Introduction
Fantasy games have always been more than just entertainment—they are invitations to explore new realities. When players step into a fantasy realm, they are not simply controlling a character, but inhabiting a world full of lore, cultures, creatures, and possibilities that mirror the boundless depths of imagination. Unlike straightforward action or strategy games, fantasy adventures are designed to transport us into otherworldly kingdoms, weaving together magic, myth, and emotion into unforgettable experiences.
While legendary titles like Skyrim, The Witcher 3, or Zelda often dominate discussions of fantasy gaming, there exists an entire library of less-hyped yet equally mesmerizing games. These hidden gems construct their own breathtaking universes—some through deep storytelling, others through unique mechanics, and many through sheer artistry.
In this article, we will journey through ten fantasy realms that make dreams feel real, spotlighting games that may not always receive mainstream attention but offer profound, lasting experiences. From sprawling kingdoms and cursed landscapes to painterly worlds and moral dilemmas, these titles remind us why fantasy continues to be one of gaming’s most powerful genres.
1. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning – The Forgotten Epic
Few fantasy games have combined fast-paced combat with deep worldbuilding as seamlessly as Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Developed by 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, Amalur was released in 2012 but was tragically overshadowed by other massive RPGs of its time. Yet for those who played it, the game was a revelation—a sprawling open world brimming with magic, lore, and choice.
A Realm Designed by Legends
The universe of Amalur was crafted by celebrated author R.A. Salvatore and artist Todd McFarlane, with game design contributions from Ken Rolston, who previously worked on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This powerhouse collaboration created a world that felt rich, alive, and larger than life. From sprawling forests filled with fae creatures to deserts littered with ancient ruins, every corner of Amalur feels distinct.
Combat and Freedom
Unlike many RPGs of its era, Amalur emphasized fluid, action-heavy combat. Players could weave between magic, melee, and stealth, creating a hybrid playstyle unique to their character. Combined with the “Fate” system, which allowed heroes to rewrite destiny itself, the game offered both narrative and mechanical freedom.
Despite being commercially overlooked, Amalur stands today as one of the most immersive fantasy realms ever created—a dreamscape that truly deserves rediscovery.
2. GreedFall – A World of Magic and Colonization
GreedFall takes players to a fantasy realm inspired not by medieval Europe, but by the 17th century Age of Exploration. Released by Spiders Studio in 2019, it blends historical aesthetics with fantasy elements, creating a world filled with strange creatures, warring factions, and moral dilemmas.
A Different Kind of Fantasy Setting
Instead of traditional castles and dragons, GreedFall introduces players to the island of Teer Fradee—a mystical land filled with native tribes, magical beasts, and colonial powers vying for dominance. The mixture of muskets, alchemy, and sorcery gives the game a refreshing twist on the genre.
Storytelling and Choices
One of GreedFall’s strengths lies in its branching narrative. Every decision affects relationships with factions, companions, and the fate of the island itself. Should you ally with colonizers seeking resources, or stand with the island’s mystical natives to preserve their way of life? These choices create a sense of weight and responsibility that stays with players long after the credits roll.
GreedFall might not have the polish of massive AAA titles, but its unique vision and heartfelt storytelling make it a fantasy realm that feels both dreamlike and eerily grounded in human history.
3. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen – A Cult Classic of Adventure
At first glance, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen may appear like a typical RPG with swords, sorcery, and dragons. But beneath its surface lies one of the most innovative fantasy adventures ever made. Capcom’s 2012 action RPG offers a world filled with danger, mystery, and systems that make players feel truly immersed in the act of adventure.
A Living, Breathing World
Dragon’s Dogma is known for its dynamic day-night cycle and unpredictable enemies. Traveling at night without preparation feels terrifying, as the world becomes swarmed with monsters. Unlike other RPGs where encounters feel scripted, Dragon’s Dogma thrives on unpredictability, making every journey across the realm a unique story.
Pawn System and Combat
The game’s unique “Pawn System” allows players to recruit AI-controlled companions that learn from your actions, strategies, and even your playstyle. This, combined with climbing massive beasts like hydras and griffins, creates cinematic combat moments that rival any fantasy epic.
While Dragon’s Dogma didn’t achieve immediate mainstream success, its fanbase has grown steadily, turning it into one of the most beloved cult classics in fantasy gaming.
4. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – A Studio Ghibli Dream
Fantasy doesn’t always need to be dark or gritty. Sometimes, it can be heartwarming, colorful, and whimsical—and Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom embodies exactly that spirit. Developed by Level-5 and featuring art inspired by Studio Ghibli, this 2018 RPG offers a fantastical kingdom filled with charm and magic.
A Tale of Hope and Unity
The story follows Evan, a young king forced from his throne who sets out to build a new kingdom where people of all backgrounds can live in harmony. The game’s narrative emphasizes themes of peace, unity, and compassion, setting it apart from the war-heavy tone of many fantasy games.
A World That Feels Alive
From rolling green fields to breathtaking sky kingdoms, Ni no Kuni II’s environments feel like stepping into a moving painting. The real-time combat system keeps players engaged, while the “kingdom-building” mechanic adds depth—allowing you to literally create the dreamlike realm you want to see.
This is a fantasy world that doesn’t just make dreams feel real—it reminds players of the dreams worth chasing.
5. Tales of Arise – Fantasy with Emotional Depth
The Tales of series has long been a staple of JRPG fantasy, but Tales of Arise (2021) elevated the franchise to new heights. Its richly drawn characters and dramatic storytelling create a realm that is as emotionally engaging as it is fantastical.
Oppression and Liberation
The game’s story explores two worlds: the oppressed planet Dahna and the ruling planet Rena. The narrative revolves around themes of resistance, unity, and freedom, resonating strongly with players who enjoy stories of rebellion against overwhelming odds.
Stunning Presentation
Tales of Arise combines anime-inspired visuals with fluid combat, creating a gameplay experience that feels both stylish and deeply immersive. Its “Boost Strike” system allows for cooperative attacks between party members, reinforcing the theme of teamwork both narratively and mechanically.
The result is a fantasy world that blends spectacle with intimacy, showing how dreams of freedom can resonate across realms.
6. Outward – A Fantasy of Survival and Struggle
Most fantasy games make players feel like destined heroes. Outward, however, strips away that power fantasy and instead thrusts you into the shoes of an ordinary adventurer struggling to survive. Released in 2019 by Nine Dots Studio, it offers one of the most grounded fantasy realms in gaming.
The Harsh Beauty of the World
In Outward, you are not a chosen one. You must manage hunger, thirst, disease, and weather while exploring vast lands filled with dangers. The survival mechanics force you to think carefully before every journey, making each victory feel earned.
Co-Op Adventure
What makes Outward especially memorable is its focus on split-screen and online co-op. Exploring, struggling, and triumphing alongside a friend elevates the sense of realism and emotional connection to the world.
This is not a fantasy realm of legends, but one of human resilience—a dream that feels real precisely because of its hardships.
7. Enderal: Forgotten Stories – A Mod That Became a Masterpiece
Sometimes, the most extraordinary fantasy realms don’t come from studios but from passionate fans. Enderal: Forgotten Stories is a total conversion mod for Skyrim, yet it feels like a standalone RPG masterpiece.
A Dark, Mature Fantasy World
Enderal abandons the high-fantasy optimism of Skyrim for a more grounded, philosophical take on destiny, madness, and mortality. Its world is bleak yet beautiful, filled with characters who wrestle with existential dilemmas rather than heroic clichés.
Professional-Level Craftsmanship
The mod features professional-quality voice acting, a new soundtrack, and overhauled mechanics. It tells a story as compelling as any AAA title, proving how community-driven creativity can rival the industry’s biggest names.
For many, Enderal is not just a modification—it is one of the most unforgettable fantasy games ever experienced.
8. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – Sailing into Myth
For fans of classic isometric RPGs, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a fantasy world filled with gods, pirates, and endless mysteries. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, it builds upon the legacy of Baldur’s Gate-style adventures while carving out its own mythological identity.
A Seafaring Fantasy Realm
The Deadfire Archipelago is a breathtaking setting filled with volcanic islands, ancient ruins, and vast oceans to explore. Sailing your ship across these waters while building a crew creates a sense of freedom rarely matched in the genre.
Choices That Shape Destiny
Like its predecessor, Deadfire thrives on player choice. Every dialogue, faction decision, and moral stance has lasting repercussions. Combined with Obsidian’s masterful writing, the game creates a fantasy realm that feels reactive, intelligent, and alive.
Deadfire may not have received blockbuster sales, but for RPG fans, it represents one of the most rewarding fantasy journeys ever written.
9. Octopath Traveler II – A Living Storybook
Octopath Traveler II brings fantasy storytelling to life through its unique “HD-2D” art style. Blending retro pixel art with modern lighting effects, the game feels like stepping into a beautifully illustrated storybook.
Eight Journeys, One World
The game follows eight distinct characters, each with their own storylines, motivations, and skills. From warrior princes to mysterious clerics, their journeys intertwine across a shared realm filled with secrets and wonder.
A Balance of Nostalgia and Innovation
Combat is turn-based but highly strategic, while the world offers freedom to explore towns, dungeons, and landscapes at your pace. The blend of old-school JRPG mechanics with modern visuals creates a fantasy realm that feels timeless.
For players who long for a dreamlike journey that merges nostalgia with innovation, Octopath Traveler II delivers on every level.
10. Lost Ark – An MMO with Boundless Worlds
Fantasy is at its grandest when shared with others, and Lost Ark exemplifies that spirit. Developed by Smilegate RPG, it is a massively multiplayer online action RPG that combines high-octane combat with a sprawling fantasy universe.
A Realm of Endless Variety
From demon-infested lands to serene islands filled with puzzles, Lost Ark constantly surprises players with its diverse zones and activities. One moment you’re battling gods, the next you’re playing music to charm spirits.
Social and Cooperative Magic
As an MMO, Lost Ark thrives on its community. Raids, dungeons, and exploration feel even more magical when shared with others. The game blurs the line between dream and reality by making its fantasy world a social hub where friendships are forged.
Though its grind-heavy nature may not appeal to everyone, the sheer scale and beauty of Lost Ark’s world make it one of the most ambitious fantasy realms ever created.
Conclusion
Fantasy games continue to remind us why we dream. Whether through epic battles against dragons, tender stories of unity, or survival in harsh lands, each title explored here proves that fantasy realms are more than backdrops—they are experiences that shape our imagination.
From the cult classic Dragon’s Dogma to the heartfelt Ni no Kuni II, from the grounded struggles of Outward to the massive scale of Lost Ark, these hidden gems deserve the spotlight for their ability to make dreams feel real.
In a world where popular franchises dominate conversations, these games stand as proof that fantasy is not limited to a handful of blockbusters. It is a living, breathing genre, constantly evolving through both AAA epics and indie innovations. For players willing to step off the beaten path, countless magical realms await—each ready to make you believe in the power of dreams once more.
