Open-world fantasy games are a big deal in gaming. RPGs often go this route because fantasy settings, magic systems, and diverse creatures make for awesome gameplay. But most developers create their own worlds instead of adapting existing fantasy novels. Honestly, some of the best stories out there, written by super creative authors, are just waiting to be turned into games. Look at how well The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Hogwarts Legacy, and Shadow of Mordor turned out—proof that adapting books can work.
1. The Wheel of Time
- Written by: Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
- Novels in the series: 15 (done)
A huge world with unique places, deep lore, and a one-of-a-kind magic system perfect for a giant open-world RPG.
The Wheel of Time is one of the biggest fantasy series out there, right up there with The Lord of the Rings. With 14 main books and a prequel, it’s got a massive world full of lore that’s screaming for an open-world game. There was a 1999 FPS game, but it didn’t capture the epic vibe of the series. It’s wild that this hasn’t gotten a big-budget game yet, despite being so popular. The Amazon TV show got canned, but there’s hope: Montreal’s iwot Studios is working on a AAA open-world RPG.
2. Mistborn
- Written by: Brandon Sanderson
- Novels in the series: 7 (still going)
A unique magic system where characters eat metals to gain powers, perfect for movement and combat in a game.
Mistborn takes place in a world where ash falls instead of rain. The magic system is awesome—characters swallow metals and “burn” them to get different abilities. You could push or pull on metal objects to zip around like in inFamous, or use other metals for boosted strength or even messing with people’s minds. This setup would make for a killer open-world game with fun movement and deep RPG mechanics.
3. A Song of Ice and Fire
- Written by: George R.R. Martin
- Novels in the series: 5 (still going)
A super popular dark fantasy series with gritty stories and complex characters that needs a proper open-world game.
Despite Game of Thrones being a massive hit, A Song of Ice and Fire still hasn’t gotten a solid video game. The recent Kingsroad game sounded promising but ended up being a letdown with all its microtransactions. Martin’s dark, magical world full of political drama, wars, and intrigue is perfect for a AAA open-world game. It’s got everything you’d want for an epic adventure.
4. Shadowrun
- Written by: Various authors (FASA, WizKids, Catalyst Game Labs)
- Novels in the series: 46+ (ongoing)
A blend of cyberpunk and fantasy with magic, tech, and fantasy races, ideal for a dynamic open-world RPG with hacking and spellcasting.
Shadowrun throws you into a near-future world where magic, cybernetics, and fantasy creatures like elves and orcs coexist. It’s a wild mix of corporate espionage, cyberpunk hacking, and magical battles. The series has tons of novels, each packed with gritty urban settings and high-stakes missions. An open-world game could let you roam neon-lit cities, pull off shadowruns (think high-tech heists), and mix magic with cyberdecks for a unique RPG experience.
5. Powder Mage
- Written by: Brian McClellan
- Novels in the series: 3 (done)
A magic system tied to gunpowder, great for a fantasy open-world shooter.
Powder Mage has one of the coolest magic systems out there, where mages use gunpowder to do wild stuff like cause explosions or control bullet paths. Fantasy shooters are rare, but this series could make an awesome one. The abilities would feel so satisfying in an open-world game where you’re pulling off crazy gunpowder-based stunts.
6. The Stormlight Archive
- Written by: Brandon Sanderson
- Novels in the series: 5 (still going)
A deep story with a focus on epic weapons and armor, perfect for an RPG where you hunt for the best gear.
Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive is a massive fantasy epic, rivaling The Lord of the Rings. It’s set in a sprawling world full of magic, mystery, and conflict. With a story centered on powerful magical weapons and diverse powers, it’s perfect for a giant RPG like The Elder Scrolls or The Witcher 3. You could easily sink 100+ hours into a main quest and tons of side stories.
7. Red Sister
- Written by: Mark Lawrence
- Novels in the series: 3 (done)
Focuses on movement, combat, and stealth kills, ideal for an Assassin’s Creed-style game with magic, disguises, and poisons.
Red Sister follows a group of sisters trained from a young age to be deadly assassins in a convent. They learn everything about pulling off perfect kills. A game based on this could take Assassin’s Creed’s parkour, stealth, and combat and level it up with magic powers that help with fighting and sneaking.
8. The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Written by: Scott Lynch
- Novels in the series: 3 (still going)
Centered on heists, great for an open-world game with sandbox-style heist missions.
The Gentleman Bastard books follow Locke Lamora and his crew as they scam and steal their way through a fantasy world. The novels are packed with cool locations and heists, plus others mentioned in passing. A game set in a lively fantasy city where you plan a massive heist—complete with quests and side activities to gather resources or intel—would be so much fun.
9. Fablehaven
- Written by: Brandon Mull
- Novels in the series: 5 (done)
A whimsical world full of magical creatures and places to explore, perfect for a cozy co-op game.
Fablehaven (and Dragonwatch) is set in sanctuaries for fantasy creatures. It follows two siblings who visit their grandparents and find out they’re caretakers of one of these places, kicking off a magical adventure. As a middle-grade series, it’s less about big threats and more about the wonder of discovering a magical world. It’d make a great cozy open-world game where you explore sanctuaries and befriend creatures with a friend.
10. The Kingkiller Chronicle
- Written by: Patrick Rothfuss
- Novels in the series: 2 (plus a novella, ongoing)
A richly detailed world with a unique magic system and deep storytelling, ideal for a narrative-heavy open-world RPG.
The Kingkiller Chronicle follows Kvothe, a gifted musician and magician, in a beautifully written world full of lore, music, and intricate magic. The series’ focus on storytelling, exploration, and a grounded magic system (called Sympathy) would translate perfectly to an open-world RPG. Players could roam the Four Corners of Civilization, mastering magic at the University, chasing legends, or performing as a bard, with choices shaping a deeply personal story.
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