14 May 2025
Fantasy RPGs (Role-Playing Games) are more than just pixelated adventures with dragons, wizards, and loot. At their core, these games tap into one of the most universal storytelling frameworks of all time: the Hero’s Journey. Whether you realize it or not, every step you take in your RPG quest mirrors an ancient narrative structure that has been around for centuries. Why is this formula so timeless, and how does it continue to fuel some of the most iconic games in the genre? Let’s break it down.
Here’s the short version: The Hero’s Journey follows a protagonist (the “hero”) who sets out on an adventure, faces trials, gains allies, confronts a great conflict, and returns changed. It’s all about transformation—turning an ordinary character into someone extraordinary.
In RPGs, this structure fits like a glove. After all, what is an RPG if not a journey of growth? Whether you’re a farmer-turned-warrior, an orphan chosen by destiny, or a reluctant mage burdened with responsibility, you’re going down a path that’s as old as human storytelling itself.
In RPG terms, this is where you get your starting quest. Think of Skyrim. You’re just a prisoner minding your own business when, suddenly—a dragon crashes your execution party. Or take Final Fantasy VII: Cloud thinks he’s just working on a mercenary gig with Avalanche until he realizes there’s a deeper threat in Sephiroth.
This moment is the hook. It says, “Hey, get ready because your life’s about to change forever.”
For example, in Mass Effect, Commander Shepard may not seem reluctant on the surface, but the conversations you have reveal the weight of responsibility bearing down on you. You’re not just saving the galaxy—you’re making choices that define your character.
Remember Merlin in Kingdom Hearts or Vesemir in The Witcher 3? These mentors provide that crucial nudge, setting the hero on the right path.
In gaming, this is when you leave the tutorial area. Do you remember stepping out of the cave in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and seeing that vast, open world for the first time? Or leaving Midgar in Final Fantasy VII? That moment of crossing the threshold is about stepping into a realm where the stakes are higher and the possibilities are endless.
In RPGs, this is often the heart of gameplay. You’ve got sidequests, dungeons, party members to recruit, and bad guys to face. Think Dragon Age: Origins—every quest shapes your relationships with allies and enemies. Or remember Persona 5, where balancing friendships adds depth to your battles against the system.
Games like Dark Souls are built on this concept. The struggle, the frustration—those long, punishing battles make the eventual victory so much sweeter. Similarly, in The Witcher 3, there’s the emotional toll of Geralt’s journey, questioning what really matters by the time you face the Wild Hunt.
Take The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Every divine beast conquered feels like a significant reward, bringing you one step closer to defeating Calamity Ganon.
In RPGs, this is your climactic endgame—whether it’s taking down Ganondorf, challenging Sephiroth, or facing the Archdemon in Dragon Age: Origins. Every choice, every skill point allocated, comes to bear on this final fight.
But here’s the kicker—this framework doesn’t feel stale. Why? Because every game finds a way to make it unique. Sure, the bones are the same, but the flesh is different. One game might lean more into moral choices, while another focuses on exploration or relationships.
The Hero’s Journey also resonates with players on a personal level. Who doesn’t daydream about being the hero of their own story? When we play, we live that fantasy. We’re not just helping Geralt or Cloud—we’re helping ourselves. Every boss defeated or puzzle solved is like shouting, “Yeah, I can do this, too!”
So, whether you’re slaying monsters, collecting crystals, or running from dragons, remember this: You’re the hero of this story. Don't forget to enjoy the journey.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Fantasy RpgsAuthor:
Jack McKinstry
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3 comments
Jade McKinnon
Great read! Every hero's journey reminds us that adventure awaits around every corner. Embrace the quests, both in-game and in life—let the fun begin!
May 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Jack McKinstry
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Adventure truly awaits us all, in fantasy and in life!
Astrid Griffin
This article beautifully captures the heart of fantasy RPGs. The exploration of the Hero's Journey resonates deeply, reminding us of our own quests and growth. Thank you!
May 21, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Jack McKinstry
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad the article resonated with you and highlighted the essence of the Hero's Journey in fantasy RPGs.
Quillan Mason
Exploring archetypal quests in fantasy RPGs not only enriches storytelling but also deepens player engagement, merging personal growth with epic narratives in immersive worlds.
May 18, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Jack McKinstry
Thank you for your insightful comment! I completely agree that archetypal quests enhance both storytelling and player engagement, creating a deeper connection between personal growth and epic narratives in fantasy RPGs.