Elves have become a staple component in all things fantasy, having first been seen in Norse mythology, where they were referred to as Alfar. These elves held great beauty and power and were said to have abilities to cause illnesses. Tolkien’sLord of the RingsandThe Hobbitbooks popularized them, but elves did appear in works of fiction predating his.
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And now, elves have become a must for fantasy games, appearing in every big fantasy game IP, as no game would be complete without their presence. Developers often add their own unique mythos to the elves and how they fit into their world, ensuring a unique experience for elf lovers every time.
7Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Ageis a must-play fantasy series for fans of the genre as a whole, and people who like elves. BioWare’s smash-hit fantasy series spins compelling stories in the world of Thedas, be it tackling the Blight inOrigins, freeing Kirkwall from the hands of a tyrant inDragon Age 2, or saving the world from Corypheus’s machinations inInquisition.
In all of theseDragon Agetitles apart from the second, players could choose to play as an elf, with the first game giving them the option to play as a city elf in an ‘Alienage’ slum the elves are left within every city, or as a Dalish elves, living out in the wilds as opposed to the cities. Elves are often treated as second-class citizens in the world of Thedas, though long before the events of the games, elves were the dominant race in Thedas.
6Pillars of Eternity
Obsidian’s foray into the fantasy world resulted in thePillars of EternityRPG series, set in the world of Eora. In the first game, the player character discovers they are a Watcher after their latent powers manifest during a supernatural disaster. In its sequel, the player also plays a Watcher, five years after the events of the first game. In typical RPG fashion, players can customize their character, andrecruit companions.
Part ofPillars of Eternity’scustomization options is the race, as the character can play a multitude of races unique to the world ofPoE, as well as staples like humans and elves. In the world of Eora, the elves are one of the dominant races, known for agility, intelligence, and being lone wolves. They are divided into two subraces, the Pale elves, and the Wood elves, with each offering different in-game bonuses.
5Divinity: Original Sin 2
Before there wasBaldur’s Gate 3, Larian was best known forDivinity: Original Sin, an RPG series set in anoriginal fictional fantasy setting. Players take on the role of a Source Hunter in the first game, hunting and ridding the world of casters who use Source to fuel their magic. In the sequel, players will be a Sourcerer, tapping into the Source of the world in order to save it. Players can choose to play as one of the origin characters or create their own from a vast selection of races and classes.
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Of course, elves are there for those who can’t see themselves playing anything else. In the world of Rivellon, the elves live in tight-knit tribes and are often viewed as cruel to outsiders, a reputation they choose to cultivate. Elves gain the memories of those whose flesh they eat, one of the many unique abilities they possess along with being great Sourcerors. This makes them the greatest choice inDoS.
4World of Warcraft
One could not mention fantasy or elves without eventually mentioningWorld of Warcraft, the biggest and most popular fantasy MMORPG, where certain elves are among the most popular and well-known characters from the game. Blizzard’s fantasy title has been given9 expansions, building further upon the story and world, giving more experiences in their fantasy universe. As with other MMOs, players have the freedom to pick what race and class they wish to play as, with elves being among them.
In the world ofWoW, the elves come in four variants: Night, Void, Blood, and Nightborne, the former two being Alliance and the latter two Horde. These long-lived graceful people are known for their impressive spell-work and keen perception.
3The Witcher 3
Based on a fantasy book series penned by Andrzej Sapkowski,The Witchergame series follows the story of the main character Geralt of Rivia, and his adventures across the Continent as he slaysmonsters that roam the lands. The unique fantasy world features a whole host of monsters and witchers that have the onerous task of slaying them, as well as dwarves, sorceresses, and elves. InThe Witcher 3, Geralt reprises his role as the main character as he chases the trial of his adoptive daughter Ciri as she flees the Wild Hunt.
The Witchertakes a route similar to Dragon Age with the world’s attitude towards elvenkind, often persecuted like other nonhuman species, though that does not stop them viewing humans as great hairless apes as they believed they were created, not evolved from animal species. The elves are divided into two main groups, the Aen Sidhe who inhabit the Continent, and the Aen Elle, who departed to a different world.
2Lord of the Rings Online
This fantasy MMORPG based on the hit fantasy book and movie IP allows fans to experience Middle Earth during the events ofLords of the Ringsin the format of a video game. Many new or paid expansions birthed new regions fans would be familiar with, such as Isengard, Rohan, and Gondor, adding exciting new content to help the game continue thriving.
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As one would expect from MMOs, players have the freedom to craft their own character, with selections of four races and seven classes. And elf lovers rest easy, elves are one of the races players can choose from. In the world ofLoTR, elves are a long-lived species, blessed with immortality, grace, and elegance. As one would expect of the elves, in-game they have increased agility and speed.
1Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian’s foray into the creation of aD&Dgame resulted inBaldur’s Gate 3, an epic fantasy RPG set in the world of the TTRPG, namely that of Faerun. Infected with a mind-flayer tadpole that will transform them into one of the beasts, players can recruit origin characters orteam up with up to 3 friendsto roam the lands, seeking a cure for their ailment, though those feeling particularly bold can try and go it alone.
As it is based on WotC’s IP, it comes with a huge amount of lore and world-building, including a roster of playableDungeons and Dragonsraces and classes. The selection of races allows players to create a high elf, wood elf, half-elf, or a drow. Each of these elven subraces varies in bonuses and appearance, so elf lovers are spoiled for choice.
