Best Story-Rich Games 2026
The top 20 story-rich games ranked by Metacritic score, player ratings, and overall popularity. Updated for 2026.
Super Mario Odyssey
A mod which adds F.L.U.D.D. from Super Mario Sunshine in Super Mario Odyssey.
God of War
God of War is the sequel to God of War III as well as a continuation of the canon God of War chronology. Unlike previous installments, this game focuses on Norse mythology and follows an older and more seasoned Kratos and his son Atreus in the years since the third game. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same.
Grand Theft Auto V
FreeGrand Theft Auto V for PC offers players the option to explore the award-winning world of Los Santos and Blaine County in resolutions of up to 4k and beyond, as well as the chance to experience the game running at 60 frames per second.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a story-rich, party-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, where your choices shape a tale of fellowship and betrayal, survival and sacrifice, and the lure of absolute power.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch. The adventure is yours to create in a world fueled by your imagination. In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you'll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link's new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten t
Elden Ring
Elden Ring (2026) is a definitive re-release that elevates the 2022 masterpiece. It bundles the base game, the massive 'Shadow of the Erdtree' expansion, and all post-launch content into a seamless, visually enhanced package. With new weapons, quality-of-life improvements, and refined balance, this is the ultimate way to experience the epic, open-world soulslike adventure through the Lands Between.
Minecraft
Minecraft focuses on allowing the player to explore, interact with, and modify a dynamically-generated map made of one-cubic-meter-sized blocks. In addition to blocks, the environment features plants, mobs, and items. Some activities in the game include mining for ore, fighting hostile mobs, and crafting new blocks and tools by gathering various resources found in the game. The game's open-ended model allows players to create structures, creations, and artwork on various multiplayer servers or t
Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde Gang are outlaws on the run. With federal agents and bounty hunters massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal, and fight their way across the rugged heartland in order to survive.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.
Hades
Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is the quintessential MMORPG that defined a genre. For nearly two decades, its vast, living world of Azeroth has set the standard for epic storytelling, cooperative dungeon raiding, and competitive player-vs-player combat. With a rich history, multiple expansions, and a dedicated community, it remains a sprawling, ever-evolving online fantasy universe where your legend is written.
Mario Kart World
FreePut the pedal to the metal in a vast interconnected environment. Race seamlessly across connected courses like never before. Participate in the new knockout tour elimination mode, where you’ll barrel through back-to-back courses and checkpoints. And in free roam, it’s possible to go off the racetrack and drive in any direction you wish, explore areas that pique your interest and take some photos at scenic spots with a group of friends.
Abiotic Factor
FreeAbiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Celeste
FreeHelp Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Blue Prince
FreeWelcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will the unpredictable path you create lead you to the rumored Room 46?
Absolum
FreeCrafted with passion by the dream team that redefined side-scrolling beat 'em ups, Absolum mixes top-of-the-class combat action with modern roguelite elements, bringing all the vibes of the fantasy arcade hits of the past into an immersive adventure set in the original world of Talamh.
Lisa: Definitive Edition
FreeExplore Olathe and its dark and twisted secrets with Lisa: The Definitive Edition, including the original story-driven RPG game Lisa: The Painful and its sequel Lisa: The Joyful
Diablo IV
Endless demons to slaughter. Deep customization through Talents, Skill Points, Runes, and Legendary loot. Randomized dungeons contained in a dynamic open world. Survive and conquer darkness—or succumb to the shadows.
Stardew Valley
You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!