5 Underrated RPGs You Might Have Missed

Role-playing games are some of the most immersive and rewarding experiences in all of gaming. From massive worlds like The Elder Scrolls to beloved classics like Final Fantasy, RPGs have shaped countless memories. But not every great role-playing game gets the spotlight it deserves. For every blockbuster series, there are hidden gems quietly offering unforgettable stories, unique systems, and innovative mechanics.

In this guide, we’ll shine a light on five underrated RPGs that deserve more attention. If you’re ready to expand your gaming repertoire, these titles may surprise you with just how much they have to offer.

WHY LOOK FOR UNDERRATED RPGS?

Big names dominate the headlines, but smaller or overlooked games often carry just as much heart. In fact, underrated RPGs can feel even more rewarding because:

• They offer fresh mechanics that break away from the mainstream.
• Their worlds feel distinct, often built with artistic passion rather than marketing demands.
• They give players a chance to discover something new, something their friends may not have experienced yet.

Exploring these lesser-known titles is like finding a rare gemstone. You never know which one will become your next favorite game.

1. DIVINITY: ORIGINAL SIN 2

Despite its critical acclaim, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is still overlooked by players who stick to the biggest names in RPGs. Developed by Larian Studios, this game is a masterpiece of storytelling and tactical combat.

What Makes It Special

• Player Choice: Almost every decision affects the story. Your choices ripple across the world in ways that feel organic.
• Tactical Combat: Turn-based battles encourage creativity. You can combine elements like fire and oil, water and lightning, or use terrain to your advantage.
• Co-op Gameplay: Bring friends into the campaign for an experience that feels like a tabletop game on your screen.

Why It’s Underrated
While praised by critics, many players skip it because it isn’t as mainstream as franchises like Dragon Age. But those who try it often call it one of the best RPGs they’ve ever played.

If you love tactical depth and freedom of choice, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a gem waiting for you.

2. DISCO ELYSIUM

Disco Elysium breaks the mold of what most people expect from an RPG. There’s no traditional combat. Instead, this indie game puts its energy into dialogue, narrative, and philosophy.

What Makes It Special

• Deep Narrative: The story is packed with political, social, and philosophical themes.
• Unique Character Building: Instead of leveling up stats like strength or dexterity, you shape your character’s mind and personality.
• Dialogue as Combat: Conflicts are resolved through conversations, dice rolls, and skill checks.

Why It’s Underrated
While it has won awards, its lack of combat mechanics turns away some players who expect action in RPGs. But for those who value narrative depth, it’s unlike anything else on the market.

Playing Disco Elysium feels like reading a brilliant novel where you decide how the chapters unfold. It’s challenging, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.

3. THE BANNER SAGA

Inspired by Viking mythology, The Banner Saga is a visually striking tactical RPG created by Stoic Studio. Its art style alone sets it apart, but the heart of the game lies in its storytelling.

What Makes It Special

• Hand-Drawn Visuals: Every frame feels like a painting, creating a world full of atmosphere.
• Strategic Combat: The turn-based battles demand careful planning and resource management.
• Meaningful Choices: Decisions affect your caravan, your allies, and the story’s ultimate outcome.

Why It’s Underrated
The indie release never reached the audience it deserved. Many players missed it entirely because it lacked the marketing push of larger studios.

If you enjoy games where art, music, and story combine to create emotion, The Banner Saga is worth discovering.

4. DRAGON'S DOGMA: DARK ARISEN

Released by Capcom, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen blends action combat with open-world exploration. While it has developed a cult following, it still doesn’t get the mainstream recognition it deserves.

What Makes It Special

• Dynamic Combat: Battles are fluid and exciting. You can climb onto massive monsters, target weak points, and fight with style.
• Pawn System: Create AI companions called pawns. They learn your strategies and can be shared with other players.
• Open World: Full of hidden caves, roaming beasts, and rewarding exploration.

Why It’s Underrated
It came out at a time when other RPGs were dominating the spotlight. Many players never realized how ahead of its time the combat system was.

If you like fast-paced action mixed with RPG depth, Dragon’s Dogma is a game that delivers.

5. PLANESCAPE: TORMENT

Though more than twenty years old, Planescape: Torment remains one of the most profound RPGs ever created. Developed by Black Isle Studios, it is a game about philosophy, identity, and mortality.

What Makes It Special

• Unique Setting: Instead of typical fantasy, it explores the strange, surreal Planescape universe.
• Rich Narrative: The story is deep, emotional, and full of unforgettable characters.
• Role-Playing Depth: Focuses on dialogue and story choices over combat.

Why It’s Underrated
Modern players may overlook it because of its age and dated graphics. But those who play it discover one of the most meaningful RPG experiences of all time.

If you enjoy story-driven games, Planescape: Torment is a timeless classic that deserves a place in your library.

WHY THESE GAMES MATTER

These five titles may not sit on every gamer’s shelf, but each one brings something special. They push boundaries, explore unique worlds, and challenge how we think about role-playing. Discovering underrated RPGs reminds us that the genre is bigger than just the blockbusters.

Much like collecting different DND dice sets, exploring lesser-known games gives you variety and depth. Sometimes the resin dice set you rarely use becomes your favorite because it fits a character perfectly. In the same way, an overlooked RPG can become your most cherished adventure.

GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

No matter which game you choose, having the right tools adds to the fun. Just like you wouldn’t head into a dungeon without a good sword, you shouldn’t start your next campaign without a trusted set of dice.

At Runic Dice, we craft gemstone dice, resin dice, and metal dice designed to bring your games to life. Each set is unique, with its own story and feel. Whether you’re playing Disco Elysium at your desk, running Divinity: Original Sin 2 with friends, or planning your next tabletop campaign, the right dice can become part of the ritual.

Our dice sets come with free dice boxes on full sets and free USA shipping, making it easy to upgrade your collection.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The RPG world is enormous, and not every treasure is found on the surface. Hidden gems like Divinity: Original Sin 2, Disco Elysium, The Banner Saga, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, and Planescape: Torment prove that underrated games can offer some of the richest experiences.

If you love discovering the unexpected, try one of these titles and see where it takes you. And when you’re ready to add something equally unique to your gaming table, explore the handcrafted DND dice sets at Runic Dice. Your next great story deserves dice as memorable as the adventure itself.

Tell us in the comments: What underrated RPGs do you think deserve more love? Share your favorites and help others discover the hidden gems you’ve enjoyed.