There is no doubt that Mass Effect is one of the best sci-fi RPG games ever made. However, most fans have already finished playing all the installments and for many of them, there is now an empty spot waiting to be filled by a similar game that can hopefully bring them the same joy and excitement.
For those who are left wanting more, we have compiled a list of some video games that might interest you as well!
In fact, you’ll be pleased to realize that the gaming industry is filled with options that seem custom made for Mass Effect fans!
Some of them are sci-fi RPGs with wonderful worldbuilding and unforgettable characters while others are non-linear stories that focus on player choice, allowing for many different paths to be taken during repeated playthroughs.
While none of them may compare to Mass Effect to a die-hard fan, there is no doubt that you’ll still mostly likely love at least some of them! But, of course, even if you haven’t played Mass Effect and are just here to find new titles, this is still the place for you!
With that being said, check out some of the best Mass Effect similar games on the market!
1. Anachronox
Anachronox is a turn-based RPG that offers gamers a wonderful adventure across the galaxy, allowing them to hop from one planet to another. During this adventure, you get to get in all kinds of trouble, fix wrongs and also recruit a team of unlikely heroes.
While really underrated, this game is one of the best written out there, mainly due to its amazing characters and its unique sense of humor. Regardless, this game still knows when and how to get serious so you’ll get the best of both worlds!
2. GreedFall
This game masterfully mixes magic with characters and settings that are more grounded in nature. The player gets to control an explorer from the 17th Century that tries to settle a foreign island occupied by deadly monsters and overtaken by a disease. The island is populated by many different factions but they do not want to cooperate with each other.
While the combat is nothing new, GreedFall wins in terms of narrative and each mission will keep you interested and immersed.
The sense of mystery is sure to keep you hooked until the very end!
3. Fallout New Vegas
If you’ve heard of this franchise, you’ve heard about its impressive worldbuilding as well!
Storytelling and player choice are central across the entire franchise but most gamers agree that Fallout: New Vegas is the best and it makes sense as to why! As opposed to other Fallout games, the main character here is a blank slate – a mailman who loses a strange parcel in the irradiated Nevadan wasteland.
The mystery surrounding this package is compelling and is the perfect excuse for the story to progress, allowing for players to figure out things however they wish. The characters are memorable and there is more narrative freedom than in most other Fallout games.
4. Shadowrun
Shadowrun is tactical RPG franchise inspired by the tabletop game with the same title. The world created is a mix of magic and cyperpunk and everyone wears leather jackets and uses katanas and uzis while megacorporations control entire countries. How intriguing!
But that’s not all! At the same time, large populations have turned into dwarves, trolls, and elves and there are even some vampires simply part of the corporate machine! You get to control a team of guns for hire as they take on all kinds of jobs, uncover conspiracies and explore the neon lit streets.
5. Wasteland 3
This game is set in a future frozen Colorado and the player character is supposed to make allies there but things don’t go according to plan.
If you love post-apocalyptic stories, this game will give you everything you need including varied skills that alter combat, missions and narrative choices that will allow for multiple playthroughs.
Combat is also tense and challenging and there is plenty to loot!
6. Jade Empire
This is a Western fantasy RPG inspired by Chinese mythology and history.
It offers a morality system that really impacts the story and the combat resembles fighting games. There is also player customization and worldbuilding!
7. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is able to really adapt to player choices, keeping the promise that many games unfortunately fail to deliver. It’s a nice callback to old-school computer RPGs thanks to its party system and isometric camera!
The narrative is amazing but perhaps the best features this game has to offer are the combat systems and freeform character creation.
8. Prey
Just like Mass Effect, Prey has a big community of loyal fans so it makes sense to try it out if you’ve only played one of the two. It offers a dynamic world with mechanics that encourage exploration. Another similarity to Mass Effect is the fact that Prey also features many choice driven scenarios that can really change the outcome of the storyline.
9. Destiny 2
At a first glance, it may appear that this live-service shooter doesn’t have much in common with Mass Effect but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. One similarity is the progression system leaning into RPG mechanics that allow you to create whatever character you wish.
You also get to explore many unique planets and uncover varied resources there.
10. The Division 2
If one of the things you like about Mass Effect is its underrated cover-based shooting, you’re bound to enjoy The Division 2 as well! When it comes to style and setting, they are quite different but both of them excel in this area.
The Division 2 is more of a multiplayer however, quite similar in its delivery to Destiny 2. Furthermore, there are plenty of RPG mechanics at hand, as well as plenty of freedom in the way you build your player character.