7 Best Video Games Where You Can Be a Necromancer

Necromancy in video games offers a thrilling venture into the dark arts. Being able to raise the dead and command an undead army is not only cool but opens up unique gameplay mechanics. Our game, "The Unliving," is a shining example of this genre done right. However, the world of gaming is vast, and there are other notable titles where you can embrace the role of a necromancer. 

In this list, we'll dive into 7 games you can play as a necromancer, offering you a variety of experiences in mastering the forces of the undead. Each of these games presents a unique flavor of necromancy, ensuring every dark sorcerer out there something worthy of their time.

1. The Unliving (2023)

Genre: Rogue-lite Action RPG | Release Date: 2023 | Developer: RocketBrush Studio

Dive into the dark and thrilling world of The Unliving where you don the robe of a fearsome Necromancer, unleashing your dark powers to reanimate the dead and command an undead army. Unlike many games with the necromancer class, the core of The Unliving is built around the Necromancer identity, immersing you in a narrative rich in dark fantasy and action.

Game Features:

• Unique Necromancer Gameplay: Command a growing army of the undead, turning fallen enemies and epic bosses into your morbid servants​.
• Diverse Magic Spells: Unleash devastating magic spells to burn cities to ash and assist your undead army in battles​.
• Dark Fantasy World: Navigate through a pixel art world, filled with dark magic and terrifying foes​​.
• Strategic Elements: Carefully plan your attacks, manage your army, and decide when to advance or retreat.
• Engrossing Narrative: The game's narrative keeps you on the edge, as you uncover the grim truths of the world and your existence as a Necromancer.

The Unliving offers a unique blend of rogue-lite and action RPG elements, with the necromancer theme driving the gameplay and narrative. The captivating dark fantasy world, paired with a challenging rogue-lite mechanic, offers a fresh take on games with necromancer class. The necromancy aspect isn't just a class choice but the essence of the game, distinguishing The Unliving from others on our list.

2. Divinity: Original Sin II

Genre: Tactical RPG | Release Date: 2017 | Developer: Larian Studios

"Divinity: Original Sin II" thrusts you into a world where your choices shape the narrative. In this critically acclaimed RPG, you venture as a party of up to four, each vying for godhood in a world teeming with magic and intrigue.

Game Features:

• Class Flexibility: Choose among several classes, with the Necromancer class being a standout for those wishing to command the dark arts, capable of wiping out multiple enemies with the right build​.
• Skill Variety: Explore a unique blend of skills across Necromancer, Geomancer, and Hydrosophist classes, providing a rich mix of damage, healing, and control options​​.
• Character Customization: An extensive skill tree and the ability to memorize and cast necromancer spells, allowing for tailored gameplay experiences​.
• Narrative Depth: Your decisions shape the story, offering a personalized journey through a rich, fantasy world.

"Divinity: Original Sin II" stands among games where you can play as a necromancer, offering a blend of narrative depth, class flexibility, and engaging combat. The Necromancer class, in particular, offers a unique gameplay experience, allowing players to delve into a dark, magical world while honing their tactical skills.

3. Diablo IV

Genre: Action RPG | Release Date: 2023 | Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo IV unleashes hell on the Sanctuary once more, as players confront nefarious demons and unravel mysteries in a dark, gothic world. Among PC games with the necromancer class, this installment stands out for its immersive narrative and the awaited return of the Necromancer class, a fan favorite.

Game Features:

• Intricate World: Venture through a gritty, expansive world full of peril and dark wonder, presenting a rich backdrop for necromantic endeavors.
• Combat Evolution: Evolved combat mechanics offer a more fluid and intuitive experience, with the Necromancer class adding a layer of strategic deathly magic.
• Deep Lore: Immerse in a deep lore with a compelling narrative that entwines the sinister actions of the nefarious Lilith.
• Multiplayer Mayhem: Embark on hellish adventures with friends or tackle the demonic invasion solo, the choice is yours.

Diablo IV pulls players into a story filled with dark magic, where picking the Necromancer class means diving into a role of death that guides your path through the twisted lands of Sanctuary. The detailed background, improved combat system, and the choice to roam the eerie world alone or with friends make it a notable entry in the list of games with necromancer class for PC.

4. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Genre: Adventure, RPG, Strategy | Release Date: 2021 | Developer: Owlcat Games

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a captivating RPG adventure where you combat demonic forces in a world grappling with good versus evil. What sets it apart is the Mythic Paths feature, allowing you to embody extraordinary beings like a merciless Lich, among others, adding a layer of depth to your necromantic pursuits​.

Game Features:

• Mythic Paths: Embrace the essence of a Lich, Angel, Demon, or other mythic beings, each path unveiling a unique narrative and gameplay experience.
• Vast Exploration: Venture through a demon-infested realm, making choices that shape the narrative and your character’s alignment.
• Class Variety: Numerous classes to choose from, each with distinct abilities and gameplay mechanics.
• Tactical Combat: Engage in challenging battles requiring strategic planning and execution.

Among games where you can play as a Lich, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous offers a unique narrative intertwined with the choice of mythic paths. The freedom to explore necromantic powers as a Lich while navigating a complex narrative full of moral dilemmas makes it a compelling choice for those enamored with dark arts.

5. Path of Exile (2013)

Genre: Action RPG | Release Date: 2013 | Developer: Grinding Gear Games

Path of Exile is a dark, gritty action RPG that drops you into the brutal continent of Wraeclast, where your quest for revenge fuels your fight for survival. Unlike most titles on this list, Path of Exile offers a choice between several classes including the Witch, which is the go-to for aspiring necromancers.

Game Features:

• Class Variety: Choose from seven distinct classes with the Witch class catering to necromancer enthusiasts, each with unique abilities and gameplay.
• Deep Character Customization: Dive into an expansive skill tree and craft your character with unique skill combinations using tradable itemized gems​​.
• Engaging Missions: Embark on deadly missions with many variations, challenging you as you delve deeper into the dark corners of Wraeclast​.
• Item-centric Gameplay: Collect, trade, and customize your gear to create deadly character builds​​.

Path of Exile stands out with its deep character customization, engaging mission variety, and competitive play scene, offering a different flavor of necromantic gameplay through the Witch class. The game's dark fantasy world, combined with its class variety and extensive character customization, makes it a captivating choice for players wanting a more traditional RPG experience with the option to delve into necromancy.

6. Baldur's Gate 3

Genre: Adventure, RPG | Release Date: 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios

Baldur's Gate 3 is a tale of fellowship and betrayal set in the Forgotten Realms, a realm replete with a blend of magic, intrigue, and adventure. The game unfolds a story-rich narrative, where your choices significantly influence the unfolding tale of survival and the chase for absolute power.

Game Features:

• Myriad Classes: The game boasts a plethora of classes, each offering a unique playstyle and abilities. Although it doesn't have a designated necromancer class, the narrative and the setting provide a fertile ground for necromantic adventures.
• Engaging Narrative: The storyline is rich and engaging, laden with moral and ethical decisions that shape the outcome of your journey.
• Vast Exploration: Explore the vast, intricate world filled with danger, mystery, and a myriad of characters each with their own agenda.
• Strategic Gameplay: The game challenges your strategic prowess in and out of combat, making every decision count.

Baldur's Gate 3 shines among games where you play as a necromancer, albeit not in the traditional class-based sense. The setting and narrative provide a conducive environment for those with a penchant for the dark arts, making it an exciting choice for those looking to delve into a narrative-rich, strategically demanding adventure.

7. Grim Dawn

Genre: Action RPG | Release Date: 2016 | Developer: Crate Entertainment

Grim Dawn immerses players in the bleak war-torn world of Cairn where humanity is caught between two otherworldly foes — the Aetherials and Chthonians. This apocalypse-driven setting is the backdrop for players to explore character development in depth, with a dual-class system that enables a rich mix of skills and abilities.

Game Features:

• Dual Class System: Mix any two of the game's six distinct classes to create a unique character with a blend of skills, including the sinister Necromancer.
• Expansive World: Cairn offers a vast, war-torn world filled with a variety of locations to explore, each brimming with danger and lore.
• Itemization: Hundreds of unique items to find, craft, and modify to suit your playstyle.
• Choice & Consequence: Your decisions affect the game world and narrative, adding a layer of depth to your interaction with the game's environment and characters.

Grim Dawn provides a gritty, dark world for those who revel in exploring the macabre and mastering the necromantic arts. The game's expansive world, rich character customization, and consequential narrative make it an enticing choice for gamers looking to delve into a deep ARPG with a robust dual-class system.