Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by Jhonni Jets
Fantasy worlds filled with magic, monsters, and adventures await in some of the most beloved video games of all time. While the genre is filled to the brim with amazing titles, here are 9 of the very best fantasy games that truly transport players into an enchanting realm.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Released in 2011, Skyrim remains one of the most expansive and wildly immersive fantasy worlds in gaming. Set in the frigid land of Skyrim, players take on the role of the Dragonborn and go on epic adventures. With over 200 hours of content, beautiful scenery, and memorable characters, Skyrim allows almost unlimited freedom to get lost in its magic-filled provinces. From joining mage guilds to battling dragons, there’s always something magical around the next corner in Skyrim.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild took the beloved Zelda series in a bold open-world direction. While Hyrule has faced peril many times before, none have been as devastating as the Calamity Ganon that left the land in ruins. However, pockets of magic and wonder still remain across Breath of the Wild’s vast and vibrant lands. Finding and using runes, mystical objects, and environmental interactions to solve puzzles and take down enemies makes for an engrossing gameplay loop that never gets old. The mystery and charm of the Zelda universe is on full display.
World of Warcraft
As the most successful MMORPG ever created, World of Warcraft transported tens of millions of players into the vibrant fantasy realm of Azeroth. Spread across two massive continents, the world is teeming with iconic races, towns, and landscapes rooted in magic. Players can level up as mages, warlocks, druids and more – learning potent spells to take on PvE and PvP challenges. With 14 years of subsequent expansions, Azeroth remains endlessly packed with content that continually expands its lore and magical domains. It’s easy to get lost exploring dungeons, completing quests, and raiding alongside other players in this spellbinding world.
Final Fantasy XIV
As one of the most beautiful MMOs, Final Fantasy XIV transports players to the realm of Hydaelyn. Split amongst various continents and nations, magic permeates every corner of this land. Players can level jobs like black mages, summoners, and white mages – advancing their abilities to craft potions, summon elemental allies, and heal allies in group content. Beyond engaging combat and storytelling, FFXIV is renowned for its breathtaking locales like the Crystarium and Il Mheg that drip with mystic fantasy charm. Its vibrant cities, lush environments, and spell effects come together to form one of the most whimsically enchanting online worlds out there.
Dragon Quest XI
The beloved Dragon Quest franchise is steeped in traditional high fantasy vibes, making XI’s world of Erdrea a richly charming setting. Players guide the Luminary on a quest to save the kingdom from an evil lord, with magic powering much of the narrative and gameplay systems. Iconic jobs like mages, spellfisters and sages dot the land, learning spells from magic seeds and using wands, staves and other enchanted gear. The traditional anime art style only adds to Erdrea’s nostalgic old school magic charm. Battles featuring all manner of mythical monsters unfold across colorful regions like the dreamlike puff-puff paradise – keeping the whimsy high throughout.
Ni no Kuni
Level-5’s Studio Ghibli collaboration transported players to the equally charming and perilous Kingdom of Ding Dong Dell. Ruled over by a benevolent king and queen, magic is deeply ingrained in Ni no Kuni’s culture and combat. Players take control of Oliver, gaining the ability to capture and command familiars in real-time battles. From wood sprites to gnomes and golems, Oliver can form a magical team to explore towns, forests and more. With Ghibli’s signature art style, whimsical tone and spellbinding musical score, Ni no Kuni feels like stepping into one of the legendary anime studio’s finest feature films.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
While not without its flaws, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines created one of the richest and most mature takes on urban fantasy. Set in a surreal version of Seattle overrun by the undead, players take on the role of a fledgling vampire embroiled in clan politics. Magic and supernatural abilities are common amongst the vampiric factions and monsters that prowl the streets at night. With compelling writing and reactivity, no two playthroughs of Bloodlines are quite the same. Exploring its dark interpretations of typical vampiric powers added true originality and intrigue to the already enchanting World of Darkness.
NiER
Post-apocalyptic sci-fi and high fantasy blend seamlessly in Cavia and Square Enix’s beloved cult classic. Across the ruins of an unrecognizable future Earth, remnants of ancient magic and wonder live on. Players assist android protagonist Nier and his daughter Yonah, slowly uncovering mysteries surrounding the land and its enigmatic gods. Captivating boss fights involving colossal magical creatures are highlights, as are the lore and environmental storytelling found in surviving cities and hidden shrines. Yoko Taro’s wild imagination makes every new discovery in NiER’s broken yet mystical world utterly hypnotizing and climactic.
Dark Souls
Dark fantasy meets uncompromising challenge in FromSoftware’s landmark action RPG series. Across cursed lands warped by fire and fading magic, crumbling kingdoms hide decaying secrets and deities. Players explore Lordran, Drangleic and more seeking their fate, uncovering how prior glories of magic helped shape – yet ultimately damned – these realms. Overcoming nightmarish creatures and bosses through careful study represents the greatest magic of all. Combining profound lore, aesthetic excellence and merciless combat, Dark Souls carved out its own niche of tightly crafted mystical worlds unlike anything seen before or since.
Whether seeking lighthearted whimsy or deeper complexities, these 9 titles offer unforgettably magical fantasy realms that continue fascinating players years later. Their engaging narratives, memorable characters and spellbinding atmospheres leave an almost intoxicating enchantment that’s impossible to shake, making return visits to these worlds as incantatory as the best works of fantasy fiction.