Whether it's schools of witchcraft and wizardry or rogue mages casting fireball, magic has been a prevalent theme in video games. When many think of games featuring magic and wizardry, franchises like Hogwarts Legacy and Magic: The Gathering may come to mind. However, there are dozens of varying games produced around the world every year with these themes.
While some games may lightly feature the use of magic, such as The Elder Scrolls series, others bring it to the forefront with mystical characters and worlds. From action-adventure, RPGs, rogue-lites, and turn-based strategy games, there are plenty of magic-themed games to go around.
10 Genshin Impact - September 28th
Embark on a journey to reunite with a long lost sibling and unravel the mysteries of Teyvat in Genshin Impact. Players can travel alone or invite friends in the fantasy open-world adventure game while exploring, solving puzzles, and defeating various enemies with elemental powers.
Also, the game offers the ability to customize teams, with over 20 unique characters, so each character has their own set of abilities. Genshin Impact has swept across the internet with its beautiful graphics and fun gameplay. Developed by miHoYo Genshin Impact is currently available on PlayStation 4, IOS, Android, and Windows.
9 Unbound: Worlds Apart - 2021
Conjure magical portals and save the world from evil in Unbound: Worlds Apart. Players can play as Soli, a young wizard, seeking revenge for the loss of their brother. Using magic portals players can travel between different realities and learn about the catastrophe that destroyed the world.
The 2D platformer game features dark fairytale worlds to explore, in addition to a variety of magic portals. Each portal is full of shape-shifting creatures that can help solve puzzles or harm Soli. Unbound features Metroidvania elements with a non-linear story and non-linear gameplay. Alien Pixel Studios is developing Unbound: Worlds Apart, the game will be available on PC in 2021.
8 Alchemist Adventure - June 30th
Alchemist Adventure is an action-adventure game that takes place in the abandoned region of Isur. Players take on the role of Mya, an alchemist who has no memory as to how they arrived in Isur. Combine the elements to make ingredients and explore the puzzle-filled world. The game features several different laboratories and dungeons to explore.
Each region also has its own unique set of enemies to fight and lore to discover. Using alchemy players can change the environment around them, and strategize against each enemy type. Alchemist Adventure also has the option to play solo or with a friend. Developed by Bad Minions, Alchemist Adventure is currently available on Steam.
7 Witchery Academy - TBA
Spend days learning spells, growing vegetables, brewing potions, and meeting other students in Witchery Academy. Developed by Cubenary, Witchery Academy is a life simulator set in a wizard academy. Players can customize the character's appearance, and spend time with a spirit companion.
Meanwhile, outside of the academy players can go bug catching, fishing, foraging, and combating creatures. The colorful and magical world will be available on PC and consoles, however, a release date for Witchery Academy has not been announced.
6 Raji: An Ancient Epic - August 18th (Nintendo Switch)
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game set in ancient India. In a world where humans have forgotten the ways of alchemy, play as Raji. Go on an epic adventure to search for her brother and battles hordes of demonic creatures. Players have a variety of weapons and powers to utilize throughout the game.
Developed by Nodding Heads Games, the game is inspired by Indian mythologies such as Mahabharata and Ramayana. Inspiration for the game also comes from the medieval architecture of Rajasthan. Raji: An Ancient Epic brings a new style to the action-adventure genre. The game is currently available on the Nintendo Switch and will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One on October 15th.
5 Lawmage Academy - 2022
Learn spells, craft potions, make friends, and go on exciting adventures in Lawmage Academy. The single-player turn-based JRPG puts players in a world where choices matter. Subsequently, players begin the game by being sorted into one of the four houses at the academy. Dark secrets await as players spend their days studying magical combat and potion-making.
Likewise, time management is just as important as spells, in this game. Players can spend time with classmates and form bonds that help them level up and enable them to join adventures. Lawmage Academy is developed by Solo developer Verinius and will be available on Steam in 2022.
4 Noita - October 15th
Noita is a magical action rogue-lite game set in a procedurally-generated fantasy world. Every pixel in the world is simulated, allowing players to burn, explode, and/or melt anything. Players can create their own spells as they traverse through the world. Similar to many other rogue-lite games, death is a permanent feature. However, learning to advance further is half the fun.
Noita is developed by Nolla Games. Noita has also been nominated for Best Technology in the 2020 Game Developers Choice Awards. Noita is currently available on Steam in early access and the full game will be available on October 15th.
3 Witchbrook - TBA
Developed by Chucklefish, Witchbrook allows players to discover the thrills and pitfalls that come with school-life. Attending classes and completing assignments allow players to develop their magical abilities. Likewise, as a witch-in-training players can build relationships with fellow students and townsfolk.
Players can also meet a new best friend, a date, or even a rival as they explore the world. The magical school simulation game takes place in a charming isometric world reminiscent of Stardew Valley- which Chucklefish at one point published. As of now the developers of Witchbrook have yet to confirm and official release date.
2 Spellbreak - September 3rd
Become a battlemage in the multiplayer action-spellcasting game Spellbreak. Players can master elemental magic, as one of the five classes: Frostborn, Conduit, Pyromancer, Toxicologist, Stoneshaper, or Tempest. Each class offers the ability for each player to build their ideal playstyle. Similarly, players can cast powerful spell combinations on other players across the land. The map has plenty of exploration potential along with tactical vantage points to outplay opponents.
Hidden chests full of magical runes and equipment are also accessible around the world. Developed by Proletariat Inc., the game allows cross-play and cross-progression. Spellbreak is available on Epic, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
1 Potionomics - TBA
Take on the role of a witch named Sylvia, and transform her debt-ridden potion shop into a thriving business. Developed by Voracious Games and published by XSEED Games, Potionomics is an RPG magical shop simulator. Consequently exploring the business side of brewing potions. Players can gather ingredients, and negotiate with demanding and unique customers.
In addition to brewing potions, players use cards acquired from interacting with in-game characters, players can boost their magical marketing skills. Players are also able to customize their shops, from cauldrons to shelves and couches. A release date for Potionomics has not been confirmed, the game will be available on PC.