Summary
Role‑playing games rank among the most versatile video game genres, offering a rich foundation for distinct game styles to explore their mechanics. But, one of the most striking attractions in thesetitles is the character‑customization system, which alters elements such as appearance and abilities, encouraging players to craft unique protagonists perfectly aligned with the narratives chosen for these experiences.
Within those choices, character race often plays a crucial role in shaping a hero’s identity. While some games remain with traditional options, others push forward with bolder alternatives, delivering RPGs where players can play as a monster. Even when the selections are not overtly monstrous, these games broaden the available repertoire, letting role‑players break patterns and explore new perspectives.
In the firstDragon’s Dogma, players were limited to human characters, though tweaking certain features could produce an elf‑like design, such as pointed ears. However,Dragon’s Dogma 2adds a new race option, the Beastren, anthropomorphic felines that introduce a clear monstrous presence for players and broaden customization in this JRPG.
Theirappearance resembles anthropomorphic cats, similar to other fantasy felines like the Khajiit ofThe Elder Scrolls. Unlike many games, choosing Beastren remains mostly aesthetic inDragon’s Dogma 2, since they share abilities with humans; the only notable difference appears in subtle story interactions that acknowledge their feline nature throughout the campaign.
Designed to offer afaithful adaptation of the rules ofDungeons & Dragons 5e, compared to other RPGs available today,Solasta: Crown of The Magisterprovides a diverse set of conventional race options that allow for deliberate character creation. This approach enables the formation of a unique protagonist with Dragonborn attributes that convey a strong, distinctive ancestry while maintaining a structured and coherent narrative.
Similarly to tabletop RPG systems, players have the freedom to select the ancestry of their Dragonborn based on various types of dragons depicted inDungeons & Dragonslore. Depending on the chosen species, characters gain a new color and acquire abilities linked to the elemental nature of their forebear, reinforcing the game’s immersive narrative.
Featuring one of the genre’s most unique concepts, theShadowrununiverse holds that magic returned to the world, causing genetic transformations in many ordinary people who began turning into elves or dwarves. Other humans underwent the same process but became orks or trolls through an event known as Goblinization, reshaping society overnight.
Thus, inShadowrun Dragonfall, one of several series entries featuring these monstrous races, players may select Orks or Trolls as playable options, exploring the narrative from their perspective. These races affect not only appearance but also influence attributes and unlock unique dialogue lines, giving tangible mechanical and narrative weight to the choice.
Although Larian Studios did not explore many overtly monstrous races inBaldur’s Gate 3, the isometric RPG still features choices that deviate from the norm, such as Githyanki and Dragonborn, each unlocking exclusive dialogue lines. Players may also install mods to expand the roster of available races for their characters.
For those seeking a complete monstrous experience, the best option may be playing theDark Urge as a Dragonborn, since certain choices allow transformation into a Slayer as the story advances. Druids also provide impressive Wild Shapes, adding further variety and reinforcing the appeal of RPGs where players can play as a monster.
Divinity: Original Sin 2grants broad freedom in multiple ways, from the branching choices that shape the story to deep character customization. This journey begins with race selection; alongside common options such as human, elf, and dwarf, players may also choose Lizards and Undead, expanding the roster with distinctly monstrous alternatives.
Both monstrous races feature unique abilities within Larian Studios’ RPG. Lizards breathe fire and provide valuable support skills in combat, whereas Undead prove more versatile, able to adopt the likeness of one of the four living races from their past lifeand blend racial talents with skeletal traits, forging a singular dynamic.
This isometric RPG from Owlcat Games spared no effort indelivering a wide variety of races, allowing players to customize protagonists with great freedom. Beyond the expected medieval‑fantasy staples, the title dives into many other choices, some truly monstrous; Dhampirs, hybrids of vampires and humans, stand out among the options that players can choose inPathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous.
Another option likely to please players seeking RPGs with monster protagonists is the Kitsune, drawn from Japanese mythology and able to shift from human form to an anthropomorphic fox. The game also offers intriguing Mythic Paths, such as the Swarm That Walks, which completely changes the protagonist’s appearance into something more grotesque.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimremains, more than ten years after launch, one of the most complete RPGs ever released, granting players broad freedom to explore the region as desired and pursue a vast number of quests. The game is an excellent option for experiencing theRPG journey through monstrous racessuch as Argonians or Khajiits, which break standard designs.
Skyrim also goes further, since during certain quests, such as the Companions of Whiterun, players can become Werewolves, with gameplay adjusted to reflect the new form. The Dawnguard DLC adds perks for these lycanthropes and increases vampire complexity, making the RPG one of the best experiences for those who enjoy playing with monsters.
Inspired by the tabletop RPG of the same name,Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlinesstands out as one of the genre’s most unique games, letting players engage in power struggles among Camarilla clans in Los Angeles. Character creation is crucial, offering a wide array of groups for the protagonist to join, and this decision greatly affects gameplay.
While some of the clan options available inVampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlinesare more conventional and retain a human-like appearance, there are still a few that lean toward a more monstrous style. One such example is the Nosferatu, inspired by Count Orlok from the film of the same name, featuring a more brutal design reminiscent of a mythical creature. In fact, within the universe’s lore, they prefer to dwell in the sewers due to this stark difference.
