One of the best ways to make a game feel uniquely personal is by having the freedom to create your very own character. That’s right – I’m talking about character creation, the magical tool that lets us tweak and customize our virtual selves to our heart’s content.
In today’s article, I’m going to share with you the best single-player games that offer fantastic character creation options. These games will not only let you shape your character’s appearance but also, in many cases, allow you to define their skills, abilities, and even their backstories. I’ve spent countless hours exploring these worlds and customizing my characters, and now I want to share these gems with you.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim offers ten different races to choose from, each with their unique abilities and attributes. From the stealthy Khajiit to the magical High Elves, there’s something for everyone. The game also features an extensive character customization system that lets you fine-tune your character’s appearance, from facial features to body type.
Want a burly, scarred warrior? Or perhaps a wise, bearded mage? The choice is yours. And don’t forget about selecting your character’s skills and abilities – with an array of perks and skills to choose from, you can truly tailor your character to your preferred playstyle.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Inquisition’s character creation system is one of the most detailed and engaging ones out there. You can choose from four different races (human, elf, dwarf, and the horned Qunari), each with their unique background and abilities.
The game also allows you to choose your character’s class (warrior, mage, or rogue) and further customize their skills and abilities as you progress. Appearance-wise, you can tweak everything from facial structure to tattoos and makeup, ensuring that your Inquisitor looks exactly how you envision them.
Plus, your character’s background and choices throughout the game can have a significant impact on the story, making your experience all the more personal and engaging.
Fallout 4
Character creation in Fallout 4 is an enjoyable and in-depth process. You can customize your character’s appearance using a sculpting system that allows you to manipulate your facial features in 3D, making it easy to create a unique and distinctive look.
You’ll also be able to determine your character’s starting attributes by allocating points in the iconic S.P.E.C.I.A.L system (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck). This system not only defines your character’s abilities and skills but also influences how they interact with the world and its inhabitants.
As you progress through the game, you’ll continue to develop your character by unlocking perks and abilities that suit your preferred playstyle. With so many options at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to conquer the wasteland in no time!
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Character creation in Mass Effect is not only about appearance, but it’s also about shaping your own version of Commander Shepard. You can choose your character’s gender, facial features, and even their backstory, which can affect the way other characters perceive and interact with you.
Furthermore, you can pick from six different character classes, each with its unique set of abilities and playstyle. As you progress through the games, you’ll also be able to make meaningful choices that influence the story, making it truly feel like your own space odyssey.
Dark Souls III
Character creation in Dark Souls III offers a wide range of customization options. You can choose from various classes, each with its own starting stats and gear, as well as a burial gift that provides an additional starting bonus.
The game also provides a detailed appearance editor, allowing you to create a character that truly reflects your vision. Though the game’s difficulty may be intimidating, crafting a character that suits your playstyle can make your journey through Lothric a rewarding and satisfying experience.
Cyberpunk 2077
Character creation in Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most extensive and detailed systems out there. You can choose your character’s gender, appearance, background (Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo), and initial attributes. Appearance customization offers a plethora of options, including hair, tattoos, piercings, and even cybernetic enhancements.
Your character’s background, known as a Lifepath, affects the way the story unfolds, providing unique dialogue options and mission paths. As you progress through the game, you can develop your character’s skills and abilities, unlocking new ways to approach the challenges that Night City has to offer.
The Sims 4
Character creation in The Sims 4, known as Create-a-Sim, is incredibly detailed and intuitive. You can mold your Sims’ facial features, body shape, and even their walk style using simple click-and-drag tools.
Beyond physical appearance, you can also choose their clothing, hairstyles, accessories, and makeup to create a truly unique look. Furthermore, you get to define your Sims’ personality by selecting their Aspiration, which represents their life goal, as well as Traits that dictate their behavior and preferences.
Monster Hunter: World
Character creation in Monster Hunter: World is a visual treat, offering a wide array of customization options for both your hunter and your trusty Palico companion. You can choose your character’s gender, facial features, hair, and makeup, as well as their starting armor set.
The game even provides a selection of unique preset faces and hairstyles inspired by the game’s world and culture. Once you’ve crafted your perfect hunter, you can jump into the world of Monster Hunter and prove your prowess against the deadliest creatures the New World has to offer.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Character creation in Bannerlord is both detailed and meaningful. You can customize your character’s appearance, including their facial features, hair, and build, using a robust set of sliders and options. Beyond appearance, you’ll also choose your character’s background by making a series of decisions about their upbringing and past experiences.
These choices determine your starting attributes, skills, and relationships with various factions in the game world. As you progress through the game, your character’s skills and abilities will continue to develop based on your actions and decisions, allowing you to truly shape your destiny in the world of Calradia.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Character creation in Kingdoms of Amalur is both fun and flexible. You can choose from four distinct races, each with its own unique abilities and bonuses. Additionally, you can customize your character’s appearance, including facial features, hairstyles, and skin tones.
The game also allows you to select your character’s starting abilities and talents, which can be further developed as you progress through the game. With a vast array of skills and playstyles to choose from, you can create a hero that perfectly suits your preferences in Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning.
Black Desert Online
Character creation in Black Desert Online is simply astounding, offering one of the most detailed and robust customization systems available in any game. You can choose from a wide range of classes, each with its unique abilities and playstyle, and then delve into an incredible array of appearance customization options.
From facial features and body proportions to fine details like wrinkles and makeup, you can create a truly unique and lifelike character. The depth of customization in Black Desert Online is truly a testament to the developers’ dedication to creating a deeply immersive and personal gaming experience.
GreedFall
Character creation in GreedFall offers a solid foundation for crafting your ideal protagonist. You can choose your character’s gender, facial features, and hairstyle, as well as their starting class (Warrior, Technical, or Magic).
As you progress through the game, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your character’s skills, abilities, and talents, allowing you to adapt your playstyle to the challenges you face.
GreedFall’s character creation, combined with its engaging narrative and choices that affect the story’s outcome, ensures that your journey through Teer Fradee feels like a personal and immersive experience.
The Outer Worlds
Character creation in The Outer Worlds lets you tailor your protagonist to fit your preferred playstyle. You can allocate points to various attributes that govern your character’s abilities, like strength, intelligence, and charm. You can also choose your character’s appearance, including facial features, hairstyles, and skin tones.
The game offers a variety of skills and perks, allowing you to specialize in combat, diplomacy, or stealth, among other options. As you progress, your choices and actions shape the narrative, making your journey through the Halcyon colony feel uniquely your own.
Conan Exiles
Character creation in Conan Exiles allows you to create a unique and battle-hardened exile. You can choose your character’s race, gender, facial features, body proportions, and even their voice. You’ll also have the opportunity to select your character’s religion, which can impact the gameplay and your interactions with the world.
As you progress through the game, you can develop your character’s attributes and skills, unlocking new abilities and crafting recipes to help you survive the harsh environment and conquer your foes.
Kenshi
Character creation in Kenshi is straightforward yet impactful. You can choose your character’s race, gender, and appearance, including facial features and body proportions. Your character’s starting attributes can be adjusted, allowing you to define their strengths and weaknesses from the outset.
While Kenshi doesn’t have a traditional class system, you can develop your character’s skills and abilities organically as you play, adapting to the challenges of the world and creating a unique and memorable story for your character.
So there you have it – 18 fantastic single-player games that offer deep and engaging character creation systems, allowing you to craft a truly unique and personal experience. From the high fantasy realms of Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age to the gritty, post-apocalyptic worlds of Fallout and Kenshi, there’s a game on this list for every type of player.
Whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or just dipping your toes into the world of character-driven gameplay, these games offer countless hours of enjoyment and replayability as you explore their vast worlds and shape your character’s destiny.
Honorable Mentions
Before we wrap up, let’s give a quick shoutout to a few more games that didn’t quite make our top 18 list but still offer great character creation systems:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Neverwinter Nights 2
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Pathfinder: Kingmaker
These games, like the ones on our main list, offer unique character creation systems and immersive worlds that are sure to satisfy any RPG fan.
In the end, the best single-player games with character creation are the ones that resonate with you, capturing your imagination and immersing you in a world that you’re excited to explore.
