For free, open-source video-game RPGs, LinuxLinks’ June 26, 2022 roundup names ten options spanning side-scrolling hybrids, action RPGs, monster battles, and online multiplayer worlds. The list is a dated starting point, not a current check of every project’s downloads, platforms, activity, or licenses.
What the 2022 roundup includes
LinuxLinks defines role-playing games broadly as video games in which players control fictional characters on quests in imagined worlds. It notes that RPGs often blend with other genres; character development, interaction with a setting or story, menu-based combat, and a central quest are among the traditional traits it identifies.
The roundup says it selected games that are free to download, published under an open-source license, playable even if not complete, not dependent exclusively on another project’s proprietary data, and using game media such as graphics or sound under an open-source or Creative Commons license. Those are the roundup’s stated criteria, not a fresh title-by-title verification.
Compare the ten games by their described style
| Game | Format or distinguishing feature in the roundup |
|---|---|
| Ardentryst | A side-scrolling mix of fighting, arcade, adventure, and RPG elements. |
| Crossfire | A cooperative multiplayer graphical RPG and adventure game. |
| Daimonin | A massively multiplayer online role-playing game. |
| Flare | Described by LinuxLinks as focused on “true roleplaying”; its official site calls it a 2D action RPG and says its modding interface can be used to create new games. |
| FreeDink | A portable, enhanced version of Dink Smallwood. |
| FreedroidRPG | A role-playing game with real-time melee and ranged combat. |
| Illarion | An online game that the roundup says enforces genuine role-play. |
| The Mana World | An MMORPG with 2D graphics and a large, diverse interactive world. |
| Tuxemon | A monster-fighting RPG. |
| Veloren | A game whose gameplay the roundup likens to the Diablo series. |
These short descriptions help narrow the kind of experience to look for, but they are not full reviews or a detailed comparison of combat systems, story, or player communities. Crossfire and the two named MMORPGs are the clearest choices if online multiplayer is your priority; Ardentryst is the most explicitly described side-scrolling hybrid, while Tuxemon centers on monster fighting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- EMBARK ON EPIC ADVENTURES: Compete for the coveted Crown of Command in a magical realm! This Talisman: The Magical Quest Game, 5th Edition offers a thrilling experience, combining strategy and luck
- UPDATED GRAPHICS, COMPONENTS, AND GAMEPLAY: This 5th edition features stunning artwork, redesigned figures, and more streamlined and accessible gameplay that lets both newcomers and fans jump into a game
- 12 DETAILED CHARACTER FIGURES: Play as one of 12 powerful characters, including a Prophetess, Wizard, and Thief. Includes 12 Character figures and matching cards that reveal a character’s unique ability
- FIND THE TALISMAN: Set forth on a dangerous journey—race to be the first to acquire a Talisman, reach the Crown of Command, and vanquish its guardian dragon to win
- TRAVEL THROUGH A MAGICAL LAND: The generously sized board depicts the land of Talisman, 3 regions of enchanted locations. The board changes as players layer on Adventure cards with more places to encounter
What is verified about current availability and licensing?
The roundup was published on June 26, 2022. Of the ten games, Flare is the only one in this account checked against a current official project page: Flare’s official site describes it as a GPL3 2D action RPG and lists a Flare 1.15 post dated May 3, 2026. The site also describes a modding interface for creating new games. That update and license information applies to Flare; it does not establish the current status of the other nine.
The roundup does not establish present-day platform support, download locations, project activity, or license details for each of the other titles. Before choosing one, check its official project page and license files for a current download, supported operating systems, and the terms applying to both code and game assets. A project’s software license does not necessarily describe every included artwork, sound, or other asset.
Rank #2
- ESCAPE THE DUNGEON, SOLVE THE MYSTERY: Dungeons and Dragons: Bedlam in Neverwinter offers all of the excitement of the beloved D and D game in one epic adventure, told in a 3-part escape room board game
- 3-IN-1 D and D COOPERATIVE MYSTERY GAME: Players join forces to investigate a series of alarming disappear-ances. Work together to track down clues and solve the mystery at the end of each act. For 2-6 players
- CREATE CHARACTERS, BATTLE MONSTERS: Choose a Race, Class, and Starting Weapon to create your character. Then collect loot and battle D and D monsters on the hunt for an evil mage and his dangerous cult
- SOLVE FANTASTICAL PUZZLES: Don’t split the party. Work together to decipher puzzles, from wordplay problems to multi-card visual riddles. Solve them to unlock new items, locations, and clues
- DYNAMIC GAMEBOARD: Players move their figures around the board exploring Neverwinter. The board builds and changes, revealing mysterious places and clues as players solve puzzles that unlock locations
How to choose a game from the list
- Want cooperative play? Start by investigating Crossfire, which the roundup describes as cooperative multiplayer.
- Looking for a persistent online world? Daimonin and The Mana World are identified as MMORPGs; Illarion is described as an online game.
- Prefer action or a genre blend? The roundup’s descriptions point to Ardentryst’s side-scrolling mix, FreedroidRPG’s real-time melee and ranged combat, and Veloren’s comparison to Diablo.
- Prefer a more distinctive premise? Tuxemon is the listed monster-fighting RPG, while FreeDink is presented as an enhanced, portable version of Dink Smallwood.
- Want a project with a documented current release and license? Flare is the one title here with that specific current information verified: its official page lists version 1.15 on May 3, 2026, and states GPL3.
For the other titles, treat the roundup as a discovery list rather than a guarantee that a download or particular platform remains available. Confirm the current details directly with each project before installing or relying on a license claim.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- D&D Board game
- Play time: 45+ minutes
- 1 rulebook, 1 game board, 2 dice, 165 cards, 8 hero standees, 139 die-cut tokens
Rank #4
- Embrace Your Inner Hero: Defend Waterdeep and Undermountain from four legendary D&D monsters—Beholder, Displacer Beast, Mimic, and Red Dragon. Team up to protect citizens and outwit these iconic foes.
- Engaging Cooperative Gameplay: Unite family and friends in a thrilling strategy adventure that boosts critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.
- Visually Stunning Components: Featuring a richly illustrated game board, sculpted monster miniatures, hero markers, and a custom d20 for immersive D&D flair.
- Easy to Learn, Endless Variety: Each monster offers unique tactics and challenges, delivering fresh strategies and replayable excitement in every 60-minute session.
- Game Night Ready: For 1–5 players. Includes 1 game board, 4 monster mats and figures, hero badges, citizen standees, dice, cards, and all tokens needed to begin your quest.
Rank #3
- FIRST-EVER EXPANSION OF TALISMAN, 5th EDITION: The magical adventure continues with the Talisman Alliances: Fate Beckons game, with fresh characters, spells, Adventure cards—and cooperative play! (Requires Talisman 5th edition to play. Sold separately.)
- COOPERATIVE PLAY: For the first time, contenders for the Crown of Command must form an alliance against evil forces—or the world shall fall! Band together with fellow heroes: share resources, plan, and battle as one
- CONQUER 5 THRILLING TRIALS TO WIN: Take on 5 Trials, unique challenges requiring strategy and luck! In each one, players must place 2 Talismans on the Places of Power, unseal the Portal of Power, and defeat that Trial’s adversary
- UNLOCK 5 UNIQUE MYSTERY FIGURES: As each Trial is completed, open envelopes and boxes to reveal 5 mystery figures, mystery cards, and the objective of the next Trial
- 50 ILLUSTRATED GAME CARDS AND MORE: The Talisman Alliances game includes 50 game cards that bring peril and aid in the form of enemies and strangers, magical objects, and places to visit, plus a doom tracker, tokens, and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
