Enter the world of Ultima, a franchise revered by role-playing gamers globally. The series, known for open-world fantasy games, offers rich narratives and expansive universes. Our selection takes you on a tour of the franchise's milestone games, tracing its legacy. We've curated a list that includes every acclaimed title, from Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness to Ultima Online. What sets us apart is our fusion of user-driven rankings and insights about each game. See how gaming mechanics, visuals, and storytelling evolved with each title, set in the fantasy realm of Britannia. Our guide goes beyond a list, detailing each game's features, advancements, and memorable moments. Revisit Ultima VII: The Black Gate or explore Ultima: Underworld Ascendant - our guide offers a detailed understanding of each episode. Explore the Ultima series, a saga of good versus evil. Whether you're a veteran gamer or new to the series, our guide provides a comprehensive viewpoint. Get ready to enter the world of Ultima, where fantasy role-playing comes alive.
About this list
- 1

Emerging as a groundbreaking installment in the series, Ultima VII: The Black GateUltima VII: The Black GateUltima VII: The Black Gate shows a detailed, engaging world. It pushes interactivity and realism. A mouse-driven interface and a complex dialogue system introduce players to the malevolent Guardian Fellowship. Players uncover the truth behind the Black Gate. The non-linear story and focus on immersion earned this classic RPG a devoted fanbase, making it one of the best Ultima games.
120 - 2

Eschewing the traditional “rescue the princess” trope, Ultima IV: Quest of the AvatarUltima IV: Quest of the AvatarUltima IV: Quest of the Avatar encourages players toward self-improvement and spiritual enlightenment. This move away from standard RPG plots makes gamers embody the eight virtues. This leads to the 'Avatar' title and teaches the importance of ethical choices in the game. Expansive geography and complex dungeons give players space to explore and grow. The game is compelling and subversive.Ultima IVUltima IV truly stands out as a trailblazer in the genre.
107 - 3

Building upon the philosophical framework of its predecessor, Ultima V: Warriors of DestinyUltima V: Warriors of DestinyUltima V: Warriors of Destiny explores moral gray areas and tyranny through its gripping story. Players must handle the volatile politics caused by Lord Blackthorn's rise. They strive to restore balance in a dystopian society that warped virtue. The game includes new features like day/night cycles, NPCs with set schedules, and an upgraded magic system.Warriors of Destinyexemplifies the series' commitment to evolving gameplay and storytelling. It's a deep, immersive experience that solidified Ultima's reputation for creating unparalleled worlds. Warriors of Destiny
Also ranks #57 on Best NES RPGs
93 - 4

Warriors of Destiny integrates a near-smooth shift between the map and the world.Ultima VI: The False ProphetUltima VI: The False Prophet offers deep gameplay while addressing intolerance and prejudice. As players control the Avatar in a world fighting alien Gargoyles, they can either build understanding or increase violence. Striking graphics, a real-time environment, and advanced NPC interactions enhance this part of Ultima.Ultimatruly sets itself apart as a thoughtful and engaging RPG. Ultima VI: The False Prophet
Also ranks #53 on Best SNES RPGs Ranked
78 - 5

Revolutionizing the genre with its innovative 3D graphics and real-time, first-person perspective, Ultima Underworld: The Stygian AbyssUltima Underworld: The Stygian AbyssUltima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss presents a tough, atmospheric dungeon crawl. Players must rescue a kidnapped baron’s daughter. They traverse a treacherous subterranean world, facing factions and solving tough puzzles. This seminal game set the stage for future classics with its freedom and focus on physics.System ShockandDeus Ex.
67 - 6

This riveting sequel to The Black Gate,Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent IsleTransports players to a new land. Fresh challenges and discoveries await amid ancient civilization remnants. The Avatar traces the Guardian's corrupting influence, uncovering secrets in the three serpentine aspects: Order, Chaos, and Balance. This expands on its predecessor's UI and interactive storytelling.Serpent IsleSerpent Isle pushes immersion limits. Rich history, complex side quests, and a lively cast of characters bolster the experience.
59 - 7

Marking a turning point in the series,Ultima III: ExodusExodus departs from its predecessors. Improved graphics and gameplay pioneer features for future RPGs. It introduces a party system with customizable character classes and races, plus turn-based tactical combat.ExodusExodus gives players depth and challenge when fighting the main antagonist. Open-world exploration, puzzle-solving, and dynamic enemy AI further cement its place among top Ultima entries.
Also ranks #22 on Best NES RPGs
48 - 8

Pioneering the MMORPG genre,Ultima OnlineUltima Online allows players to collaborate and compete in a huge, lasting world full of action, peril, and endless chances. Its player-driven economy, housing system, and guild fighting push social interaction, role-playing, and new gameplay. The game shows amazing detail and customization.Ultima OnlineUltima Online stays a classic. It shows the series' lasting legacy.
31 - 9

Expanding on its predecessor's mechanics,Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of WorldsLabyrinth of Worlds delivers a story-driven experience. It packs diverse environments, compelling characters, and complex maze designs. As political trouble grows, players move through linked underworlds, each with its own setting and culture. Tech upgrades like better graphics, a new automap, and an enhanced inventory add depth.Labyrinth of Worldsplace among the greatest Ultima games.
26 - 10

The progenitor of the series,Ultima I: The First Age of DarknessUltima I: The First Age of Darkness laid the foundation for its gameplay. Turn-based combat, dungeon crawling, and open-world exploration define it. Players move across Sosaria, recruiting allies and gathering resources to beat the evil sorcerer Mondain. This groundbreaking title shows surprising depth, foresight, and innovation. It sets the stage for the RPG franchise that followed.
10 - 11

Dark and unforgiving.Ultima VIII: PaganUltima VIII: Pagan plunges players into a world without virtue. Four malevolent elemental Titans rule this place. The Avatar loses his companions. He must find new allies and master the titans' dark magic. This lets him reclaim his freedom and stop the Guardian's plans. The game uses streamlined action, an isometric view, and tough platforming.PaganPagan offers an experience different from earlier entries. This earns it a spot among the best.Ultimagames.
-4 - 12

Building on its predecessor,Ultima II: The Revenge of the EnchantressUltima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress presents a bigger, complex world. Players travel through time to defeat the evil enchantress Minax. Gamers face many challenges. These include a better combat system and expanded magic. Some design choices caused debate, butUltima IIits story and big scope keep the series evolving and its appeal strong.
-5 - 13

As the first Ultima game,Akalabeth: World of DoomAkalabeth marks Richard Garriott's start in game design. It stands as one of the first computer role-playing games. Players move through a world made up of random generation and go into dangerous dungeons to fight forces threatening the land. Its design and graphics are simple.AkalabethIts new ideas created the base forUltimaand its effect on the RPG genre.
Also ranks #15 on Best Free GOG Games, Ranked
-12 - 14

Ultima IX: Ascension serves as the final game of the Guardian Saga.Ultima IX: Ascension aims to give an epic end to the Avatar's quest. It features great 3D graphics and a fully-voiced cast. Players must bring back virtues and restore Britannia's shrines while solving the Guardian's dark plan. Some issues and technical problems arose, butUltima IX: Ascension strives to deliver an epic conclusion to the Avatar's journey. It boasts impressive 3D graphics and a fully-voiced cast. Players must rekindle the virtues and restore the shrines of Britannia while unraveling the Guardian's sinister plot. Some controversies and technical challenges arose.remains a captivating final entry, giving fans a proper end to the legendary series.Escape from Mt. Drash
-20 - 15

Escape from Mt. Drash offers a rare, unique spinoff. It takes players on a dangerous trip through the mountain, forcing them to rescue captured companions. This puzzle adventure skips the series' main RPG elements, using strategy and problem-solving instead.Ultima: Escape from Mt. DrashEscape from Mt. Drash takes players on a perilous journey through the mountain. It tasks them with saving their captured companions. This puzzle adventure moves away from the series' main RPG elements, using strategy and problem-solving.Escape from Mt. DrashEscape from Mt. Drash stands out as an interesting and mysterious part of the storiedUltima is in 'The Best Ultima Games'.The universe is in 'The Best Ultima Games'.
-23
More like this

Best NES RPGs
Over 2,000 gamers voted on 75+ top NES RPGs. The current top 3 are Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, Dragon Warrior III, and Final Fantasy I-II.

Best Free GOG Games, Ranked
Over 90 gamers voted on 20+ items for Best Free Games On GOG, Ranked. The current top 3 are Flight of the Amazon Queen, CAYNE, and Beneath a Steel Sky.

Best SNES RPGs Ranked
Over 10,000 gamers voted on 60+ top SNES RPGs. The current top 3 are Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.

Best 90s RPGs, Ranked
Fans voted for the Best 90s RPGs, Ranked. The current top 3 are Baldur's Gate, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy VI.

Comments (0)
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your take and reply to others.
First take? Share what stood out to you.