Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Alternatives for Xbox

Baldur's Gate 3 is not arriving on Xbox anytime soon, but these Baldur Gate 3 alternatives can keep you busy as you wait for the RPG’s Xbox release

Larian Studios' painstakingly crafted role-playing masterpiece, Baldur's Gate 3, has finally made its debut on Mac and Windows PC after an extended period of development and early access availability. While gamers can look forward to experiencing it on PlayStation 5 from September 6th onwards, the horizon for a release on Xbox platforms appears more distant. Michael Douse, the director of publishing at Larian Studios, has suggested that Xbox owners might have to wait till 2024 to play the game. 

self-own for @Xbox on Baldur’s Gate 3

on PC now and hitting PS5 in one month

but Xbox release date unknown due to issues with making split screen feature compatible with the less powerful Xbox Series S

Xbox requires all game features to work on both consoles to release

big L

— DCinvestor (@iamDCinvestor) August 5, 2023

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Alternatives for Xbox

While it's sad that Xbox players cannot get into the fun anytime soon, there are a ton of Baldur’s Gate 3 alternatives available on the platform for you to explore. Xbox Game Pass boasts numerous RPGs, several of which share the same foundational computer-RPG elements as Baldur's Gate 3. You won’t regret trying them out as you wait for Baldur’s Gate 3’s not-so-imminent Xbox release. 

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition

Regularly drawing parallels to Baldur's Gate, this top-down, turn-based RPG delivers a captivating narrative, demanding combat scenarios, and significant player autonomy. Hailing from the same development team, Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition takes an already impressive RPG, polishes it with finesse, and masterfully tailors it for console platforms. Only a select few RPGs manage to merge such expansive flexibility with both satisfying combat mechanics and a compelling storyline.

Fallout: New Vegas

Baldur’s Gate 3 is considered the quintessential fantasy RPG inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, while Fallout: New Vegas holds a similar status for dystopian RPGs. Much like its counterpart, Fallout: New Vegas faithfully upholds the legacy of classic CRPGs, granting players considerable freedom to shape their narrative arc. An excellent choice for RPG lovers biding their time until Baldur’s Gate 3's release.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

Both newcomers and returning Elder Scrolls fans are in for a treat with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition. Its sprawling open world, customizable protagonist, and limitless opportunities establish it as a timeless gem. Barring some minor glitches, the gameplay experience doesn’t feel outdated, thanks to the latest modifications made to the game. A decade has passed, yet Skyrim's charm persists, and the Anniversary Edition adds to the delight of this virtually flawless creation.

Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Obsidian Entertainment's Pillars of Eternity series played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the CRPG genre during the 2010s. Both Pillars of Eternity (2015) and its sequel Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire (2018) are accessible through Xbox Game Pass, providing players with classic CRPG experiences set in the unique world of Eora. The first game offers a traditional fantasy narrative, while the sequel ventures into pirate RPG adventures on the high seas. Even if you have played them before, you should consider revisiting them ahead of the series' third entry in 2024. 

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

For those seeking a narrative-rich encounter, this trio of timeless sci-fi RPGs by BioWare is a marvelous choice. Accompany Commander Shepard and his crew in their quest to thwart the Reapers, facing consequential decisions that mold the game's ending. Dive deep, traverse the cosmos, and save it from threats that occur once in many millennia. Afterward, bask in Andromeda's splendor before embarking on further escapades within the Sol system. Most RPG fans would love playing this trilogy. 

Solasta: Crown of the Magister

Baldur’s Gate 3 is now described as the ultimate D&D-inspired game by many, but before that, Tactical Adventures tried to give the fans the perfect Dungeons & Dragons-flavored RPG with Solasta: Crown of the Magister. The game features a dungeon and campaign creator, allowing the creation of unique campaigns, dungeons, enemies, merchants, and NPCs. For Xbox users seeking a Baldur’s Gate 3-like tabletop immersion, we would highly recommend trying out this title. 

Torment: Tides of Numenara

Torment: Tides of Numenera, following in the footsteps of the esteemed 1990s CRPG Planescape: Torment, encapsulates the timeless core of classic CRPGs. Developed by InXile Entertainment under Microsoft's umbrella, this science-fantasy RPG centers on a captivating narrative. While its combat might lack the flair of other CRPGs, the absorbing plot compensates through dialogue-driven resolutions for most obstacles.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker

Although the game might give the impression of leaning heavily on D&D-based gameplay, the title unmasks the game’s true essence. Kingmaker, in fact, embraces the mechanics of a significant rival to the TTRPG giant – Pathfinder. This title upholds fundamental elements akin to Baldur Gate games, featuring turn-based combat and an isometric viewpoint. Character customization gains prominence beyond D&D-based peers, enabling alignment alterations and impactful shifts in quest results.

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Since Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t employ the isometric angle as frequently as its predecessors did, Kingdom of Amalur: Re-Reckoning should be a good alternative to the latest Baldur’s Gate game. This game caters to those who relish the intricate aspects of character customization and the expanses of open-world exploration, in contrast to traditional dungeon crawling or combat-oriented gameplay. Originally released in 2012, the game has withstood the test of time and is now available on a wide array of consoles and platforms.

Wasteland 3

The allure of Wasteland 3 lies in its multifaceted strengths, starting with its position as a highly-rated follow-up within a comparably popular series. Set in the post-apocalyptic wintry expanses of Colorado's mountains, diverging from the medieval or fantastical themes of its counterparts, Wasteland 3 shares parallel traits with the Baldur Gate series, such as its isometric layout, multiplayer options, and impactful gameplay decisions. RPG enthusiasts who prefer greater control over surrounding elements would love this game.