10 Best Western RPGs to play in 2026

The RPG genre is very broad, and that's why we've decided that it's time to shine a light purely on the best Western RPGs (aka WRPGs) that you can play today.

In case you need a quick refresher, Western RPGs are games that have been developed in Europe or America. They are also often focused on deep character customization, and a certain kind of openness that really lets players feel like they are in charge of crafting the story. While that applies to all the best RPGs in some aspect, WRPGs aren't typically as linear or feature as prescriptive a main character as the best JRPGs typically do. Of course, we're seeing more cross over than ever before now between the sub-genres, however this list will be sticking to the descriptors above.

I've also included the general RPG vibe you can expect from each entry, which you can learn more about in our helpful FAQ section. So what are you waiting for? Scroll on and discover the best WRPGs to play today. And if your favorite didn't make the cut, feel free to let me know in the comments section down below.

The best Western RPGS, starting with...

10. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

The best way to describe Disco Elysium is that it's a very sophisticated piece of art that has some of the greatest writing I've ever experienced in a game. Playing as an amnesiac detective on a murder case, you'll navigate an incredibly detailed story packed with philosophical and political choices. But take note, this RPG has little combat and instead is characterized by dialogue trees and skill checks.

There's an in-depth stat-building system and 24 individual skills, each with unique checks you'll need to balance. To make things more interesting, items and research also factor into how you build your character, and all your choices will directly influence how you interact with the world around you and how the story will play out. All these factors make Disco Elysium something that I wouldn't recommend for new RPG fans, but a must-play for genre veterans searching for a novel challenge that'll stick with you for years to come.

9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

In our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review, we mention how this is "a thoroughly absorbing RPG", and I'd go so far as to say that it's also the best medieval game out there right now. While this is a sequel to the 2018 game Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the plot is pretty easy to follow, and you can just dive in straight away. And honestly, I recommend doing so since Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a marvelous evolution of its predecessor and realizes a ton of ideas and detailed RPG mechanics.

Set during 1403 in the Kingdom of Bohemia you control Henry of Skalitz. You'll get to sword fight, interact with very fun and sometimes snarky NPCs, and grind your way to the top of the medieval social ladder. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is also one of the best games like Skyrim in the fact of quest variety, and the freedom to explore and do whatever you please.

8. Pillars of Eternity

While I loved Avowed which is set in the same universe, the 2015 game Pillars of Eternity still wins in the contest for best WRPG. Avowed is more cinematic, where as Pillars of Eternity has walls of text that you'll have to read through, but the writing is so outstanding that reading never feels like a chore. The story is set in the world of Eora and you play as a Watcher (aka a person who can read souls).

The world building is very Tolkien-coded here, but there's also enough fresh details that make the fantasy world stand out in its own right too and that'll keep you hooked for hours. Pillars of Eternity is also probably the toughest game on this list though, so it's another one I wouldn't recommend to fresh RPG newbies. It employs pause-able real-time combat, which can easily lead to your party being wiped out in a dungeon if you aren't paying attention. It's tricky but incredibly rewarding, especially for tactical gamers.

7. Fallout: New Vegas

In terms of iconic WRPG games, the Fallout series needs to be in the conversation. And in terms of this list, I had to pick my favorite entry in the apocalyptic wasteland, and also the best Fallout game ever made, Fallout: New Vegas. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas has you taking on the role of a lonely courier who must navigate the Mojave Desert.

Out of all the Fallout games, New Vegas does the best job at offering the freedom and open world exploration that define all the best WRPGs. Every action you take has ripple effects on the world around you, and how NPCs treat you going forward. Your character truly feels like a blank slate who gives you the freedom to play your way, ignoring even the main story if you want. Fallout: New Vegas is a masterpiece and personally one of my most replayed games as well.

6. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Probably one of the most popular WRPGs of all time, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is inescapable at this point. But its longevity is justified since it's one of the best open-world experiences that also offers a dizzying amount of freedom in a truly captivating world. You are the Dragonborn, a powerful figure in Tamriel, who basically has the world at their fingertips.

While there is a main story to play through, Skyrim lets you do whatever you please. You can focus on faction quests, explore the massive map, sort out side-quests, and a ton more. There's always something for you to do and you can take everything at your own pace as well. I also recommend that you check out the recent Elder Scroll Oblivion Remake, which is fantastic. Oblivion is a lot more of a journey to become a hero, whereas Skyrim has you playing as the Dragonborn straight away, and gives you a wider breath of freedom as a result. For more, read our Skyrim Special Edition review.

5. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of those RPGs that really makes you care about all your companions. It also has all the other markers that make for a great WRPG - detailed customization, a ton for you to explore, and a mirage of systems that put your choices front and center. However, what made me pick it for this list, is how much it invests you in the fate of others, and how that dynamic perfectly feeds into the "Herald of Andraste" role.

There are also interesting mechanics such as spreading influence through the War Table, and how power is used as a currency to unlock huge new areas to explore. But for all those who like prioritizing romance and interpersonal relationships, Dragon Age: Inquisition's writing is what will keep you coming back. There is a reason we almost gave it a perfect score in our Dragon Age: Inquisition review, and trust us, you won't regret giving it a shot.

4. Divinity Original Sin 2

Divinity Original Sin 2 is a gorgeous-looking isometric turn-based RPG that offers some of the best customization options for fantasy fans. This is an RPG that I'd recommend to any table-top gamers as well as Baldur's Gate 3 enjoyers who are looking for more freedom in gameplay and a more light-hearted story than Larian Studios' most recent outing.

In the game, you'll pick your class before you dive into the world of Rivellon on a quest essentially for god-hood. You'll pick up companions along the way and have the ability to tackle side-quests as you make your way through the main campaign. It's also one of the best WRPGs to play with others and can very quickly feel like a regular D&D session, as you and your friends adventure together with creative builds. I also personally love the combat in Divinity: Original Sin 2 and say it's still some of the best in the RPG space. A great all-rounder!

3. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

OK, so it is technically cheating to put the entire Mass Effect trilogy on this list, since it's three games instead of one. But, since the games are now available in a bundle with the Legendary Edition, and you'll need to play them all for the complete story, I'm being cheeky and highlighting the whole bunch. Mass Effect is one of the more restrictive RPGs on this list in so far that you have a pretty set character. But, you won't really care since Mass Effect will make you feel like you're an action hero in one of the most intense sci-fi movies of all time.

You play as Commander Shepard, who basically has to save the entire galaxy from a growing threat. The fast paced third-person shooter combat, paired with the sharp writing, really do make you feel like a badass and if you need more convincing about how amazing it is to experience that for yourself, you can read our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt still wins out as the best title in the series when it comes to WRPGs, at least while we wait for The Witcher 4 to release. The game really captures everything that RPG players are after: brilliant writing, tough choices, and fun (yet still tough) combat to keep things exciting. Geralt of Rivia is both shunned yet vitally needed by the people he meets, as he destroys monsters yet is treated like an outsider. This tension really amplifies your experience playing as Geralt and every choice feels more emotionally charged.

Along with this great emotive work, The Witcher 3 is just super fun. There's always something to keep you busy, combat is snappy and really leans into a folklore feel with spells, and finally, the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone DLC is also fantastic. Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review for more details!

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is the new gold standard for RPGs in general. The depth and sheer size of it is mind-boggling, and honestly, even if you are a newbie to the genre or a veteran, it's a must-play. Based on the rules from Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, and also set in the Forgotten Realms, you get to create a character and pick a class from the iconic tabletop game before you set out on a mature adventure packed with heavy themes, off-kilter characters, and some mind flayer antics.

In our Baldur's Gate 3 review we mention that the game is the "most successful and authentic take on D&D in the tabletop franchise's 50-year history." That statement still stands true today, and it's still truly the best WRPG around. There are a ton of quests, creative tactical combat, and so much to explore. It's a modern marvel.

Best WRPGs FAQs