25 BEST RPG Games: Top Picks (2023)

RPGs everywhere!

Ali Hashmi
Ali Hashmi
44 Min Read
Some of the best RPGs you can play right now. Disco Elyisum, Divinity OS 2, Mass Effect Legendary Edition

RPG is one of the most beloved genres in the world. We’ve prepared this list of twenty-five best RPG games to play in 2022 for your consideration, with some honorable mentions, as well as there are more than just 15 good titles out there.

While our previous list of 25 best PC games to play with friends was focused more on multiplay, this one goes either way. A lifetime of gaming teaches you to appreciate both, and here’s what else we’ve learned along the way.

What Makes A Good Role-Play Game?

The genre changed the game forever, pun intended, when developers adapted it to video tech. The concept’s origin is still unresolved, for it borrows much from war games, like chess. However, many agree that Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson popularized it when they came up with the table-top system Dungeons & Dragons back in 1974.

It was during the ‘70s that RPGs found their way to computers as well in the form of “pen-and-paper” adventures. Later, games like Ultima, Wizardry, Dragonstomper, Bokosuka Wars, and others came out and were some of the best RPGs of their time.

Slowly but steadily, the genre hallmarks formed between the ‘70s and the ‘90s, and they included:

  • A well-developed story
  • An interesting setting
  • Exploration and Quests
  • Combat
  • Experience and Character progression
  • Weapons and Items

These remain as such to this day, but developers are constantly attempting to make something new or their interpretation of the traditional gameplay mechanics to give their games a unique flair.

These 15 best role-playing games have managed to take the traditional concept, add their unique take on it, and create a thrilling, engaging, and rewarding experience for the player.

Deciding how to rank them is challenging, as we must include both the public and personal opinions into account.

1

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

25 Best RPGs - Witcher 3 Wild HUnt
Image Credit: CD Projekt Red

Release Date: May 19, 2015
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (PS5 & Xbox Series X/S in Q4 2022)

It’s hard to write a list without this modern classic, and it’s a game that finally allowed CD Projekt Red to garner a mainstream audience. The Witcher 3 continues to impress us, and there’s nothing else really like it.

The Witcher 3 follows continues the story of Geralt of Rivia, who is tasked with searching for his ward, Ciri. During his search, he’ll encounter many characters, new and old, political figures, and tons of monsters to not only chop down but help as well. Despite being the third entry, it’s actually a pretty good entry point for the series, and with the recent next-gen update, it’s certainly an excellent time to jump in.

The Witcher 3’s strength lies in its writing, side quests, exceptional music, and incredible visual variety. The world is a treat to explore, and almost nothing in it feels padded on content. Every single side quest is handcrafted, and some of the best content presents itself when you’re not even looking for it.

There are also two expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood of Wine. Both of these, in my opinion, are even better than the main game’s quest. Blood and Wine introduces a whole new area where you can easily spend an additional 30-40 hours in. Witcher 3 routinely goes on sale for very little, and no matter what you pay for it, you won’t be disappointed.

2

Disco Elysium

25 Best RPG - Disco Elysium
Image Credits: Nintendo

Release Date: October 15, 2019
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PC, macOS

Disco Elysium is a work of art. Set in the fictional city of Revachol, players take on the role of a detective sent to investigate a murder with the help of gaming’s best side character, Kim Kitsuragi. Disco Elysium doesn’t have any combat, and it’s entirely driven by dialogue and investigation.

Its writing is simply unmatched, especially in the video game genre, with depth to rival most literary works. Each voice in your head is essentially an upgrade path and factors into skill checks that happen during the conversation. There’s also a thought cabinet where you internalize different ideas and concepts to improve your understanding of the world further.

Disco Elysium will hook you within seconds and make you laugh and cry, but it will never bore you for a single moment. It’s an experience that pushes the medium forward with its beautiful art direction, incredible writing, and extremely memorable score. Did I mention how much I love Kim?

3

Elden Ring

25 Best RPG - Elden RIng
Image Credits: Bandai Namco

Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PC

Elden Ring is FROMSOFTWARE’s Magnum Opus. This is what a decade of action RPG releases was leading up to, and it earned every bit of hype and more. Welcome to the Lands Between, a world full of mystery at every corner, dangerous enemies with enough variety to rival any RPG, and some of the most difficult but awe-inspiring bosses you’ll ever encounter.

There is a ridiculous amount of variety in character customization, with hundreds of weapons, spells, incantations, and summons to discover. You have the freedom to change your build and character too, with nothing holding you back. If you’re tired of being a greatsword user, fret not, because you can respec to a sorcerer and literally call the down stars to aid you. Traversal is fast because your astral companion and the sense of discovery and scale are unmatched.

The map isn’t littered with icons, and Elden Ring trusts players to explore on their own, with nothing but their own curiosity. Breath of the Wild is an obvious inspiration, Elden Ring elevates the formula by cutting out things that can get in the way of player exploration, and despite its incredible scale, makes the entire experience accessible enough too.

4

Divinity Original Sin 2

Divinity Original Sin 2

Release Date: September 14, 2017
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS

Larian Studios launched the first Divinity Original Sin back in 2014, but it’s the sequel that really knocked it out of the park. Divinity Original Sin 2 is one of the best modern RPGs of the past decade and offers a wealth of content that will keep you hooked for dozens of hours. If there is one particular theme that resonates throughout basically everything mechanical system, it’s freedom. Whenever you ask yourself, “Can I do this?” the answer is almost always a resounding “yes”.

There are tons of classes to try out, and the game’s flexible respec system allows you to change the way you play after you’ve reached a certain part. The “Origin” characters are all great, but if it’s your first time, I really recommend giving Fane a shot. His undead nature means you’ll be at a slight disadvantage initially, but his story is excellent and far more overreaching than anyone else.

Divinity Original Sin 2 rivals Witcher 3 when it comes to the side content, and the way it intervenes in the main narrative is something I’ve rarely seen done right. The combat is turn-based in nature, but its reactive nature of it with the environment makes you account for multiple things, like how wet surfaces can conduct electricity or how oil can cause explosions. It’s one of the most refreshing combat systems ever, and we’re super excited about Larian’s upcoming title, Baldur’s Gate 3.

5

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Release Date: 14 May 2021
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PS4, PS5

A trilogy that needs no introduction. Mass Effect Legendary Edition collects three of Bioware’s finest science-fiction RPGs with remastered visuals, quality-of-life features, HDR support, and improvements to practically every part of the presentation. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, who leads the Normandy crew on an unforgettable journey in one of gaming’s finest space operas.

Bioware has yet to create something as ambitious and emotionally gripping as the Mass Effect series. To this day, you’re hard-pressed to find a sci-fi RPG series as polished, well-realized, and accessible as this. So gather your crew, punch your way through crucial narrative moments, and make sure to soak in the world as much as possible.

The combat improves with each entry, and while the first Mass Effect is still closer to Bioware’s roots in terms of inventory management and skill assortment, Mass Effect 2 is where the gameplay truly shines into something special. Your choices throughout the series are maintained, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why this series is still so beloved. Every decision you make can shape the narrative in bigger ways than you can imagine, which is Bioware’s greatest strength.

6

Bloodborne

25 Best RPGs - Bloodborne
Youtube: PlayStation

Release Date: March 24, 2015
Platform: PlayStation 4

Demon’s Souls was a cult classic that laid the foundation of a genre that many developers have tried to replicate over the past decade. Even though Dark Souls put Hidetaka Miyazaki on the map, I think it’s Bloodborne that really allowed him to ascend to the greatest gaming auteur of all time. At its core, Bloodborne is a horror game that routinely subverts players’ expectations by going from gothic to nightmare-fueled Lovecraftian horror, especially when you’re not looking.

Compared to Dark Souls, Bloodborne’s combat is faster, requires an aggressive approach, and rewards careful decisions where taking damage isn’t exactly a bad thing. You have a sidearm that serves as a parrying tool, and the lack of a shield takes away a direct form of defense. Bloodborne’s thick atmosphere, interconnected levels, and grotesque enemy designs put it in a league of its own, and it’s a shame it’s still exclusive to the PS4.

Like other Souls titles, it’s an action RPG but with tons of build variety, character customization, and combat design influenced by your trick weapons that can shift into different forms at your whim. It’s an elegant system, and fighting bosses can almost feel like a dance because instead of dodge-rolling, you’re dashing around with grace.

7

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

25 Best RPGs - Skyrim
Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks

Release Date: November 11, 2011
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Skyrim is an obvious choice for the top of any list like this as it is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed RPGs of the past decade. And, we are not judging it only by the numbers – it is a great game and an all-time favorite to multitudes.

The game was developed and published in 2011 by Bethesda. The studio is with The Elder Scrolls franchise since its beginning in the 90s. Their creation deserves first place because they integrated many innovations and progressive ideas into the genre while keeping the traditional things we love in RPG.

Specifically, Skyrim has unrivaled world-building. The way the setting intertwines with the story plot makes the world much more important in this game, and it is also true for previous franchise installments.

Additionally, the game has Bethesda’s signature character progression method where you advance in what you use and where the combat system is built around that, allowing the player to utilize everything he does in the game, including reflexes, coordination, character progression, and planning.

It is an experience unlike any other in gaming, rivaled only by previous Bethesda’s hit titles. If you don’t want to play Skyrim because you’ve played it too much, you can always turn to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which holds its own compared to the successor, and we even made a list to prove Oblivion is good in 2022.  

8

Persona 5 Royal

25 Best RPG - Persona 5 Royal
Image Credits: Steam

Release Date: October 31, 2019
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

It wouldn’t be a Best RPG games list with one of the best JRPGs of all time – Person 5 Royal. Person 5 was initially released in 2016, and it was a huge hit. The game was later re-released in 2019 as a “Royal” edition, and it was more than just a refresh of the game.

Person 5 is set in modern-day Tokyo, and the story revolves around a bunch of teenagers fighting psychic monsters in the fantasy realm, which took birth from the human subconscious. The group or better known as Phantom Thieves of Hearts, secretly fights threats unknown to the common man.

Person 5 Royal is the sixth addition to the series. Persona 5 Royal received a huge buff to its story, as well as the combat system. Two new characters were added to the “Royal” version of the game. The combat system includes the cutscene-style tag team finishers, which are just cinematic masterpieces.

The story tries to portray some real-world evils through its incredible and immersive art style. The game packs more than 100 hours of content and will surely make you lose a brain cell here and there, but it is surely worth it.

9

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

Release Date: August 23, 2016
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, macOS

Yes, yes, I know this is an “unfinished” game, but Mankind Divided is an extremely underappreciated title. It doesn’t always hit the right notes when it comes to its commentary, but this is an exceptional RPG. An immersive sim by design, Mankind Divided is serious about choice and how you deal with missions. If you’re sick of RPGs that are set in huge open worlds, and want a more focused experience, then Mankind Divided has you covered.

There is a lot of variety in the world, Prague is a beautifully designed hub world with tons of secrets to explore. The voice acting is great, as always, and the dialogue choices aren’t always binary in nature. You can upgrade Jensen in multiple ways, and there’s always more than one way to handle a situation. There are a bunch of new gadgets to experiment with as well, and the boss fights don’t suck anymore (cough, Human Revolution, cough).

Mankind Divided might end abruptly if you’re just doing the main quest, but there’s a lot to do in the world besides that. It still looks absolutely fantastic and can run quite well on modern hardware. Now that the dust has settled, this is one of the best RPG games you can get.

10

Fire Emblem Three Houses

Fire Emblem Three Houses

Release Date: July 26, 2019
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Fire Emblem Three Houses is one of the best tactics RPG titles available for the Switch. It’s a game that is only possible after years of refinement in the series. It is something that fully utilizes Switch’s hardware to create a tactical RPG with tons of depth, a fantastic cast of characters, and a shockingly engaging story to boot.

Each character in this game is unique, and learning more about them is incredibly rewarding. The conversations are never boring or feel like filler, with some well-written dialogue. The combat retains the complexity the series is known for while adding a few new mechanics of its own, and somehow still feels more accessible than ever. It’s more than just combat, though, because managing your time, which is a vital resource here, can sometimes be the only thing standing between victory and defeat.

This is a huge time sink, though, and you’re easily looking at 50-80 hours for a single playthrough, but to really uncover everything this game has to offer, you’ll need a lot more than that.

11

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

25 Best RPG - Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Release Date: April 10, 2020
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a full remake of 1997’s classic RPG title, which came out on the PS1. Cloud Strife will return once again to take down Shinra, but this time with a complete visual overhaul and additional story content. It should be noted that this is actually the first part of this remake, as Square Enix has greatly expanded on the original with more context for certain characters.

Minor characters in the original are given a lot of screen time, and their stories are developed into full chapters that further elevate their presence throughout the title.

The combat system has been overhauled as well, with far more depth this time, and even though there is a turn-based mode, too, the real-time addition essentially makes it a new game. Each member in your party has a specific role that you’ll understand as you experiment more, and there is a lot of variety in how you can build your characters further.

The debate of whether this is better than the original is one that we don’t see ending soon, but if you’re a fan of the original, this is an experience that you absolutely can’t miss out on.

12

Chrono Trigger

25 Best RPG - Chrono Trigger
Image Credits: Square Enix

Release Date: March 11, 1995
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo DS, PC, PlayStation, Wii

If there is one game that can be called the benchmark for RPGs in the 90s’ then Chrono Trigger certainly stands on top. Released in 1995 by SquareSoft, it was a hit, and to this day it is one of the most respectable names in the genre.

Chrono Trigger was a hit because of how incredibly detailed it was, considering the game was released decades from today. The game features time travel, where you travel through time and space into different eras. Each era you visit, you pick up a new character for your team. That way, in the end, you become a party of 7.

You go back and forth in time, you do something in the past, and it affects the future. There is so much detail in this game that it is mind-boggling. The character design, the story developed, and the visuals were enough to make anyone fall in love.

On top of everything, the game is also known for its music which adds to the immersion. There is a reason people often refer to the game as one of the best games to have ever been released. The game was originally released for Super Nintendo ES and was later ported to PC and PlayStation.

13

Monster Hunter World

25 Best RPG - Monster Hunter World
Image Credits: Fanatical

Release Date: January 26, 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Monster Hunter games have always been about killing monsters, looting them, upgrading your weapons, then fighting bigger monsters. It’s all rinse and repeat. To say that process is repetitive and boring would be the farthest thing from the truth when we are talking about Monster Hunter World.

Capcom has put immense amounts of effort into truly curating a world where everything is perfect to the t. Monster Hunter World’s decision to remove the zones from the game and to create overlapping ecosystems was one of the most welcomed changes in the 5th installment of the game. It is the mark of a well-built RPG where the developers have not only put effort into how the world interacts with you but also how the world interacts with itself.

Crafting has been made simpler and much smoother with expansive weapons trees. There are over 14 weapon categories and hundreds of items to craft. The crafting system this time will force you to play multiple quests before you can gather the required items while making the grind a little more rewarding.

The game makes use of the more powerful hardware in more ways than one starting from fluid and faster looting and an open world that is just a treat for the eyes. Story and plot aside, the game will make stand in one spot and just observe everything which is something that makes an RPG experience even sweeter.

14

Nier Automata

25 Best RPG - Nier Automata
Image Credits: Nintendo

Release Date: February 23, 2017
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

Arguably Yoko Taro’s most successful title, Nier Automata, is one of the best games of the past decade. This is an emotional experience that constantly surprises you with its characters, story, and a fantastic score. It’s hard not to gush over this particular game, but doing so might take away what makes it special. In Nier Automata, you play as 2B, an Android who, alongside 9S, that have been sent to clear out machine threats during a post-apocalyptic proxy war.

The story takes multiple playthroughs to complete fully, and like the Drakengard series, gives players more context in each run. Since Platinum Games developed this, you can expect hack and slash combat, some massive bosses, and just excellent movement all around.

The side quests are excellent and the heart of this game. If you’re planning on playing this, I highly recommend doing everything. There is enough variety that you won’t be disappointed. This is a game where a director’s vision is communicated so well, in not just the story but the gameplay as well.

15

Stardew Valley

25 Best RPG - Stardew Valley
Source: Nintendo

Release Date: February 26, 2016
Platform:  Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, macOS, Xbox One, IOS, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows, Linux, PlayStation Vita

Are you tired of chasing objectives, and constantly losing to a hard boss, and want to try something a bit more laid back? Stardew Valley is exactly what you need right now. The game is so relaxed and chill because there is no losing or game over. You just have to play and have fun.

Stardew Valley started out as a venture by Eric Barone, who wanted to design a game that was much like the Harvest Moon games but better in every sense. It took him 4 years to do that but what came out was a piece of art. The game starts when your character who hates his job, opens up a letter from his deceased grandfather. In the letter, he told him about a piece of land in Stardew Valley.

You leave your job and move to the valley, to take care of an overgrown farm. The game packs a great number of details, character design and story, and fun activities. All of these things are enough reasons to make you play the game. The game is a step away from your usual action RPG genre and dials it down a gear for a more relaxed yet fun experience. Here are a few tips to get you started.

16

Diablo 2 Resurrected

Diablo 2 Resurrected Key Art

Release Date: April 9, 2021
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch

Okay, yes, Diablo 3 is a far more accessible title with deeper mechanics and build variety. It’s still supported, and there’s always more content to look forward to. However, if you’re actually looking for the game that essentially gave birth to darker action RPGs, then look no further than the fantastic remaster of the classic PC title, Diablo 2 Resurrected.

This is one of the best remasters we’ve seen in a while, and it lets you toggle back to the older visuals with a single button. There’s a lot to get through here, and fans of the original will feel right at home. It also has controller support, and it’s shockingly good. If you’re like me, who prefers playing games with a controller in general, you’ll have a hard time returning to the original control scheme.

The world of Diablo 2 is dark and gritty, and unlike its sequel, there are a lot of macabre monsters and a general intoxicating atmosphere that many missed in 3. Diablo IV is aiming to carry that style and looks like a far darker game than 3.

17

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

25 Best RPG - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Image Credits: Nintendo

Release Date: March 3, 2017
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

Waking up from a 100-year slumber and finding out you have lost your memories and spending the rest of your time gaining back lost moments. Welcome to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If you are a Switch gamer, there is no way you have never heard of this game because it is hard to mention one without the other.

We are all aware of the Zelda franchise and BOTW was a shining addition to the series with its massive open world, thanks to the 5 years it took to develop. The first thing when you drop into the game is the gigantic map which is all left open for you to discover.

Aside from the main storyline, the game is filled with almost endless puzzles, side quests, villages to raid for treasure, and so much more. You can spend hours in the game and not play the main quest once, that’s how much content it offers.

In a sort of fantasy RPG game like Zelda, you don’t expect realism but the game surprises you in more than one way. BOTW’s world responds in a way that feels natural and much like an actual real-world experience. From objects to creatures, everything has been designed and refined to achieve that goal.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is truly a masterpiece and if you are a fan of RPG and happen to have a Switch then jump right in because you won’t regret it.

18

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

25 Best RPG - Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Image Credit: Ubisoft

Release Date: October 1, 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Origins was the first title that embraced the new direction for the series, and Odyssey expanded on it exponentially. This is a massive title with a vast open world filled to the brim with content at every corner. Odyssey takes players to Greece during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. As usual, despite your indifferent origin, your role in this war, as you work for both sides, dramatically impacts Ubisoft’s take on this period, seen through a mythological lens.

Players will either take on the role of Alexios or Kassandra, spartan mercenaries that will take on a variety of missions throughout their extensive journey. Like other entries in the series, the game has multiple expansions that delve deeper into the mythological aspect as well. If you liked Origins but wanted even more, then Odyssey has you covered with its sheer variety of activities you can do.

A standard playthrough should take you from 40 to 80 hours, depending on how many side quests and activities you do.

19

Cyberpunk 2077

25 Best RPG - Cyberpunk 2077
Image Credits: CD Projekt Red

Release Date: December 10, 2022
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One

After The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red’s next project, Cyberpunk 2077, had huge shoes to fill. After years of marketing, cut features, and a poor launch, Cyberpunk 2077 didn’t exactly have the best start. It’s been a while since that now, and with a number of patches, Cyberpunk 2077 is an experience worth having.

CD Projekt’s Red signature writing, memorable characters, and the impressive world make this game finally find its footing. It may not nail the basics of even older open-world titles, but ultimately, like many other RPGs that aren’t exactly the most solid in each aspect, Cyberpunk 2077 manages to grow on you with its characters and the sheer variety in side quests.

If you were a fan of Witcher 3’s world and its inhabitants, then there’s a very good chance you’ll like this as well. Just make sure you have a decent enough PC, or you’re playing it on current-gen consoles.

20

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Image Credits: Ubisoft

Release Date: November 10, 2020
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One

There is no way we talk about open-world role-playing games and don’t talk about Assassin’s Creed. This time we are stepping away from the stealth genre and taking part in some Viking action. Yes, we are talking about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Set in 872 AD, the era of merciless Vikings who were ready to settle down in England. Valhalla was Ubisoft’s attempt at breaking the stealth genre and trying something different for a change. You will be playing as Eivor Varinsdottir, who is a capable Viking. You can choose to play either as a male or a female.

Ubisoft might have mixed things up a bit, but they still have kept the Assassin spirit alive by keeping a few key aspects in the game. Stealth is still an option even though we are playing as Vikings, who are known to be loud and ruthless, but Assassin’s Creed Valhalla still has the option to be silent and discreet.

Along with the great story and combat mechanics of a typical Assassin’s Creed game, there are tons of customization options for your character, such as armor, tattoos, beard, and other appearance aspects.

21

Pillars of Eternity II Deadfire

Pillars of Eternity II Deadfire
Image Credits: Pillars of Eternity Wiki

Release Date: May 8, 2018
Platforms: PC, PS4, 2Xbox One

The Pillars of Eternity II Deadfire is probably one of the most retro-looking modern-day RPGs. It feels like we are back in the early 00s when playing it. However, don’t be fooled because its modern gameplay features, innovative mechanics, and vast content make it one of the best RPG games!

Another thing that sets the PoE franchise apart from others is how the whole story from all installments is connected. And, if you play it all through a single account, your choices from the first game will sometimes affect how things unfold in the sequels.

The Pillars of Eternity II Deadfire is Obsidian Entertainment’s pride, a sequel to 2015’s first installment, which was a big success. The developers turned to crowdfunding for development, and all it took was one day for it to reach the required budget. That speaks enough of what the fans think of this game.

22

World of Warcraft

25 Best RPG - World of Warcraft
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Release Date: November 23, 2004
Platforms: PC

Given up by many but still maintaining quite an active online community, World of Warcraft has grown and improved over the years. It goes for the retail and classic versions both. The improvement is in game design, visuals, and storytelling.

The retail version is getting a new expansion, Dragon Isles, which introduces a new class, new race, and new content, and changes the talent system to incorporate the classic method a bit. The latter is quite a welcomed change in our opinion.

The classic version is available in vanilla, TBC, and Wrath of the Lich King (since September 22, 2022). The fans can relive their favorite moments with “some changes” to gameplay. Blizzard has promised to keep the old gameplay style as much as possible but still introduce some modern improvements that weren’t there the first time.

23

Eve Online

25 Best RPG - Eve Online
Image Credits: Eve Online

Release Date: May 6, 2003
Platform: PC, macOS

If you’ve ever wanted to play an MMORPG fantasy world like Lost Ark but set in space then Eve Online is what you are looking for. With over 7,000 solar systems to explore and a variety of customizable battleships, EVE Online is one of the most immersive MMOs out there.

The game is notorious for its steep learning curve and its hardcore PVP mechanics. And while many fans have moved on from EVE Online due to its ruthless and seemingly unavoidable P2W mechanics, once you make it past that initial hurdle, you won’t ever want to leave.

You will find yourself immersed in the incredibly vast open world, going from star to star, searching for new materials, all while taking part in multiplayer battles. You can put a lot of real-world money to buy the intergalactic spaceship you have been wanting to buy. The game has been left open-ended for the players. The more creative you are the more you are rewarded.

24

Genshin Impact

25 Best RPGs - Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact Youtube

Release Date: September 28, 2020
Platform: GeForce Now, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, iPadOS

Are you a fan of anime? Are you a fan of RPGs? If you are a fan of both, then look no further because we have got the fix for you. Genshin Impact is an anime-infused RPG by miHoYo and since its release in 2020, it has caught the attention of every RPG fan.

The game takes place in the magical world of Teyvat which bifurcates into 7 powerful nations. Each nation is ruled by a God and is related to a specific element. You will start as “Traveler” who along with his sister/brother travels different worlds. When you enter Teyvat, you will face a powerful foe and you will be separated from your sibling (You have the choice to play as either sibling). The whole story revolves around you traveling in search of your lost sibling.

Genshin Impact is filled to the brim with content. The world is vast and full of all kinds of activities, quests, NPCs, and other playable characters. The game allows you to create a team of players, all with different elemental attributes, to work together and take down enemies. The teamwork element is something that makes the game much more enjoyable and is one of the reasons why this game is so high up on the list.

This was just a hint of what the game has to offer. Start discovering and you will find yourself going on for days.

25

Horizon Forbidden West

25 Best RPG - Horizon Forbidden West

Release Date: February 18, 2022
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

A sequel is supposed to be better than its predecessor in terms of what the first one lacked. It is supposed to build upon the foundation of the previous installment and take the franchise further. If there is a game that deserves to be called a sequel, then it’s Horizon Forbidden West.

Horizon Forbidden West features everything great from the last-gen Horizon Zero Dawn and adds its own new gameplay elements. The game has similar combat and traversal mechanics, a great storyline, and more challenging mechanical foes. On top of all of this, the game now features many settlements across the post-apocalyptic United States. This adds a bit more depth to the game and exciting side quests.

Once again, you will play as Aloy, a member of the Nora Tribe, surviving the ruthless world filled with mechanical monsters and other threats. Guerrilla Games and Sony have outdone themselves with this one. They are also adding new DLC as time passes.

Honorable mentions

This list of the 25 best RPGs holds many hits that the audiences love but also some that rocked our worlds. Other great titles would be a worthy inclusion, but one can’t remember them all!

We can’t go on without mentioning these other titles that are some of the best role-playing games ever made. We just didn’t have room to include them, like the Dragon Quest, Fallout, Dark Souls, Dragon Age, Neverwinter Nights, Baldur’s Gate, and many more.

Finally, at the time of this writing, Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in early access, and we assume it will be one of the best RPG games of all time, but that’s going on our 2023 list!

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Gaming enthusiast, massive Soulsborne fan with hundreds of hours spread across different Soulslike titles, and a passionate writer. Always on the lookout for interesting games with unique mechanics and design especially in the indie space. He loves to write informative guides for newer and ongoing releases.
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