20 Best Games Like Mass Effect That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Games Like Mass Effect

In gaming circles, Mass Effect is regarded as one of the best Western RPGs. Check out these action RPGs if you liked the games you played thus far.

When discussing the best western role-playing games ever developed, the Mass Effect series is a certain inclusion. No one can deny the fact that BioWare had built a sci-fi world that enthralled fans from all corners of the globe, despite the series’ disappointing finish.

As word spreads of a remaster, now is the ideal opportunity to return to the glory days and relive Commander Shepard’s amazing voyage once again.. Although the wait can be long, here are some games that are similar to Mass Effect so that fans can pass the time until this sci-fi epic returns to modern gaming.

Mark Sammut updated the article on November 17, 2021: Mass Effect-style games are hard to come by. BioWare made history in 2007 with the release of Mass Effect, and the company has continued to build on that success with subsequent installments in the series. After a gradual decrease in RPG aspects, Mass Effect continues to give a captivating and continually developing narrative, all the while focusing on character relationships at its core. Many action RPGs borrow ideas or mechanics from BioWare’s Mass Effect trilogy, but none are an exact replica. In addition to Mass Effect, we’ve added a couple additional titles to this list.

20. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

The release of Cyberpunk 2077 was a major setback for the game’s reputation. When playing on the PS4 or Xbox One, CD Projekt Red’s title has numerous issues, however it performs much better when using a PC or the backward compatibility features of the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. RPG Night City is a first-person shooter set in the futuristic city of Night, which is riddled with violence and is governed by corporations.

This game’s plot and world-building are its finest achievements, like Mass Efffect. There are a lot of interesting and well-written characters, as well as noteworthy side content and environmental storytelling in Night City. To become lost in this reality, immerse yourself in the vibrancy, social undertones and oddity of the world.

19. Outriders

Outriders by People Can Fly is a live-service game with a promising future, especially following the New Horizon upgrade in November 2021. As a third-person shooter, Outriders’ gameplay had several issues when it was released, but it was generally well-received and has continued to develop over time. Devastator, Pyromancer, Technomancer, and Trickster are the four classes available for players to choose from in Outriders. Each class includes three subclasses, allowing players to experiment with a broad variety of builds.

In comparison to Mass Effect, Outriders’ story is unable to sustain momentum for long stretches of time. Customization and fighting in the games, on the other hand, should be familiar to fans of BioWare’s RPG classic.

18. Gothic

In my opinion, Gothic is one of the most underappreciated action RPGs ever created. Even though this game may be difficult to grasp at first, those who persevere will be rewarded with one of the most distinctive titles on this list.

Gothic is a fantastic RPG that every fan of the genre should check out because of its open-ended gameplay and abundance of alternatives for dealing with any given circumstance. It’s a stretch to compare it to Mass Effect, but it’s possible to draw parallels.

17. Days Gone

Days Gone

When Days Gone came out, it was met with a slew of negative reviews and issues with its technological specs. The game, on the other hand, developed a loyal following over time.

Days Gone’s sophisticated shooting mechanics will appeal to gamers looking for a Mass Effect-like experience. Unique characters, an engaging story, and an exciting open environment make up for the game’s lack of originality.

16. Ghost Of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima, a game that had been touted to the moon and back, was a superb open-world action RPG. No matter how many times you play as Jin, there is always something new to learn about samurai fighting.

For those who are fans of The Ghost of Tsushima, here are some related games:

If you’re looking for a game that’s similar to Mass Effect, you’ll find it here. The future of Sucker Punch Productions is unknown at this point.

15. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

In the gaming world, Assassin’s Creed is a household name. In recent years, the series has seen a resurgence in popularity. Ubisoft’s most recent three titles in the franchise can be considered as a direct result of this.

Playing as an assassin Fans have been clamoring for a Viking-themed Assassin’s Creed ever since the series began to take off. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for more games in the vein of Mass Effect.

14. System Shock 2

System Shock 2

If you’ve never played System Shock 2 before, you’re missing out on something truly special. Horror and playability are the game’s most important features.

Mass Effect may have a lot of atmosphere, but it can’t compete with the ominous aura of System Shock 2. Even if it necessitates a significant amount of customization, a modernized System Shock 2 is an excellent choice for fans of Mass Effect and the sci-fi atmosphere.

13. Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines

Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines may be getting on in years, but it still has plenty going for it to keep players interested and delighted. An engaging cast of characters, each with their own distinct goals and personalities, round out an exceptionally well-written game. If you’re willing to overlook some small flaws in the game’s combat, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.

It’s rare to find a game with as many options as this one. Because the majority of the options fall somewhere in the ethically murky area between good and evil, the game does not have a standard morality system in place. There is nothing barring players from making their own judgments regarding whether their decisions are correct or incorrect.

12. Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s action RPG aspects are just as strong as Mass Effect’s, despite the fact that player decisions are far less consequential. With a cast of characters that is as endearing as Shepard and his many companions, the game gives a fresh take on an old story.

The extra effort that went into developing the characters is likely the most notable aspect of the remake’s reimagining. Even if it was out of necessity, the new characters Jessie and Bigg’s and Wedge’s are considerably more intriguing than they were in the original game. It’s a terrific game when combined with the fine-tuned combat mechanics.

11. Anachronox

Anachronox

Anachronox’s combat is more like that of a JRPG than an action RPG, but the game is nonetheless worth mentioning because of its excellent plot and intriguing cast of characters. It’s clever, it’s amusing, and most importantly, it’s utterly original. However, it isn’t a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but it achieves what it sets out to do exceptionally effectively.

However, the game does have its flaws, especially when it comes to the scenery and general exploring of the environment. There are parts of the novel that take place in drab and bleak settings, which can detract from the writing’s brilliance. However, this is a minor complaint. Despite its shortcomings and already obsolete aesthetics, Anachronox manages to captivate me.

10. Jade Empire

The systems and mechanisms of the Mass Effect games can be traced back to a previous BioWare release. This was the studio’s first original role-playing game, and it built on the fantastic work done on Knights of the Old Republic.

An extensive morality system based on KotOR’s and dialogue choices linked to character morality make this game a must-have for KotOR fans. If you’re looking for one of the best RPG stories of its time, this is the game for you. Mass Effect levels of greatness may be a little out of reach, but it isn’t too far behind in terms of quality.

9. Alpha Protocol

It’s possible that BioWare could learn a thing or two from the Alpha Protocol crew, despite their success in making the Mass Effect trilogy feel like every option mattered throughout. Even if the consequences of the player’s actions aren’t necessarily life or death, they’re evident enough to make the player rethink their decisions.

Time has taken its toll on the game’s problems, and they’ve only become worse since its release. Unfortunately, the graphics haven’t improved, the characters haven’t improved, and the story hasn’t improved either. Because there are so many tiny decisions that the player can make, they soon add up to make a big difference in both their sense of agency and their enjoyment. Alpha Protocol has a lot to offer fans of Mass Effect.

8. Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age Origins

Talking about games like Mass Effect would be incomplete without mentioning another franchise that sprang out of BioWare’s sci-fi epic. One could make the case that Origins is the closest to the original Mass Effect in terms of gameplay, even though BioWare has since lost its luster as a gaming firm.

Dragon Age: Origins provides everything a role-playing fan could ask for, even if the fighting is a little too strategic for some players.

7. Prey

While most people assumed immersive sims were dying out, Arkane Studios is one of the few modern studios that is still pushing the concept of immersive sims to this day.

Those who want to immerse themselves in a sci-fi simulation can’t go wrong with Prey. The level design and gameplay of Arkane Studios are at the pinnacle of their abilities in this fantastic title, which tells an intriguing story to those who are interested.

6. Fallout: New Vegas

In New Vegas, the series’ latest entry, the line between classic Fallout gameplay and cutting-edge technology seems to have been drawn perfectly. It’s fair to say that mods are required for the most enjoyable experience possible.

One of the best role-playing games on the market is available to anyone who are ready to put in the extra effort.

5. The Surge 2

The Surge 2

The Surge 2 may not have any of the iconic Mass Effect conversation choices or plot points, but it does an excellent job of capturing a desolate, sci-fi world. To the player, it appears as though he or she has been dealt the most hopeless of hands.

The Surge 2 is a must-buy for sci-fi fans who enjoy excellent combat and spectacular boss encounters. If you’re a fan of Mass Effect, you should give this a try, especially if you have the Xbox Game Pass subscription.

4. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

It’s hard to include a BioWare game without include another sci-fi title that lets you travel to distant planets. When it was released, Knights Of The Old Republic was groundbreaking, introducing an expertly created chapter to the Star Wars canon that many people now look back on with nostalgia.

There are many things to admire about Knights Of The Old Republic, but the plot is by far the most important. Some delicious twists and turns, together with a startling plot surprise, have led to this game being a role-playing classic.

If you’re a Mass Effect lover, you’ll also want to check out KOTOR 2 and The Old Republic.

3. The Technomancer

For the most part, Spiders was little more than a typical AA video game company specializing in Western role-playing games that were unplayable.

Despite this, the open-world design in The Technomancer is nothing short of brilliant. A sci-fi game’s environments are as unusual and mysterious as they possibly be. To help the studio realize its full potential, this game helped pave the way for a Spiders game in the future.

2. Greedfall

Greedfall

The release of Greedfall coincided with the disastrous launch of BioWare’s Anthem, making it a perfect match. They were trying their best to bring Western RPG fans back from the brink of despair, and it was a relief for those mourning the loss of one of gaming’s most renowned developers.

Greedfall was a far superior game to anything Spiders had previously created. If you’re a fan of Mass Effect’s complex plot and weighty consequences, then this is the game for you.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

When discussing the best action role-playing games, it’s difficult to leave out The Witcher 3. After its release in 2015, CD Projekt Red’s RPG received near-universal acclaim, and subsequent expansions only bolstered its exceptional reputation.

Even though the high fantasy genre is as far removed from sci-fi as it gets, The Witcher 3’s narrative authenticity and quality make it an excellent choice for fans of the Mass Effect series. The Witcher 3’s side content is rich, varied, and unmatched in the action RPG genre, in addition to the game’s strong storyline.