Video games have the remarkable ability to transport us to fantastical worlds, captivating our imaginations with rich narratives and immersive gameplay. One of the key elements that make these virtual realms so compelling is the lore, the intricate background stories and mythologies that breathe life into the game worlds.
In this article, we will explore seven video games that boast some of the best lores, offering players a deep and captivating storytelling experience. Also, we want to state clearly beforehand that this article will contain spoilers. So if there’s a game on this list that is on your to-play list, it would be best to skip that part of the article.
Let’s begin!
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Step into the vast open world of Skyrim, a land filled with ancient legends, forgotten gods, and heroic quests. The lore of “Skyrim” is extensive, drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore and weaving a complex tapestry of history, magic, and diverse cultures.
As you traverse the breathtaking landscapes, you’ll encounter mysterious ruins, learn about the powerful dragons, and unravel the secrets of the ancient Elder Scrolls. Essentially, playing Elder Scrolls is like studying a new universe and it takes immersion to a whole new level.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Based on the popular book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt transports players to a dark and gritty fantasy world. Blessed with the rich lore of the Witcher universe, where monsters roam the land and witchers, monster slayers for hire, navigate a morally ambiguous world.
The game’s lore is built upon deep-rooted myths, political intrigues, and fascinating characters, ensuring an unforgettable journey. Plus, the stories themselves can draw out an emotional side from their players. They are very powerful and once you are in the rabbit hole, you will most likely see yourself researching a lot to know more about the game’s story.
3. Bioshock
Prepare to descend into the underwater city of Rapture, an art deco utopia turned dystopia. Bioshock is known for its immersive storytelling and the thought-provoking lore that accompanies it. Uncover the origins of Rapture and its downfall, explore the philosophical themes of objectivism, and encounter genetically enhanced beings known as Splicers.
Honestly, we don’t want to go too in-depth into the game’s story, it truly kills the experience for those who want to play the game for the first time. That said, what we can say is that the game’s lore is a masterclass in creating a haunting and atmospheric narrative experience. It’s unforgettable in many ways, making you question a lot of things.
4. Dark Souls
Venturing into the world of Dark Souls means delving into a grim and foreboding realm filled with despair and monstrous creatures. This game’s lore is shrouded in mystery and conveyed through cryptic item descriptions, environmental details, and subtle storytelling.
Players will find themselves piecing together the fragmented history of the world, uncovering tragic tales, and discovering the intricate connections between characters and events. Of course, to unveil these mysteries, you will have to grit through some insanely difficult fights
But if you are in it for the story, watching a gameplay video or a video commentary can satisfy that side of your hunger. And if you are looking for a more modern take on the Soul series by FromSoftware, you can try Elden Ring which has an equally good story and bosses that will keep you on your toes!
5. Mass Effect
Embark on an epic space opera with “Mass Effect,” where you’ll assume the role of Commander Shepard, humanity’s last hope against a galactic threat. The game’s lore paints a vast picture of an expansive universe, filled with diverse alien races, ancient civilizations, and interstellar politics.
As you journey across the galaxy, your choices and interactions shape the fate of the entire species, making for a truly immersive and personalized storytelling experience. Ultimately, the Mass Effect franchise is an all-time classic and one of the reasons for it being so is due to its strong-deep lores. They are beautifully written and it is as if you are playing a game straight out of a sci-fi novel.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda series has always been known for its captivating lore, and Breath of the Wild takes it to new heights. Set in a vast open world, the game immerses you in the ruins of a once-great kingdom and challenges you to uncover its secrets.
Through memories and cryptic clues, you’ll gradually piece together the tragic history of Hyrule, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue that enhances the already breathtaking gameplay. And right after you experienced BOTW, the latest Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom is now out and you can purchase it using our Nintendo eShop Gift Card here!
7. Fallout: New Vegas
Step into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Mojave Desert in Fallout: New Vegas, the game’s lore is a captivating blend of retro-futurism and dark humour, exploring the consequences of a nuclear war.
As you navigate the treacherous landscape, you’ll encounter factions vying for power, and intriguing characters that are written in a complex manner that will captivate their players. Like Mass Effect, it is essentially a game straight out of a book or a movie. Sure, the gameplay is awesome but the storytelling of its lore takes it to different heights.
Well, that’s about it! We are sure that there are a lot of video games out there that fit the bill for having very in-depth lore. For us, these are the seven that stuck with us and if you haven’t tried them out, you really should! And if you are ever in need of video game top-ups or purchases, be sure to visit our store using the ‘SHOP NOW’ button below!
