Tyranny is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. It was released in 2016 for PC.

What kind of game is Tyranny?

Tyranny is an isometric, party-based RPG similar in style to games like Pillars of Eternity. It focuses heavily on player choice and narrative, with a unique premise where evil has already won.

What platforms is Tyranny available on?

Tyranny is available exclusively on PC.

Who developed Tyranny?

Tyranny was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, known for their work on other critically acclaimed RPGs.

What is unique about Tyranny's story?

In Tyranny, the forces of evil have already conquered the world, and you play as a Fatebinder, an agent of the Overlord Kyros, tasked with bringing order to the newly conquered Tiers. Your choices will impact how the world unfolds and who you ultimately ally with.

Tyranny

In short: Tyranny is an RPG game released in 2016 by Obsidian, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

An acclaimed RPG by Obsidian.

{"title":"Tyranny","description":"Tyranny, released by Obsidian Entertainment in 2016, plunges players into a world where evil has already won. This acclaimed isometric RPG subverts typical fantasy tropes by casting you not as the hero destined to save the realm, but as a Fatebinder, an agent of the Overlord Kyros, the tyrannical ruler who has conquered all known lands. Your role is to enforce Kyros's will, quell rebellions, and maintain order – or what passes for it – in the shattered remnants of civilization. The narrative is the game's strongest suit, presenting a complex moral landscape where 'good' and 'evil' are fluid concepts, and your choices have profound, far-reaching consequences. You'll forge alliances with disparate factions, each with their own agendas and morally grey motivations, and navigate intricate political webs. The story is delivered through well-written dialogue and compelling lore, rewarding players who delve deep into its rich world-building.\n\nGameplay in Tyranny is classic Obsidian with a tactical combat system that emphasizes real-time with pause. Players can customize their Fatebinder extensively, choosing from a wide array of skills, spells, and abilities. The spellcrafting system is particularly noteworthy, allowing for a unique and creative approach to magic. You can combine different elemental sigils and modifiers to create devastating offensive spells, potent buffs, or tactical debuffs. Combat requires careful positioning, crowd control, a…

Game details

Developer: Obsidian
Publisher: Paradox
Release year: 2016
Platforms: PC
Category: RPG

Our review

Tyranny, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, stands out as a unique RPG that boldly challenges traditional fantasy tropes. Instead of playing a hero, players assume the role of a Fatebinder in service of an evil overlord, Kyros, who has already conquered the world. This premise alone sets Tyranny apart, offering a fresh perspective on player agency and moral choices. The narrative is the game's undeniable strength, presenting a grim, morally ambiguous world where good and evil are not black and white. Every decision feels impactful, and the branching storylines ensure multiple playthroughs are genuinely rewarding. The combat system, while not revolutionary, is solid and tactical, allowing for various party compositions and ability synergies. Graphically, the game employs a classic isometric style, which, while not cutting-edge, is aesthetically pleasing and effectively conveys the oppressive atmosphere. The music and voice acting are excellent, further immersing players in the dark w…

Pros

Unique premise and world-building
Compelling, morally ambiguous narrative
Meaningful choices with significant impact
Tactical combat system
Excellent writing and voice acting
High replayability

Cons

Shorter than other Obsidian RPGs
Abrupt ending
Isometric graphics might not appeal to all

FAQ

What is Tyranny?: Tyranny is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. It was released in 2016 for PC.
What kind of game is Tyranny?: Tyranny is an isometric, party-based RPG similar in style to games like Pillars of Eternity. It focuses heavily on player choice and narrative, with a unique premise where evil has already won.
What platforms is Tyranny available on?: Tyranny is available exclusively on PC.
Who developed Tyranny?: Tyranny was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, known for their work on other critically acclaimed RPGs.
What is unique about Tyranny's story?: In Tyranny, the forces of evil have already conquered the world, and you play as a Fatebinder, an agent of the Overlord Kyros, tasked with bringing order to the newly conquered Tiers. Your choices will impact how the world unfolds and who you ultimately ally with.

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Last updated: 01/04/2026