Best Games Like Baldur’s Gate 3 for Tactical RPG Fans

If you’re chasing the tactical depth, party-based combat, and meaningful choices of Baldur’s Gate 3, the top pick is Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition. It’s made by the same studio, Larian, and shares the elemental combo system, turn-based fights, and a reactive world — but with a slightly more open, sandbox-like structure. You’ll feel at home within the first hour, and it offers nearly as much content per playthrough.

What to Look For

Before you buy, focus on these criteria — they matter more than graphics or hype:

• Turn-based combat vs. real-time with pause: BG3 is strictly turn-based, so if you want that same tactical puzzle feel, look for games that use a grid or action-point system. Real-time-with-pause (like the original Baldur’s Gate) is a different experience.
• Party composition and synergy: The best games let you control 4+ characters with distinct classes, and encourage combos — like setting oil on fire or freezing water — rather than just raw damage.
• Choice and consequence: A reactive world where dialogue, quests, and even combat outcomes change based on your actions is a core BG3 feature. Check if the game has branching paths or multiple endings.
• Character building depth: Look for games with meaningful level-up choices: feats, skills, spells, or attribute points. If you can’t customize your party’s builds, it’ll feel shallow.
• Co-op support: BG3’s multiplayer is a huge draw. If you plan to play with friends, confirm the game offers online co-op (and whether it’s drop-in or requires a host).
• Story quality: A compelling narrative with well-written companions is essential. Avoid games where the story is just a backdrop to combat.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition

Strengths: The closest spiritual successor to BG3, with the same engine DNA. Combat is deeply tactical: you can combine elements (rain + lightning = stun), use height and surfaces, and even talk your way out of boss fights. The story adapts to your choices, and the party system lets you play as any companion or create your own. Co-op works seamlessly for 2-4 players.

Trade-offs: The tone is more whimsical and less grounded than BG3’s dark fantasy. The armor system (physical vs. magic) can feel restrictive, and the early game is punishing until you understand the mechanics. No real romance depth like BG3’s.

Best for: Players who want the most similar experience — same developer, same style of freedom, and a huge world to explore.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Strengths: If you want even deeper character building, this is it. Based on the Pathfinder 1e tabletop rules, it offers dozens of classes, prestige classes, and mythic paths that drastically change your abilities and story (like becoming a lich or angel). Combat is turn-based (can toggle to real-time), and the campaign is massive — 100+ hours. The story is epic, with crusade management mechanics.

Trade-offs: Steep learning curve; you’ll need to understand complex rules like attack bonuses, spell resistance, and buff stacking. The UI is cluttered, and the difficulty can spike unpredictably. The crusade mode (a mini-game) is divisive.

Best for: Veterans who love number-crunching and want a more hardcore, rules-heavy tactical RPG with a dark fantasy setting.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Strengths: Offers both real-time-with-pause and a turn-based mode (added post-launch). The world is beautifully written, with a naval exploration theme and factions that genuinely react to your choices. Combat is tactical with a focus on positioning, line of sight, and ability combos. The multiclassing system is flexible and rewarding.

Trade-offs: The turn-based mode is an add-on, so it’s not as finely balanced as BG3’s. The story is less personal than BG3’s companion-driven narrative, and the main quest is shorter than other CRPGs. Some players find the naval combat tedious.

Best for: Those who want a polished, story-rich RPG with optional turn-based combat and a focus on exploration and faction politics.

Wasteland 3

Strengths: A post-apocalyptic tactical RPG with a darkly humorous tone. Combat is turn-based and heavily positional — cover, elevation, and environmental hazards matter. The party system allows for deep customization, and the story is full of moral dilemmas with real consequences. Co-op is supported (2 players).

Trade-offs: The setting is modern/post-apocalyptic, not fantasy, so no spells or swords. The game is shorter and less dense than BG3, and the late-game choices can feel less impactful. Vehicle combat is a minor addition.

Best for: Fans who want a change of genre but keep the tactical depth, and who enjoy a more cynical, funny narrative.

Solasta: Crown of the Magister

Strengths: The most faithful adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules (the same ruleset as BG3). Combat is strictly turn-based and uses a grid, with verticality and lighting playing big roles. The character creation is extremely flexible, and the party is fully yours to build. The dungeon-crawling focus is classic.

Trade-offs: The story and companions are generic and forgettable — no deep romances or complex NPCs. The graphics are basic, and the game is heavily combat-focused with less role-playing outside of dialogue. The official campaigns are linear.

Best for: Players who care more about accurate D&D combat mechanics than narrative depth, and want to recreate tabletop-style dungeon crawls.

Dragon Age: Origins

Strengths: A classic that still holds up. It offers real-time-with-pause combat with a tactical camera that lets you pause and issue commands to each party member. The story is dark and reactive, with companion approval systems and multiple origins that change your starting chapter. The party banter and choices are excellent.

Trade-offs: Not turn-based — if you strictly want BG3’s turn-based combat, this might feel frantic. The graphics are dated (2009), and the combat can be less precise than grid-based systems. The game is older, so some mechanics feel clunky.

Best for: Those who prioritize narrative and character interaction over turn-based combat, and who enjoy a more classic BioWare-style RPG.

How to Choose

Start with your budget and preferred playstyle. If you want the closest experience to BG3 and don’t mind paying full price, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the safest bet. For a cheaper, often discounted option, Solasta gives you the same D&D 5e combat but skips the story polish. If you’re on a tight budget, look for Dragon Age: Origins on sale — it’s often under $10 and offers a massive campaign.

Think about co-op: Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Wasteland 3 support online co-op, while Solasta and Pathfinder do not (or only via mods). If you play solo, that’s less of a factor.

Consider the difficulty curve. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is the most complex; Wasteland 3 is more approachable; Solasta is middle-ground. If you’re new to tactical RPGs, start with Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Explorer difficulty — it’s forgiving and teaches you the systems.

Finally, think about what you loved most in BG3: if it was the characters and romance, Dragon Age: Origins or Pillars of Eternity II will satisfy. If it was the combat puzzles, Solasta or Pathfinder are better. If it was the freedom to solve problems in creative ways, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any of these games as long as Baldur’s Gate 3?

Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous are comparable (60-100+ hours). Wasteland 3 is shorter (~40-50 hours), and Solasta is around 30-40 hours.

Do any of these games have turn-based combat like BG3?

Yes: Divinity: Original Sin 2, Solasta, and Wasteland 3 are fully turn-based. Pillars of Eternity II has a turn-based mode, and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous can be played turn-based (toggleable).

Can I play any of these with friends in co-op?

Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2-4 players) and Wasteland 3 (2 players) have online co-op. The others are single-player only (Pathfinder has a mod for co-op, but it’s not official).

Which game has the best story and companions?

Dragon Age: Origins and Divinity: Original Sin 2 are the strongest. Dragon Age has more intimate companion interactions; Divinity offers more freedom in how you interact with the world.

I’m new to tactical RPGs — which should I start with?

Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Explorer difficulty is the best entry point. It’s forgiving, has a great tutorial, and teaches you the genre’s conventions without overwhelming you.

Do any of these games have mod support?

Yes: Divinity: Original Sin 2, Solasta, and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous have strong modding communities. Pillars of Eternity II also has mods, but less extensive.

Bottom Line

For most fans of Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the clear first choice — it’s the same studio, same design philosophy, and nearly as deep. If you want more D&D-accurate combat and don’t care about story, Solasta is a solid budget pick. And if you’re willing to dive into a complex ruleset for ultimate build freedom, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous will keep you busy for months. Whichever you choose, you’ll find the tactical party-based fix you’re looking for.

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