What RPGs Have The Best Level Design And Gameplay? Here’s Your Answer

For those who love all things RPG, there are quite a few games out there that tackle the story department quite well, but sometimes, that leads them to fall short in terms of other aspects, primarily the level design and overall gameplay. Over the course of the past few years, I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit with role-playing games, and have also come to experience the cream of the crop rigorously. 

That’s why I’ve decided to dedicate this piece to RPGs with exceptionally admirable level design and gameplay, and if you’re more about these features as compared to others, I suggest you to keep reading and going through each forthcoming listing diligently.

Role-Playing Games That Nail Gameplay And Level Design 

Oh, and make sure to post a comment down below in case you’d like to contribute to the listicle.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Kicking the listicle off is the ever-green and timeless Witcher 3 by world-class Polish video game developer CD Projekt Red. This particular iteration in The Witcher series has won 2015’s Game of the Year award at TGA, along with about 200 other distinctions, so it must be doing something right. You know, if it comes down to value for money, only a few dare rival The Witcher 3, considering its impeccable world design, and near-flawless open-world combat. 

eXputer reviewed the next-gen edition of The Witcher 3, rating it 4.5/5.0, with author Huzaifah Durrani remarking, 

For those who intend to play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on next-gen consoles, the game is bound to offer an upgraded experience, with improvements such as an alternative camera, improved graphics, and quick sign casting.” 

2. System Shock 2

While the 2023-released remake of the psychological, first-person shooter thriller is a fantastic game in its own right, I believe it still does not capture the essence of System Shock 2’s atmosphere, which is one of the most underrated RPGs in history. If you’re after sheer high-quality level design and gameplay, I suggest you try this one out. It leans in on the horror aspect more, going on to influence and inspire developments in the genre, all the while boasting mechanical features ahead of its time. 

3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Another curated suggestion for you RPG fanatics out there comes in the form of an olden one, specifically Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. This takes the traditional RPG formula and turns it into something unique with terrific, first-person action combat, and a chilling atmosphere unfound in most other places. Despite the title coming out more than two decades ago, you’ll find it still holding up to a certain extent. 

On a side note, however, Bloodlines’ sequel seems to be stuck in some wild development hell, but I do hope things resolve soon, and for the better. 

4. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 won the most number of Game of the Year awards last year, and not without good reason. Larian has outdid itself with the onset of this particular RPG, bringing the best of every world forward, while making absolutely sure that players are left with a mesmerizing experience. I would be a hypocrite to talk about the best RPGs in any capacity and not mention this gem of a game. 

eXputer wrote a review on the game as well, giving it a perfect 5/5 score, with author Huzaifah Durrani remarking, 

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the greatest RPGs of all time, and a testament to the talent of developer Larian Studios.”

5. Cyberpunk 2077 

CDPR’s Cyberpunk 2077 is one of gaming’s biggest redemption stories, considering how the RPG took a fall from grace at the time of its launch, only to come back bigger and stronger than ever before. Thanks to consistent efforts from the side of the developer, the first-person shooter is now a literal work of art, sporting amazing gameplay thanks to its versatile build system, and the nightmarish Night City with fantastic attention to detail. 

It even had DLC come out for it recently in the name of Phantom Liberty, which is yet another tantalizing new venture into a secretive part of Night City. eXputer reviewed the expansion and rated it 4.5. Our expert reviewer Usama Mehmood held it in high regard, saying, 

With the release of Phantom Liberty, CD Projekt Red has finally delivered the grand RPG they promised all those years ago.”

6. Wasteland 3 

So this is one sort of a niche suggestion in the grand scheme of things, even though Wasteland 2, its predecessor, has won 2014’s Game of the Year, Wasteland 3 is a fantastic CRPG despite its diminishing popularity. It’s got charm, character, and great management gameplay mechanics that make it stand out more than its competition.