With some of the longest story-intensive games being RPGs (role-playing games), few of them appeal to the casual player. Expansive plots can deter occasional gamers, especially if the RPGs happen to also be difficult, require a lot of background knowledge, or move at a slow pace.
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Looking back at some of the greatest RPGs, games likeThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Dark Souls do not cater to casual gamers. They have steep learning curves or tangled stories. Here are some games for those looking to broaden their horizons playing RPGs but don't want to commit too much time.
Updated August 5, 2021 by Mark Sammut: Be it Final Fantasy, Dragon Age, or World of Warcraft, there is an RPG for just about everyone. However, the genre is not exactly known for its casual experiences, especially since most RPGs target a niche audience with the time and freedom to really dive into the worlds presented by these games. While they should probably think twice before picking up Disco Elysium and Bloodborne, casual gamers can still turn to some of the best RPGs ever to satisfy their needs. This article has been expanded to include a few other games, while the platforms for each title have been provided to make the process of tracking down these releases simpler.
14 Miitopia
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo has a knack for crafting games tailor-made for the entire family. Miitopia serves as a prime example of the company's talent for satisfying a casual market, even if the game does separate itself from other RPGs by including life simulation mechanics.
The combat system is directly impacted by the relationships between the main Mii characters, while the story is charming enough for the genre. For those looking to dip their toes into RPGs, the Nintendo Switch's port of Miitopia is a great place to start.
13 Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
- Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC
Lasting roughly 30 hours, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning features one of the most accessible and best combat systems in the action RPG genre. While the story is nothing more than decent, the variety offered by the battle system means that the game never grows tiresome.
Furthermore, Kingdoms of Amalur constantly throws loot at the player, providing a neverending stream of goodies to get excited about. With a manageable difficulty level and solid visuals, Kingdoms of Amalur will impress casual RPG fans.
12 Child Of Light
- Platforms: PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC
Hardcore gamers should look elsewhere if they are searching for a long game. For a casual gamer, then Child of Light might be up their alley. It's a turn-based game with gorgeous visuals, an effective story, and great music.
With a short completion time estimated at around 11 hours, Child of Light does not require much of a commitment, but it also doesn't waste a single second. As long as someone appreciates RPGs with fun combat and great artwork, Child of Light is worth it.
11 Undertale
- Platforms: PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Undertale is a PC gem that deserves to be played. It's a game that plays under the assumption that the user doesn't have to kill anyone. Undertale will take players approximately 6 hours to beat, so they don't wind up lost in a long story.
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Even if someone plays casually, Undertale is bound to impress. The great thing about Undertale is that it can be played casually or under a completionist run for extended gameplay.
10 Diablo 3
- Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC
The hack and slash game Diablo 3 doesn't have a lengthy learning curve or knotty story that will deter casual players. After a few hours, players will find themselves immersed in the action-oriented gameplay.
The main story is short, with the bulk of its content taking place in the endgame. Whether a person wants to play casually or with consistent and conscientious regularity, Diablo 3 is a game for people from all walks of life.
9 Skyrim
- Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC
Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is nothing if not adaptable. Want a hardcore experience that provides a substantial challenge? Skyrim delivers. Seeking a relaxed romp through a fantasy world without paying too much attention to the main quest? Skyrim delivers.
Similar to the Fallout games, Skyrim's greatest asset is the freedom it provides players. It is very much possible to drop hundreds of hours into this RPG and not complete the rather short central storyline. Skyrim is one of the best RPGs for casual gamers.
8 South Park: The Stick Of Truth
- Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC
Obsidian Entertainment is known for story-intensive games like Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. Beating South Park: The Stick Of Truth will not take the player as long as Obisidian's other RPGs.
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The game is filled with light-hearted dialogue but also raunchy and suggestive humor as well. It's approximately an 11.5-hour game with not much content for a completionist. South Park: The Stick Of Truth is a must-play for fans of the cartoon or anyone who appreciates a fun RPG.
7 Hades
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Unless someone has been hiding under a rock for the last year, they have likely heard of Hades and what it's about. Hades is a rogue-lite and an indie RPG that can be played for hours on end or for brief sessions.
Although it's theoretically possible to beat the game without dying, it usually takes the player multiple attempts to get anywhere. Hades received countless rebalances to make the game fit for casual and hardcore gamers alike.
While originally debuting on PC and the Nintendo Switch, Hades is coming to the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One on August 13, 2021.
6 Bastion
- Platforms: PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS
If someone found the blockbuster game Hades to be fun, they should try one of Supergiant Games' other hit RPGs. Bastion was released in 2011, laying the foundation for games like Hades.
With a main story that takes approximately 6 hours to beat, Bastion should appeal to all gamers. Bastion offers a surreal experience with a plot that's not too hard to follow and a learning curve without a long bend.
5 Mass Effect
- Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, PC, Mobile
Casual gamers should see the original Mass Effect as a gateway to more story-intensive games. Unlike the average RPG, Mass Effect has a short main story. The game's protagonist Commander Shepard is a human from the Milky Way galaxy who sets out to prevent the Reaper invasion.
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Set in the year 2183, Mass Effect has an easy-to-follow story that should appeal to most players. While the other Mass Effect games have longer campaigns and push the action to the forefront, the original entry thrives with simplicity and a heavy focus on RPG elements.
4 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
- Platforms: SNES
One of the first RPGs to come from Nintendo came with a light-hearted story. Mario teams up with Bowser to defeat Smithy, who has stolen seven-star pieces. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars has RPG elements along the lines of Final Fantasy but a less intricate story for casual gamers.
This anything but forgotten classic is a must-play for avid Paper Mario fans, especially if they want something shorter.
3 Fable
- Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox, PC
Although not easy to gauge the duration of the average RPG, it wouldn't be a stretch to say they typically span over 20 hours. The original Fable game only takes approximately 12 hours to beat.
It's an enchanting game with a shorter learning curve than other RPGs. The choices you make can have consequences, yet the game is short enough to attract occasional gamers. While not natively released on later consoles, backward compatibility means Fable also works on the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
2 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Google Stadia
Dragon Quest is the best "casual" JRPG franchise, at least when it comes to properties not exclusive to Nintendo. Dragon Quest 11 delivers an epic but straightforward tale of good versus evil, all told through vibrant visuals and likable characters.
As tends to be the case with this series, Dragon Quest 11's turn-based combat is bog-standard; however, this is not meant as a criticism, as it is a tried and tested formula that simply works. Dragon Quest 11 also offers a lot of content, with the main campaign lasting more than 50 hours. While massive, Dragon Quest 11's adventurous tone and accessibility make it perfect for casual gamers.
1 Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! And Let's Go, Eevee!
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Unlike the more recent Pokemon mainline games, Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are not as story-intensive. Games like Pokemon Sword and Shield are continually jumping from one idea to the next.
The original Pokemon games had static characters who bear little influence on the story. Pokemon Red and Blue were remade under the names Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! They are both exceptional games that cater to all players.
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