Games are meant to fulfill a fantasy or a wish and to spin a narrative you could never have imagined in a TV show or a movie. The interactive nature of video games is the main appeal, and one of the best features several games have is character customization. This list will feature the best video games with great character customization options while being highly enjoyable. The ability to personalize your in-game avatar allows for a deeper connection and immersion, making character customization a pivotal aspect of the gaming experience.
The Sims 4
This had to be the first on the list. The Sims 4 is the latest and improved version of the Sims series. It includes the best customisations possible, from diverse hairstyles to realistic body proportions. The player can even moderate the voice and personalities of their characters. The easiest part is even after starting the game and playing it for a significant amount of time, the player can customise their appearance further. The Sims 4 is free-to-play, with additional packages up for purchase, but they come with even better character and house customisations for your enjoyment.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 won Game of the Year 2023, and for several reasons, all justified. In classic Dungeons & Dragons fashion, the player can customise their character based on race, class, abilities, background, and of course, appearance. While the outfits are usually on default based on these factors at first, you unlock more and more as the game goes on. It is an excellent game that gets you invested from the first minute itself, with several stories and companions to romance and epic battles.
Tower of Fantasy
This is very different from most open-world role-playing games. Tower of Fantasy features one of the most in-depth character creation options available. It offers an immense amount of creativity. The player gets to choose the shape, size and colour of their character’s facial features, mix and match the hairstyles, switch outfits at the press of a button, and much more. It’s essentially creating your very own anime character. But more than that, you can also upload these presets, download the presets from other players that you might fancy, and get to vote on whichever you prefer. You can spend hours on this and never get bored.
Fallout 4
This is the game that took the world by storm. Fallout 4 has excellent options for customisation, with realistic graphics that are nearly ridiculous too. Considering it’s a nuclear wasteland, the player can also add scars and blemishes to their character’s body. Another interesting fact is that you can customise both the husband and the wife, and the way you make them look will determine how your baby will look. Many YouTube Gamers have recreated celebrities and other public figures but also created the ugliest people to see how that might have an effect on the game.
Nioh 2
Nioh 2 introduced a character customisation menu to the game series. Unlike the first Nioh, you can create your own character from scratch, and the options are endless. Like Tower of Fantasy, you can recreate your favourite characters and share them with other players. The Internet is also filled with codes for other players’ characters.
Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
While Cyberpunk 2077 was off to a rough start, the game improved over time to be named one of the best in terms of the character creator. It even has some risque customisations that players were surprised by (yes, it is what you’re thinking). Overall, it has a diversity never seen before, especially regarding skin tones and hairstyles catering to different races.
Elden Ring (2022)
Elden Ring, the newest addition to the Soulsborne world, aims higher in the character customisation menu. Dark Souls games always feature realistic-looking models for their playable characters, but the characters you can create in Elden Ring are exceptionally uncanny valley. The options and sliders for the customisation are slightly difficult, but once you get used to the controls, your character will look incredibly realistic.
Saints Row (2022)
Imagine Grand Theft Auto but limitless. Saints Row is the game where the sky is the limit. The developers have given their players too much free reign, allowing a huge range of customisations for things that shouldn’t even be customised. You can create the most hideous or the most beautiful character of all time. Despite its lack of quality gameplay, you could spend hours in the character creation menu. Either way, the game is your oyster.
Code Vein (2019)
In the post-apocalyptic adventure by Bandai Namco, Code Vein brings a grand variety of customisation options to the table. From at least 32 presets, the players can start their journey towards creativity from there onwards. Beyond that, the player is completely in control of how their character will look and similar to a few games already on this list, you can recreate your favourite character. There’s a huge community based around sharing their builds with others.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (2012)
While the beginning menu only provides you with the basics, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning has choices that will determine the journey of your character. Race, which cannot changed, and Diety are unique choices that will heavily determine your character’s traits and battle style. Moreover, you can choose your own weapon, and therefore, doesn’t limit your hero to a sword-swinging warrior. That being said, the more you play the game, the more you can customise.
