Our current decade has enjoyed some standout RPG releases that have achieved both commercial and critical success. These genre-defining titles have often exceeded expectations and pushed back against the falling quality in triple-A games.
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The RPG genre is one of the most beloved in gaming, with long-running franchises still going strong. These deeply immersive games place players in fantastical worlds where they must explore, fight, and grow stronger. From challenging, fast-paced combat to strategic turn-based battles, RPGs push players to become the hero of their epic story across expansive and richly populated worlds.
10
Omori
A Unique and Effective Indie Release
- Released
-
December 25, 2020
- Developer(s)
-
OMOCAT, LLC.
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
While many of the titles on this list fall into triple-A territory, Omori is a smaller indie offering that hits above its weight. The game follows a nonverbal hikikomori teenager named Sunny and his alter-ego, Omori, through both the real and dream worlds he lives in. Based on a webcomic series, the game’s turn-based combat and narrative explore themes of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
The game received praise for its writing and effective exploration of dark subject matter. The game includes elements of psychological horror and traditional RPG mechanics, where the four playable characters explore and battle across the two varied realms. Omori’s combat differs from standard RPGs, with the character’s emotional state affecting the action as the battle progresses.
9
Citizen Sleeper
An Immersive Sci-fi indie
- Released
-
May 5, 2022
- Developer(s)
-
Jump Over the Age
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
This excellent sci-fi RPG puts players in control of a Sleeper, a human whose mind has been digitized and placed into a robot. Sleepers are then placed in indentured servitude to a large corporation. The story takes place after the player character has escaped.
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Citizen Sleeper is a slow-paced yet immersive RPG. During each in-game day, the player rolls several dice, the results of which can be used to complete different actions during the game. The goal is to escape and survive the space station known as The Eye. While Citizen Sleeper doesn’t have the action of bigger titles, this vibrant and well-written narrative game is a must-play for fans of the RPG genre.
8
Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader
Journey into the Grimdark Future
- Released
-
December 7, 2023
- Developer(s)
-
Owlcat Games
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader is the first CRPG video game set in the Warhammer 40k setting. Players take control of a newly elevated Rogue Trader as they travel across a vast region of space, uncovering secrets, heretics, and Xenos plots. The game features a comprehensive list of character classes, character origins, weapons, abilities, and upgrades. The companions the player meets along the way are diverse and fun, with an equally large number of options for leveling.
While Rogue Trader’s turn-based combat isn’t for everyone, fans of the genre and 40k will delight in the detailed universe created here. Players can decide their allegiances, choosing from either a heretical, dogmatic, or iconoclast path while navigating the many intrigues and dangers of the 41st millennium.
7
Octopath Traveler 2
A Beautifully Crafted and Nostalgic Journey
- Released
-
February 24, 2023
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Octopath Traveler 2 brings a taste of nostalgia with its simple pixel art style reminiscent of genre classics such as Dragon Quest or the original Final Fantasy games. The game returns to the familiar format of Octopath Traveler, where players follow eight separate characters on their journeys across the modern world of Solistia. The player chooses one of the eight at the start of a playthrough.
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The game features fun turn-based combat, familiar to JRPG fans, with each character using a different play style. Octopath Traveler 2 blends traditional RPG mechanics with modern quality-of-life elements, making for an immersive and addictive role-playing experience.
6
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
An Immersive Sequel to a Sprawling Medieval Title
RPG
Action-Adventure
Open-World
-
OpenCritic
-
Top Critic Rating:
90/100
Critics Recommend:
96%
- Released
-
February 4, 2025
- Developer(s)
-
Warhorse Studios
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
The original Kingdom Come: Deliverance was an imperfect cult classic. The story followed the story of Henry, a blacksmith’s son living in Medieval Europe. After his family is killed, Henry embarks on an adventure into a dangerous world on a mission of vengeance.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues Henry’s journey, expanding on the detailed and comprehensive role-playing mechanics that made the original a joy to play. Kingdom Come depicts a realistic setting where the player must develop the knowledge and skills to survive in the large open world. While this well-written RPG can be tough for new players, as many mechanics take practice to perfect, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a fantastic time that promises a rewarding adventure around every corner.
5
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
A Stunning and Vibrant World
- Released
-
July 29, 2022
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
This fantastic installment in the action RPG Xenoblade Chronicles is set in Aionios, where the nation’s Keves and Agnus are locked in a perpetual war. The game follows the story of Noah and Mio and their two groups of friends, who discover they are all connected by a power known as Ouroboros.
Players control a party of six characters across an expansive open world, battling enemies as they go. Players can switch between each character during combat, allowing for different play styles as characters’ abilities can be interlinked. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a fun and colorful game that will appeal to fans of the series. Its epic-scale narrative and world offer hours of exploration, as secrets are uncovered and new abilities gained.
4
Demon’s Souls
A Superbly Beautiful, Difficult, and Sinister Remake
- Released
-
November 12, 2020
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Originally released in 2009, Demon’s Souls marked the beginning of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne series and the signature style they would become famous for. The game revolves around the player character exploring the cursed kingdom of Boletaria on a mission to rid the land of the Old One.
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While the Souls series would find success later with Dark Souls, Demon’s Souls remained a fondly remembered cult classic. However, in 2020, Bluepoint Games released the Demon’s Souls remake to widespread acclaim. Remade from the ground up, this new version improved on the original entirely, with new items, streamlined gameplay, and a more comprehensive character creator. Demon’s Souls was a huge success and allowed fans to experience the game that started the series.
3
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
One of the Greatest Games of All Time Continues an Expansive Remake
- Released
-
February 29, 2024
- ESRB
-
T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
This second in the planned trilogy of Final Fantasy 7 remakes combines exciting action with strategy and RPG mechanics. The Final Fantasy series is one of the longest-running and most successful video game franchises in history, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth being just the latest in a long line of classic titles.
The game continues on from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, with players controlling Cloud Strife as he and his companions battle against the Shinra megacorporation which is attempting to exploit the Planet’s life essence. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth brings action-packed combat across a vast open world with an engaging narrative that improves on its predecessor. Fans of the franchise will love this latest installment, which is both nostalgic and modern.
2
Elden Ring
FromSoftware Takes Players to an Open-World With immense Hardship and Beauty
- Released
-
February 25, 2022
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
From the developers of the classic Dark Souls series, Elden Ring is an epic open-world action RPG. The game follows the journey of the Tarnished, a player-made character who attempts to become Elden Lord and either save or damn the Lands Between.
Elden Ring is FromSoftware’s victory lap, taking all the elements from the beloved Soulsborne series and placing them in one stunning game. Challenging boss fights, mysterious NPCs, rich and detailed locations, and numerous weapon and magic options come together to make an additive and timeless experience. Elden Ring would shake up the gaming industry at a time when predatory monetization had become the norm in mainstream AAA titles. It would win numerous awards and be a commercial success, becoming FromSoftware’s bestselling game.
1
Baldur’s Gate 3
A Masterclass RPG with Near Unlimited Replayability
- Released
-
August 3, 2023
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Known for their immersive fantasy RPGs, Larian Studios scored a huge hit with the third installment of the Baldur’s Gate franchise. Set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe, in the Forgotten Realms, Baldur’s Gate 3 takes players on an epic adventure where players have an unprecedented level of choice. Quests can be completed in numerous ways, with certain actions affecting the outcome.
The game revolves around the player character and their party seeking a way to free themselves of the Mind Flayer parasite they receive at the start of the game. The game offers an impressive amount of freedom. The character creation offers 12 classes and 46 subclasses to choose from. This gives players a huge variety of choices in how to navigate the game’s many diverse quests. Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best RPG video games ever released and would win numerous accolades, including 5 Game of the Year awards.
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