4 RPGs on the Horizon That Could Compete with The Witcher 3 A new generation of RPGs is emerging, each aiming to match the emotional depth, storytelling, and world-building that made The Witcher 3 legendary

Few RPGs have had the impact of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Its mature storytelling, meaningful choices, and massive world continue to set the bar for the genre. Yet as developers push deeper into the power of PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and modern PC hardware, a new generation of story-driven RPGs is emerging — each aiming to compete with Geralt’s iconic adventure.

These upcoming projects blend cinematic storytelling, dynamic combat systems, and expansive worlds to create experiences that could truly stand alongside The Witcher 3.

⚔️ 4) Phantom Blade Zero

A Stylish, Fast-Paced Action RPG With Serious Narrative Potential

Phantom Blade Zero isn’t a traditional Western RPG, but it has quickly become one of the most intriguing action-RPGs in development. Its blend of martial-arts fantasy, dark supernatural elements, and striking cinematic direction gives it an identity all its own.

What makes it a Witcher-level contender:

Hyper-fluid, skill-based combat inspired by Sekiro, Devil May Cry, and soulslike design
A steampunk-tinged world full of betrayals, mysticism, and morally gray storytelling
A semi-open structure with handcrafted regions and branching quest paths

If the game delivers on its promise of precision combat and a reactive world, it could become one of the standout dark fantasy RPGs of this generation.

🏹 3) Fable

A Modern Reimagining of a Beloved RPG Classic

The return of Fable is one of the most anticipated reboots in years. Playground Games (best known for Forza Horizon) is giving the franchise a fresh identity with richer storytelling, next-gen worldbuilding, and emotional choices that echo the best quests from The Witcher 3.

Why it could compete with The Witcher 3:

A renewed focus on consequences, branching paths, and a reactive world
Combat that looks weightier and more grounded than earlier Fable titles
A whimsical yet rich fantasy world filled with personality and environmental storytelling

If Playground Games captures the charm, satire, and heart of the originals while elevating the emotional stakes, Fable could become one of Xbox’s defining RPGs.

🐺 2) Crimson Desert

An Ambitious Open-World Epic With Monumental Scale

Crimson Desert continues to wow players with massive gameplay showcases. While Pearl Abyss is known for MMOs, this is a fully single-player, story-driven RPG set in the harsh world of Pywel.

Why it could rival The Witcher 3:

A sprawling open world packed with towns, deserts, mountains, and dynamic events
A grounded mercenary-driven story with political conflict and personal drama
Hybrid action combat featuring horseback battles, large-scale encounters, climbing, magic, and physics-based interactions

Its scale and density — combined with a strong narrative backbone — make it one of the most ambitious RPGs in development.

🩸 1) The Blood of Dawnwalker

A Dark Fantasy Epic With Witcher-Level Narrative Ambition

The most direct challenger to The Witcher 3 may come from a studio composed of former CD Projekt Red developers. The Blood of Dawnwalker is a new IP built around moral complexity, rich lore, and heavy consequences.

Why it could be the closest spiritual successor:

A morally gray story centered on a “Dawnwalker,” a rare vampire who walks in sunlight
Choices that trigger irreversible timeline changes — you can’t save everyone
Dual combat systems that shift between daylight blade fighting and vampiric powers at night
Deep character progression and story-driven side quests inspired by The Witcher 3’s philosophy

If it follows through on its themes of humanity, sacrifice, and consequence, this could be one of the defining narrative RPGs of the generation.

🌅 Final Thoughts

The Witcher 3’s legacy isn’t fading — it’s inspiring an entire new wave of ambitious RPGs. From kinetic action to political intrigue to dark, character-driven storytelling, these four titles show just how far the genre has evolved. Whether you're after tight combat, sprawling worlds, or emotional narratives, the next era of RPGs looks ready to deliver.