Best Action RPGs If You Don’t Have Much Time To Play, Ranked

Fans love the combination of action-packed gameplay and RPG elements, making it clear why the action RPG genre is so prevalent in the video game industry. Most of these titles take players on epic adventures where they can pass hundreds of hours with ease.

However, people who have limited time to game may not have the time or inclination to get immersed in these grand worlds. Instead, action RPGs that respect their time and can be finished quickly are more appealing in their eyes. Here are some games that are great for players who only have a few spare moments.

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8

The Outer Worlds

A Short And Sweet Sci-fi RPG

Released

October 25, 2019

ESRB

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

The Outer Worlds is a game that players will love or hate. If fans want a long RPG experience with the same caliber of writing and role-playing as Fallout: New Vegas, then they may be disappointed.

However, if players want to enjoy a tight, fast-paced RPG experience with zero grinding where the world isn’t full of convoluted lore, then The Outer Worlds may be right up their alley. The world may feel a bit self-indulgent and paper-thin at times, but fans who want to enjoy a short action RPG won’t mind this.

7

GreedFall

Perfect For Players Who Don’t Mind A Short AA RPG

Released

September 10, 2019

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Players familiar with the companies in the AA sphere have likely heard of Spiders at one point. Games like The Technomancer and Bound by Flame may be a bit janky for players to get into, but this isn’t a problem players will face with GreedFall.

This game came out at a time when BioWare was in a bit of a slump, allowing players to enjoy a fun RPG with meaningful player choices. The best part is that GreedFall isn’t unnecessarily long, and can be completed quickly if players make a beeline for the main story and complete a few side quests in the process.

6

Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

Final Fantasy Fans Will Love This Soulslike RPG

Released

March 18, 2022

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Final Fantasy fans will love Stranger of Paradise despite its edgy story and odd character designs. The game has an approachable take on Soulslike gameplay, and won’t be stupidly hard unless players aren’t paying attention to their enemy’s attacks.

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The game lets players explore modern takes on classic Final Fantasy worlds, taking out several iconic monsters in the process. As long as players can stomach the game’s puzzling writing, they’ll have a great time experiencing what Stranger of Paradise brings to the table.

5

Avowed

Players Who Love Intense Combat Can Power Through This Title

Systems

Released

February 18, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence

Avowed is another Obsidian Entertainment game that will split fans down the middle. Taking place in the existing Pillars of Eternity universe enriches the lore and worldbuilding of this game from the very moment players step into this world.

Just like The Outer Worlds, the main story can be completed in record time as long as players are prudent about upgrading their equipment. Given the complaints about the game’s writing, perhaps players with limited time on their hands shouldn’t spend more hours than necessary in this title.

4

Bastion

Players Will Love The Charming Visuals Of This Fun Action RPG

Released

July 20, 2011

ESRB

E10 For Everyone 10+ Due To Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Supergiant Games stepped into the video game industry with a bang, with Bastion wowing everyone with its amazing visuals, sultry narration, and excellent music. While the gameplay can be a bit rough around the edges, it’s still an impressive first game from the studio that has since risen to prominence with Hades.

Bastion lets players acquire a bunch of weapons, adding some variety to the gameplay as players blast through this unique experience. For a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome, it’s amazing how Bastion manages to wow players with its amazing presentation.

3

Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic

A Fun First-Person Hack-And-Slash Title That Doesn’t Overstay Its Welcome

FPS

Action

Narrative

Fantasy

Systems

Released

October 24, 2006

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity

Before Arkane Studios became a master of the immersive sim genre, players were treated to Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, a somewhat generic game that redeemed itself with its incredible combat.

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Kicking enemies into spike walls and using Adrenaline to lop an enemy’s head off never ceases to be engaging. Despite its issues, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is a short yet sweet ride that will keep players entertained as they power through the title’s intense levels.

2

Fable

A High Fantasy RPG That’s A Ton Of Fun

Systems

Released

September 14, 2004

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Content, Use of Alcohol, Violence

2004’s Fable is one of the greatest RPGs ever made, kickstarting a series that is finally being rebooted after a long wait. The game implemented many unique ideas, even if most of Peter Molyneux’s promises turned out to be lies.

Players embark on an epic adventure where the protagonist ages with each level, makes good or evil choices, and experiences a story that manages to stand out despite the generic fantasy setting. Fans will be surprised to find out that Fable can be completed in under 20 hours, as long as players don’t stray from the beaten path too many times.

1

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Players Can Jump Into The Action In No Time

Released

March 22, 2024

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence

Dragon’s Dogma 2 wastes no time in throwing players into the action and letting them experience one of the best combat systems ever integrated in a video game. Players who don’t have a lot of time to spare for their gaming hobby will love the short, satisfying bursts of dopamine they’ll enjoy after each session of Dragon’s Dogma 2.

The best part of this game stems from the ways that Vocations evolve to let players access more advanced and cathartic moves over time. Despite its issues, no one can argue that Dragon’s Dogma 2 isn’t a blast to play through, as long as players keep their expectations in check.

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