8 Best RPGs Where Players Start Off Powerful

One of the best RPGs ever for committing to the growth and combat experience from its first entry, Mass Effect 2 gives us a battle-hardened Commander Shepard. Between his biotics and tech powers, it’s no wonder Shepard’s reputation is as revered as it is. This is all especially true if you import your save from the original Mass Effect. Then, players will start at a higher level and retain some skill points, getting an early lead.

#2 Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Coming off the prequel Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War emboldens players to jump right back into the brutal close-quarters and visceral combat. Still tethered to his corporeal counterpart, Celebrimbor, Talion has a myriad of advanced fighting techniques to showcase from the start.

#3 Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV is an RPG/shooter hybrid that gives players superpowers like flight, telekinesis, and super speed. All of these abilities are available early on and allow players to harness chaotic powers after a short progression through the simulation.

#4 Darksiders II

In Darksiders II, players play as the powerful dual scythe-wielding character of Death. While he still needs progression to unlock his true power, Death is a powerhouse right out of the gate. After all, he is tasked with restoring humanity from its extinction, a task only made possible by a primordial force like Death.

#5 Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

The Fire Emblem franchise is known for its challenges and permanent deaths, and The Sacred Stones is no exception. However, players begin their journey with a pre-promoted Paladin named Seth, who is a bulwark that alleviates early game stress. Seth is a loyal companion who will stick with your party until the end of their journey, making The Sacred Stones one of the best RPGs that start players off strong.

#6 Assassin’s Creed Origins

Not only is Bayek skilled with many weapon types, but he’s also a powerful protagonist capable of taking down more than a dozen enemies at a time. He’s an unstoppable force, especially when activating rage mode, which can be triggered as soon as Bayek holds a weapon.

#7 God of War: Ragnarok

While a little light on the RPG elements, Kratos’s starting power is anything but. Building off the 2018 entry, Ragnarok starts us with Kratos equipped with more tools, weapons, power, and confidence. There’s no foe Kratos can’t or won’t go toe-to-toe with.

#8 Diablo III

Wielding explosive power at your fingertips from the first click, Diablo III does power progression wonderfully. It’s one of the absolute best RPGs to make you feel powerful from the start. No matter what class you choose, you’ll be blasting through hordes of enemies and collecting copious amounts of loot right from the beginning.

Final Thoughts

While some of these may lean more into the action genre, they all possess some type of RPG element(s). These are all notable and powerful protagonists, whether created by the player or already established. It’s not just about hacking and slashing; there’s a certain element to this narrative approach, and that is whether or not one is worthy of wielding such great power.