Games like Mass Effect to get swept up in

When it comes to finding games like Mass Effect, there's some great options out there to explore.

From some of the best space games out there that capture the space-faring side of BioWare's beloved sci-fi series, to some of the best RPGs that bring tap into the role-playing magic Mass Effect is known for, you'll also find picks here that include romance, choices with consequences, and more.

With the very sad news that Mass Effect 5 has been canceled amid the closure of BioWare, you can also look back on some of the best BioWare games we've seen over the years. But for some recommendations for games like Mass Effect, you can explore some alternatives below.

10. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

If you're looking for another great sci-fi RPG from BioWare to try after Mass Effect, it's worth considering checking out Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. While a little dated these days, it still holds up as one of the best Star Wars games and does an excellent job of throwing into the beloved universe and letting you role-play as a character of your choice.

As the last hope of the Jedi order, you get to bring to life your own party from various customizable characters, and you the choices you make can help to determine choose which side of the Force you align with to suit your playstyle. Lots of BioWare's RPG goodness can be found here, and if you love role-playing and Star Wars, it's well worth trying it out.

9. Prey

One of the sleeper hits of the PS4/Xbox One generation was Prey, a game that has a die-hard community of loyal fans, just like Mass Effect. Prey is interesting because it has a dynamic world that encourages exploration and experimentation with its mechanics. And, much like Mass Effect, Prey features numerous choice-driven scenarios that impact the outcome of the game.

Once again, the story in Prey is excellent, with certain story beats that rival even some of the best films out there. It’s a moody, creepy, space game that will likely make you think. Prey is certainly a lot darker and scarier than Mass Effect, but if you’re looking for something unique, while borrowing some familiar mechanics from other space games, you should absolutely give it a try.

8. Fallout: New Vegas

While Fallout: New Vegas might not resemble Mass Effect in aesthetics, the two have a lot more in common than you might think. Fallout: New Vegas is arguably a more polished version of the acclaimed Fallout 3, with lots of branching paths, memorable characters, and quests to embark on. If you’re a fan of Mass Effect’s RPG elements, you’ll be right at home with Fallout: New Vegas.

This game allows you to build your character exactly how you'd like, with lots of opportunities for replayability. You won’t save the galaxy in Fallout: New Vegas, but it does offer an engaging story that will likely sink its teeth in you. It’s remarkable how well this game holds up, considering it's a decade old at this point. See why it comes out on top in our ranking of the best Fallout games.

7. Greedfall

Much like other entries on this list, Greedfall is an action RPG that prioritizes player choice. In Greedfall, you're able to develop relationships with different factions, and the one you side with changes the outcome of the story. In fact, there are multiple endings that are both worth experiencing, so it's well worth playing through multiple times.

Greedfall differs from Mass Effect in that it focuses more on melee combat instead of shooting, but the action is compelling and will probably keep you engaged. Tying the whole thing together is a story that has its fair share of twists and turns - perfect for those looking for an interesting narrative.

6. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Even if you're not familiar with the Warhammer universe, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader from developer Owlcat Games may just speak to you if you're looking for something in a similar vein to Mass Effect. As a story-driven experience with rich role-playing goodness, you create your own custom character, choosing from a series of different classes, and each and every decision you make will shape the direction your journey goes in.

Aboard your own voidship where you lead a charge of companions as a Rogue Trader, every one who can join your side has their stories and motivations, and you can also find romance if you so wish. While the combat is more tactical and turn-based than Mass Effect, there's lots of ingredients here that make it reminiscent of BioWare's offerings.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

You may not be venturing through the stars and meeting (or maybe smooching) aliens that inhabit the universe, but Cyberpunk 2077 is a immersive RPG that you might very enjoy when you're ready to step away from Mass Effect. With the chance to create your own custom character in merc V, you'll get swept up in a memorable adventure across the Night City with a rocker by the name of Johnny Silverhand for company.

Not unlike Mass Effect, you'll meet a host of different characters in the world, and you can even form a romantic relationship with a handful of people you meet if you so wish. With plenty of role-play goodness in store, you can also shape your V to your perferred playstyle in combat and pick dialogue options that let you inject some personality and play to your strengths. With a slate of updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, there's never been a better time to give it a go.

4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

The later Assassin's Creed games doubled down on the RPG systems, giving you more agency over how you build your character. Mass Effect has similar features in place, offering numerous ways to play, and a slew of weapons at your disposal. Assassin's Creed Odyssey is one of the best in the series and is the second entry to truly feel like an RPG (after Origins).

It's built similarly to Mass Effect, with quests, side-quests, optional romances, lots of different gear, and even includes dialogue options. The various dialogue selections might not be as impactful as they are in Mass Effect, but they function in a similar way - making this game a great alternative after you've finished Shepard's adventures. For more, read our Assassin's Creed Odyssey review.

3. Baldur's Gate 3

While you won't be able to scratch your space or sci-fi itch with Larian's fantasy RPG, Baldur's Gate 3, has a lot of ingredients that may speak to you if you're a big fan of the Mass Effect series. Shepard's adventures deliver some of the best game stories around, along with strong character development and worldbuilding. Similarly, Baldur's Gate 3 also takes you through an engrossing story, which is yours to mold and shape with a host of choices and approaches at your disposal. And not entirely unlike the way to flesh out Shepard through the classes and military profile, you can also select from a myriad of classes, subclasses, and races for your lead protagonist in Larian's RPG.

Baldur's Gate 3 also features a cast of loveable characters you'll enjoy getting to know, and who will fight and journey alongside you as you head out in the Sword Coast. Just like Mass Effect, you also form romantic relationships if you want to, and each companion has their own story to tell. While the combat is quite different since it plays to D&D rules, and the choices can hinge on a dice roll, there's so much here that you're likely love if you enjoy BioWare's RPGs. Read our Baldur's Gate 3 review for more.

2. Dragon Age: The Veilguard

BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, is a great option for anyone out there that's looking for more games like Mass Effect. Not only does it feature a lot of the same elements as the space-faring RPGs, but it also draws inspiration from Mass Effect 2 for its approach to some of its quests. In fact, there's a lot of similarities when it comes to overall structure, too. With a cast of companions you can get to know and romance, you set off to face ancient elven gods and go up against impossible odds together. Naturally that means there are some risks involved, not unlike the memorable suicide mission in ME 2.

And scaling back from the open-world approach of Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Veilguard spins a more linear story that takes you to different open-zone locations. As the same developer behind both RPG series, it's well worth checking out anyone of the Dragon Age games if you haven't already, but The Veilguard has a lot of ingredients that tap into the Mass Effect series strengths. Read our Dragon Age: The Veilguard review for more.

1. The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds shares similarities with many beloved franchises, but it’s hard to overlook how much it has in common with Mass Effect, specifically. Most notably, The Outer Wilds sends you to a slew of planets to meet various characters who have a wide range of personalities. Choice is at the heart of this game, much like Mass Effect, so you’ll have plenty of reasons to replay it multiple times.

It's got a little bit of everything - action, a witty, lovable cast, and a story that offers up different outcomes. One thing The Outer Worlds does well is the way it encourages exploration, with tons of items and resources hidden around every nook and cranny. And if you find yourself enjoying this one, it's also worth considering its more recent sequel, The Outer Worlds 2.

If you're a fan of BioWare, it could also be worth checking out games like Dragon Age, or you can check out our guide to the Mass Effect TV Show.