(Image credit: Square Enix)
The finest RPGs immerse you in unforgettable adventures, allowing you to step into the shoes of a diverse range of characters. These games come in many forms, whether you’re journeying through vast fantasy realms or delving into a focused, story-driven sci-fi universe. With such a variety of options, there’s no shortage of exceptional RPGs to satisfy your craving for immersive role-playing experiences.
Top-tier RPGs often feature some of the most compelling narratives in gaming, introducing you to unforgettable companions, engaging questlines, and progression systems that enhance combat and exploration. They also allow you to make impactful decisions that shape your journey. Many of these elements overlap with features found in the best MMORPGs, JRPGs, and single-player games, so if you’re eager for more recommendations, exploring those categories could lead you to even more exciting titles.
In recent years, we’ve been treated to an array of incredible RPGs, with plenty more on the horizon. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Final Fantasy XVI promise exciting new adventures, while distant releases such as Mass Effect 5, Fallout 5, and Elder Scrolls 6 keep the anticipation alive.
If you’re ready to dive into some outstanding role-playing experiences, check out our selection of the best RPGs available to play right now.
10.. Horizon Forbidden West
(Image credit: Sony)
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Platform(s): PS4, PS5
Horizon Forbidden West serves as a remarkable sequel to the beloved Horizon Zero Dawn, doing exactly what a great follow-up should: building on the strengths of the original while surpassing expectations. The open world of the Forbidden West invites you to explore, offering captivating quests at every turn and awe-inspiring encounters with robotic dinosaurs. It strikes the perfect balance between fresh, exciting experiences and the comforting familiarity of the first game, like a cherished blanket on a chilly evening.
What might seem like simple fetch quests often blossom into compelling stories, with Aloy remaining the heart of this world—an instantly relatable and inspiring protagonist you can’t help but cheer for. Few sequels manage to expand on their predecessors as gracefully as this one. In our review, we described it as “phenomenal,” and it’s an RPG experience that’s simply unmissable.
9. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
(Image credit: Square Enix)
Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PS5
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth takes players beyond the familiar city of Midgar, expanding the scope of the adventure from Final Fantasy 7 Remake into a vast, open world. The story follows Cloud and his companions as they embark on a journey to track down Sephiroth, building upon the foundations of the previous game. With the introduction of new combat mechanics, such as synergy abilities and enhanced skills, as well as deeper connections between party members, Rebirth enhances both the action and emotional depth of the experience. The game also delivers stunning, modernized versions of iconic locations from the original 1997 title.
As noted in our review of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the sequel introduces significant improvements to side content, making the overall experience even more engaging. The party dynamic is given much more focus, allowing each member to shine in ways that enrich the narrative. While diving into Remake first is still recommended for context, Rebirth stands as a remarkable continuation of the story, taking it to new heights.
8.. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
There’s nothing quite like The Witcher 3. One moment, you’re helping a Noonwraith find peace, and the next, you’re indulging in some well-paid pleasures at the Passiflora. With a masterful blend of challenging yet satisfying combat, exceptional storytelling, and morally complex choices, this RPG pulls you in before you can even mutter, “Wind’s howling.” Geralt of Rivia walks a fine line between being feared and needed, and the world’s increasing hostility toward outsiders adds a layer of tension that makes every interaction feel weighty.
As highlighted in our Witcher 3 review, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re hunting down deadly beasts or scouring the land for elusive armor, the game constantly rewards exploration. And if the gripping main story leaves you wanting more, the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone expansions offer even more adventures with Geralt and his trusty steed, Roach. With a stunning next-gen upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, this remains one of the best RPGs available today. So, toss a coin to your Witcher—there’s still time to immerse yourself in this world while we wait for The Witcher 4.
7.. Final Fantasy XVI
(Image credit: Square Enix)
Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PS5
Final Fantasy XVI transports players to Valisthea, a medieval-inspired world teetering on the edge of chaos. Tyranny and war run rampant, while an ominous force known as “the Blight” spreads, threatening to consume everything in its path. The land’s survival hinges on massive Mother Crystals, which provide aether—an essential energy source that fuels both magic and technology. However, as the Blight advances, stability crumbles, and the once-fragile peace between nations begins to unravel.
At the heart of Final Fantasy XVI are powerful beings known as Eikons, each tied to a chosen individual called a Dominant. These Dominants are treated differently across Valisthea’s six realms—some are worshipped as rulers, while others are forced into servitude as weapons of war. This stark divide fuels the game’s deep political tensions and moral complexities. Players take on the role of Clive, a warrior from the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, a nation sustained by the Mother Crystal known as Drake’s Breath, which resides atop a volcanic island.
As tensions boil over and conflict erupts, the fate of Valisthea lies in the player’s hands. If that wasn’t enough to draw you in, Final Fantasy XVI boasts an astonishing 11 hours of cinematic storytelling. With such an extensive narrative, one thing is certain—the journey through Valisthea promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.
6.. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
(Image credit: Bethesda)
Developer: Bethesda
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Become whoever you want and forge your own path—The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers endless possibilities for truly immersing yourself in its world. Whether you dedicate yourself to mastering Alchemy in search of a rare Daedra heart, rise through the ranks of the Companions, or live a simple life tending fields and harvesting crops, the choice is entirely yours.
Sure, dragons loom as an ever-present threat, ready to reduce entire villages to ash, but even amid impending doom, your journey in Skyrim remains uniquely your own. No quest is mandatory, no path is predetermined. And while we eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI, Skyrim still welcomes you with nothing but scavenged gear and an entire world to explore. The only question is—what kind of Dragonborn will you become?
5.. Genshin Impact
If you haven’t played it yet, you’ve probably at least heard of HoYoverse and their hit gacha game, Genshin Impact. This vibrant anime-style RPG drops you into Teyvat, a vast open world filled with captivating characters, diverse enemies, and deceptively adorable yet dangerous slimes. These elemental creatures are just a small part of Genshin Impact’s intricate combat system, where each character wields a specific element that can either dominate or fall short depending on the enemy they face.
With Genshin Impact’s gacha system, you can unlock a variety of characters and build a well-balanced team to tackle any challenge. And the adventure never stops—Teyvat continues to expand with regular updates that bring new regions, characters, enemies, and quests. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned Traveler, don’t forget to redeem the latest Genshin Impact codes to unlock rewards, power up your team, and dive deeper into the ever-growing world of Genshin Impact.
(Image credit: HoYoverse)
4.. Black Myth: Wukong
(Image credit: Game Science)
Developer: Game Science
Platform(s): PC,PS5
I’m a simple man. In the past couple of years, whenever the YouTube algorithms would serve me up another glossy Black Myth: Wukong trailer, I’d watch it, then not spend too much time wondering whether the game could really be as good as those trailers were teasing, or even thinking about what kind of game it really was. But now, with the code finally in my hands, I can’t hide behind not knowing any more. Is Black Myth: Wukong a Soulslike? Is it an ARPG? What even is an ARPG when you have games as diverse as Diablo, Elden Ring, and Borderlands in that big bracket? Now that I’m three chapters and some 16 hours deep into the game, I have some answers.
First up, let’s address the Soulslike thing. At first glance, there’s obvious Souls DNA in Black Myth, though I felt those DNA markers lessening the deeper I got into it. The UI, the Buddhist shrines acting as checkpoints and healing stations (at the cost of respawning enemies), the bullish boss fights, and a combat system heavily reliant on timing, dodging, and counters, with punishment awaiting those who end up resorting to panic-rolling – it’s all here, and yet somehow Black Myth steps out from that looming soulslike shadow in a way that many other games don’t.
3.. ELDEN RING
(Image credit: FromSoftware)
Developer: FromSoftware
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Over the years, whenever a new Elden Ring trailer dropped, I’d watch it, admire its grandeur, and not think too hard about what kind of game it truly was. But now, after countless hours wandering its vast and mysterious world, there’s no avoiding the question anymore—what exactly is Elden Ring? Is it just another Soulslike? Is it an open-world RPG? And what even is an open-world RPG when you have games as different as Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and Breath of the Wild in that category? Now, after conquering demigods and exploring every ruined castle and eerie swamp, I have some answers.
Let’s tackle the Soulslike comparison first. At a glance, Elden Ring carries undeniable Souls DNA—challenging combat, punishing boss fights, cryptic storytelling, and a world that rarely holds your hand. Bonfire-like Sites of Grace, a stamina-based melee system, and brutally tough enemies all make their return. And yet, the deeper I got, the more Elden Ring distinguished itself from its predecessors. Its massive, interconnected open world, a newfound sense of exploration and freedom, and mechanics like horseback combat and a more flexible approach to character builds push it beyond the typical Souls formula. It takes what FromSoftware perfected in Dark Souls and expands it into something even more ambitious, crafting an experience that feels both familiar and entirely new.
2.. Monster Hunter Wilds
(Image credit: Capcom)
Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC,PS5, Xbox Series X
Monster Hunter Wilds is the next evolution of Capcom’s beloved Monster Hunter franchise, promising a vast and immersive world filled with dynamic ecosystems, unpredictable weather, and formidable creatures. Set to release in 2025, this new entry takes the series’ signature action-RPG combat and expands it with enhanced traversal, deeper AI-driven monster behaviors, and an even more seamless open-world experience.
Players will once again take on the role of a Hunter, venturing into uncharted lands where both prey and environment pose unique challenges. Early reveals showcase new species of monsters, unpredictable weather systems that impact gameplay, and mounts that allow for swift movement across diverse landscapes. Whether you’re tracking a beast through a raging sandstorm or using the terrain to your advantage in battle, Monster Hunter Wilds is set to redefine what it means to be a hunter.
With next-gen visuals, cooperative multiplayer, and expanded customization options, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the series yet. Whether you’re a veteran hunter or new to the franchise, this game promises an exhilarating and unpredictable adventure in the wilds like never before.
1.. Baldur’s Gate 3
(Image credit: Larian Studios)
Developer: Larian Studios
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just the top RPG on the market—it also claimed the top spot on our list of the best games of 2023. And for good reason. Larian Studios has crafted an adventure so expansive and immersive that we’re still diving into it today. This game has set a new benchmark for RPGs, making it a tough act to follow.
The game offers an incredible level of freedom, turning the Sword Coast into your personal playground. You can experiment with different class abilities, make pivotal choices that shape the story, and even explore romantic connections—all while grappling with the mysterious tadpole in your brain. With a cast of unforgettable characters, masterful storytelling, and decisions that truly matter, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a defining experience in modern RPGs.
Curious about why we consider it the ultimate RPG? Check out our full review of Baldur’s Gate 3.