Best High Fantasy RPGs to Dive Into This Year

High fantasy RPGs offer immersive adventures featuring mythical creatures, rich lore, and engaging gameplay mechanics, captivating players through character development and intricate storylines.

Exploring high fantasy RPGs is like opening a gateway to another universe.

These games take us on epic adventures filled with mythical creatures, ancient magic, and intricate storylines.

High fantasy settings, with their rich lore and imaginative worlds, offer a perfect escape from the mundane.

The genre thrives on its blend of character development, exploration, and immersive storytelling, which has captivated players for decades.

When selecting a high fantasy RPG, there are essential features to consider.

Graphics and sound design can enhance the immersive experience, making the world feel vibrant and alive.

Gameplay mechanics, such as combat systems and skill trees, should be both intuitive and engaging.

Story depth and replayability are also crucial, ensuring that the game holds our interest through multiple playthroughs.

Paying attention to these aspects helps us find a game that aligns with our preferences and playstyle.

With so many great high fantasy RPGs available, knowing what to look for can lead us to the perfect adventure.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best options out there.

Best High Fantasy RPGs

We’re diving into a realm of magic, dragons, and epic quests with our top picks for high fantasy RPGs.

These games let us live our grandest fantasy adventures, whether we’re casting spells or battling fierce beasts.

Let’s explore the worlds that have captured our imaginations.

How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps

This book is a must-buy for fans of fantasy map drawing with its detailed instructions and clear guidance.

✔️ Pros
  • Easy-to-follow steps
  • Inspiring artwork
  • Suitable for all skill levels
Cons
  • Limited tactical gaming content
  • Basic level for advanced users
  • More theory than practice for some

If you’ve ever wondered how to create captivating maps for your fantasy RPG worlds, this book has you covered.

Jared Blando breaks it down step-by-step, making it a fantastic tool for both beginners and those who just love the art of cartography.

The ease with which readers can understand and replicate the techniques is a real highlight.

Now, while it’s great for learning the ropes, seasoned artists might find the content slightly elementary.

It’s more about artistry and less about technical strategy for games, which could be a letdown if that’s your focus.

But it shines where inspiration for fantastic worlds is concerned, giving us a strong foundation and plenty of creativity to enjoy.

We also get the advantage of learning both traditional and digital drawing methods here.

This variety means we’re not stuck with just one way of doing things, allowing our artistic skills to grow in whichever direction we choose.

Plus, the examples provided are both practical and inspiring, making it a solid addition to anyone’s collection.

Zweihander Starter Kit

This kit is perfect for those eager to start a gritty fantasy RPG journey without breaking the bank.

✔️ Pros
  • Features high-quality components
  • Inclusive of all essentials for gameplay
  • Stunning and durable box art
Cons
  • The weight might be hefty for some
  • Could be too complex for absolute beginners
  • Lacks highly detailed statistics for characters

Let’s dive into the Zweihander Starter Kit, a well-regarded choice for those looking to blend elements of fantasy with horror.

A standout detail is the sheer quality and beauty of what’s inside.

Everything feels top-notch, from the sturdy box to the content-rich booklets.

They make this kit an easy recommendation for RPG fans.

Another thing we appreciate is the comprehensive nature of this set.

It doesn’t just provide the rulebook but also maps and handouts, ensuring we have plenty to explore.

It’s perfect for anyone wanting to either dip their toes into RPG or take a deeper plunge without the need for additional purchases immediately.

The one thing to note is that the weight and complexity might not suit everyone’s tastes.

Some may find it a bit intimidating at first, but with perseverance, the richness of the universe comes alive.

If you’re up for an absorbing high fantasy experience that promises hours of fun, this one’s worth considering.

Townsfolk Mini Fantasy Figures Set

This set is a great pick for enhancing your tabletop RPG adventures with a diverse cast of townsfolk.

✔️ Pros
  • Offers 32 unique hand-painted miniatures for versatile gameplay.
  • Great for quick setup with a variety of NPC roles.
  • Fully compatible with other Monster Adventure Terrain sets.
Cons
  • Paintwork might lack fine detail.
  • Some figures may seem too basic for advanced collectors.
  • Faces can be indistinct and not well-defined

These miniatures pack a considerable punch in terms of variety, featuring merchants, peasants, nobles, and entertainers.

They’re perfect for anyone looking to build a realistic village or town for their RPG sessions.

Since the minis are fully painted, there’s no need to worry about spending extra time prepping them, allowing us to jump right into gameplay.

Plus, the compatibility with other sets makes it easy to expand our collection.

While these figures are not crafted with the most exquisite detail, their affordability and variety offer a convenient option for those not looking to break the bank.

If you’re after high-end miniatures, these might not meet those requirements.

Yet, as a readily available and diverse set, they serve their purpose and enhance the gaming experience.

BCW RPG Stor-Folio

This is a great choice for those of us who appreciate stylish and practical storage for our DND manuals and maps.

✔️ Pros
  • Eye-catching and unique fantasy artwork by Steve Argyle.
  • Durable with a strong magnetic closure.
  • Convenient for organizing DND materials in one place.
Cons
  • Limited space; not all book sizes fit perfectly.
  • Weight may be an issue for carrying several books.
  • Artwork design is specific, which may not appeal to everyone.

We’re all about keeping our gaming spaces neat and organized, and that’s why this BCW RPG Stor-Folio really stands out to us.

Not only does it serve its main purpose as a storage solution, but it also adds a touch of fantasy with its beautiful artwork.

When it comes to durability, this folio is impressive.

The magnetic closure keeps everything secure, reducing the chances of damage to your cherished manuals.

It’s also lightweight, which is fantastic for those nights when we’re on the move to a friend’s house for our next campaign.

While its design is certainly appealing, we did notice it can’t accommodate every type of book.

It’s perfect for standard-sized DND manuals but can be a tight fit for bulkier or oddly-sized items.

That being said, if we need a dedicated DND storage folio, this product ticks almost all the right boxes.

Gnarly Trees for Fantasy Wargames

These Gnarly Trees are a must-have for enhancing the atmosphere and strategy in our high fantasy tabletop games.

✔️ Pros
  • Immersive design enhances battlefield aesthetics
  • No setup hassle, as they’re ready-to-use out of the box
  • Durable construction for long-lasting gameplay
Cons
  • Limited to specific tabletop scales
  • Simplicity might not suit detailed model enthusiasts
  • Lightweight build could affect stability on uneven surfaces

These trees bring a unique depth to our gaming sessions with their twisted, ancient appearance.

They provide both visual flair and tactical cover in our battles, making them a versatile addition to any fantasy setting.

Their detail and durability speak volumes about their quality, creating an immersive experience for us.

Despite their impressive looks, the trees are tailored to certain scales, which might limit their use in different game setups.

Moreover, they come ready-made, offering little room for customization unless we add flair like foliage ourselves.

Their lightweight nature ensures easy handling, though might slightly hinder stability in dynamic gameplay.

Buying Guide

When we’re sifting through high fantasy RPGs, certain features can make our gaming experience memorable.

Let’s dive into what to consider before making a purchase.

Key Features to Consider

  • Storyline and Lore: The depth of the story and lore can greatly impact our engagement. We want detailed histories, complex characters, and rich worlds that invite exploration.

  • Graphics and Art Style: Visuals play a crucial role. Whether it’s realistic or stylized art, the graphics should complement the fantasy theme and enhance immersion.

Gameplay Mechanics

  • Combat System: Check for a combat system that suits our playstyle, whether it’s turn-based, real-time, or a mix of both.

  • Character Customization: Look for games offering extensive character creation options, allowing us to personalize our hero’s appearance and abilities.

Platform Availability

  • Supported Platforms: Before buying, we should verify if the game is available on our preferred platform, be it PC, console, or mobile.

Multiplayer Options

  • Single vs Multiplayer: Consider if we prefer solo adventures or multiplayer options for a shared experience with friends.

Pricing and Content

  • Initial Cost vs. Value: Evaluate the value against the price.

    We should check for any add-ons, expansions, or DLCs that could enhance our experience.

By focusing on these elements, we can confidently choose a high fantasy RPG that suits our tastes and needs.