2%, Story Rich 8.1%, Character Customization 8%

THE LEGEND BEGINS

Why similar: Classic 37.3% ★, RPG 26%, Fantasy 12.5%, Story Rich 9.1%, Open World 7%

Fates of Ort is a retro fantasy RPG focused on strategic action, in a land where time is frozen when you stand still. Cast powerful spells - but beware, they will cost you your life.

Why similar: CRPG 24.6%, RPG 15.2%, Isometric 14.7%, Open World 11.4%, Magic 9.3%

The Thaumaturge is a character-driven RPG with a rich story, morally ambiguous choices, and turn-based combat. In a city on the brink of change, use your mystical powers to read emotions, uncover motives, and command folklore-inspired demons — while resisting the temptation of your own pride.

Why similar: CRPG 28.8%, Isometric 23.2%, RPG 14.3%, Story Rich 8.5%, Turn-Based Combat 7.3%

Explore a stunning world, make complex moral choices, and engage in bone-crushing combat against massive and terrifying creatures. The Ultimate Edition includes Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening and all nine content packs.

Why similar: RPG 26%, Classic 14.6% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.8% ★, Story Rich 12%, Fantasy 10.8%

Black Geyser is an isometric, party-based fantasy RPG inspired by genre classics. Recruit characters with unique personalities and explore a land ravaged by civil war and a mysterious curse of greed. Your choices, good or evil, will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Isilmerald.

Why similar: CRPG 24.2%, Isometric 18.7%, Real-Time with Pause 13.3% ★, RPG 11.3%, Open World 7.9%

Swordhaven is a party‑based low‑magic fantasy cRPG with a deep character creation system, rich storytelling, and seamless turn‑based/RTwP combat. Explore Nova Drakonia, uncover ancient secrets, meet hundreds of NPCs with unique quests, and shape the fate of the world through your choices.

Why similar: CRPG 31%, Isometric 23.9%, RPG 11.9%, Story Rich 8.3%, Turn-Based Combat 8.1%

War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...

Why similar: Classic 40.2% ★, RPG 22.4%, Open World 12.2%, Fantasy 5.7%, Atmospheric 4.7%

Antharion is an epic old-school fantasy RPG that combines tactical turn-based combat with the freedom of a huge living-breathing open world.

Why similar: CRPG 25.9%, RPG 25.2%, Isometric 12.2%, Turn-Based 9.5%, Open World 7.6%

It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds of Jedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. You are the last hope of the Jedi Order. Can you master the awesome power of the Force on your quest to save the Republic? Or will you fall to the lure of the dark side?

Why similar: Classic 36.6% ★, RPG 25.4%, Real-Time with Pause 9.9% ★, Story Rich 9.3%, Choices Matter 3.9%

Join Kate Walker as she travels to remote locations and time periods in this timeless voyage to discover her true destiny.

Why similar: Steampunk 51% ★, Classic 26.9% ★, Story Rich 7.5%, Atmospheric 4.5%, Adventure 3.6%

Beyond Divinity is the follow-up to the award-winning Divine Divinity.

Why similar: RPG 35.1%, Classic 26.7% ★, Isometric 19.3%, CRPG 7.3%, Fantasy 5.6%

Faery: Legends of Avalon is a big role playing game packed with a very distinctive ambience and graphic style. Create your character, embark in a great adventure and discover the fantastic world of Avalon!

Why similar: RPG 55%, Turn-Based 15.7%, Fantasy 14.9%, Character Customization 9.5%, Adventure 1.9%

Adventure across a Wild West world in a rickety, steampunk airship! Inspired by the likes of Firefly and the classic CRPGs of old. A unique setting filled with rich lore, deep stories, and adventure! Contend with outlaws, gunslingers, and bounty hunters in an epic quest for redemption and revenge!

Why similar: Steampunk 43.6% ★, CRPG 23.8%, RPG 9.2%, Story Rich 7%, Turn-Based 6.8%