Best RPGs From 2015 Turning 10 In 2025

2015 was a landmark for RPG enthusiasts, with releases that redefined the genre and earned a special spot in players’ memories. Multiple studios provided notable experiences, featuring wide worlds, captivating stories, and inventive combat systems, making that stretch of time one of the most meaningful for the gaming market.

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Among the options that thrilled audiences, there were titles delivering unforgettable adventures, whether focused on epic tales or tough battles. The best RPGs of 2015 brought variety and fresh ideas, ensuring that fans with different tastes found something remarkable to check out. That year strengthened the standing of modern classics and brought in new favorites.

10

CrossCode

An Excellent RPG With Nostalgic Graphics

One of the RPGs that stood out in 2015 by offering action elements and visuals inspired by 16-bit classics, CrossCode delivered fast-paced and entertaining gameplay. It takes place within an MMO, blending puzzle elements, quick combat, and an engaging story that tackled themes such as identity and connection in virtual worlds.

The depth of its mechanics, paired with clever challenges and a gratifying progression system, made CrossCode a memorable experience. Its mix of thorough searching, energetic battles, and a standout soundtrack placed it among the best RPGs of the year, pleasing both old-school fans and those seeking something forward-thinking.

9

Shadowrun: Hong Kong

RPG Blending Cyberpunk With Medieval Fantasy Elements

With its immersive cyberpunk background, Shadowrun: Hong Kong became one of 2015’s highlights, featuring a mature storyline and appealing characters. It presented a plot filled with political schemes and moral dilemmas, while introducing figures who changed over the course of the campaign. Balancing tradition and new ideas, the title preserved the franchise’s essence while broadening its scope.

Turn-based strategic combat, varied mission design, and impactful decisions delivered a unique option for RPG enthusiasts. The futuristic Hong Kong environment, packed with supernatural aspects and local references, secured the game as a top pick that year. Shadowrun: Hong Kong proved the series could still break new ground and captivate both longtime followers and newcomers.

8

The Age Of Decadence

An RPG Aimed At A Niche Yet Offering High Quality

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Age of Decadence

Systems

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows

Released

October 14, 2015

Taking a distinct path within the genre, The Age of Decadence focused on narrative and decisions, separating itself from more traditional RPGs. Placed in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Ancient Rome, it confronted players with challenging choices and enduring consequences, standing out thanks to its freedom of approach and branching plots, along with steep difficulty in combat.

By reducing mandatory battles and emphasizing diplomacy, investigation, and subterfuge, The Age of Decadence delivered a cerebral and tactical experience. Its deep mechanics and tough challenge turned it into one of 2015’s top RPGs for those in search of something innovative, particularly in a market loaded with predictable formulas.

7

Underrail

Complex RPG Experience Beneath The Surface

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UnderRail

Systems

Released

December 18, 2015

Developer(s)

Stygian Software

Publisher(s)

Stygian Software

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Underrail brought back the essence of classic CRPGs by placing players in a dark, post-apocalyptic underground world. Influenced by titles like Fallout and Wasteland, it stood out with turn-based strategic combat and extensive freedom to shape and develop characters, offering plenty of replay value.

Focusing on isolation and survival in hazardous tunnels, Underrail presented a striking mood, supported by a minimalistic yet compelling plot. The balance between investigation, tactics, and high difficulty cemented its spot as one of 2015’s strongest RPGs, especially for those who value demanding gameplay and intricate systems.

6

Xenoblade Chronicles X

One Of The Best JRPGs Released For Nintendo Wii U In 2015

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Xenoblade Chronicles X

Systems

Released

December 4, 2015

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Two years before launching the successful Switch, Nintendo still faced low sales of the Wii U, but that didn’t stop the console from getting some great titles, such as Xenoblade Chronicles X. Developed by Monolith Soft, the game impressed players with lush environments and one of the most detailed worlds among JRPGs, offering a sense of genuine discovery.

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By using mechs known as Skells, players could move through vast maps, and beyond the game’s monumental scope, the combat system was also swift and enjoyable. Meanwhile, the storyline centered on survival and adaptation in an unfamiliar setting, demonstrating the Wii U’s capability through one of 2015’s most impressive releases.

5

Fallout 4

Bethesda Provided Great Freedom For Map Exploration

Though it departed from certain franchise staples and leaned more toward action than RPG elements, Fallout 4 still managed to deliver entertaining gameplay, earning its place among 2015’s standout launches. Set in New England, known as the Commonwealth, the game expanded open-world searching, granting players a lot of freedom.

Additionally, the title shifted greater focus onto crafting, requiring players to scour maps for materials to upgrade weapons and other gear, as well as introducing settlement construction. Despite streamlining some longstanding mechanics, Fallout 4 featured one of the series’ most enjoyable play experiences.

4

Bloodborne

Souls Franchise Formula With New Horror Elements

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Bloodborne

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One of the best releases for PlayStation 4, Bloodborne stayed true to the Souls formula from From Software while making changes such as swapping a medieval atmosphere for gothic horror. Its soundtrack and sound design were flawless, drawing players deep into this new environment.

For Bloodborne, combat also got a few tweaks, moving faster in some respects but still demanding the same patient mindset found in Dark Souls games of that era. By fusing familiar elements with a few fresh twists, it became one of the leading Action RPGs of 2015.

3

Undertale

RPG That Won Over A Legion Of Fans

With an inventive style, Undertale stood out as one of 2015’s best, turning the RPG mold upside down. That happened because its creator, Toby Fox, introduced multiple conclusions for the storyline, including the possibility of getting through it without defeating a single opponent.

Along with fresh mechanics, partly inspired by Nintendo’s Earthbound/Mother series, Undertale also presented a collection of endearing characters, plus a memorable soundtrack and a plot mixing humor and depth. Its simple visual approach turned it into a widespread phenomenon, securing its spot as a milestone for RPGs.

2

Pillars Of Eternity

A Title That Led To A New Rise Of Isometric RPGs

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Pillars of Eternity

Systems

Released

March 26, 2015

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Merging familiar CRPG features with modern conveniences, Pillars of Eternity was not only among 2015’s top RPGs, but it also became crucial in drawing renewed attention to isometric titles. Created by Obsidian Entertainment, the game paid homage to classics like Baldur’s Gate, centering on storytelling and map searching.

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With a real-time combat system that allowed pauses, players could set up different party compositions to handle the challenges along the way. In doing so, the game’s success reconfirmed the importance of isometric RPGs in the marketplace, paving the way for further launches over the next few years.

1

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt

One Of The Finest RPGs Released In 2015 And Created By CD Projekt Red

After two releases that appealed to a more niche crowd, The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt arrived as the final chapter in Geralt’s saga, breaking new ground and elevating the RPG series to a fresh tier in 2015. Besides featuring a huge open world, the title also introduced a gripping narrative, filled with choices that shaped how events played out.

CD Projekt Red’s creation didn’t just bring in more fans, but also showcased how expansive worlds could be handled, with side quests packed with context and characters that stayed with players. The Witcher 3 secured its place among the greatest RPGs of 2015 and helped the studio claim a powerful spot in the industry.

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