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Role-playing games (RPGs) have long been one of the most popular genres, offering more than just action or combat; they bring stories, choices, and worlds to life. Unlike other adventure games, RPGs ask you to step into the shoes of a character (or create your own) and shape their journey.
Whether set in a vast fantasy kingdom or a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the best RPGs thrive on immersion, freedom, and emotional connection. These are games that have defined the genre, pushed boundaries, and created unforgettable adventures, representing the pinnacle of interactive storytelling and player-driven experiences.
- RPGs are a mixture of freedom and character-driven stories.
- Choice is a key element in making an RPG replayable.
- An RPG doesn’t have to be centered on combat.
- Setting can play a pivotal part in making an RPG great.
The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim
If RPGs are about freedom and choice, Skyrim represents the genre at its most liberating. Bethesda’s sprawling open-world lets you decide what kind of hero (or villain) you want to be. Will you join the mages and learn powerful spells? Will you become a stealthy assassin? Or perhaps lead a rebellion against the Empire?
The magic of Skyrim lies not just in its rich quests but in the countless moments of discovery. Wandering off the beaten path might lead you to a hidden cave or a dragon ambush. Even a decade after release, mods created by its fans keep the game alive. It’s less about following a story and more about writing your own.
Final Fantasy 9
Of the vast Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy 9 is often hailed as one of the best RPGs (and JRPGs) ever made because. What it may lack in fancy graphics, it more than makes up for with nostalgic charm. Its classic battle system, detailed environments, and Nobuo Uematsu’s beautifully orchestrated soundtrack elevate every encounter and scene.
What truly makes Final Fantasy 9 stand out is its heart. It feels like a love letter to the entire franchise and to fans of traditional fantasy RPGs. It captures the magic of adventure, friendship, and purpose in a way few games ever had when it was released. This passion keeps drawing players back time and time again.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios brought tabletop role-playing gaming to life in a way few have done before. Baldur’s Gate 3 blends Dungeons & Dragons rules with cinematic storytelling, creating a world where nearly anything feels possible. From using creative spells in combat to charming (or threatening) NPCs, the game rewards ingenuity, and players have found incredibly clever ways to overcome certain obstacles — a testament to its deep RPG chops.
What elevates it is the way every encounter feels like a role-playing session with a clever dungeon master. Choices are broad and reactive, and the result is an RPG that feels like it reacts and morphs to your every decision.
Avowed
Set in the richly detailed world of Eora (the same universe as Pillars of Eternity), Avowed brings Obsidian’s mastery of narrative design into a first-person, action-focused experience. Every decision you make carries weight in the story and affects not only the dialogue and relationships in the game but also how the story unfolds.
With a blend of dynamic combat, exploration, and skill trees to level your character how and when you want, Avowed doesn’t just tell a story, but lets you live one. The standout reasons Avowed is one of the best RPGs are its freedom, immersion, and a richly layered fantasy world. The first-person focus connects you to your choices and often, their consequences.
Persona 5
Persona 5 is widely regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made because it masterfully blends stylish presentation, deep storytelling, and meaningful gameplay systems. At its core, it explores themes of rebellion and identity, and follows a group of high school students who lead double lives as Phantom Thieves.
Half turn-based dungeon crawler and half life simulator, you manage daily life, build relationships, and balance schoolwork with secret missions in Persona 5. This mixture of concepts adds a layer of realism and emotional depth rarely seen in the action-RPG genre. The game’s striking art direction, soundtrack, and writing make every moment memorable. For players looking for their first JRPG, you can’t go wrong with Persona 5.
Fallout New Vegas
When Obsidian took the reins of the Fallout series, they created a role-playing masterpiece. Fallout New Vegas drops you into a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert filled with factions vying for control. What makes it shine is how much agency you have in shaping the outcome. Do you back the authoritarian NCR, the brutal Caesar’s Legion, or strike out independently?
All paths feel viable, and the branching narrative (with multiple DLCs) makes replaying essential. Add in Obsidian’s sharp writing and humor, and Fallout New Vegas remains one of the most beloved RPGs and a must-play in the Fallout series. Every decision counts, and those decisions are only yours to make.
Disco Elysium
Unlike most RPGs, Disco Elysium strips away traditional combat and focuses entirely on role-playing and dialogue. You play as a detective unraveling a murder mystery in a decaying city, but the true battle is within yourself. Your skills shape how you perceive and interact with the world.
Choices matter not because of combat outcomes but because of the story you create. It’s a game that proves RPGs don’t need swords or guns to be powerful; they just need compelling choices and stellar writing.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 stands out as one of the best RPGs of 2025 because of its striking blend of artistic vision, innovative combat, and deeply emotional storytelling. Set in a surreal, painterly world inspired by impressionist art, it immerses players in an atmosphere that feels both dreamlike and haunting.
Though its turn-based combat with live-action parrying mechanics has been widely lauded, the heart of Clair Obscur lies in its narrative. Each companion has a layered backstory and meaningful interactions, making your choices feel impactful and personal. This combination of originality, depth, and emotional resonance cements Clair Obscur Expedition 33 as one of the most memorable RPG experiences of recent years.
Fable II
Fable II is widely regarded as the best in the franchise for its charm, freedom, and emotional depth. Set in the vibrant land of Albion, it lets you shape your hero through meaningful choices — good, evil, or somewhere in between. Its morality system, combined with a living world that reacts to your decisions, makes every playthrough feel personal and unique.
Beyond combat and quests, Fable II introduced innovations like property ownership, relationships, and even raising a family, blending everyday life with epic fantasy. With humor, heart, and lasting replayability, it’s an RPG that still feels timeless.
Kingdom Come Deliverance II
Securing its place among the best RPGs is Kingdom Come Deliverance II, which delivers an authentic, historically grounded experience unlike any other. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, the game rejects fantasy tropes, instead immersing players in a gritty, realistic world shaped by politics, war, and religion.
Its deep role-playing systems allow players to influence protagonist Henry’s journey through dialogue, skill progression, and moral decisions that carry real consequences. Coupled with stunning visuals, lifelike NPCs, and a focus on realism, the game offers a truly immersive RPG experience that challenges players to live history.
FAQs
What is the definition of an RPG?
RPGs typically feature systems in which characters level up and unlock skills, while offering players meaningful decisions that influence the world, the narrative, or relationships with NPCs.
What are some popular RPGs released this year?
Some of the most popular RPGs of 2025 include Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Kingdom Come Deliverance II, The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered, and The Outer Worlds 2.
Is The Witcher 3 considered an RPG?
Yes, The Witcher 3 is regarded as an RPG.
What was the first computer game RPG?
Three very early computer RPGs (or CRPGs) are considered the first. These are Dungeon (1975), Pedit5 (1975), and Dnd (1975).
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