“Off I go on an adventure!”, “Alright, but at least pick up your food tray before you go!”

This week, whether after the video call that never seemed to end or just by chance, you stumbled upon a brand-new world rich in lore, glory, and best of all, practicality for your schedule.

In today’s busy world, it can be somewhat difficult to take a break from those worksheets and documents. But like that prized jewel that led you on a quest for ages, some desktop RPGs can give you the mental break you need from your everyday grind.

So, whether just grabbing a 30-minute lunch or seeking a casual distraction, these four titles will let you dive into an adventure without the commitment of a long session. Our top pick for this piece is the legendary Raid: Shadow Legends, but check out the other gems you can start exploring today!

• Raid: Shadow Legends

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2333480/RAID_Shadow_Legends/

Raid: Shadow Legends is one of the best turn-based RPG games, developed by Plarium and released in 2018, with a PC port arriving in January 2020. Set in the high-fantasy world of Teleria, it offers over 850 collectible champions, deep strategy combat, and a fully voiced story campaign alongside PvE modes like Clan Bosses and PvP battles in the Arena. 

This giant (no pun intended) has been in the game (also no pun intended) since 2018 and featured celebrities like Ronda Rousey as part of its advertising campaigns. Fans of high fantasy will love exploring the universe of Teleria before the next meeting.

• Year Released: 2018 (PC port: January 21, 2020).
• Awards: Community-driven content creator awards.
• Reviews/Rating: Mixed to positive. Praised for its graphics and range of content, with strong ongoing player engagement.
• Key Features:
  • 850+ collectible champions
  • Deep turn-based strategy combat
  • Fully voiced story campaign
  • PvE and PvP modes (including Clan Bosses and Arena)
  • Cross-platform play (PC & mobile)
• Fun Fact: Raid is famous for its influencer-packed marketing campaigns, with celebrities like Jeff Goldblum and WWE stars having appeared in its promotions. Frequent collaborations, including Monster Hunter crossovers, add to the fun.
• Best For: Players who love collecting, quick progress, and a mix of solo sessions and competitive multiplayer. The auto-battle system is perfect for playing between tasks or while waiting for your manager to get back to you.

Don’t forget that you can also receive a special reward by using your limited-time Promo Code!

To use a Raid Shadow Legends Promo Code, whether it be for a new player or a limited-time code, follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to Raid Shadow Legends.
2. Click on MENU on the left-hand side of the screen
3. Click on PROMO CODES
4. Enter the promo code and click confirm

Your free rewards will then go to your mailbox (the chest icon located at the top right of the screen). Items in the mailbox expire, so you should claim yours before they do (usually, you will have 7 days to do this).

Charge Into Battle!

• Grim Dawn

Source: https://www.grimdawn.com/media/

Grim Dawn takes you into a rich, dark fantasy world with deep character customization that appeals to ARPG veterans and newcomers alike. It balances complex class builds and exploration with accessible gameplay, making it a perfect fit for short but rewarding play sessions. Reviewers have called this title the “spiritual successor” to Diablo 2, with its gritty visuals contributing to the game’s vibe.

• Year Released: 2016
• Awards: Critically acclaimed, considered among the best ARPGs of the decade by fans of the genre.
• Reviews/Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam. Celebrated for flexible builds and secret-filled maps.
• Key Features:
  • Dual-class system for custom builds.
  • Secret areas and loot almost everywhere.
  • Hardcore or casual modes available.
  • Expansive but approachable content. Perfect for bite-sized sessions.
• Fun Fact: Grim Dawn’s community is legendary for guiding new players, and the game is packed with hidden lore for true explorers.
• Best For: Classic ARPG fans who want “Diablo feels,” loads of loot, and world exploration (even if it’s 20 minutes at a time).

• Torchlight II

Source: https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Torchlight-II-1621523.html?srsltid=AfmBOoowoLHOo0QtDGdxEoWkFGoXLa5kl3oWycaFQ-IOEFzI8mEsupk6

Torchlight II shines (pun intended this time) with its lighthearted cartoon aesthetic and fast-paced, loot-focused gameplay. Designed with co-op in mind, it offers you an easy-to-pick-up experience that fits perfectly into short breaks while still delivering deep replay value.

• Year Released: 2012
• Awards: Numerous indie game awards. Consistently features in “Best ARPG” lists for its fun style.
• Reviews/Rating: Universally praised. Lauded for fast-paced gameplay, charming visuals, local/online co-op, and replayability.
• Key Features:
  • Four diverse character classes.
  • Lighthearted, cartoonish art style.
  • Drop-in/drop-out multiplayer (great for co-workers)!
  • Short, rewarding quests and randomized dungeons.
• Fun Fact: Torchlight II was developed by Runic Games, a studio founded by veterans of Blizzard North (the team behind Diablo and Diablo II).
• Best For: RPG newcomers and office buddies seeking an accessible and low-stress monster-bashing game session.

• Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

In Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, you get the chance to explore a rich fantasy world through a game famous for its fast-paced combat and deep character customization (thanks to its unique Destiny system). The remastered version enhanced the visuals and gameplay quality that made the original memorable, turning it into an ideal choice for players who want an engaging adventure to escape their Excel dungeons (even if just for a bit).

• Year Released: 2020 (Remaster). Original Release: 2012.
• Awards: Cult following as a “hidden gem”. Praised for flexible character design.
• Reviews/Rating: Generally favorable. Loved for its fast action and colorful world.
• Key Features:
  • Open world tailored to short gaming sessions.
  • Unique “Fate Shift” combat for spectacular finishes.
  • Rich storytelling and easy-to-pick-up quest design.
• Fun Fact: Writer R.A. Salvatore (famed for The Legend of Drizzt series) penned Amalur’s lore, giving it surprising narrative depth.
• Best For: Anyone who wants a “lite Skyrim” experience that fits perfectly into a lunch break.

Conclusion

When your lunch break rolls around, you need something both engaging and easy to dip in and out of. A quick escape that leaves you refreshed for the rest of your workday, or at least until the next “boss battle” at 15:30.

Whether looking for strategy, immersive worlds, or just a short distraction before clocking back in, these titles can help you achieve that quick moment of peace in the form of digital adventure.

Raid: Shadow Legends stands out as an excellent entry point to the genre thanks to its accessibility and variety, but each game on this list also gives you unique flavors to explore.

Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right match for you. There’s a perfect game out there ready to turn your breaks into mini-adventures.

So, go out there and find your treasure, adventurer.

FAQ

What makes these RPGs perfect for a quick lunch break?

These games are designed to load quickly, automatically save your progress, and offer engaging gameplay that fits into a 20–30 minute break. Whatever you’re looking for to help you unwind, these titles can give you an enjoyable experience without needing hours on end.

Are these games for beginners or casual gamers?

You’re in luck! Each game includes tutorials, adjustable difficulty, and beginner-friendly features. Whether you’re brand new to RPGs or just want simple fun without complex controls, these picks welcome players of all skill levels.

Will I fall behind if I don’t play daily?

Not at all. Raid’s auto-battle feature and catch-up mechanics help you stay competitive even if you only log in a few times a week. The other games have save-anywhere features and short quests perfect for fitting into your busy day. So, no need to worry about it if you don’t play every day.