My Top 10 RPGs with Fixed Parties on PC

Hello, and welcome to another top ten. The last time, I presented a top ten list over RPGs with a custom-made party. So, a list of RPGs with a fixed party feels like a natural pick for the next. I can’t say that there will be too many surprises on this list, seeing that I’m as much of a pleb as the next guy when it comes to taste.

While I do love my RPGs with a created crew. I can’t deny the allure of a well crafted story with intriguing pre-made companions, as it adds another dimension to roleplaying. That cool and collected lawful good Paladin that you like, might not see too kindly to your murder-hobo ways for loot. It forces a natural choice of character of whom you want to be and accomplish. Who will you align with – the forces of good, or the snakes in the grass?

Just like the first list, if a game isn’t on it, which you think should be, it’s because I haven’t played it, or I just didn’t like it. It’s that simple. The criteria for the games are: The game must feature a party, from at least two and up, and they must be integral to the story. Players also need to retain control over the party members when it comes to battles, and progression. Let’s begin!

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1) Baldur’s Gate
A classic choice for me, and probably many others. However, I had a long internal debate of which game was best suited for the number one spot: The original Baldur’s Gate, or the sequel, Baldur’s Gate 2. In the end, it all came down to precious memories, and how I prefer low level adventure, and a somewhat simpler story, to high level bloat.

Baldur’s Gate is a classic because of its ambitious nature, in story, combat and the implementation of the Dungeon & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset. It’s also very open, letting you roam the wilderness to your heart’s content, while the sequel initially locks you into Athkatla, the City of Coin in the beginning.

While the companions are more fleshed out in the sequel, they do their job in the original, and there are many to pick from to form the ultimate monster slaying party. A great game for anyone wanting to adventure in the Forgotten Realms in a very classic style.

2) Dead State: Reanimated
Dead State might not fit the usual fantasy trope of adventuring with a group of like-minded individuals; slaying monsters and collecting loot. But it’s nonetheless an excellent party-based RPG with a set fit of characters, all with their own skills and agenda.

If there is one thing that sucks in the zombie apocalypse, it’s facing the zombie hordes alone, and living in squalor while doing so. It’s up to you to build up a working settlement, and make sure the strays collected get along with each other, with hopefully not too many murders in the middle of the night!

The graphics might not be the best, and the turn-based combat can drag on at times, yet the story and the melancholic atmosphere of the apocalypse is top-notch. The writing for the companions is great, and constantly throws curveballs your way—right up to the end. For every zombie aficionado out there that also loves RPGs! 

3) Dragon Age: Origins
Many would argue that Dragon Age: Origins is the typical, obvious mainstream choice for any list, but there’s a reason why it’s so liked and popular. It’s simply a great game with roots in classic cRPGs, and it’s genuinely challenging on harder difficulties.

That’s not all. The companions are crucial to the plot, and very well-written and memorable. It’s also the closest we’ve come to an epic Lord of the Rings-style RPG on PC. It’s sprawling with a story that feels grandiose, with tons of fascinating lore to back it all up.

The visuals still hold up, but there is no denying it’s getting old now. Yet, the dense fantasy atmosphere makes up for where the graphics falter. An excellent RPG, that sadly suffered a terrible fate with mediocre sequels, which eventually killed the series. However, Dragon Age: Origins works as a stand-alone title, and is definitely worth playing for any RPG fan.

4) Expeditions: Conquistador
From blight infested hills of Dragon Age, to the claustrophobic jungles of Central America. I hope you prepared accordingly, because survival in mosquito country is no easy task!

What is crucial is whom you pick for the expedition, since these conquistador companions are not mere pawns that follow your every whim. They have their own moralistic values and ideas of Central America, and might not look upon you with joy, should you choose to befriend the heathen natives.

Expeditions: Conquistador is a great RPG that many times during the game feels like participating in your own “doomed expedition”, a book genre I adore. You are constantly put against the environment, having to juggle logistic issues, while maintaining morale among your companions. And when something breaks, it sure is felt, in more ways than one!

There are many ways to approach the new lands, with sword in hand, or maybe a pen, for the more friendly diplomatic route. This series spawned two sequels, Expeditions: Vikings and Rome, but the original is my favorite by a large margin. 

5) Pathfinder: Kingmaker
Just like that, we are back in the realm of fantasy, with the superb RPG, Pathfinder: Kingmaker. What makes Kingmaker good is that it plays into what made Baldur’s Gate so great, but now with additional support in the form of the improved Pathfinder 3.5 Edition (based on D&D) rules for gameplay.

While the combat is a guaranteed success with this ruleset, the game also has a strong story with many interesting companions that are integrated into the main narrative. It’s a very enjoyable romp through the Stolen Lands, and compared to its sequel, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, it feels far more grounded and classic in its approach. It’s also a very large game that will take you hours upon hours to complete, which gives it an epic feel of an RPG.

The only issue is that some encounters can feel a bit overtuned, but it’s not something that ruins the experience. Highly recommended to anyone that wants a classic RPG, with tons of varied companions.

6) Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
While the first Knights of the Old Republic is excellent by itself, the sequel, The Sith Lords, is a step above thanks to Chris Avellone’s writing. The writing, with its compelling companions, makes you question the fundamentals of Star Wars: “The Force”, that affects everything in the setting.

Especially your shipmate Kreia, who will be a constant thorn in your side, doubting your every decision, and deed. She wants you to realize that the world is not as simple as good against evil, light versus dark. There’s much more to The Force than you think.

Beyond that, it has a great story, having you visit many systems in the Star Wars universe, all with their own look and quests. The only thing that drags it down is the rushed ending, which sadly taints some of the experience. However, the journey itself is unforgettable, and should be played by every RPG & Star Wars geek.

7) Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut
Welcome to cyberpunk Berlin, where orcs and elves are as common as humans. It’s a strange setting, but it works, and is very engaging—blending fantasy with dystopian cyberpunk.

Of the three games Harebrained Schemes made in the Shadowrun setting, I found Dragonfall to be the best one. It has gripping companions and a kick-ass story, filled with weird punk-tech and backstabs—so, watch your back, decker!

If you ever want to command your own cyberpunk outfit, running odd jobs for credit-sticks, this is the game for you. It’s just an awesome setting, and cool all the way through!

8) Mass Effect
Mass Effect, the best space opera money can buy on the PC, if you enjoy blasting through a galaxy filled with conspiracies and ugly aliens out to antagonize humanity. The gameplay can be considered a bit shaky nowadays, since it misses the refinements of the sequel games.

However, story-wise, it sets the tone, and the stakes for the rest of this dramatic trilogy in space. What also sets Mass Effect apart, is its legendary companions. From the composed Turian Garrus, with the no-prisoner mercenary attitude, to the charming Asari Dr. Liara T’Soni, whose growth parallels your own through the story.

It’s an enjoyable and unique experience that holds up for all three games (excluding the questionable ending of part three). One of the reasons for its success is that it’s taking itself and its rich universe seriously, while still offering plenty of humor that doesn’t undermine the plot. A must-play for every RPG fan, even if it can come off as a little too pop-a-mole at times!

9) Skald: Against the Black Priory
Skald is the most retro-looking game on my list, yet it’s actually one of the more present-day releases. Modern day, gaming, huh? It’s weird. Skald is made to look like a souped-up Commodore 64 game from back in the day, but don’t let that stop you from diving in. The visuals are charming, and the mechanics are solid, with enjoyable and deadly turn-based combat.

What sets Skald apart is its story and companions, drenched in a gloomy, Lovecraftian nihilistic theme. If you like bleak cosmic horror, but now with a fantasy twist, this is certainly the title to sink your teeth into.

The only thing that misses the mark is that it’s way too short to be a true RPG epic, only clocking in around twenty hours or so. However, its length matches the price point, so you can’t go wrong!

10) Tyranny
Tyranny feels a little like the ugly stepchild of Obsidian Entertainment. The one game that ran away and was forgotten about. Regardless, its gameplay and story are an intriguing experience set in a bronze age-like fantasy world where evil has prevailed.

Unfortunately, the game does not fully commit to the evil path, even if the premise is definitely set up for it. Its ending also leaves you wishing for more. Looking past that, it’s a fun RPG in a unique fantasy setting that is far from the typical fantasy world with grumpy dwarves and tree-hugging elves.

The companions are well crafted, too, with their own motivations and agendas to set them apart. So choose your allies wisely, as you don’t want to end up on the wrong foot with a companion named Kills-In-Shadow!

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That’s all, folks! I hope my list didn’t anger you too much. Maybe you even found a gaming tip or two! There are many more games that made my initial criteria list, but out of my personal enjoyment for the games in question—they just didn’t make the cut to top ten.

One example is: Neverwinter Nights 2, even if it has great companions. Now, I just have to figure out what the next list should be about. 

Thanks for reading.

– Thomas