Summary

Magic is often used infantasy video games, and as a result, wizard characters are fairly common. However, while certain games feature wizard NPCs or potential party-members/companions, there aren’t many that put the player themselves in the shoes of said magic-user.

By giving players control over a wizard character, these games offer an inherent promise of magical abilities. For games such asLEGO Harry Potter, the implementation of this magic is more standard, while games such asNoitago above and beyond to provide players with a more granular experience. There are several great options available for those looking toplay as a wizard in a video game.

Keeper RL - Steam Screenshot (Building A Dungeon)

KeeperRLcombines classic rogue-like gameplay with RPG mechanics and a clearDungeon Keeperinfluence that puts players in the role of an evil wizard. In this game, players build up their dungeon, filling it with traps and digging out multiple floors in order to expand. In trueDungeon Keeperfashion, players are also given a host of minions to help them.

Each run ofKeeper RLtakes place in a unique, procedurally-generated world. Building, expanding, and managing the dungeon plays similarly to colony-simssuch asDwarf FortressandRimWorld, taking place in real-time. However, once players take control of their units, the game enters a tactical turn-based mode. This results in a distinctive combination of colony-sim management and tactical rogue-like combat.

LEGO Harry Potter - Steam Screenshot (Harry Potter Looking At The Camera)

Harry Potteris almost synonymous with the word “wizard,” right alongside such icons as Gandalf, and theLEGO Harry Pottergames put players right into the action, allowing them to play as a variety of wizards in theHarry Potteruniverse. LEGO games may be relatively formulaic, butLEGO Harry Potter’sfaithfulness to its source material makes it a worthwhile adventure forHarry Potterfans.

Players who don’t traditionallyenjoyLEGOgames, however, are unlikely to find much to enjoy here. Furthermore, as with many earlyLEGOgames,LEGO Harry Potteris beginning to show its age. Still, for fans of the family-friendly fun that these games offer,LEGO Harry Potteris certainly a stand-out, and it’s jam-packed with wizardry.

Wizard Of Legend - Steam Screenshot (Fighting Enemies In A Wooded Area)

Wizard Of Legendis a top-down dungeon-crawler with the rogue-like genre elements. The game featuresa rogue-like structureand satisfying combat that revolves around casting magical spells. In the game, players take on the role of wizards, fighting through a challenging gauntlet of enemies.

Much of the fun inWizard Of Legendcomes from unlocking new spells and creating powerful load-outs for the wizard who wields them. This also adds a great deal of replay value to the game, as there’s a large variety of spells to experiment with.

Wizard With A Gun - Steam Screenshot (Fighting Enemies)

Wizard With A Gunis anaction-packed top-downadventure that features a stylish art-style akin toDon’t Starve, albeit less Gothic. In the game, players take on the role of a wizard who battles it out with various enemies using a magical gun. This results in satisfying run-and-gun gameplay with a variety of magic combos, which players can create using the game’s various bullet types.

Wizard With A Gunmay have a relatively weak wizard theme, as it plays more like a weird-west game, but its stylish action more than makes up for this. Furthermore, the game can be played both solo and in online co-op.

Rift Wizard 2 - Steam Screenshot (Exploring A Dungeon)

2Rift Wizard 2

A Traditional Rogue-Like With An Extensive List Of Spells

Rift Wizard 2is an indie game currently in Early Access on Steam that combines classic rogue-like elements with magic-focused gameplay that puts players in the robes of a powerful wizard. For fans of the challenging turn-based gameplay thattraditional rogue-likesoffer,Rift Wizard 2is an incredibly rewarding experience. However, it can be quite tough, and its faithfulness to traditional rogue-likes makes it a somewhat inaccessible title.

As with all traditional rogue-likes,Rift Wizard 2features turn-based combat on a grid. This combat rewards strategic thinking, tactical positioning, and efficient threat-assessment, rather than quick reflexes and skill-based abilities.Rift Wizard 2features a ridiculous number of spells and a variety of equipment that allow players to take each run in an entirely unique direction.Rift Wizard 2is more than meets the eye, and any fan of wizards and/or spell-casting action should consider looking past its old-school visuals.

Noita - Steam Screenshot (Watching Lava Flow)

This side-scrolling rogue-like features real-time,spell-slinging actionthat’s both brutal and unforgiving. Much of the fun inNoitacomes from its physically simulated, pixel-art world, in which every pixel is part of the simulation. This deep simulation results in an abundance of emergent gameplay, makingNoitahilariously unpredictable.

Noitahas players combining spells to create unique and powerful wands, and this provides a great deal of replay value by encouraging strategic thinking and experimentation. On top of its physics simulation, emergent gameplay, and rewarding magic system,Noitais built with exploration in mind.Noitaalso features a treasure trove of secrets, which provides a great deal of replay value. Gamers looking for a title that allows them to play as a wizard will findNoitato be one of the best options.