The 8 Best Larian Studios Games, Ranked (2024)

Now that Baldur’s Gate 3 has hit shelves, Larian Studios applies its signature blend of intricate narratives, exploitable environments, flexible builds, and good old-fashioned Barrelmancy in the much-awaited D&D adaptation. Despite the Baldur’s Gate title using Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, the Divinity: Original Sin 2 creators managed to pull off what fans consider one of the best CRPGs ever to grace the platform.

However, Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t the only notable game in the Larian Studios roster. And while Divinity: Original Sin 2 earned its fair share of accolades, other Larian Studios games are worth looking into.

Updated on 26 January 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Hotfix #17 of Baldur's Gate 3 resolving some gameplay issues players might have pertaining to some bugs, it may be surprising for D&D fans to know that Larian Studios has a lot more games in their roster other than the Dungeons & Dragons adaptation. Fans of Baldur's Gate 3 who want to leave Faerun and experience more of what Larian Studios offers can check out the world of Rivellon across the studio's seven other titles, each of which has claims to fame that make them worth trying out. While Baldur's Gate 3 is known to be the closest video games have to a proper adaptation of D&D 5e mechanics, other Larian Studios titles are worth playing due to other qualities as well, be it as introductions to the studio's flair for immersive stories, or its venture into new genres.

8 Divinity 2: Flames Of Vengeance (2010)

Metascore: 70

While game expansions usually come side-by-side with their original releases, Divinity 2: Flames of Vengeance releases with quite the surprising design deviations that may as well have players separate it from its base game. The game continues directly from where Ego Draconis left off: players have to defend Aleroth, the last surviving city of Rivellon, from the Damned One Damian’s campaign of destruction.

Despite the game making a seamless transition to the expansion, Flames of Vengeance takes a step back as it removes some features of Ego Draconis that set it apart from other RPGs. While Aleroth’s small setting remains packed with lore, gone is the acclaimed dragon transformation and Battle Tower hub. These absences on top of clunky combat in the same year God of War 3 and Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening released made Flames of Vengeance quite the lackluster title.

Claim To Fame: Solid Presentation Blocked By Lackluster Combat

Given its status as an expansion to Ego Draconis, the overall nature of Divinity 2: Flames of Vengeance is that of an experience that uses the foundation of the former’s open ending to simulate a leadup to an intense finish to the Divine Divinity sequel. Unfortunately, despite the innate gritty nature of Flames of Vengeance’s “worst case scenario” premise, its decent presentation and an environment packed with lore and quests seem marred by the overall lack of “oomph” from its combat system. Especially for a 2010 title, the rather janky combat in Flames of Vengeance does little justice to its strong story.

7 Divinity 2: Ego Draconis (2009)

Metascore: 72

With 2009 being a year when titles such as Assassin’s Creed 2 and Demon’s Souls were released, Larian Studios also attempted to venture into full-3D via Divinity 2: Ego Draconis. Set years after Divine Divinity, players take on the role of a Dragon Slayer tasked to defeat the remaining dragons in Rivellon. However, constant attacks by Damian, the Damned One, and his anger towards Lucian the Divine will put Rivellon in danger that only the player can resolve.

While boasting the same depth in lore as Divine Divinity, gameplay in Ego Draconis stands out with the Battle Tower that served as the player’s main questing hub as well as a dragon transformation that lets players fight opponents in large spaces. Combined with Larian Studios’ flexible character creation, Ego Draconis had the potential for an in-depth game. Sadly, complicated mechanics and a rather mediocre approach to an action RPG made Ego Draconis lacking in terms of a full release.

Claim To Fame: Immersive Experience Hindered By Lackluster Graphics

Unfortunately for Divinity 2: Ego Draconis, it released at a time when its competitors are already releasing more graphically-intensive titles. While graphics alone shouldn’t determine the value of a game, heavy-hitters such as Bethesda having vast open world experiences to accompany its stronger graphical presentations can make the more story-focused sections of Ego Draconis lacking in terms of immersion. However, players who do take the time to explore Ego Draconis can experience one of the strongest narratives of its era, especially with its more gripping story that is an obvious level up from the original Divine Divinity.

6 Divinity: Dragon Commander (2013)

Metascore: 76

Studios being known for RPGs such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 makes the existence of Divinity: Dragon Commander rather surprising. After all, the game now focuses on the political aspect of Rivellon’s world, positioning players as the titular character in a Rivellon set thousands of years before the Divinity games. As the bastard son of the dead Emperor Sigurd, players as the titular Dragon Commander have to fight his half-siblings and destroy the demonic steampunk technology the fallen emperor had used to unite the land.

The game itself takes on elements of traditional 4X titles. Divided into three phases, players can converse with liaisons of the world’s various races that impact the game’s eventual turn-based phase and its concluding RTS combat. Despite the allure of having an impact on Rivellon’s political scene, Dragon Commander’s medicore visuals and clunky gameplay made it not as enjoyable as other titles.

Claim To Fame: Wargame Combined With Dragon Mode Makes For A Unique Experience

What immediately sets Divinity: Dragon Commander apart from its siblings from the franchise is its nature as a wargame with turn-based elements. However, the idea of the player’s character touting a dragon form to lead units in combat is also a plus in the franchise’s take on a strategy title. The idea that players become a part of Rivellon’s ancient past can become compelling enough for fans of the series. Despite its middling rating, Dragon Commander is a must-try for players who want to see how Larian Studios will try to pull off its staple immersion mechanics outside the purview of a traditional RPG.

5 Beyond Divinity (2004)

Metascore: 73

Where Beyond Divinity lacks in terms of Diablo’s in-depth gameplay, it more than makes up with immense freedom of play. Serving as the sequel of Divine Divinity, players take on the role of a paladin dragged into another universe and “soul-forged” into a punished death knight. Despite being warriors of opposite sides, players need to help them work together to break their forging.

This unique premise works with Larian Studios’ flexible character customization system, with the added thrill of controlling two characters at once. Players can now pause the game in real-time to configure actions for both characters to accomplish, while stories and in-game choices now have more flavor courtesy of insights of two protagonists. Sadly, the highly technical play of Beyond Divinity leaves much to be desired for an enjoyable playthrough.

Claim To Fame: Two Main Characters Opened Unique Internalized Stories

While RPGs that featured the “seeing the light” trope often saw enemies converted as they “spend time” as the unwilling captives or companions of heroes, Beyond Divinity upends this trend with its unique “soul binding” premise. Despite middling reviews, the premise alone can compel players to at least get to know both heroes, who normally face each other in combat, try to get past their differences to accomplish wildly different objectives.

4 Divinity: Original Sin (2014)

Metascore: 87

Considered as the “do or die” game of Larian Studios, Divinity: Original Sin delivered as one of the best attempts at modernizing the tactical RPG genre. Set thousands of years after the events of Divine Divinity, players are Source Hunters that eradicate Sourcerers who control the Source, or essence of the void energies that make up the universe.

Despite its typical fantasy premise, Original Sin shines in its usage of branching dialogue on top of extremely dynamic turn-based battles. Moreover, extra features such as cooperative multiplayer and a custom modding tool provide players with opportunities to play with friends in maps of their own creation. Such was the acclaim towards Original Sin that its gameplay served as the framework of Original Sin 2, which in itself was touted as one of the best RPGs of all time.

Claim To Fame: The Do Or Die Game That Ascended Into Divinity

Considered by some as the “do-or-die” game of the struggling Larian Studios, the crowd-funded Divinity: Original Sin was a testament to the potential of the Divinity franchise since its conception. The game’s integration of classic CRPG elements such as turn-based combat and heavy emphasis on story with more modern graphics and tactical gameplay showed gamers it’s possible for strategic experiences to come with a decent story. Despite its seemingly-familiar fantasy backdrop, Original Sin is quick to set itself apart from contemporaries not just with the unique world of Rivellon, but in how it manages to breathe life even if it’s contained in just a single game.

3 Divine Divinity (2002)

Metascore: 81

At first glance, fans of CRPGs might think of Divine Divinity as a game with elements quite close to RPGs like Blizzard’s Diablo. However, where Divine Divinity shines is its inclination towards player freedom. Despite graphical constraints, Divine Divinity boasts heavy usage of non-combat skills such as bartering and lockpicking, branching dialogue, and creative freedom in character customization.

Set in the world of Rivellon, players end up as adventurers doing errands in the town of Aleroth before working for Duke Janus of Castle Stormfist who claims to be the Divine, or the savior of the land. Players soon learn of a grand deception and have to stop the demon Chaos from claiming Rivellon. Despite its age, Divine Divinity is a worthwhile entry to introduce gamers to Larian Studios’ works, as many of its modern games’ mechanics are adapted from this title’s gameplay system.

Claim To Fame: Traditional CRPG In An Era Dominated By Action

Perhaps the most recognizable aspect of Divine Divinity as a CRPG back then is its emphasis on the “RPG” element of the genre. In an era dominated by action-packed Diablo, Larian Studios made quite a brave stride with Divine Divinity. Despite its status generally being relegated as a cult classic, Divine Divinity paved the way for 20+ years’ worth of lore with Rivellon as well as an immersive environment that would become the signature elements of the franchise.

2 Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)

Metascore: 93

Despite its 2017 release, Divinity: Original Sin 2 received critical acclaim from fans with its intuitive combat system, stellar music, and compelling narrative not often seen in RPG titles of the time. Set hundreds of years after Original Sin, the story of Original Sin 2 unites players and their companions as “Godwoken” Sourcerers destined to become the Divine, leading to the salvation or destruction of Rivellon.

While Original Sin 2 follows in the footsteps of its prequel and once again takes the form of an isometric tactical RPG, the game uses staple Larian Studios mechanics such as interactive objects and flexible character progression. The game also boasts dynamic environments, branching story paths, and the facilitation of broken skill builds. This blend of flexible mechanics gives players a fresh experience during each playthrough.

Claim To Fame: Perhaps Served As Proof Of Concept For A D&D Adaptation

Prior to the tease of Baldur’s Gate 3, players may look at Divinity: Original Sin 2 as the closest there is in the industry for a “genuine” D&D adaptation. While the more rudimentary Action System of Original Sin 2 is nowhere near D&D’s more specific mechanics, its core principles fulfilled the TTRPG’s main goals. On top of Original Sin 2 having an engaging narrative, stats affecting both dialogue and the overall game world has paved the way for shenanigans that the devs themselves seemed to anticipate, as though replicating the same immersive qualities of D&D but in a video game format.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

Metascore: 97

Fans who play D:OS2 may see its gameplay elements as a “proof of concept” in the potential of an isometric D&D adaptation, making the Baldur’s Gate 3 experience quite the expected hit. Set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, the Baldur’s Gate 3 story puts players at the center of an ongoing Mindflayer invasion, complete with an Illithid parasite that they can either purge or use to their advantage - a decision they have to make before they turn into Mindflayers themselves.

Larian Studios combining its signature blend of interactive environments and compelling dialogue with the worldbuilding of D&D made for a dynamic experience. Being the most accurate depiction of D&D mechanics in a tactical RPG format, Baldur’s Gate 3 lets players experience the TTRPG in its traditional glory, chock-full of game-breaking builds and spells, unique depictions of skills and abilities, as well as immersive lore.

Claim To Fame: The Best Adaptation Of D&D 5e Rules So Far

One of the highlights of Baldur’s Gate 3 as a game is its remarkable translation of D&D 5e mechanics as a game. D&D 5e itself was a more simplified but flexible version of the MMO-esque 4e, although the depth of the former’s mechanics implied an intensive gaming environment to even accommodate creative uses of spells and abilities. Baldur’s Gate 3 achieves and elevates this under the backdrop of the Divinity franchise’s signature interactive flexibility, smoothly integrating D&D 5e’s Action Economy while spells formed the limitations of interactivity with both environment and NPCs.