RPGs with the Best Stories, Ranked

Players love how entertaining role-playing games can be, whisking players away on amazing stories as they engage in their fair share of combat from time to time. While RPGs need to nail several elements to be wowed by the masses, the story is one area where skimping out is unforgivable.

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This is why players love RPGs with incredible thought-provoking stories that keep fans coming back for more. Players will be satisfied by the narrative offerings of these games as they engage in some quality role-playing gameplay.

8

Tyranny

A Compelling Narrative That Explores Various Flavors Of Evil

Systems

Released

November 10, 2016

Platform(s)

Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS

It’s a shame that Tyranny didn’t enjoy the sales numbers it deserved, since the writing in this incredible CRPG was off the charts. Unlike most other role-playing games with cookie-cutter hero journeys, Tyranny did something bold by exploring the boundaries of morality and removing the binary decisions when it came to evil choices.

Instead, the writing does a great job of staying in the morally gray zone, making players think if some atrocities are worth committing for the greater good. Of course, players can also walk the path of evil if they wish, with these options being more fleshed out than they have any right to be. It’s a shame that Tyranny faltered right before reaching its end, but that’s a small complaint given how riveting the journey was until that point.

7

Baldur’s Gate 3

The Game’s Writing Is Well-Paced And Quite Engrossing

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the greatest video games ever made that fans can’t get enough of. The game is layered with so many role-playing opportunities that fans can clock in numerous playthroughs and still find something new to uncover in this game.

Act 2 is the crowning jewel of Baldur’s Gate 3‘s writing, with Ketheric Thorm positioning himself as a compelling antagonist as players explore the Shadow-Cursed Lands. While Act 3 may feel rather bloated in comparison, the narratives told here are still compelling and will keep fans coming back for more.

6

Fallout: New Vegas

The Courier’s Simple Journey To Get Revenge Transforms Into A Plot To Take Control Over New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas is one of the greatest RPGs ever made with incredible writing. DLCs like Old World Blues and Honest Hearts add to the game’s overall narrative quality and show why fans can’t get enough of this monumental RPG.

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While the open-world approach means that the story can lose its focus at times, players will be strapped in for the ride from the moment they enter New Vegas. The plot progresses at a breakneck pace after this point and introduces several interesting players who will endear themselves to fans in no time, regardless of how questionable their actions may be.

5

Omori

A Story Full Of Psychological Horror Elements That Takes Players On A Wild Ride

One of the greatest indie RPGs ever made, Omori‘s psychological horror trappings are something that fans can’t get enough of. The story starts innocently enough, only for the cracks to start showing as players uncover the trauma plaguing Sunny.

His Headspace may be full of charming visuals, but there’s always something unnerving awaiting players as the plot unfolds. Thankfully, there’s a shining ray of hope at the end of Omori that wraps up its narrative in a satisfying manner and lets players enjoy one of the best story-driven RPGs ever made.

4

Persona 4 Golden

Players Enjoy A Compelling Murder-Mystery As They Unmask A Serial Killer Haunting The Town Of Inaba

Persona 4 Golden shifts its setting to the small town of Inaba, making for an intimate backdrop for the events that take place in this dreary town. Players get embroiled in a plot to save the town from a serial killer who’s throwing their victims into the TV World and dooming them.

While this murder mystery may be pretty dark at times, Persona 4 Golden has its fair share of light-hearted moments that cement the bond between the members of the investigation team. Even after uncovering the identity of Inaba’s tormentor, fans will be treated to one final twist in classic JRPG fashion that sets up an epic conclusion to the story.

3

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt Moves Heaven And Earth In His Quest To Find Ciri

CD Projekt Red has become a household name, with their work on The Witcher 3 being lauded by many fans. This amazing open-world RPG lets players accompany Geralt on one final adventure as he hunts down Ciri and saves her from the clutches of the Wild Hunt.

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If the base game’s narrative wasn’t good enough, then both Hearts of Stone and Blood & Wine will let players enjoy some quality writing that shows CD Projekt Red at its very best. Players who want to invest hundreds of hours in a rich open-world RPG with excellent storytelling will find The Witcher 3 to be right up their alley.

2

Final Fantasy 10

Tidus Is Sent Into An Unfamiliar World That Slowly Grows On Him As He Bonds With Yuna And Her Guardians

Systems

Released

December 17, 2001

It can be hard to pick out one story in the Final Fantasy series that’s the best of the lot, but many people agree that the tenth mainline entry boasts the most well-written narrative of the lot. Tidus’ unfamiliarity with the world of Spira makes him the perfect proxy for the protagonist as he’s educated on the traditions of this world.

This culminates in some powerful story moments as Tidus learns of the truth regarding Yuna’s pilgrimage, falling in love with this summoner in the process. It’s an excellent setup as the heroes choose to defy fate and end the cycle of destruction that Spira was trapped in by any means necessary.

1

Cyberpunk 2077

V’s Desperation As He Struggles To Retain Control Of His Body And Mind Is A Chilling, Unforgettable Experience

The revamped mechanics, a slew of bug fixes, and an excellent expansion have gone a long way in redeeming Cyberpunk 2077 in the eyes of many, providing an unforgettable RPG that boasts exceptional character-driven stories in a dystopian world.

V’s desire to reach the major leagues as a merc in Night City provides a rags-to-riches protagonist that only grows further complex when the events that surround them are plagued by death and drama. The fact that a despicable anti-corpo nutjob like Johnny Silverhand can turn into one of the best parts of the game is a testament to how strong and effective Cyberpunk 2077‘s writing is, and how beloved Keanu Reeves is.

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