Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura similar games & best alternatives
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
2016
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Quick resume
Imagine a place of wonder, where magick and technology coexist in an uneasy balance, and an adventurer might just as easily wield a flintlock pistol as a flaming sword. Welcome to the land of Arcanum.
Global score
89/100
Genres
Role-playing (RPG)
Pros
- Extensive character customization and roleplay freedom
- Deep and immersive fantasy-steampunk world
- Multiple quest solutions and high replayability
- Rich story and moral complexity
- Active fan community with patches and mods
Cons
- Dated graphics and interface
- Buggy and unstable without unofficial patches
- Clunky and unbalanced combat system
- Steep learning curve and lack of tutorials
- Requires patience and sustained attention
Motivations
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Autonomy5
"Players have extensive freedom to create characters, choose playstyles, and solve quests in multiple ways."
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Competence3
"Character builds and skill development require thoughtful planning and mastery, though combat can be unbalanced and buggy."
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Competition-3
"Focus is on personal roleplay and exploration rather than competing against others; multiplayer is minimal and not emphasized."
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Continuation5
"Highly replayable with many playthroughs reported; players return repeatedly for new experiences."
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Cooperation3
"Players can recruit companions with unique personalities and manage party dynamics, though companions act semi-autonomously."
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Creativity5
"Strong emphasis on character customization, crafting, and multiple solutions to quests."
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Domination-4
"Interactions emphasize roleplay and mutual respect; no evidence of power-over or trash talk dynamics."
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Escapism5
"Players immerse in a rich fantasy-steampunk world to escape real life, with deep story and atmosphere."
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Expectation-5
"Engagement is driven by intrinsic interest, nostalgia, and personal desire rather than obligation."
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Experimenting5
"Players experiment with diverse character builds, skills, and quest approaches."
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Exploration5
"Open world with many hidden locations and secrets encourages discovery."
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Expression5
"Character creation and roleplay allow for strong self-expression."
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Fantasy5
"Set in a unique fantasy-steampunk world with magic, mythical races, and imaginative fiction."
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Fellowship2
"Community and fan patches/mods exist; some social interaction through companions and fan communities."
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Growth4
"Players develop skills, learn game mechanics, and improve through multiple playthroughs."
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Health-4
"Primarily sedentary gameplay with long sessions and minimal physical activity."
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Idle-4
"Requires sustained attention and focus; not suited for casual or background play."
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Intimacy1
"Some emotional connection with companions and community, but limited to in-game relationships."
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Leadership2
"Players lead a party of companions with some autonomy, balancing group dynamics."
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Progression5
"Strong progression through skills, items, crafting, and character development."
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Relaxation2
"Atmospheric and immersive but combat and bugs can cause frustration and tension."
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Sensation2
"Enjoyable soundtrack and art style provide sensory pleasure, though graphics are dated."
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Status-3
"Focus is on individual experience rather than social recognition or popularity."
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Story5
"Deep narrative with branching quests, moral ambiguity, and rich lore."
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Strategy4
"Requires planning character builds, quest approaches, and combat tactics."
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Thrill1
"Some suspense in quest outcomes and combat, but overall moderate emotional intensity."
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Value5
"High perceived value due to extensive content, replayability, and low price."
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Violence1
"Combat is present but players can choose pacifist or violent approaches; violence is not glorified."
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Survival3
"Players manage resources, avoid threats, and overcome challenges in a dynamic world."
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Last update: 06/03/2026