Best Western Action RPGs From The 2000s, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• The 2000s saw rapid technological progress and genre-defining innovations in action RPGs, giving rise to influential Western-developed franchises that remain beloved and impactful today.
• BioWare’s
  Jade Empire
  and
  Mass Effect
  offer unique settings and dynamic combat systems.
• Bethesda’s
  Oblivion
  and
  Fallout 3
  exemplify Western RPG adventures with engaging quests and memorable characters.

The 2000s was a fantastic era for gaming, particularly for action RPGs. Technologically, it was a time of rapid progress, with noticeable graphical improvements being seen every year. This decade also introduced new gameplay mechanics that continue to shape the genre today. Many iconic action RPG franchises were born in this period, and some remain among the most beloved and influential in the gaming world.

The best Western action RPGs from the 2000s left a serious impact on the gaming industry, not only because of their significance when they were first released, but also because of how well they have held up since.

Only games released between 2000 and 2009 will be included, and JRPGs or action RPGs from Japanese developers will not be taken into consideration.

10 Jade Empire

BioWare’s Most Distinctive Universe And Combat System

While it may not be as widely known or as popular as the Mass Effect or Dragon Age series, Jade Empire stands out as one of BioWare’s most special action RPGs, largely due to its distinctive setting and dynamic combat system. The game immerses players in a fictional kingdom inspired by Ancient Chinese history and mythology, populated with mythical creatures, spirits, and legendary kung-fu masters.

As with most BioWare games, characters, dialogue, and quests are central to the experience, showcasing the developer’s strengths. However, it’s the combat system that sets Jade Empire apart from other titles in the genre. Offering a mix of martial arts, weapons, transformation, and magic, the system requires players to constantly adapt to changing scenarios. The game incorporates a simple “rock-paper-scissors” approach to combat styles while also introducing the powerful harmonic combo system, adding depth and strategy to every encounter.

9 Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic

Visceral Combat With A Variety Of Available Builds

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic was one of the earliest games from the now-acclaimed Arkane Studios, building on and refining the strengths first showcased in their debut title, Arx Fatalis, while taking full advantage of the Source engine’s physics. The game earned praise for its impressive graphics and fast-paced, visceral first-person combat, giving players the freedom to choose their path — whether as a warrior, thief, ranger, or mage — and unleash powerful skills and combos on the battlefield.

Though the game’s progression was fairly linear, leaning more toward action-adventure than traditional RPG structure, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic remains a standout, beloved entry in the Might and Magic series. It’s remembered fondly by players, in part for its unexpected yet highly enjoyable take on the franchise.

8 Gothic, Gothic 2, & Gothic 3

The Evolution Of The Quintessential European RPG Series

The Gothic series stands as a prime example of a compact yet deeply engaging RPG adventure. Set in a unique and grounded world, it offered remarkable flexibility in progression and quests. With meticulously crafted environments and well-developed characters, it quickly became a cult classic among RPG fans. The sequel, along with its expansion Night of the Raven, remains a highlight of Piranha Bytes’ portfolio and is still regarded as one of the most beloved RPGs of its time.

Unfortunately, Gothic 3 struggled to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. Overambitious in scope, it was hampered by technical issues at launch and was overshadowed by The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion in almost every aspect. Despite these setbacks, Gothic 3 is still remembered as a significant entry in the old-school open-world RPG genre. It remains popular to this day, especially when enhanced by expansive fan-made content and mods.

7 Deus Ex

An Acclaimed Blend Of Various Genres In A Rich Cyberpunk World

Deus Ex is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed and influential games ever made, consistently appearing on lists of the greatest and most important titles. The game blends FPS, RPG, action-adventure, and stealth action elements, offering players an unprecedented level of freedom. Its futuristic cyberpunk setting allows Deus Ex to explore a variety of timely and thought-provoking themes, many of which feel more relevant with each passing year.

While undeniably groundbreaking and influential, the original Deus Ex was released over 24 years ago, and by modern standards, it doesn’t quite hold up as well as some of its successors. This is why, despite its iconic status, it doesn’t rank higher.

6 Fable: The Lost Chapters & Fable 2

Standout RPGs With British Humor And Flexible Character Interactions

Fable (released as Fable: The Lost Chapters on PC) is a unique action RPG that stands out by doing things differently than what players typically expect from the genre. From progression and combat to quests and character interactions, Fable is both exciting and delightfully silly, packed with distinctive British humor. It combines decent action mechanics with quirky, everyday activities, like collecting and donating books to a school or boasting about the hero’s trophies. It also offers players the freedom to shape their character’s morality, allowing them to become a virtuous hero or a truly devilish villain.

The sequel, Fable 2, builds on many of the original’s standout features, but unfortunately, it’s not as accessible as the first game. It remains exclusive to the Xbox 360 and, unlike the original Fable, did not receive the Anniversary remaster, making it difficult for fans on other platforms to experience it today.

5 The Witcher

Atmospheric And Grounded Origins Of An Iconic Series

The original Witcher may not have achieved the fame of its acclaimed sequels, but it has plenty of distinct qualities that set it apart from other RPGs of its time. As the first game developed by CD Projekt Red, The Witcher offered a gritty and convincing portrayal of Andrzej Sapkowski’s dark fantasy world, skillfully capturing its brutal atmosphere, complex characters, and the appeal of being a monster-hunting mutant reviled by a world steeped in violence.

From its rhythm-based combat and dynamic day-night cycle to branching dialogue, morally complex quests, and a deep alchemy system, The Witcher is a dark, immersive action RPG that forges its own path in many respects. It’s an experience that remains compelling even years later, thanks to its bold design and unique tone.

4 Diablo 2: Lord Of Destruction

Easily Among The Most Popular Loot-Based ARPGs Ever

Diablo 2, along with its Lord of Destruction expansion, ranks among the most iconic and enduring loot-based action RPGs. Over 20 years since its release, it remains widely played and beloved by fans. With this sequel, Blizzard nearly perfected the loot-driven ARPG formula, offering deep character-building mechanics paired with a richly rewarding loot system that has near-infinite potential.

The game’s distinctive graphics and memorable soundtrack further cemented its legacy, contributing to its enduring popularity. Now, with the Diablo 2: Resurrected remake, fans can enjoy this classic on modern hardware. In every sense, Diablo 2 set a high bar for the genre — a benchmark few games have managed to match.

The Flourishing Of Bethesda’s Signature RPG Formula

Before Skyrim, it was The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind and Oblivion that carried the series forward, gradually shaping it into one of the most popular RPG franchises around. Both games became known for offering unparalleled freedom within vast open worlds, delivering a scope and depth of content that few competitors could rival.

Many features beloved by fans of Skyrim or newer Fallout titles have their roots in Morrowind and Oblivion, each advancing Bethesda’s RPG formula. These titles laid the groundwork for Bethesda’s signature approach to RPG design, with Oblivion in particular serving as a blueprint for nearly every game the studio has developed since and setting a standard that helped define the studio’s modern legacy.

2 Fallout 3

A Rebirth Of The Iconic Franchise That Opens New Horizons

Fallout 3 is a prime example of how to revive a beloved franchise successfully, preserving its iconic elements while making them accessible to a wider audience. This new direction for Fallout proved immensely popular, paving the way for acclaimed follow-ups like Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4, which both garnered worldwide recognition.

With Fallout 3, the series reached a level of popularity rivaling Bethesda’s own The Elder Scrolls franchise. It skillfully blends FPS and RPG elements, immersing players in a richly detailed post-apocalyptic wasteland that invites exploration and discovery. Every corner of the radioactive landscape holds small stories and new adventures, making it a world that gamers will happily lose themselves in for hours.

1 Mass Effect

A Pinnacle Of Cinematic RPG Storytelling, Set In A Rich Sci-Fi Universe Unlike Any Other

Upon release, the original Mass Effect epitomized the idea of a “next-gen RPG,” introducing players to a fresh, thrilling sci-fi universe with groundbreaking visuals and a cinematic narrative that was unlike anything seen in the genre. As the powerful start to a now-iconic trilogy widely regarded as one of the greatest in gaming, Mass Effect captivated audiences with its immersive, meticulously crafted world, bold design choices, and the depth of even the smallest character interactions.

From this point on, Mass Effect set a new standard for dialogue and action in RPGs, moving beyond traditional “talking heads” conversations and combat sequences with little dynamics. While the game wasn’t without flaws — leading the sequel to revamp certain mechanics — it presented a bold vision of what RPGs could achieve, forever changing players’ expectations for storytelling in the genre.