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Best games by Piranha Bytes
14th Feb 2026
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Piranha Bytes has carved out a unique niche in the RPG landscape, known for crafting immersive, often unforgiving worlds brimming with character and challenging choices. From the gritty frontiers of the Gothic series to the lush, monster-filled lands of Risen and the sci-fi-fantasy hybrid of ELEX, their games consistently offer a distinct brand of role-playing that rewards exploration and perseverance, often fostering a deep connection with their loyal fanbase. Now, it's time to settle the debate among fans: which Piranha Bytes title truly stands out as their magnum opus? We've compiled a list of their most iconic works, but the ultimate decision rests with you. Dive in, reminisce about your toughest fights and most epic quests, and cast your vote in our "Best games by Piranha Bytes" poll to crown the definitive champion.
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#3.
ELEX (2017)
3/8
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ELEX (2017) is a sprawling, handcrafted action RPG from Piranha Bytes, the legendary studio behind the beloved Gothic series. This ambitious title plunges players into the unique, post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy world of Magalan. Here, a scarce, magic-like resource known as Elex fuels immense power, but at a terrible cost, transforming its users into cold, emotionless beings. As a former commander of the Generals, you'll find yourself at the heart of a war for control of this potent substance. The game champions an utterly seamless open world, allowing for unparalleled exploration thanks to a crucial jetpack mechanic that enables vertical traversal of its complex environments. Every decision matters in ELEX, with a deeply interconnected quest system that truly reacts to player choices and a challenging combat system demanding tactical engagement both up close and from afar. ELEX definitively earns its place among the best games by Piranha Bytes due to its quintessential Piranha Bytes DNA, amplified by their experience and ambition. It embodies the core tenets that fans cherish: a vast, explorable open world brimming with lore and secrets, demanding combat that rewards skillful play, and a narrative driven by player agency and tough moral dilemmas. The addition of the jetpack to their signature formula opens up a new dimension of exploration, truly allowing players to forge their own path. Furthermore, the distinctive blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, a hallmark of their later work, creates a truly unique and memorable setting that stands as a testament to Piranha Bytes' continued evolution and dedication to delivering deep, immersive RPG experiences.
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Gothic 1 (2001)
**Gothic 1 (2001)** plunges you into the harsh reality of Khorinis, a penal colony ringed by a magical barrier and teeming with desperate prisoners. War has ravaged the kingdom of Myrtana, and King Rhobart's desperate need for ore to arm his forces has led to the establishment of this brutal correctional facility. As a convicted criminal, you are unceremoniously thrown behind the barrier, an inescapable sphere two kilometers in diameter. Inside, lawlessness reigns as the inmates have fractured into three warring factions, forcing the king to negotiate for the very ore he once demanded. Survival is paramount, and you must navigate a dangerous landscape, forge unlikely alliances, and prove your mettle in a world that offers no easy escapes. **Gothic 1** stands as a cornerstone of Piranha Bytes' legacy and a definitive entry on any "best games" list for the studio. It exemplifies the core tenets of Piranha Bytes' design philosophy: a vast, interconnected world that feels truly alive, systems that reward player agency and exploration, and a deep, immersive RPG experience. The game's unyielding difficulty, complex faction system, and emphasis on player choice in a reactive world were revolutionary for its time and laid the groundwork for future Piranha Bytes successes like the Gothic sequels and the Risen series. Its over 50 hours of gameplay, diverse combat and magic systems, and the groundbreaking "living world" where NPCs pursue their own routines, solidified its reputation as a landmark achievement in the RPG genre and a proud testament to Piranha Bytes' unique vision.
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Gothic II: Gold Edition (2005)
**Gothic II: Gold Edition (2005)** is the definitive way to experience Piranha Bytes' groundbreaking role-playing masterpiece. This comprehensive package includes the critically acclaimed original **Gothic II** and its substantial expansion, **Night of the Raven**. Step back into the boots of the nameless hero as you grapple with the chaos unleashed after the magical barrier's fall. The former prisoners of the Mine Valley now plague the lands around Khorinis, overwhelming the town militia and leaving the countryside vulnerable to bandit attacks. Prepare for an epic journey across over 100 thrilling missions within a meticulously crafted, living game world populated by more than 500 individual characters, each with their own distinct daily routines. With over 200 unique weapons and spells at your disposal, and more than 12 hours of full English voice acting, you'll forge your own destiny and determine the course of this rich, immersive narrative. The inclusion of **Gothic II: Gold Edition** on a "Best Games by Piranha Bytes" list is an absolute must. This title perfectly encapsulates what makes Piranha Bytes' RPGs so special: a deep, reactive world that truly feels alive, a challenging and rewarding gameplay loop, and a strong emphasis on player agency. **Gothic II** is renowned for its unforgiving yet fair difficulty, its complex faction system, and its ability to make the player feel like a genuine part of its gritty, medieval fantasy setting. The **Night of the Raven** add-on further refines these elements, introducing a challenging new land, a compelling story, and a higher level of difficulty that seasoned players will relish. It represents Piranha Bytes at a peak of their design philosophy, delivering an experience that is both nostalgically potent and timelessly engaging, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of their celebrated legacy.
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ELEX (2017)
ELEX (2017) is a sprawling, handcrafted action RPG from Piranha Bytes, the legendary studio behind the beloved Gothic series. This ambitious title plunges players into the unique, post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy world of Magalan. Here, a scarce, magic-like resource known as Elex fuels immense power, but at a terrible cost, transforming its users into cold, emotionless beings. As a former commander of the Generals, you'll find yourself at the heart of a war for control of this potent substance. The game champions an utterly seamless open world, allowing for unparalleled exploration thanks to a crucial jetpack mechanic that enables vertical traversal of its complex environments. Every decision matters in ELEX, with a deeply interconnected quest system that truly reacts to player choices and a challenging combat system demanding tactical engagement both up close and from afar. ELEX definitively earns its place among the best games by Piranha Bytes due to its quintessential Piranha Bytes DNA, amplified by their experience and ambition. It embodies the core tenets that fans cherish: a vast, explorable open world brimming with lore and secrets, demanding combat that rewards skillful play, and a narrative driven by player agency and tough moral dilemmas. The addition of the jetpack to their signature formula opens up a new dimension of exploration, truly allowing players to forge their own path. Furthermore, the distinctive blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, a hallmark of their later work, creates a truly unique and memorable setting that stands as a testament to Piranha Bytes' continued evolution and dedication to delivering deep, immersive RPG experiences.
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Gothic® 3 (2009)
Step into Myrtana, a world fractured by war and on the brink of annihilation in *Gothic 3 (2009)*. As an unnamed hero, your arrival ignites a spark of hope or dread across the war-torn land. The northern orcs have descended, pushing King Rhobar and his remaining forces to their last stand in Vengard. Meanwhile, rebels fight for freedom, and the southern Hashishin forge an uneasy alliance with the invaders. The whispers of your legend reaching the mainland stir both anticipation and fear. Will you champion the downtrodden, exact vengeance, or forge your own path through this chaotic landscape? The fate of Myrtana, whether liberation or utter destruction, rests entirely on your decisions and actions. *Gothic 3 (2009)* stands as a testament to Piranha Bytes' signature open-world design and player agency. This installment truly embraces the studio's philosophy of "you make your own story." The class-free character development allows for unparalleled customization, letting you master a diverse array of combat styles, from swift melee to devastating ranged attacks and powerful magic. The world of Myrtana is vast and alive, populated by hundreds of NPCs with individual AI and full voice acting, creating an immersive experience rich with emergent quests and consequences. The sheer freedom to explore and interact, coupled with a dynamic combat system and a compelling, choice-driven narrative, firmly cements *Gothic 3* as a cornerstone of Piranha Bytes' legacy, embodying the ambitious RPG experiences they are renowned for.
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Risen (2009)
**Risen (2009): A Gritty Hero's Ascent** In the island of Faranga, a land plagued by mysterious earthquakes and terrorized by fearsome monsters, a desperate plea for a new hero echoes. You are that hero, thrust into a gritty, raw, and atmospheric fantasy world where every decision carries weight. Forge your destiny with the might of the sword, master the art of staff fighting, or unleash arcane energies as a powerful mage. Uncover unimaginable treasures, embark on countless side quests, and confront a menagerie of creatures in over 60 hours of immersive open-world gameplay. The fate of Faranga rests on your shoulders; the actions you take will irrevocably alter the island's destiny. *Risen (2009)* stands as a quintessential example of Piranha Bytes' design philosophy, solidifying its place among their best. The game encapsulates the studio's signature strengths: a rich, lore-filled open world that feels lived-in and dangerous, compelling character and faction interactions with meaningful consequences for player choices, and a deep, skill-based progression system that encourages player investment. Like its predecessors, *Risen* masterfully blends exploration, challenging combat, and a palpable sense of discovery, rewarding players who delve deep into its intricate systems and morally ambiguous narrative. It's a testament to Piranha Bytes' ability to craft unforgettable adventures that resonate with players seeking a challenging and rewarding RPG experience.
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Risen 2: Dark Waters (2012)
**Risen 2: Dark Waters (2012)** plunges players into a world ravaged by the fury of raging titans, leaving humanity clinging to survival on the precipice of annihilation. From the unforgiving depths of the sea, monstrous creatures have emerged, their relentless assaults effectively crippling all seafaring. As a newly inducted member of the Inquisition, you are tasked with unraveling the mystery behind this escalating chaos and finding a way to combat these abyssal terrors. Your investigation will lead you to the notorious pirates of the southern islands, whispered to hold the key to defeating the creatures and ending their reign of terror. This installment bravely shifts gears, embracing an all-new pirate-themed setting that blends seamlessly with the beloved classic RPG gameplay mechanics that defined the original *Risen*. Developed by Piranha Bytes, a studio renowned for crafting deep, immersive worlds and challenging RPG experiences, *Risen 2: Dark Waters* exemplifies their signature style. The game maintains the series' commitment to a gritty, dark universe and highly interactive environments, complete with a dynamic day/night cycle that impacts numerous gameplay elements. Players are once again empowered to shape their own journey through a world where every challenge offers multiple approaches, and decisions directly influence unlocked paths, features, and character skills, solidifying its place among Piranha Bytes' best offerings.
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ELEX II (2022)
**ELEX II (2022)** transports players back to the gritty, post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy world of Magalan, building upon the foundations of its predecessor. Developed by Piranha Bytes, the acclaimed studio behind the beloved *Gothic* and *Risen* series, ELEX II offers an expansive open-world experience that emphasizes unparalleled freedom of exploration. Players will once again step into the boots of Jax, tasked with uniting the disparate factions of Magalan against a new, insidious threat emerging from the sky, one that wields the destructive power of dark Elex. The narrative unfolds as Jax seeks to protect his family and the planet, a mission that involves convincing warring groups to set aside their differences and a desperate search for his lost son, Dex. This sequel solidifies ELEX II's place among Piranha Bytes' best by continuing their signature blend of challenging combat, deep role-playing mechanics, and a world that truly reacts to player choice. The inclusion of a versatile jetpack allows for breathtaking exploration across massive, hand-crafted environments, while the living, breathing NPCs remember your actions and can join or abandon your cause, even meeting permanent fates that shape the unfolding story. With a greatly enhanced combat system and a narrative rich with meaningful decisions and consequences, ELEX II embodies the Piranha Bytes ethos: delivering immersive, player-driven adventures in richly detailed, unforgiving worlds. Powered by their proprietary Engine Genome, the game provides a robust foundation for the kind of complex interactions and emergent gameplay that fans have come to expect and cherish from this legendary studio.
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Risen 3 - Titan Lords (2014)
In Risen 3 - Titan Lords, the world has been forsaken by its gods and is in ruins after the calamitous rampage of the Titans. Humanity struggles to rebuild, but your personal journey is equally dire: your own life has been shattered, forcing you to embark on a quest to reclaim what you've lost amidst a spreading darkness. As you navigate this broken world, three distinct paths of destiny unfold before you, each offering a unique way to confront the Titans and reclaim your soul. The power of choice is yours – will you rise to meet the challenge and perhaps, incidentally, save the world? This action RPG exemplifies Piranha Bytes' signature strengths, earning its place among their best titles. Players are granted unparalleled **Freedom** to explore a diverse and vibrant world, tackling quests in any order and shaping their character through individual choices and varied outcomes. The **Exploration** is vast, from charming towns to treacherous mines and even supernatural realms, with traversal options like swimming and climbing adding to the immersion. The **Enhanced Combat** system offers more nuanced battles, with the triumphant return of Crystal magic, unleashing devastating elemental abilities and helpful exploration skills. Furthermore, the **Guilds & Factions** system encourages deep engagement, allowing players to align with distinct groups, each with unique skills and quests, while navigating a complex web of political intrigue and potentially untrustworthy allies. The game's release also included significant graphical improvements for 64-bit systems, enhancing visual fidelity with higher texture resolutions, improved draw distances, and advanced post-processing effects, further solidifying its status as a quintessential Piranha Bytes experience.
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