Valve's latest big seasonal sales event is officially here, and there are already some great Steam Summer Sale games for 2026 to get your hands on. With massive discounts dropping some historically low prices on some of the best Steam games, it's a great to see what's currently on offer and add to your Steam library for less.

Since going live as of 10am PT / 6pm BST on June 25, I've been searching through the Steam Summer sales to find the best game discounts that I think are absolutely worth grabbing. From some of the best RPGs to the best horror games, the seasonal sale has low prices across all kinds of genres, and I've done the work to spy out the best games on discount so you can make the most of the Steam sales date.

All of the picks included here take these games down to the lowest prices we've seen them go for to date… and in this economy, that's most welcome. With some recommendations from our very own features editor Andy Brown, we've put our heads together to bring together the 10 best Steam Summer Sale game discounts. Be it some of the latest new games that have happily been reduced, to some older favorites that are going for an absolute steal.

The best Steam Summer Sale games 2026

Resident Evil Requiem

If you've been holding out on playing the latest Resident Evil entry, then now's a great time to consider meeting with Leon and Grace in Racoon City. Having only just been released back in February of this year, the 20% discount it now has in the Steam Summer sale is the lowest price we've seen Resident Evil Requiem's fall so far on Valve's storefront. As we explored in our Resident Evil Requiem review, it's worth having in your library if you're a Resi fan; it dials up the terror, delivers the action, and excellently explores the iconic character that is Leon Kennedy in more depth.

With two protagonists leading the charge who both offer distinctly different perspectives and experiences on its blend of survival horror, Resident Evil Requiem easily earns its place as one of the best Resident Evil games going. And with the recent addition of a roguelike mode, and yet more goodness to come from Capcom with the Resident Evil Veronica remake in 2027, the timing of this discount couldn't be better.

Get Resident Evil Requiem here.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

As someone who's spent over 1000 hours playing CD Projekt Red's dystopian, futuristic RPG, I can't recommend Cyberpunk 2077 enough if you've yet to try it. From shaping your own customizable protagonist in V, to deciding how you want to navigate the many dangers and temptations of the neon-tined streets of Night City, it's a memorable ride from start to finish. I love the way it explores an action-packed story that examines what it means to survive and try to retain your identity in a world where cybernetic technology has taken over, and it's as easy to erase your personality as it is to shove a chip in your head.

V's fight to save themself is well worth your time, and now's a great opportunity to experience it thanks to the hefty discounted price of the Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. You can snag yourself the base game and one of the best DLCs in the excellent Phantom Liberty expansion for its lowest price yet. The base game by itself is also discounted at just $17.99 / £14.99 (which is certainly worth the Eddies), but I'd absolutely recommend the Ultimate Edition so you don't miss out on Idris Elba, and the morally grey world of Dogtown.

Get Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition here.

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

Calling all strategy fans! Right now, you can get your hands on Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era for its lowest ever price on Steam. As a triumphant return of the beloved strategy RPG series that first made a name for itself in the '90s, Olden Era blends together RPG mechanics with real-time strategy and grid-based combat to deliver a satisfying tactical loop you'll want to keep coming back to.

First launching back in April, it's worth noting that Olden Era is still in Early Access, but don't let that stop you. As we said in our Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Early Access review, "it's already packed with an essentially endless amount of content", with multiplayer, randomized matches, and a nice chunk of the campaign ready and waiting for you.

Get Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era here.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is one of the best first-person RPGs we've seen arrive in recent years, with a richly realized open world that draws you right into medieval Europe. Playing as intrepid adventurer Henry of Skalitz, who gets caught up in all kinds of ye olde shenanigans with companion (and possible love interest) Hans Capon, War Horse not only delivers a host of fantastic side quests, but it also draws you into a memorable main storyline as you set out to avenge your parents.

Staying true to its role-playing DNA, you can choose to shape Henry however you wish, whether you want to build him out to be a smooth talking sneaky so-and-so or a robust sword-fighting machine. Both myself and Andy have had many memorable experiences with this one, and if you're ready to go medieval, this Steam Summer Sale offer is calling your name: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is going for its lowest ever price right now.

Get Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 here.

Mewgenics

One of the best games of 2026 so far, Mewgenics has been hit with a notable discount which takes it down to the lowest price to date on Steam. From The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy developer Edmund McMillen and The End is Nigh's Tyler Glaiel, Mewgencis brings to life a turn-based tactical adventure that's all about breeding and raising your very own army of cats. With different traits that can be passed down to other cats, you can work to make the ultimate mutant felines and send them off on runs in search of loot.

As we explored in our Mewgenics review, it's a "hugely varied" roguelike that has an imaginative and rewarding gameplay loop. With tons of replayability, and an excellent soundtrack, it's also packed with wonderfully whacky humor, and you can sink so many hours into this one if you're after something hearty to tuck into.

Get Mewgenics here.

Two Point Museum

One of the best simulation games has gotten a big discount right now, with the excellent Two Point Museum now down to its lowest price so far on Steam. As someone who loves history, I adored my time bringing to life my own museums. From sending my employees off on expeditions to find more fossils, to putting them on display just how I want, and creating gift shops to bring in more funds, I also enjoyed mapping out my own museum tours.

With a host of fun updates since it first launched in 2025 (including a fitting summer update), this is well worth getting if you enjoy management sims full of charm, humor, and easy-to-use tools. You can find out more of my thoughts in our Two Point Museum review if you're interested to learn more.

Get Two Point Museum here.

Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories

First released back in April, this is a great 20% discount off the delightful indie game, Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories – which is well worth having in your library if you're looking for something laidback to play. Set in the '90s in Japan, you play as college student Makoto Hayakawa, who works at a convenience store over the summer.

From stocking and arranging shelves, to preparing displays, and getting the store ready to open, I love the meditative quality of the organizing. But as I first found out by playing the demo ahead of release, part of its charm also comes from the customers you meet. As you help them find what they're looking for, or give them recommendations, you start to learn more about them and hear the stories of the locals. If I hadn't already snapped this game up, I would do so now at this price.

Get Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories here.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong was years in the making and easily one of the most talked about games in the lead up to its eventual release in 2025. But as Team Cherry's sequel went on to prove, it was well worth the wait. Now considered to be one of the best Metroidvania games of recent years right alongside its predecessor, you can now get 25% shaved off the price tag, taking it down to its lowest price on Steam so far.

As we said in our Hollow Knight: Silksong review, it's a near-perfect follow-up that evolves many of the features of the original to deliver a rewarding world to explore. Playing as Hornet, her various abilities are satisfying to play around with, and there's plenty of challenges to overcome. If you've been holding off or want to give Silksong a try, then this is a good chance to do just that without paying the usual price.

Get Hollow Knight: Silksong here.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

With the reveal of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation during Summer Game Fest Live 2026, which will conclude Cloud's journey, it feels almost serendipitous that the first part of the RPG series is discounted to its lowest price to date on Steam. Not only that, but the chunky discount is for the Intergrade version, which comes with the additional expansion Episode InterMission starring companion Yuffie. So, if you're looking to catch up before the upcoming RPG arrives in 2027, this could well be your sign to experience the opening of Cloud adventure in the city of Midgar.

Introducing iconic party members and setting what's to come in the sprawling open world scene of part 2 in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a lovingly reimagined remake of the iconic JRPG on PS1. With an updated and modernized real-time combat system that calls back to the classic turn-based affair through its strategic ATB elements, longtime fans will get a kick out of its recreations of some classic moments, while newcomers get stuck right in with ease.

Get Final Fantasy 7 Intergrade here.

Dead Space Remake

If you've yet to try out Dead Space, or you're on the lookout for a chilling, atmospheric experience, then you can get your hands on the excellent Dead Space Remake for the incredibly low price of just under $6 / £5. As one of the best horror games, the 2023 remake of the classic 2008 survival horror succeeds at being even more unsettling than the original, and that's a huge compliment.

Taking on the role of Issaac Clarke, an engineer who finds himself on a mission to repair the USG Ishimura mining ship, things take a terrifying turn. With the ship's crew brutally killed, and your partner lost onboard, you have to navigate the Ishimura with only your engineering skills at your disposal. But, with horrific creatures known as necromorphs always in pursuit, you can expect plenty of scares in the sci-fi space setting. If you're after some horror goodness, this is worth adding to your library for a lot less.

Get Dead Space here.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has made a name for itself as one of the best open world RPGs of the last decade, and you can now experience Geralt's sprawling adventure for an absolute steal if you've yet to snap up CD Projekt Red's gripping fantasy on Steam. Honestly, it's also the perfect excuse to replay The Witcher 3 on another platform if you've already experienced it elsewhere… because it's just that cheap.

Following Geralt, a mutant monster slayer known as a witcher, you set out across sprawling locations in search of your ward, Ciri, who's being pursued by the Wild Hunt. Delivering some of the most memorable side quests and a story that will keep you gripped, replaying or tucking into it for the first time will no doubt help set up the next game to come with The Witcher 4. And at a historically low price tag, the fact that it's set to get a new expansion next year in the Songs of the Past just gives you more reasons to grab this.

Get the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt here.

Honorable mentions

If you have smashed through all our top picks above, then worry not; here are 10 more deals for you to check out below. For these honorable mentions, I've focused on historically low prices, meaning that the majority of these have never gone for cheaper than they are right now. So, be sure to check them out as well as our best picks above to maximize your bargain hunting.

• Balatro (Get it here)
• The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Get it here)
• Hotline Miami (Get it here)
• SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS (Get it here)
• Planet Zoo (Get it here)
• A Plague Tale: Innocence (Get it here)
• Resident Evil 2 (Get it here)
• Borderlands 4 (Get it here)
• Persona 3 Reloaded (Get it here)
• Metaphor: ReFantazio (Get it here)

Keep track of future demo events with our Steam Next Fest guide. Or find some more recommendations with our pick of the best PC games.

The number of free demos included in Steam Next Fest has been getting higher and higher through each event, and with only so much time to play them, finding what's worth your time can be tough. We offer some tips in our Steam Next Fest guide, but if you just want some pure recommendations, then stick around. Even running alongside Summer Game Fest, I've still made the time to check out some great demos, and below I highlight the ones I really think you shouldn't miss.

Ranging from blockbuster demos you can finally try at home for yourself like Onimusha, to a Lovecraft adaptation you play from the perspective of a penguin, the great thing about Steam Next Fest is how so many unique experiences of any size and scale can stand alongside one another. It's the perfect time to try something new. Ending on Monday, there's still time to dip into some potential new favorites before it's over.

Read on, and allow me to run through the best Steam Next Fest demos from this June 2026 event that you should be downloading, playing, and wishlisting!

12. Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Developer: Capcom
Release date: September 25, 2026

The GamesRadar+ team are massive fans of all the best ARPGs, so Onimusha: Way of the Sword has been on our list as one of our most anticipated games for quite some time now. And, the good news is that, after playing through its demo, Capcom's latest entry to the beloved historic fantasy series doesn't disappoint. Playing as Miyamoto Musashi in a fictional version of Edo-era Kyoto, in Onimusha: Way of the Sword you are charged with defeating monsters (known as Genma), slicing through them with your blade. The demo really does give you a great window into the atmosphere of the title, lets you face a boss fight, and the combat also gives us God of War vibes during our time playing. Basically, it's an adrenaline-filled marvel, and ahead of its September release, I highly recommend downloading this one before Steam Next Fest ends.

Play the Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo here

11. Valor Mortis

Developer: One More Level
Release date: October 13, 2026

Out of all the demos currently available at Steam Next Fest, Valor Mortis is the best Soulslike that I've played so far. From the creators of Ghostrunner, this first-person action game has you taking on the role of an undead soldier, now a member of Napoleon Bonaparte's new supernatural army. The game is set in an alternate version of 19th century France with a zombie virus running rampant, forcing you to slay your brothers in arms. Along the way you'll see plenty of gore, unsettling but oddly pretty environments, and even get some story hints around Napoleon's true intentions. Personally, I was always a fan of that supernatural concept, but the demo fully sold me to add this game to my wishlist after experiencing its slick combat. In fact, we mentioned how the demo gave us flashbacks to the first time playing Dark Souls 3 and Shadow of Mordor, high praise indeed.

Play the Valor Mortis demo here

10. Virtue and a Sledgehammer

Developer: Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour
Release date: TBC 2026

"Most people resort to therapy. But you chose the brave option. A sledgehammer." Virtue and a Sledgehammer's anger isn't subtle, entirely based around using the controller's trigger to lift and strike with a massive sledgehammer to smash apart your woodland hometown and the machines that now populate it. Somehow sporting the personalities of those you grew up alongside, you're taking revenge for the deaths of everyone you knew. With an abstracted and strikingly told story told through fragmented flashbacks, the satisfaction of going ham on robots, objects, and houses is sold through the crunchy feel. This generous demo allows you to play from the beginning, through a sizable starting area that you can wreck to your heart's content.

Play the Virtue and a Sledgehammer demo here

9. Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!

Developer: Strange Scaffold
Release date: July 29, 2026

When Carissa is struck down by a delivery truck days before her big promotion in Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World's opening, she's actually transported to a fantasy world of swords and sorcery instead of dying, in typical isekai anime fashion. But, you play as the hapless delivery driver accidentally did the deed, and she's able to guilt-trip you into helping her revive back to the real world by causing even more havoc, wrecking the city with outlandish stunts to 'isekai' even more people as low level monsters so she can cheat through her experience and resurrect. The result is an oddball mix of Crazy Taxi and Grand Theft Auto as you juggle police chases, deliveries, and monster combat, all within a colorful world. This demo lets you off the leash to try out some timed, arcade-style runs for yourself.

Play the Truck-Kun is Supporting Me from Another World?! demo here

8. Screenbound

Developer(s): Crescent Moon Games, Radical Forge
Release date: September 10, 2026

Screenbound is an upcoming puzzle platformer that will no doubt capture the hearts of any retro fans out there. Brilliantly combining a 2D and 3D world, you as the player are tasked with navigating and beating levels with the help of a very Game Boy Advance SP looking device called a Qboy. The world is reflected in 2D via your Qboy screen and you need to alternate between using your handheld and moving through the 3D world to progress. I won't lie to you, juggling the changing perspectives is a lot at first, but it does soon become second nature, especially once you surrender to the fact that Screenbound is all about timing, logic, and just a little bit of luck as well. From what I've played so far, the game is super comfortable to play and easy to get into too. It's also one of those titles that will have you itching for more.

Play the Screenbound demo here

7. Mistfall Hunter

Developer: Bellring Games
Release date: July 29, 2026

If you like Elden Ring Nightreign but wish the Soulslike formula was more of a pure Extraction experience, then Mistfall Hunter is aimed squarely at you. With considered, dangerous combat against monsters and rival players alike, this is a fantasy twist on the Extraction Shooter genre where you take up sword and shield, magic, bows, or other weapons instead of guns. Starting out weak, you have to team up in co-op or go solo to enter deadly Gyldenmist-afflicted lands, extracting before you become corrupted in order to bank gear or precious Gyldenblood. Even surviving an excursion requires you to kill a bell creature in order to magically return. If the genre isn't usually your thing but you're a Dark Souls diehard, you may find the loop compelling here anyway, so it's well worth giving this demo a try before its full launch to see if you like it.

Play the Mistfall Hunter demo here

6. About Fishing

Developer: The Water Museum
Release date: TBC 2026

Ever since the release of Dredge we have seen an influx of fishing games with a dark twist. However, even with a bunch of titles in the genre, About Fishing's demo had me hooked (pun intended) thanks to its tactile fishing gameplay and the promise of a creepy mystery linked to our discovery of a dead body and, um, a mermaid? Sporting some very nostalgic visuals, the game follows a woman in a yellow raincoat who ends up uncovering secrets via the powers of fishing. The demo is very simple, and only gives us the opening chapter, however, it's still very effective in keeping us intrigued about the story. I also love how the meditative act of fishing is paired with such a sinister undertone, giving me big David Lynch vibes. I do wish that there was a release date for the game, but for now I highly recommend checking out this demo, especially if you are a Twin Peaks fan.

Play the About Fishing demo here

5. Tanuki: Pon's Summer

Developer: Denkiworks
Release date: TBC

The Tanuki Festival is one month away and it's up to the lazy tanuki, Pon, to fix up the shrine before time runs out. Tanuki: Pon's Summer is an adorable game that follows Pon working in his part-time post-office job. Speed around on his BMX, develop friendships with residents, and decorate the shrine – all the ingredients are there for a new cozy game icon. During this demo you get the chance to play through multiple days in-game, letting you experience some odd jobs and giving you a charming introduction to the characters. Since our goal is to get as much cash as we can for the shrine, mini-games are the star here. I'm expecting that we'll probably see more at the full release, but so far the gameplay loop has me in a chokehold. Tanuki: Pon's Summer may not have a release date but its demo is already hilarious, fun, and also runs pretty great on the Steam Deck as well (always a bonus in my book).

Play the Tanuki: Pon's Summer demo here

4. Penguin Colony

Developer: ORIGAME DIGITAL
Release date: TBC 2026

2026 has seen a ton of Lovecraftian horror games, however, something that we haven't seen is Lovecraftian horror through the eyes of a penguin. That is until now. Penguin Colony is a strange but also faithful adaptation of HP Lovecraft's novellas, At The Mountains of Madness and The Shadow Out of Time, but in this version you are a cute low-poly penguin belly sliding around Antarctica. In this take on At The Mountains of Madness, it's Nazis who are trying to uncover something buried in the ice, while the Kaitiaki work to stop them. But, our job is to waddle through the story, doing some light platforming and watching humans in horror whenever we encounter them. And, trust me horror is still very much present even in the demo. While playing through it ourselves we got to see someone's head explode next to our cute penguin, and I'm sure that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the virtual trauma that is in store for us.

Play the Penguin Colony demo here

3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Oaths and Ashes

Developer: Revive the Spark
Release date: TBC 2026

Vampire: The Masquerade – Oaths & Ashes' Steam Next Fest demo is a prologue to their visual novel RPG, so it's a breezy narrative adventure that sets the stage and doesn't fully showcase all the mechanics on offer. But, like any good vampire tale, the blood has me itching to taste more already. Playing as powerful Ventrue vampire Alice as she's on the cusp of getting her fangs into her dream job as Archon serving under the Parisian Justicar, she's sent on the unenviable task of sowing discord in Berlin, controlled by a rival vampire network. While the action has yet to really get going, the politicking as the prologue progresses has compelled me, and I like the idea of this narrative-heavy game still having you manage spending blood to use your powers, hunger, and the keeping up the titular masquerade in front of mortals. The full game promises deeper systems and a second thinblood protagonist. Now my appetite has been whetted, I hope it can pack a punch beyond this prologue – but I'll be patient as I stalk this particular quarry.

Play the Vampire: The Masquerade – Oaths and Ashes demo here

2. Fractured Blooms

Developer: Serenity Forge
Release date: TBC

From Doki Doki Literature Club publisher Serenity Forge, Fractured Blooms has been on my radar for ages, and thankfully the Steam Next Fest demo doesn't disappoint. In fact our senior writer and fellow horror fan Ashley Bardhan, has stated that it is "better than anything you'll play" during Valve's event, and if you love psychological horror, I fully support that stance too. Stuck in a timeloop, you follow the teenage Angie in a world brimming with Appalachian mysticism. During said loop you'll need to manage Angie's resources and get her to perfect her chores from farming, cooking, and cleaning to the point of pain. Each day something will shift and slowly you'll begin to remember and see things that will put your hair on end. Fractured Blooms seems like it will be a narrative goldmine and its demo will stick with you long after this Next Fest ends, trust us.

Play the Fractured Blooms demo here

1. Mortal Shell 2

Developer: Cold Symmetry
Release date: TBC 2026

Mortal Shell 2 follows the Soulslike playbook, but isn't afraid to scribble in the margins, either. One such doodle – a granite-like cuboid shotgun, is one of a number of new tools your 'Shells' can wield that make this feel like a metal album cover come to life as much as it is a challenging combat gauntlet. Slick and reactive in a way few in the genre manage to be, clashes with deadly foes – ranging from hulking, caged brutes to weird witchy women with accordions that actually make music – feels incredible. While the fundamentals are nailed throughout what becomes at least a semi-open-world quest, there's a lot of customization on offer, even in this generous demo. That includes Seals, gear that can alter your parry button to become, say, a petrification block that freezes you mid-animation, or allows your gun to break enemy stun meters. And, of course, Shells themselves, class-like roles that are actually the bodies of named, specific undead characters. This is the most excited I've been for a Soulslike in a long time.

Play the Mortal Shell 2 demo here

One of the best VR games is finally getting a non-VR port with Moss: The Forgotten Relic, and it's some of the most fun I've had this Steam Next Fest

Separating the goods from the greats is never easy, and the best DLCs prove why that is. This list began as a humble collection of five must-play video game expansions, but after careful (see: impassioned) deliberation with my colleagues here at GamesRadar+, we've expanded our rankings to seven.

If you're here off the back of the new Witcher 3 DLC announcement, you're in the right place. There's something magical about the transformative power of an excellent DLC, whether it sees a glorious journey come to a well-rounded conclusion (as per one of the best Witcher games) or a beloved FPS shown in a whole new light. Many games on this list count among the best RPGs, but rest assured: we're thinking broadly for this one, meaning no genre has been ruled out.

We'll be keeping this list updated as more new games deliver post-launch offerings, but for now, join us as we crown the best DLC of all-time.

7. Dragon Age: Inquisition - Trespasser

Base game: Dragon Age: Inquisition
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: September 8, 2015

Serving as an essential epilogue to Dragon Age: Inquisition, the Trespasser DLC was the final major expansion to come to BioWare's third fantasy RPG. With so many narrative threads still to wrap up in the main story – which left us with a major revelation regarding companion Solas' identity and motivations – the Trespasser DLC allows you to confront the complex elf and perfectly sets up what's to come in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Set against the backdrop of Thedas' political tensions, you also get caught up in a curious plot, and eventually determine the fate of the Inquisition in a satisfying conclusion. It's as necessary as it is enjoyable, with the bonus of being given the chance to spend more time with the loveable companions (and your chosen paramour).

6. Lies of P: Overture

Base game: Lies of P
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release date: June 6, 2025

Lies of P charmed me as one of the most impressive and best action-RPGs of 2023, and Overture somehow managed to top it. Introducing difficulty levels in what has to be a first for the Soulslike subgenre, Lies of P: Overture sees our steel-armed hero sent back in time to the moment the city of Krat fell apart. The new map areas breathe life and dimension to the otherwise Belle-Epoque gothic vibe of the base game – think snow-capped mountains, mutated zoo animals in a deviation from all those puppets, new status effects, and brand new weapons to craft. It's a beautiful, engaging DLC that adds plenty of narrative backstory to the events of the base experience, and it really should be top of every Souls fan's list to try out.

5. Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwell

Base game: Dishonored
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Release date: April 16, 2013

Casting you as one of Dishonored's antagonists, assassin leader Daud, Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall manages to both complement the main adventure and stand relatively alone. In fact, with three dense missions that the superpowered stealth assassin can complete in a variety of ways, the greater focus lends this side-tale more replayability – I've probably zipped through this one twice as much as the main game. This expansion allowed developer Arkane room to experiment as well, many of Daud's powers having their own twists on Corvo's moveset, like how Blink actually pauses time while you aim, allowing for ultra-precise assassin moves (can comes with its own charms, for further refining abilities, too). In fact, I'm redownloading it right now.

4. Mass Effect 3: Citadel

Base game: Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release date: May 14, 2021

Saying goodbye is never easy, particularly when it comes to an RPG trilogy that made you fall in love with its characters so deeply. So, when Mass Effect 3 first came around, it was hard to let go of Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew. Thankfully, a year later, BioWare dropped the Citadel DLC to round off the adventure. Not only did it serve as a fond love letter to the series and its fans, but it also delivered the perfect, bittersweet way to bid farewell to the RPG's beating heart: the companions.

Centered around putting on a party on the Citadel during a much-needed spell of shore leave, you get caught up in an incredibly wild conspiracy involving your own clone (because Shepard can never catch a real break). Packed full of self-aware jokes, meaningful moments, and incredibly entertaining scenarios, it has everything you could ever want from an expansion.

3. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Base game: Cyberpunk 2077
Platform(s): PC, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: September 26, 2023

How CD Projekt Red managed to turn one of the best first-person RPGs into a spy thriller is a feat in and of itself, but Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is proof of how well it works. As both a polished-up "do-over" of sorts that saw multiple in-game systems and processes reworked as part of the major 2.0 update it released with, Phantom Liberty has become essential material that no playthrough would be complete without.

There's new weapons, new characters, and a whole new district of Night City to explore – oh, and a couple of new endings, if collecting 'em all is your thing – and it's more than deserving of being one of the best DLCs ever made for the sheer magic of how it makes Cyberpunk feel the way it was always meant to.

2. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Base game: Elden Ring
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release date: June 21, 2024

A long two-year wait separated the base game from Shadow of the Erdtree, but the Elden Ring DLC was more than worth it. It offers a uniquely narrative-driven approach, offering a glimpse into the Land of Shadow and how Queen Marika rose to power – and yes, you need to touch a withered arm to make that temporal jump.

It's a suitably gruesome, fascinating expansion that peppers the already rich tapestry of Elden Ring with even more lore-bites, a new host of weapons, a reworked magic system, and some of the cleverest open world design among any of the other best DLCs on this list. It's easy to see why fans call it a vital part of the overall experience, so you don't want to miss this one.

1. The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

Base game: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Release date: May 21, 2016

Geralt's journey to Toussaint is an unmissable experience that truly completes the base game, and a decade later, I think our Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review was a little harsh on the best DLC of all-time. The lush expansion sees Geralt taking up the moniker of wine baron in a picturesque land – one with a vampire problem on its hands.

It stands out not only for its thrilling storytelling and worldbuilding, as is par for the course for CDPR, but for how beautifully it ties things up for our monster slayer (though you can still engage with the open world and clean up those side quests once the credits roll). Blood and Wine is everything a DLC should be, the definition of a must-play RPG expansion, and I won't hear a word against it.

The best Dragon Quest games should be on every JRPG fan's radar. After all, not only are we still getting great remakes over 20 years after its original worldwide release, but some of the outings in this iconic fantasy franchise still make up the best RPGs to play today as well. However, deciding where to start your journey as a hero of light can be tricky, and that's why I've done a Dragon Quest deep dive and ranked the top 10 games to help you choose your next adventure.

Now, before you judge my thoughts on some of the best JRPGs around, I do need to clarify some rules in this list. For this ranking, I've stuck primarily to the main entries in the franchise. However, since Dragon Quest 10 isn't accessible worldwide, you won't find it on our list. In its place, I've instead chosen to highlight the spin-off game that I'd recommend checking out along with the mainline titles. I've also made sure to include a vibe section for each entry (read more on those in our FAQ section) to give you an overview of the experience you can expect from each.

Finally, I know that Dragon Quest means a lot to different people and no matter their number in this ranking, I do genuinely love all these games. If your favorite didn't make the cut, feel free to share them in the comments section below. But, for now, read on for a curated list of the greatest games in the franchise so far.

The best Dragon Quest games of all time, starting with…

10. Dragon Quest Builders 2

In terms of the best spin-off game in the Dragon Quest franchise, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is top dog. We gave it a perfect five-star rating in our Dragon Quest Builders 2 review and called it "a beautiful mashup of iconic games with a quirky sense of humor." The game essentially answers the question: What if Dragon Quest and Minecraft had a baby? Well, it turns out that we'd get a great RPG and construction game that's very easy to put tons of hours into.

Taking place after the events of Dragon Quest 2, the game follows a Hero who is captured by the Children of Hargon. After escaping, you'll need to travel to different towns, fighting monsters, building, and leveling up your powers. The great thing about this game is that it feels like a full JRPG, with crafting and exploration thrown into the mix. Nothing feels cheap or compromised, and characters and story are also very enduring. If you loved the Switch 2 game Pokemon Pokopia (which Omega Force also had a hand in developing), this will be a great entry into Dragon Quest for you.

9. Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies is a proper DS banger, and one I'm personally dying to see a remake of. However, if you have the old Nintendo handheld, then it's still very much worth your time. In this story, you create a custom character who is a Celestrian (aka a cool-looking angelic being) who ends up stuck as a mortal after certain events. You'll need to adventure around the world, collecting the scattered Fyggs from the World Tree Yggdrasil in order to get back home.

Now, multiplayer was a big gameplay factor in this game, which is why it's not ranked higher, but it can still be played solo if you are the only one with a DS still on hand. The game also does show its age and can be grindy at times, especially since changing classes reverts your base level back to one. As our Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies review points out, "if you're a traditionalist just like the developers seem to be, you'll really appreciate this fresher spin on the tried-and-true method."

8. Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D

Thanks to this remake, you can now essentially get two games in one, and honestly, after playing the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D remake, this really is the best way to experience the start of the iconic franchise today. Just to get the visuals out of the way, the new HD-2D visuals are a marvel and left me kicking my feet with glee when I first saw it. However, modern art style aside, what makes this remake really stand out is all the expanded content that beefs up the plot and gives characters some more spotlight as well.

I also love how the story is simple: you are a hero who has been tasked to defeat the dragon lord. It's your typical good versus evil set-up, but sometimes that's all you need, especially if you're after a straightforward experience that doesn't bug you down with a ton of plot twists. Random encounters mean that you are in the hands of the RNG gods, who sometimes throw you some annoying battles that aren't super fine-tuned with your level, but otherwise, this is a great pick-up for RPG fans.

7. Dragon Quest 6: Realms of Revelation

OK, so disclaimer, while I do love the DS remake of Dragon Quest 6, it is considered the weakest of the Zenithian Trilogy. This criticism is largely because the story just isn't as strong as Dragon Quest 4 or 5. However, you shouldn't write it off because it still has some of the best party dialogue in the series and is also very charming in its own right.

The game has you playing as a hero set to save the world, standard stuff. However, there are two worlds you'll need to navigate to do so. The plot is a bit nonsensical at times but what Dragon Quest 6 does very well is how it treats vocations. It's a ton of fun spending time learning multiple classes and specing characters to deal some juicy damage. It's easy to see how this game influenced the likes of Dragon Quest 7, as it's very simple to create a malleable party and play around with builds.

6. Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined

Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined is a remake of the 2000 RPG, and unlike most of the more linear storytelling that the series is known for, this game gives us more of an omnibus of short stories as we follow a globe-spanning adventure that ties together tales from multiple towns in the land of Estard. There are also time-travelling antics put into play here, and it's uber satisfying to see how your actions in the past affect the present time in the story.

Not only does Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined look great, but in this new remake, the pacing of the story has been improved, and I did find myself being pushed through the plot in a more engaging way than I ever had before. I also love the combat changes in this remake, as you strike down enemies in the overworld, and the Moonlighting system, which lets characters have two vocations at the same time. This is a great entry point for newcomers, and one of the best Switch 2 RPG games you can pick up as well.

5. Dragon Quest 4: Chapters Of The Chosen

While the original NES version of this game didn't have the best launch, Dragon Quest 4: Chapters Of The Chosen Remake for the DS is a masterpiece and one that I happily would recommend to any complete Dragon Quest newbies. The story is broken up into five chapters, where you'll follow your own hero as well as a distinct cast of other protagonists with their own stories. In the final chapter, all the characters come together and set out to save the world (classic Dragon Quest stuff).

There are no classes in this entry, so if you are a complete Dragon Quest beginner and are unfamiliar with specing characters and party synergy, then this is a great starting point. Characters can also easily be switched in and out of your party with the wagon, which takes off pressure for forward planning encounters, and grinding isn't a massive issue with this title as long as you are willing to explore here and there. If you have a DS, it's worth picking up.

4. Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride

Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride's narrative really does feel the most like a coming-of-age story as it follows your hero from the moment of their birth and a few decades after. Of course, this is a Dragon Quest game, so you'll also need to save the world; however, its charm is in the intimacy of character dynamics and how dang attached you'll soon be to all the friendships you rekindle during your adventure.

In this game, you can also get married and have kids (who can grow up and become playable characters as well). There's something super wholesome about playing with a family you created, and it makes Dragon Quest 5: Hand of the Heavenly Bride a great cozy option, too. And, if you are a Pokemon fiend, Dragon Quest 5 was the first title to allow you to tame monsters who can then join your party. There are some annoying quirks, but it's a really distinct JRPG all in all.

3. Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King

Dragon Quest 8 has one of my favorite stories in the whole series, and was a firm 3DS staple of mine back in the day as well. In this one, you play as a hero who has to help out a couple of cursed royals track down the jester Dhoulmagus (the guy who cursed them and their kingdom in the first place). On your journey, you'll discover locations all affected by Dhoulmagus, as well as meet some characters to join your party.

The game is charming, the dialogue is genuinely funny, and the turn-based gameplay is also surprisingly cozy. I will say, if you have a 3DS pick up that version of the game since it is different from the PS2 one, complete with a new ending. The 3DS version also lets you see monsters as you are walking around, instead of just pulling you into battle randomly. The speed of battles and the alchemy pot have also gotten a needed boost, and all of these features make a great game even more enjoyable.

2. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D

Dragon Quest 3 initially released back in 1988 on the NES, however, it got a sparkly remake a few years ago, and all veterans of the series should check it out. You play as the child of the legendary warrior Ortega, who is tasked to get rid of an evil villain who's hellbent on destroying the world.

Besides giving the game some stunning HD 2D visuals, the remake also adds the Monster Wrangler class. Basically, it's the best version of Dragon Quest 3 currently out there. But, something to keep in mind, I agree with our Games Editor's opinion about this title not being super welcoming to newbies of the franchise. The gameplay is still very much old JRPG coded in the fact that it's slower-paced, and battles will pop up constantly. Things can get time-consuming and perhaps a bit frustrating to newer JRPG fans who expect less invasive encounters in general. However, if you are a retro lover and want something nostalgic, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D will be right up your street.

1. Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition

Our near-perfect Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition review calls the game "today's quintessential JRPG", so yeah, in terms of the best entry in the series out right now, this is it, folks. In this stand-alone story, you follow the journey of a young hero of light who is basically framed to be a Dark Spawn and has to save the world from an ancient evil, too…no pressure. The story is straightforward, but what really makes it stand out is how expertly paced it is, as well as how well-written all the characters are.

Its simplicity is what makes it one of the best turn-based RPGs ever made, as all the systems in Dragon Quest 11 S are focused and perform incredibly well. World-building here is also a treat, as you'll often discover side-narratives as you progress the main quest. These bring life to areas and also offer enough diversity in the game that time will fly by without you even realising it while playing. This is a masterpiece for both Dragon Quest veterans and newbies alike.

Best Dragon Quest games FAQs

The best games like World of Warcraft are always here to scratch that MMORPG itch whenever it comes a-knockin'. However, with the massive sea of the best RPGs and greatest online games of all-time, it can be tricky to find titles that truly capture the magic that is Blizzard Entertainment's WoW. That's why I decided it was time to create a handy round-up for all my fellow grinding fantasy gamers.

Below are the top 10 RPGs that I'd recommend to World of Warcraft players. I've made sure to give you a mix of the best MMORPGs as well as some solo experience alternatives. All my picks give the same level of wonder from exploring open worlds, and the sense of freedom from creating your own adventure with your choices and custom character. I've also made sure to include what "vibe" (check out our FAQ section for a description of all of those) each of my picks has, so that you know what kind of experience you'll be getting at a quick glance.

So, if you are ready to take a break from WoW and find a new game to put thousands of hours into, read on, adventurers.

The best games like World of Warcraft, starting with…

10. The Lord of the Rings Online

I'm a massive JRR Tolkien nerd, so let's be honest, The Lord of the Rings Online was always going to make this list. After all, Tolkien helped define modern fantasy as we know it, and World of Warcraft owes a lot to Middle-earth's influence on the genre. Packed with various fantastical races and some stunning locations from Tolkien's world, The Lord of the Rings Online is incredibly faithful to its source material, and it's easy to get swept up in all the adventures and exploration offered here.

Even if I weren't a fangirl, as an MMORPG, it is a top-tier fantasy game for World of Warcraft lovers, which is also still receiving updates and love today. From co-op skirmishes you can take on with friends to even the chance to play as one of Sauron's servants (if you feel like being a monster), this is a Tolkien dream come true and also one of the best Lord of the Rings games currently available to boot.

9. Path of Exile

Ok, so Path of Exile is not an MMORPG, but that is part of the reason it works so well as a World of Warcraft alternative. It's instead one of the best action RPGs that ticks that WoW grinding itch, and also offers an extra level of complexity when it comes to builds. Set in a dark fantasy world, this free-to-play online title has you taking on the role of Exile on a revenge quest.

World of Warcraft does sometimes rely on wrangling together a large party of other players to progress through certain story beats, and while Path of Exile does have multiplayer, it's also a nice change of pace to have a single-player option that doesn't feel like it's punishing you too harshly for wanting to play solo. Sure, the skill tree will give you a headache, but if you're looking for something harder and less socially reliant than WoW, this is the one. Also, Path of Exile 2 is pretty neat if you have time to check it out, even if it is still in Early Access.

8. Albion Online

The sandbox nature of Albion Online is a great alternative to WoW players who may be getting a bit tired of putting hundreds of hours into long quest lines. Instead, here you forge your own path in a similar bright and cartoony fantasy world. Freedom really is a key factor in this WoW alternative; you aren't bound by a specific class. Instead, the only thing holding you back is the gear you are wearing, which is what gives you abilities.

It's up to you and all your stuff to refine your playstyle and determine how far you progress in open-world battles, dungeons, exploration, or even claiming a little piece of virtual land to call your own. Personally, I'm also a fan of the player-driven economy in this one, as the fact that there are also plenty of things to grind towards as you level up your skills in weapons or gather resources. Albion Online is a sleeper hit when it comes to the best fantasy RPGs, and one that WoW fans won't regret checking out.

7. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG that will grip every World of Warcraft fan who loves playing the best RPGs where choices really matter. Set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: The Old Republic's story is a lot more focused and impactful than WoW's from a character level, with a "light side" versus "dark side" morality system that (similar to Fable) can change the appearance of your character as well.

Besides WoW, Star Wars: The Old Republic is the only MMORPG that made me excited about building new characters, anxious to work through their origin stories and see what ending I would get based on my choices. There are multiple planets to explore, new updates still coming out, and seeing Jedi, Sith, and other iconic roles come to life is a hoot. But what keeps me returning to this one is the focus on its story. Star Wars: The Old Republic is also super friendly to new players, so if you've only played World of Warcraft, don't worry, you'll be embraced here, too.

6. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Ok, this isn't an MMORPG, online or otherwise. However, Dragon Age: Inquisition is still one of the best single-player RPGs that also has a ton of MMO-leaning features and content that, at times, makes it feel akin to a World of Warcraft expansion. Besides a very serious fantasy story that WoW players are all too familiar with, Dragon Age: Inquisition is very quest-focused, and its semi-open-world is filled with possibilities that will have you hooked for hours.

Playing as the Inquisitor, it's up to you to strengthen your forces and bring about peace. Oh, and there's also a pesky demonic invasion to deal with, too. You'll need to gather power in order to progress the main story, and that means doing side-quests. Dragon Age: Inquisition's approach to questing is combat-focused (and fast-paced just like WoW's), and has some fun writing, too. So, if you are looking for a solo game that you can wrap up in 80-ish hours, this is a great MMO break. If you want to know more about this gem, check out our glowing Dragon Age: Inquisition review next.

5. Old School RuneScape

World of Warcraft fans who appreciate classic MMORPG titles that really make you work for progression will absolutely love Old School Runescape. However, be warned, the gameplay here is different, as it's a sandbox, slow-paced fantasy title. Leveling up takes a long time, and veterans of "end game" content will likely be turned off by RuneScape's approach to leveling in general. The max level is in the two thousands, each level can go up to 99, and the end game has taken some players years to reach.

However, our Features Editor still dubs this the best MMO that he has ever played for a reason: once you get into RuneScape's grindy rhythm, it's near impossible to put it down. There is a ton to do in the world, you constantly feel like you are making progress, and the game really does respect your time. There's no reason not to try this one out, especially if you loved leveling up characters in WoW. Old School RuneScape is the grind in its truest form.

4. The Elder Scrolls Online

I've played all the best Elder Scrolls games, and to be honest, while it technically isn't the greatest out of the pack, The Elder Scrolls Online is still the best way to experience Tamriel. It's also another great fantasy MMORPG that World of Warcraft fans will enjoy, especially if you're after a more relaxed time. Systems from the previous Elder Scrolls games are here, and they work really well in giving you the freedom to craft your own story and experience.

Something else to take note of is that The Elder Scrolls Online is one of my top World of Warcraft alternatives for console players, as it's one of the more intuitive MMORPGs to play with a controller. It's a great pick to curl up on the couch with and just chill. However, I will say that end game content here will likely frustrate some WoW veterans as progression does start to feel more stagnant at higher levels. Keep that in mind before you spend all your time on this one, folks.

3. Diablo 4

Diablo 4 is another non-MMORPG pick, but it's a game that feels as much like a glorious theme park as World of Warcraft does. In fact, in our five-star Diablo 4 review, we called it a triumph that will decimate your free time, and personally, it is what sucked my partner and me out of WoW for a bit as our go-to couple game for a good few months. Set in the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary, the forces of Hell have waged war, and it's up to you to stop them.

Diablo 4's authored open-world overworld really does have MMO vibes as well, and it's easy to wander around on a main quest and then accidentally stumble on an event, side quest, or other online players battling an enemy. In this way, Sanctuary feels immersive and constantly alive, just like the one in WoW. It doesn't have all the same social capabilities, but Blizzard's ability to get you sucked in and feeling constantly surprised is on full display yet again.

2. Final Fantasy 14

Final Fantasy 14 has come a long way, and if you are a World of Warcraft veteran looking for a new MMORPG that has the best solo gaming experience, then you need to check it out. Despite a rocky launch, Final Fantasy 14 has become one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time, giving players some amazing expansions, some great storytelling, and an intriguing approach to class structure.

Pick between 10 different classes here and level them all up as you make your way through the visually stunning world and amazing plot, too. All the mechanics, and how the narrative is expertly woven into moments, is perfect in this game, and I can't emphasize enough how satisfying it is to jump into them all right now, either. And, while I prefer the solo content, for WoW players looking for connection, there are plenty of raids and trials to still link up with together to smash through, too. It's the complete package.

1. Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is like World of Warcraft in the sense that they are both MMORPGs, and they are both set in a fantasy world where you pick a race and embark on a series of quests based on your choices – before being set out into the wilder open-world and bigger storylines. However, Guild Wars 2 has better fashion (dress-up fans unite) and is a lot more relaxed than World of Warcraft.

While WoW is subscription-based and makes you feel like you should be logging in each day to get your money's worth, Guild Wars 2 is free-to-play, and its expansions need to be bought separately. That model does take the pressure off, and it's a nice change of pace to not have the feeling of obligation hanging over you. Guild Wars 2 was also the MMORPG that I personally started with, and got me into World of Warcraft later. I love both, and chances are you'll probably feel the same once you give it a shot.

Games like World of Warcraft FAQs

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best multiplayer RPGs that you should play today. Or look ahead with our round-up of all the upcoming RPGs still on the way.

I've brought together the best RPGs for beginners looking to explore the wonderful world of roleplaying games.

Whether you've got a little experience under your belt and you're looking for some more recommendations, or you're a complete newbie who wants to give an RPG a shot for the first time, I've brought together some options so you can find something to suit you. As a veteran player for almost three decades, I'm so excited for you to experience the magic of my favorite genre, and I relish the chance to help you on your path to discovering some of the best RPGs around.

After all, RPGs can offer up some of the most memorable gaming experiences. But with lots of different systems at play – from intricate combat to skill trees and dialogue – it can be tricky to know where to start. That's why I've put a lot of thought into it and carefully cherry-picked RPGs that are more approachable. With some also acting as great entry points to some of the most iconic series, I've also included the kind of general vibe you can expect from each experience (which you can find out more about in our FAQ section). So, if you're ready to get started, read on to discover the best RPGs for beginners.

The best beginner RPGs to get started with...

10. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 packs satisfying beat 'em up combat that's easy to pick up, a memorable storyline, two protagonists in Kiryu and Majima that you'll love spending time with, and a host of entertaining side activities to get stuck into in the neon-tinted streets of Tokyo and Osaka. Set in the 1980's, you step into the role of the two leads as you explore how they rose through the ranks and get embroiled in a conflict which sees their stories converge.

With Kiryu and Majima both adopting different fighting styles that you're guided through and can switch between, you're sure to find one you enjoy. Not only is it one of the best ARPGs that I'd heartily recommend to beginners because of its mix of styles, but it also serves as an excellent entry point into the long-running Yakuza series – setting you up perfectly to explore the later games with ease.

9. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

In many ways, Skyrim is a more casual RPG that's fantastic for anyone looking to step into a fantasy role-playing experience for the first time. You'll begin by creating your own custom protagonist. The beauty of it is, rather than having set classes that lock you into styles of combat, Skyrim offers up various races to choose from, and their inherent strengths are detailed – so you can get an idea of what style they're best suited for right away.

Regardless of what race you choose, though, you're completely free to play around and see what weapons and style of combat you prefer. It's very easy to get into the swing of things once you begin, with an opening quest establishing the controls and guiding you into the open world at large. While you're also free to get lost in exploration shortly after, Skyrim does a great job of setting up the RPG, with a quest log that's easy to follow, and map markers that will help you navigate the world. Plus, if you want to ease yourself in, there's also difficulty settings to choose from.

8. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is another RPG that's pretty easy to get stuck into with no prior knowledge of the series. Set in Tokyo, you take on the role of a high schooler who's falsely accused after trying to do the right thing. Transferred to a new school in the city and taken under the care of a cafe owner, you soon awaken to the powers of a Persona, and in the name of fighting for justice against corrupt adults, you form the Phantom Thieves with your fellow students.

The RPG lets you choose how you spend your time during your school days, with different skills to increase, which can unlock new opportunities. On the flip side, as a Phantom Thief, you take on dungeon-like areas born from the distorted desires of individuals up to no good. The entire game is linear and effectively guides you through everything, so you can easily pick up its gameplay features. As one of the best turn-based RPGs, its combat isn't too demanding, and it has difficulty settings – including one that lets you revive an unlimited number of times if you want to ease into it.

7. Avowed

Avowed is a very welcoming RPG that offers up a myriad of options and useful features that make it approachable. You play as a custom character of your own making. Assuming the role of the Envoy of Aedyr, you're tasked with setting out to investigate a mysterious plague that's spreading. The opening area of the adventure acts as a very effective tutorial, which guides you through all of the controls and introduces you to Avowed's flexible combat system.

With so many equipable weapons to find and try out, you're free to experiment with all kinds of loadout combinations to find a fighting style you enjoy, and changing it up is very easy to do. Plus, Avowed also features a lore tab, which acts as a glossary that explains all of its fantasy terms and references, so you can easily get a handle on the story and its world. For more, check out our Avowed review.

6. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Newcomers can comfortably get stuck into any of the best Pokemon games that you can easily get your hands on today, but if you're after one of the more modern releases, I'd personally recommend Pokemon Sword and Shield. Set in the Galar region, which is inspired by the UK, the RPG cleanly guides you into the ways of being a Pokemon trainer with ease, so you can happily get stuck in without ever feeling like you're at a loss as to what to do.

With a more linear design than the open world direction of later entries (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet), Sword and Shield makes it very easy to figure out where you need to go and how you need to progress. If you're unsure about which version to pick up, we also have a handy dandy Pokemon Sword and Shield differences guide, so you can see what Pokemon are available and what sets them apart from each other to help you decide.

5. Costume Quest

If you're after something very entry-level in the world of RPGs that's packed full of charm and humor, then Costume Quest could be your answer. With simple gameplay that's easy to pick up, Costume Quest sees you play as either Wren or Reynold, twins who go out trick-or-treating on Halloween. Whoever you don't play as will get kidnapped by a monster, and it's up to you to venture through the neighbourhood and rescue your sibling.

As you go, you'll meet other kids who team up with you, as you'll get stuck into the little turn-based battles with your party. You'll also find costumes that let you transform into different heroes so you can take on any monsters known as Repugians you encounter. The battles are never very demanding, and it's a short and sweet experience that will give you a delightful beginner's taste of a party-based RPG. It also has a sequel in Costume Quest 2 that's also worth giving a go if you enjoy this one.

4. Final Fantasy 10 HD Remaster

Final Fantasy 10 is a wonderful RPG that's actually a great option to start with if you're looking to try out a slightly more involved experience that's still approachable. And don't let the 10 in the name put you off either, because it's also a fantastic pick if you've been wanting to step into the Final Fantasy series for the first time, too. Following the adventure of Tidus, a Blitzball player who finds himself swept up on a journey to put a stop to a force known as Sin, which threatens the setting of Spira.

Working together with a summoner called Yuna and a cast of loveable characters, Final Fantasy 10's plot is actually quite easy to follow as games in the series go – but it's no less impactful because of it, and still succeeds at delivering one of the best story-driven RPGs. Taking you on a memorable adventure with some twists and turns in store, this entry also uses a turn-based combat system that's not difficult to get to grips with.

3. Super Mario RPG

Not only is Super Mario RPG one of the best short RPGs, but it's also a wonderful option for newcomers. As the famous plumber's first foray into the world of RPGs after delivering lots of his signature platformers, Super Mario RPG is a classic role-playing experience that got a shiny remake in 2022 – making it even easier to get stuck in. Following Mario as he sets out to put a stop to the Smithy gang, you team up with a host of adorable companions – such as the cloud-like Mallow and puppet Geno – as well as some familiar faces.

As a party-based experience with turn-based combat, it's a welcoming game that sets up how you do everything very well. The story is also a joy to experience, and you'll have a blast meeting all of the RPG's colorful characters. With plenty of humor and heart, this is a great one to tuck into if you're after something with some Nintendo flavor.

2. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings together the entire Mass Effect trilogy in one place, and each RPG is absolutely worth trying out if you're a genre newbie. The first Mass Effect sets up the sci-fi universe brilliantly, establishing the lore, history, and tensions between humans and alien races over the course of the story. Taking on the role of Commander Shepard, you pick their military profile, which sets up their past and class, with bionic sci-fi powers, tech-based skills, and weapon-heavy builds to choose from.

With more action-oriented combat that plays like a third-person shooter, it's very easy to pick up and get to grips with. The story will have you hooked, too, and with Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 carrying on Shepard's journey to put a stop to a galactic threat in the Reapers, you won't regret the time you spend with this trilogy. What I wouldn't give to experience Mass Effect for the first time again myself. Check our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review for more.

1. Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

When I started thinking about the best RPGs for beginners, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age instantly came to mind, which is why it's my number one pick. Despite the 11 in its title, this is a standalone adventure with new characters that you can easily jump into and get swept up in, even if you've never played a Dragon Quest game before – and I'm talking from experience here, since this was the very first game in the series I played.

Taking on the role of a young man who finds out he's the reincarnation of a legendary hero known as the Luminary, you find yourself caught up in a grand adventure to get to the bottom of a mystery and a threat that looms over the world. Alongside your childhood friend and a cast of loveable characters you meet along the way, Dragon Quest 11 brings you into an inviting land, a gripping story that's easy to follow, and enjoyable turn-based combat that's not hard to pick up. Our glowing Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age review says it all.

Best RPGs for beginners FAQs

For more easy-going reccomendations check out our list of the best relaxing RPGs, or for a more casual time, we also have a ranking of the best RPGs for busy adults to play as well.

I'm always on the hunt for the best RPGs on the Switch and Switch 2. After all, I was raised as a handheld console gamer and it's still my preferred mode of playing anything, especially when it comes to my favorite genre of all time: roleplaying games. Luckily, Nintendo's hybrid consoles are packed with some of the best RPGs around, and I've decided to round-up the top 10 that still have me in a chokehold.

From Zelda appearances to JRPG goodness I've waded through the best Switch 2 games to recommend both first-party Nintendo hits, as well as third-party gems. Since it's the new console and what all future new games will be released on, all my picks here are playable on the Switch 2, be that through backwards compatibility or by the fact that they have dedicated Switch 2 editions. I've made sure to include which consoles all these RPGs are available on so that you can make the right purchase for your setup. You'll also find a "Vibe" descriptor where I indicated what kind of experience you can expect from each, as well (for more on those, read our FAQ section).

But, with all that out the way, grab your golden coins and get ready to explore the very best RPGs on the Switch and Switch 2 to pick up and play today.

The best Switch and Switch 2 RPGs, starting with...

10. Octopath Traveler 0

Our glowing Octopath Traveler 0 review calls the latest entry in the JRPG series "the strongest" yet. And, despite being a massive Octopath Traveler 2 fan, I'll admit that in terms of the top pick for Switch 2 and Switch players, that statement is correct. This is due to performance, as well as refined tactical gameplay that runs like a dream in handheld mode. If you are unfamiliar with the series, Octopath Traveler 0 is a prequel to the first game and is set on the continent of Osterra.

However, unlike previous titles that follow a group of heroes there is only one protagonist here, your own character who is on a revenge quest. You'll still be recruiting other characters but the story is a lot more streamlined and focused. There's also polished turn-based battles to enjoy and some building elements, too. If you are looking for something to easily get into, Octopath Traveler 0 is super approachable and hopefully it will also get you to explore the rest of the games in the series after.

9. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

I love Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and honestly, it deserves way more recognition as being one of the best JRPGs for Nintendo's latest-gen consoles. In fact, back when the Switch 2 first released in 2025 we wrote an article explaining why Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster was the hidden must-play RPG of the system. So yeah, big fans over here and trust me, you'll be as well once you take a crack at it.

The game follows four heroes who must reclaim elemental crystals from the forces of darkness to save their world. Every character is well written and there are plenty of ways to catch-up with lore when you need to. This is one of Bravely Default's charms as it respects your time, and its story is one that you can easily dip in and out of. The turn-based combat is also very fun here thanks to the "Brave points" system that allows you to use multiple actions against an enemy. This is an all-rounder folks.

8. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

As someone who also owns a Steam Deck, I can confidently say that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Switch 2 is the best handheld experience of the game, and it runs like a dream. In this futuristic RPG, you are a mercenary called V who is stuck with the consciousness of the rocker terrorist, Johnny Silverhand. You'll need to work together to survive and that means exploring neon streets, shooting plenty of bad guys, and navigating a dystopian urban landscape.

In our Cyberpunk 2077 review, we mention how the title is a "paragon of open-world gaming", giving you endless freedom and opportunities to build up your character and explore. It's also one of the best relaxing RPGs, and curling up to cruise around Night City with your Switch 2 on the couch is a top-tier cozy experience that I 100% recommend.

7. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined

While Nintendo has some of the best Dragon Quest games around (and I debated adding a few on here, especially the masterpiece Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age), Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined on the Switch 2 took my breath away. If you have Ninty's new console it's currently the best experience of the iconic bunch. In this fantasy RPG, you follow a young fisherman's son on a journey to sail away from home and discover the wide world. However, to add some peril to the situation, you end up uncovering some secrets that put the fate of the world in your hands, classic stuff.

There are some time-travelling mechanics here too, which I personally love, as your actions affect the present day. So if you are looking for RPGs with meaningful consequences, this is another to add to your pile. Combat also feels snappy and never too grueling, and Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined's story will also shock you by how well it's put together. All in all, it's a cute, extremely polished JRPG.

6. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade has no business looking as good as it does on the Switch 2. But hey, I'm not complaining about getting high definition Cloud as he slashes up enemies on my console. In this RPG, you play as the mercenary Cloud, who joins an eco-terrorist group that is trying to stop an evil corporation from basically using the planet's life essence.

The great thing about this Remake is that you don't need to have played any of the best Final Fantasy games before to enjoy it. It's the start of a contained trilogy, which is perfect for any RPG fans who have been scared to dive into the FF franchise for a while now. As I mentioned above, the game runs and looks great on Nintendo's new console, and the real-time combat feels fluid and natural, too. Both as a docked or handheld experience, this is an easy Switch RPG to recommend.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Ever since it was released in 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been the main system seller for the Switch, and for good reason, it's a masterpiece. Giving us the most freedom that any Zelda game has ever had, it's an open-world action RPG that has you stepping into the shoes of the hero Link, who has to save Hyrule from calamity. As you discover towers, solve puzzles, fight roaming robots, and more, it's easy to get swept up in the Nintendo magic.

I still fully agree with our five-star The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review years later. And if you have a Switch 2, I will also mention that the upgrade to the Switch 2 edition of the game is stunning and very much worth it. So, if you love taking things at your own pace, exploring, and a cartoony art style, this has to be your next Nintendo-related purchase.

4. Pokemon Legends Arceus

I could have put a ton of Pokemon games on this list, but Pokemon Legends Arceus earns a place as one of the most unique RPGs in the series. Capturing the freedom of exploration that all of us trainers have been waiting for, you play as a kid sent back in time before the events of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and are tasked with encountering all Pokemon in the Hisui region.

The game is easy to dip in and out of if you are strapped for time, and it puts the emphasis on catching critters instead of battling gyms. In our Pokemon Legends Arceus review, our Brand Director pointed out how this shift in focus was the stuff of her childhood dreams, and honestly, it still holds up today. I will say that performance-wise, Arceus is a bit rough. Thanks to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Switch 2 upgrade, their open worlds run a whole lot better than Pokemon Legends Arceus. However, Arceus still beats them in storytelling and its original setting, so its space on this list is safe for now.

3. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

The Switch and Switch 2 are a haven for some of the best JRPGs, but Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter still manages to stand out from the crowd. In fact, our Games Editor believes that it's a "masterclass in how remakes should be done". And I happen to firmly agree with that opinion. The game follows Estelle Bright and her adopted brother Joshua, who are determined to become senior Bracers. However, on their journey, they end up uncovering a conspiracy and have to work with their allies to thwart a coup. Despite the dark themes, though, this is one of my new go-to comfort games that's packed with charm.

The game's writing really draws you in to care about each character, and I especially loved getting to see Estelle's development. Exploring new towns and experiencing the real-time and turn-based combat system are also a treat. Fans of the original will love it, and I'd also recommend this to JRPG newbies who want something new for their Switch 2 system. It's a great introduction to the genre and feels like a welcoming hug, too.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is one of the best turn-based RPGs on the Switch, as well as a glorious tactical outing for the more strategy-minded gamers out there. Playing as Byleth, a former mercenary turned professor of one of the three houses that you'll choose from at the start of the game, you'll need to lead units into battle and decide the very fate of the continent of Fódlan in the process. Each house has its own route and story to follow, and you'll also have to piece together your mysterious past.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses still looks stunning on the Switch despite its age. Since the game has social-sim elements (romance fans rejoice) alongside its tactical gameplay, you'll see many stunning cutscenes and a very clean UI, too. I also can't recommend its story enough, and if you are after replayability, well, between all of us on the GamesRadar+ team, we've put thousands of hours into this one. For more information, check out our five-star Fire Emblem: Three Houses review.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

When the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Switch 2 upgrade was announced, I squealed. Sure, it's still playable on the original Switch, but on Nintendo's newest machine, this RPG runs super smoothly, even if visuals can be a bit finicky. This is an expanded remaster of the original Wii U game and has you playing as a character who joins a group called BLADE. Together, you work to protect human survivors after crash landing on the mysterious planet known as Mira.

Xenoblade Chronicles X has a great story that will tickle any sci-fi fan pink with the fate of humanity at stake and a bunch of angry mechanized aliens out for blood. However, it's open world mechanics and auto-attack based gameplay I really love and is what makes it uber satisfying to play. It does take a while until you get your own Mech, but you'll want to make your way through all the side quests here, and take in the brilliant world-building along the way too – trust me. Oh, also prepare to wave goodbye to hundreds of hours with this one, friends.

Best Switch 2 RPGs FAQs

Next, check out our round-up of all the upcoming Switch 2 games still on the way and all of the upcoming RPGs on the horizon as well.

If you find yourself looking for the best Steam RPGs to play right now in 2026, then we're here to bring you our top recommendations.

Valve's PC gaming platform has a vast library of games to explore. So, to help you easily discover the best RPGs on Steam, I've put together this list. As a longtime fan of the genre who's spent countless hours tucking into many of the best RPGs over the years, I've tried to bring you a varied selection of the best Steam games within the genre, from those that really shine on PC, to highly rated experiences I keep coming back to, and some of the latest new games. I've also include a vibe for each entry, so you can get a general idea of the kind of experience you can expect at a glance (find out more about that in our FAQ section).

As our Steam sales guide shows, there's currently some big summer discounts going on right now too, with some of the picks included here counted among the offers, so it's well worth seeing if you snag something for less (and you can check out my pick of the best Steam Summer sale games if you're after some savings). But without further ado, read on to explore the best Steam RPGs you can play right now in 2026.

Best Steam RPGs, starting with...

10. Fallout: New Vegas

If you're after a role-playing experience you can comfortably sink lots of hours into on Steam, Fallout: New Vegas is absolutely your answer. As one of the best RPGs where choices really matter, Obsidian gives you the freedom to carve out your very own post-apocalyptic adventure, and the Mojave Wasteland will pay attention to what you do. With a karma system that gives tangible feedback whenever you misbehave or do good, it constantly feels like your presence has an impact.

Following one of the most memorable RPG openings that sees you get unceremoniously shot in the head, you create your courier protagonist, choose your starting skills and perks, and step out into the vast open-world to confront your attacker and find out what put you in a short-lived grave. You'll find it all too easy to get swept up in the many quests awaiting you, and there's always something to discover or encounter as you explore.

9. Wildermyth

Wildermyth is the kind of RPG that demands to be replayed, and it's just one of the many reasons why it rightfully has over 11,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam currently. Reminiscent of some of the best tabletop RPGs around, Worldwalker Games' blends procedural generation, tactics, and character-driven role-playing goodness to bring us a reactive RPG that's satisfyingly shaped by your choices.

Set in a papercraft-style world, you bring to life a group of heroes with their own unique histories and personalities. As you shape their journey from their humble beginnings to their heroic lifestyle, your characters can also form bonds and relationships with one another. Along the way, you'll have to navigate your way through mysteries and challenges across your heroes' lifetime. Wildermyth is filled with so much possibility, meaning no playthrough will be the same – even if you decide to reintroduce your hero in another run.

8. Caves of Qud

Not unlike some of the best CRPGs in recent years, Caves of Qud delivers a rich RPG roguelike experience that houses some deep simulation within its pixelated sci-fi setting. To give you an idea of the kind of in-depth experience you're in for, it had been in development for well over a decade before finally leaving Early Access in 2024, and boasts 15 years of worldbuilding to its name.

While there's a roguelike mode with permadeath that means you'll lose your character should you die, there's also a role-play mode that plays more like a standard RPG, allowing you to resume your run if your character falls in combat. Drawing inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons, you can build your own highly customizable character, and as a turn-based experience, the world will react after you take an action. With quests, all kinds of NPCs, and many different factions to align yourself with, Caves of Qud offers a unique and creative RPG experience.

7. Persona 5 Royal

If you want to snap up one of the best turn-based RPGs on Steam that packs a memorable story and toe-tapping soundtrack, then I can't recommend Persona 5 Royal enough. With some social sim elements at play as you choose how to spend your school days and who you bond with across calendar months, you also live out the life of a Phantom Thief who fights in the name of justice.

As protagonist Ren, who works together with his friends and peers, you delve into dungeons known as Palaces to combat the distorted desires of corrupt individuals and try to influence them to have a change of heart. By channeling the powers of different Personas, who all have their own unique styles and skills, the combat system is as stylish as it is satisfying to play with, and with an expanded story, Persona 5 Royal is well worth checking out.

6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Taking inspiration from some of the best JRPGs over the years, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws you into an original story and setting you won't soon forget. Following a group who set out on a dangerous mission full of unexpected twists and turns, your objective is at once clear: put a stop to a mysterious figure known as the Paintress, who decides at what age people should die.

What's less clear is what's really going on in this world, or who this Paintress is or how she came to have power over life and death. But that's what makes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 so compelling. Developer Sandfall Interactive immediately impresses upon you the high stakes of the task you're trying to accomplish, and it's so easy to get invested from a role-playing perspective because of it. If you don't have this on Steam yet, then this is your sign to pick it up and give it a go.

5. Undertale

Undertale is the kind of RPG that will stay on your mind long after you've finished your first run. Taking on the role of a human who finds themselves falling into a world of monsters, you set out to find your way back out. As you do, you'll encounter all kinds of critters and creatures, and how you navigate past them is up to you. With a battle system that allows you to avoid hurting or killing anything if you so choose, you can do a full pacifist run, or take a more violent route.

Whatever you choose to do will determine the direction of the story and its outcome, and if you decide to see the other side of things in a new playthrough… Well, the RPG will recognize that in the most memorable way. With meaningful moments, surprises, and so much depth hidden beneath the surface of its pixelated art style, Undertale is one of the most memorable story-driven RPGs on Steam.

4. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

As one of the best first-person RPGs to land in 2025, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is a must-play on Steam for anyone who's looking for an engrossing, rich role-playing experience. Set during the 15th-century in Europe, Warhorse throws you into a sweeping journey across a medieval open-world as Henry of Skalitz. Setting out to seek revenge for his murdered parents, you'll get caught up in intriguing machinations, have to help your companion Hans Capon out of more than one bind, and decide how you take every step through the story.

Of course, there are so many ways to spend your time outside of the main questlines, with so many discoveries to make, memorable characters to meet, and locations to explore. Heck, you could even spend your time blacksmithing or brewing potions if you so desire. While progress can feel quite slow at first, stick with it, and you'll be in for a grand old time on Steam.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

It's hard to believe The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt first released over 10 years ago, but that speaks to just how effectively it continues to capture longtime players and newcomers alike. As one of the best open world RPGs to this day, the sweeping story of Geralt of Rivia, who sets out to find his ward Ciri, is hard to forget. But so are the many side quests the game draws you into, with moral dilemmas that aren't so cut and dry often presented to you as you navigate through the sprawling landscapes of Novigrad, or the Skellige Isles.

Going off the beaten path could lead you to a cave with some curiosity, or a local who needs a monster slayer like you to help them out. And with some incredible expansions that round off Geralt's adventure (and a new one that's dropping in 2027), The Witcher 3 continues to be one RPG you absolutely need in your collection if you're a role-playing fan.

2. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is another standout RPG on Steam that absolutely deserves to take up residence in your library. Following detective Harrier Du Bois, you go from trying to root out what the heck happened the night before, to having an identity crisis, and then getting swept up in a bigger, broader mystery. With a deep and unique skill system that lets you shape the kind of person and detective you want to become, you can decide to be the heroic type, or, in the words of ZA/UM, "a bit of a disaster".

And that's the real beauty of Disco Elysium, with so many possibilities presented to you as you navigate the city and try to solve murders, it really feels like you can role-play your way. From making the most of the game's dialogue system to ask questions, make observations, or cause a bit of chaos, to using tools to open up new avenues, you won't forget your time with this hard-boiled detective.

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the best fantasy RPGs with consequences, and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone who's yet to pick it up on Steam and step into Larian's engrossing adventure. Not only can you role-play your way with so much freedom to shape your own customizable character and decide how they handle any given situation, but the game also directly recognizes and reacts to your every choice.

This kind of tangible feedback makes it feel like you're directly impacting the world around you and the people within it. Not to mention that you'll also entirely shape how the story plays out and ultimately ends when you reach the conclusion of the third and final act of the RPG. Many upcoming RPGs will no doubt be measured against Baldur's Gate 3's level of possibility and role-playing depth for years to come, and after you discover this memorable adventure for yourself, you'll understand why.

Best Steam RPGS FAQs

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best tactical RPGs. Or if you want more Valve goodness, we also have a ranking of the best Steam Deck games that you should check out right now as well.

One thing the best real-time combat RPGs have in common is a taste for the extravagant. All the games on this list offer something unique, where combat is more exciting and complex than simply bonking enemies over the head. Some are shooters that do something different to expand upon the series' DNA, while others go the extra mile in delivering realistic melee action.

My favorites are those that shine for their broader approaches, enabling you to craft combat and character builds that best reflect your personal strengths as you tailor-made your specifications accordingly. If you want some of the best action-RPGs interspersed with flavors of the best turn-based RPGs (only hold the turns), you've come to the right place. I've scoured the digital shelves to bring you the most iconic real-time combat experiences in RPG history, as well as ascribing each with a specific "vibe" (which you can read more about in our FAQ section) to help you match the game to your current cravings.

We have a lot of ground to cover, so put those dice away and let's get stuck into the best real-time combat RPGs to play right now in 2026!

The best real time combat RPGs, starting with...

10. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

It's one of the more obscure Final Fantasy games out there, but Team Ninja brings its A-game to deliver what's considered some of the best real-time RPG combat in a third-person action game yet. Set in a dark fantasy reimagining of the iconic Atlus series, Stranger of Paradise sees hero Jack go to various locations that might be familiar to long-time FF fans to go head-to-head with its biggest, baddest bad guys.

Switching between assigned "jobs" (aka playstyles) lets you chop and change between magic and melee playstyles, with the majority of combat encounters involving wearing down an enemy's "break" bar to perform devastating finishers. Be warned: this game is pretty out there. Our tepid Stranger of Paradise review proves that it's definitely an acquired taste among the best Final Fantasy games, but if you're hankering for something both silly and brooding with excellent real-time combat, you should make your mind up yourself.

9. Mass Effect 3

The final instalment of BioWare's gripping trilogy has the best real-time RPG combat of the bunch. By refining the once-clunky cover shooter to emphasize gunplay, improve companion AI, and let you actually move properly, Mass Effect 3 delivers an epic narrative-led journey where combat encounters feel fun rather than a drag.

Still, the original is pretty clunky now that it's almost 15 years old. You can play it in the remastered bundle, though, and it's one of the reasons our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review rightly points out the series' "unmissable" charm. With just the right amount of old-meets-new-school for the narrative RPG superfans out there who, like me, never got a chance to play the original titles, I'd forgive you for speeding through the first couple of games just to experience how satisfying Mass Effect 3 delivers on the action this shooter series promised us from the start.

8. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows perfected the dual protagonist notion that developer Ubisoft Quebec first put forward in Syndicate. Naoe and Yasuke are like yin and yang; one is a stealthy shinobi, flitting through the trees, crawling in the undercroft, a hidden blade in the darkness. Yasuke, meanwhile, is our tanky samurai hero. This balance means that Shadows offers the best real-time combat in an Assassin's Creed RPG by a long shot.

Our Assassin's Creed Shadows review can testify that this is the "best-in-class combat" in AC history. Each protagonist fights uniquely, meaning their tools of the trade also differ. Naoe's arsenal gives you a choice between Tanto blades, flail-like kusarigama, or the trusty katana, while Yasuke has bows, guns, swords, clubs… the list goes on. Experimenting with weapons means you never feel locked out of changing things up, though it's just as easy to find and stick to a playstyle you love.

7. Path of Exile 2

All about isometric experiences? Path of Exile 2 is the RPG for you. Don't be fooled by the top-down elements; this gorgeous fantasy adventure is as immersive as any of the best third-person RPGS. Each of its 12 character classes specializes in any two of special stats, from dexterity to strength and beyond, making it one of the most nuanced of the best real-time combat RPGs on this list.

It's still in Early Access, meaning much of it is liable to change, but developer Grinding Gear Games has already impressed me with its smart improvements on the blueprint set out by the first game and its many updates. Our Path of Exile 2 early access review is right in calling it "a stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure," and if you want to get in on the ground floor to experience the action for yourself, you know what to do.

6. Hades 2

Supergiant's narrative roguelike-meets-RPG has never been more satisfying. Praised in our Hades 2 review for its "impeccable" action, Hades 2 expands the first game's real-time combat to lean into Princess of Hell Melinoe's skills as a young witch. Each of the Nocturnal Arms speaks to a different playstyle, from the missile-launching Black Coat to the twin-dagger Sister Blades, Moonstone Axe, and more.

Each weapon has a set of unique Aspects to unlock, changing its movesets and adding special abilities. Switching up your Arcana deck also helps augment your playstyle to the needs of each weapon, and paired with the wealth of boons you'll be picking up on your quest to kill Time, every little customization tweak comes in handy. This is one godly little RPG you absolutely need in your real-time toolbox, and now that it's launched on console as well as PC, your list of viable excuses has officially run out.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Hyper-realism is the name of the game when it comes to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. It's by far one of the most impressive and best real-time RPG combat systems out there, with developer Warhorse Studios going out of its way to emphasize historical accuracy when it comes to portraying the real heft of an old-timey sword fight.

The first-person framework makes it all the more immersive, as our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review attests to. As Henry of Skalitz, you'll be getting into all sorts of trouble, especially in those first grueling opening hours, but pushing through the tough times makes it all the more worthwhile to see Henry come out on top in battle. It's a vast improvement on the last Kingdom Come: Deliverance, with better graphical fidelity, more narrative and system density, and a far more refined combat system than ever before, so it's well worth your time.

4. Dragon's Dogma 2

If there's more to Dragon's Dogma 2 than climbing huge monsters, plunging a spear into them, and getting backup from your band of trusty Pawns, I don't want to know. Capcom's gorgeous medieval fantasy RPG has some of the most entertaining real-time combat in recent memory, spanning a range of vocations with specific special skills to master on your Arisen's quest to defeat their winged nemesis.

The caveat here is that the story isn't terrible, but it's not all that great either. It's far more comprehensible than Crimson Desert's, though; enough to make adventuring across its two massive open worlds feel purposeful. The focus on environmental reactivity here means that a peaceful cart ride can turn into an ogre attack, or a spot of resource farming leading you into a nest of harpies. If a taste of adventure is what you're after, put it this way: "embrace the chaos" is literally the name of our Dragon's Dogma 2 review.

3. SpellForce: The Order of Dawn

SpellForce is iconic for a very good reason. Taking elements from RTS games and merging them with third-person exploration, SpellForce: The Order of Dawn still stands as one of the most inventive and best real-time combat RPGs more than two decades later since it launched in 2003. Don't worry about hunting down your ancient PC tower, though. Thanks to 2009's SpellForce Platinum collection, now on Steam, you can enjoy the high fantasy adventure on your modern-day hardware.

The Order of Dawn uses a skills-based character-building system rather than having specific classes (much like Divinity: Original Sin 2), meaning you're free to invest points in whichever traits and skills speak to you. It's a fun and flexible way to tailor-make your character to your specific tastes, and few games measure up to its breadth to this day.

2. Elden Ring

If brutal dark fantasy is your vibe, then Elden Ring should be your top priority when it comes to the best real-time combat RPGs to play next. It managed to unseat even the likes of Dark Souls as the de facto best FromSoftware game of all time, riffing off the developer's Soulsborne ARPG format and planting it in a vast open world.

I'll be honest here: Elden Ring is not for everyone. It's one of the most humbling video games I've ever played, with speccing out your build to perfection making the difference between victory and defeat. Still, the way you go about it is up to you. High-DPS rapid attacks? Slow yet powerful Greatswords? Magic? The choice is yours in the Lands Between, and as long as you have sharp reflexes, it's the recipe for an RPG that's "the best of its brethren" according to our Elden Ring review.

1. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Just when you think you've seen the dizzying heights of V's abilities, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty doubles down on them. CD Projekt Red's stunning romp through Night City is without a doubt one of the best real-time RPGs of all-time, blending high-stakes narrative choice with frenetic FPS action to deliver a thrilling sandbox you'll want to experience over and over again. So much so, I played it four times back-to-back.

As our Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review explains, its customizable combat system is a huge part of what makes each replay feel unique. With four different operating systems – from stealthy hacking with a cyberdeck to slowing time with a Sandevistan for some melee moves – and a huge branching skill tree that expands with the DLC, it's pretty impossible to get bored in Night City. The sheer breadth of its real-time combat makes Cyberpunk 2077 one of the most exciting, dynamic RPGs I've ever played.

Best real-time combat RPGs FAQs

For more recommendations, read our lists of the best soulslike games and the best single-player RPGs.

Games like Persona 5 don't come around too often. The 2016 RPG has remained iconic for a decade for good reason, blending together an epically scoped modern-day-set story with incredibly slick and stylish turn-based combat, and a cast of unforgettable characters to boot.

But, like leveling up in order to battle a mythological god, I'm up for the challenge. Persona 5 remains a very special game to me, but it's still part of a larger gaming conversation. Throughout the best JRPGs, plenty have attempted and succeeded at similar goals to Persona. Even outside of that genre, the sheer style of Persona 5 has some other contemporaries, whether that's pure aesthetic joy or similarly exploring modern-day Tokyo street culture.

Join me below as I count down my ten best picks for games like Persona 5. Some may surprise you, some may be obvious, but I'm sure you'll find something new to fall in love among them. I've also made sure to include what kind of vibe each title offers (which you can learn about in our FAQ section), so that you know what you are in for straight away. Also, to keep the recommendations going, I'd love to know what else you think Persona 5 fans should try in the comments below.

The best games like Persona 5 to play, starting with...

10. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

I'm often asked where to start with The Legend of Heroes: Trails. For Persona 5 fans, I always have the same answer: start with The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel. These might not be the most modern entries in the series (it launched on PS Vita, after all), but they remain immensely playable, and recent ports mean the whole quadrilogy is readily available on current consoles.

Following a familiar calendar system, and revolving around a special military school class of capable young adventurers, there's plenty of options to grow closer to your classmates as the school year takes you through a series of field trip quests. Battles are fast-paced, with an in-depth system that means you can get pretty detailed with customizing your party's abilities. It might not have the level of stylish polish Persona 5 boasts, but Trails of Cold Steel still has plenty of heart, and if you're looking for character dynamics you can care about and a similar epic structure, this is a trip well worth taking.

9. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Simply put, if you like Persona 5, I think you'll like Danganronpa. Despite this being a mystery adventure game with loads of visual novel-style reading instead of, you know, a battling RPG, there's a lot of crossover appeal. Just look at the larger-than-life, colorful character designs, or those bopping tunes as you pick apart testimonies to get to the bottom of intricate murder mysteries. The "dark blend of macabre and comedic dialogue" we loved in our Danganronpa review has aged well enough to return to even today.

Just like Persona 5, Danganronpa also has a dense narrative centering on young adults in a school environment, with the murders you have to investigate also delving into the depths of the human psyche. Visually, it's devoted to being downright stylish at all times, especially during play. Danganronpa's bullet-based arguments that have you blasting evidence to shatter words that appear on screen have a similar vibe to Persona 5's slick action and battle menus that are consistently a thrill to interact with. I rest my case.

8. Demonschool

Demonschool's retro-inspired pixel aesthetic and grid-based battles more immediately calls back to the classic stylings of Persona and Persona 2, but the modern approach to storytelling still tips a cap towards the likes of Persona 5. In any case, there's absolutely no doubt in my mind that this supernatural RPG that has a huge cast of young adults kicking the heck out of grisly undead should be very much of interest to Persona fans.

In fact, in our Demonschool review, we said that "this Persona-inspired RPG is full of fun, flair, and ready to chomp away at your free time". Working through a school year means that Faye's quest to unravel the paranormal conspiracy of Hemsk College is hefty, but it also has a bite-sized structure that makes it easy to play through a bit at a time. Rather than lengthy dungeons, each major event has its own distinct battle that's as much a puzzle as it is a fight, having you work through character combos and plan out turns in advance in order to seal the demonic portal at the end of each map. You absolutely need to try this one.

7. Jet Set Radio

What do you mean Jet Set Radio isn't an RPG? In this stylish adventure, you're role-playing as a graffiti artist crew on a mission to tag up Tokyo-To and fight back against an oppressive government and, eventually, a bizarre mafia crew. Even over a decade on, we noted that "it's still got it" in our Jet Set Radio HD review. It's still true.

OK, OK, it's not really an RPG. Both this and sequel Jet Set Radio Future have an arcadey flair, challenging you to grind, leap, and trick across chunks of level in order to lay down your own, customizable artwork in each cyberpunk-tinged area of the city while avoiding rival gangs. But, not only is Jet Set Radio set in fictionalized versions of several locations that also appear in Persona 5, it embraces that flavor of modern Japanese street culture. If what really appealed to you about Persona 5 was its setting and sense of style, you'll find it in spades in Jet Set Radio.

6. Neo: The World Ends With You

Neo: The World Ends With You (or, equally, its predecessor, The World Ends With You) will appeal to any Persona 5 fans who are enamored with that game's presentation of modern day Tokyo. Just as, if not more, engaged with Japanese street culture than Persona 5, this has you questing across a colorfully presented version of Shibuya, Japan.

Thrust into the mysterious Reaper's Game, Rindo is forced to team up with classmates Fret and Nagi in order to survive against rival teams, running about Shibuya in order to clear each day's challenge. Each party member has special abilities that can help out in fast-paced battles, with special pin badges and even outfits providing bonuses. Abilities can also be used outside of battle, with Persona 5-like reality warping natures, like being able to supernaturally remind NPCs of certain topics.

5. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the seventh game in the long-running crime series, but also acts as a soft reboot, shifting the action from brawler Kazuma Kiryu to the charming Ichiban Kasuga. While he's also handy in a fight, a devotion to Dragon Quest means that playing as him shifts the action from real-time combat to turn-based brawls, a job system having his party transform to use silly and over-the-top abilities. It's a switch we called "a confident step in a different direction" in our Yakuza: Like a Dragon review.

This set-up nods explicitly to Square Enix's famous RPG series, but Sega are also able to bring a lot of Persona 5 inspiration as well. Drink links, for instance, are a humorous nod to Persona 5's social links, and are a way of improving your party bonds over a cold one at your favorite bar. On top of that, set in the modern day, the urban backdrop is a close match to Persona's settings, and with just as stylishly presented combat, this is an easy recommendation for any Persona 5 fan.

4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is so much like Persona 5 that it almost feels like a direct response. While modern entries in this tactical RPG series have always played with bonding systems between named units, Three Houses saw that come front and center, revolving around students attached to a particular house at a school – with you choosing which of the three you want to teach.

Not only does that give Fire Emblem: Three Houses a more young adult entrypoint to the RPG's epic narrative, similar to Persona 5, but also means you juggle setting out for battle with school activities, and with a calendar system to boot – a completely new element to this long-running RPG series. It's a combination so good that we called it "a masterclass in emotionally gripping tactics" in our Fire Emblem: Three Houses review. For any Persona 5 fan looking to check out Fire Emblem for the first time, this is an absolute must-play.

3. Metaphor ReFantazio

Conscious of not simply overloading this list with other Atlus games, I was between including Metaphor ReFantazio or the almost-as-excellent Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. The "almost" gives it away, though, right? I'm still stunned that this epic fantasy journey, though detached from sister series SMT and Persona, has quickly become one of my favorite RPG universes to explore. It's a tale that I'm still turning over in my head, and one we called "an evolution of Atlus' best RPGs" in our Metaphor ReFantazio review.

Cribbing systems from Persona directly, the hero builds social links on his quest to win magically mandated votes in order to ascend to the monarchy (with the true intention to use the contest to unravel a deadly conspiracy, of course). A calendar system is in place as well, but rather than balancing school life, it's to structure a travel-based journey between kingdoms on a sort of It's a MadWorld tour with the other ruler candidates to win the kingdom's population over to your cause. Real-time action provides runway for turn-based battles that inherit a lot of Persona DNA, with Archetypes fulfilling a similar role to Persona, blended with a mix-and-match skill system reminiscent of Final Fantasy's job system.

2. Clair Obscur Expedition 33

Boasting super slick combat and a cast of young adults, there's a case to be made that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is sort of a French combination of Final Fantasy 10 and Persona 5. That's not a bad thing at all, as a fresh take on two of the best RPGs ever made is very welcome.

Especially in an industry where big-budget adventures like this rarely lean into turn-based combat, it's great to see Clair Obscur not only embrace it, but evolve it. This isn't the first turn-based RPG to allow for timing-based interactions, but it's one of the most complete visions of it. Parries and dodges against even the biggest of opponents reward knowledge, and allow for not only full damage negation, but accrual of huge bonuses as well. Letting you stunt on deadly foes just always hits. In our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, we called it "an old-school feeling JRPG as dynamic as Persona but with parry-filled battles as hard-won as Sekiro".

1. Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload is so much like Persona 5, that the whole concept of this full remake of one of the iconic PS2 games seems to be based around Persona 5-ifying it as much as possible. More often than not, this is a great idea, as we point out in our Persona 3 Reload impressions. Persona 5-style slick presentation enhances the moodier tone of Persona 3's angsty, noughties-era adventure, revelling in the moody blues and greens that paint the Midnight Hour – a hidden space of time in which Shadows prey on humanity.

Humanity except for, of course, the members of SEES, a group of high-schoolers with the power to fight back using summoned persona in battle. This is the Persona that actually introduced the now-iconic calendar system that has you juggling socializing with friends, academia, and clearing big dungeons. Except, in this case, barring small bespoke events, it's one truly massive dungeon. Tartarus has over 250 floors that open up throughout the year, meaning environments aren't as varied as Persona 5. But the combat continues to evolve on Persona 5's and, for many, Persona 3's grittier tale has always outclassed Persona 5 anyway.

Games like Persona 5 FAQS

For more recommendations, check out our lists of the best turn-based RPGs and the best Persona games of all time.

When it comes to ranking the best Witcher games, you'd be surprised by how many there are to sift through. I certainly was, and have spent the past three days getting my head around the many spin-offs to CD Projekt Red's mainline RPG series. They all take place at different points in and around the original Polish novel saga, with a tiny bit of overlap with Netflix's The Witcher TV series for good measure. But with so many titles to choose from, I've come up with a few rules in making this list to keep things nice and simple.

Firstly, I've only listed the Witcher games you can play right now on modern platforms, and I've specifically used Steam as a benchmark. It would also be a very short list if I restricted it to just the best RPGs in the franchise, so I've widened my search to draw in some iconic narrative, tactical, and card-based offerings, too. Many of the games here are playable on mobile, while one of them is actually a PC and Xbox exclusive as of 2026, and a host of others are available on a range of consoles, ensuring that there's a Witchering delight for everyone to enjoy – even if you don't know where to start.

Below, I've included a vibe for each entry so you can get a general idea of the kind of experience they offer (you can learn more about that in our FAQ section). It's an exciting time for the Witcher series, with lots of upcoming CD Projekt Red games in the works such as The Witcher 4. But while we wait for what's next, here are the best Witcher games you can go and download right now!

The best Witcher games to play today, starting with…

7. The Witcher Enhanced Edition Director's Cut

Calling it one of the best Witcher games is a bit of a stretch, but Geralt of Rivia's maiden voyage has to go somewhere on this list. 2008's enhanced edition of The Witcher came out a year after its initial 2007 launch, offering an extended experience for PC players to explore. At the time, it was a welcome little facelift to correct course and give the new franchise a head start toward greatness. Alas, the game itself does not hold up very well to the test of time.

Combat is a hard slog. Our The Witcher Enhanced Edition review noted the mystifying controls and "long-winded" storytelling, even by 2008's standards, and the graphics and movement systems have only gotten clunkier with age. Then there's the tokenizing Romance cards Geralt collects upon successfully wooing one of the RPG's lovely ladies…. Yeah, it's altogether a bit of a chaotic mess to play in 2026, and I can only recommend it to absolute Witcher die-hards. Otherwise, I'd wait it out for the Witcher 1 Remake, which is currently in the works.

6. The Witcher Adventure Game

Perhaps the most dicey Witcher game on this list, The Witcher Adventure Game is a 2014 digitized rendition of the popular board game. You can play against either the computer or your real-life friends as one of four characters from CD Projekt Red's games and the original novels themselves. Then, you'll be vying to conquer the board either through combat or the gift of the gab, whichever your character excels at most.

The Witcher Adventure Game isn't an RPG, really, though the stat-based gameplay does funnel you toward taking certain avenues when it comes to problem-solving (we all know Geralt isn't a diplomat). Now roughly 12 years old, The Witcher Adventure Game is a niche recommendation in 2026 – that UI still feels like an eyesore to me, and the whole game wears its mobile game aesthetic on its war-torn sleeve. But if you're looking for a more strategic approach to The Witcher universe that you can take on-the-go, it's one to keep in mind.

5. Reigns: The Witcher

The newest entrant on my list of best Witcher games, Reigns is a fast-paced and silly narrative adventure where you'll be swiping through Dandelion's (aka Jaskier's) ballads for a choose-you-own-adventure of epic proportions. I love playing Reigns on my phone, whether at the bus stop or on the airplane, but it's also great fun to sit down and play on my computer when I fancy something silly yet compulsive.

The Tinder-like swiping is a fun gimmick that works seamlessly with Reigns' scenario-based gameplay, casting Geralt in the role of many a tale, all of them yours to shape. It's refreshing to have a more lighthearted way to engage with The Witcher – one that won't ask you to murder either a whole village or some little orphan kids. Be it bathing, romancing, "dying a lot", or getting grubby in a monster fight, Reigns trades the narrative weight and mechanical complexity of its RPG counterparts for pure bardic nonsense. And honestly, I love that for Geralt.

4. The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings

As mentioned in our The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings review, Geralt's second RPG outing is where things really start picking up steam. With a reworked combat system and a darker, more mature tone, CD Projekt Red "replaced or improved all the needlessly cumbersome design decisions that plagued the first game" to deliver a bombastic RPG adventure that, sadly, you still can't play on PlayStation.

I've docked it a few points for the purposes of this list – I'm trying to find easily accessible options, after all – but The Witcher 2 deserves a special shoutout as the game that gave us our first proper taste of what Geralt of Rivia could become. Think agonizing moral conundrums, nail-biting battles, stunning world design (by 2011's standpoint, though the enhanced edition cleans up a lot of it)... CD Projekt Red struck gold with this one, and if you have the right platforms at hand, you won't regret going back 15 years to experience it.

3. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

Card-based RPG Thronebreaker is one of the most unique and best Witcher games of the bunch. As a prequel to the events of CD Projekt Red's mainline games, it sees players set out across the continent as Queen Meve of Lyria and Rivia, drawing cards and finding allies to rally the troops and build up a formidable army.

But although it's a companion piece to the next item on this list, this isn't your average deck-builder. Our five-star Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales review explains how this spin-off thrives in its very own right, as "instead of drawing through your deck and needing to react to your opponent's every move, you're more focused on simply sticking to the plan set forth by your opening hand." It's the perfect setup for choice and consequence moments as effects ripple out over the course of a 30-hour playthrough, and an excellent isometric venture for fans of the best tactical RPGs who want a dose of the Witcherverse at the same time.

2. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

I'm not sure if it's a contentious opinion, but the digital Gwent card game is probably the second-best Witcher game by virtue of its sheer staying power. Inspired by the popularity of playing Gwent in The Witcher 3, this game lets you do nothing but that as you battle it out in 1v1 matches against strangers via online matchmaking. CD Projekt Red cut its ongoing dev support for it in 2023, handing the reins to the community instead – and it's still just as popular.

Players dutifully vote for changes to the card meta, ushering in a new era of true democracy that protects the core game experience while ensuring it stays fresh and exciting. There's also a physical edition if you're looking for fixed parameters, which our US Managing Editor deems "just as engrossing as the original" in his Gwent: The Legendary Card Game review. Gwent is clearly here to stay, and I can't wait to (hopefully) see it in The Witcher 4 too.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

To absolutely nobody's surprise (least of all mine), The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt reigns supreme as the best Witcher game of all time. You're probably familiar with it if you're already here, but let me paint you a quick picture: you are Geralt of Rivia, monster hunter extraordinaire, and you're traipsing the Continent in search of your adopted Child Surprise daughter, Ciri.

Over a decade later, Witcher 3 is the undisputed king among the best third-person RPGs. It has grueling action, a stunning open world, engaging characters, interwoven plotlines, political intrigue, love triangles, fearsome beasts, and just about every other flavor of RPG goodness you could ever wish for – even the opportunity to build out Geralt's retirement plan in one of its two DLCs, as described in our The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review. Whether you're brand new to the franchise or not, believe the hype and play The Witcher 3 before you do any other game on this list.

Best Witcher games FAQs

For more recommendations, check out our pick of the best games like the Witcher 3.

Narrowing down my list of the best fantasy RPGs to a mere ten was not an easy task. It's one of the most popular subgenres, for one, with a number of the best MMORPGs standing tall alongside dense narrative experiences, FPS titles, and the best open word RPGs to deliver a staggering amount of breadth and diversity. All of those facts make it hard to pick the greatest outings, however, that's why I'm here to help.

Below, you'll find a host of the greatest roleplaying games of all time that will transport you to fantastical realms for unforgettable experiences. I've made sure to include a range of platform offerings, whether you're looking for one of the best Xbox Game Pass games or something to tide you over until one of those upcoming PS5 games finally lands. There's also Switch, PC, and last-gen console titles to choose from as you take your pick of these otherworldly greatest hits.

And, to make your fantasy sessions easier, I've also included the "vibe" of each of my recommendations (which you can find full descriptions of in the FAQ section) just so you know what kind of experience you'll be getting at a glance. So, without further ado, join me on a countdown to reveal my top fantasy RPGs that you should pick up and play today.

The best fantasy RPGs to play in 2026 are…

10. Dragon Age Inquisition

"The heart of this game rests with its characters," says the opening of our Dragon Age: Inquisition review, and oh how true that is. BioWare's 2014 RPG offers a diverse range of companion characters which complement the lush medieval fantasy realm of Thedas, pulling you into a thrilling adventure with branching narrative outcomes depending upon the choices you make.

The Dragon Age series is full of unique gems, and much like the Mass Effect games, moments of choice and consequence have rippling effects. Past decisions are carried across the series, preserving your worldstate as you move through the four games. This influences everything from who rules which kingdoms to the fates of specific characters, these branching narratives offering some incredible replay value. The most divisive thing about Inquisition is whether you can grapple with its tactical combat mechanics – something that has, unfortunately, turned many people away before they can give it a real chance.

9. Metaphor: ReFantazio

There's something about Metaphor: ReFantazio that, even among the best fantasy RPGs, stands out as uniquely whimsical. Don't be fooled by the Persona-like stylings of Sega and Atlus' quirky latest: it's a futuristic-medieval fantasy epic masquerading as an anime game. The combination of a monarchical social structure against a distinctly modern world "makes you feel like you're wandering the pages of a fairytale book," according to our Metaphor Re:Fantazio review, with some of the deepest and most varied combat styles of many other JRPG entries on this list.

The dungeon layouts can get a little samey, as can the handful of recycled Shin Megami Tensei and Persona features you'll see rearing their heads throughout. But the intriguing setting is enough to make Metaphor an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a rare take on a fantasy world that's more than your classic medieval fare.

8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

As GamesRadar+'s ultimate game of 2025, take it from me: Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a belter of a fantasy RPG that you will not be able to stop thinking about. From the tragic premise to its stylish turn-based combat encounters, everything about Expedition 33 screams anime drama. That's because it's an ode to the best JRPGs of all-time, but developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, its incredible blend of Eastern and Western RPG flavors makes it a special experience you won't regret spending time with.

Much like the Soulslike games on this list, however, there is a catch. Expedition 33 leans heavily on timed parry and block mechanics, which can be chained for an eyewatering amount of strikes should you go up against one of the RPG's many, many superbosses. If timing isn't your thing, you may want to look elsewhere. But fans of the best Persona games will find a curious familiarity here that is both refreshing and nostalgic in equal measures.

7. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

It's soon to come to Xbox Series X and the Switch 2, but until then, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth should be top of every PC and PS5 owner's list. The stunning fantasy RPG (which also has some sci-fi nods to genre-bending fans) is the second in a three-part reimagining of Final Fantasy 7, following 2020's FF7 Remake, that will have you experiencing Cloud's journey through a compelling new lens.

As more of a "what if?" alternative timeline than an all-out remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can be a little bit contentious. It's largely faithful almost all of the time, before turning everything you thought you knew about the game onto its head. Don't panic too much, though; one of our resident FF-heads praises its "meaningful improvements" in his Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review, so it's not all shock factor here. I can't share much more than that without ruining the whole thing, but if you're looking for one of the best fantasy RPGs to challenge some of your deeper-set gaming opinions, look no further.

6. Dark Souls Remastered

After being remastered in 2018, Dark Souls is still a must-play fantasy RPG for all fans of dark, brooding aesthetics. FromSoftware does an excellent job at painting an incredibly vivid, tactile atmosphere that doubles up as a fittingly imposing backdrop for all the pain you will be inflicting upon yourself.

But getting humbled is a part of the process. The combat has weight, pace, and rhythm to it, like all the best Soulslikes, but Dark Souls Remastered delivers that same core experience – just with refreshed controls. It's a far more forgiving time than you'd have if you played the 2011 version, though it's still very much out in the wild if you fancy the challenge. Whichever you opt for, know this: you'll suffer, but you'll be happy about it.

5. World of Warcraft Classic

Giving a modern facelift to the 2004 original MMORPG, World of Warcraft Classic is still one of the best-loved fantasy roleplaying experiences you can play right now. The core of the game revolves around level grinding – either solo or in a Guild – on a journey through an expansive digital world.

But first, you'll need a steady internet connection. World of Warcraft Classic is an always-online game (even if playing solo) where you'll need constant connection to servers, so be sure your WiFi is up to the challenge. Also, with its top-down isometric camera to give you a more tactical view of the battlefield, fans of the best first-person RPGs will need to keep an open mind. Even so, WoW's sheer stubborn staying power is what earns it a spot on this list. My brother almost flunked out of high school, he was so obsessed with the original WoW… So please, try not to get too sucked in?

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 has been synonymous with the very concept of fantasy RPGs since it launched in 2015. There's nothing like stepping into Geralt's weathered monster-hunting boots for a spot of mercenary mayhem, cutting down fearsome foes of all shapes and sizes in between hunting down his lost "surprise" daughter, Ciri. I love wandering the Continent and immersing myself in it, with CD Projekt Red delivering an impressively faithful rendition of its source material and bolstering the game's claim to legendary status.

The journey continues in its two DLCs. Our The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review encapsulates what I love most about this particular one – a brooding vampire tale set amongst the picturesque valleys of Toussaint, with a beautiful vineyard to retire to (potentially with a bae) at the end of it. If you've yet to experience The Witcher 3, do yourself a favor and right that wrong ASAP.

3. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

The landscape of the best fantasy RPGs was forever changed when The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered shadow-dropped out of nowhere. Resurrecting the Bethesda classic with updated controls and graphics across PC and console, Oblivion briefly overtook Elder Scrolls 6 discussions and continues to be front-of-mind for many. The Skyrim precursor is a chaotic joy to behold in its remastered form, even if it's still a bit of a jank-fest. Anyone looking for something totally modern and slick will likely want to skip this, but I really hope you don't.

You can stroll into strangers' houses unannounced. You can get hunted by a murderous unicorn. You can turn every NPC into a sheep. Oblivion is the very definition of a quirky fantasy roleplaying experience where Murphy's law reigns supreme: anything can and will happen in Cyrodiil, but the weirdest moments are what make it such a silly thrill to experience today.

2. Elden Ring

There's a reason our Guides Editor gave it five stars in his Elden Ring review, and the "Dark Souls meets Breath of the Wild" framework is just a small part of it. Exploring the Lands Between is one of the most thrilling fantasy RPG experiences out there, as long as you don't mind a little punishment along the way. Elden Ring's explosive formula combines the DNA of the best FromSoftware games with a stunning open world, and that second thing is what makes it the most approachable.

Being able to run away from a tough encounter gives you time to regroup – every Elden Ring newbie accidentally picks a fight with the Tree Sentinel, right? – while speccing your build can be a trial-and-error process that offers enormous depth. There's dense lore to unpack on your travels, further explored in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, making it one of the most absorbing high fantasy realms as well as one of the best ARPGs of all-time.

1. Baldur's Gate 3

As far as the best fantasy RPGs go, you really can't get more fantastical than Larian's Dungeons and Dragons epic. With a host of playable classes, races, and backgrounds to choose from in character customization to the distinct fairytale environs of its very first act, Baldur's Gate 3 has everything to fulfil your wildest fantasy role-playing… well, fantasies. Fans of the best turn-based RPGs will have a lot to love, too. Every inch is crawling with new discoveries to encounter, everything governed by a roll of the dice.

There's also gods and devils, hags and necromancers, vampires, shape-shifting druids, and even a foul-mouthed pixie trapped in a lantern (free her at your own risk). Really, I could go on and on about what makes this such a perfect pick for our top spot on this list, but our Baldur's Gate 3 review says it best: it's "an entire, years-long pen-and-paper roleplaying campaign realized in beautiful fidelity".

Best Fantasy RPGs FAQs

For more recommendations, check out our lists of the best PS5 RPGs and the best Xbox RPGs next.

When life gets hectic, you just need the best RPGs to play as a busy adult. Few things make me sadder than when someone tells me they don't have enough hours in the day to play new games anymore (or at least games with more narrative depth than a round of Call of Duty Warzone). It's a slow, sorry process, but before long, one of your favorite hobbies has faded into the ether, and you're left clawing back your personal time by watching reruns of Friends through glazed eyes once the kids are finally asleep or your boss stops calling.

I hereby banish you from that fate. I've chosen the games on this list because they value your time and your wallet in different respects. Some of them stand out for their straightforward controls, meaning you don't have to wrack your brain to remember them between longer breaks. Others stand among the best ARPGs, offering both long and winding stories alongside strategic combat you can refine over time if you want to stretch a single game out as long as you can.

Between long, dense open-world roleplaying games you can devour in chunks to the best short RPGs to play in a weekend, I promise there's an RPG out there to suit even the most chaotic lifestyle. Here, you'll find RPGs that can easily dip in and out of, as well as those suited to weekend play sessions – with the kind of vibes you can expect from each included (you can learn more about that in our FAQ section below). Oh, and if you're after more recommendations because you're short on time, I recommend checking out best Quick Play RPGs. So why not treat yourself to one of the best RPGs for busy adults? C'mon, I chose them for you 'specially.

The best RPGs for busy adults, starting with...

10. Citizen Sleeper

There's something irresistibly compulsive about Citizen Sleeper. My first session with it lasted over eight hours, buoyed through a deep space dystopia by thrumming lo-fi beats and infectious rolls of the dice. With an average playtime of around 12-15 hours, Citizen Sleeper is easy to speed through in a quiet weekend, though its daily resource and replenishment system means you can also husband the experience for shorter bursts of play.

Solodev Gareth Damian Martin leans on pen-and-paper tabletop games in creating a layered, well-realized sci-fi world that gets further complicated in its follow-up (check out our Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector review for more on that), but there's something soothing about the first game in particular. It might be a bit less stimulating if you're not a fan of text-heavy RPGs, but if you're a busy adult who loves to unwind by curling up with an excellent slow-burn mystery novel where side characters are given as much depth as wider corporate conspiracies, Citizen Sleeper will have you rapt.

9. Final Fantasy 16

Look, sometimes us busy grownups just want something cinematic, silly, and bombastic to dip in and out of. Look no further than Final Fantasy 16 – the most approachable game in Square Enix's JRPG series yet. A large part of that is how it heavily leans on the best real-time RPGs instead of turn-based experiences, breaking away from the norm to deliver a fantasy roleplaying adventure that unravels more like a classic hero's journey fable.

The combat is flashy and over-the-top, as is FF16's colorful cast of characters, which is excellent if you want something easy to digest… once you get past its lengthy introductory sequences. The fact that the story takes so long to get truly underway is a blessing and a curse in that respect, but as long as you have time to blitz through those first couple of hours uninterrupted, our Final Fantasy 16 review promises "an experience that stands alongside the series' greats."

8. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is one of the cleverest narrative RPGs I've ever played, and it very much knows it. As a slower-paced, more cerebral RPG where your dice rolls are helped or hindered by which personality points you invest in, I can't say that Disco Elysium is necessarily easy to dip in and out of over long periods of time. But played on the Switch or Steam Deck, it's the perfect bit of meaty bedtime reading.

Crafting a particular build is a chaotic art form in itself, which can lead to some hilarious discoveries as well as unfortunate philosophical blunders – but therein lies its slightly pompous genius. It was a super popular Game of the Year contender in 2019 for good reason, though, and if you aren't deterred by the idea of putting your brain through its paces as you uncover a funny yet infinitely bleak buddy-cop mystery, Disco Elysium might be the perfect RPG escape for a busy adult like you.

7. Crimson Desert

There are some RPGs you play for their gripping storylines, fascinating characters, and dire moments of choice and consequence. Then, there's Crimson Desert: a game you play for open world immersion. I concur with our Crimson Desert review that Pearl Abyss' latest is a bit of a mess as far as the roleplaying itself is concerned (stay with me here), but with 80km2 to explore as sword-for-hire Kliff, it offers an endless playground for low-stakes, drop-in fun.

Crimson Desert is an excellent RPG for a busy adult because it simply respects your time and how you want to spend it. Want to lay down your arms and play it like a life sim? You can. Prefer grinding skill points and challenges in the name of becoming the beefiest combatant in Pywel? Go right ahead. You can even actually play through the story itself if you really want; the best thing about it being so weak is that you'll never worry about forgetting what's happened, even if you're unable to play for long stretches at a time. The fact is that Crimson Desert is simply massive, and that makes it excellent value if you're looking for one big game to play for the next however many months.

6. Avowed

If you also hate nothing more than needing a two-hour YouTube explainer to know how classes work in an RPG, you've come to the right place. As our Avowed review says, it's not quite Obsidian's very own Skyrim – actually, it's much more pleasant.

Avowed is a bite-sized yet beautiful RPG that can slot into your hectic life wherever you need it to, and now that it's available on PS5 as well as Xbox and PC, it's even more accessible. One of my favorite things is how, from combat to narrative, nothing screams overcomplication. The story is fairly basic – you're a descendant of a God and you go around a fantasy land with your pals to fight things and learn nifty abilities. Combat is diverse, yet easy to grapple with; there's archery, magic, melee, and even guns to choose from, and you can swap between weapons with a push of a button. And don't worry about memorizing stuff like combos or combat systems, because when in doubt, you very much can just whack it with a sword.

5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Before you yell at me for this one being lower in the list, hear me out. The Witcher 3 is one of my favorite RPGs of all time, but I also played it during a period of my life where I was anything but a busy adult. It has some of the most engaging combat among the best RPGs by a mile, with some truly incredible setpieces across a stunning open world to conquer as Geralt follows The Path. It might be one of the more time-intensive options on this list, but learning how to spec your build is a process you won't regret getting a handle on.

Mastering the different Witcher signs and abilities and how they synergize with various mutagens is what makes this a perfect RPG for busy adults, especially if you want to put all your spare time into one grand experience and see your hard work pay off. You can also just ignore the main questlines in favor of shorter mercenary contracts, giving you the sense of adventure and escapism. The Witcher 3 is still one of the most narratively rich and satisfying games out there some 11 years later – even if our The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review falls just shy of the five-star rating it holds in my heart.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

The best thing about Assassin's Creed Shadows, especially for a busy adult, is its quest design. Riffing off the Ancient Grecian likes of Assassin's Creed Odyssey before it, Yasuke and Naoe's journey takes us across a beautiful open world as we tick off names on an ever-growing hitlist. That dependable loop is what makes Shadows so easy to pick up and put down again according to your schedule, and with two characters to play as and experiment with in terms of combat styles, you'll never be bored with tweaking your build and exploring new opportunities.

Even as a story-driven experience, I never felt funnelled towards doing just the main quests – there's plenty of other fun secrets, challenges, and discoveries to explore across Japan. Sure, myFeatures Editor was right to point out the setbacks of this "scattershot" narrative approach in his Assassin's Creed Shadows review, but it's actually a great boon for anyone who's looking for a lighter-touch story experience that still has plenty of vibrance, depth, and reactivity to enjoy besides.

3. Hades 2

Don't fight me on whether it's a roguelike or an ARPG; Hades 2 is both, and it was made for busy adults like you. Our Hades 2 review goes into greater detail on why exactly that is, but take it from someone who literally bought a Steam Deck to play this game on the go: Supergiant's latest is as built for short bursts of play as it is impossible to put down.

The roguelike element means you can restrict yourself to one or two (or three, or forty) separate "runs" per session, with carried over resources to help strengthen protagonist Melinoe as she repeatedly battles to the Underworld to kill her dear old gramps. Replete with plenty of familiar faces and new ones, Hades 2's host of memorable characters and their interwoven, progressively unlocked stories is just one aspect of what makes Hades 2 so absorbing. If you love a hack-and-slasher with a heavy dose of Greek mythology and don't fall head over heels for this one, I really can't help you.

2. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of those once-in-a-generation RPGs that can't help but blow your every expectation out of the water. If you want to know why it's also one of the best RPGs for busy adults, consider this: my incredibly busy lawyer brother has been playing nothing but Baldur's Gate 3 and Hunt: Showdown for the past three years, and I don't think he has any plans on stopping.

It's perhaps the best investment money can buy right now in terms of RPGs with replay value. Developer Larian has been working away at it in the years since launch, adding new classes, new interactions, even whole new sections of the game. I haven't replayed any game as much as I have this one, and even if you're a total D&D newbie who can't tell your clerics from your storm sorcerers, Baldur's Gate 3 will be one game you can play for as many years as there are permutations of character and party composition. Our Baldur's Gate 3 review isn't playing around; this really is "the new gold standard for RPGs".

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an explorer's dream. The combination of low-pressure adventuring with puzzles, quirky combat, and unique abilities to help problem solve makes for a beautiful world to take your damn sweet time in. The fact that it's pretty tame as far as violence is an added bonus for busy RPG-loving parents out there, because you can definitely play this one around or even with your kids – though maybe the Blood Moon cutscene might be a bit frightening for the little ones.

Much like Baldur's Gate 3, Tears of the Kingdom benefits from having a certain knack to it. Once you understand how to play, you'll never forget. It builds off the successes of Breath of the Wild to deliver a stunning action-adventure RPG experience where going off the beaten path is not only okay, but very much encouraged. Our Guides Editor's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review deems it a "game as broad as it is deep" – so if you're looking for something you'll never feel truly "finished" with, Hyrule is out there, waiting.

Best RPGs for busy adults FAQs

Explore more recommendations with our pick of the best story-driven RPGs or the best single-player RPGs.

Finding the best sci-fi RPG games can be deceptively tricky. A lot of the best RPGs around typically take place in magical fantasy realms instead of the cosmos. However, there are some truly fantastic futuristic role-playing experiences out there if you know where to look, and after making my way through my extensive RPG back catalogue, I've found the top 10 that are worth your time and attention.

Below are the greatest sci-fi RPGs to play in 2026. For this list, I've focused on outings that deliver top-tier worldbuilding and employ classic sci-fi hallmarks in their storytelling. From space travel to corporation-run dystopias, each of my picks below will scratch that science fiction itch that you may be after. I've also made sure to include what "Vibe" each game will give you (which you can read more about in our FAQ section), so you know what kind of RPG you'll be getting at a glance.

If I've somehow overlooked a personal favorite, feel free to let me know in the comments as well. But for now, buckle up and get ready to explore the unknown. Here are the 10 best sci-fi RPGs to take you away to new worlds and heights alike.

The best sci-fi RPGs, starting with...

10. The Outer Worlds 2

As a long-time Fallout: New Vegas fan, The Outer Worlds 2 really does feel like Obsidian back at the peak of their RPG game. In fact, in our The Outer Worlds 2 review, we rightfully pointed out that it's "a stunning sci-fi adventure that feels like the RPG studio can finally deliver on decades of ambition." Building on from the first Outer Worlds space colonization game, here you'll create an Earth Directorate agent who is tasked with keeping corporations in check.

You'll need to build your character from the ground up, and your choices will affect how the story plays out, as well as companion interactions. This is a semi-open-world and single-player outing that really gives you off-kilter moments paired with some great lore. It's absurd at times, but still mature enough to take its grounded story seriously, and all in all, it offers a memorable role-playing adventure. If you're after a satirical take on a bleak capitalist future and want to decide the fate of a few planets, this is the sci-fi RPG for you.

9. Citizen Sleeper

Citizen Sleeper is one of the best sci-fi RPGs for fans of classic tabletop RPGs, and fans of the genre will feel right at home with its dice-centred gameplay. As with other dice-based games like Disco Elysium, your rolls will dictate what actions you can take and whether you'll make it out alive at the end of the day. That makes the game work so well, because this high-stakes but still tactical gameplay formula feeds perfectly into the title's unique sci-fi premise.

You are a "Sleeper", aka a digitized human consciousness in an artificial body that's slowly dying. You've escaped from an evil corporation and are now stuck in a large space station filled with different factions also looking to free themselves from corporate overlords. The writing here is fantastic and pairs perfectly with the thoughtful approach you'll need to take as a player. I'd also recommend checking out the sequel, and if you want more information on that, we have a handy Citizen Sleeper 2 review for you as well.

8. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic isn't just one of the greatest sci-fi RPGs ever made, it's also one of the best Star Wars game of all time. So, of course, it had to make our list. Set thousands of years before the formation of the Galactic Empire, you truly do forge your own path here and choose your own alignment with the Force. You'll have to travel to different planets, each with its own layered stories and a ton of side-quests to do. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic may seem dated by modern standards, but there's so much in it, and its rewards progression still stands out.

You'll need to work towards becoming a Jedi master, and it's satisfying seeing that journey take place. If you are looking for an RPG that has a similar vein to The Elder Scrolls but is sci-fi focused, Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic is one of the best alternatives. There may also be a remake for it soon, so keep your eye out for that!

7. Starfield

OK, I know putting Starfield on here may seem controversial given how polarizing it is to some RPG fans, but I happen to be in the camp that fully believes that it's one of the best games that captures the vastness of space, including how overwhelming it may be at times. In typical Bethesda fashion, you'll create a character with their own unique background and traits. You'll then be thrown into a story where you are part of the Constellation group of space explorers on the hunt for rare artifacts throughout the galaxy.

Not only are there a ton of quests and the feeling of constantly having something to do, but you can also make your own ship – what more can a sci-fi fan ask for? Our Managing Guides Editor said that "Starfield is the best thing Bethesda has done since The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion" in his Starfield review in terms of scope and the wondrous discovery feeling it can give you.

6. NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata is one of the best JRPGs around and is also the game that managed to get my fantasy-obsessed butt to fall in love with sci-fi stories as well, so it holds a very big place in my heart. Set in a dystopian world, humanity has fled to the Moon after an alien invasion. However, they have left behind an army of androids to fight the space invaders, and you'll be playing as one of them. It's up to you to end the war, and you'll also be thrown into some compelling stories along the way.

NieR: Automata's world-building and hack-n-slash combat gameplay feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. In fact, I still believe that its combat is some of the most fun I've ever played to this day. If you do decide to try this RPG out, I will say make sure you get to experience the "true ending" since it's brilliant, and if you want more information, you can read our Nier: Automata review.

5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is unforgettable and is still one of the best FPS/RPG hybrids that you can find today. You play as Adam Jensen, the head of security at Sarif Industries (a corporation that sells human augmentations). However, after an attack that leads you to have your own extensive augmentations, you set out to discover who is responsible for trying to take your life. Just like previous Deus Ex games, this RPG's main selling point is its brilliant writing, but it also pushes for player choice, giving you options on how you approach fights and unravel its intelligent narrative.

If you're after complex RPG systems, this isn't the title for you. But if you're looking for a great sci-fi story, one that can at times feel uncomfortably close to a feasible reality, then you won't find better. I still fully agree with our 5-star rating in our Deus Ex: Human Revolution review, and really recommend this one for RPG newbies, especially.

4. Eve Online

Eve Online at this point is an institution, having been around for 20 years, and it's also the best MMORPG that sci-fi fans can jump into by a long shot. Set in the galaxy of New Eden this is a massive title that has great stories, a player economy, and so many real-world and fictional tensions and history that you could probably write a book about them at this point.

You can battle, mine and trade, uncover lost technologies, customize ships, and so much more here. It's essentially a sci-fi dream come true. But before you dive in, be warned, there is a very steep learning curve. The game is designed for groups of players to work together and compete against other groups, so it can be a great co-op choice if you are willing to learn it. However, all of space is PvP and like with any game like this, there are plenty of players who will grief you as well. It's best to prepare yourself for that dynamic before you jump in.

3. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

No sci-fi list is complete without 40K, and in terms of top-tier RPGs, you'll struggle to find a better outing in the hostile universe than Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. If you couldn't tell by the name of the game, in this one, you step into the worn shoes of a Rogue Trader, and you'll be gathering companions and venturing around space as you build up a personal journey throughout a brilliantly written campaign.

The tactical combat, paired with the absolutely fantastic quests, makes for a moreish combination that personally kept me hooked for hours when I first ventured into the RPG. I will say that the system in this one is more complex than normal, and may be a bit of a shock to players of Baldur's Gate 3. However, once you get into Rogue Trader's rhythm, nothing is quite as satisfying. This is easily one of the best CRPGs of all time, and a sci-fi staple.

2. Cyberpunk 2077

The Witcher is one of the best fantasy RPGs ever made, so it makes sense that the team behind it would also give us a sci-fi banger, too. Developed by CD Projekt Red and based on Mike Pondsmith's Cyberpunk tabletop game, Cyberpunk 2077 has you stepping into the role of a mercenary named V who becomes saddled with a cybernetic "biochip" containing an engram of the terrorist Johnny Silverhand. You'll need to work together in order to save your life and cruise around the futuristic Night City while you do so.

The world-building in Cyberpunk 2077 is astounding, as every inch is packed with neon lights and beaten-up machines that feel lived in and also surprisingly realistic. If you love the aesthetics of Akira, no other game captures the gritty dystopian look better than this. And if you're after an RPG that always has something for you to jump on or explore, you'll also be very happy here. For more information, read our Cyberpunk 2077 review!

1. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

No series has ever made me feel like the lead of a sci-fi action movie more than the Mass Effect trilogy has. It is an indisputable masterpiece. Playing as Commander Shepard, it's up to you to save the galaxy from total annihilation. How you achieve that and if you do depends on the choices you make throughout each game, as your save data carries over after each one. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles all the games together, so it's the best way to experience the trilogy at the moment, and trust me, you'll want to get through them in succession.

Travelling through the galaxy, shooting my way through husks, and feeling the weight of every choice I made by the climax of Mass Effect 3 remains some of my favorite RPG memories. There is also romance; each mission perfectly propels the story, and it also still holds up visually even today. Mass Effect is BioWare at their best, and if you need more convincing about picking it up, you can head on over to our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review next.

Best Sci-fi RPGs FAQs

For more recommendations, check out our lists of the best sci-fi games of all time and the best tactical RPGs to play today.

If you're looking to dive into the best RPGs on PS5 right now, then you've come to the right place.

I've spent a lot of time with Sony's console since it first launched back in 2020, and after some deliberation, I've put together a ranking of the best RPGs you can currently play on PS5. Rounding up the top 10 highlights available right now, I've considered everything from some of the standout PS5 exclusives that you can't play on other consoles, to older releases that have gotten noteworthy current-gen upgrades, and some of the best PS5 games within the genre that run like a dream on the machine.

If you've picked up the latest hardware, you'll also be happy to know that some of the picks included in this selection are also among the PS5 Pro enhanced games lineup, so you can enjoy them all on there, too. Below, you can discover my pick of the best RPGs on PS5, with a vibe included so you can get a general idea of what to expect from each (you can find out more about that in our FAQ section). So read on to discover my ranking and be sure to let me know your favorites in the comments, too!

The best PS5 RPGs, starting with...

10. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Skyrim has come to release on practically every platform since it first launched back in 2011, and in celebration of the 10th anniversary of The Elder Scrolls 5, it's found a happy home on PS5 as of 2021. With a new-gen upgrade for the sprawling open-world fantasy RPG, the Skyrim Anniversary Edition differences and additions make it well worth checking out, with graphics and load time improvements, new Creation Club quests, fishing, and all DLC packs. With various races to choose from as you create your customizable character, you can also play around with different weapons and combat approaches.

Bethesda's adventure takes you on a sweeping journey as a hero who awakens to the powers of a Dragonborn, but of course, much of the beauty of Skyrim is in exploration. You have the freedom to go off of the beaten path, take on unexpected side quests, poke around in curious caves, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of cities and settlements.

9. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal and its slick, downright cool aesthetics and art style really pop on PlayStation's console, with 60FPS and 4K resolution support and slightly faster loading times than its PS4 predecessor. Performance aside, Persona 5 Royal continues to be one of the very best turn-based RPGs in recent years, with a memorable storyline that follows Ren, a teenager who's falsely accused and transfers to a new high school.

After you awaken to powers that let you channel the abilities of different Personas, you band together with your peers to form the Phantom Thieves and fight for justice in Tokyo. With an engaging combat system that's easy to control with the PS5's DualSense pad, Persona 5 Royal also includes all of the additional DLC. Plus, just as you steal the hearts of corrupt individuals as a Phantom Thief, the cast of relatable characters you'll meet and bond with as Ren will surely grab a hold of yours.

8. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

As an enhanced version with visual improvements, the option of playing in performance mode with 60FPS support or graphics mode at 4K, and haptic feedback integration for the DualSense, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on PS5 is my favorite way to experience the first part of Cloud's iconic journey. With Final Fantasy 7 Intermission included – which sees you play as Yuffie — it really does give you the complete package.

Building up a beautiful reimagining of the 1997 classic that's still considered to be one of the best JRPGs of all-time, Final Fantasy 7 Remake follows Cloud as he steps into Midgar and meets Aerith, Tifa, and Barret for the first time. Prefacing the events that follow in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the first part of the story is filled with its share of memorable moments.

7. Elden Ring

As one of the best PS5 games to release in recent years, Elden Ring is also one of the best open world RPGs to come to Sony's console. The vast expanses of the Lands Between are just begging to be explored by the Tarnished, a protagonist of your own making who sets out to become an Elden Lord. Steeped in rich lore and challenging boss battle encounters that will challenge your fighting prowess, Elden Ring also makes the most of the PS5's fast loading times, with two different modes to choose from – quality and FPS.

As we explored in our Elden Ring review, the freedom to roam rather than work your way through winding paths like in Dark Souls makes the adventure through the Lands Between stand out, since you have more freedom to decide how and when you navigate through the dangers that await you.

6. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

As one of the best PS4 games to grace the previous console, Horizon Zero Dawn got a shiny remaster to bring it into the next-generation on PS5, and if you've yet to step into the role of Aloy, then this is your sign to do exactly that. It may seem slightly wild to remaster a game that came out in 2017, but its upgrade makes it worthwhile, with higher visual fidelity that brings it more in line with the look and performance of its bigger sequel, Horizon Forbidden West (which is also worth trying out after Zero Dawn).

Set in a post-apocalyptic far future where machines that essentially look like robot dinosaurs roam the lands, you role-play as machine hunter Aloy, who's been cast out from her tribe. As she sets out to uncover her own origins and find her own way, you steadily start to peel back the mysteries embedded in the world, with traces of the past buried beneath the surface.

5. Demon's Souls

Demon's Souls was one of the earliest PS5 exclusives to release following the launch of the console in 2020, and even years later, it's still one of the best soulslikes games available to play on PlayStation. As we explored in our look back at the action RPG back in 2025 to celebrate the PS5's five-year anniversary, it boasts a rock-solid performance that's still very much going strong today, and perfectly showcases just what the hardware is capable of, with detailed textures and silky smooth resolution.

As a remake from Bluepoint Games, Demon's Souls' dark fantasy land has been rebuilt for the console. You play as the Lone Warrior who must step into the fog and set out to earn the title of "Slayer of Demons" and conquer the threat of The Old One once and for all. I remember quite a few people back in the day picking up a PS5 to get their hands on this remake, and it's still worth picking up if you've yet to try it out.

4. Baldur's Gate 3

If you're after one of the best RPGs where choices really matter on the PS5, then you needn't look any further than Baldur's Gate 3. As someone who has poured almost 1000 hours into Larian's adventure exclusively on the PlayStation console, I can confidently say the controls marry very well, with a click of the DualSense stick enabling you to engage with the world as you would with a cursor, or alternatively, you can simply move directly as you will.

Taking on the role of a character of your choice – be it a customized protagonist or a set origin – you set out on a sweeping journey across the Sword Coast to try and remove a tadpole that threatens to turn you into a Mindflayer. With so many decisions to make, a reactive world to explore, and companions you'll easily fall in love with, you won't regret stepping into this RPG on the PS5.

3. The Witcher 3

The Witcher 3 has long been considered one of the best story-driven RPGs for a little over a decade now, and I'd absolutely recommend experiencing it on the PS5. With Geralt's iconic adventure getting some next-gen update treatment back in 2022 (which I checked out first-hand with CD Projekt Red ahead of release back in day), The Witcher 3 runs and plays like a dream on the console.

With more detailed and refined textures, different performance modes, and some added features to boot, it's easier than ever to immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience of becoming a monster slayer who sets out in search of his ward, Ciri, as she comes under threat from the Wild Hunt – haunting warriors that seek to seize her power. With moral dilemmas that lean towards shades of grey, memorable side quests, and a rich world to explore, you can't go wrong with this RPG.

2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was easily one of the best games of 2025, and not only does it run really well on the PS5, but it also looks great, too. Throwing you into 15th-century Europe, Warhorse's memorable adventure lets you explore a rich open-world that succeeds at feeling both realistic and reactive, with NPCs taking note of your presence and actions.

Taking on the role of Henry, you set out on an epic journey across the sprawling landscapes in a bid to avenge your family and help out your companion, Hans Capon. With the freedom to decide how you want to shape your story as you navigate the harsh realities of medieval life, you can expect to clash with foes in sword fights, get caught up in unexpected scenarios, and face plenty of intrigue. It truly is one of the best first-person RPGs around right now.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

I've lost count of the number of times I've replayed Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5. That's partly down to the engaging high-stakes story it draws you into as mercenary V, who sets out to stop an engram containing rockerboy Johnny Silverhand from overwriting their very sense of self. But it's also thanks to how downright good it looks on Sony's console. Following a series of transformative updates, including a PS5 upgrade, the streets of Night City really come alive on the console – there's never been a better time to experience one of the best sci-fi RPGs around.

From the neon lights of advertisements cutting through the dark rainy nights, to the skyscraper-laden vistas that pass you by as you drive – or take a ride on the metro system – it's easy to feel like you're really there. With the addition of the Phantom Liberty expansion which is full of memorable set pieces and quests in Dogtown that will have you questioning your decisions, I can't recommend Cyberpunk 2077 enough.

Best PS5 RPGs FAQs

Check out our pick of the best Xbox RPGs or explore our ranking of the best multiplayer RPGs.

The best Soulslike games understand just why games like Dark Souls became such a phenomenon in the first place. They have mysterious worlds worth exploring, deadly combat that rewards considered play, and truly awe-inspiring massive boss fights.

But, how do you define a Soulslike, anyway? Few action RPGs have such obvious, modern sources of inspiration. Drawing from Dark Souls and Demon's Souls, the best FromSoftware games provide the basis for the definition, though some games focus on vastly different aspects of that experience. Soulslikes that stumble can get the balance wrong, focusing too hard on insurmountable challenges, or having combat that feels clunky rather than careful. No, the best manage to balance a bit of it all.

Read on, and you'll find my best Soulslike games recommendations from 100s of hours spent playing the genre. With some of the best ARPGs from the realms of 2D to 3D, across a range of difficulties, and different settings, there's plenty of experiences to have here – and I've deliberately not overwhelmed the list with FromSoftware's own games (after all, is Dark Souls really a Soulslike?). I've also included the kind of vibe you can expect from each, which you can learn more about in our FAQ section. If you have more favorites, please let me know in the comments!

The 10 best Soulslike games, starting with...

10. Blades of Fire

MercurySteam has brought us some excellent Metroidvanias, having worked on both Castlevania and Metroid. The developer brings that knowledge of crafting dense, labyrinthine spaces to the fore in Blades of Fire, as well as new twists on the Soulslike genre formula in which many struggle to make innovations stick. In our Blades of Fire review we said it's "full of inventive ideas that I find delightfully infectious".

Chief among them is a weapon forging and hot-swapping mechanic that combines with an intricate enemy weakness system (spread across foes' limbs and even what they're in the middle of doing) to create non-stop situations in which you're encouraged to embrace a variety of playstyles. Environments are inventive but don't overstay their welcome, such as one gnarly castle early on, where you're constantly pursued by a respawning and gigantic enemy.

9. Another Crab's Treasure

Most Soulslikes can be more than a little grimdark – excellent when it works, but a little cringe when it doesn't. Another Crab's Treasure is a Soulslike full of wonderful, fresh ideas – and perhaps its biggest is being set in a colorful undersea world with googly-eyed characters (though the presence of a rot does still factor in). "If anything is going to convert you to the world of dodge rolls and brutal bosses," we say in our Another Crab's Treasure spotlight, "it’s this gloriously creative entry point."

Another Crab's Treasure simply has a terrific sense of humor. Playing as hermit crab Kril means you're constantly swapping loadouts, scurrying into all manner of forgotten trash and objects that'll fit your body to grant special attacks and buffs. Life can be tougher down where it's wetter, but take it from me that using a shot glass shell to shoot glass shards at enemies, or a coconut to roll over them is excellent.

8. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

For the beginning of Cal Kestis' adventure across the galaxy (far, far away) you don't even think about it as a Soulslike. But, when you notice the presence of the genre's hallmarks in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, you can't stop noticing it. Lightsaber in hand (be that solo, dual, alongside a blaster, or a heavier, two-handed version), Cal uses it to parry electric weapons and lasers alike, all while either cleaving through weak foes or bashing away at stagger bars.

At points, long, jumping challenges can feel less Soulsy, and are great moments in their own right, but is why this is a bit lower on this list as a Soulslike specifically. Predecessor Fallen Order is much the same, but in Survivor especially, there's heaps of shortcuts back to past areas, and a huge map in Koboh to explore as a massive, mazey hub. In our Star War Jedi: Survivor review, we called it "ambitious, confident, and heartfelt".

7. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

There's definitely plenty of strange about Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, and the very concept of a Soulslike spin-off of this iconic JRPG series from the Nioh developer is only the start. Stranger of Paradise is also a pseudo-remake of the very first Final Fantasy from the '80s, merges grimdark fantasy with party members who look like they are wearing modern-day streetwear, and has multiple needle drop moments.

Odd though it may be, in action it sings. A real-time job-switching system means that hero Jack can mix-and-match combat styles even mid-combo. Each level can feel a bit linear, despite having Souls-y shortcuts, but striking visuals that textually riff on every single numbered Final Fantasy (because of timey wimey multiverse business) carry you through some memorable fights. To some, it may grate. But, for others, that roughness makes it stand out as a truly singular and suitably strange licensed action RPG.

6. Death's Door

Soulslikes might get you used to seeing "you are dead" messages. But, really, what is death to a reaper? Death's Door has you playing as the soul-collecting Crow, where the afterlife is monotonous and corporate, thrown into a deadly adventure when their latest assigned soul is stolen away.

Tracking down the escaped soul means Crow must travel between doors to realms where death has stopped, meaning the foes within have grown beyond natural means. Death's Door has a wonderful cartoon aesthetic with chunky designs that play well in this top-down, isometric adventure (which feels pretty unique for the genre). Exploring each world feels a bit Demon's Souls in nature, and it's exciting to see what you'll encounter and have to defeat next, with special mention to the iconic, gigantic, cauldron-mixing witch. There's a reason Death's Door is a Best Indie Game Golden Joystick winner.

5. Lies of P

Lies of P finally answers the age-old question: 'What if Pinocchio was even scarier than it already was?' The uncomfortable classic fairytale vibes this is based on pair really well with exploring Krat, a Steampunk-like city that's become a puppet-strewn wasteland. In our Lies of P review, we said that it "innovates the genre while still feeling familiar".

Created by Geppetto, you're a puppet yourself, but uniquely human-like in nature, and also armed with the capability to use and customize an array of powerful melee weapons. From Lies of P's dense city to its trick weapons and emphasis on offense, this exciting Belle Epoque-inspired adventure almost feels more like a Bloodborne-like than just a Soulslike, and it's exciting to see this kind of focus in a genre that can sometimes bat a little wide. It's also, in our opinion, one of the best ARPGs of all time as well.

4. Steelrising

Yes, Steelrising is another European history-inspired Soulslike based around puppets – but it's also just so good. Set in 1789 Paris, Steelrising imagines a history where the French Revolution failed – all thanks to Louis XVI's mechanical army of automaton monsters, of course.

Playing as Aegis, Queen Marie Atoninette's bodyguard (and dancer, for my starting class), she sends you out to clean up the King's bloody mess. What I really love about Steelrising is how it plays with movement, and I'm not just talking about Aegis' grappling hook that allows for lots of vertical exploration throughout Paris' streets. Combo moves with the large variety of weapons feel like elegant steps in a dance, and whether it's using twin swords, or a bladed, fold-up fan, spinning around enemies feels fantastic. This is also one of the earlier Soulslikes I played that offered detailed difficulty adjustments, meaning I've long been able to recommend it to just about anyone.

3. Hollow Knight: Silksong

In this list, I've mostly focused on 3D Soulslikes, as exploring spaces in this way makes them the most Soulslike to my mind. But it's Hollow Knight: Silksong (and its predecessor) that most effectively blurs that line. In our Hollow Knight: Silksong review, we called it "an evolved, spindly beast all its own".

Pharloom is a huge and dangerous space with multiple routes to weave through as you ascend towards an ominous castle, filled with a variety of boss fights that challenge Hornet's acrobatic fighting skills in unique ways. Often, I've spoken with other players who have drastically harder times with completely different boss fights because of this, and it means Silksong is a dish of constantly richer, deeper flavors, whether that's getting the timing down to battle clockwork knights, or going thread-to-thread with the lightning-fast Widow.

2. Nioh 2

Nioh 2 is a "masocore" action RPG that applies Team Ninja's penchant for over-the-top action from Ninja Gaiden 2 to more considered Soulslike action, while still allowing for some really fast-paced clashes. A ki system means that careful timing can restore energy spent on hits to keep combos going, while each of the game's many weapons has their own in-depth skill trees to master. In our Nioh 2 review, we said "the fluidity, depth and intensity of its combat is incredible."

The real icing on the cake in this sequel is you play as a half-demon yourself, meaning you can collect and use the powers of the yokai you defeat like a demonic Kirby. Even huge boss attacks can be parried by quickly using your yokai form, meaning you can feel like you're going toe-to-toe with the power of even the biggest enemies in a way other Soulslikes sometimes struggle to do. Nioh 3 is great as well, but the level-based focus of Nioh 2 just edges it out for me.

1. Bloodborne

Is it fair to even call FromSoftware's portfolio of action RPGs Soulslikes, considering the genre originates from their very own Demon's Souls? They might not be so much 'likes' as they are simply the thing itself. I say: yes. Especially when it comes to Bloodborne, which is so defined by being like Dark Souls but definitely not the same. It's the main reason I allowed myself to willingly dismiss Elden Ring from this list.

Players rely heavily on shields? Add a single, bad one as a joke. Too cautious? Reward offense with a health recovery mechanic. Lost in the weeds of weapon stats? Focus on heavy-hitting trick weapons instead. Bloodborne is steeped in a thick Gothic atmosphere of blood and moonlight that nothing since has managed to match up to. The sprawling city of Yharnam, besieged by weird nightmares, still intrigues no matter how many times I play it.

Best Soulslike games FAQs

The best RPGs for kids go to show that, in many ways, the genre can be a great gateway to gaming in general. Whether you're looking for something to get kids questing for the first time or to push them a little further, we're exploring the best that'll appeal to young children.

With massive worlds to explore, and battle systems that often allow you to take your time, RPGs can provide a huge amount of entertainment for kids while also allowing plenty of low-pressure time to just explore. Epic narratives can also offer plenty of life lessons, from patience in overcoming a boss, to Disney-like warnings of evil and greed. I've tried to cover a range below, from classics that have aged well, to newer releases that are particularly aimed at younger players. I've made sure they're all easy to access on modern consoles (though giving your child a beaten-up old Nintendo DS is always an option too).

Scroll down, and you'll discover my picks for the best RPGs for kids that'll get them invested and hopefully learn a few things along the way. I've also included what vibe each entry (read more on those in our FAQ section) has so that you can easily pick whatever appeals to you the most. And, finally, let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions of your own.

Best RPGs for kids to play today, starting with...

10. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the latest traditional RPG-styled entry in this Monster Hunter Stories standalone spin-off series. Pretty much any of the Monster Hunter Stories games make for solid entry-level RPGs for children, thanks to their simplistic battle system that has you using rock-paper-scissors attacks with your 'Monsties' – befriended versions of the series' trademark hulking beasts.

In our Monster Hunter Stories 3 review, we said that "this Pokemon-like creature-collecting JRPG evolves to almost match the highs of the main series' hunts". Many quality-of-life improvements make this the easiest to get into, and more straightforward access to Monstie powers while exploring makes progress slick. Of the trilogy, this has a slightly more political story, so there's a chance some younger children may gravitate towards its precursors' much simpler narratives, but this is still an RPG that is easy to keep up with and has a lot to enjoy.

9. Costume Quest 2

Costume Quest 2 is as charming an RPG as you'd expect from developer Double Fine, who also made Psychonauts and Keeper. Inspired by Halloween trick-or-treating, this bite-sized RPG is all told from a child's perspective and feels fueled by a suitable sense of imagination. After the main character's sibling was kidnapped in the first game, they team up to assemble a crew of fellow trick-or-treaters and quest through multiple neighborhoods to defeat the villainous Dr. White, who aims to ban Halloween forever.

Each costume is used in turn-based battles to transform the children into whatever they're dressed up as, such as a giant mech (a little bit like in Yakuza: Like a Dragon). Turn-based, each fight doesn't have a lot of pressure, and an interactive timing element can boost attacks, which can feel rewarding too. Costumes can also be used to explore, and it's good fun to just poke around. The original is worth a look as well if they enjoy this, and in our recent Costume Quest playthrough, we called it "kitschy, interconnected Halloween fun that never seems to get old".

8. Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

There's a reason Ni no Kuni 2 feels a bit like a Studio Ghibli movie. The first game was actually a collaboration between the iconic Japanese animation studio and developer Level-5. While this sequel isn't, it nevertheless retained former Studio Ghibli staff to continue the aesthetic. The world of Ni no Kuni 2 has a real fairytale energy that sits right at home alongside animated classics that children may already be fans of, making onboarding to this RPG an easier sell.

We even said it's like "shooting sunshine right into your veins" in our Ni no Kuni 2 review. Despite the warm vibes, though, this JRPG does deal with some heavy topics, but it handles it all with grace. You may need to explain why the game opens with party-member-to-be US president Roland, from our world, disintegrating in a nuclear blast before being transported to this fantasy realm. But, if terrifying '80s fantasy movies taught me anything, it's that children can roll with some strange plot beats more easily than you might expect. Ni no Kuni 2's world is a wonderful one that'll suck you right in, no matter your age.

7. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

Fantasy Life i is a cozy fantasy adventure that mixes slow-life citybuilding with questing, making for a colorful world that's well worth exploring, and very open for you to do so at your own pace. Shaping terrain, collecting furniture, and moving buildings really allows you to get creative without many limitations, which is great for a child's imagination. You can even play it in co-op if you need to jump in to help out your little pal.

Following in the fossilized footsteps of a dragon, you're on a time-traveling quest to find out what happened to the world of fantasy that eventually led it to ruin. With a Final Fantasy-like job system, you can equip different Lives in order to use their skills. Whether that's something like a Hunter for monsters, an Angler to fish up a feast, or a Farmer. Supporting so many modes of play, kids can really get what they want from this one. In our Fantasy Life i hands-on, we called it "everything I wanted and then some, and then more still".

6. Dragon Quest Treasures

Dragon Quest Treasures is one of those long-running RPG spin-offs that feels perfectly tailored for onboarding younger children to a whole world of possible adventures. Anchored around Erik and Mia from Dragon Quest 11, this standalone prequel centers on the lovable thieves as children themselves, which is a great set-up for a relatively simple little adventure in this typically colorful world. This is one of the best Dragon Quest games for introducing new, younger players to this adventure.

Set in the loot-filled land of Draconia, Dragon Quest Treasures is all about setting out to explore and track down bountiful goodies spread out across the world, meeting and recruiting monsters along the way to help you push further afield. This loose structure embraces freedom, but rather than feeling like you don't know what to do next, it feels very friendly to letting you poke around on your own terms – which is perfect for young'uns who might want to just run around a map to have fun, progressing when they feel like it. We'll make Dragon Quest fans out of them yet.

5. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix

Sure, Kingdom Hearts has a bizarre and overly complex storyline that ties together Disney's universe with elements of Final Fantasy alongside its own deeply elemental narrative. But hear me out: it's also the exact type of weird that a child's mind will be able to absorb – perhaps better than any adult can. Disney-obsessed children will find onboarding to this iconic JRPG series easy enough, and will either end up adding Kingdom Hearts as a new obsession or bouncing off entirely. But it's worth a shot.

After an attack on his home of the Destiny Islands, young boy Sora obtains the mythical keyblade, and ends up on a quest to find his scattered friends, which results in him helping out the equally imperilled residents of a whole multiverse. In practice, that means jumping into worlds inspired by various Disney movies and helping out the characters from each flick as you battle a Heartless threat that's invaded each, usually as the events of the movies happen around you. This large series is readily available on most modern systems through remasters, so start there!

4. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Maybe I'm a little biased with this pick, as The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a gorgeous remake of a Game Boy game that was frequently in my garish travel case. To tell the truth, modern Zelda games remain some of the best ARPGs for introducing children to the genre. But there's just something about the top-down dollhouse style visuals in this revitalization that makes it feel so approachable.

Don't get me wrong, areas of this adventure will still be tough for children to overcome, but it's important to get used to failure eventually. Chunks of this large yet approachable open world are opened up a bit at a time, and it's easy to just get lost exploring in the wilderness between failing to progress at each dungeon. Trust me, I've been there myself. Extra clarity in this remake means it's slightly less obtuse than it was back in my day, too. In our The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening review, we called it "peak old-school Zelda" that's "never looked better". But it should create some tiny new-school fans.

3. Final Fantasy 9

While the Final Fantasy series was integral to my own childhood, Square Enix has been struggling with long gaps between releases to capture young audiences today. Still, for my money, Final Fantasy 9 is an adventure that should captivate young players, its incredibly pretty world having a real fairytale quality. This might be one for slightly older kids, as some dark themes are eventually explored – but it handles all of them marvelously.

You'll be waiting quite a while if you hold out for the Final Fantasy 9 remake, though, as it's allegedly on ice. But, remaining one of the best JRPGs ever made, it remains approachable to this day. Readily available on almost every modern format, newer editions even come with bonus shortcuts that could ease the frustration for younger players, from speeding up slow battles, to reducing enemy encounters, and even powering up to become invincible. As one of the best Final Fantasy games, this is an easy recommendation for me when it comes to introducing the series to children.

2. Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Mario & Luigi: Brothership reinforces that there's nothing these plumber siblings can't do, as this is yet another in the pair's surprisingly long list of RPG escapades. I've been bouncing between this game, Paper Mario, and the Super Mario RPG remake as they're all amazing adventures for young kids, but something about the sheer expressivity of the animation in Brothership continues to charm me. Plus, the sibling dynamic translates well from the Super Mario Bros movie, a synergy that can be helpful for kids to have.

In our Mario & Luigi: Brothership review, we highlight that it has "humor and positivity by the boatload". That's literal, too, as the brothers' quest sees them traveling the sea-heavy world of Concordia on a boat, setting out to explore new lands in each chapter. This gives it a very bite-sized approach, and there's a lot of fun to be had simply exploring each area and loosely puzzling out how to progress. In combat, the pair have lots of exciting abilities to use, and the timing element for enhancing attacks rewards interactivity without feeling too punishing if you mess it up .

1. Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee

Even today, the best Pokemon games firmly remain as perfect early RPGs for young children to play, but Pokemon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are especially tailored for getting kids into the series. It's difficult to think back to my own childhood without remembering whatever Pokemon game I was obsessed with at the time, so it's great to see the series remaining as child-friendly as possible.

Pokemon Let's Go are remakes of Pokemon's first generation games from 1998 (specifically Pokemon Yellow), but given a huge modern overhaul. Chunky, colorful visuals make running around the Kanto region exciting to see from this perspective. Battles are easy to get to grips with plenty of clarity. Catching Pokemon is similar to Pokemon Go, as well, with wandering creatures making the world feel alive, and the option to chuck Pokemon balls making it feel really interactive. In our Pokemon Let's Go review we call them "a wonderful blend of old and new". I loved the originals back in the day, but these almost make me wish I had Let's Go as an option growing up instead of losing against Lt. Surge so many times!

Best Kids RPGS FAQS

Look ahead with our list of all the upcoming RPGs next!

The best unique RPGs where you can expect the unexpected are all about the unpredictable scenarios you can find yourself in. From open worlds that have plenty of surprises in store, to stories full of twists and turns, many of the picks I've included here also afford you lots of freedom to experiment in any given situation. But of course, with lots of freedom comes lots of possible outcomes, and you can't always anticipate where your choices will lead you, but that's what makes these RPGs so worthwhile.

Expect the Unexpected is one of our RPG Vibes (which you can learn more about in our FAQ sections) that we use as a shorthand way to describe the kind of experience these games offer up. As a longtime player and fan of role-playing games, I've considered a broad range of unique RPGs that capture this idea, and with more upcoming RPGs set to arrive this year, this ranking may well change in the future.

From some of the best ARPGs, to the best single-player RPGs, and more, read on below to discover the best unique RPGs where you can expect the unexpected.

The best Expect the Unexpected RPGs, starting with...

10. Cyberpunk 2077

The life of a mercenary is nothing if not unpredictable, and that certainly applies for protagonist V in Cyberpunk 2077. The neon-tinted streets of Night City aren't afraid to throw plenty of chaos and danger in your path, be it during exploration or in the overarching storyline. Not only do you have to contend with the various gangs who rule over the different districts, but you also have the engram of an unruly rockerboy by the name of Johnny Silverhand in your head.

With the threat of your very sense of self being replaced by Silverhand, you're thrown into an action-packed journey you ultimately decide the outcome of. With almost 1000 hours in the RPG, I've replayed the best Cyberpunk 2077 gigs several times over, and I can confidently say that you can expect things to take a turn, keep you guessing, and throw you into unusual and unique scenarios outside of the main missions, too.

9. Dragon's Dogma 2

Dragon's Dogma 2 more than fits the bill of an action RPG where you can expect the unexpected, and the open world it draws you into takes a lot of credit for that. As the Arisen, you're joined by NPC companions known as Pawns who often add to the unpredictable factor as you venture out into the sprawling high fantasy landscapes of Capcom's adventure. One minute you'll be making your way to a quest objective, and the next you'll be heading off the beaten path because a pawn pointed out something worth investigating on the horizon.

Things can escalate quickly, too, from getting attacked while camping in the wilderness to encountering large and unique foes on the road who will immediately put up a fight if you get close. As we said in Dragon's Dogma 2 review, "embrace the chaos" of it all, and "there's nothing quite like it".

8. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio may tread some familiar Persona ground through some of its systems and ideas, but it still successfully manages to feel novel by drawing you into a unique fantasy setting with its own distinct look and feel. You can absolutely expect to face some unexpected twists and turns in the story, too, with ReFantazio beautifully blending together its own brand of strangeness with more serious themes through its prejudice-filled society.

Taking on the role of a protagonist from the rare, shunned Elda tribe, you set out to break the curse of a prince, bring equality back, and stop a growing threat (pretty heavy duty tasks). As we explored in our Metaphor: Refantanzio review, the rich worldbuilding, memorable characters, and expansive dungeons bring so much depth to the experience, but you can also get ready for the story to lead you in a lot of surprising and unexpected directions.

7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon successfully shakes up combat in the Yakuza series by tapping into protagonist Ichiban's love for Dragon Quest. Yes, you're essentially drawn into a world of seen directly through the eyes of Ichiban's imagination, transforming scraps against enemies on the streets into turn-based battles infused with silly, over-the-top attacks that just make the experience all the more unique and enjoyable.

As we highlight in our Yakuza: Like a Dragon review, there's a memorable main storyline pulling you through Ichi's quest, but just like many entries in the long-running action RPG series, Like A Dragon can also often throw you into wonderfully weird situations with all kinds of quirky characters in a myriad of side substories. And even when you're not doing quests, you can just enjoy the chaos of combat, or get stuck into one of many different activities in Yokohama.

6. Divinity Original Sin 2

Divinity Original Sin 2's setting of Rivellon lets you take free reign as a character of your own making, with various classes and races to choose from. With the ability to speak to anyone and interact with just about anything you can see, Larian's RPG is teeming with possibilities, and affords you plenty of room to experiment both in and out of combat. With so much freedom to not only explore, but also seek out opportunities and use the environment to your advantage to make it through all manner of scenarios, things can take unexpected turns as you follow the journey of the Godwoken.

With the option to also play as one of the pre-established origin characters who all have their own unique arcs to explore, there's so much potential to go in different directions through multiple runs and see what your choices lead you. If you're after a reactive RPG that can keep surprising you, look no further than Larian's turn-based RPG.

5. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Tapping into the magic of some of the best open world RPGs, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is unique in the way that it's a veritable playground that invites you to experiment and explore to your heart's content. From the moment you step out into the vast plains of Hyrule, it's yours to discover, and with that level of freedom comes many unexpected occurrences.

From messing around with Link's weapons to see how many ways you can take down enemies (which can go very wrong if you're not careful), to paragliding across the open expanses and seeing where the wind takes you, you never quite know what awaits you next, but that's the beauty of the experience. Our glowing Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review digs into what makes Link's adventure so worthwhile and unforgettable. And with plenty of memorable characters to encounter along the way, it can even get a little silly at times in the most endearing kind of way.

4. Wasteland 3

Also counted among our pick of the best CRPGs, the post-apocalyptic setting of Wasteland 3 delivers a comical, silly edge that's packed with unexpected situations. Taking command of a group of Desert Rangers in a post-nuclear world, you set out to try and rebuild society in Colorado by promising to help a leader known as the Patriarch rescue his land from his wayward children. But with warring factions in the mix, things escalate quickly.

With a story that's full of twists and turns, you can absolutely expect to face unexpected choices that can alter your path. Whether you want to follow your own morals, or help feed the Patriarch's power is entirely up to you, but the world will react to what you do. You just have to read our very own features editor Andy Brown's experience with Wasteland 3 to get an idea of the kind of things that can play out based on your choices.

3 . Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 invites you into the Sword Coast as your own customized character or one of the playable origins, and then asks you to shape your entire journey. From making decisions that directly impact the storyline, to deciding how you want to handle every turn-based combat encounter, there's so much freedom to experiment and get creative with its D&D-infused systems.

Of course, with so much possibility at your fingertips, things can also get quite chaotic and escalate in unexpected ways as you venture to remove the tadpole taking up residence in your head. While it's incredibly entertaining to experience solo, as one of the best multiplayer RPGs that's also Better with Friends, having pals play with you only makes it all the more unpredictable. Who knows where your choices will lead you, but you'll have the best time finding out.

2. Persona 5 Royal

One of the reasons Persona 5 Royal is one of the best story-driven RPGs is thanks to the way it mixes together meaningful moments with light-hearted scenarios and story beats that can even get quite silly and weird. Juxtaposed against the day-to-day trials of school life as a teen, you're also thrown into a distorted kind of mind palace that reflects the corrupt desires of individuals.

In the role of protagonist Ren who fights back against this corruption as a member of the Phantom Thieves, you can certainly expect to find yourself in some out there situations. From battling against foes with your Persona, which is a manifestation of your inner self, the Palaces act like dungeons, and you'll never quite know what you'll encounter or where the story will lead you next, but the experiencing of playing Persona 5 Royal for the first time is made all the more memorable because of it.

1. Disco Elysium

As one of the best RPGs where choices really matter, Disco Elysium is another unique role-playing game that offers up so much freedom to decide how you want to handle any given scenario as detective Harrier Du Bois. As such, things can take many unexpected turns, and with a dialogue system that can lead conversations down many paths, you never quite know what you'll discover, do, or see next.

Whether you want to get violent, use your silver tongue to sweet-talk your way to getting answers, and more, there's all kinds of ways to carry out your investigations, and things can get quite weird and existential as you decide how to role-play as a Harrier. With a host of different skills to invest in that can unlock unique opportunities, various tools to interact with, and with thoughts that can even develop the kind of character you can become, Disco Elysium is one RPG that you'll have a hard time forgetting.

Best Expect the Unexpected FAQs

It's hard having real-life responsibilities when there are so many games to play, however, that's why I'm a massive fan of all the best quick play RPGs. As a genre veteran, let's be honest, most of the best RPGs are a timesink. From lengthy cutscenes, gruelling boss fights, and a ton of systems to perfect and memorize, it can be a lot to ask of our brains after a busy day.

So, whenever I find a rare gem of a title where all of its mechanics and story allow for fun 30 minute play sessions at a time, and is entertaining enough to keep me coming back day after day, I pay attention. And, now, I've decided to share with all my fellow preoccupied RPG fans, the top games that I've found in 2026 to play in short bursts. Below is a curated collection of the 10 RPGs that best fit into the "Quick Play" vibe according to the standard GamesRadar+ definition (which you can read more about in our FAQ section).

To make this list, the titles don't necessarily have to be one of the best short RPGs around, but they do have to have great experiences to dive in and out of and also allow for easy short play sessions. If I missed any of your personal favorites let me know in the comments, otherwise, scroll on for snappy fun!

The best quick-play RPGs to play right now, starting with...

10. West of Loathing

West of Loathing is downright ridiculous and will leave you giggling no matter how long you decide to play with it in a single session. It's an absurd RPG set in the Wild West where you'll have to venture around the map as a plucky stick figure, encountering skull cow heads, snakes, some skeletons and more. The game really puts snappy slapstick humor at its forefront, and with no major storyline to follow, it's easy to put it down and jump back in whenever you have the time.

Being a cow puncher with a silly walk and a growing hat collection is one of my personal favorite gaming experiences. And since this is also a short RPG in general (lasting around 8 hours), it's also easy to explore all the different character classes and do multiple playthroughs, even if you have a busy schedule and can only spare 30 minutes a day.

9. Undertale

Undertale is one of the most wholesome RPGs that I've ever played, and the great news is that it's also very easy to enjoy in short bursts thanks to its convenient saving points and simple gameplay loop. In this one, you play as a lost human child named Frisk who has to travel through a world of monsters in order to get back to the surface. As you solve environmental puzzles, you'll have "enemy encounters" where you can choose to fight or spare monsters that cross your path.

Encounters can get a bit long sometimes, thanks to the bullet hell-like mechanics of attacks. However, during each section of the game, you'll get "determination" save points about every 30 minutes if you progress forward. This structure is perfect for quick play sessions, and the story is also charming enough to keep you coming back for more whenever you have the time.

8. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

There is always something to do in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. And while, many of us have ventured into Skyrim, honestly, if you are looking at the quality of quests in general, I'd still pick Oblivion over the Dragonborn every time. Set in Cyrodiil, Oblivion has you set on a journey to become a hero. Unlike Skyrim, where you are essentially a demigod straight away, here you are a nobody, and each quest really does feel like you are forging your own destiny.

Speaking of quests, every single one is fun and well-written. And if you are looking for snappy play sessions, you won't regret just clearing away one side quest, or travelling around the open world looking for a new one, either. The game mechanics are a bit more complex than Skyrim, but still easy to memorize and pick up again after a while. All in all, this is an amazing fantasy RPG and a perfect go-to for quick gaming sessions here and there, too.

7. Pokemon Sword and Shield

The majority of the best Pokemon games could have made this list; however, the newer entries really are super accessible to busy gamers thanks to the big Wild Areas that let you have control of your random pokemon encounters. In past games, you could be rushing to get to the next town only to be stopped every few minutes with a Zubat (aka the unskipable ADs of the Pokemon cave world) harassing you. Sword and Shield show you what Pokemon are about, letting you pick when to capture new allies or avoid them if you have another task on your mind.

Another reason why I recommend Pokemon Sword and Shield in general is that, unlike Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's open world, the game is a lot more focused and doesn't ask you to keep track of multiple quest lines. You are simply trying to become the Galar League Champion, taking on gym battles and clashing with your rival every now and then. It's simple, it's easy, and the Galar Pokedex is pretty stacked, too. For more, read our Pokemon Sword and Shield review.

6. Octopath Traveler 2

There was some debate on the team about which Octopath Traveler game is best, but in terms of quick play, I can't recommend the second entry in the JRPG series enough. Not only is it a perfect title for handheld fans on the go, but with simple turn-based combat, clear chapters to work through, and a ton of control via your system's menu, it's easy to have a stress-free short session at a time.

There are eight playable characters here, each with their own fantastical paths for you to play through. I will say that the first chapter of each character's story takes roughly an hour each. However, once you wrap that up, you are free to wander the world at your own pace. The game also lets you toggle day and night cycles, and even gives you the option to skip certain character chapters if you want (although I advise against that for story reasons). Basically, your time is respected here, and it's easy to bash out fun battles and some progression quickly whenever you have the time.

5. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a remake of the iconic GameCube game of the same name, and really does feel like you are making your way through a whimsical storybook. It's also one of the most unique Mario experiences as you set out on an adventure to find a mystic treasure, picking up a party of colorful companions, engaging in some quick turn-based combat, and listening to some hilarious dialogue around the world.

Although battles are snappy and the story is broken into a chapter-like structure, I will say that dialogue (as much as I personally love it) can drag at times, and that is really the only thing that may keep you locked in for a few extra minutes more than you originally planned. Generally, this is a slow-paced game if you are planning on playing it all in one go, but in short bursts, it keeps its charm, amazing world-building, and its simple mechanics make for one of the best Mario games around in terms of RPGs.

4. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

Honestly, I could have put a few Rune Factory games on this list, but the newest entry in the franchise, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, manages to beat out the rest due to the fact that a lot simpler than the rest of the main line games. You play as an Earth Dancer who has to restore the land from corruption. Along the way, you'll manage settlements, farm, fall in love, and discover your mysterious past, too.

Unlike past Rune Factory games, which have a detailed crafting system, Guardians of Azuma is more focused on its RPG elements, focusing more on exploration, combat, and relationship building. It's easy to dip and dive into the game without having to worry about levelling a ton of things to progress, or memorizing certain chores that need to be done either. Combat is easy, exploration is fun, and it's one of the best RPGs with romance choices too. What more could you want?

3. Diablo 4

As we mentioned in our five-star Diablo 4 review, this is one of the best ARPGs ever made, and although it's great in short bursts, chances are you'll be hooked once you start up with it. Picking one of eight playable classes, you'll have to face off against the forces of Hell as you venture around the gory land of Sanctuary. There's a ton to do here, from procedurally generated dungeons, loot hunting, and exploring an open world.

I will say that you can't save while you are in a dungeon. However, if you are playing with a friend, most dungeons are pretty easy to complete quickly. 30 minutes is typically more than enough time to complete a mini dungeon, and maybe some side quests too. Working through the whole story will also take some time, but honestly, this is the most satisfying RPG that I've played whenever my partner and I only have around half an hour to spare. My Blood Surge Necromancer and I will always have a good time, and so will you with your builds.

2. Fantasy Life i: Girl Who Steals Time

Fantasy Life i: Girl Who Steals Time is perhaps the most cozy and perfect pick for casual RPG fans out right now. It's a cute cartoony title that is very Nintendo-coded. Basically, you're thrust into an timetravveling story, where you can pick and level up 14 different Lives (aka character classes) on your quest to save the day.

The game has a ton of easy but still satisfying tasks for quick gaming sessions. As you level up your Lives and work through the story, every little thing you do works towards progression, so you never feel as if any time has been wasted. The light heartedness of the RPG also never feels stressful or forces you to stay for hours at a time to resolve one major issue either. It is pretty easy to binge and lose track of time with this one, but Fantasy Life i: Girl Who Steals Time is as easy breezy as they come for the more time challenged gamers out there.

1. Unicorn Overlord

Unicorn Overlord is one of the best tactical RPGs of all time, and is also one of the few titles in the genre that doesn't ask you to dedicate hours to a single battle. But despite how easy it is to play this one in short bursts, chances are you'll still be drawn in my the story and the moreish mechanics that feel akin to solving a puzzle box at times.

The premise is simple: you follow the exiled prince Alain as he gathers allies for a rebel army in order to liberate nations from the Zenoiran Empire. As such, gameplay is focused on commanding units in real-time, customizing, and free-roam battles. It's very easy to play a battle a gaming session if you only have 30 to 45 minutes to spare here. Heck, some overworld missions only took me around 10 minutes as well, so really, this game doesn't waste your time at all. I really recommend this for both tactical veterans and newbies. It's an RPG marvel and one of our senior writer's favourite games of all time.

Best Quick Play RPGs FAQs

If you want fresh outings, you can head on over to our list of all the upcoming RPGs on the near horizon next.

The thing about ranking the best third-person RPGs is that when I sat down to think of some, my mind came up distressingly blank. There's a scant handful that most of us – myself included – immediately think of, most of them fairly new games. But unearth that top layer, and you'll find the roots of a dynasty just below the surface, winding its tendrils all the way toward the upcoming RPGs on the horizon… but hey, I'm getting ahead of myself.

I've tried to think back to the very first third-person RPGs I recall playing, analyzing how they influenced some of the modern titans we know and love today, on a mission to iron out the subgenre's finest. Here you'll find the most recent offerings among the best ARPGs going toe-to-toe with nail-biting historical adventures that pull off feats of game designer brilliance, all alongside the loveable old-school clunk of the best third-person RPGs that made them possible in the first place.

Of course, if you're a fan of the other perspective, I also recommend checking out our pick of the best first-person RPGs, too. But for third-person goodness, you've come to the right place here. Below, I've put together a top 10 ranking and included the different vibes you can expect from each game in this ranking (you can find out more about that in our FAQ section). There's lots to unpack, so banish that motion sickness and join me on a journey through the bes third-person RPGs that still hold up in 2026.

The top 10 third-person RPGs are…

10. Fable Anniversary

Few third-person RPGs capture the sense of whimsy, magic, and old-school charm that Fable pulls off so brilliantly. It's the first RPG morality system I recall falling in love with, simplistic though Good/Evil alignments might be in 2026, and the daft British humor was as enjoyable in 2004 as it is today.

You can expect one or two snags, though. Our Fable Anniversary review rightly points out that the remastered 2014 edition still lacks the polish and fluidity fans had hoped for in a 10-year re-release, and it's a pretty clunky experience compared to modern control systems. But even when the new Fable game launches in 2026, that first enchanting introduction to Albion will always stand out as one of the most important third-person RPGs that ignited a beloved series that's still going strong today.

9. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Our Evergreen Editor (and resident RPG superfan) would never let me make a list of the best third-person RPGs and not include a DA game. Specifically, Dragon Age: Inquisition. It stands out as the only open-world experience in the series, allowing for not only a deeper sense of immersion in the universe Thedas occupies, but an opportunity to get to know our companions more as they bicker among themselves on your journey.

Our Dragon Age: Inquisition review remarks on how it "expands upon the previous game in almost every way," making for some of the most refined narrative and adventuring in the series as a whole. The real-time tactics side might be something new to grapple with – truthfully, I find it a bit painful to play with a controller – but Inquisition is proof of how special a BioWare game can be when it pushes the boat out a little.

8. Fallout 4

Many of the best Fallout games are playable in third-person, but Fallout 4 is undoubtedly the slickest experience for the first-person averse. Having learned lessons from New Vegas and Fallout 3's own attempts at diversifying perspectives, there's a clear intention with Fallout 4 to make everything a little more third-person friendly; movement is smoother and more naturalistic, as is picking up loot, and it definitely provides a more tactical edge in combat when you can see all of your attackers instead of swivelling your head around in panic.

You can expect the odd bit of jank as you explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland and take on its mutated foes – tight spaces feel clumsy at times, and enemy hitboxes in melee combat can feel inconsistent – though none of it stopped our Fallout 4 review from being a knockout five-stars.

7. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

The Mass Effect trilogy is one of the most memorable third-person RPG series I've ever played. BioWare pretty much wrote the book on dense, lasting choices and consequences that have ripple effects throughout your journey, with your previous save files affecting the worldstate as you move through each game in the remastered trilogy.

Our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review isn't lying when it says that this is the definitive way to play all three titles, though it has to be said: the first Mass Effect is pretty clunky to play in 2026. Even with the old-school movement (no jumping allowed!) and confused companion AI, the clever narrative, smart mission design that gets more sophisticated with each new game, and super fun shooter gunplay cements Mass Effect's legacy as an RPG titan that'll never go out of style.

6. Persona 3 Reload

Truth be told: Persona 3 Reload was my first JRPG ever, but I stand by dubbing it one of the best third-person RPGs of all time. Part social sim, part turn-based strategy, and one hell of a 100-plus-hour journey, there's a reason it ranks so high on our list of the best Persona games.

As a remake of the PS2 original, Reload delivers the same vibrant JRPG experience with a fresh coat of modern polish. The UI has had a full Persona 5 makeover, leaning on the stylish quirk of what the most recent game in the franchise did so well while retelling a classic (scary, I'll admit) story to devour with fresh eyes. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even cringe a little, but Persona 3 Reload is a game that will stay with you long after the final calendar page falls.

5. Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert is a weird third-person RPG, and I say that with a lot of love. Set in the continent of Pywel, you take on the role of Kliff Macduff who sets out to rebuild the Greymane faction. The story is perhaps the worst thing about it, and the controls are incredibly unusual, but the sense of exploration, adventure, and thrilling combat maneuvers cement it as one of the best ARPGs of recent years when it comes to sheer immersion.

I agree with our Crimson Desert review: the best thing you can do in the game is completely lose yourself in the world, ignoring the mainline quests as you go. From roving bandits to enemy encampments, the in-house devs at Pearl Abyss borrow from the best Assassin's Creed games to deliver a sumptuously detailed, reactive open world that always has some surprises lurking just out of sight.

4. The Witcher 3

There’s a reason The Witcher 3 is still the unbeaten king of open world RPGs, and much of it is down to how well its third-person adventuring feels more than a decade later. Developer CD Projekt Red has been fastidious in updating the experience throughout the years, and I can say from experience that the next-gen additions have only further bolstered its claim to legendary status.

Our glittering The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review is a testament to how stunning the world feels to live in, whether it be the rolling valleys of Toussaint or the harsh, icy climes of Skellige. Really, the only reason I'm not listing The Witcher 3 at number one here is because it's already our runner-up pick for the best RPG of all time, so why not give something else a chance? (Sorry, Geralt.)

3. Dark Souls 3

Championed in our Dark Souls 3 review as a "stylistic mixture of Bloodborne and Dark Souls 1", FromSoftware's third punishing Souls game is a testament to its own ingenuity. A sumptuous, interconnected world lives and breathes fantastical menace, dotted with punishing foes to slaughter and be slaughtered by.

The fact that it's one of the best third-person RPGs of all-time goes in tandem with Dark Souls 3's combat. Smooth, slick, and deliciously violent, it would be hard to pull off half of those incredible movesets without the sense of tactile agility its third-person exploration provides – and we wouldn't have Elden Ring without it. Plus, I don't think I could survive a first-person Dark Souls game. (If anyone at FromSoft is reading this, please don't get any ideas.)

2. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Despite past games transporting me to Egypt, Japan, and beyond, there's only one of the best Assassin's Creed games that I can call truly mesmerizing. Assassin's Creed Odyssey is one of the most beautiful third-person RPGs I've ever played, perfecting the ship combat that made Black Flag so iconic without any of the over-reliance that made Assassin's Creed Valhalla grow tedious. Ubisoft knows how to craft a historically respectful world that still has plenty of creative touches and surprises, and Odyssey is a testament to that.

When I'm not loaning my mercenarial talents to the Spartans or Athenians as they wage the Peloponnesian War, Odyssey has me fighting Medusa, uncovering the truth behind the Minotaur, and delving into literal Atlantis, all while smooching my way across ancient Greece as its number one bachelorette (and the descendant of Leonidas, no biggie). Our Brand Director's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review said it best in 2018: "No-one's made an open-world RPG with this much depth and brilliance since The Witcher 3".

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

It stole my heart in 2025, and I'll die on this hill right now: Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is the third-person RPG to beat for those who come after. Overworld exploration takes on a decidedly tabletop format, reminding me of a way more polished and exciting Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, while swapping to true third person after entering biomes is a throwback to the JRPG stylings of Atlus' Persona games as you rush to attack foes before they see you first.

The combat itself might not be third-person – turn-based strategy all the way here – but this only highlights how dynamic an experience the game is as a whole. The result is a progressively expanding sense of adventure and unpredictability, from the narrative to world design and all the unique enemies you run into (literally) on your travels. And, as our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review points out, it's one of the hardest combat experiences of them all (though infinitely more satisfying for it, I'd argue).

Best third-person RPGs FAQs

For more RPG recommendations, check out our pick of the best open world RPGs or best single-player RPGs.

If you are looking to unwind after a stressful day, the best relaxing RPGs are always there to lend a helping hand. In fact, some of the best RPGs of all time are the ones that don't ask you to memorize complex mechanics or panic about time-locked events. Instead, these are titles that give you the freedom to play as you want, and without punishing consequences, are the ones that you can easily sink hundreds of hours in.

However, with so many games out there and plenty of upcoming RPGs also on the horizon, you may be wondering what the best relaxing experiences actually are. Well, that's where we come in. After hours of debating the vibe of certain RPGs (which you can read more about in our FAQ section), a selection of RPG experts on the GamesRadar+ team and I have found the top 10 titles that you can unwind with and play today.

Below are the best RPGs to chill out with in 2026. From delightful JRPGs to memorable fantasy stories, we've made sure to include something for everyone here, but if we missed your personal relaxing favorite, let us know in the comments section.

The best relaxing RPGs, starting with...

10. Avowed

Avowed has a great story and approachable combat, and with no stamina bar or overencumbernace holding back exploration it's easy to just chill out and put in a few hours into it at a time. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, you play as an envoy of Aedyr, sent to investigate a mysterious plague threatening the Living Lands. Despite it being a more linear option than open-world offerings like Skyrim, as we mention in our Avowed review, the game never feels "restrictive".

It's easy to jump on a side quest whenever you please, and thanks to a ton of fast travel points and an intuitive map, backtracking and doing as you please outside of the main story never feels annoying either. Avowed also really rewards exploring. Taking my time searching for chests and discovering new hidden secrets was a highlight in my own save file. You can quickly lose yourself in the world and drop in and out of the main storyline comfortably, too.

9. Pokemon: FireRed & LeafGreen

OK, so Pokemon is one of the most linear games on this list, and you'll need to follow the story tightly in it. However, despite its more rigid structure, it's still a very relaxing and meditative RPG. Whenever I have felt anxious, Pokemon has been a solid go-to, since the premise of catching Pokemon and training them is the perfect blend of repetitive and fun.

Sure, you can lose fights and Pokemon: FireRed & LeafGreen can be trickier than more recent entries, but healing up your pokemon for free, and the fact that there is always more Pokemon around to make you more powerful, really lower the stakes. Pokemon: FireRed & LeafGreen are some of the best Pokemon games of all-time, and paired with a cute pixelated art style and upbeat music, it's a great option to chill out with in short bursts as well.

8. Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is an open-world fantasy JRPG that not only has some magical world-building, but also one of the most charming aesthetics that can ease any form of anxiety. You follow Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, who, after being usurped, must create a new kingdom. You'll have to explore, fight, and follow a colorful story that left me smiling throughout my own time with it.

While Studio Ghibli wasn't involved with the sequel, unlike the first game, former Ghibli character designer Yoshiyuki Momose did return, and the art is just as magical and stunning as a result. Exploring a world that feels straight out of a Ghibli movie feels like a warm hug, and as you wander through the overworld (that has relatively easy battle encounters), it's easy to just tune out and simply enjoy the cartoony vibes. In our Ni no Kuni 2 review, we say that playing this game is "like shooting sunshine right into your veins". It's wholly worth your time.

7. Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas isn't just the best Fallout game of all-time (fight me), but it's also the most stress-free one (as long as you avoid Quarry Junction, aka Deathclaw land). What makes it the perfect RPG to chill out with is how it really doesn't expect anything from you. You are a courier that can decide the fate of New Vegas, or, if you please, ignore it completely and just wander around the Wasteland.

There are no time limits, no massive pressures, and plenty for you to do without touching the main quest for hours. The Mojave Desert lets you have free reign to do as you please, and I've spent many hours just listening to Radio New Vegas while walking about. A big thing to note, however, is that nothing feels like a chore either, since every action has consequences. So, despite being relaxing and never pushing you down one set path, New Vegas also still feels meaningful. A fulfilling and carefree apocalyptic experience if there ever was one.

6. Rune Factory 4 Special

In terms of cozy RPGs, Rune Factory is an institution, and despite my love for all the recent entries in the fantasy series, Rune Factory 4 Special is still top dog. Originally a 3DS game that's now playable on a ton of consoles, the RPG has you taking on the role of a hero suffering from amnesia who becomes the ruler of Selphia. While there is a grand story for you to follow, Rune Factory is the kind of RPG that expects you to take your time and do whatever you want.

Everything has a levelling system (walking, sleeping, fishing, etc). You can farm, romance NPCs, fight monsters, tame monsters, or spend your days crafting. It doesn't matter how you choose to spend your time because you'll be rewarded no matter what. This dynamic completely takes away any need for planning or stressful sessions worrying about your actions. I also find it very meditative to sink into just leveling up everything.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

This may be a controversial pick since FPS mechanics tend to be pretty stressful, but hear me out: Cyberpunk 2077 is a great game to chill out with. Playing as mercenary V, you find yourself saddled with a biochip containing the consciousness of rockstar and terrorist Johnny Silverhand. You'll need to work together to save your life, cruising around Night City, and exploring a futuristic world in the process.

While there is definitely high-intensity action in this RPG, the pace is generally relaxed. You can do missions whenever you want to do them, and there is also no one route in how you complete them, either. I often found myself playing Cyberpunk almost like a stealth game, and when I specced my V, I basically became unstoppable, largely taking away any struggle. There are also no time constraints, giving you the freedom to do as you please and take things as they come. For more details, read our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

4. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Like most of the RPGs listed here, what makes Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild such a relaxing game is largely thanks to the freedom of its open world and non-linear approach to storytelling. After waking up from a long sleep, it's up to your Link to save the day, but the setting of Hyrule becomes your oyster from then on.

I spent hours just paragliding around Hyrule, trying to activate all the towers I could before even progressing with the story. In fact, sometimes I would just play for the sake of riding my horse around, discovering new locations while outrunning robots shooting lasers in my direction. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is designed to let you take things at your own pace, to get distracted and lead you down avenues. Sure, the world may not be in the best shape and needs your help, but it will wait for you. If you want to know more about one of the best open-world RPGs, you can also read our five-star The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review for more information.

3. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time

FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is very much a slow-paced RPG that is great for anyone looking for a stress free experience where they can grind without expending too much brain power. You play as an archaeologist's assistant who is caught up in a time-travelling adventure to save the world. That may sound heavy, but don't worry, this game doesn't have any time constraints, and instead encourages you to explore a ton of content in tandem with the overall main story.

FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time has 14 Unique Lives (basically character classes) for you to pick and level up, each with their own missions. You can unlock all of these, and honestly, I'd recommend it, as it was one of the most captivating aspects about my personal playthrough. Finally, it's also on the easier side of things, so if you want an RPG that doesn't require a big learning curve or for something that you can tune out of from time to time, this one is perfect.

2. Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition

As we mentioned in our glowing Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition review, this is a "must-play RPG" in general. However, it's also one of the greatest to chill out with if you're after an easy story to follow and some snappy turn-based combat. Unlike most turn-based offerings that can get complex, it keeps things simple thanks to linear leveling, and only a few customization options.

Without a ton of mechanics to memorize you can relax and follow the classic story that sees you set out to defeat a dark ancient evil and restore peace. I will say that despite being light-hearted in a lot of ways, there are some sad moments. While I personally believe that this just enhances the story, if you are looking for an experience that won't play with your feelings, this may not be for you. It's still relaxing, though, and one of the best JRPGs ever made, so I really recommend that you take the plunge.

1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is the best example of an RPG where you have absolutely no rules or expectations holding you back. It's a fantastical open world where you can do whatever you want (whenever you want), making it easily the most chilled-out RPG. Sure, the opening of the game is somewhat stressful as you are attacked by a dragon and escape execution, but after that, you can explore the vast land of Skyrim at your own pace.

Dive into dungeons, join some guilds, become a thief, or a humble potion maker. It really is up to you. Heck, you don't have to do the main quest at all if you don't want to and you'll still have 100 hours of content to keep you busy. It can feel like a fun vacation in game form. And, if you need more convincing, you can read our near-perfect Skyrim Special Edition review for more information.

Best Relaxing RPGs FAQs

Crowning the best Diablo game of all time is as fearsome a feat as going up against the devil himself. Developer Blizzard has put almost 30 years into its top-down high fantasy epic, and as a result, has delivered some of the best ARPGs ever.

Loot is king in all of these games as you take on PvP and PvE challenges, and close to every single one is memorable for its own reasons. Still, I've ranked the best Diablo games by looking at the holistic package, considering all DLCs under the umbrella of their corresponding base game. To mix things up (and save myself from a miserably short list), I've also included the popular mobile spin-off for anyone looking to hunt demons on-the-go.

It's also worth noting that unlike many of our other best RPG list rankings, I've decided to forego our typical "vibe" category (which you can read more about in our FAQ section) for each individual game here. This is because Diablo is all about expecting the unexpected as you embark upon thrilling adventures with your friends against formidable foes. With that all out of the way, are you ready to descend into Sanctuary? Here are all the best Diablo games to play in 2026, ranked from worst to best!

The best Diablo games, starting with...

5. Diablo

It's hard to recommend the first entry as the definitive best Diablo game ever, but it definitely earns points for kicking off the series in the first place. Diablo 1 sees you cleansing a demonic scourge from the mortal realm of Sanctuary, which once existed as an oasis of calm and place to take refuge amid Heaven and Hell's ongoing war. It's a top-down game riffing off the best CRPGs, though its dungeon-crawling and combat-heavy focus makes it an action roleplaying experience through and through.

The snag here is that you can only play it on PC these days, specifically in your Internet browser. It's by far the clunkiest of the bunch for obvious age-related reasons, but it's still a surprisingly deep and enjoyable Diablo game for those who want to see where the journey began. Or, you know, for anyone looking for one of the best free games you can access anywhere you have an internet connection.

4. Diablo 3

Diablo 3 marked an important next step for the franchise. With a super strong console port, as praised in our Diablo 3 review, and a moreish loot system that makes dungeon-crawling that much more thrilling, here is where the hack n' slash DNA of the series started to really take root as an iconic feature of the best Diablo games yet to come

Of course, there are some caveats. The story here is less than memorable, with our Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls review remarking how, even with a bombastic new class, the DLC's sparse battery of new content doesn't quite justify the price tag. It's also almost too much of a grind, if that's a thing at all in Diablo, with tough boss battles feeling somewhat miserable to bang your head against. Still, its high-stakes action is enough to make any ARPG fan sing, and its impressive range of platforms makes it a solid all-rounder.

3. Diablo Immortal

Which franchise doesn't have a mobile offshoot at this point? Set between the second and third mainline games, Diablo Immortal is one of the most accessible and best MMORPGs due to its mobile free-to-play status. For that reason and more, I'm putting it pretty high on this list of best Diablo games.

Right off the bat, Diablo Immortal gave dark fantasy fans something to chew on during the wait for Diablo 4. It's also surprisingly complex for a mobile and tablet game, with loads of Diablo Immortal classes to choose from, a huge following on PC, and an engaging, more robust endgame experience compared to Diablo 3 that keeps the fun going long after you complete your quest across new and familiar parts of Sanctuary. Whether you go for Immortal over Diablo 3 will depend on whether you're here for the long game or not, so I did have trouble deciding on rank placements here – it's totally subjective.

2. Diablo 2: Resurrected

Bringing the 2000 original to modern consoles for a nostalgic blast from the 20-year-old past, Diablo 2: Resurrected is one of the best Diablo games whether or not you've played it before. "Diablo 2 definitely feels like a game ripped out of time, but that's honestly refreshing," according to my ARPG-loving colleague, and I'm inclined to agree.

Refreshed graphics make the isometric camera feel fluid and sharp, giving a bird's eye view of the action while skimping on none of the detail. February 2026's Reign of the Warlock update also brought a fresh class option to Diablo 2 for the first time in 25 years, bringing players flocking back to it in their droves despite all the newness coming to Diablo 4 at the same time. Resurrected polishes up one of the earliest games to deliver a refreshed take on one of the best fantasy RPGs ever, and it's well worth your time in 2026.

1. Diablo 4

Diablo 4 is the pinnacle of what Blizzard always wanted the series to be. Hailed as a "magnificent and absurd loot theme park" by our Editor-in-Chief in his Diablo 4 review, I have no qualms awarding it top spot on this list. As both a refreshing new adventure and an amalgamation of what makes the best Diablo games stand out, Diablo 4 offers more RPG depth than ever before, now with slower-burn, more thoughtful character progression and customization than its predecessors.

Its devs are proud of how the game allows them to get into the nitty-gritty of the series' complex lore, with the recent launch of second DLC Lord of Hatred further cementing that commitment to storytelling, worldbuilding, and bombastic ARPG combat. Blizzard says it's all-in on keeping those updates coming (maybe forever, apparently), so there's never been a better time to lose yourself in Sanctuary as the war wages on.

Best Diablo games FAQs

Next, why not look ahead with our list of the all the upcoming RPGs still on the way.

This list is dedicated to helping you discover the best multiplayer RPGs that are better to play with friends.

While many of these picks are fantastic to play solo – with some highlighted among our pick of the best single-player RPGs – I've brought together a selection of role-playing games that are even better to tuck into with pals. From your friends bringing a level of unpredictability as you make choices and take on enemies together, to sharing story beats and questlines, nothing makes an RPG more memorable than the company you keep as you experience adventures together.

As one of our RPG vibes that we include in our rankings (which you can read about in our FAQ section), Better With Friends really is about highlighting the experiences that are only enhanced by having some good company at your side. From co-op action RPGs that inspire teamwork, to MMORPGs that are all about that social connection, and more, read on as I guide you through the best RPGs that are better with friends.

The best RPGs to play with friends, starting with...

10. Remnant: From the Ashes

If you're looking for an action RPG that you can get stuck into with pals, Remnant: From the Ashes is here to answer your call. As a third-person experience with survival elements, take on hordes of monstrous creatures in a post-apocalyptic world where you are essentially one of the last remnants of humanity left. But you don't have to go it alone, because you can fight back against the horrors and try to conquer big bosses with up to two other players in online co-op.

Teamwork can really be the key to survival, after all, and nothing invokes camaraderie quite like overcoming challenges and lots of nasty foes. With plenty of different weapons and armor to get your hands on and play around with, having pals at your side earning rewards together just makes Remnant: From the Ashes all the more satisfying.

9. Granblue Fantasy: Relink

With four-player co-op, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a fantastic action RPG with a helping of fantasy that you can experience with your buddies at your side. Set in the Sky Realm, which is made up of floating archipelagos, you play as a captain of your own airborne crew as you navigate the skies aboard a flying airship. With the help of a dragon and other crewmates who have their own unique powers, you set sail to Estalucia, which is believed to be an island that stretches out beyond the end of the skies.

While you can take on quests solo with your intrepid party, you can also complete them and adventure through the Granblu Fantasy: Relink with the help of three of your friends. The co-op support works very well, and playing with others is a sure-fire way to take on quests and battles faster, and it makes for one very enjoyable shared experience.

8. For the King

Fans of the best turn-based RPGs will no doubt be happy to know there's a great option out there if you're after one that's better with friends. With a dash of roguelike elements and some JRPG-infused combat that takes inspiration from dice-rolling, For the King is a strategy role-playing experience that supports both local and online co-op for up to three players.

Set in the fantasy realm known as Fuhrul, where the king has been murdered by someone as yet unknown, you set out to answer the queen's call to fight back against the encroaching chaos after the king's death. With procedurally generated maps, quests, and even loot, each run offers up something different, and with pals at your side, you can choose to stay together to increase your chances, or split up to explore more of the map. If you're looking for something that will put your strategy to the test, this is a great RPG to consider checking out with some good company.

7. Sea of Stars

When it comes to RPGs that are even better with friends, Sea of Stars is a great pick for those who want something you can play locally. While some RPGs only let you experience particular parts or aspects of the game together, up to three players can actually play through the entirety of Sabotage Studio's pixelated adventure, with the ability to drop in and out of the world at any time to join your friend's play sessions. From exploring and traversing across the fantasy landscape, to getting stuck into turn-based combat as you take on random encounters, you can also enjoy hanging out as you cook, fish, sail, and more.

Following the story of the two Children of the Solstice, who use the powers of the sun and moon to take on monstrous creations of the evil Fleshmance alchemist, Sea of Stars is full of characters to get to know. And getting swept up in the world is made all the more memorable when you have friends at your side.

6. Diablo 4

Get ready to delve into dungeons together because Diablo 4 is here to bring you hack-and-slash action RPG goodness that you can play with pals. Supporting local co-op for two players, or online for up to four, you can work together to fight back against the darkness in the world of Sanctuary. With bosses to defeat and plenty of challenges to overcome as you try to put a stop to the cultists awaiting antagonist Lilith's arrival, Diablo 4 has its fair share of dangers to conquer and quests to complete, and nothing beats doing it with friends.

Choosing from a selection of playable classes, you can customize your own character and work on your builds to suit your playstyle and complement your pals' chosen adventurer. Plus, it features cross-play and cross-progression, and if you enjoy gathering loot, Diablo 4 has it in spades with plenty of unique items to get your hands on.

5. Stardew Valley

Farming RPG Stardew Valley is an absolute delight to play with friends and family. Carving out your own pixelated farming life, you can work together to shape and develop your very own farm, sharing resources, working together to grow crops, raise cows, chickens, sheep, and bunnies, and earn gold so you can buy buildings to keep on advancing your agricultural pocket of land.

With an easy-to-use co-op set-up that allows you to create a farm for you and your pals, it really is satisfying to see how your teamwork has helped transform it from an overgrown space to a thriving place filled with crops and adorable animals. With plenty of features to work towards together and a laidback vibe that's perfect if you're looking to kick back with, Stardew Valley is a wonderful RPG that only gets better with fellow farmers.

4. Divinity Original Sin 2

Divinity Original Sin 2 is a rich fantasy RPG set in the world of Rivellion that's packed full of possibilities. While you have a party of companions you can adventure alongside, you can also bring some added unpredictability to your experience by journeying alongside friends who have just as much freedom to interact with the world and experiment in combat as you do.

With local support for two players in splitscreen co-op and online co-op for up to four players, things can really get quite chaotic when more than one friend is involved, but the experience of adventuring through the game is all the more memorable for it. With the choice from six different origin characters, or the option to create your own custom hero, every choice you and your friends make will have consequences, and whether you choose to deliberate over your decisions together or not adds another layer to the experience.

3. Monster Hunter Rise

As one of the best Monster Hunter games around, Monster Hunter Rise is also one of the RPGs I'd recommend if you're after something you can play with friends. With a Hunter Hub that easily allows you to get stuck into the action with your pals, you can set out on multiplayer quests and work together to hunt down big monsters to your heart's content. It's also made all better thanks to difficulty scaling, which takes into account the company you have if you're after a challenge.

Packed full of different weapons to try out and use against your foes, it's also easy to find a playstyle that suits you, and when your pals enter the fray with their own weapons of choice, you can bring to life a powerful team that can take down many monsters together.

2. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is easily one of the best WRPGs around, and letting your friends loose on your adventures in the Sword Coast only adds to the magic and chaos of it all. As you venture to rid yourself of the tadpoles lodged in your brains, you can experience all of the major story beats and questlines together, decide what choices to make, and try to react to your friends' antics in turn-based combat as you fight against foes.

With so many classes and races to choose from, playing in co-op, either locally or online, really brings a different dimension to the game. After all, you never can tell what your pals might do or where your choices may lead you, but that's just what makes Baldur's Gate 3 such an unforgettable multiplayer experience.

1. Final Fantasy 14

As one of my sister's all-time favorite games – not to mention one of the best MMORPGs – I've seen first-hand how Final Fantasy 14 brings people together and inspires teamwork, connection, and camaraderie. With a thriving community of players, the MMORPG is a great option to play if you're looking to step into the Final Fantasy universe and have the option to share the experience with friends at your side. Over the years since its launch, the base game has vastly expanded and improved, along with the addition of expansions like Heavensward and Stormblood, there's plenty to discover.

While you can take on the main story dungeons solo if you so wish, having a party of fellow players at your side really can enhance the experience, and once you reach higher levels, you can also tackle raids together, or just enjoy hanging out in various social spots.

Best RPGs that are Better With Friends FAQs

When it comes to looking for games that I know I can easily put 100 hours into, I always return to the best tactical RPGs. It's a sub-genre that is always waiting to suck me in with detailed systems, fun strategic thinking, and grand stories that feel straight out of the best war movies or fantastical political dramas like Game of Thrones. It's also a genre that's packed with gems. However, I've found the 10 best RPGs out of the bunch for you to play today.

Below are my top tactical RPGs that primarily focus on battle strategy instead of the element of exploration seen in most of the best turn-based RPGs. While there are crossovers between these two sub-genres, tactical RPGs are centered around combat first and foremost, often involving the indirect control of multiple units and the management of limited resources. I've kept that front of mind with all my recommendations below, and I've included the general vibe you can expect from each (you can learn more about that in our FAQ section).

So, if you're ready to control some armies and have your mind put to the test with challenging strategic battles, then read on, friends!

The best tactical RPGs, starting with...

10. Marvel's Midnight Suns

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a surprisingly deep turn-based tactical RPG that puts you in control of Earth's mightiest heroes. Developed by Firaxis Games (aka the minds behind XCOM), the superhero game blew me away with its innovation. It isn't just about watching MCU heroes in battle; the satisfying combat systems also feature deck-building and social-sim elements that play a big part in meaningful progression.

You play as the customizable hero known as The Hunter, and command a three-person squad of characters that all have their own cards and abilities. You'll have to think on your feet to best deal with the cards you're dealt on the battlefield. And, also keep in mind that your heroes don't take cover, so every turn needs to be purposeful if you want to stay alive. On top of all that, the story is massive, and every character gets a chance to shine. For more information, you can read our Marvel's Midnight Suns review.

9. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

While I could've put most of the Fire Emblem games on this list, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the most polished outing and is also a great title for beginners in the tactical RPG space. In this one, you take on the role of a professor for one of the game's three main houses. It's up to you to nurture and raise your army before taking them out for a spin during quest, auxiliary, and paralogue battles.

Battlefields are broken into a grid, like a chessboard, and each round will ask you to strategically think about your next move. Unlike other tactical RPGs, the difficulty never feels punishing, and the mechanic Divine Pulse also lets you undo unit actions on the battlefield. However, Fire Emblem: Three Houses can still be challenging, and you'll often be faced with having to rethink your plans of attack. The depth and scope of this RPG are massive, and I still stand fully in agreement with our 5-star Fire Emblem: Three Houses review.

8. Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles

This is the latest remaster of Square Enix's iconic '90s title, and as we point out in our Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles review, "this seminal tactical RPG has never been better." Set in the world of Ivalice, the story is essentially a fantastical political drama with heavy themes around class issues during a war.

Fights occur on a grid field where your party attacks enemies within their range. However, you'll often be outnumbered, so strategic thinking is a must if you want to survive. Status effects are also massive factors that you'll need to plan for and manage. But what really makes combat shine is the game's Job system. With every battle, you unlock job points, which you can then invest to unlock abilities from the classes in your party. Mix and matching jobs creates a delightful tactical playground for you to experiment with. All this customization along with a mature story, reminds us why Final Fantasy Tactics stands the test of time.

7. Wasteland 3

Wasteland 3 is one of the best CRPGs around and will have you hooked on its tactical squad-based combat in no time at all. This is a post-apocalyptic RPG for any Fallout fans wanting to try out something new, where you lead a group of Desert Rangers on a quest to rebuild society post-nuclear war. Every choice can lead you down wildly different routes as you explore a ravaged Colorado filled with Ronald Reagan-worshipping cults, robot chicken allies, and more.

Combat revolves around six-person teams, and you'll need to balance all their skills to really get the most out of the gameplay. The turn-based formula does resemble XCOM's; however, you'll need to think a bit harder as entire teams take turns instead of the typical initiative deciding attack order. You need to consider things like cover and that racing into battle can be a death sentence. It's a perfect introduction to tactical combat, and if you need more convincing about playing it, you can read our Wasteland 3 review.

6. Tactics Ogre: Reborn

Tactics Ogre: Reborn isn't just a tactical RPG staple; I'd also go so far as to call it one of the best strategy games of all time, too, thanks to all the options you have to consider, as well as some heart-wrenching decisions in your hands. You follow two siblings who are part of a resistance group. However, as political tensions and morally questionable decisions mount, you'll have to form your own path through the conflict in Valeria.

The main gameplay is similar to other grid-based strategy RPGs; you'll control your curated small army in battles. Things like movement and abilities are determined by stats, gear, and more. So to thrive, you'll not only need smart plays but also to carefully manage all the recruits in your care as well. All the options and variables that you can control in Tactics Ogre: Reborn make each tactical encounter uber-satisfying and, in my opinion, even manage to just beat out Final Fantasy Tactics.

5. Shadowrun: Dragonfall

Shadowrun: Dragonfall gives us cyberpunk aesthetics meshed with some high fantasy elements thanks to the inclusion of the likes of Orcs, Elves, Dragons and more. Your character is a mercenary (aka a Shadowrunner), whose first mission goes very wrong, thrusting them into a team leader role as they pick up the pieces. Straight off the bat, it's already a unique tactical RPG in the space thanks to its genre-melding, but it really shines in its clean gameplay.

Shadowrun: Dragonfall is an isometric RPG with turn-based combat that uses an action point system for attacks and spells. There's also a cover system to keep in mind when positioning your team. Combat is intuitive and extremely fun, and thanks to the additional digital fights in the matrix system as well, it also never gets old. The difficulty does spike, so keep that in mind before picking it up, but trust me, Shadowrun: Dragonfall feels like a breath of fresh air.

4. Triangle Strategy

Triangle Strategy is a slow-burn tactical RPG that doesn't shy away from telling a very detailed story. Sure, some people aren't a fan of all the cutscenes, but personally, I love a good sprawling tale, especially one packed with moreish strategic combat. The game takes place on a fantasy continent called Norzelia, where a war is raging between three reigning territories. You play as the son of the leader of one and will have to navigate with diplomacy and, if necessary, force.

Voting and conviction systems in the game add an extra layer of political drama and thought behind your actions, which I personally love here. And, when it comes to fighting, the HD-2D graphics and classic turn-based formula tickles that JRPG itch that all of us Final Fantasy Tactics fans have. While character development can be better in this massive plot (as we point out in our Triangle Strategy review), Triangle Strategy is still a great strategic battler, and its story is a marvel.

3. Valkyria Chronicles 4

A lot of the tactical JRPGs on this list are classic fantasy affairs. However, Valkyria Chronicles 4 has guns and, most importantly, tanks. Tanks aside, what really makes this game stand out is that its gameplay feels like no other as it uses a mix of turn-based and real-time third-person shooter combat that demands deep thinking as well as aggressive, decisive action.

The story doesn't require you to play previous games, and it feels straight out of an anime, giving a war tale filled with loss, love, and struggle. What really immerses you in the setting, though, is how the game really gives you an active role. Valkyria Chronicles 4 makes you feel like a commander and seasoned tactician as you survey maps before battles and think multiple turns ahead. And, if you don't take your opponent seriously, the game isn't afraid to punish you either. Everything about it works, and bonus points for being able to control tanks.

2. Unicorn Overlord

There is a lot of love for Unicorn Overlord on the GamesRadar+ team; in fact, it's one senior writer's favorite games of all time. It's the kind of tactical RPG that keeps you coming back even after finishing its main campaign, thanks to its mechanics crafting the ultimate puzzle box. The more you play it, the more you see how your choices can change things completely, and soon you'll feel immensely satisfied as you start to intuitively know what your units need in order to succeed.

The game has you following a prince, liberating nations with a rebel army. On your mission, you'll focus on enlisting, customizing, and commanding units in real-time, 3D, free-roam battles. By grouping squads and assigning a squad leader, you'll have to face competent enemies and have to manage priorities and skills to come out on top. There is a beautiful web of systems in this title that strategy game veterans will especially love.

1. Divinity: Original Sin 2

For all you Baldur's Gate 3 fans, I love that RPG as well, but let's be honest: in terms of tactical gameplay, Divinity: Original Sin 2 still has it beat. Also developed by Larian Studios, this is an isometric turn-based RPG that employs rules from a proprietary system in its combat. You and your companions all have your own stats and abilities based on class, race and gear choices, which you can then use on the battlefield.

Paying attention to your class and the effects of attacks is important, but what makes Divinity: Original Sin 2 stand out is the elemental interactions in the game. Loot and leveling is also more up to us and chance, versus in BG3, and that makes you have to adapt and think more about your moves in Divinity: Original Sin 2. On top of all that, multiplayer is great in this game, and it's still my go-to tactical RPG to play with friends. It's a masterpiece.

Best Tactical RPGs FAQs

For more recommendations, head on over to rankings of the best real-time combat RPGs and the best JRPGs of all time.

The best short RPGs condense epic-feeling adventures into manageable experiences that you can play through in a weekend, but will stick with you for a lifetime.

Whether you actually bash through them in such a short timeframe is up to you, but I've kept my recommendations of the snappiest RPGs to games that should take no more than 20 hours for their main stories, and in many cases, much less. It's been tough, as I've deliberately eschewed many of the best RPGs with blockbuster budgets that came close to that limit, but would feel like I was just making excuses to include. I really want to recommend short RPGs you can count on, so I've ironically spent a lot of time trying to put together a compelling list you can be confident in.

So, scroll down to begin reading through my picks for the best short RPGs that you can finish in a weekend or, at least, in less than 20 hours(ish), with the kind of vibes you can expect from each (you can learn more about that in our FAQ section). I'm sure there are many other great suggestions – I had to cut out some real heart picks (such as OFF, Koudelka, and some others) – but please let me know if you have suggestions of your own in the comments!

The best short RPGs, starting with...

10. Costume Quest 2

Double Fine are excellent purveyors at packing charming ideas into delightfully snappy packages regardless of genre. Costume Quest 2 and its predecessor are excellent encapsulations of this in RPG form. Centering around siblings on a trick-or-treat quest to save Halloween from the clutches of Dr. Orel White, the set-up is super easy to slip into, and it's a joy to smash through this adventure without it overstaying its welcome.

Cribbing from the classics with excellent style, your party of candy-craving kids use their costumes to access different abilities, which wonderfully plays into the sense that Costume Quest 2 is powered by a child's imagination. A robot costume, for instance, will transform you into a giant mech in battle. They can also be used to help explore each neighborhood. There's plenty of side-activities to keep you entertained as you plug away at this story, but even a completionist playthrough is breezy to get through. Short and sweet, you'll want to brush your teeth when you're done with saving your favorite holiday.

9. Atelier Marie Remake

As a long-time series stan, I often find myself answering where to start with Atelier, given it's such a big series. Atelier Marie Remake is often one of my top picks, not just because this is a gorgeous dollhouse-style remake of the very first game in the series, but because its short structure and simple alchemy crafting system just make it incredibly easy to get to grips with. Though I can't promise you'll be able to put it down once you've hit credits for the first time.

Playing as the titular Marie, you're given one last chance to graduate magic school by passing your alchemy exams, improving your skills at your atelier workshop in the village to do so. With a calendar system, you need to try to clear certain milestones, all while juggling fulfilling crafting requests using your big cauldron. As time is always passing with each action, there's only so much time Atelier Marie Remake can take, though if you find yourself wanting to see every ending, you'll be in for a few playthroughs. It's easy for this journey to get its hooks in you.

8. West of Loathing

The hastily drawn stick figures that populate each laugh-out-loud scene aren't cheap, but a vital part of West of Loathing's incredible amount of charm. Like one of the funniest webcomics, but that you can play, this is set in the same universe as the browser-based MMO sensation Kingdom of Loathing. That same sense of humor is distilled down here in a single-player RPG set in the wild west-themed outskirts of the kingdom.

The simple visuals and black and white style just ensure that this short RPG adventure is nevertheless filled to the brim with every opportunity to poke around, almost always leading to something giggle-worthy. Endlessly creative, unique classes like the Snake Oiler, who can smooth-talk through situations, or the cosmic Beanslinger, mean that different playstyles can lead to different experiences. And there's plenty of rootin', tootin' hats to collect, too.

7. Arco

What is it about the wild west and snappy RPG runtimes? Arco is a truly exceptional "Mesoamerican fantasy RPG", with a gorgeous pixel art style, and tremendously snappy tactical combat. Centered around three RPG short stories, Arco doesn't waste any time at investing you in its universe, while the different perspectives make it feel hugely fleshed out despite its relatively short length. In our Arco spotlight, we called it "a lush, clever RPG that punches well above its weight".

The fantastically crafted story is reason enough to get invested in Arco, but its combat is just as good. Essentially, real-time tactical combat with pause, you can move characters around to issue commands even in the heat of gunslinging chaos, meaning action plays out like highly choreographed, cinematic clashes despite being top-down. Depending on your party members, fights can have their own flavor as well. Arco is short, but you'll end up wishing it could go on forever.

6. Shadowrun Returns

Based on the Shadowrun tabletop role-playing game that merges cyberpunk and fantasy concepts to create a really compelling world, this video game revival remains one of the best CRPGs that we keep coming back to. Who can say no to playing as a street samurai orc?

Kicking off a whole trilogy of fantastic RPGs, followed-up by Shadowrun Dragonfall and Shadowrun Hong Kong, Shadow Returns is the shortest of the bunch – but that only makes it an even better introduction to both the universe and CRPGs in general. Played in an isometric perspective, this wastes no time as you're spurred to fulfil a shadowrunner contract to track down a mysterious killer – which naturally unravels into a broader megacrop-fueled conspiracy. Time to jack in.

5. Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG is a gorgeous remake of the SNES classic. Given this is a Nintendo spin-off and aimed at younger players, this is a short RPG adventure, but one that'll stick with you for a long time. Retaining the squat and cute visual style of the original game, this has Mario traversing through a strange and fantastical world that evokes vibes not quite found in any other Mario outing, like befriending the iconic talking puppet Geno.

Snappy to play in a way that suits Super Mario RPG's relatively short runtime, this iteration only makes it breezier to get through, leading us to call it "an incredible remake" in our Super Mario RPG review. Not only does it come with an easier difficulty mode, but new special attacks can dish out more damage, and the ability to switch party members mid-battle allows for more flexibility. While Mario has starred in plenty of excellent RPGs, the return of this '90s classic is a welcome one, proving it has a unique flavor that helps it stand out from the rest.

4. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Uniquely dice-driven, Citizen Sleeper 2 feels like a tabletop game made digital. Playing as a synthetic Sleeper injected with a copy of a human consciousness, you've broken free of servitude and gone rogue to team up with some similarly rebellious souls, with the ultimate aim to escape pursuit and win freedom for a small slice of a corporatally controlled galaxy. In our Citizen Sleeper 2 review, we called it "a smart sequel that takes everything that worked from the stellar original and expands".

Able to traverse space in your ship, each area has you befriending new potential crew members, slotting in the dice you roll each day to accomplish tasks to load up on resources, complete salvage missions, and other (ahem) dicier missions. With dice able to break, and some demanding skill checks, each step on this journey feels like the adventure is escalating, with terrific writing keeping me invested from start to finish. You know this is one I couldn't put down, finishing it in a weekend myself – but it's stayed in my memory for a long time.

3. Yakuza Kiwami

Yakuza Kiwami is the cheekiest entry in this list, as I'm definitely guilty of wasting many hours clearing substories or simply performing karaoke. But, I'm including it because the core crime story that centers on former-yakuza-with-a-heart-of-gold Kazuma Kiryu picking apart a conspiracy right after he's released from prison into an unfamiliar modern world is surprisingly snappy.

This excellent remake of the very first game remains the series' tightest adventure. With a rigid chapter structure, it's incredibly easy to bash through this caper while being very aware of the narrative's guard rails (just make sure you stock up on healing items, I am begging you). However, you'll very likely be tempted to go off those rails. The deeply emotional and dramatic main story is supplemented by some truly ridiculous and laugh-out-loud side quests. But, that's on you. Go with my blessing.

2. Fable 2

Fable 2, for my money, is simply the best in this Xbox exclusive series of uniquely British-flavored RPG adventuring – though all three are surprisingly quick little adventures. It remains to be seen if the upcoming fourth Fable, softly rebooted to ditch the numbering, will be similarly short, but I'm hoping it will be. To me, Fable 2's breezy questing is what helps it stand out, the temptation to clear its entire world just a bonus on top that's kept me coming back to this Xbox 360 classic.

Playing as your own protagonist, and set across a span of many years, your ultimate quest to restore and track down a shattered guild of heroes is a compelling one. Each tight area is filled with reasons to explore, while also making it feel like you're let off the leash to poke around as you please. It's a great combination that keeps Fable 2 snappy while also feeling like an epic adventure you can take at your own pace, which makes it a standout entry in this list filled with great games.

1. Undertale

Many indie RPGs offer strong, short adventures, but Undertale sticks out for good reason. The breeziness of each area you explore in a strange monster-filled underground is almost the point, though you may find yourself wanting to play it through more than once. Even killing enemies in battle isn't mandatory, with the bullet hell-inspired combat supplemented by ways to talk down and otherwise befriend each foe you encounter.

The result is an RPG that's almost as much an adventure game as it is an epic quest, the strange world of monsters teeming with potential life (as long as you don't slay them all, that is). You never know what strange new situations you'll encounter, and I don't want to spoil the many marvelous twists and turns the journey to achieving the true end will take. But, rest assured, there's a good reason this short runtime adventure has retained a rabid fanbase for over a decade. Love this, and developer Toby Fox's ongoing, episodic Deltarune – sort of set in the same universe – is another snappy delight you can dive into.

Best short RPGs FAQs

Discover more recommendations with our pick of the best story-driven RPGs.

Having the freedom to shape your own story and character through the decisions you make is part of the magic of role-playing. Owning your own journey and feeling like you are the maker of your gaming destiny never gets old, so that's why I've gathered up a list of the best RPGs to play today where your choices really matter.

Obviously, nearly all the best RPGs around offer some level of player choice, however, there are still plenty that still have a universal story where your customized character essentially experiences largely the exact same ending and NPC dialogue, no matter what. So, below are titles that all have branching narratives, and distinct variations based directly on how you decide to play them. With the kind of vibe you can expect from each (which you can learn more about in our FAQ section), I've focused on games where each new playthrough really does have the ability to feel extremely fresh and offer something unique here.

My ranking may change as more upcoming RPGs release, and if I somehow missed your personal favorite, let me know in the comment section. But for now, let's dive into the great RPGs where choices and consequences rule the day.

The best RPGs where choices really matter, starting with...

10. The Outer Worlds

Set in a star system colonized by megacorporations, The Outer Worlds is one of the best first person RPGs that really makes you feel like a star in your own off-kilter sci-fi TV series. You play as a passenger from a lost colony ship who is tasked to bring the corporations down, however, how your journey unfolds is highly dependent on several dialog decisions.

Your choices also add to the world-building of the game. In our The Outer Worlds review, we point out how "characters will react so acutely to your behavior, the company you keep, and the events that transpire around them". It's typical Obsidian Entertainment fair, and I also personally love that you'll see a montage showcasing the consequences of all your choices at the end of the game, too. I recommend playing The Outer Worlds 2 after you get through this one; choices don't cross over to the sequel, but it's another great RPG in its own right.

9. Back to the Dawn

Back to the Dawn is a 2025 indie RPG that mainly revolves around social mechanics. Basically, in a similar vein to games like Disco Elysium, the direction and story will be determined by your interactions with other characters and what character stats you decide to focus on as well. This is the kind of title that pushes for multiple playthroughs, as your first choice can result in two wildly different experiences as you pick between playing as either a journalist or a seasoned criminal trying to break out of prison.

The game has real-time events that you'll need to factor into your days, complex social systems that create both allies and enemies, and plenty of dice skill checks that can be your downfall. Both characters you can pick from have multiple endings, and that, paired with Back to the Dawn's unique animal characters and art style, makes it stand out in the RPG space.

8. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a bundle that includes the full Mass Effect trilogy, and by playing them all, you'll really see how your choices affect the entire sci-fi story since the decisions you make are transferred between games. In Mass Effect, you play as Commander Shepard, who has to save the galaxy from a giant threat. The stakes are high, and how you choose to roleplay basically determines the fate of the universe itself.

Throughout the game's shooter action, you'll have to make either "Paragon" or "Renegade" choices, which end up massively affecting the ending of Mass Effect 3, thanks to the war point system that tallies up resources and allies that Shepard has gathered over the course of the three games. Every choice feels tense, and the game constantly reminds you of them. I can't recommend this trilogy enough, and if you want to learn more, head over to our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review.

7. Deus Ex

Deus Ex is a classic and one of the best ARPGs around. Its final mission is also very heavy on player choice when it comes to what ending you'll get to see, so of course, I had to give it a shoutout in this list. This is a first-person shooter set in 2052, with terrorists causing havoc, and where the economy is on the verge of collapse. Fun stuff.

I will say that there isn't much we can do in terms of plot interference compared to other entries, however, depending on how you choose to play the game, you get some great gameplay variations. I recommend this to any RPG fans looking for a less open-ended kind of RPG. Here, your choices still matter, but you're still following a set plot, and the story isn't solely dependent on all your actions. It's great for newcomers and is also one of the best sci-fi RPGs of all time; you won't be disappointed, folks.

6. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Disco Elysium is probably the most complex RPG on this list, and every choice you make regarding the building of your character will give you a unique experience. It's also one of those RPGs where there really is no "right choice"; you're playing an imperfect detective on a murder case, who can't remember anything. The game will give you options as you choose what kind of personality you want to embody, and those decisions will dictate how you interact with the world and also how other characters interact with you.

You also can't progress certain parts of the story if you don't pass the right skill check. For instance, if you've decided to invest in physical skills instead of intellect, you may be locked out of certain character interactions. This also makes each playthrough feel unique. Disco Elysium is almost overwhelming with the amount of choices you have to make, but it's a stunning piece of art that everyone should experience.

5. Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas, in my opinion, is the best Fallout game ever made, mainly thanks to how everything you do is reflected in the world around you. You play as a courier in the Mojave Desert, and soon, you'll also have to decide the fate of the Hoover Dam (aka the central source of conflict between the game's main factions).

I'll never get tired of tuning into Radio New Vegas and hearing the presenters talking about my exploits at Helios-One and more. This subtle worldbuilding, paired with the way all our actions dictate how certain groups in the Wasteland treat us, makes New Vegas feel like the ultimate RPG. Everything is remembered, and everything has a consequence that you'll have to balance. You can't make everyone happy, and with every choice, there's a chance you've made a new enemy. No other Fallout game reflects that fact as well as New Vegas, and each of the four endings you can get comes with a unique gameplay experience because of it.

4. Undertale

Undertale is a deceptively cute RPG that is packed full of consequences based on your choices during each combat encounter. Playing as a human child called Frisk, who has fallen into the Underground, a realm filled with monsters, you'll have to try to get back to the surface, facing different creatures as you go in random encounters. In these encounters, you can flee, fight or try to befriend the monsters; however, most will go after your soul, releasing bullet-hell style attacks that you'll need to dodge.

I won't get into too many spoilers here, but I will say that your actions during fights can result in one of three different endings that also affect what fights you get to experience, and character dialogue as well. Also, one route permanently locks out another even if you start a new game, so yeah, think wisely before you jump into this gem.

3. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous really doesn't get the recognition that it deserves compared to the likes of the Divinity games and Baldur's Gate series. However, this is a fantastic Isometric RPG that also employs a super interesting choice system around ethical questions that will lead you on different "mythic paths."

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is based on the real table-top game Pathfinder, which is probably the second most popular fantasy franchise after DnD. Wrath of the Righteous draws from the rules of the TTRPG and gives us turn-based combat, as we take on the role of a Mythic hero on a crusade against a demon army. Each ethical choice we are faced with unlocks a new path. These tend to be morality-based but very interesting, for instance, one will let you become a lich. This is one of the best CRPGs around, and perfect for players looking to spend a few hundred hours or so on a new title.

2. Fable 2

The choices you make in Fable 2 not only affect the outcome of the story, it also directly affects the appearance of your character as well. In this fantasy RPG, you take on the role of a young hero who is destined to stop a madman from destroying the world. Set in the fantastical world of Albion, the game is also packed with some delightfully absurd humour and plenty of hilarious consequences.

Fable employs an alignment system that really dictates everything, from your love life, popularity, pets, and appearance. This character morphing has been expanded from the first game, and can result in some really varied characters, which make the morality-based RPG systems feel more alive as well. Personally, I love the fact that decisions are reflected physically in the game, along with all the interpersonal ramifications of NPC relationships. It's a shame this feature won't be in the new Fable game, so I really recommend giving this classic a try regardless of its age.

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is the best Dungeons and Dragons game that we currently have, and like with all the great table-top RPGs, the outcome of the story is crafted around our decisions. This statement is true for the main plot of the game and also true when it comes to the personal stories of your companions. Based on what path you decide to take, as well as your choice of class and stats, your experience will differ wildly.

I won't get into any story spoilers here, but I will say that my charismatic bard talked herself out of two boss fights, had a main character ditch her based on her money-hungry actions, and managed to romance a toxic vampire in need of therapy. And, my second playthrough only had two companions, a faith-breaking romance, and non-stop carnage. In our Baldur's Gate 3 review, we point out how the detailed choices make characters "feel like products of their own world rather than archetypes." Each playthrough is unique, and there's a massive amount of different endings as well as ending variations to explore.

The best RPGs where choices really matter FAQs

For even more recommendations, head on over to our lists of the best JRPGs and the best turn-based RPGs to play today.

Ranking the best Xbox RPGs, I find they all have one thing in common: being outright legendary. I don't say that lightly. I've scoured the console's greatest hits, from modern-day blockbusters to the best Xbox Game Pass games you've never played – or perhaps forgotten – and I've come away with the longest replay backlog of all time.

The Series X’s spot at the forefront of current-gen gaming has never been plainer. Even if it hadn’t inherited some third-party hits after years of platform exclusivity, Xbox Series X/S's track record of producing some of the best RPGS of all time has proven itself the number one stop for all upcoming RPGs to boot — and I've listed all the games here that prove its legacy is worth holding onto. I've also made sure to list each of our top picks' vibes (which you can read more about in our FAQ section), just so you know what you are in for at a quick glance.

Want a sumptuous open world? You’ll find plenty. How about something a little bit niche and off-kilter? Got you covered there, too. Hang onto your chickens, chasers: here are the best Xbox RPGs you need to play next.

The best Xbox RPGs to play today, starting with...

10. The Outer Worlds 2

If Obsidian's first whack at a Fallout New Vegas-like impressed you back in 2019, then The Outer Worlds 2 is a must-play. Expect a reworked perks system as you step into the space boots of a brand new deep space hero, looting and shooting your way across the galaxy with even more inventive flaws to keep you humble.

Fans of the best third-person RPGs will also find a lot to love here, as the perspective toggle is perhaps Obsidian's sharpest yet following 2025's already markedly improved first-person alternative in Avowed. Our resident RPG superfan lauds praise upon its "vast range of weapons, brilliant writing, and a story and character that's yours to shape" in her The Outer Worlds 2 review, and despite the fact that it also launched day-one on PS5, it's still one of the best RPGs to play on Xbox – its homegrown console.

9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 encapsulates what I believe all the best Xbox RPGs should: a sense of wonder, adventure, storytelling, and the feeling that you're putting your souped-up console to the test. It might be an older entry on this list, but with two DLCs under its belt and a host of next-gen improvements for Series X owners, it's hard to overstate how integral this game is to your library.

Wandering the Continent has never looked or felt better, despite the handling gripes our reviewer had in their The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review (hey, it is 16 years old!). The game is still regarded as one of the unequivocal best Western RPGs of all-time for a reason, so if you're new to Xbox and want to see just how beautifully it handles games old and new, this is where you should start.

8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Not only is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 an incredibly well-regarded Xbox RPG, it's already one of the best open world RPGs full-stop. From grueling melee combat that developer Warhorse modeled after real historical swordfighting techniques, a vast world to explore with your best friend Hans, and newer DLCs offering basebuilding elements to boot, it's impossible to be bored in Bohemia. The first Kingdom Come Deliverance has been on Game Pass for awhile now, but all of the tech, combat, and RPG system enhancements make it easy for me to recommend the newer instalment over its predecessor.

KCD2 and the Xbox Series X go together like Henry of Skalitz and a well-smithed blade, letting you bask in the 4k glory you bought this console for in the first place without fear it'll take off into space. You'll need the best sci-fi RPGs to take care of that one for you.

7. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Whether you've played the originals on an older Microsoft console or not, Mass Effect Legendary truly lives up to its name on the Series X. Collecting all three of Commander Shepherd's thrilling adventures in one neat little bundle, remastering them to smooth out the jank of that first one in particular, I had an absolute blast experiencing it all for the first time on Xbox Game Pass just a couple of years ago.

Our Mass Effect Legendary review rightly describes it as the ultimate way to play the iconic BioWare trilogy, especially with Mass Effect 5 looming overhead (though when that game lands is yet to be seen). I've seen this bundle on sale very often over the last few years, but really, it's the easiest way to justify your Game Pass subscription if you're looking for a bombastic narrative RPG to sink your teeth into for the next however many weeks.

6. Final Fantasy 7 Remake

This one-time PS5 exclusive landed on Xbox Series X in January 2026, and it's already one of the most impressive titles on the console. True, it's already one of the best JRPGs of all-time, even alongside some true legacy names, but Final Fantasy 7 Remake does more than what it says on the tin.

This is no casual remake, friends. As both a faithful recreation of the 1997 original, recapturing the nostalgia and magic of Cloud's most iconic adventure, developer Square Enix wanted to present it as more of an alternate universe take on how said adventure could have panned out. Think of it as your favorite game with some clever new twists to keep long-time fans on their toes – and a great way to make the most out of a third-party Xbox RPG we only recently got ahold of.

5. Pentiment

I played Pentiment for the first time around Christmas 2023, and it's still never far from my mind. Unlike many of the best first-person RPGs and their third-person counterparts on this list, Pentiment plays out more like a choice-based narrative side scroller, complete with medieval, hand-drawn art, guiding you on a stunning mystery that spans in-game decades.

It might sound odd, but one thing I love about Pentiment is that it's not the most testing game, graphically speaking, next to other games on this list. But who says you need ray tracing to be brilliant? Not only does it feel like a medieval epic to play on a huge TV at home, Pentiment is a great choice if you're hoping to play some of the best Xbox RPGs via remote cloud service on a handheld console. This is an adventure for gamers on the go, for those who don't need combat to have a good time, or for anyone who puts juicy storytelling above all else. Our Pentiment review is here to tell you exactly why that is.

4. Persona 5 Royal

Atlus' quirky Persona games have long stood very much as their own entity, but Persona 5 Royal perfected the social sim-meets-tun-based-RPG formula like none other before it. Whether you're a diehard fan who still plays Persona 3 Portable on the PSP (well done, if so) or if you're a total JRPG noob like I was just two years ago, you can't deny that this game wrote the book on style.

The vibrant colors, campy action, dramatic storytelling, and anime artstyle are guaranteed to stun on both the Series X or Xbox One, feeling at times more like you're watching a movie instead of playing a video game. Even toe-to-toe with the best RPGs on Xbox I've mentioned up til now, I'd say that Persona 5 Royal represents the wacky, cheeky, ambitious spirit of Xbox as it champions games of all studio shapes and sizes – and there's a talking cat!

3. Baldur's Gate 3

The only thing keeping Baldur's Gate 3 from ranking higher on this list is the fact that playing the best CRPGs with a console controller isn't for everyone. Without my trusty toolbar and KBM setup, I really thought I'd struggle to get invested in the Xbox Series X version of the modern classic D&D game (and my personal favorite game ever). However, with console reworks including classical third-person movement with the joysticks instead of a point-and-click approach, I was slinging spells as sharply as ever, speccing my party out with glee, and losing track of just as many spell scrolls along the way as I always do.

In short, it's incredibly intuitive. I don't know how a computer game became one of the best Xbox RPGs of all time, but here we are, and I'm not mad at all – how could I be when our Managing News Editor's Baldur's Gate 3 review rightly deems it "a once-in-a-generation achievement"?

2. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

After the base game's incredibly broken 2020 launch, current-gen exclusive DLC Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is the perfect apology I could have asked for. Not only does the DLC deliver whole new systems, locations, missions, endings, and even a fantastic new voice actor or two, it released just after a v2.0 patch that reworked plenty of existing systems across the board, added longer date nights, immersive tweaks… and the updates just kept coming.

I still can't believe it, even three years later. Once upon a time, I couldn't boot up Cyberpunk on an Xbox One (or even a PC) without an avalanche of bugs ruining the experience. But our Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review is right: this DLC shows CD Projekt Red making a staggeringly impressive, industry-first recovery, and now, it's undoubtedly one of the best RPGs to play on your Xbox Series X by a fairly wide margin.

1. Fable Anniversary

None of the best Xbox RPGs hold a candle to Lionheart Studios' Fable Anniversary. The Game Pass offering delivers the iconic original trilogy in one neat place, and it is the very first RPG you should be playing on your swanky new console.

I'm not saying Fable is the sharpest, shiniest, newest toy in the Xbox. But even with a stunning Fable reboot in the works from Playground Games, the originals hold up surprisingly well on the Series X. Featuring a heady mix of daft British humor, epic fantasy adventuring, an (okay, kind of outdated) morality system, and some of the best voice acting in the biz, that old-school clunk becomes an authentic reminder of Fable's trailblazing beginnings in the early 2000s. There's precious few exclusive Xbox titles left out there, and Fable Anniversary is one of the most important. If not for our first foray into Albion as the one and only Chicken Chaser, the platform's RPG offerings might not be what they are now.

Best Xbox RPGs FAQs

For more recommendations, head on over to our list of the best Xbox Series X games of all time. Or look ahead with our round-up of all the upcoming Xbox Series X games still on the way.

The best first-person RPGs make great use of the immersive perspective to make the most of fantastic worldbuilding and to throw you into adventures that really feel like your own.

Sometimes it's easy to forget about camera perspectives as great presentation can fade into the background. But, especially with adventures as all-encompassing as the best RPGs, it's worth celebrating which ones make the most of a well-chosen approach to camera. Unlike the best third-person RPGs that hold you at a slight remove for good effect, first-person is all about placing you into a game as closely as possible. Worlds become more immersive. Action more immediate. Thievery more guilt-laden.

Below, I've collected together the best first-person RPGs that either commit completely to the viewpoint, or that feel especially exciting from that perspective when they offer both. I've also included what "vibe" they are (which you can get full explanations of in our FAQ section). But, I wouldn't want my views to be too restrictive. If you have some first-person RPG favorites of your own I missed, please let me know what you'd include in the comments!

The best first-person RPGs, starting with...

10. Avowed

Avowed allows you to choose between playing in third-person or first-person. Yet, despite knowing this, I completely forgot to even try third-person until I hit credits for the first time because the first-person view immersed me in the fantastical world of the Living Lands so much. These large, vibrant, and colorful maps are so engrossing to explore that when I started, I just couldn't stop playing until I had seen all I could.

Combat uses a dual-wielding mix-and-match system that allows you to go at it with two swords, or even hold a spellbook in one hand and a gun in the other – and seeing both hands gripping your arsenal in first-person is great. With a world that's constantly rewarding to explore with treasure in every nook and cranny, feeling immersed directly in the world really adds to that sense of discovery. In our Avowed review, we said that it "fills a first-person void within the fantasy RPG genre".

9. Cyberpunk 2077

I'm not Cyberpunk 2077's biggest fan in the world, but even I have to admit that this sci-fi RPG's first-person presentation is practically impeccable. Night City is a dangerous, neon-soaked world, but even among the grime, tiny among its massive skyscrapers, exploring it from a ground level makes it clear how tantalizing it could be to try to make a name for yourself as a mercenary. So dedicated is Cyberpunk 2077 to this presentation, there's no third-person option except in some vehicle segments.

In our Cyberpunk 2077 review we called it "a masterpiece of world-building", and it's this dedication to crafting a believable space that makes it so successful as a first-person RPG. Forget your quest to stop your own brain from being overwritten like a hard drive and walk the streets, and it's easy to simply lose yourself. The story also has loads of fantastic moments that make use of the immersive viewpoint, from deadly chases to simply chatting with Johnny Silverhand, a punk rocker in your head played by Keanu Reeves. What other first-person RPG can fill your POV with a bit of Keanu?

8. Dread Delusion

Dread Delusion is a phenomenally impressive indie game that feels like a pixel-grafted mash-up of The Elder Scrolls and Dark Souls, with a dreamy, lo-fi polygon aesthetic that feels uniquely its own. The retro-inspired visualsonly enhances the first-person perspective of this wonderfully weird RPG, thrusting you into a strange world that you'll want to push to the limits for yourself.

The game unleashes you on a large and strange open world for you to make discoveries for yourself. Hack and slash combat is delightfully old school, but there's a lot more freedom in how you play, with a variety of skills rewarding curiosity with how you progress through your quest. Not only is this a wonderful trip back to the vibe of '00s RPGs, but it feels like a rebellious evolution. There are obvious limits to this smaller-scale project, of course, but this indie makes you feel like so much is possible that it pushes beyond them. That's a hallmark of a great first-person RPG, offering an exciting new world to explore.

7. Legend of Grimrock

You can't talk about the best first-person RPGs without some dungeon crawler gridders in the mix. After all, video game RPGs all trace a lineage back to the likes of Wizardry and Ultima. Legend of Grimrock and its excellent sequel remain some of the best to boot up today, thanks to its release in 2012 straddling the line between being a retro throwback and modernizing the genre for new players.

Sentenced to death in the horrific Mount Grimrock prison, your party's one hope of escape is to face down the pit of despair and master its tunnels filled with deadly traps and monsters. While powering up to battle beasties is certainly a must, the dungeon is laden with puzzles to solve that'll help you progress, feeling like the best kind of adventure maps you might conquer in Dungeons & Dragons. Legend of Grimrock goes beyond just leveling up – you, yourself, will feel like you're pushing beyond your own limits. If that's not enough, Legend of Grimrock even supports a Dungeon Editor, meaning there's a potentially limitless amount of first-person RPG dungeon delving up for grabs.

6. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Adam Jensen might not have asked for this, but I'm glad we got Deus Ex: Human Revolution anyway. This slick revival of the Deus Ex series creates a hazy, yellow-tinged cyberpunk world to explore. Playing as a security agent who is unwillingly grafted with experimental biotechnology robotics to save your life from a terrorist attack, coming to terms with your new body feels more immediate thanks to the first-person presentation. Sequel Deus Ex: Mankind Divided directly follows on from this, though I still prefer Jensen's first outing.

It's up to you how far you want to enhance your body. Drawing on the original Deus Ex's immersive sim vibes, these can help you approach missions in a variety of different ways, from speccing into social abilities, stealth, or simply jacking up your robot muscles to beat the daylights out of enemies. Zones might not be massive, but are dense with discoveries that are great to explore in first-person. In our Deus Ex: Human Revolution review, we said it "reboot[s] a classic franchise without losing the core of what made the original beloved".

5. Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is a dungeon-crawling gridder that has you summoned into the Lanterne De Fantasmagorie by a witch's apprentice to explore a strange maze beneath a fantasy manor loaded with treasure. Each step forward through these halls advances a turn, adjusting the maze around you. It's a simple enough start, your spiritual form controlling puppet soldiers to fight through, until you realize just how dangerous the maze's monsters and traps are, and how many treasures appear completely inaccessible.

The twist is that witchy powers you can accrue allow you to break the rules of the game. Beginning with five party member slots, you can eventually carve up each slot to have up to three fighters each (making for 15-party member battles). Special abilities allow you to spend mana to smash through walls, pushing at the seams of the maze to create your own path forward with each run. The narrative feels just as breakable as well. The further you get, the more it twists and turns to equally rail against the definitions of what you thought you knew.

4. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Turned into a vampire and thrust into a hidden supernatural world that thrives in the underbelly of Los Angeles, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines has you scrabbling to get to grips with vampire politics and make a name for yourself in order to survive. Built in Source Engine, this older RPG might be simple in some ways, but that just makes its dense, urban zones welcoming to poke around, all while getting into paranormal trouble.

Building off of immersive-sim style vibes, each vampire clan you can play as has unique powers that allow you to tackle quests and social interactions in vastly different ways. Poke around spaces to find vents and side-entrances, hack computers, smooth-talk past guards, it's up to you how you want to play. But, you're still a vampire, and first-person only enhances the sense of being a supernatural predator in an exaggerated urban sprawl. Even now, little else captures the energy and sense of urban adventure like this genuine classic. Don't act like I don't see you hitting the reinstall button right now.

3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

There's a lot to love about Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's first-person medieval world, but the standout for me is how upfront it is about having you embody the lovable young man, Henry, on a grounded quest that still feels epic in scale. Few first-person RPGs commit so hard to painting such a specific tone for you to inhabit. In our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review, we said: "its realization of medieval life remains utterly absorbing".

In fact, it makes the brutal conditions Henry has to quest through feel even more stressful, as you can't help but feel responsible for the put-upon lad. Whether you're skilled enough at the twitchy combat to have him dominate every ambush, or are sneaking around and getting him in trouble because you've not bathed enough that his stench gives him away, Henry's fate is in your hands. Of course, you shape his journey, from romance options to playstyle, and have plenty of freedom to explore – but synergizing with Henry to tackle this detailed, gritty world is the real joy here.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

Shot, and left for dead, Fallout: New Vegas is a first-person thrill from its very opening moments (and yes, watch out for Deathclaws). The deadly heat and mutated monsters of the post-apocalyptic Mojave Wasteland are just the beginning, the many machinations of the titular New Vegas immersing you into its RPG narrative as you pull at threads and decide how you want to finish its gripping questlines to reflect your story – which fits the first-person format well.

I particularly love how Fallout: New Vegas uses its first-person perspective to enhance combat. While you can blast your guns like an FPS, a hidden RPG dice-rolling system means these can only be so accurate. Instead, VATS allows you to pause time to tactically aim at specific limbs, essentially blending real-time and turn-based combat with a unique system I've never seen replicated elsewhere. From wasteland firefights to silver-tonguing through this glitzy town of secrets, New Vegas champions pulling you into its world through first-person.

1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Come on, it was always going to be Skyrim, wasn't it? No matter what you think of Bethesda's often re-released dragon-themed first-person RPG, it's become a titan of the genre. A large part of that is because of its first-person presentation. From the opening moments where you wake up on a prison-bound cart – "Hey you, finally awake…" – you are immersed in Skyrim's world, and it won't let go. In our Skyrim Special Edition review, we rightly called it "one of the greatest RPGs ever made".

After a thrilling, dragon-hounded tutorial quest, you're let off the leash to explore an absolutely massive fantasy world, getting up to as much mischief as you desire, whether you want to actually follow the main quest or completely disregard it. Climbing mountains, looting caves, bobbing your hands up and down as you dual-wield spells, the first-person perspective makes this quest feel like your own and has become a vital part of Skyrim's identity. Available on almost any gaming platform ever invented, starting a fresh Skyrim save to pursue a completely new character build is always tempting.

Best first-person RPGs FAQs

I'm here to bring you the very best story-driven RPGs available to play today.

The RPG genre is known for its deep character customization and satisfying progression systems that often let you tailor your playstyle in and out of combat. But they're also home to some of the best game stories of all-time, with narrative choices that let you not only shape your journey, but also give you the freedom to role-play your way. It's the latter part of the experience that I'm here to shine a light on and celebrate.

Story-driven RPGs really are my bread and butter. From being presented with choices that affect the narrative's outcome, to encountering unexpected twists and turns, any one of these RPGs will undoubtedly get you emotionally invested one way or another. While there's plenty of opportunity to get swept up in exploration in many of the games listed below, the story at the heart of these RPGs is what will keep you hooked, and will no doubt drive you to return time and again.

I'm always on the lookout for fresh additions, and happily, we're set to see some upcoming RPGs come our way – such as the new Fable – that will bring us more role-playing goodness with a narrative focus. So, my ranking may change in the future. But for now, here are the best story-driven RPGs you can play today.

The best story-driven RPGs

10. Dragon Age 2

I'd wholeheartedly recommend any one of the Dragon Age games in BioWare's fantasy series if you're after an engrossing story-driven RPG experience. But I couldn't resist including Dragon Age 2 here for its tighter story and memorable plotline. It may not have the same kind of sprawling narrative threads found in the likes of Dragon Age: Inquisition, or match the level of high stakes in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, but by concentrating the experience in the city of Kirkwall across three separate acts, Dragon Age 2 occupies its own unique story-driven space in the series.

Following protagonist Hawke, who flees to Kirkwall thanks to the blight that unfolded in Dragon Age: Origins, you get swept up in the rising tensions between the mages and templars in the city. And with Hawke's own personal family ties framing the narrative, it's all too easy to get emotionally invested.

9. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a story-driven RPG that feels so original and keeps you guessing throughout. As explained in our Clair Obscur Expedition 33 review, the adventure explores a unique concept in its Belle Epoque France-inspired world, and Sandfall Interactive will pull the rug out from under you more than once. With a central mystery constantly propelling you forward, you won't find it hard to get invested as you try to take down the figure responsible for determining at what age everyone dies: the Paintress.

Resolved to put a stop to her once and for all, you set out on a dangerous mission to prevent her from painting 33 and sealing the fate of so many. But there are lots of questions you're trying to answer along the way. Who is this figure? How did this come to be the state of the world and the way of things? With other characters entering the picture who only add to the mystery, there's plenty of lore to unearth, too, as you venture from place to place in a bid to complete your ultimate goal.

8. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is a stylish, story-driven experience that has so much depth to it. Exploring a variety of themes through the lens of its teenage protagonist and their cohort of fellow students, Persona 5 spins a tale of corruption and the fight for justice against the backdrop of a high school and the streets of Tokyo.

After you get expelled from your previous school for being falsely accused of assault, your new life begins in the city, where you get to know and team up with fellow students who've faced their own hardships. Awakening to your persona, which allows you to hunt down the distorted desires of others and steal their corrupted hearts, there's a curious mystery that will keep pulling you through the narrative. As we explore in our Persona 5 review, the life simulation elements and bonding system only help to enrich the story, with every character grappling with their fears, aspirations, and hopes.

7. Final Fantasy 10

The Final Fantasy series is home to some truly memorable stories that deal with everything from environmental threats to great ancient evils. Drawing us into fantastical worlds, it's hard to choose just one game, but the story of Final Fantasy 10 is expertly paced, with so many unexpected twists that will keep catching you off guard. But it's the many surprises packed into protagonist Tidus' journey that make it such a memorable experience.

Home to an unforgettable cast of characters, including one of the best Final Fantasy characters of all-time in summoner Yuna, Final Fantasy 10 follows the story of outsider Tidus as he sets out to put a stop to a monster known as Sin. But, as the story progresses, you'll soon discover there's so much more going on, and when you reach the finale, you'll be more than emotionally invested.

6. Cyberpunk 2077

Do you want to live a quiet life as a nobody, or will you go out in a blaze of glory and make your name the stuff of legend in Night City? This is the question at the heart of Cyberpunk 2077's story, and it proves to be a very compelling one. As you seek to reach the major leagues and make a name for yourself as merc V, everything takes a drastic turn, and before long, you'll find yourself on a mission to save your own life from the threat of a digital construct lodged in your brain that threatens to wipe away your very sense of self.

In a world where people are more machine than man, and everyone's try to get the same slice of eurodollar pie in Night City, your identity and reputation are such a big part of Cyberpunk 2077, and it marries perfectly with the role-play experience of playing as V, since you get to decide how your story and legend ends.

5. The Witcher 3

CD Projekt Red puts you into the role of Geralt of Rivia in a sprawling adventure that leaves a lasting impression thanks to its indelible story and characters. At its heart, The Witcher 3 actually explores a story of connection and chosen family as you set off in search of your ward Ciri, but it's also unafraid to explore difficult moral choices that deal in shades of grey. With some incredible side quests that spin memorable tales outside of the core narrative, it really is a story-driven RPG through and through.

Topped off with some excellent expansions that only bring more story-driven goodness and polish off the adventure, there's plenty of characters to meet that you can connect with, or faces that will test your beliefs of what's truly right or wrong. The Witcher 3 offers up the kind of worldbuilding and plot that you won't regret getting swept up in.

4. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is as much about the story it lets you explore as it is about the way it lets you shape it. As a true story-driven experience, you can take on the role of your own custom character and pick from a host of classes and races plucked from the world of D&D. Without much preamble, you awaken on a Mind Flayer colony ship with an unwelcome parasite hitching a ride in your head. To avoid losing yourself and gaining some tentacles, you set out to try and find a way to remove the parasite.

But of course, best laid plans rarely work out, and before you know it, you're drawn into a sprawling adventure across the Sword Coast to face a much bigger threat. With a group of companions also trying to avoid the same Mind Flayer fate, and so much freedom to shape your own journey, the ability to also play as one of the set origins offers up the chance to experience the memorable storyline from different role-playing perspectives.

3. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

The Mass Effect trilogy delivers the kind of story-driven RPG experience that will stay with you long after you've seen the credits roll on each entry. Following the story of Commander Shepard across three engaging games, each one masterfully builds up the growing, galaxy-wide threat of the mysterious, ominous Reapers.

From the Commander's beginnings in the first Mass Effect, which sets up their military profile and introduces you to BioWare's stellar Mass Effect relay-laden sci-fi universe, to the unforgettable suicide mission of Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 then rounds out the entire story with one of the best expansions of all-time in the Citadel DLC. With companions that will steal your heart, excellent writing, and a plot that'll keep you coming back, Mass Effect is hard to forget. And more to the point, you simply won't want to forget it. In the words of Shepard, "I should go" and play it again.

2. Undertale

"Despite everything, it's still you", is one of those game quotes I think about often, and that speaks to the quality of the writing in Undertale. Toby Fox's story-driven RPG sees you take on the role of a human who finds themselves in a world full of monsters. But are they really monsters? That question is at the heart of what makes Undertale so memorable.

See, you don't have to fight or kill anything; it's up to you to decide if you do as you set out to find your way out of the underground setting. Along the way, you'll encounter lots of strange creatures and characters, and ultimately make choices that will determine how the story ends. With so much hidden depth buried beneath its pixelated surface, it's the kind of story-driven experience that will stay with you, and honestly, if you've yet to try it, you're better off experiencing it without knowing too much going into it.

1. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium explores a hardboiled detective story that deals with some profound, existential themes from the perspective of flawed gumshoe, Harry Du Bois. Suffering from a bout of amnesia, you begin by solving the case of where your clothes are and what happened the night before. But before long, you're drawn into a much bigger investigation. With a city to explore and plenty of people to meet, how you choose to navigate the story and handle any given scenario is left up to you and the detective skills you invest in.

While the freedom of choice is a role-playing dream, the story-driven experience is ultimately what shines through, with Harry grappling with his alcoholic, self-destructive ways, and growing loss of self. Whether you try to improve your lot and become the hero of the city, or you give in to your desires and stray off the straight and narrow path, is left up to you, and the story is all the richer for the way you can shape it as you try to get to the bottom of an overarching mystery.

Best story-driven RPGs FAQs

For more recommendations, head on over to our pick of the best single-player RPGs.

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