Love role-playing games? So do we. Whether you’re casting spells in ancient dungeons or battling space creatures on distant planets, RPGs have a special way of pulling us into rich worlds where we shape our stories. That’s exactly why IGN’s ranking of the Top 100 RPGs of All Time caught our eye.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the highlights of IGN’s list, talk about what makes these games unforgettable, explore why role-playing games continue to captivate gamers around the world, and provide you with everything you need to know about discovering your next favorite RPG. So grab your controller or keyboard — it’s time to dive into the legendary world of RPGs!
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great RPG?
Before we dig into the top games, let’s talk about what makes an RPG stand out. It’s not just about swords, spells, or futuristic gear. A great RPG usually includes several key elements that distinguish it from other game genres.
Memorable Stories: The best RPGs feature gripping plots that make you care about the world and its inhabitants. A compelling narrative can transform a game from entertaining to unforgettable. Games like The Witcher 3 prove that storytelling is just as important as gameplay mechanics. The best RPG stories often explore complex themes, moral ambiguity, and character development that rivals literature and film.
Character Choice and Agency: Decisions that impact the story and shape your journey are fundamental to the RPG experience. Whether it’s dialogue choices that alter NPC relationships or major plot points that change based on your actions, player agency makes RPGs feel personal and replayable. This is what separates a linear action game from a true role-playing experience.
Immersive Worlds: Whether fantasy or sci-fi, the setting pulls you into its lore and culture. The best RPG worlds feel lived-in, with their own histories, politics, and cultures. From the Nordic wilderness of Skyrim to the cosmic scope of Mass Effect, world-building is crucial. Players want to explore every corner and uncover hidden lore.
Leveling Up & Customization: Upgrading skills, unlocking abilities, and building your character your way gives players a sense of progression and ownership. Whether it’s a deep character creation system or meaningful progression trees, customization options keep players engaged for dozens or hundreds of hours.
Combat Systems: Whether turn-based or real-time, engaging combat is essential. The best RPGs balance challenge with accessibility, offering both difficulty options and combat mechanics that reward skill and strategy.
Loot and Rewards: Let’s be honest — we all love collecting loot, unlocking epic weapons, and taking down powerful bosses. The satisfaction of finding a rare item or defeating a legendary boss is a core part of the RPG experience.
Understanding Different RPG Subgenres
The RPG genre is incredibly diverse, with many different subgenres and styles. Understanding these can help you find the perfect game for your preferences.
Action RPGs: These games prioritize real-time combat over turn-based systems. Games like the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Monster Hunter World offer fast-paced, skill-based combat. Action RPGs require quick reflexes but offer immediate, visceral gameplay that many players find thrilling.
Turn-Based RPGs: The classic style where combat happens in rounds, allowing for strategic planning. Persona 5, Dragon Quest, and the original Final Fantasy games fall into this category. Turn-based combat rewards careful planning and party composition.
JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games): Known for their character-driven stories, anime-influenced aesthetics, and innovative combat systems. Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Tales series are legendary in this space. JRPGs often feature ensemble casts and coming-of-age narratives.
Western RPGs: Often featuring expansive open worlds, player choice, and moral complexity. The Elder Scrolls series, Baldur’s Gate, and Dragon Age series are prime examples. Western RPGs emphasize freedom and player agency.
CRPGs (Computer RPGs): Classic computer-based RPGs like Baldur’s Gate, Planescape: Torment, and Divinity: Original Sin. These often feature deep character creation and complex rule systems.
MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs): Games like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online allow thousands of players to inhabit the same world. MMORPGs combine single-player RPG elements with persistent online communities.
Indie RPGs: The indie scene has produced amazing RPGs like Undertale, Disco Elysium, and Hollow Knight. These often innovate within genre constraints and offer unique perspectives.
Highlights From IGN’s Top 100 RPGs List
IGN’s editors pulled together classics and modern masterpieces from across the globe. They didn’t just stack the latest hits — they blended historical influence, player impact, and innovation. Here are some notable titles featured in the ranking, with deeper analysis of why they deserve their spots.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Spoiler alert: This game ranks very high on the list — and for good reason. Breath of the Wild revolutionized game design by prioritizing player freedom above all else. With its open-world exploration, puzzle-like shrines, and dynamic weather systems, the game redefined what we expect from RPGs and adventure games alike.
The genius of Breath of the Wild lies in its approach to non-linearity. You can climb mountains, explore in any direction, and tackle objectives in virtually any order. The game respects player choice in ways that few others do. You can climb, cook, explore, and battle in whatever order you choose. Total freedom!
The shrine system deserves special mention — over 100 small dungeons scattered throughout the world, each offering unique puzzles and combat challenges. The cooking system adds another layer, allowing players to experiment with ingredient combinations to create powerful meals and elixirs. The game’s physics engine enables countless creative solutions to problems, making player experimentation rewarding.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This one is a fan-favorite, and it’s easy to see why. With its rich storytelling, morally gray decisions, and dark fantasy world, The Witcher 3 offers one of the most cinematic RPG experiences ever made. CD Projekt Red proved that RPGs could rival AAA action games in production value while maintaining deep RPG mechanics.
You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster-hunting mercenary trying to save the world and protect your adopted daughter Ciri. The main story is compelling, but what truly sets The Witcher 3 apart is its side content. The side quests here are better than the main missions in many other games, featuring complex characters, moral dilemmas, and consequences that feel earned.
The game’s dialogue system emphasizes naturalistic conversations rather than traditional dialogue trees. Conversations flow organically, and your choices often have subtle but significant impacts on the world. The romance options, particularly with Yennefer and Triss, are among the most well-developed in gaming.
The two expansions — Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine — are masterclasses in DLC design, offering stories that rival the base game’s quality. Blood and Wine alone provides dozens of hours of content and serves as a more satisfying ending for Geralt’s story than the base game’s conclusion.
3. Final Fantasy Series
Several titles from the Final Fantasy franchise made the list — and it’s well-deserved. The series has been defining and redefining the JRPG genre for over three decades. From the pixel art beauty of Final Fantasy VI to the emotional rollercoaster of Final Fantasy X, these games have shaped the RPG genre and influenced countless developers.
Final Fantasy VI is often considered the pinnacle of 16-bit RPGs, featuring an ensemble cast, a genuinely menacing villain in Kefka, and a narrative that subverts traditional hero narratives. The game’s second half completely changes the paradigm after a shocking mid-game plot twist.
Final Fantasy VII revolutionized gaming when it launched on PlayStation, bringing three-dimensional graphics and cinematic presentation to RPGs. Cloud Strife became an iconic protagonist, and the game’s emotional narrative, particularly surrounding Aerith’s fate, remains impactful decades later. The recent remake successfully modernizes the game while introducing new twists on the classic story.
Final Fantasy X pioneered voice acting in JRPGs and featured one of gaming’s most poignant love stories. The game’s sphere grid system offered both linear and customizable character progression paths, while the turn-based combat remained engaging throughout.
If you’ve never played one, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a fantastic starting point for newcomers, offering familiar characters and story beats with completely redesigned combat systems and expanded narrative scope.
4. Mass Effect 2
Looking for something more cosmic? Mass Effect 2 delivers space drama like no other. As Commander Shepard, your choices determine who lives, who dies, and whether the galaxy is saved. The game perfectly balances action gameplay with RPG mechanics and storytelling.
What makes Mass Effect 2 special is the squad system. Each teammate has a distinct personality, background, and set of relationships with other squad members. The loyalty missions—personal quests that unlock special abilities and bonuses—deepen your connection to these characters. By the game’s climactic suicide mission, you genuinely care about their survival.
The cast is unforgettable — from the loyal turian Garrus and the capable quarian Tali to the mysterious and morally ambiguous Illusive Man. The game tackles themes of redemption, loyalty, and the cost of salvation. Your choices throughout the game directly impact who survives the final mission, creating high stakes that matter.
The romance options are excellent, ranging from the passionate Tali to the mysterious Jack to the stoic Miranda. These relationships feel earned rather than given, requiring multiple conversations and loyalty demonstrations.
5. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Who hasn’t heard “Fus Ro Dah” at least once? Skyrim put players in a massive open world filled with dragons, magic, and endless quests. The game has sold over 30 million copies across multiple platforms, making it one of gaming’s most successful titles.
Skyrim’s greatest strength is its sheer scope and freedom. The game respects player agency in ways that few open-world games do. Want to ignore the main story about the dragon crisis? You can. Prefer to become a master thief rather than a warrior? Go for it. Want to become a vampire, a werewolf, or a daedric prince’s champion? The game accommodates all of these paths.
The modding community has kept Skyrim alive for over a decade, with thousands of mods ranging from quality-of-life improvements to complete overhauls of game systems. The Creation Kit allows players to create and share their own content, extending the game’s lifespan indefinitely.
The world feels lived-in, with NPCs following daily schedules and reacting dynamically to player actions. Major cities like Markarth, Whiterun, and Solitude feel like real places with political conflicts and social hierarchies.
Other Notable Entries Worth Exploring
While the top spots get most of the love, IGN’s list covers a wide variety of genres, platforms, and eras. Here are more gems worth checking out:
Persona 5 is a stylish blend of turn-based combat and high school life in Tokyo. The game’s art direction, music, and character writing set it apart from other JRPGs. Managing relationships, attending classes, and exploring Shibuya feels as important as dungeon crawling. The 100+ hour campaign justifies its length through constant character development and narrative momentum.
Dragon Age: Origins presents classic medieval fantasy with branching storylines and party dynamics. The game’s origin stories allow different perspectives on the same narrative, providing tremendous replayability. The Tactics system makes combat feel strategic and intentional rather than reflexive.
Chrono Trigger remains a time-travel masterpiece featuring lovable characters, incredible music by Yasunori Mitsuda, and a narrative structure that rewards multiple playthroughs. It’s a true SNES legend that defined the JRPG formula.
Undertale is a quirky indie hit where empathy and negotiation are just as powerful as strength. The game subverts RPG conventions by allowing players to complete the entire game without killing enemies. Multiple endings reward different playstyles and approaches.
Baldur’s Gate 3 represents the current evolution of computer RPGs, featuring unprecedented player choice and consequence. The game’s reactivity to player decisions creates nearly infinite narrative possibilities.
Planescape: Torment prioritizes story and dialogue above all else, featuring some of gaming’s best writing. The game proves that an RPG doesn’t need fast combat or action to be compelling.
Fallout: New Vegas is widely considered the best game in the Fallout franchise, offering exceptional writing, multiple faction paths, and meaningful player choice that shapes the ending significantly.
RPGs: Not Just About Combat
What makes RPGs so addicting isn’t just the epic boss fights or crazy loot drops. It’s the way these games make us feel. You’re not just playing a game — you’re living a story. Whether it’s making a tough moral choice in Fallout or romancing a squadmate in Dragon Age, RPGs give players agency.
The best RPGs feature systems that support multiple playstyles. A warrior character should feel different from a mage character not just in combat mechanics but in how NPCs react to them. A rogue should have options in conversations that a paladin wouldn’t. This variation encourages multiple playthroughs.
Character relationships and romance options have become increasingly sophisticated. Modern RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 feature complex, nuanced romance options that require genuine effort and compatibility to develop. These relationships feel meaningful rather than transactional.
The moral complexity of modern RPGs has evolved considerably. Gone are the days of simple good versus evil choices. Games now present genuinely difficult decisions with no clear right answer. Should you save an innocent person or the greater good? Should you preserve your own humanity or gain power at any cost?
Environmental storytelling—conveying narrative through level design, environmental details, and object placement—has become a hallmark of great RPGs. Walking through a fallen civilization and piecing together its history through architecture and scattered items can be just as impactful as explicit dialogue.
The Evolution of RPGs: From Tabletop to Modern Gaming
RPGs evolved from tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, which emphasized player agency, imagination, and collaborative storytelling. Early computer RPGs like Ultima and Wizardry translated these concepts to digital format, establishing conventions that persist today.
The 1990s saw massive innovation with games like Final Fantasy VII, Chrono Trigger, and Baldur’s Gate establishing what modern RPGs could be. The PlayStation era brought RPGs to mainstream audiences with better graphics, more cinematic presentation, and increasingly complex narratives.
The 2000s brought the rise of action RPGs and MMORPGs. Games like Oblivion and Mass Effect pioneered new approaches to dialogue and player agency. World of Warcraft created a persistent online world that redefined what RPGs could be in a multiplayer context.
The 2010s saw incredible diversity, from indie darlings like Undertale and Disco Elysium to massive releases like The Witcher 3 and Bloodborne. Open-world design became standard, and player expectations for narrative quality and player choice increased substantially.
The 2020s continue this trend with games like Baldur’s Gate 3 pushing the boundaries of reactive narrative design and player agency to unprecedented levels.
Finding Your Perfect RPG
With hundreds of quality RPGs available, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Consider what aspects of RPGs appeal to you most:
If you love story and characters: Try The Witcher 3, Disco Elysium, Planescape: Torment, or Final Fantasy X. These games prioritize narrative and character development.
If you prefer action-oriented gameplay: Bloodborne, Dark Souls, Monster Hunter World, or Elden Ring offer challenging, real-time combat with RPG progression systems.
If you want maximum player choice: Baldur’s Gate 3, Fallout: New Vegas, or Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion let you shape the story significantly through your decisions.
If you’re new to JRPGs: Start with Persona 5, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, or Final Fantasy VII Remake for excellent introductions to the genre.
If you prefer indie games: Undertale, Disco Elysium, Hollow Knight, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 offer unique perspectives and innovative mechanics.
If you enjoy multiplayer experiences: World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, or Elder Scrolls Online provide persistent online worlds with engaging stories and communities.
Let’s Get Personal
I remember staying up ’til 3 AM playing Final Fantasy IX during summer vacation. There was something magical about getting lost in Gaia’s world, collecting every Eidolon, and building up my party before that final battle against Kefka. That’s what RPGs do — they stick with us. Years later, the memories still feel fresh.
The soundtrack alone—composed by Nobuo Uematsu—becomes permanently embedded in your memory. The character interactions feel genuine and emotionally resonant. Watching Vivi come to age as a mage while grappling with existential questions about his nature creates unexpected depth.
That’s the magic of RPGs — they transcend being “just games.” They become experiences we remember fondly for decades, sharing memories with friends about crucial story moments and epic battles.
Why This List Matters
IGN’s Top 100 isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s a snapshot of how far gaming — especially role-playing games — has come. From old-school turn-based combat to giant open worlds, today’s RPGs are more ambitious, beautiful, and personal than ever.
The list serves multiple purposes. It honors the games that defined the genre and influences how we design and play RPGs today. It acknowledges cultural differences between Japanese and Western RPG design philosophies, and how both have evolved to influence each other.
The list also provides perspective on which games have had lasting impact versus which faded over time. Some titles that were blockbusters at launch fell away, while overlooked gems continued to find new audiences. This list helps separate short-term hype from genuine long-term quality.
And this list gives new players a solid guidepost. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where should I start with RPGs?” — IGN just gave you 100 killer options. Rather than randomly trying games, you can start with universally acclaimed titles that have stood the test of time.
The Impact of Indie RPGs
While AAA studios dominate headlines, indie RPGs have revolutionized the genre with creative new ideas and fresh perspectives. Games like Undertale proved that production budget isn’t necessary for emotional impact. Disco Elysium demonstrated that RPGs could be text-heavy and dialogue-driven while remaining engaging and memorable.
Indie RPGs often take risks that larger studios avoid. They experiment with genre conventions, question established systems, and explore themes that AAA games typically sidestep. The relatively low barrier to entry has allowed diverse voices to contribute to the RPG space.
The success of games like Hollow Knight (over 3 million copies sold), Undertale (over 5 million copies), and Disco Elysium (over 1 million copies) proves that players hunger for innovative, creative experiences regardless of graphical fidelity or production scale.
The Role of Modding Communities
Many of the most enduring RPGs have thriving modding communities that extend their lifespans indefinitely. Skyrim, Fallout: New Vegas, and the Elder Scrolls series have mod communities creating thousands of additions, improvements, and entirely new content.
Modding has become so integral to these games that “vanilla” (unmodded) players are sometimes considered to be missing out on the full experience. Quality-of-life mods fix issues that the developer didn’t address. Overhaul mods completely redesign game systems. Expansion mods add new questlines and regions.
This community aspect turns RPGs into platforms for creative expression. Players become creators, contributing their own visions to beloved worlds. This creative potential extends a game’s lifespan from years to decades.
Looking Forward: The Future of RPGs
The RPG genre continues to evolve with new technologies and changing player expectations. Several trends suggest where RPGs are heading:
Increased player agency and reactivity: Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 demonstrate that players expect their choices to meaningfully impact the narrative. Future RPGs will need to offer even more branching paths and consequences.
Blurred genre lines: RPG mechanics are increasingly incorporated into other genres. Battle royales feature RPG progression systems. Action games include dialogue choices and character relationships. The lines between genres continue to blur.
Improved AI and procedural generation: AI systems may enable more dynamic NPCs and quest generation, creating experiences that feel fresh across multiple playthroughs.
Accessibility improvements: Future RPGs will increasingly cater to diverse player needs with difficulty options, customizable controls, and assistance features that allow more people to enjoy these games.
Virtual and augmented reality: As VR technology improves, new possibilities for immersive RPG experiences emerge. Imagine exploring a fantasy world in full VR or experiencing AR-enhanced tabletop gaming.
Final Thoughts: So Many Worlds to Explore
One of the best things about RPGs is their diversity. Some are light and fun, others dark and complex. You might spend hours customizing your armor or just chatting with villagers. RPGs are about choices — yours. Whether you’re new to the genre or a hardcore veteran who’s played through hundreds of titles, there’s always another epic tale waiting.
The fact that IGN’s editors could only narrow the list to 100 games speaks to the incredible variety and quality of RPGs available today. There are undoubtedly brilliant RPGs that didn’t make the cut simply due to space constraints. The competition is fierce, and the quality bar is incredibly high.
So what’s your favorite RPG of all time? Did IGN leave one off the list that you think deserves a spot? The beauty of rankings is that they spark conversation and introduce people to games they might have missed. Your favorite game might not be ranked highest, but its impact on you is what truly matters.
The RPG genre will continue evolving, but its core appeal will endure: the chance to become someone else, to explore fantastic worlds, to make meaningful choices, and to experience stories that resonate with us long after the credits roll.
Quick Recap – What You’ll Find in IGN’s Top 100 RPGs List
Navigating the full list of 100 games, you’ll discover an incredible diversity of content:
Classic and modern RPGs — from the original Dragon Quest to contemporary masterpieces like Divinity: Original Sin 2. The list spans decades of gaming history, ensuring both nostalgia and discovery.
Console and PC games — a wide mix of platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and PC. No gaming platform is neglected, reflecting the multi-platform nature of modern gaming.
Western and Japanese RPGs — great games from across the globe. The list honors the distinct design philosophies and aesthetics of both regions while celebrating their increasing cross-pollination.
Single-player stories and multiplayer options — whether you prefer intimate personal narratives or shared online experiences with thousands of other players.
Various sub-genres — action RPGs, turn-based RPGs, tactical RPGs, MMORPGs, roguelikes with RPG elements, and everything in between.
If you’re passionate about story-driven games, character building, changing the world one decision at a time, and exploring incredible worlds, this list is your treasure map. It provides direction without limiting your journey, offering 100 proven paths to RPG excellence.
Ready to roll the dice on your next adventure? Pick a game that appeals to you, clear your schedule, and prepare for the life-changing experience that only the best RPGs can provide. Your next favorite game is waiting on that list—and it might just become one of your most cherished gaming memories.