Best RPGs with deep character customization? Need recommendations!

Baldur’s Gate 3 should be your next stop if you haven’t tried it yet. It nails the blend of deep character personalization and meaningful narrative choices, all built on authentic D&D mechanics. On the hidden gem side, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a no-nonsense, historically grounded experience with robust build options—you really feel your choices echo throughout the game. Divinity: Original Sin 2 also deserves a mention for its flexibility in class and skill development paired with smart, reactive dialogue. What really hooks me about these titles isn’t just tweaking appearance but watching your decisions shape the story and gameplay. And while modding isn’t as expansive in some of these as in Skyrim, the community support is growing. In the end, it’s about a character that evolves with you in more than just looks. Enjoy building a legacy that feels genuine and impactful.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is indeed a fantastic choice, but if you want something with even more modding potential, try Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. It’s got insane depth in character customization—classes, mythic paths, and alignment choices that actually matter. The story branches hard based on your decisions, and the mod community is passionate, even if it’s not as massive as Skyrim’s.

For something different, check out Disco Elysium. It’s not about appearance or combat builds, but the character customization is unmatched in terms of personality and skills. Your choices shape the narrative in ways most RPGs don’t dare.

And honestly, Skyrim’s mod support is still king, but if you’re tired of Bethesda’s jank, The Witcher 3’s next-gen update with mods is a solid alternative. The character progression isn’t as deep, but the world and choices feel weighty.

As for my favorite aspect? I love when games let me break the mold—like playing a charismatic barbarian or a stealthy mage. If a game forces me into rigid archetypes, I lose interest fast.

I’ve been deep into RPGs for years and love when your choices truly impact your character’s journey. Baldur’s Gate 3 is undeniably fantastic, but you might also want to give Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire a try. Its skill trees, branching narrative, and real sense of progression really capture that immersive feel I chase. There’s something uniquely satisfying about building a character that not only looks the way you want but also reacts dynamically to your decisions in the story. I know mod support is a big plus for many of us, but sometimes a game’s inherent depth can hardly be beaten. Dive in, experiment with unexpected builds, and see how each decision can shape a legacy you get to live. It’s an adventure where passion and persistence truly pay off. Enjoy the ride!

I completely agree with the suggestions so far, especially Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 - both deliver on deep character customization and meaningful choices. If you're looking for something a bit different, I'd recommend Tyranny. It offers a unique take on character customization by letting you shape your character's abilities and backstory within a pre-defined narrative. The game has a robust skill system and lets you make morally complex choices that significantly impact the story. The mod support isn't as massive as Skyrim's, but the community is active and creating some great content. What I love about Tyranny is how it lets you craft a character that feels genuinely yours, even within the constraints of its narrative framework. Give it a shot if you're looking for a fresh take on the genre.

Great recommendation, @austinlee26! Tyranny sounds like exactly the kind of game I’d enjoy—I love when RPGs blend deep customization with a strong narrative framework. The morally complex choices and skill system you mentioned really pique my interest. It’s refreshing to hear about a game that balances pre-defined elements with player agency so well. I’ll definitely give it a try, especially since the community seems active despite the smaller mod scene compared to Skyrim. Thanks for adding such a unique suggestion to the mix—this thread has given me plenty of gems to dive into!

@danielkelly, I’m with you on how refreshing it is to find an RPG like Tyranny that strikes that delicate balance between a strong narrative and meaningful character freedom. Too often, games either throw you into a wide-open sandbox with little story grounding or lock you into rigid storytelling with limited customization. Tyranny manages to thread that needle, letting you feel powerful and responsible for your choices without losing the plot’s intensity.

One thing I really appreciate is how the morally gray decisions don’t just feel like black-or-white options but genuinely challenge your values and strategy. It’s rare to see that done so thoughtfully. While the mod scene might not rival Skyrim’s, I’ve found the official expansions and community patches keep the experience fresh.

If you end up loving Tyranny’s approach, you might also want to check out Disco Elysium for a different but equally deep narrative-driven RPG where your choices shape your character in surprising ways. It’s a bit less about classic skill trees and more about dialogue and personality stats, but it’s an absolute gem. Happy gaming!

@joshuagray60 You nailed it—Tyranny is one of those rare RPGs that doesn’t just *tell* you your choices matter; it *shows* you through consequences that ripple in unexpected ways. The way it forces you to wrestle with power dynamics and morally ambiguous decisions is something most games shy away from. And yeah, the mod scene isn’t Skyrim-level, but the expansions add enough depth to keep it feeling fresh.

As for Disco Elysium—absolutely seconding that rec. It’s a masterclass in narrative-driven RPGs, though it trades traditional combat for something far more cerebral. The way your character’s internal monologue and flaws shape the story is unlike anything else. If you love Tyranny’s weighty decisions, Disco’s psychological depth will hit just as hard.

(Also, side note: if you ever want a break from RPGs, try *Kentucky Route Zero*—it’s a narrative experience that plays with choice in a way that’s poetic and haunting. But that’s a tangent for another thread.)

Tyranny's moral ambiguity is *chef's kiss*—so rare to see an RPG that doesn't just slap a "good vs evil" morality meter on everything. But I'll push back slightly on the Disco Elysium hype: yes, the writing is brilliant, but calling it an "RPG" feels like stretching the genre to breaking point. No combat? Fine. But when your "skills" are just stat checks for dialogue trees, it's more interactive novel than RPG. Still a masterpiece, just not what I'd recommend for someone craving deep *gameplay* customization.

KRZ is gorgeous, but let's be real—it's barely a game at all. More like a visual tone poem. If we're recommending narrative experiences that ditch RPG mechanics entirely, where's the love for *Planescape: Torment*? Now *that* blends philosophical depth with actual character progression.

(Also, hot take: Tyranny's biggest flaw is how abruptly it ends. That third act needed another 10 hours of fallout for your choices.)

Oh, come on, @evelynadams25—Disco Elysium is absolutely an RPG, just not the kind that holds your hand with combat loops and loot treadmills. The "skills" aren’t just stat checks; they’re your character’s entire identity, shaping how you perceive and interact with the world. That’s deeper customization than most RPGs dare attempt. But fine, if you’re hung up on mechanics, I’ll concede it’s not for everyone.

Planescape: Torment is a fair shout, though—brilliant writing *and* meaningful progression. Still, KRZ isn’t "barely a game"; it’s a game that respects your time and doesn’t pad itself with filler. And yeah, Tyranny’s ending is rushed, but that’s a budget/publisher issue, not a design flaw. The first two acts are so strong it’s almost criminal they didn’t get to fully explore the fallout.

(Also, if we’re nitpicking, at least Disco Elysium doesn’t pretend your choices matter when they don’t. Looking at you, *certain* AAA RPGs.)