Best Dungeons & Dragons Video Games, Ranked
Highlights Lords of Waterdeep is a digital version of a tabletop game that allows players to compete for control of the city of Waterdeep. Planescape Torment is an overlooked D&D game with a sizable cult following, featuring expansive lore and fascinating dialogue. Solasta: Crown of the Magister is a game based on the 5th edition D&D rules, allowing players to build their own characters and embark on a quest to reassemble a powerful artifact.
The Dungeons & Dragons franchise includes novels, board games, movies, and video games. Role-playing in the Dungeons & Dragons realm has become widely popular in video games. Although plenty of games take inspiration or ideas from Dungeons & Dragons, the IP also has many official projects that utilize its settings or rulesets.
Dungeons & Dragons games come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, ranging from real-time action RPGs that prioritize combat over everything else to slow-paced turn-based games driven by their quests and stories. What are the best D&D games of all time?
Updated on September 4, 2023, by Mark Sammut: Baldur’s Gate 3 is officially out, and it is undoubtedly among the best Dungeons & Dragons games of all time. That said, is it the very best?
19 Lords Of Waterdeep
Release Date
November 21, 2013
Developer/s
Playdek
Platform/s
Android, iOS, PC
There are few D&D games that are strictly mobile, but it’s an idea whose time has come, and the result is Lords of Waterdeep. It’s a digital version of a tabletop game that also exists in the real-life version of the gaming universe, based on a module about the Masked Lords.
The player takes the role of one of the Masked Lords, one of the mysterious leaders of Waterdeep, and they compete against their fellow lords for control of the city. Gain more power by controlling trade, dodging political intrigue, and finishing quests. The Masked Lord with the most victory points at the end wins.
18 Eye Of The Beholder
Release Date
1991
Developer/s
Westwood Associates
Platform/s
Amiga, PC, Sega CD, SNES
The time of text-based games might be over, but the legacy lives on in modern games, and those players who want to relive that simpler time can try the classic Eye of the Beholder. The original game dates from 1991 and was designed to run on MS-DOS but was later ported to the SNES and Sega consoles.
The game takes place in the city of Waterdeep, a famous location in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, and a team of adventurers must descend into the sewer beneath the city and confront the Beholder Xanathar in his lair. It was an instant hit among gamers, including those unfamiliar with D&D and those who have never played the tabletop version, and its popularity spawned a number of sequels. It might be humble, but it’s one of the best D&D games.
17 Planescape Torment
Release Date
December 12, 1999
Developer/s
Black Isle Studios
Platform/s
Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
One of the most overlooked Dungeons & Dragons games is Planetscape: Torment. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive for the game, but it did not garner the sales that Black Isle Studios hoped for. With a sizable cult following, Planetscape Torment is an exceptional D&D game based on its merit and could be one of the best D&D video games.
The game’s expansive lore will keep players engaged for hours on end. The dialogue is fascinating, and it’s one of those games that players might call their favorite.
16 Neverwinter Nights
Release Date
June 18, 2002
Developer/s
BioWare
Platform/s
PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
This Neverwinter Nights refers to the BioWare game that was released in 2002 and not the original MS-DOS Neverwinter Nights from 1991. The gameplay of Neverwinter Nights is based on the 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons, and it is a single-player D&D adventure.
The combat revolves around dice rolls, and players start by creating a new character, just like in the board game. It’s worth noting that Neverwinter Nights is not related to Neverwinter, although both are set in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons.
15 Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2
Release Date
January 20, 2004
Developer/s
Black Isle Studios
Platform/s
PC, PS2, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2 is a hack-and-slash game that was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The sequel to the original Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is every bit as exciting, and it succeeded in bringing the Baldur’s Gate brand to consoles.
While not quite as tactical and dense as the main series, Dark Alliance 2 works well as an accessible Diablo-like action RPG, even if it does show its age by this point. Dark Alliance 2 offers more than a basic playthrough since there are hidden items, areas, and characters to be discovered.
14 Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard
Release Date
September 27, 2005
Developer/s
Liquid Entertainment
Platform/s
PC
A game that was quietly released in 2005 by Atari without a lot of publicity or fanfare, Dragonshard didn’t get a lot of attention when it was released but has been gradually discovered by gamers over the years instead. The game has both single-player campaigns and multi-player support and combines RTS elements, like campaign strategy, with RPG progression and quests.
The story takes place in Eberron, one of the more noted realms in the D&D universe, and the underground realm beneath it, known as Khyber. Choose from one of three factions; the Order of the Flame, the Lizardfolk, or the Umbragen. Players use their skills along with their military units to find an artifact known as the Heart of Siberys in the single-player storyline.
13 Temple Of Elemental Evil
Release Date
September 16, 2003
Developer/s
Troika Games
Platform/s
PC
Those who have some experience with the Greyhawk module already know something about the setting for Temple of Elemental Evil. There’s a tabletop module of the same name, which is true for many video games that have a tabletop counterpart, so players could embark on the same mission with some friends to vary the gameplay and the ultimate outcome.
The game dates from 2003, and although it drew criticism for bugs and choppy gameplay generally, it received accolades for the turn-based combat and battlefield tactics that were painfully faithful to the TTRPG version. If someone is specifically searching for a more traditional or vintage experience, Temple of Elemental Evil is one of the best D&D games available.
12 Icewind Dale 2
Release Date
August 27, 2002
Developer/s
Black Isle Studios
Platform/s
PC
The strong suit of Icewind Dale 2 is its gameplay mechanics, including its combat system. However, the game has dated graphics and might not measure up to some of the other Dungeons & Dragons games released in recent years. It’s a likely candidate for a remaster, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Icewind Dale 2 might be a challenge for some gamers, especially if they are mainly familiar with traditional action RPGs that do not incorporate all that many CRPG elements. There is less exploration in Icewind Dale 2 compared to some of Black Isle’s other D&D projects, as the game focuses almost exclusively on combat and dungeon crawling.
11 Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale
Release Date
May 25, 2011
Developer/s
Bedlam Games
Platform/s
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
This standard D&D adventure takes place in the Forgotten Realms and is inspired by the Heroes series, which isn’t exactly amazing; however, what set Daggerdale apart at the time of its release was its availability on consoles. Produced by Bedlam Games in 2011, this game works on PC, the PS3, and the Xbox 360, and is equipped with both single and multiplayer modes.
Players can take part in the progressive campaign or simply explore the world, leveling up and customizing their character independently. Bear in mind this is an old game based on 2nd edition rules and doesn’t have the same variety as more recent D&D projects, with only four classes and four races from which to choose.
10 Solasta: Crown Of The Magister
Release Date
May 27, 2021
Developer/s
Tactical Adventures
Platform/s
PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
A game based on a variant of the 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, Solasta: Crown of the Magister includes most of the typical D&D features. Players can build their own characters from scratch or use a premade one, and the overall quest includes searching the ruins of an ancient Elven Empire to re-assemble a powerful and valuable artifact.
The location of this story in the context of the D&D lore is never specified, as it’s not strictly a game of D&D rules, but all the player is told initially is that the setting is a post-apocalyptic fantasy world. It’s not the most complex story, but the combat and graphics are accessible to anyone, even gamers unfamiliar with D&D.
9 Dungeons & Dragons Online
Release Date
February 28, 2006
Developer/s
Turbine, Standing Stone Games
Platform/s
PC
This massively multiplayer online role-playing game is, as its name suggests, based on the Dungeons & Dragons board game. Despite being well over a decade old, there are still people who frequent Dungeons & Dragons Online. Players can choose from a huge variety of races, including Human, Elf, Dwarf, Warforged, and Half-Orc.
At its core, D&D Online is a fairly typical free-to-play MMORPG, but it does have quite a few positives that work in its favor. For one, the combat system is quite good, even if it is fairly slow. More importantly, the game’s build options are deep and complex, arguably ranking among the best in the genre.
8 Tales From Candlekeep: Tomb Of Annihilation
Release Date
October 2017
Developer/s
BKOM Studios
Platform/s
PC
Part of this game’s title might sound familiar since Candlekeep is the famous library that appears in both the video and tabletop versions of many D&D adventures. Instead of creating a character from the ground up, players choose from one of four pre-generated ones and use them in turn-based combat on an isometric dungeon crawler that uses D&D rules.
The plot follows the same basic format as a tabletop dungeon module. An adventuring party is exploring a vast world for gold, fame, and cool items while following a specific quest, in this case, to find the cause of the death curse that’s fallen over the peninsula of Chult.
7 Neverwinter Nights 2
Release Date
October 31, 2006
Developer/s
Obsidian Entertainment
Platform/s
PC
Neverwinter Nights 2 was created by Obsidian Entertainment, much like a number of BioWare’s sequel games. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons realm, it makes use of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition rules. A game in which players can pour over 60 hours, Neverwinter Nights 2 is an all-time great RPG that can stand alongside the original Baldur’s Gate releases, and its expansions are also worth checking out.
Like so many of Obsidian’s projects, NN2’s strengths are its writing, world-building, and character customization. The story is especially strong. The combat system has its positives too, although its implementation might not hit the mark with everyone.
6 Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara
Release Date
June 19, 1996
Developer/s
Capcom
Platform/s
Arcade, Sega Saturn
Yeah, that’s right, there is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game named after Dungeons & Dragons. Developed by Capcom and released in 1996, Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara offers a different experience than other entries in the genre since it does take a few pages from role-playing games, which makes sense considering its IP.
Players can upgrade their gear and equip new spells, which was certainly novel for the era. Its single-player mode is unique, offering multiple endings based on the path players take. Shadow Over Mystara is worth playing for fans of the genre and Dungeons & Dragons devotees.
5 Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn
Release Date
September 21, 2000
Developer/s
BioWare
Platform/s
PC
Reviews for Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn are generally favorable. It is widely considered the best Dungeons & Dragons video game out there. Players start the game kidnapped and imprisoned in a dark wizard named Ireincus’s stronghold. The dungeons that players explore are varied and gloomy.
Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn’s main story lasts approximately 71 hours. Throughout the adventure, players will experience unique role-playing opportunities depending on their class, race, and alignment. There’s a linear storyline to follow, along with a healthy amount of independent exploration.
4 Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
Release Date
October 30, 2014
Developer/s
Overhaul Games
Platform/s
Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Overshadowed to an extent by the Baldur’s Gate brand, Icewind Dale is another D&D classic that deserves to be highlighted, and the extended edition is a great package. This new and improved version includes the original and its expansions, Heart of Winter and Trials of the Luremaster. It runs on Android as well as several consoles and standard desktop or laptop computers, and players can play with others no matter what platform they are using.
Icewind Dale’s big selling point was a prioritization of combat, at least more so than the franchise’s typical early 2000s RPGs. The story takes a backseat for most of the campaign, allowing players to focus on hack and slashing their way through seamlessly endless enemies.
3 Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition
Release Date
November 28, 2012
Developer/s
Overhaul Games
Platform/s
Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
One of the earliest D&D games to hit the market, Baldur’s Gate was remade and returned to the video game world in 2011 (and multiple times after that). The first in what would become one of the most beloved franchises in the world of gaming, the original Baldur’s Gate was released in 1998 and started a whole new age for computer-based RPGs.
Character customization is central to the game, with the player building a character from level one, choosing their skills and stats the same way they would with a traditional tabletop game. The legacy continues with the 3D incarnation, Baldur’s Gate 3, but the original entry is still a perfectly enjoyable game all these years later.
2 Baldur’s Gate 3
Release Date
August 3, 2023
Developer/s
Larian Studios
Platform/s
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Any young player who is looking to take their first steps into the world of D&D video games should start with Baldur’s Gate 3. It is the IP’s most complete package on the market, one that delivers complex storytelling, an expansive and flexible world, and challenging turn-based combat. Larian is probably the best CRPG studio of the last two decades, and Baldur’s Gate 3 builds beautifully on some of the ideas introduced in Divinity: Original Sin 2.
Even though it shares a name with BioWare’s classics, the third entry is far removed from those old-school masterpieces and is not necessarily a great pick for long-time fans yearning for a modernized version of Baldur’s Gate 2. However, BG3 arguably set a new benchmark for RPGs.
1 Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
Release Date
November 15, 2013
Developer/s
Overhaul Games
Platform/s
Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Baldur’s Gate has been the crown jewel of D&D games since first appearing in the 1990s. The success of this game guaranteed a bright future for D&D projects and is the main reason the third installment was so hotly anticipated.
This updated and enhanced version of the classic game includes Shadows of Amn, Throne of Bhaal, and The Black Pits 2. New content includes extra options for companions and locations. It has all the same technical advantages as the enhanced Icewind Dale as well as the same versatility when it comes to groups or single players. Most D&D fans who are also gamers will likely testify that this is the best Dungeons & Dragons video game of all time, or at least the most influential.