Summary
- Mass Effect 2 focused on world-building, refined gameplay, and engaging side missions for a captivating RPG experience.
- Skyrim offered immense player freedom, stunning environments, and groundbreaking RPG gameplay despite dated combat.
- Dragon's Dogma 2 impressed with its flexible Pawn system, dynamic world, and difficulty, keeping players engaged and enthralled.
Considering how long role-playing games have been around, and the staggering number of groundbreaking titles that have been released within the genre over the years, it's understandable why a new RPG on the horizon would be so hyped up by fans. Of course, not every release will manage to meet fan expectations, and sometimes, it can take a few updates and adjustments for the game to be at its very best.
8 Most Iconic RPG Open Worlds Ever Made
Open-world games are the shining star of the gaming industry. Of the many settings found within this genre, these are the most timeless and iconic.
With that being said, though, there's no better feeling than diving into a long and enthralling RPG that manages to fire on all cylinders, from the story to the characters, all the way to the in-depth gameplay loop. While these role-playing games listed below had a lot of hype building up to their release, they succeeded in being just as fun and enjoyable as many expected them to be, with many becoming some of the most beloved RPGs in history.
8 Mass Effect 2
After Setting The Stages With The First Game, BioWare Honed In On Worldbuilding In Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2
- Released
- January 26, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
The first Mass Effect felt like a game that kind of came out of nowhere, yet took the RPG scene by storm thanks to its incredible sci-fi setting, which was packed full of unique and interesting groups and characters. While it was clear the first game simply wanted to create the foundation of what Mass Effect was as a universe, with the sequel, BioWare decided to go all-in with the world-building, allowing players to learn a lot more about each of the races and how they operate.
Additionally, the gameplay has also been greatly refined, giving players easier control over Shephard and his partners while also streamlining the ability system to make it a little more straightforward to use in combat. With each companion having a side mission that can affect the ending of the game, it ensures the game never feels boring, keeping players' eyes glued to the screen from beginning to end.
7 Skyrim
The Brilliance Of Oblivion Had Fans Eagerly Awaiting The Release Of Skyrim
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
While Morrowind introduced many fans to the Elder Scrolls series, it was Oblivion that really did a lot of the heavy lifting when it came to ushering the franchise into the mainstream. With its gigantic world and rich, lengthy story, Oblivion was a game many RPG fans fell in love with when it released in 2006, so needless to say, fans were eagerly looking forward to what Bethesda would be cooking up next, but nobody could have expected just how good Skyrim would really be.
10 Best Western RPGS For JRPG Fans
For long-time JRPG fans who are looking to take their first steps into the world of Western RPGs, these games offer an excellent genre introduction.
It's hard to emphasize just how groundbreaking Skyrim was seen as upon its release, but it still remains to be one of the most immersive and enjoyable RPGs out there. Skyrim offers a staggering amount of player freedom, giving them the choice to create their own story by joining drastically different affiliations and leveling up a massive skill tree in any way they like. It also contains some downright jaw-dropping environments, and while the combat may feel a little janky by today's standards, it's still a huge step up from what came before.
6 Dragon's Dogma 2
A Fun And Nostalgic Return To Form For Capcom
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Considering Dragon's Dogma as a series had been dormant for more than a decade when the second game was announced, some fans were understandably a little suspicious whether Capcom still had it in them to create a worthy successor. Thankfully, the legendary developers proved they still have a knack for making RPGs when they want to, as Dragon's Dogma 2 turned out to be everything a lot of fans wanted. The first game's hallmark feature, the Pawn system, makes a grand return and is more flexible than ever, giving players the option to command their allies in all sorts of interesting and creative ways as they traverse the world.
Speaking of the world, Vermand and Battahl truly feel like natural and dynamic areas where literally anything can happen. Because the game can be quite difficult, players always need to prepare whenever they are traveling from A to B, which, when combined with the stunning graphics, keeps players engrossed in the experience from the moment they press start.
5 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
RGG Doubled Down On The Turn-Based Combat While Still Retaining The Traditional Yakuza Whackiness
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Released
- January 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Simulated Gambling, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
2020's Yakuza: Like a Dragon honestly felt like a little bit of an experiment by developers RGG. This game ditched the classic beat-em-up of the early Yakuza games in favor of a turn-based system which works surprisingly well considering this was the first time the series at ever used it. The game was so well received that a direct sequel was announced not long after and was intended to be Kiryu's final game in the franchise before handing the baton over to Ichiban.
While Infinite Wealth serves as a very emotional and fitting end to Kiryu's journey, it also does a fantastic job of building up the character of Ichiban, alongside introducing some very memorable newcomers to the series, too. Infinite Wealth also contains some of the best turn-based combat in the entire genre, with players being able to physically move around each of their characters on the stage while also blocking attacks at the right time with a button press. Of course, being a Yakuza game means there is also a staggering amount of side content here to enjoy. All this is to say RGG really outdid themselves with Infinite Wealth, which most fans came to really enjoy.
4 Persona 5
Joker And The Phantom Thieves Brought Many People Back To The RPG Genre
Persona 5
- Released
- September 15, 2016
- ESRB
- m
It's not uncommon to hear a lot of RPG fans say that it was Persona 4 that really put the series on the map, especially in the west. However, while Persona 4 was very well-received and got many people excited for the next entry, Atlas truly went all-out when crafting Persona 5, which built on everything that made the fourth game so special. While the tight and responsive turn-based game was back and better than ever, Persona 5 is on a whole different level when it comes to its overall presentation.
8 Best RPGs With No Permanent Party Members
These RPG heroes are more than willing to go it alone, and while some other characters may join them briefly, they never stick around for long.
Whether it's the turn-based menus, the party screen, or even just simply a save option, everything in this game is dripping with style. This isn't even mentioning the Phantom Thieves, a group of ragtag students from different walks of life who all come together for a common cause. Some may have doubted that Atlas could ever reach the heights or even exceed what Persona had already achieved with earlier entries, but Persona 5 proved that these beloved developers are only getting started.
3 Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Square Enix Succeeded In Recreating One Of The Most Beloved JRPGs Ever Made
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
- Released
- April 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen due to Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix Business Division 1
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Remaking one of, if not the most fondly remembered, RPG ever made is no easy task. When Square Enix announced that they would be reviving the iconic Final Fantasy 7 back in 2015, saying that fans were hyped would be an understatement, as everyone wondered how on earth the developers could capture the aesthetic, charm, and overall importance of the original game in the modern era.
To achieve this, Square Enix decided to get a little creative. Not only was the game kept to the Midgar portion of the story, but the turn-based combat had been completely revamped, with players now being able to hack and slash their opponents in real time while slowing down the pace whenever they want to throw out a spell or item. Square also did a great job with the characters, who all feel very in line with their original iterations, but are also a lot more believable due to modern-day graphics and technology.
2 Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt Red Continued Working On Cyberpunk Until It Became What Fans Were Promised
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Admittedly, Cyberpunk 2077 is an outlier compared to the other entries on this list, considering it didn't reach fan expectations upon release. In fact, the game felt fundamentally broken when it first launched, though CD Projekt Red didn't give up hope. After the second year of updates had been released, Cyberpunk wasn't just in a working state, it had become the dream futuristic RPG that the developers and fans had always wanted.
There are not many RPGs out there that are as immersive as Cyberpunk, with the fluid animations and first-person view making players feel as though they are really there in Night City for real every time they log into the game. The introduction of multiple skill trees also allows players to create any kind of character they can think of, whether it be a lightning-fast katana-wielding assassin, an expert Net-runner who can hack enemies from afar, or even just a big old brute. Cyberpunk 2077 may have gotten off to a rocky start, but it eventually met the high expectations that were set after CD Projekt Red put in some extra work.
1 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Expedition 33, Somehow, Proved Why It Deserved So Much Hype Building Up To Its Release
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
While some claim that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game that came out of nowhere, RPG fans have actually been following this game with a keen eye since it was announced at 2024's Summer Game Fest. Simply put, the game itself looked too good to be true, with the stunning graphics and unique turn-based Soulslike hybrid gameplay coming across as very ambitious.
Still, RPG fans had hope that the game really would be as good as it was promised to be, and somehow, despite it all, Sandfall managed to put it off. While the game contains some of the best graphics ever seen in the industry, the core gameplay is truly one of a kind, with players being able to take their time when picking an attack, also planning out their parries and dodges in real-time to avoid taking damage. There's also an incredibly interesting story here with a band of characters who will likely be remembered for many years to come. Pair this with the jaw-dropping variety of environments and music tracks, and it's not hard to see why so many people have come to love Expedition 33.
The Best RPG Stories, Ranked
Players love how entertaining role-playing games can be, whisking players away on amazing stories. Here are 8 of our favorites!