With a genre as diverse as the Role Playing Games (RPGs), it can be difficult to find the perfect one for your tastes. Luckily for you, we’ve made this convenient list of the best RPGs we think you need to try, assuming you haven’t already of course. From deep-space exploration to dystopian futures, these games create rich, lively environments that provide a truly immersive gaming experience. Prepare yourself, we’re about to plunge head-first into 10 titles with some of the most exhilarating worlds, well-developed characters, and incredibly satisfying gameplay mechanics.
10. Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter World thrusts you directly into an environment where monsters are a natural part of the ecosystem. With a wide range of customizable equipment, the help of the Hunter’s Guild, and your trusty Palico (yes, you can have a cat help you fight monsters), you’ll hunt some of the biggest and baddest creatures the world has to offer. This PvE-style open-world game encourages innovation and creativity, with interactive environments that smart Hunters will learn to use to their advantage. Explore the mysteries behind the Elder Dragons, ancient beasts that have roamed the planet for thousands of years, while battling challenging foes with unique mechanics. Your reward? Some of the coolest armor and weapons you’ll ever see. With the Iceborne Expansion, there are even more unique foes for you to overcome, as well as a brand-new storyline for you to uncover.
9. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
In Mass Effect, you play as Commander Shepard while they fight alongside their team to overcome an ancient galactic threat. Every element of the experience is fully fleshed-out, from the exploration and intense action all the way down to the unique fantastical elements that seem to appear directly from the developers’ imagination. The squad-based combat system is accentuated by engaging dialogue that makes the player feel truly involved. With a vast galaxy to explore, something as simple as exploring an unfamiliar alien locale can quickly transform into an action-packed adventure of its own.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is a game that encourages you to chase down every side-quest, meet every companion, search for every treasure, and leave no stone unturned. Since its initial release in 2011, this game has engrossed millions of players and continues to do so, mainly because few other games capture how an adventure should feel the way Skyrim does. With arguably one of the greatest soundtracks in the genre, you can’t help but be drawn into this fantastical world’s intoxicating atmosphere, whether you’re battling towering dragons atop the Throat of the World or being drawn to the mysterious sound of the Nirnroot plant.
7. Elden Ring
As a lowly Tarnished, your task is to explore the mysteries of the Lands Between, battling demigods of an Age long forgotten in hopes of gathering enough strength to become Elden Lord. Similar to other ‘Souls’-style games, Elden Ring is extremely challenging (unless you’re a spellcaster, Comet of Azur is still broken against most bosses). Even when you have beaten the game multiple times and donned the best gear possible, you’ll still be killed by almost everything in a few hits. However, every death is an opportunity for learning. Mastering this game’s many intricate mechanics can be daunting, but is equally rewarding. Nothing beats the feeling of parrying powerful endgame bosses like Radagon and Malenia. With 6 different possible endings for your Tarnished, what Elden Lord will you be?
6. Borderlands 2
In Borderlands 2, you choose the hero you’d like to be in a ridiculous and obscene post-apocalyptic landscape. With customizable skill trees that offer endless character builds, whether you’re more of a Gunzerker, an explosives expert, or the Siren, the master of mystical arts, there’s a build perfect for your playstyle. Travel through the vast world of Pandora looting and shooting your way to victory, lone-wolf style, or co-op with some friends.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
In Cyberpunk 2077, you play as protagonist V, a character whose origins you decide, tasked with uncovering the mysteries of a unique implant that may just hold the key to immortality. Explore the open-world metropolis of Night City, riddled with side-quests, special items, and unique interactions. Along the way, you’ll meet be faced with some tough choices and encounter some even tougher companions. Cyberpunk 2077 places the story in your hands, providing a seemingly endless stream of opportunities to make choices that will have a significant impact on your playthrough. What type of person will your version of V become? How will their story end? You decide.
4. The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds begins with your character being lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the Halcyon colony, located near the edge of the galaxy. Decades after you were supposed to have awoken, you find yourself caught up in a conspiracy that jeopardizes the entire Halcyon colony. During your playthrough, you’ll encounter various factions, all pursuing their own goals, and willing to use your help to obtain it. Be careful how you treat them though, as your reputation sticks with you across the Halcyon colony. In a future dominated by corporations, will your character be an agent of change, or an agent of chaos? The choice is yours.
3. Bloodborne
One of FromSoftware’s most difficult and timeless games, Bloodborne’s world is perfect for anyone looking for a serious challenge. The game takes place in Yarnum, a sad, decaying city whose citizens are suffering through a terrible plague. Unfortunately, this plage has less to do with sickness, and more with dangerous beasts. You are given little information on how survive the merciless onslaught of enemies, and yet it expects perseverance in the face of often overwhelming amounts of enemies. However, with a rich world full of details ready to explore, you’ll find yourself drawn back to Yarnum again and again. Whether to uncover the meaning behind the bizarre cackles of mad villagers or walking along a rooftop in search of a hidden mystery, this RPG is as endlessly difficult as it is rewarding.
2. The Division 2
Take on challenging missions in this open-world shooter to gather resources and rebuild your fallen base. Enter the Dark Zone with a team of friends, or all by yourself for opportunities to score some heavily upgraded gear. The intense third-person combat will keep you engaged at every corner, with breathtaking locations and open-level designs that allow for multiple approaches to the same situation. Although the story writing leaves something to be desired, The Division 2 has plenty of missions and encounters that scale with your character’s level, ensuring there won’t be a dull moment, even when you’ve reached the endgame.
1. World of Warcraft
Last but certainly not least, World of Warcraft. There’s a reason WoW remains one of the most popular MMORPGs more than 15 years after its initial release. With over a decade of additional content and constantly adding more, it sets the standard for the fantasy gaming immersion experience. Simply put, this is the one of the best RPGs you can play right now. Battle gargantuan monsters, delve into dangerous dungeons, defend the world of Azeroth against various threats, or just relax with some fishing. You can do anything in the magical realm of World of Warcraft. If you have the time, this is definitely a game you should consider playing.
