Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re a fan of epic storytelling, character development, and worlds that suck you in for hours, then you’re probably always on the lookout for the next great RPG (Role-Playing Game) to dive into. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned player, there’s never been a better time to explore what RPGs have to offer.
From open-world adventures to turn-based classics, we’ve rounded up the best RPG games every gamer should try—right now! These titles are packed with exciting gameplay, immersive narratives, and unforgettable characters that will stick with you long after you’ve put down the controller.
What Makes a Good RPG? Understanding the Core Elements
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly break down what makes an RPG so special. Typically, a good RPG includes several essential components that work together to create an immersive gaming experience.
Character Customization: You get to choose how your hero looks, acts, and fights. Whether it’s selecting your race, class, appearance, or personality traits, character customization allows you to create a protagonist that feels like an extension of yourself. This personal investment makes your journey through the game world feel more meaningful and connected.
Story-Driven Gameplay: A rich plot that keeps you invested from start to finish is the backbone of any great RPG. The narrative should evolve based on your decisions and actions, creating a sense of agency and importance to your role in the world. Whether it’s an epic quest to save the world or a personal journey of self-discovery, compelling storytelling is non-negotiable.
Exploration: Massive worlds full of secrets, quests, and challenges give RPGs their sense of scale and wonder. The best RPGs reward curiosity with hidden treasures, optional dungeons, powerful gear, and lore that deepens your understanding of the game world. Every cave, tower, and hidden grove should feel worth discovering.
Choice and Consequences: Your decisions affect how the story unfolds, creating multiple possible endings and playthroughs. This element makes RPGs incredibly replayable, as different choices lead to different outcomes, relationships, and story paths.
Character Development and Progression: Whether through leveling systems, skill trees, or ability upgrades, RPGs should provide a sense of progression that makes your character feel increasingly powerful and capable. This progression should feel rewarding and impactful on gameplay.
The Evolution of RPG Gaming: From Classic to Modern
The RPG genre has come a long way since its inception. What started as text-based adventures and tabletop games has evolved into sprawling digital worlds with cinematic storytelling and cutting-edge graphics. Understanding the history of RPGs helps appreciate how far the genre has come.
The classic RPG era gave us turn-based combat, grid-based movement, and deep character stat systems. Games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest established many conventions we still see today. The isometric RPGs of the 1990s, such as Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment, demonstrated that complex narratives and choices could drive engaging gameplay.
The 2000s brought the rise of action RPGs, blending real-time combat with deep character progression systems. The Legend of Zelda series influenced countless action RPGs, showing how exploration and puzzle-solving could complement combat mechanics. Meanwhile, games like Knights of the Old Republic proved that licensed properties could yield exceptional RPG experiences.
Today’s RPG landscape is incredibly diverse. We have massive open-world games, narrative-focused experiences, roguelike RPGs with procedural generation, tactical strategy RPGs, and everything in between. The genre continues to evolve, with indie developers pushing boundaries alongside major studios.
The Best RPG Games to Play Right Now
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – A Masterclass in Narrative Design
This game is often considered one of the top RPGs of all time, and for good reason. In The Witcher 3, you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster-hunting mercenary with a complicated past. With its massive open world, rich storytelling, and complex choices, this game offers hundreds of hours of gameplay that will keep you engaged long after the main quest concludes.
Why You’ll Love It:
The deep narrative is full of political intrigue, emotional moments, and memorable characters that rival those in premium television dramas. Every NPC feels like they have their own story and motivations. The side quests are exceptional—even the small jobs feel like mini-stories with their own arcs, character development, and moral dilemmas.
The beautiful visuals range from war-torn villages to enchanted forests, all rendered in stunning detail. Whether you’re exploring the bustling city of Novigrad, the coastal regions of Skellige, or the monster-infested wilderness, each environment feels alive and distinct.
The romance options are sophisticated and meaningful, with multiple potential partners offering different perspectives on Geralt’s journey. Your relationship choices have genuine consequences for the story’s ending.
Pro Tips for New Players: Take time to complete side quests and read the codex entries to understand the lore. Invest in your gear and potions—they’re not optional for higher difficulties. Don’t rush the main story; the DLC expansions “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine” are essential experiences that many consider superior to the base game.
2. Elden Ring – Collaboration Masterpiece
If you enjoy challenging combat and open-ended exploration, Elden Ring should be at the top of your list. Designed by the legendary FromSoftware and with a world crafted by George R.R. Martin, it brings brutal difficulty and breathtaking landscapes together like never before. This collaboration between gaming developer and fantasy author created something truly special.
What Sets It Apart:
Freedom of exploration is absolute—go anywhere, tackle any boss, at your own pace. The open-world design respects player agency, allowing multiple approaches to progression. Unlike previous FromSoftware titles with their linear level design, Elden Ring lets you explore the Lands Between in any order you choose.
Combat mastery develops gradually as every enemy teaches you something new about timing, positioning, and strategy. The satisfaction of defeating a boss after countless attempts is unmatched in gaming.
The lore-rich world rewards careful attention. Piecing together the story through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and NPC dialogue is an adventure in itself. The mysterious Elden Ring itself and the various Demigods create an intriguing narrative wrapped in intentional obscurity.
The Summon system allows cooperative play or spirit ash summons, letting you tackle difficult bosses with assistance or solo for maximum challenge. This flexibility makes the game accessible while maintaining its difficulty reputation.
Tip for New Players: If you’re new to Souls-like games, expect to die often—but that makes every victory that much sweeter. Don’t be discouraged by failure; it’s part of the learning process. Explore thoroughly before engaging bosses, as better gear might be nearby. Consider trying different weapons and playstyles to find what resonates with your preferences.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – A Timeless Classic
Skyrim might be over a decade old, but it’s still one of the most popular RPGs of all time. Why? Because the freedom it offers is unmatched. Want to be an archer who only eats cheese? Go for it. Rather become a vampire assassin? That’s totally an option too.
Standout Features:
The massive open world stretches from snowy peaks to ancient ruins, with distinct regions each offering unique aesthetics and cultures. The province of Skyrim feels genuinely explorable, with hidden caves, dungeons, and points of interest rewarding curiosity at every turn.
The modding community is vibrant and extensive, allowing you to extend your adventure with endless fan-made content. From graphical overhauls to complete quest packs, the modding scene keeps Skyrim fresh even after hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Freedom of play lets you live the story you want, at your own pace. The main questline is just one of many narratives available. Guild questlines offer their own rewards and stories. Daedric quests provide morally questionable adventures. You might ignore all of these and simply roleplay as a merchant or craftsperson.
Skyrim is the kind of game where you might set off to complete a quest—and three hours later, you’ve cleared a cave, adopted a dog, and learned a new shout.
Why It Still Holds Up: Despite its age, Skyrim remains relevant because the core gameplay loop is solid, and the modding community continuously refreshes the experience. Whether you’re playing on original platforms or newer systems, Skyrim remains accessible and enjoyable.
4. Persona 5 Royal – Style Meets Substance
This Japanese RPG is stylish, emotional, and offers a completely different RPG experience. In Persona 5 Royal, you’re a high school student by day and a Phantom Thief by night, stealing the hearts of corrupt adults to change society. Sounds wild? It is—and it’s brilliant.
Why It Stands Out:
Turn-based combat meets life simulation, allowing you to battle monsters one moment and study for exams the next. This balance between dungeon crawling and social life gives the game unique rhythm and pacing.
The incredible soundtrack and visuals make it feel like you’re playing in a living anime. Every UI element is stylish, every menu transition has personality, and the music perfectly complements every moment.
Deep character relationships help you form bonds that unlock new storylines and powers. The Social Link system ensures that every party member feels important and developed. Watching these characters grow throughout the year-long narrative is emotionally rewarding.
The narrative tackles serious themes including mental health, abuse, and social justice, all wrapped in a compelling adventure that respects its audience’s intelligence.
For New Players: If you’re looking for an RPG with heart, style, and substance, Persona 5 Royal is a must-play. Note that it’s a long game—expect 100+ hours for a complete experience. Take your time enjoying the story rather than rushing to complete it. The game rewards exploration and spending time with your confidants.
5. Mass Effect Legendary Edition – Space Opera Excellence
This collection brings all three classic Mass Effect games together in one improved package. You’ll step into the role of Commander Shepard, leading a team across the galaxy to stop a terrifying enemy known as the Reapers. The Legendary Edition modernizes these classics while preserving what made them special.
Key Highlights:
Cinematic storytelling means your choices ripple across all three games, with decisions in the first game affecting outcomes in the sequels. Your imported save data determines which characters live or die, which alliances form or break, and how the galactic community views humanity.
Rich world-building lets you dive into a universe full of unique alien species and lore. The codex entries provide deep lore for those interested in learning about the universe’s history, technology, and cultures.
Improved graphics and gameplay make this a smooth modern experience. The Legendary Edition fixed many technical issues that plagued the originals while maintaining the spirit of the original designs.
The relationship and romance mechanics are sophisticated, allowing you to form genuine connections with your squad mates. These relationships affect morale, combat effectiveness, and story outcomes.
Why the Legendary Edition Matters: While the original games are available, the Legendary Edition represents the best way to experience this trilogy. The improvements to graphics, controls, and overall polish make these games feel less dated while preserving their legendary status in gaming history.
6. Divinity: Original Sin II – Tactical Masterpiece
Do you love team-based strategy and party customization? Then you’ll feel at home with Divinity: Original Sin II. This gem lets you play solo or co-op with friends in a fantasy world brimming with magic, mystery, and unexpected twists. It’s a love letter to classic CRPGs with modern game design sensibilities.
What Makes It Special:
Tactical, turn-based combat requires you to outsmart your enemies with creative strategies. The environment plays a crucial role in battles—you can create oil puddles and ignite them, freeze water to create ice bridges, or use high ground for advantages. Combat feels like a puzzle where multiple solutions exist.
Endless choices mean nearly every action changes the world around you. Dialogue has no correct answers—just different perspectives. The same quest can be resolved in multiple ways, each with distinct consequences.
Local and online co-op lets you play with a friend and see how your choices clash or align. Playing cooperatively can actually change the game’s dynamics, as player characters might have conflicting goals.
Incredible character creation and party customization let you create detailed characters with unique backstories. The potential for different party compositions and playstyles is massive.
For Strategic Gamers: If you enjoy games where your decisions carry weight and tactical combat matters, this one’s for you. However, be prepared for a challenging experience—this game doesn’t hold your hand.
7. Cyberpunk 2077 (After Updates) – A Second Look
When it first launched, Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky start. But with recent updates and the fantastic expansion “Phantom Liberty,” it’s becoming the game it always aimed to be—an ambitious, story-rich RPG set in a neon-soaked future.
Why Reconsider It Now:
The engaging story is set in a dystopian world that feels alive with detail. Night City is one of gaming’s best-realized metropolitan areas, packed with verticality, diverse districts, and dynamic events.
Fast-paced combat combines gunplay with hacking mechanics, creating varied tactical approaches. Your skill choices and augmentations dramatically affect your playstyle.
Endless customization means your playstyle, your story—whether you’re a corporate ninja, a street-smart fixer, or a nomad outsider, your origins shape your narrative.
The Phantom Liberty expansion significantly improves the game with its focused story, new characters, and refined mechanics.
Think of it like: Blade Runner meets GTA but with deeper storytelling and character progression. The games share similar cyberpunk aesthetics but Cyberpunk 2077 leans heavily into narrative and character development.
Current State Recommendation: If you skipped it at launch, now is the time to revisit. The game has significantly improved and provides a unique RPG experience unlike others on this list.
Understanding Different RPG Subgenres
The RPG genre encompasses several distinct subgenres, each with unique characteristics and appeals:
Action RPGs blend real-time combat with deep character progression. Games like Dark Souls, Sekiro, and The Legend of Zelda series define this space. These games prioritize player skill alongside character stats, creating a more dynamic combat experience.
Turn-Based RPGs emphasize tactical decision-making during combat. Pokémon, Fire Emblem, and Final Fantasy demonstrate how turn-based systems can remain engaging. These games often feature elaborate battle systems with elemental weaknesses, status effects, and positioning mechanics.
Tactical RPGs place heavy emphasis on grid-based combat and strategic positioning. Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre established conventions many games still follow. These often feature branching narratives and permadeath mechanics.
Western RPGs typically feature first-person perspectives, character classes, and complex dialogue trees. The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout franchise exemplify this approach, prioritizing player freedom and role-playing.
Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) often feature character-driven narratives, distinctive visual styles, and intricate turn-based combat. Series like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and Persona define the JRPG experience.
Roguelike RPGs combine procedural generation with RPG mechanics. Games like Hades, Dead Cells, and Risk of Rain 2 create replayable experiences where each run differs from the last.
Indie RPGs have emerged as powerful alternatives to AAA titles, with games like Undertale, Disco Elysium, and Baldur’s Gate 3 proving that independent developers can create exceptional RPG experiences.
Tips for Getting Started with RPGs
New to the genre? Here are several tips to maximize your RPG experience:
Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the story—enjoy the world-building. RPGs are designed for extended play sessions. Savor dialogue, explore thoroughly, and appreciate the narrative pacing. Rushing diminishes the experience.
Explore Everything: Talk to NPCs, read hidden notes, and take side quests. You never know what gems you’ll find tucked away in unexpected places. Many RPGs reward curiosity with powerful equipment, character development, or story revelations.
Play Your Way: Whether you’re a stealthy rogue, a dialogue-heavy diplomat, or a straightforward warrior, RPGs are about doing what feels right to you. There’s rarely one “correct” way to play.
Adjust Difficulty Settings: Most modern RPGs offer adjustable difficulty. Choose a level that challenges you without causing frustration. You can always adjust later if the difficulty doesn’t feel right.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: In many RPGs, failure is part of the experience. You’ll miss optional content, make dialogue choices you regret, or lose battles—and that’s okay. These moments create memorable stories and give you reasons to replay.
Read the Tutorials: RPGs often have complex mechanics. Take time with tutorials to understand systems before dismissing them.
Engage with the Story: Pay attention to dialogue and narrative details. RPGs reward attention with deeper appreciation for their worlds and characters.
RPG Gaming Hardware and Settings Recommendations
Getting the most from your RPG experience often depends on your gaming platform and settings:
PC Gaming offers flexibility with customizable graphics settings, modding support, and access to a wide variety of indie RPGs. High refresh rate monitors enhance action RPGs significantly.
Console Gaming (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch) provides optimized experiences with guaranteed performance. Each platform has exclusive RPGs worth playing.
Handheld Gaming (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck) makes RPGs portable. Turn-based games work particularly well on handhelds.
Graphics Settings: Modern RPGs benefit from high resolution, ray tracing, and high frame rates, but solid gameplay matters more than visual fidelity. Adjust settings to your preference and hardware capabilities.
Building Your RPG Library: A Comprehensive Roadmap
Starting an RPG collection can feel overwhelming. Here’s a strategic approach:
Start with Acclaimed Classics: Begin with games that have proven themselves over time. The Witcher 3, Skyrim, and Mass Effect Legendary Edition offer accessible entry points with exceptional quality.
Explore Different Subgenres: Try action RPGs, turn-based RPGs, and tactical RPGs to understand your preferences. What appeals to one person might not appeal to another.
Don’t Skip Indie RPGs: Many independent developers create exceptional RPG experiences. These often experiment with genre conventions in interesting ways.
Revisit Older Games: Many excellent RPGs from earlier generations hold up remarkably well. Final Fantasy VII (and its Remake), Chrono Trigger, and Baldur’s Gate 3 represent RPG excellence across decades.
Keep a List: Track games you want to play. RPGs require significant time investments—organize your wishlist to prepare for longer adventures ahead.
Common RPG Misconceptions Debunked
“RPGs are too time-consuming”: While many RPGs are lengthy, this is a feature, not a bug. You control your pace. Many RPGs allow you to skip optional content and focus on the main story if time is limited.
“RPGs are only for hardcore gamers”: Modern RPGs offer adjustable difficulty and varied gameplay styles. Games like Final Fantasy VII Remake democratize the genre without sacrificing depth.
“All RPGs are similar”: The genre encompasses incredible variety—from intimate character-driven narratives to massive open-world adventures to tactics-focused experiences.
“You need to play in release order”: While continuity matters in some series, most RPGs stand alone. Play what interests you, then explore related titles.
“Story doesn’t matter in games”: For RPGs specifically, narrative is often central to the experience. The genre celebrates storytelling as a core element.
The Future of RPG Gaming
The RPG genre continues to evolve with exciting developments on the horizon:
Next-Generation Graphics: As hardware improves, RPG worlds become increasingly detailed and immersive. Ray tracing, advanced AI, and improved rendering create more believable game worlds.
Emerging Technologies: Virtual reality presents new possibilities for RPG immersion. Imagine stepping into your character’s shoes in a fully realized VR world.
Narrative Innovation: Games increasingly experiment with storytelling mechanics, player agency, and the relationship between choices and consequences.
Cross-Platform Play: More RPGs support cross-platform multiplayer, breaking down barriers between console and PC players.
AI-Driven Content: Procedural generation and AI systems create increasingly dynamic game worlds that respond to player actions in sophisticated ways.
Indie Innovation: Independent developers continue pushing RPG boundaries, often proving that innovation matters more than budget.
Conclusion: Your RPG Journey Awaits
There’s no shortage of amazing RPGs out there, but the ones on this list are truly something special. Whether you’re roaming the wild lands of Temeria in The Witcher 3, stealing hearts in Persona 5 Royal, navigating the galaxy in Mass Effect, or exploring the Lands Between in Elden Ring, these games offer unforgettable stories and worlds worth getting lost in.
Each game on this list represents excellence in different aspects of the RPG genre. The Witcher 3 demonstrates narrative mastery. Elden Ring showcases world design and challenge. Skyrim emphasizes freedom and player agency. Persona 5 Royal delivers emotional storytelling with style. Mass Effect proves how choices ripple through an entire universe. Divinity: Original Sin II shows tactical depth and cooperation. Cyberpunk 2077 provides immersive cyberpunk storytelling.
Your perfect RPG likely exists on this list—you just need to find the experience that matches your interests and playstyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About RPGs
Q: What’s the best RPG for beginners? A: The Witcher 3 or Skyrim are excellent starting points. Both offer adjustable difficulty and accessible gameplay while providing sufficient depth for experienced players.
Q: How long do RPGs take to complete? A: Completion times vary dramatically. Some take 30-50 hours, while others like Skyrim or Persona 5 Royal can exceed 100 hours. Most RPGs on this list offer 60-100 hours of gameplay.
Q: Are RPGs only on console? A: No, RPGs are available across PC, consoles, handhelds, and mobile devices. Each platform has exclusive titles and advantages.
Q: Do I need to play games in order? A: Most RPGs are standalone experiences. Series often allow playing in any order, though some (like Mass Effect) benefit from sequential play.
Q: What’s the difference between RPGs and action-adventure games? A: RPGs emphasize character progression, stat systems, and role-playing elements. Action-adventure games focus more on action mechanics and puzzle-solving.
So, which RPG game will you try next? Are you drawn to fantasy, sci-fi, or something in between?
Whatever your choice, make sure you’ve cleared your schedule—these games have a way of keeping you hooked! The world of RPG gaming is vast, rewarding, and waiting for your next adventure. Happy gaming!