Role-playing games promise a lot. They take us on journeys we otherwise never comprehend. They put us in the shoes of those with whom we would never cross paths otherwise. The best RPGS expand our horizons through various characters, worlds, settings, and even ways we experience them. However, the paradox of choice often clouds our judgment and sometimes it’s just tough to choose which journey we embark one.
For that, GamesHorizon has you covered. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best RPGs ever made that cover a huge landscape of different worldbuilding tales.
Editor’s note: We will keep adding more games to the list, so make sure you keep revisiting this page to find more interesting RPGs to try out.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Linux, Amazon Luna, Mac, Xbox One, Microsoft
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a memorable and nuanced first-person journey. It’s one of our favorite first-person melee fighting systems ever, with strong characters and storytelling. It heavily emphasizes creating ‘moments of immersion’ to deliver one of the most distinctive, unforgettable RPGs. It’s the type of adventure you might like revisiting, even though occasionally, there’s a hint of ‘AAA shine’. Much of the game cleverly covers the major narrative through smaller story sections. Still, you’ll live through the protagonist’s realistic journey of growing from a boy who can’t even use a sword to a man of legends.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2019)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is significantly more powerful than the previous title in the franchise. Character decisions affect your vicinity. Conversational decisions affect how things unfold. Between these lines of writing, there’s a world of activities and locations to explore. Even though there are different endings, the tale is largely linear. The AI could always be better, but more significant parts of the game speak authentically about a vampiristic journey’s overall theme and charm.
Monster Hunter: Rise (2021)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4
Rise carefully blends everything Monster Hunter into a complete package that feels like a remaster. It’s the most accessible Monster Hunter game to date, with improved quality of life and clever blend of RPG elements. You’ll be hunting monsters, taking on side-quests, and exploring your character’s rise to become the best hunter. The mobility and item management systems alone take the spotlight. However, never for a moment will you feel one game system overpowers another. Monster Hunter: Rise brings a wonderful balance to the franchise, making it a worthy addition to the list of best RPGs ever.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS
Human Revolution works its way into Cyberpunk themes in a profound way. It uses every game mechanic that makes the player blend into this world while keeping its relationship with technology above par. It’s a creative, well-thought-out piece of work, and it’s just as easy to imagine going through a Deus Ex adventure. Human Revolution is a satisfying work of trans-human moral dilemma that gives credit to both Deus Ex and the literature that served as inspiration.
Fire Emblem: 3 Houses (2019)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Three Houses maintained the series’ strength through its pace throughout that protracted duration. Three Houses modernizes the Fire Emblem model to provide an encounter that delivers what fans anticipate, but in a far more impactful way. It’s also tremendously epic since the narrative takes place over several years. Watching your kids develop over time is rewarding, primarily because of your leadership. The tactical aspect in Three Houses isn’t abandoned; it makes lunch dates and lesson preparations seem equally vital.
Pillars of Eternity (2015)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox One, macOS
Pillars of Eternity implements almost all of the best qualities of classic RPG adventures. The caliber of the writing and the care taken to create a realistic setting is simply unmatched. The most significant aspect is how Pillars of Eternity opens the foundation for what might end up being a legendary RPG series in and of itself. It adds incredible concepts of its own while paying homage to the classics, and as a result, becomes a classic in its own right. The best RPGS ever made are all about the overarching narrative and are unquestionably worthwhile.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox Cloud Gaming
New Vegas keeps Fallout’s roots alive by paying proper attention to immersion and exploration. It’s a world that soaks up the idea of solitude and brings about questlines that help the world around you evolve.
Fallout: New Vegas is just as good as you’d expect from Bethesda. Even after completing main quests, there’s always ‘a little more’ exploration. With improved gameplay, top-notch side objectives, and the thrilling Vegas strip location, the Fallout recipe is still in place. Also worth mention is Fallout: New Vegas mods that keep refreshing the experience.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Oblivion is overwhelming, in a good way. It has a tonne of content, making it so expansive. Nearly everything that has ever been done successfully in role-playing games previously has been done here—and done at least as well, if not better.
Oblivion is one of the single best, longest-lasting gaming experiences, thanks to its excellent story and character interaction, thrilling combat, and numerous enjoyable small details. You’ll be dealing with smaller game systems when not busy with ‘important’ stuff. For instance, the lock-picking minigame, alchemy/magic system, the ability to create your own spells, and much more. It’s one of the best in the Elder Scrolls series and certainly one of the best RPGs ever.
Elden Ring (2022)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and X, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
Elden Ring is simply the most accessible FromSoftware game to date. It comes with the excellence of previous games by the makers. There’s combat from Sekiro and BloodBorne, exploration from the Souls games, and excellent lore from Demon Souls. Every time you explore a zone in Elden Ring, it offers a plethora of options to do things a certain way.
While the story isn’t non-linear, the way you choose who you want to battle and what areas to explore gives you a sense of freedom not available in earlier FromSoftware games. It’s definitely a pick for everyone who loves action, challenging combat, and highly customizable character builds.
Darkest Dungeon (2016)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One PlayStation Vita, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Darkest Dungeon is extremely punishing yet worth its rewards when you get it right. Its numerous levels of complexity, unpredictable randomness, and propensity to put our weak heroes at the peril of death are challenging. If you dare to explore its depths in pursuit of riches and recognition, embark upon Darkest Dungeon’s bleak and brutal tactical strategy take on modern gaming. Though the finale feels unnaturally out of reach, the game’s brilliant narrative and stiff but emotive animation make it worthwhile. Be ready to be dragged into the alluring universe of one of the best RPGs ever made.
Dark Souls: Remastered (2019)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
FromSoftware has an infamous reputation for making punishing games. Dark Souls is tough, disciplining, and beautiful. It is a must-play if you’re curious about the boundaries of video games as a medium. It’s for you if you want to experience a pure, uncompromising vision.
This is one of the most intriguing, and thoroughly engaging gaming experiences if you take the time to get into Dark Souls’ mindset. It will take time to start understanding the twisted way it functions and taste the benefits underneath its cruelest trials. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll crave more games like this and eventually become a Soulsborne fanatic like many of us.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Platforms: Nintendo 64
Ocarina of Time is a classic illustration of retro appropriately done. It succeeds in fusing little elements from every previous Zelda game, giving you the same “Zelda feeling” but in a completely different way. Despite having a massive, highly 3D universe, the game maintains an old-school vibe. This is a sequel at its best, building on earlier themes and introducing a tonne of fresh material.
One of the best RPGs ever, Ocarina of Time provides a fun challenge, a well-written tale, and gameplay to support it all. Years from now, people will still be raving about this masterpiece.
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition (2012)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance, Mac OS Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, GameCube, iOS, Android Stadia
Baldur’s Gate was released in 1998 as one of the finest entries in the RPG genre. Instead of remaking the renowned RPG classic, Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition honors the various enhancements modders have made over the years while seasoning the material with some valuable additions. BioWare’s goal in making the game was to capture the dynamics of Dungeons & Dragons battle accurately. Battles are conducted in a complex and strategic pause-and-play manner when seen top-down.
Baldur’s Gate has aged well despite the lack of immediately apparent modifications. New players will enjoy themselves for hours if they play it with an awareness of its aging structure.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition (2021)
Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Mass Effect blends RPG elements to create one of the finest space operas in gaming. The games in BioWare’s incredible sci-fi RPG trilogy have been updated sufficiently in the Legendary Edition edition of Mass Effect. This helps modern audiences play and appreciate its fantastic story and characters without worrying about graphical or technical glitches. It’s a delight to return to and welcomes newbies into a universe rich in narrative and meaningful choices, even though the combat and driving aspects are still subpar. Even after a re-run, you’ll be startled by how much you could look forward to playing and discovering new things.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Platforms: Xbox, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, , Xbox Series X/S, OS X, Xbox One, Android
Star Wars has few solid games, and Knights of the Old Republic stands out. It is a fantastic game since it meets all of the demands of the target demographic. It contains sufficient Star Wars content to satisfy fanatics and adequate sheer entertainment value to entice non-RPG enthusiasts.
This adventure amongst the stars keeps you glued to your screens and draws you in with each story arc. It feels compelling by offering your character some fun toys to play with and some recognizable Star Wars creatures as a welcome back.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows
Original Sin 2 is a vast game in every measure. There are different zones to explore, friends/foes to make, and relationships to manage. Even the combat feels charming as you learn different playstyles for each character in your party. There are many sights and minor activities in the game, as well as a tonne of secrets and hidden abilities. However, every enjoyable encounter you have poses an unseen threat that reveals a part of the game’s narrative.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 can be ambitious and spectacular even though the journey may be divided into multiple stories that don’t necessarily connect to one another.
Pokémon Gold and Silver (1999)
Platforms: Game Boy, Nintendo 3DS
Gold and Silver brought quality-of-life improvements and other treasured updates to the Pokémon series. The addition of a day and night cycle increased the variety of obstacles and included Pokemon that could only be captured at particular times of the day. The qualities that made the earlier games fun remained in Silver and Gold, but the experience was broadened, solidifying it as the best Pokemon game and one of the best RPGs ever.
Even better, after you complete the game, Red and Blue will let you access the Kanto area, allowing you to visit all the trainers and gyms again. Nothing since Silver and Gold has truly matched it in terms of the franchise’s advancement.
Diablo (1997)
Platforms: Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation
In addition to Fallout 1 and Baldur’s Gate 1, Diablo 1 helped to usher in the cRPG Renaissance. The cRPG genre most noticeably benefited from the production value, artwork, and exciting gameplay that Diablo 1 provided.
It has combat that combines hack & slash, exploration, treasure seeking, and little NPC contact. Most NPCs provide players with info dumps, but some offer quest lines. Overall, the gameplay consists of killing, looting, equipping, and selling, with occasional leveling up and stat distribution like Dungeons & Dragons. Even in 1996, this was hardly a novel idea for a game, but Diablo is a remarkable refinement and clever simplification.
Dragon Age: Origins (2009)
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS, Xbox 360, macOS, Xbox Cloud Gaming
The Dragon Age narrative is incredibly detailed and develops over several hours of gameplay. Your in-game codex, which keeps track of chats, narrative events, and other aspects of your adventure, has documentation for all of this. Origins is one of those games that can quickly eat up dozens of hours of playtime and keep you going back for more because of its astounding depth and scope.
BioWare has a detailed plan for sustaining the game because they decided to provide downloadable content, such as a new character and side quest, on launch day. You have an experience that merits its position within BioWare’s extensive RPG library when you combine that with the fact that each character may be developed in a completely distinct manner. Dive into it and you won’t wonder why it’s on our list of the best RPGs ever.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Final Fantasy VII Remake ultimately retells the 1997 JRPG cult favorite. Its combat is excellent and the variety of enemies keep you engaged at all times. It’s a bliss watching this brief passage of tale developed with true emotional arcs and the previously unrecognised humanity behind Midgar. Ocassionally, the shine of it all fades due to many fillers and complex narrative choices, but never for long enough to ruin the atmosphere. This remake easily succeeded in allowing players to brilliantly relive a classic while still standing as one of the best RPGs ever.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X
Skyrim demands your time, and rightfully so. You’ll play it once, twice, and many more to live different tales and experience everything its world offers. There’s always one more urgent task to complete, one more uncharted region to discover, one more talent to master, and one more item to loot. It’s a captivating game that engulfs you in a beautifully designed fictitious world filled with continually surprising stuff.
Numerous improvements were made since Oblivion, which has led to a more concentrated and sane style of play. This results in every choice feeling immediately apparent. With the same exhilarating freedom of choice, playing Skyrim is a special type of personal adventure. It’s an immensely satisfying experience, and it’s one of the finest role-playing games ever created, which are two things The Elder Scrolls series is renowned for.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S
The Witcher 3 recently received a visual overhaul for modern consoles, making it more accessible than ever. You’ll travel across a rich, vast open world ready to tell you stories, face you against dangerous beings, and develop political scenarios. The epic game covers everything from simple fetch-quest-heavy storytelling to making some of the most challenging decisions in video game history. The Witcher 3’s many personalities, great fighting, and RPG gameplay raise it to a level few other RPGs can match.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut (2019)
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Nintendo Switch
Disco Elysium is a synergy of existentialist thinking, classic pen-and-paper RPGs, and noir-detective novels. Its complex storyline, cast of endearing characters, and breadth of decision-making all work together to produce a fascinating experience that demands to be savored. You’ll want to spend more time in its environment since it hits every goal it sets out to accomplish.
The Final Cut transforms Disco Elysium from an already outstanding RPG to a real must-play masterpiece. It gives the game a touch of polish and introduces new missions with a large cast of excellently spoken and written characters. Deservedly one of the best RPGs ever.
World of Warcraft (2004)
Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows
World of Warcraft is undoubtedly one of the most popular MMO games ever. Massively multiplayer online role-playing games have been around for a while, but it has taken this long for one of them to become a breakout success.
No matter who you are, this is the online RPG you should play simply because World of Warcraft highlights many of the finest features of an RPG game. It also has many distinctive elements that have contributed to the popularity, entertainment value, enduring quality, and longevity of earlier Blizzard Entertainment games. World of Warcraft accomplishes this in the backdrop of a vast, developing universe filled with thousands of other people you may choose to interact with, which makes the events feel even more significant.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
Platforms: Super NES, iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, i-mode
Chrono Trigger is one of the most carefully crafted experiences. It was first made available for the Super Nintendo in 1995 and is now a globally adored role-playing game. It was created by a team of innovative RPG creators of the 16-bit period, who all came together to work on this one enormous project, making its development the stuff of legends.
Chrono Trigger’s characters assist in bringing to life a surprisingly intricate and substantial story that is time travel-related. It’s a theme that anticipates a clearer plot element rather than a straightforward narrative. It’s incredible to watch how different events evolve and affect other timelines as they are imaginatively incorporated into the gameplay and story advancement.
These are some of our picks for the best RPGs ever made. The list of great RPGs goes on, and there are so many more to come. What are some of your favorites from the genre? Let us know in the comments below.
