The 35 best RPGs worth playing in 2026

If you're looking for the best RPGs to play in 2026, then you're in the right place. I've played thousands of hours of both new and classic RPGs, from sprawling open-world journeys to more condensed stories, and everything in between. And, after much deliberation, I've ranked the 35 best roleplaying games that are worth your time and attention today.

Now, RPGs have a ton of sub-genres that offer very different gameplay experiences. Fans of the best JRPGs may hate the combat of ARPGs, for instance. We do have lists dedicated to each sub-genre. But, for this ranking, I've taken all RPG variants into account. I've also made sure that everything here can be enjoyed by RPG veterans and newbies alike and that all my picks are playable today. Finally, to make browsing easier, I've given my picks a "vibe" that's essentially an overview of how you'll likely engage with each RPG's gameplay (read our FAQ section for full descriptions of those).

RPGs mean a lot to me, and you will likely have personal rankings as well. So, if you don't spot your favorite, please share it in the comments. But for now, read on to discover our selection of the best RPGs to play today, all ranked in the order that we recommend you check out first.

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The 35 best RPGs you can play in 2026

35. Octopath Traveler 0

It was a tough call between including either Octopath Traveler 0 or Octopath Traveler 2 for this list; however, Octopath Traveler 0 managed to take the win thanks to its refined mechanics and more focused story. In fact, our Octopath Traveler 0 review calls it the "strongest entry in this retro-styled JRPG series yet". Unlike previous outings, here you create your own custom hero who is on a revenge quest after your village is essentially burnt to the ground.

The plot then unfolds through different chapters, and in each, you'll get to experience some top-tier turn-based battles where you'll need to strategically use your party members in order to take advantage of certain attack weaknesses with enemies.You can now have a party of eight, which makes combat a ton more fun and snappy. I will say that characters aren't as fleshed out in this game as in previous titles; however, that really won't bug you once you start playing with party building. Octopath Traveler 0 is a marvel, and a great evolution of an already brilliant formula.

34. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows lets you role-play as two protagonists who bring to life two fantasies against the backdrop of Feudal Japan. As stealthy shinobi Naoe, speed and agility are on your side, while samurai Yasuke uses his imposing size and strength to deliver powerful blows and all-out attacks. Switching between the two, you experience their interwoven stories as you set out on a sprawling quest to hunt down the Onryo samurai.

Building on the RPG direction that Assassin's Creed Odyssey first introduced, Assassin's Creed Shadows brings to life an impressive, beautifully realized open-world setting teeming with things to see and do – from infiltrating castles to visiting shrines, and petting lots of puppies. While the story is a little more disjointed than past entries, as we explore in our Assassin's Creed Shadows review, there's plenty of customization to tailor both Naoe and Yasuke, and it's easy to lose yourself in the setting.

33. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Owlcat Games delivered yet another memorable isometric CRPG in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. Chock full of role-playing goodness, you have the freedom to choose from 25 classes and a variety of different races to create your own protagonist. Choosing their feats and abilities to customize them further to suit your playstyle, you'll venture to the Worldwound, a rift that lets loose a bunch of demons.

After years of conflict as nearby nations have tried to stem the tide of demonic horrors, you set out to put a stop to it once and for all. But like all great RPGs, how you do so and who you become along the way is left entirely up to you. The choices you make and the actions you take as you carve out your own path will impact the world around you. And, of course, you'll meet a host of companions you can get to know (and even romance if you so choose) who will all have their own thoughts and feelings about what you do.

32. Unicorn Overlord

In terms of the best tactical RPGs, Unicorn Overlord is one of the greatest out there and is also one of our senior writer's favourite games of all time. It's also a great pick for those of us strapped for time, as battles don't take ages to bash out either. The RPG is very suited to be played in short bursts. However, chances are you'll be quickly sucked into the engaging story, and how satisfying mastering the gameplay in this one can be, too.

Unicorn Overlord follows the exiled prince Alain as he gathers allies for a rebel army in order to liberate nations from the Zenoiran Empire. In order to reach his lofty goal, you command units on the battlefield in real-time, enlist and customize those units, and deal with some free roam battles as well. Once you get into the rhythm of all the mechanics, you'll start to see how well everything feeds into each other, and gives the RPG almost a puzzlebox quality to it. It's a winner for both tactical veterans and newbies alike, trust me.

31. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is easily one of the best MMORPGs around, and it's continued to endure for a little over 20 years. Choosing to play as Alliance or Horde, you choose from a multitude of different races with their innate traits and then select a class which gives you your abilities, from tanky warriors to healing monks, and everything in between. Whatever race you choose will dictate the area you start in within the fantasy world of Azeroth.

From there, you'll get swept up in quest lines, work to level up your character, and get your hands on better gear. Of course, as a shared experience, you can expect to encounter other players as you venture from place to place. From forming guilds together to working to take on mighty foes in raids to earn powerful loot, you can even pick up WoW Classic to experience the vanilla MMO as it was back in the day.

30. Diablo 4

Diablo 4 is not only the best Diablo game of all time (fight me), but it's also still one of the greatest ARPGs that you can play right now as well. Set in the grim dark fantasy world of Sanctuary, you create a custom character in order to fight against the forces of hell. On top of a very cool main quest to follow, you'll be able to dive into procedurally generated dungeons, explore an open-world filled with events and side-quests, and create some pretty gnarly builds on top of all that, too.

I can't emphasise how much fun I have squelching my way through enemies with my Blood Surge Necromancer or the joy of experimenting with new builds on the side to deal some crazy damage. As our glowing Diablo 4 review says, this RPG really does feel like a theme park. It's fast, fun, and is even better when you grab a group of friends to join in all the carnage too. Also, the Lord of Hatred DLC has now released, and is very much worth checking out.

29. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

When it comes to RPGs, any one of the best Pokemon games are worth your time. But I can't help turning back the clock to where it all began for the beloved series. As remakes of the classic Pokemon adventures on GameBoy, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen see you venture out from your home of Pallet Town to become a Pokemon trainer. Setting out on a memorable quest to be the very best, like no one ever was, you'll take on battles against the leaders of Pokemon Gyms to earn yourself badges and work your way to taking on the Pokemon League.

Bringing to life the original 151 Pokemon that kickstarted the long-running series, the remake's recent re-release on Switch means you can easily tuck into this nostalgia-filled delight all over again, or discover it for the first time. And as a lifelong fan who played Pokemon Blue all those years ago, I can't recommend it enough.

28. Deus Ex

OK, so Deus Ex is one of the oldest games on this list, but it's still playable on PC and also has a great story. While we did put Deus Ex: Human Revolution on our list of the best sci-fi RPGs of all time instead of the first game, Deus Ex makes the cut here because it's where the iconic dystopian franchise began, and its choices feel more impactful than later entries, too, from a roleplaying point.

If you aren't familiar with Deus Ex yet, the game is set in 2052 when the world economy is on the brink of collapse, and there are terrorists causing a whole host of issues. You follow JC Denton (an agent for the United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition), and based on your decisions while you follow the plot and engage in some first-person shooting, you'll see some variations in how the story plays out. Deus Ex is a masterpiece, and also an RPG that genre newbies will likely enjoy since its mechanics and narrative are simple, clean, but still meaningful enough to keep you hooked.

27. Fable 2

If you're after a fantasy RPG steeped in British humor that spins a memorable storyline, then look no further. Yes, even after over two decades, Fable 2 is still a joy to experience today, and it's the perfect way to get ready for the new Fable game landing in 2026. Taking on the role of a hero (who's initially referred to as Sparrow), you face an unexpected tragedy in your childhood years and discover you have innate heroic abilities that change your fate.

Now as an adult, you'll soon find yourself swept up in a memorable adventure across the setting Albion. The real joy of Fable 2 is the freedom to decide how you want to experience the story. With a morality system at play (that yes, is black and white), you can decide if you want to be a virtuous hero who helps others, or a villainous one who's only out for themselves. With other ways to spend time, from working at the local blacksmith, to wooing citizens and getting married, and purchasing real estate, Fable 2 is one RPG that's sure to have you cracking a smile more often than not.

26. NieR Automata

NieR: Automata is one of those special kinds of RPGs that expertly blends a ton of different genres into its fold in order to create an experience that'll never leave you wanting more. Set in a dystopian world, humanity has settled on the moon after an alien invasion. An army of androids has been left to fight the space invaders; it's your job to play as one of these soldiers and face off against the alien machines and bring an end to the war...no pressure.

Along with hack-n-slash and action-forward gameplay, you'll get the chance to unpack stories about the androids as well as the world around you. It's very easy to feel immersed as you play as the characters in NieR: Automata, exploring the stunningly somber settings and starring in thrilling action pieces that feel straight out of a high-budget sci-fi movie. The game also has some of the most fun combat seen in any RPG, and you can learn more in our Nier: Automata review.

25. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 shows that when a prequel is done right, it can not only introduce more players to a long-running series, but it can even surpass some of the entries that follow it. That's very much the case with 0, an excellent action RPG that brings to life the memorable origin story of Yakuza's main protagonist Kiryu Kazuma, and the loveable anti-hero Goro Majima. Acting as the perfect set up, RGG Studio does such a fantastic job of getting you invested in these leading characters, and you'll absolutely want to jump into the rest of the series after it.

With a variety of different fighting styles for Kiryu and Majima, the beat-em-up combat is approachable and downright fun. And when you're not making your way through the main story and taking on foes in the streets, there's an endless array of side activities to get stuck into in the entertainment districts of Tokyo and Osaka. There's a reason it ranks high in our pick of the best Yakuza games.

24. Avowed

Avowed brings to life a memorable adventure that takes place in the Pillars of Eternity universe. Set in the world of Eora, you take on the role of the Envoy of Aedyr, who's sent out by the emperor to investigate a plague that's sweeping across the Living Lands. But your journey is further complicated by the fact that you're a godlike (someone whose soul has been touched by a mysterious deity).

Since your godlike features share curious similarities to the plague you're looking into, the residents you meet are slow to trust and quick to accuse, and with the voice of the unknown deity in your head, it's up to you to decide if you want to stay true to Aedyr, listen to this unknown god, or carve your own path. With a cast of memorable companions, an engrossing story that's steered by your choices, and an excellent, flexible combat system, Obsidian Entertainment's latest RPG is one fantasy fans shouldn't skip. For more, check out our Avowed review.

23. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West is the sequel to the beloved Horizon Zero Dawn, and it does exactly what a good sequel should: it iterates on what made the game great and pushes itself beyond that. The open world of the Forbidden West beckons you with enticing quests in every corner and robot dinosaurs around every bend, with enough variety to feel excitingly fresh while also feeling familiar, like a warm blanket wrapped around your shoulders on a cold night.

Simple fetch quests expand into beautiful stories, and Aloy remains the center of this world as a character you are immediately drawn to, root for, and develop through the skills you aquire. There are few sequels that so elegantly expand upon the original like this game. In fact, we called it "phenomenal" during our Horizon Forbidden West review, and it's an RPG you can't miss.

22. Pillars of Eternity

If you find yourself reminiscing about Baldur's Gate, Pillars of Eternity is the game for you. It's also a game for you to get into if you're looking to see what to play next if you've just wrapped up Obsidian's latest game, Avowed, which is set in Eora – the same world as PoE. The world of Eora is a captivating world full of different races like elves, dwarves, humans, orlans, aumaua, and more – there's a clear Dungeons and Dragons influence here.

You might spend hours on the character creation screen before you even dive into the compelling story, which offers eleven playable classes and the option to choose a pet (yes, you read that right). Talking to characters includes descriptions of their body language to help you better decide how to react to them, which is just one of many amazing details that prove Obsidian really put everything into Pillars of Eternity.

21. The Outer Worlds 2

The Outer Worlds 2 is a bigger and better sequel than the first adventure, bringing in a wealth of improvements that come together to deliver a memorable RPG packed with player freedom. From choosing your background, traits, and skills, to taking on flaws that pop up based on the way you're playing, you're free to shape your Earth Directorate agent however you wish.

In the new setting of the Arcadia colony, you can expect to get drawn into a high-stakes storyline full of choices with consequences and worlds that will react to your actions. The story is also one that is packed with sillier moments, too, so if you are looking for a few chuckles thrown into a critique of corporate-run capitalism, then you're sure to be happy here. With Fallout: New Vegas influences, The Outer Worlds 2 is one Obsidian RPG that's well worth trying out. For more, be sure to check out our The Outer Worlds 2 review.

20. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

It's no easy feat to bring one of the most beloved and iconic RPGs into the modern era, but Final Fantasy 7 Remake managed to pull it off and then some. Delivering a reimagining of the first part of Cloud's classic journey, the Remake takes place beneath the steel plates of Midgar. From the opening at the train station to the famous bombing mission, it's full of moments that will bring longtime fans so much joy.

But it's also an excellent way for a new generation to experience one of the best Final Fantasy games – particularly when it comes to the Intergrade re-release. With improved visuals, expanded features that bring in performance and photo modes, and the addition of Episode Intermission – which sees you play as companion Yuffie in a new adventure – it really is the ideal way to experience this memorable remake.

19. Divinity: Original Sin 2

There's a ton of flexibility in Divinity: Original Sin 2, as well as rewarding combat and beautiful visuals that really make this one of the best RPGs around. Personally, I still prefer combat in this title over the likes of Baldur's Gate 3, so if you love using the environment to your benefit or optimising character builds, this will likely become a new favorite. Otherwise, take your time when choosing your Divinity 2 class, as the depth and flexibility of your build mean your first decision is an important one.

Then, dive into the world of Rivellon, where dark beings from beyond the veil are invading after the one person meant to hold them back died before the start of this game's events. At times, this game will feel a helluva lot like you're enjoying a tabletop RPG, thanks to Larian Studios embracing choice and creativity. Once you pick up Divinity: Original Sin 2, you'll find it hard to put down.

18. Undertale

Undertale is the kind of RPG that will stay with you, and I say that as someone who's still thinking about it over a decade later. On the surface, it might look like a retro RPG that takes inspiration from pixelated classics like Mother, but dig a little deeper and you'll find that it subverts the tropes of the genre in its own refreshing way. Taking on the role of a human who falls below the surface into a world of monsters, you set out to try and find your way back out.

Along the way, you'll come across all kinds of critters and creatures, and given that you're thrown into combat, you might think you need to fight them. But the choice of whether you attack or passively talk your way through every encounter is left up to you. What you do will have an impact and lead you to a particular ending – should you choose to play through it again to explore all of the choices, Undertale will acknowledge that, too, which only gives added weight to your decisions.

17. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

40K is one of the RPG titans in the tabletop space, standing alongside the likes of Dungeons and Dragons, so of course, it had to make an appearance somewhere in this list. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an isometric RPG where you play as a Rogue Trader in the very hostile 40K universe. It's up to you to shape your own journey as you follow the game's main story, venture through the dark reaches of space, and form some new bonds with a host of companions.

Like with all the best CRPGs, there are a ton of systems to keep track of in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader that make the likes of Baldur's Gate 3 look simple. However, once you get into the swing of this title, you'll be rewarded with some of the best tactical combat, marvellous characters (who you can even romance), and one of the best-written campaigns that I've personally ever experienced.

16. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

If you're after an immersive adventure and one of the new best open-world RPGs, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 more than fits the bill. Drawing you into Europe in the 15th Century, Warhorse delivers a rich medieval adventure that's yours to shape as you take on the role of Henry of Skalitz.

Setting out on a journey to avenge his parents, you'll develop your skills in first-person sword play, and be able to enhance Henry's strengths to suit your role-play - want to be a sneaky thief? Or a silver-tongued aficionado? Well, you absolutely can. There's a ton of freedom and ways to play this game, and while it can be grindy to begin with, seeing how Henry develops based on your actions is a hoot. The ye old world is your oyster, and if you're an RPG fan who loves engrossing storytelling and memorable quests, you won't want to miss out on this one - our Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 review has more on that.

15. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Link is a blank canvas. A wonderful, quiet, blank canvas that you can turn into a stealthy Sheikah, a fully-armored knight, or someone who runs around in their underwear throwing chickens at Moblins. Link’s personality is so malleable that you can do whatever you want in Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it just feels right. Despite the apocalypse that’s on the way, people have their own business to be getting on with and let you do exactly the same.

From spotting the tip of a new tower in the distance to navigating one of the mysterious mazes on the edge of the map, your surroundings are so intriguing that the world practically begs you to get distracted, fitting perfectly into the idea that Link has woken up after decades in slumber and just can’t stay still. Read our Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review for more details. It's also worth checking out the follow-up, Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

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

Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a JRPG that's as charming as it is memorable. Inviting you into a bright fantasy world made up of open zones filled with dangers, you take on the role of a young man who unexpectedly discovers he's the reincarnation of a legendary hero known as the Luminary. But not everyone takes kindly to this connection, and before you know it, you'll get swept up in a grand journey to put a stop to a looming threat.

As the Luminary, it really feels like you step out into a sweeping adventure that leads to your own character's growth, from your humble beginnings in your home of Cobblestone Village, to the grand city of Helidor and beyond. Initially joined by your childhood friend, you naturally meet other companions who bring some much needed depth and heart to the experience. With approachable turn-based combat and an engaging story, this gem of an RPG is one you won't regret spending time with – our Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of Elusive Age review will surely convince you of that.

13. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses brings the iconic strategy series to Nintendo Switch, which means you can spend hundreds of hours delving into its epic story no matter where you are. This is one of the best turn-based RPGs of all time, and easily one of the greatest Switch-exclusive RPGs as well, folks. Not long after you boot up Three Houses, you'll find yourself wanting to build your team while commuting to work and learn more about every last character while waiting in the doctor's office.

With a great story propelling the action into tight, difficult combat, Three Houses greatly improves upon the original formula from past entries. There's even a Persona-like relationship simulator that will have you arguing over your favorite characters with friends and getting emotionally invested in every last one of them. This is one you won't wanna miss. Read our Fire Emblem: Three Houses review for more info! Read our Fire Emblem: Three Houses review for more info!

12. Disco Elysium

In Disco Elysium, you're a detective who has a drinking problem, drug-induced amnesia, and you can die in the opening minutes while trying to get your tie from the ceiling fan. There's no traditional combat, but there are dialogue trees and skill checks, and you'll need to upgrade skills to pass skill checks; however, it's a slippery slope.

Upgrade your Drama too high, and you might be partial to the occasional fit of hysterics. All of Disco Elysium is based on dice rolls, which are added to your skill value and stat value - the resulting roll and addition of all the stats will tell you if you've succeeded in completing a task, which can be as asinine as getting your tie from that said ceiling fan. I will say that this game will work your brain, and chances are you'll get stuck at some point during your first playthrough. It is a piece of art, though, and easily one of the best Western RPGs ever made.

11. Fallout: New Vegas

You can't blame The Courier for going on their rampage. Someone just shot them in the head; they survived, and now they want answers. But with all of Fallout: New Vegas' land available to explore right from the beginning, that can wait. Not really a surprise, considering it’s also one of the best open world games around. You might even decide that finding the person who shot you in the head is the last thing you want, your survival instinct telling you that you had probably best stay away.

Join one of the many fierce factions, try to become the Savior of the Damned by boosting your good karma, or simply create your own goals. Collect all the teddy bears in the land. Clear Quarry Junction from its, er… pest problem. It's up to you. Seriously, New Vegas isn't just one of the best RPGs of all time; it's also one of the best Fallout games ever made. It's a must-play.

10. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Sometimes, RPGs can feel a bit unapproachable. If you're not a lover of the game type, you might feel daunted by a title that requires an endless supply of patience or a seemingly endless supply of choice. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a game that appeals to hardcore RPG players and those who may have been hesitant to join the ranks. Set 4,000 years before the movies' events, you are tasked with training in the ways of the Force under the tutelage of the Jedi.

The game lets you pick from three character classes at the start of the game and choose if your character will align with the dark side or the light side of the Force. This is easily one of the best Star Wars games around, and fans adore it as it captures the magical, space-fantastical essence of the films while imbuing the entire experience with choice. There's incredible voice acting, accessible gameplay, and sparkling supporting characters. Plus, you get to swing a karking lightsaber.

9. Dragon Age: Inquisition

BioWare's fantasy series made its mark in the RPG scene thanks to all of its signature ingredients - from the companions, to the dialogue wheel that lets you shape your character, and even a dash of romance. With both Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2 bringing their own distinct adventures to the table, Dragon Age: Inquisition then took us into a sprawling open-world version of Thedas as we followed the story of the Inquisitor - a figure who can be any race and class from the lineup.

After circumstances lead them to get a mark on their hand that allows you to heal the rifts that open in the sky, you're thrust into a world-saving journey. How you choose to restore that order is up to you, with the freedom to shape your Inquisitor and decide how they respond to each story beat and interaction. Setting the scene for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it's well worth checking out any one of the Dragon Age games, but Inquisition is the most approachable entry with plenty of role-play goodness. Check out our Dragon Age: Inquisition review for more.

8. Persona 5 Royal

School is hard. It's even harder when you have a super-powered alter ego who spends their nights roaming through a supernatural realm, fighting the bloodthirsty, personified desires of the people around them. Persona 5 Royal is an expanded version of Persona 5, one of the best RPGs of 2017.

The expansion gives quality of life and gameplay adjustments, plus two new characters, adding even more value to the 100-hour game. Persona 5 wants you to understand each character, and Royal gives you the chance to learn about mysterious student Kasumi Yoshizawa and school counselor Takuto Maruki - you'll be entrenched in the world of Shujin Academy before you know it. Read our Persona 5 review if you want more details on why this is one of the best RPGs of all time.

7. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn't just one of the best fantasy RPGs that you can play right now, it’s also one of the best games of 2025, period! Set in a dying world where a brutal god-like figure known as the Paintress paints a number on a monolith every year (killing everyone of that age), you'll lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress before any more innocents die.

Heavily inspired by Belle Époque France aesthetics and JRPG mechanics, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is like a breath of fresh air. Combining real-time mechanics with strategic turn-based combat encounters, you'll be hooked from the get-go. In our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, we wrote how "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an outstanding visionary debut from Sandfall Interactive" and that it has "one of the most exciting and rewarding action and turn-based hybrid battle systems ever devised". It's also an emotional rollercoaster. Truly a modern masterpiece.

6. Elden Ring

Elden Ring introduces you to a breathtakingly beautiful world filled with bizarre, twisted lore that's the result of a collab between George R. R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki - and you'll never want to leave it. From poison swamps to cursed kings, The Lands Between is fascinating and fearsome. Elden Ring is an absolute beast, taking the best parts of the FromSoftware formula and injecting them with refreshing new elements that attract veteran and beginner players alike.

If you want to avoid that big, bad boss early on in the game, hop on your horse Torrent and level up a bit, or find a better weapon tucked away in a castle full of mean magicians. There are tons of options for players that mean countless permutations of weapon, armor, and stat builds; giving you so many ways to play this game you can easily justify a playthrough or two (or three). Read our Elden Ring review for more details!

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 has come a long way since it first launched in 2020, with a myriad of improvements, updates that add more to the experience, and the recent launch of the Phantom Liberty DLC featuring an espionage-shaped adventure starring Idris Elba.

Following the journey of V, who sets out to save their own life after a gig takes a very bad turn, you get swept up in the goings-on of Night City with an engram of an infamous rockerboy by the name of Johnny Silverhand, aka Keanu Reeves. With a host of characters to meet along the way - and some you can develop a relationship with if you so choose - the neon-tinted RPG takes you on quite a ride. It also has an amazing Switch 2 port, so if you are a gamer on the go, now you can experience this beauty handheld. For more details, check out our five-star Cyberpunk 2077 review.

4. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Be anyone you want. Do anything you want. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is rammed full of delirious licenses to properly live in its world. You can devote yourself to Alchemy and go hunting for a Daedra heart, adventure to the top of the Companions, or just wander around Skyrim making a living harvesting wheat and potatoes as a farmhand.

Sure, the threat of a dragon razing a nearby village is almost ever-present. But despite the incoming apocalypse, your goals in Skyrim are just that - your own. Nothing forces you to accept quests. While we wait for Elder Scrolls 6 to be released, rest assured that Skyrim boots you out into the open with some looted gear and a whole world at your feet, and then it’s up to you to find out what kind of Dragonborn you want to be.

3. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Is it cheating to put the Legendary Edition here when it's technically three games? Maybe, but I can't resist recommending the entire Mass Effect trilogy when it comes in a visually enhanced package that's easy to access and tuck into. BioWare shows off its writing chops and then some by brilliantly drawing you into one of the best sci-fi RPGs of all-time as Commander Shepard. With the first Mass Effect setting the scene for a mysterious galaxy-wide threat that only gets more ominous and compelling as the trilogy goes on, playing as Shepard is a roleplaying dream.

Deciding on dialogue options that lean into your diplomatic Paragon side, or your ruthless, get-the-job-done Renegade side, your choices will carry over and be reflected in the next two RPGs. From Mass Effect 2 flipping the script by resurrecting you from the dead and throwing you into an unforgettable suicide mission, to Mass Effect 3 rounding off the series with one of the best expansions, Mass Effect has it all – including some of the most memorable companions you'll ever meet. Check out our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review for more.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

There's nothing quite like The Witcher 3. One moment, you can help put the soul of a Noonwraith to rest, and the next, you can head to the Passiflora and engage in some heavy petting (that you paid for). With a fantastic mix of tough (but fun) combat, brilliant writing, and truly difficult decisions, The Witcher 3 will sink its hooks into you faster than you can say, "Wind's howling." Geralt of Rivia is both reviled and required by the people of this mythical world, and the tension of being an outsider in an environment growing more prejudiced by the minute is palpable.

But, as we mentioned in our Witcher 3 review, keeping busy is easy. Spend your time slaying monsters or seeking out rare armor tucked away in hard-to-reach areas - the choice is yours. And once you're done with the weighty and intense main storyline, you can simply download The Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone DLC for a few dozen more hours of hanging out with Geralt and Roach. Simply put, this is the second-best damn RPG you can play right now (especially since it got a shiny next-gen upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series X), so toss a coin to your Witcher; you've got the time – we're in for a wait for The Witcher 4, after all.

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is not only the best RPG around, but it also topped our pick of the best games of 2023. And it's no wonder when you consider the depth and breadth of Larian's adventure. In fact, we're still playing this game today, and it's raised the bar high for every new RPG that comes our way.

With so much freedom to shape your journey, the Sword Coast is a veritable playground for you to experiment - whether that be with the abilities of your chosen class, what decisions you make during major story beats, or who - if anyone - you decide to romance as you try to deal with the tadpole lodged in your brain. With a memorable cast of characters, fantastic storytelling, and choices with impactful consequences, Baldur's Gate 3 is a massively engrossing experience that is leading the charge when it comes to the modern RPG landscape. If you want to know more about our top pick for the best RPG of all time, read our Baldur's Gate 3 review.

Best RPG FAQs

For more titles, check out our list of all the new games heading our way this year and next, as well as our round-up of all the upcoming RPGs on the horizon as well.