Best Games Like Mass Effect

When one talks about some of the greatest role-playing games ever made, it goes without saying that the Mass Effect series would be a major part of this conversation. While the series might’ve ended on a frustratingly low note, there’s no denying the fact that BioWare had created a rich, deep, and intricate sci-fi world that had enraptured fans from all over the globe.

Be it through the original versions or the Legendary Edition remasters, Commander Shepard’s story is always worth revisiting. Even Andromeda has plenty of positives. However, the wait for the franchise to produce something new could be very long, so here are some games like Mass Effect that fans can choose to play instead before this sci-fi epic finally makes its much-awaited return to the modern gaming market.

24 Warframe

Free-To-Play MMO Sci-Fi Epic

Warframe has managed to remain relevant for nearly a decade, an impressive feat considering the game had a relatively rough launch. Digital Extremes’ sci-fi action RPG started life as a fun but repetitive shooter consisting of linear missions. Over the years, the free-to-play title has greatly expanded its scope, even introducing open areas that emphasize exploration. Nowadays, the game also offers far more options when it comes to builds.

Naturally, this sort of project tends to be a grind, and Warframe is no exception. While money can be spent to speed up progression, players who stick to the free version will not feel too restricted by their decision.

Very Similar Combat System

Few situations exist that allow for The Bureau: XCOM Declassified to be promoted ahead of the franchise’s mainline entries, but this is one of those rare scenarios. A spin-off to Firaxis’ turn-based tactical series, XCOM Declassified is a fairly typical third-person shooter, albeit one with a cool setting and some tactical elements. Set during the 1960s, the story finds America under siege by aliens, which naturally forces the eponymous Bureau to step up to take care of business.

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified shares quite a few things in common with Mass Effect, including squad-based combat that forces players to constantly command two partners during shootouts. While most of the campaign consists of linear levels, these sequences are spaced apart by interludes set within the Bureau’s headquarters, which acts as a hub area. Here, players can mingle with other characters, and there are even dialogue trees.

Just to taper expectations, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified does not handle these elements as well as Mass Effect Andromeda, let alone the original trilogy. Nevertheless, the game is fine.

22 Cyberpunk 2077

Stellar Storytelling & World-Building

Cyberpunk 2077‘s launch was a bit of a disaster, hurting the game’s reputation. CD Projekt Red’s title had plenty of problems on the PS4 and Xbox One, but it fared better on PC or current-gen hardware. The game has also come far since its debut, and it is now far better. A first-person shooter set in the detailed Night City, a futuristic urban hub dominated by corporations and overrun with violence, this RPG has a lot of positives, despite its technical issues.

Like Mass Effect, Cyberpunk 2077‘s story and world-building are its crowning achievements. Night City is packed with fascinating and well-written characters, memorable side content, and environmental storytelling. This is a universe that people can get lost in, immersed in the world’s vibrancy, sociopolitical undertones, and strangeness.

21 Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

Impressive Boss Battles

Lost Planet got off to such a promising start, only to fizzle out in the span of one console generation. While Lost Planet 2 is an enjoyable multiplayer-focused experience, anyone looking for a single-player package should check out the original game in the series. The third-person shooter takes place on a hostile, frozen planet overflowing with bug aliens that can reach sizes that allow them to tower over buildings.

While not lacking a story, Lost Planet is first and foremost about its gameplay, which does set it apart from BioWare’s trilogy. Thankfully, Capcom knows a thing or two about crafting addictive combat, and Lost Planet is far from an exception. The game contains a satisfying assortment of weapons and gadgets (along with a mech suit) that combine to create a varied and flexible battle system that offers a surprising amount of depth. The casual enemies are good fun, but Lost Planet comes alive during its boss battles.

20 Outriders

Fun Co-Op Third-Person Shooter

People Can Fly’s Outriders is a live-service game and a good mid-tier option. The third-person shooter launched in a somewhat rough state, but Outriders‘ gameplay was generally well-received, and it has only improved since the title’s launch. The shooter allows players to create a custom character in one of four classes: Devastator, Pyromancer, Technomancer, and Trickster. Along with skills to unlock, each of these classes has three sub-classes, freeing players to explore a wide range of builds.

Outriders‘ narrative doesn’t come close to replicating Mass Effect‘s magic, as it struggles to maintain momentum for extensive periods. However, the games’ customization and combat should feel right at home for fans of BioWare’s RPG classic.

19 Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines

Choices Matter

It might be starting to show its age a little now, but Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines still has more than enough about it to keep players engaged and entertained. It’s an exceedingly well-scripted game with an interesting cast who each have their own distinct personalities and motivations. Like the game’s visuals, the combat leaves a little to be desired when compared to modern titles, but those who can look past these minor blemishes will find a lot to love here.

When it comes to games with meaningful choices, few projects offer as many as this one. Most of these choices fall squarely into that morally gray wasteland that lies between good and evil and so, as a result, the game lacks a traditional morality system. That doesn’t make decisions any less important though and there’s nothing stopping players from making up their own minds about whether their choices are right or wrong.

18 Red Dead Redemption 2

Character-Driven Masterpiece

OK, this is a weird one. Red Dead Redemption 2 has almost nothing in common with Mass Effect; in fact, their settings are polar opposites. While both titles are third-person shooters, their systems only share some basic elements. Rockstar’s project is also a proper open-world, and it moves at a slower pace than any of the Mass Effect titles.

Despite all these differences, Red Dead Redemption 2 still seems like it’s cut from the same rare cloth as Mass Effect. They both tell gripping character-driven stories that focus on themes dealing with family, death, and responsibility. They both completely immerse players in their familiar but alien universes, taking them on lengthy journeys that linger in the mind long after the credits roll.

17 Binary Domain

Squad-Based Sci-Fi Action

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio might be primarily known for the Like a Dragon franchise, but the developer has quite a few other projects to its name. Binary Domain is a third-person shooter set in a world ravished by global warming that relies heavily on advanced robotics. The campaign follows a special task force created to support a law designed to keep humans and robots separate.

Binary Domain emphasizes teamwork as players will need to give orders to their AI partners. The player’s actions and performance determine the rest of the squad’s behavior toward them, which creates an interesting dynamic that influences the gameplay.

16 Anachronox

Dated But Impressive

Admittedly, the combat mechanics found in Anachronox are a lot closer to a JRPG than an action RPG like Mass Effect, but the game still deserves a mention on account of its brilliant storytelling and fascinating characters. It’s smart, it’s funny, and – best of all – it’s wonderfully unique. It’s certainly not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but what it does, it tends to do exceedingly well.

The game does have its shortcomings, however, particularly when it comes to locations and general exploration. Much of the story unfolds in dull and desolate environments which can at times distract from the amazing writing, although this is but a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things. It’s hard not to like what Anachronox has to offer even despite its flaws and now-dated visuals.

15 Jade Empire

BioWare’s Passion Project

Much of the systems and mechanics found in the Mass Effect games can actually be traced back to one of BioWare’s earlier titles. Jade Empire was the studio’s first original role-playing IP and built upon much of the excellent work done developing the Knights of the Old Republic games.

The game features a fully fleshed-out morality system based on the one used in KOTOR and dialogue choices that are tied to the character’s moral alignment. It still looks okay, has a fantastic combat system, and features one of the best RPG storylines of its era. It perhaps falls a little short of those Mass Effect levels of excellence that the studio would later go on to achieve, but it isn’t too far behind.

14 Alpha Protocol

Rough But Worthwhile

Although BioWare did a fantastic job of making it feel as though every choice mattered throughout the Mass Effect trilogy, the team could learn a thing or two from the studio behind Alpha Protocol. Pretty much everything that the player does prompts some kind of reaction and although they might not all be life and death, they’re noticeable enough to make players think twice about every choice that they make.

The game certainly had its fair share of flaws at the time of its release and time hasn’t done it any favors in this respect. The graphics are still below par, many of the characters are still weak and the story remains nothing to write home about. Nonetheless, the nearly endless amount of minor choices that the player can make throughout the game quickly add up to make a major difference when it comes to both their sense of agency and their enjoyment. Those who like Mass Effect should love what Alpha Protocol has to offer.

13 The Outer Worlds

Planet-Hopping RPG With Clever Writing

Obsidian’s 2019 sci-fi shooter is traditionally compared to Fallout, but The Outer Worlds is also an easy recommendation for Mass Effect fans. Smartly written and witty, this RPG grants players a fair few creation choices that influence the protagonist’s personality and, consequently, how NPCs react to them. Combat-wise, The Outer Worlds is a relatively by-the-numbers first-person shooter, albeit one that emphasizes teamwork through its companions.

The Outer World‘s story is not quite as epic as Mass Effect, but it is nevertheless a fantastic first effort. In fact, the 2019 game is not all that dissimilar from 2007’s Mass Effect, and Obsidian has a rock-solid foundation to use for the sequel.

12 Vanquish

Intense Third-Person Shooter Action

While its gunplay is fine, Mass Effect‘s brilliance lies in its characters, world-building, relationships, and story; Conversely, Vanquish is all about gameplay. PlatinumGames took a break from hack and slash to craft a frantically-paced third-person shooter that demands players are always moving. The sci-fi game has a much steeper difficulty curve than BioWare’s franchise, and it is more than fantastic enough to justify the effort.

Rather than a game like Mass Effect, Vanquish should be treated as a companion piece that highlights a completely different side of the shooter genre. It is also relatively short, so players can blast through the campaign in between longer RPGs. Just be prepared for a punishingly difficult final boss.

11 Dead Space Remake

Horror In Space

While not scary, Mass Effect touches upon a few horror concepts; in fact, Reapers are a pretty great example of Lovecraftian monsters. Still, the games themselves are action RPGs and rarely try to terrify players. If someone wants that, they will need to turn to EA’s Dead Space. Visceral Games’ trilogy introduced the world to Necromorphs, terrifying cosmic terrors that are like a mix of zombies and Alien‘s Xenomorphs. In terms of gameplay and tone, Dead Space 2 and particularly 3 are closer to Mass Effect since they lean into action territory, and they are both fun (especially the second one).

Conversely, Dead Space is unquestionably a survival horror experience. Set predominantly in an abandoned spaceship, the story follows Isaac Clarke, a guy forced into a life-and-death situation that goes well beyond his area of expertise. 2023’s Dead Space remake retains the original’s vicious combat and nightmare-inducing atmosphere, all the while tweaking a few things to provide a fresh experience to franchise veterans.

10 Dragon Age: Origins

BioWare’s Fantasy RPG Masterpiece

It would be impossible to talk about games similar to Mass Effect without mentioning another series that blossomed along with BioWare’s sci-fi epic. Out of all the Dragon Age games, one can argue that Origins stays true to the core of the Mass Effect franchise… before BioWare lost its edge as a reputed gaming studio.

While the combat might be a bit too tactical for some, there’s no denying that Dragon Age: Origins has everything required to satisfy the most hardcore role-playing fanatics around.

9 Fallout: New Vegas

(Arguably) The Best 3D Fallout Game

Out of all the games in the Fallout series, it seems that New Vegas strikes the perfect balance between old-school decision-making and new-age gameplay practices. Although to be fair, players really need to mod this game to make the most of this experience.

People who are willing to go the extra mile for this title will be able to enjoy one of the greatest role-playing experiences around, where it genuinely feels like everything that the player does — whether it be a major story decision or something as simple as a minor stat boost — matters in the grand scheme of things.

8 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

BioWare’s Other Space Opera

Another BioWare game makes this list, this time in the form of another proper sci-fi game that allows players to roam around different planets as well. One simply can’t talk enough about how revolutionary Knights of the Old Republic was upon its release, adding an excellently crafted chapter to the Star Wars canon that most people still look back fondly at to this day.

Several aspects of this title can be praised extensively, but the story is the reason most people should play Knights of the Old Republic. Some delectable twists and turns, coupled with one of the most shocking plot twists in video gaming history, have led to this game becoming a role-playing classic.

Star Wars: KOTOR 2 and The Old Republic are also must-plays for Mass Effect fans.

7 Gears Of War

Perfected Cover-Based Shooting

Gears of War basically reshaped third-person shooters upon its release, cementing cover-based gameplay as a prominent sub-genre. While there have been many attempts to claim the throne, the Xbox franchise is arguably still the standard, and the games hold up incredibly well.

Narratively, Gears of War does not offer Mass Effect‘s choices, complexity, or freedom; however, the linear series is nevertheless capable of telling a gripping and emotional story. Gameplay-wise, Gears of War knocks it out of the park in nearly every area, and all the main games are, at least, good.

6 Control

Unique Setting & Addictive Combat

While lacking Mass Effect‘s far-reaching space exploration or team-building social element, Control offers great gameplay and an avalanche of interesting ideas and stories. The game is set in the Federal Bureau of Control building, which is a place where the government monitors strange phenomena that go beyond human comprehension. Jesse heads into the headquarters in search of her brother, only to find the FBC in chaos due to the arrival of the Hiss. Within this building, reality is breaking apart.

Control‘s main narrative is nothing too special, but the game shines in its more self-contained side stories that deal with specific phenomena. Gameplay-wise, Remedy knocks it out of the park by blending third-person gunplay and satisfying powers. In some ways, Control plays like a third-person Arkane release. A sequel is in development too.

5 Remnant 2

Co-Op Soulslike With Third-Person Shooter Gameplay

Soulslikes are nothing like Mass Effect. Most of them de-emphasize their stories and focus on reaction-based melee combat built on learning an enemy’s moveset, which is a stark departure from BioWare’s formula. Gunfire Games’ Remnant series is a slight exception, although someone’s mileage will depend on whether they enjoy Soulslikes in general. While containing many hallmarks of the genre, these two games revolve around ranged weapons, and they play fairly similarly to standard third-person shooters. They are also designed with co-op in mind, allowing up to three players to take on the campaign’s many, many challenges. Even though Mass Effect is not synonymous with co-op, the series’ combat nevertheless revolves around teamwork.

Remnant: From the Ashes is quite good and should not be dismissed just because its successor has been released; that said, Remnant 2 is superior in most ways. While not technically visiting alien planets, the Soulslike has players traveling to worlds in other dimensions, and the locations vary wildly from each other. As dungeons are procedurally generated, Remnant 2‘s content can only be fully experienced through multiple playthroughs, greatly enhancing the game’s replayability.