Games similar to The Witcher 3 that actually scratch that itch

Games similar to The Witcher 3 that actually scratch that itch

Look, let's be real. After the credits roll on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and you’ve cleared every single "unexplored location" question mark in Skellige, there is a very specific kind of emptiness that sets in. You want that same blend of morally gray choices, world-weary protagonists, and a world that feels like it exists whether you’re looking at it or not. Finding games similar to The Witcher 3 isn't just about finding another RPG; it’s about finding a game that respects your intelligence.

Most lists will just point you toward any open-world game with a sword. That’s lazy.

The magic of CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece wasn't just the combat—which, honestly, was always a bit floaty—it was the writing. It was the fact that a simple contract to kill a noonwraith could spiral into a heartbreaking story about domestic abuse and regret. If you’re looking for that same weight, you have to look deeper than just the "Fantasy" tag on Steam.

Why Dragon Age: Inquisition is the closest vibe-check

If you want political intrigue mixed with high fantasy, BioWare’s Dragon Age: Inquisition is basically the cousin Geralt doesn't talk to at weddings. It’s huge.

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While The Witcher 3 focuses on a lone drifter, Inquisition puts you in charge of a massive organization. You aren't just hunting monsters; you’re deciding the fate of nations. You get that same sense of "lesser evil" decision-making. Do you side with the mages, who are being oppressed but are also prone to exploding into demons, or the templars, who are basically a religious military police force? There is no "perfect" ending.

The character writing is where it really rivals Geralt’s adventures. Hanging out with Dorian or Iron Bull at the Skyhold tavern feels remarkably similar to those drunken nights at Kaer Morhen. It’s a bit more "high magic" and colorful than the grime of Velen, but the emotional stakes are just as heavy. Just... maybe skip the Hinterlands once you've done the main stuff. Seriously. It’s a trap.

The unexpected mastery of Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Now, if what you loved about The Witcher was the grounded, medieval atmosphere, you absolutely have to play Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

It’s gritty. You play as Henry, the son of a blacksmith. You aren't a super-soldier with two swords and cat eyes. You’re a guy who can’t even read. If you try to fight three bandits at once in the beginning, you will die. Fast.

Warhorse Studios went for historical realism over fantasy, but the DNA is surprisingly similar. The way quests branch based on your actions feels very familiar. If you show up to a meeting late because you were busy getting drunk at the pub, the NPCs will be pissed. They might even move on without you. It captures that "living world" feeling better than almost any other game on this list. It’s a slow burn, but once you learn how to master the directional swordplay, you feel like a total badass in a way that Geralt’s pirouettes never quite achieved.

Cyberpunk 2077: The obvious but necessary successor

We can't talk about games similar to The Witcher 3 without mentioning CD Projekt Red’s other giant.

Yes, the launch was a disaster. We all remember the T-posing NPCs and the crashed consoles. But in 2026, Cyberpunk 2077 (especially with the Phantom Liberty expansion) is a masterpiece of narrative design.

V is essentially Geralt in a leather jacket. You’re a mercenary for hire taking "contracts" in a city that wants to eat you alive. The quest design is identical in philosophy. A side mission that starts as a simple "go here, steal this" often turns into a deep dive into soul-crushing corporate dystopia or a touching story about friendship. If you loved the relationship between Geralt and Ciri, the dynamic between V and Johnny Silverhand—played with surprising nuance by Keanu Reeves—offers that same emotional anchor.

GreedFall: The AA underdog

Don't sleep on GreedFall. It was made by Spiders, a smaller studio, but it punches way above its weight class. It’s set in a 17th-century inspired fantasy world. You play a diplomat, not a monster hunter, but the focus on alchemy, tactical combat, and navigating the tensions between colonizing forces and native inhabitants feels very much like the Nilfgaard vs. Nordlings conflict.

It’s a bit jankier than a AAA title. The lip-syncing might be off sometimes. But the heart is there. It’s a game that understands that the most interesting monsters are usually the ones wearing expensive clothes and sitting in thrones.

Red Dead Redemption 2 and the art of the slow trot

You might think a Western is a weird choice here. It isn't.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the only game that matches The Witcher 3 in terms of world detail. Rockstar Games built a world where you can spend hours just watching the ecosystem. Arthur Morgan is a man out of time, much like Geralt. He’s a relic of a dying age, watching the world modernize around him and realizing there’s no place left for people like him.

The "contracts" here are bounty hunts. The "potions" are tonics and snake oil. The horse riding? Well, Roach might be able to teleport onto roofs, but Arthur's horse feels like a physical creature with weight and personality. If you loved the quiet moments of Geralt riding through the woods of Beauclair, you’ll find that same peace (and occasional sudden violence) in the Heartlands.

The "Choice and Consequence" Factor

What really defines this sub-genre isn't the setting—it's the weight of the player's hand.

In The Witcher 3, you could finish a quest and think you did the right thing, only to return to that village ten hours later and find it burned to the ground because of your "mercy."

  • Baldur’s Gate 3: This is the new gold standard. It’s turn-based, which might turn off some action fans, but the sheer volume of choices is staggering. It makes the branching paths in The Witcher look like a straight line.
  • Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden: A more recent entry from Don't Nod. You play as a pair of ghost hunters in 1695 North America. You have to decide whether to "Ascend" or "Banish" ghosts, which directly impacts the life of your deceased partner. It’s dark, it’s moody, and it feels very much like a long string of Witcher contracts tied together by a tragic love story.

Final reality check

There is no "Witcher 4" yet. We know it's coming (Polaris), but we're still in the waiting room.

The mistake most people make is looking for a carbon copy. You won't find another Geralt. What you can find are games that value atmosphere over map markers and characters over caricatures.

If you want the storytelling, go Cyberpunk or Baldur's Gate 3. If you want the gritty medieval "I'm just a guy trying to survive" feel, go Kingdom Come: Deliverance. If you want the sprawling epic where your choices change the map, Dragon Age: Inquisition or GreedFall are your best bets.

Start with Kingdom Come if you’re feeling brave. It’s the most difficult to get into, but it’s also the most rewarding once the systems click. Just remember to sharpen your sword and keep your boots clean. People in Bohemia judge you if you look like a peasant.

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Actionable Next Steps:

  1. Check your library: If you already own Cyberpunk 2077 but haven't played since 2020, download the 2.1 patch and Phantom Liberty immediately. It's a completely different game now.
  2. Try a demo: GreedFall and Kingdom Come often go on sale for under $10. They are the highest "value-per-hour" picks for a Witcher fan on a budget.
  3. Adjust your mindset: Don't look for "Geralt in a different hat." Look for the themes of consequence and world-building. That’s where the real magic lives.