Video summary

TOP 3 RPGs to Play after Beating Gothic Remake

Main summary

Key takeaways

Gaming

Storyline (what the video recommends)

After completing Gothic 1 Remake, the video recommends three “Gothic-like” RPGs that share key traits: starting as an underdog, hostile open worlds, grounded fantasy, and progression systems that make you feel stronger over time.

  1. ELEX (2017) — #3

    • You play Jax, a high-ranking member of one of several factions after an early assassination attempt leaves him injured and reset “out of his system.”
    • The world Megalan was nearly destroyed when an alien element called ELEX arrived via comet impact.
    • Survivors form factions with rigid rules about what ELEX can be used for.

  2. Risen (Reason/“Rizen” in subtitles) (2009) — #2

    • Set on Faranga, ruled by the ruthless inquisitor Mendula.
    • You start after a shipwreck and can align with:
      • The Inquisition (forces you into the monastery through quests)
      • Dons / Bandits (exiles from the Harbor City, located in the swamp)
    • The island’s exploration is heavily shaped by vertical terrain and strong dungeon design.

  3. Gothic 2 (with Night of the Raven and optional mods/remaster paths) — #1

    • A direct sequel to Gothic 1: you are the nameless hero again, continuing the story with Zardas.
    • The setting continues on Khorinis (with both the expanded island and parts of the old map returning earlier).
    • New threats include dragons, and faction advancement is required to access key areas like the upper city.

Gameplay highlights + key strategies / takeaways

Shared “Gothic-like” pillars

  • Zero-to-hero progression: you start weak, and power grows noticeably through levels, gear, and faction play.
  • Hostile living worlds: the environment treats you like an NPC, not a chosen hero.
  • Faction systems that reshape your run (especially emphasized for ELEX and Risen).

#3 ELEX (highlights & advice)

  • Big strengths

    • Unique blend: fantasy + sci-fi + post-apocalyptic.
    • Huge open world with strong visual variety (forests, mountains, volcanic, snowy zones, etc.).
    • Faction choice (3 joinable + 1 non-playable) strongly affects play:
      • Berserkers: transform ELEX into mana → magic + bow abilities
      • Clerics: use ELEX for tech/machines → laser/plasma weapon styles
      • Outlaws: drug-enhanced builds → flexible melee/ranged with traditional guns
      • Albs: the emotionless main enemies

  • Exploration mechanic

    • Has a jetpack that’s not “full flight,” but a controlled leap/float device with limited fuel, designed into the map’s vertical layout.

  • Armor as a progression gate

    • Similar to Gothic: finding/upgrading armor enables harder zones and stronger enemies.

  • Main caution

    • The subtitle emphasizes jank + a rough start, and combat animations/attacks don’t evolve much.
    • It’s described as more punishing/annoying than Gothic 1 Remake early on.

  • Bottom-line recommendation

    • Worth it despite flaws; just not presented as the easiest “next step” after Gothic Remake.

#2 Risen (Reason) (highlights & advice)

  • Big strengths

    • Closest feel to Gothic compared to later Gothic-like games.
    • Faction system with two main sides:
      • Inquisition: monastery-focused, supports mage path
      • Bandits: swamp camp, supports non-mage paths
    • Best dungeon experience among Gothic-like titles mentioned:
      • Some progression requires spells or ranged weapons, even if you’re not a mage (via spell scrolls).
    • Strong dungeon exploration and useful utility magic for the open world.

  • Magic system

    • If you join the Inquisition:
      • Crystal magic = offensive spells (e.g., fireball)
      • Rune magic = utility/support spells
    • Can also create hybrids:
      • Rune + melee if joining the Inquisition
      • Exclusive melee/thieving skills and ranged weapon training via Esteban’s bandit side.

  • Combat highlight (major emphasis)

    • Melee combat timing matters:
      • Attack combos are optimized by timing hits at the end of attack animations
    • Described as fast/snappy once it “clicks,” and even argued to be snappier than Gothic 1 Remake.

  • Main cautions

    • Later chapters feel a bit underdeveloped (especially lore), and the ending / big boss fights are disappointing.
    • Faction choice is called potentially weaker than other Gothic-like games—but the overall RPG experience still lands as highly recommendable.

#1 Gothic 2 (highlights & advice)

  • Why it’s #1

    • Presented as improving “almost everything” over Gothic 1 in flow, systems, storytelling, exploration, and feel.
    • Includes a standout expansion: Night of the Raven.
    • Also mentions a high-quality total conversion: The Chronicles of Mortana Archolos (credited as so good it may be considered canon by the lore discussions).

  • Story structure

    • The nameless hero is introduced to the new period by Zardas, after surviving Gothic 1’s events.
    • Key goals:
      • Get the Eye of Enos from paladins in Khorinis
      • Gain access by meeting faction/role requirements (e.g., becoming a citizen first for upper city access)

  • World design / progression feel

    • Not “massive open world” by modern standards, but the scale is bigger than Gothic 1.
    • Includes:
      • The full island of Khorinis
      • Parts of the old map from Gothic 1 (with limitations due to the barrier’s fall)
    • Encourages returning to known locations early, even when weak, to motivate growth.
    • More dynamic events compared to Gothic 1.

  • Combat and build variety

    • Similar baseline combat, but improved and less linear quest flow.
    • More build options:
      • Gothic 1 emphasized Strength for melee
      • Gothic 2 adds meaningful Dexterity melee builds
      • Dexterity also supports ranged weapon damage, enabling viable dexterity/ranged hybrid styles.

  • Difficulty & expansion guidance

    • Gothic 2 is generally more challenging, especially with Night of the Raven.
    • Gold Edition includes Night of the Raven automatically.
    • If you don’t want the expansion, the video notes a Steam beta branch to play without it—though the speaker personally doesn’t recommend skipping it.

  • Accessibility note

    • Mentions Gothic 2 Classic coming soon to consoles, and that the main recommended option may depend on platform availability.

Featured gamers / sources

No specific gamers, streamers, or external sources are named in the subtitles beyond the games and their development studios (notably Piranha Bytes). A sponsor is credited: Once Human.

Original video