Greatest ARPGs For Those New To Genre

It can be difficult to discern what a video game’s main genre is, due mostly to the fact that modern titles blend them all. For instance, it can be hard to figure out the difference between a traditional RPG and an action RPG (aRPG). Both tend to include skills trees, leveling up, rich worlds, combat of some kind, and plenty of gear to pick up.

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Action RPGs simply put more focus on fighting than the standard RPG. This makes it a bit more accessible to those who aren’t role-playing game experts. Yet, certain aRPGs can still be a struggle for newcomers. That is why it’s good to opt for a beginner-friendly one if you haven’t played these types of games before. The following ones are perfect choices.

Updated November 16, 2024, By Ben Jessey: Dragon Age: The Veilguard was recently released, and it serves as a perfect RPG for newcomers to the genre. Therefore, we thought we should add it to our collection of the best action RPGs for beginners, along with a few more titles. We have done that in this update.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

The Dragon Age series has always been fairly welcoming to newcomers. Veilguard is especially easy for action RPG newbies, though. After all, the combat is very action-focused. Yes, you have various different powers to make use of, but battles aren’t very tactical. That said, they still manage to be exciting and satisfying.

Also, the adventure is pretty linear as there aren’t many wide-open spaces to roam, making it simple to navigate. Like with the combat, this more straightforward approach isn’t really a bad thing, as while the environments aren’t huge, they’re dense and detailed.

Sand Land

Anime fans could probably tell from the visuals alone that Sand Land has some connection to Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. After all, his art style is very evident in the character models and environments. The game is actually based on Toriyama’s manga series, which shares the same name as the game.

Yet, even people who know nothing about the manga can enjoy this third-person action RPG. The same goes for those new to the genre. The combat and traversal are easy to understand and fun to engage with. Plus, the visuals are spectacular, and the characters are interesting.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is a hybrid of an action-adventure title and an action RPG. Therefore, it doesn’t have complicated RPG mechanics. However, it does offer enjoyable combat, exciting open-world exploration, and a compelling story.

The world is fascinating, too, as it’s a post-apocalyptic land, but it isn’t dark and rundown like most. It’s bright and colorful. However, it’s still hazardous, as the place is filled with deadly mechanical creatures. You play as one of the humans that are trying to survive in this new world. This means sneaking around and being strategic as you take on the mechs.

Banishers: Ghosts Of New Eden

Being a ghost hunter certainly sounds like an interesting job, but it gets even more interesting for protagonist Red when his beloved and fellow ghost hunter becomes a ghost herself. As such, they need to find a way to save her. This is the basic premise of Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. It’s a unique and compelling tale.

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Combat is equally creative, as you can switch between the human and ghost protagonists on the fly. You also can do this in the puzzle-focused segments. The game is perfect for newcomers, as it doesn’t have the deepest RPG elements.

Tales Of Arise

While it may be an entry in the famous Tales series, Tales of Arise is a self-contained adventure. The story revolves around two races from different planets. The people of the world known as Rena have taken over the Dahnan people’s world and enslaved them. One of those Dahnan slaves is a masked protagonist who teams up with a Renian woman as they both attempt to bring down the tyrants.

The characters and the interactions between them are the main selling point of this game. Yet, the action-packed combat is a lot of fun, too. It starts off pretty simple, and the game does a good job of slowly introducing new elements as you progress in the story. After the first few hours, getting your head around everything is easy, including the fairly simple upgrade system.

Outriders

While Outriders launched with some technical issues, it has since received plenty of patches and is now a solid action RPG title. The story is set in the future, where Earth is in terrible shape, so humanity attempts to colonize a new planet. Naturally, things don’t go perfectly.

Yet, one good thing happens as you gain special powers. You use these abilities in battle while also shooting a bunch of people and creatures. The third-person combat is simple but satisfying, which is why it’s perfect for newcomers to the genre.

Torchlight 2

Torchlight 2 is an accessible and easy-to-pick-up action RPG, which is why it’s perfect for beginners. It also just happens to be a great RPG in general, mainly due to its nice art style and brilliant combat. It’s good that the fighting is enjoyable in this game because you do a lot of it.

The title is all about battling large groups of enemies. And there is a great variety of foes and skills, which keeps things interesting. The story isn’t very impressive, but the rest of the game makes up for it.

The Outer Worlds

4.0/5

The Outer Worlds

Released

October 25, 2019

Publisher(s)

Private Division

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

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The Outer Worlds is set in a universe where humanity has attempted to colonize a star system called Halcyon. One set of colonizers made it, while the others didn’t and ended up being frozen in space. However, one of them (aka you) is unfrozen, and your ultimate goal is to save the rest. Naturally, there are plenty of things you have to do first.

It’s a good game for aRPG beginners because the core gameplay is rather simple. You can sneak, shoot, or talk your way out of most situations. There are several mechanics that make things a bit more complicated, but the game isn’t too hard, so you can still get through quests even if you don’t completely understand everything straight away.

Dead Island 2

In Dead Island 2, you roam around Los Angeles. This sounds fine, but the place is actually filled with zombies. Yes, this isn’t just an action RPG. It’s also a zombie game. But it isn’t scary, as it’s very light-hearted and comical.

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The title isn’t incredibly complex, either. You pick your character and get access to their specific abilities. From there, you alter your character using in-game cards, as there is a deck-building mechanic. As for the combat, you have ranged and melee weapons to use against the hordes of undead.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Yakuza isn’t known as an action RPG series, as most entries are action-adventure titles. As such, Like A Dragon stands out because it’s the series’ first fully-fledged aRPG. It contains a new protagonist, a new city, and a new turn-based combat system.

Yet, the general tone and style of the game is similar to its predecessors. This means it’s an overall wacky game with a surprisingly deep story. That tale revolves around the protagonist, Ichiban, who attempts to begin a new life shortly after getting out of prison. It isn’t too complicated for those new to the genre or series.

Fable

Fable is an action RPG set in the interesting world of Albion. The world is also pretty dangerous, as shown early in the story when you lose your family to a bandit raid. In the aftermath, you train to become a hero.

For beginners to the genre, the combat is welcoming as it’s rather simple yet still satisfying. Plus, managing your powers and leveling your character is pretty easy to get a hang of, too. Outside of battle, you get to freely roam the fascinating world and meet all sorts of compelling people.

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning

One element of RPGs, even aRPGs, that isn’t always perfect is the combat. Sometimes, it’s overly complicated or just not fun. Those criticisms can’t be aimed at Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning. This hidden gem of an RPG has a fast and fluid combat system that involves swinging melee weapons and unleashing special powers.

The game is set in the fictional world of Amalur. And you play as the Fateless One, who has to stop some evil forces from destroying mortals. So, it provides a classic RPG tale.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Systems

Released

April 10, 2020

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

Teen // Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

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Some of the Final Fantasy games provide the steepest learning curves possible for RPG newbies. This is not the case for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, though. For starters, the title is one of the few aRPGs in the series. And the combat is fairly easy to understand. The abilities might take a bit of time to get your head around, but the core fighting is a bit like a hack-and-slash game.

The story is certainly worth experiencing. It tells the tale of a talented mercenary named Cloud, who teams up with an eco-terrorist group to bring down the corporation known as Shinra. This company is as evil as it gets, as it’s basically sucking the planet dry. That is the starting premise of the story, but you’ll find out that the tale goes deeper as you play.

Dying Light 2

Dying Light 2 blurs the line between an aRPG and an action-adventure game. It very much feels like the latter in terms of combat and traversal. Combat mainly involves using various pipes, clubs, and machetes to kill any enemy you face. You can also use a bow for ranged targets.

The protagonist is also a parkour master, as he’s able to climb pretty much anything and outmaneuver his opponents in battle. Unlocking new moves and acquiring better gear is where the RPG elements come into play. There is also a survival horror element, too, as you’re trapped in an open world filled with infected creatures.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

If you’re a fan of the Dragon Ball Z manga or anime, you certainly want to check out Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. It provides a deep and thrilling retelling of the overall DBZ story, from Raditz’s arrival to the final battle against Kid Buu. The visuals are unbelievable, and it feels like you’re playing the anime.

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More importantly, for aRPG newbies, the game is relatively simple in concept. You level up and spend Z orbs—which you find everywhere in the in-game world—to unlock new powers. Plus, the combat is satisfying and straightforward.

Hades

This rogue-lite RPG from Supergiant Games captured practically everyone’s hearts and minds. The stellar soundtrack, exciting gameplay, and beautiful imagery only amplified how suave the characters are. It’s hard to deny practically everyone’s appeal, from Zagreus and Megaera to the ornery underworld God himself.

But the rogue-lite aspect is what makes it perfect for beginners. Each time Zagreus dies, he gains access to more upgrade boons, weapons, and story. Though it can feel a bit like a hack-and-slash, it’s that kind of semi-mindless combat that aRPGs trade in at times. You’ll find yourself incorporating combos seamlessly as you try to escape Hades (but also flirt with everyone you can).

Diablo 3

Diablo 3 is an action RPG that defined the genre. It takes place in a dark fantasy setting where you play as a hero, wrestling with forces of hell that are spilling out into your world. It’s best to play with friends, but it’s a great solo experience too!

Don’t be intimidated by the number in the title; the story is comprehensible without having played the previous entries. While the earlier Diablo games are definitely worth a try, some players might be put-off by their outdated graphics and mechanics. Start with Diablo 3 and go back to the earlier ones if you like it!

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is a role-playing game first and an action game second, which makes it excellent for beginners. The wonderful dark fantasy narrative developed in this game and the cooky companions you’ll obtain along the way will keep you fully invested as you learn the mechanics.

Like most RPGs, Dragon Age: Origins includes a skill-tree system that allows you to customize your character’s skills to your preferred play style. Plus, if you like the game, there are sequels that continue the series’ story!

Trials Of Mana

This title from Square Enix might be more of a Japanese RPG (JRPG), but it’s a great option for beginners who love that aesthetic. This game, specifically, revives the 3rd game from the series in a beautiful 3D world. It has full controller support and allows players choices to shape their character’s morality.

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Though it’s a single-player experience, Trials of Mana is one of those that a group can sit and watch or take turns playing. But do be aware that the game is less open-world and more “on rails.” ARPG beginners may love this or feel trapped by it.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Some might argue that Divinity: Original Sin 2 is not an aRPG because it features turn-based combat. However, the same story and loot elements that are heavily featured in games like Diablo are also featured here. Beyond that are how choices affect gameplay and the fact that players can choose from four difficulty modes.

This allows a wider audience to enjoy the game without infringing on any other player’s experience. Larian Studios crafted a unique world that feels alive and new yet familiar and inviting. This game’s success led to the studio diligently working on Baldur’s Gate 3 — a title that would work for more advanced aRPG players.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Systems

Released

March 3, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo EPD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Engine

Havok

ESRB

E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes

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It’s definitely an action game, but whether Breath of the Wild counts as an RPG is a divisive topic. Regardless of where you fall in the argument, pretty much everyone agrees that it’s the most RPG-like game in the Legend of Zelda franchise.

The game is good for beginners because it gets you thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions to problems that only you might have made. This may serve as an important lesson to learn that will help you in other aRPGs. Second, Breath of the Wild is designed in such a way that it can be anything to anyone, as there are so many different things you can do.

Borderlands Series

Picking up any title in this franchise offers a seamless introduction to the looter shooter aRPG genre. But the first game might be the best place to start for those who want story continuity. If you just want the best experience overall, many fans would suggest Borderlands 2.

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The shooting is fast-paced, abilities are unique and interesting, and players can create their own builds based on a skill tree. Though player choice doesn’t really factor in, loot rains down from the sky, and the story captivates even the most cynical of players. It’s best when played with friends, and a group of four beginners makes a perfect party.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

This title in the long-running franchise finds the player in Ancient Greece. You can play as Alexios or Kassandra, but many fans regard Kassandra as the “true protagonist”. It’s one of the few AC games where player choice and even romance feel truly incorporated into the gameplay.

After all, the series is usually known for its stealth mechanics, free running, and…assassinations. Instead, Odyssey puts the focus on exploring the in-game world, meeting people, and getting to know all about Alexios and/or Kassandra.

Victor Vran ARPG

Don’t confuse this with another game about vampire hunters (The Incredible Adventures of Vanhelsing); it is its own thing. In fact, players can jump and platform to some degree in what is otherwise a traditional aRPG title. You run around an overworld battling enemies, gaining loot, and progressing through a story.

But Victor Vran offers very streamlined progression with intuitive controller mechanics. If you’re more used to controller vs. keyboard and mouse, this is a great way to transition from console to PC and still use a controller.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Systems

Released

January 28, 2022

Publisher(s)

Nintendo
, The Pokemon Company

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

E for Everyone: Mild Fantasy Violence

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The Pokemon franchise is beloved around the world, and one recent game decided to change the formula. In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, you explore an open world instead of a preset path and catch Pokemon by throwing Pokeballs at them outside of combat!

It’s the kind of thing you have to see to believe, and understand. If you’re a Pokemon lover who wants to transition into the action RPG genre, Legends: Arceus is a great middleman.

Ghost Of A Tale

Stealth mechanics might not seem very action-oriented, but when you’re a mouse in a rat’s world, hiding will get your heart pumping. This adorable title sets the player as Tilo — a mouse minstrel trapped in a keep. Explore the grounds and beyond while avoiding enemies at all costs.

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You’ll even meet fellow mice and other characters along the way. But, perhaps the most impressive thing about this game, is that it was created by mostly one person: Lionel “Seith” Gallat. For aRPG beginners, Ghost of a Tale offers a fully contained and wonderfully realized story.

Warframe

Though it can be a bit grindy at times, Warframe is totally free-to-play and offers tons of content. Players create their own space ninja robots and engage in third-person shooter combat with melee options. Though the somewhat generic setting of “future with mega-corporations” seems stale, the game discusses transhumanism in a surprisingly deep way.

It’s had many expansions, with no signs of slowing anytime soon. For people who want to dip into the aRPG pool without heavy investment, Warframe is the way to do it.

Tunic

Here’s a way for beginners to get the same introduction to action RPGs as so many people did years ago – Tunic is an action RPG inspired by the original Zelda games! It features an adorable fox in a recognizable, titular green tunic.

The game was praised when it came out for a variety of reasons, but one of them was that it doesn’t hold the player’s hand. It might seem strange, then, to recommend this as a beginner’s game! However, beginners can’t truly learn the genre and advance unless they’re given the chance to thrive!

Most gamers (and non-gamers, to boot) have heard of Skyrim. The first thing to know about this game is how massive it is. Once you get through a short tutorial, you’ll get access to the entire world unrestricted. Though you can follow the introductory quests, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from jumping off a mountain, waging a war on the chickens of the land, or starting barfights when someone looks at you funny.

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This game is good for beginners because it’s a largely personal experience. Whether you want to focus more on the action or the RPG aspect of the genre is entirely up to you. In the latest version of the game, you can even use a ‘survival’ mode that limits fast travel and makes you focus more on your surroundings and the character’s state of being.

Titan Quest

Despite being almost two decades old, Titan Quest is still an excellent action RPG. Four expansions have launched for the game, the most recent (Eternal Embers) coming out in 2021.

As the name might suggest, you play as an ancient hero who travels around Ancient Greece, China, and Egypt to kill the Titans! Those are deities who existed before the Ancient Greek pantheon of Gods, but were imprisoned. Needless to say, they’ve escaped and are wreaking havoc.

Nier: Automata

It’s incredibly difficult to describe NieR: Automata in a single sentence. Is it an aRPG? Yes, it is, but it’s also so much more than that. People who play it tend to fall into a story rabbit hole that genuinely has no endpoint. You could talk about it for years and still have more to say.

Again, this may seem like a strange game to suggest to beginners. But there are a few reasons why it’s perfect for an aRPG newbie. First, it introduces a wide range of gameplay styles in a single game – not all action looks the same, after all. Second, its compelling story is bound to keep you coming back for seconds. Third, it’s unlike most other action RPGs and shows what gaming can achieve when the tools at its disposal are used creatively.

Fallout New Vegas

Of the Fallout games, Fallout: New Vegas is considered to rank among the best. It took everything that people in the West love about RPGs and packed in an incredible world and fascinating story to go alongside it! There were some bugs to work out when it launched, but that’s all forgotten by now.

It’s received tons of prestigious gaming awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for RPG of the Year in 2011. It’s a good choice for beginners because you really can’t help but be sucked in – whether it’s by the gameplay, the story, the characters, or something else entirely. If you’ve ever wanted to give the action RPG genre a fair shake, you can’t get fairer than this.

Potion Permit

Potion Permit gets into “cozy gaming” territory. You play as a chemist in a quaint little village called Moonbury, where you’re tasked with keeping the locals healthy. The gameplay of diagnosing patients, tracking down materials, and brewing your own potions may sound unconventional, but it’s a blast when you get into it!

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This is a great action RPG for beginners who prefer the RPG to the action. It has just enough of the action to keep you interested but doesn’t linger too heavily on it. You’ll soon find yourself growing attached to your neighbor and those you’ve helped to heal – and won’t be able to leave!

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

BioWare RPGs are practically a genre of their own! They strive to carry over your decisions between games in the same franchise, and Mass Effect was no exception. There are three main games, each one continuing an epic saga about the galaxy’s survival.

The Legendary Edition spruced up all three of these titles, giving old fans a reason to come back and giving other gamers a reason to try them! The action in the Mass Effect series comes in the form of third-person shooting, so it might be a good choice for those trying to branch out of FPSs.

Bastion

From the people who would go on to release Hades in 2020 comes this extraordinary top-down action RPG. Bastion takes place after an apocalypse has destroyed the city of Caelondia. You play as a character known only as “the Kid,” who, at the start of the game, is trying to reach the Bastion – a safe place to go in times of strife.

The settings are fantastical and practically bursting with color and life. The narration that carries the game, performed by Logan Cunningham, moves the reader – alongside the wondrous music. And, it ends with the most tempting thing of all: one, final choice.

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