Synths and Swords: Electronic Music in Fantasy RPGs

3 December 2025

When you think of fantasy RPGs, your mind probably drifts to enchanted forests, ancient castles, magical battles, and epic quests. Pretty standard, right? But what if I told you that beyond all the dragons and dungeons, the music playing in the background has been quietly reshaping how we experience our favorite fantasy worlds? Believe it or not, electronic music is making a bold mark on a genre traditionally dominated by orchestral scores.

Yes, we’re diving into the unexpected mash-up of synths and swords. This article unpacks why electronic music works surprisingly well in fantasy RPGs, how it has evolved over the years, and why it’s here to stay. So, grab your headphones and let’s geek out about how synths are adding a fresh twist to the age-old fantasy vibe.

The Role of Music in Fantasy RPGs

Before we get into the synth-heavy beats, let’s talk about the basics. In any fantasy RPG, the music isn’t just background noise. It’s practically another character. Think about it—music sets the tone, amps up the tension, and sometimes even hints at what’s coming next. Without it, your dungeon crawl would feel empty, and that boss battle? Forget it. Epic soundtracks are the lifeblood of immersion.

Traditionally, fantasy RPGs have leaned hard on orchestral music. Sweeping violins, booming timpani, and delicate harps—the kind of stuff that makes you feel like you’re in a Tolkien novel. But as RPGs became more diverse and experimental, so did their soundtracks. Enter electronic music: the rebel cousin that no one saw coming.

Why Synths and Fantasy Make an Oddly Perfect Pair

At first glance, the idea of electronic music in a medieval-inspired setting seems like trying to mix oil and water. Fantasy RPGs thrive on old-school aesthetics, right? Castles, swords, and mythical creatures don’t exactly scream “techno beats.” And yet, when done right, it works. Like, really works.

1. A Fresh Take on Immersion

Fantasy worlds are about escaping reality, and electronic music has this uncanny ability to transport you to another dimension. Synth-heavy soundtracks bring a dreamlike, ethereal quality to these games. Think otherworldly melodies layered with pulsating rhythms that feel totally alien yet oddly fitting for a realm full of sorcery and wonder.

For instance, take games like the Final Fantasy series. While earlier entries leaned more on traditional orchestral compositions, modern installments mix in electronic elements, creating something both nostalgic and futuristic. This blend mirrors the games’ evolving themes, making you feel like you’re straddling two worlds.

2. It Amplifies Tension Like Nothing Else

Ever notice how a good electronic beat can make your pulse race? Well, that same idea applies in RPGs. When you’re creeping through a dark dungeon or battling a grotesque monster, a synthy, distorted track can crank up the anxiety to eleven. It’s like the music is whispering, “You’re definitely not safe.”

Games like The Witcher 3 experiment with synths in their darker moments. While most of the game’s score is folk-inspired, subtle electronic undertones creep in, creating an unease that’s hard to shake. It’s a clever trick—one that makes you sweat even when you’re just walking through the woods.

3. It Feels Timeless

Here’s the thing about electronic music: it doesn’t feel tied to one era. Orchestral music can sometimes feel “too medieval” for RPGs that play around with avant-garde fantasy settings. Electronic music, in contrast, feels like it could belong to any time or place. It’s flexible enough to complement both ancient, crumbling ruins and futuristic steampunk cities. That’s versatility, baby.

Take Nier: Automata as a prime example. The game’s soundtrack effortlessly blends sweeping orchestral scores with glitchy, futuristic synth sounds. The result? A haunting masterpiece that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Pioneers of Electronic Music in Fantasy RPGs

So, which games helped pave the way for this fusion of synths and swords? Let’s show some love to the trailblazers who dared to mix beats with broadswords.

1. Chrono Trigger (1995)

Okay, let’s start with a classic. While Chrono Trigger wasn’t purely electronic, it planted the seeds. Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, the game’s soundtrack featured bold experimental tracks that hinted at what electronic elements could bring to a fantasy setting.

2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn DLC (2012)

You probably associate Skyrim with its iconic orchestral theme, but the Dragonborn DLC shook things up. Jeremy Soule’s addition of minimalist electronic textures showed how synths could complement Nordic-inspired fantasy, bringing an extra layer of atmosphere to the already expansive world.

3. Hyper Light Drifter (2016)

If you’ve never played Hyper Light Drifter, do yourself a favor and check it out. Its synthwave-heavy soundtrack by Disasterpeace is a standout example of how electronic music can perfectly capture a sense of mystery and nostalgia in a fantasy-inspired setting.

The Rise of Synthwave and Its Influence on Fantasy Aesthetics

We can’t talk about electronic music in RPGs without giving a shoutout to synthwave. This retro-futuristic genre has exploded in popularity over the past decade, thanks to its neon-drenched, 80s-inspired vibe. It’s all over movies, TV shows, and yes, video games.

Fantasy RPGs are tapping into this trend, using synthwave to give their worlds a surreal, dreamlike edge. Imagine a knight clad in shining armor walking through a glowing purple forest while synths hum in the background. Unreal, right? But that’s the point—it’s supposed to feel like a dream.

Are We Saying Goodbye to Orchestral Scores?

Not at all. This isn’t an “either-or” situation. Many modern RPGs blend the best of both worlds, weaving electronic elements into their traditional orchestral scores. It’s like combining two flavors that shouldn’t work together, but somehow create magic—like dipping fries in ice cream. (Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.)

If anything, the rise of electronic music has pushed composers to experiment more. Instead of sticking to one genre, they’re blending sounds in ways that feel fresh and unexpected. This means we’re getting soundtracks that challenge our expectations, and honestly? That’s a win for everyone.

What Does the Future Hold?

So, what’s next for electronic music in fantasy RPGs? If current trends are any indication, we’re just scratching the surface. As games continue to blur the lines between genres and settings, their soundtracks will follow suit. Expect to see more synth-heavy tracks, more experimental sounds, and maybe even entirely new genres emerging.

We might also see more indie developers leading the charge. Indie games are often where the boldest experiments happen, and their success could push AAA titles to take even bigger risks.

Wrapping It Up

Synths and swords might sound like an odd pairing, but in the world of fantasy RPGs, they’re a match made in heaven. Electronic music brings a fresh perspective to the genre, creating soundscapes that are as immersive and otherworldly as the worlds themselves. Whether it’s adding tension, emphasizing mystery, or just making things feel timeless, synths have carved out their place in the fantasy realm—and it’s safe to say they’re here to stay.

So, the next time you’re gearing up for an epic quest, take a moment to appreciate the music. Behind all the goblins and loot, there’s a symphony of synths working hard to make your adventure unforgettable.