The Banner Saga 2 similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both are carried by their story Deep narrative immersion with branching choices, character development, and rich lore.
• Both are about staying alive Core gameplay involves managing resources and making choices to keep caravan alive amid threats.
• Both lean into fantasy Strongly rooted in Nordic fantasy with mythical creatures, gods, and apocalyptic themes.
• Same kind of look Screenshots of both games share a very close visual identity (palette, framing, level of detail).

Why it matches

• Both are carried by their story Narrative-driven game with deep lore, character development, and impactful player choices.
• Both are about staying alive Strong survival theme with resource/time management and pressure to keep characters alive.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Players often binge the trilogy and replay to explore different choices; strong attachment to story and characters.

Why it matches

• Both are carried by their story Narrative-driven game with complex, branching storylines and character arcs.
• Both are about staying alive Resource management and character survival are key gameplay elements with risk of permanent loss.
• Both lean into fantasy Strong dark fantasy setting with mythical elements, gods, and grim narrative.

Why it matches

• Both are carried by their story Narrative immersion with engaging lore, character interactions, and evolving world events.
• Both lean into fantasy Set in a fictional world with anthropomorphic animal tribes and imaginative lore, emphasizing fantasy elements.
• Both are driven by steady progression Players accumulate gear, crafting recipes, and influence to advance through the story and improve capabilities.

Why it matches

• Both reward thinking ahead Highly strategic combat involving turn order manipulation, terrain control, and class synergy.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on leveling up goblins, unlocking advanced classes, and acquiring equipment.
• Both lean into fantasy Set in a fantastical archipelago with goblins, spirits, and magical environmental effects; strong fantasy elements.

Why it matches

• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on leveling up, collecting weapons, upgrading skills, and unlocking multiple endings.
• Both are carried by their story Narrative immersion is strong with multiple routes, character development, and engaging plot.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Multiple story routes, new game plus, and grinding mechanics encourage long play sessions and replayability.

Why it matches

• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on accumulating class levels, skills, equipment, and unlocking endings.
• Both reward thinking ahead Requires planning builds, managing resources, reading enemy intent, and tactical combat decisions.
• Both are carried by their story Narrative-driven RPG with multiple endings, character development, and impactful choices.

Why it matches

• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on acquiring new Blades, upgrading skills, and leveling characters.
• Both reward thinking ahead Combat and party management require deep strategic thinking and planning.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Long playtime with over 80 hours of content and many side quests encourages extended engagement and habitual play sessions.

Why it matches

• Both are carried by their story Engaging dark and brutal narrative with CG, dialogue, and voice acting enhances immersion.
• Both lean into fantasy Set in a fantasy world with dark, brutal story and imaginative characters, typical of tactical RPGs inspired by Fire Emblem.
• Both reward thinking ahead Tactical grid-based combat requires planning, positioning, and skillful use of unique hero abilities.