The best RPGs (role-playing games) whisk us away on unforgettable adventures. Whether they're set in the real world, a fantasy reality, or on a far-off planet, these titles use strong characters, stellar storytelling, and immersion to draw you in, offering experiences that stay with you.
RPG is a pretty broad term and encompasses a wide range of different sorts of games. While some RPGs will have you build your own character from the ground up, others have you step into the shoes of an already fleshed-out protagonist. In the same way, some RPGs offer branching narratives while others offer a more bespoke, linear story.
It's this variance, however, that gives RPGs their strength, causing many of them to earn a place on our lists of the best single-player games and best story games. However it's been built, every RPG below is deep, immersive, and rewarding, offering players a brand new universe to explore and make their own. At TechRadar Gaming, we know RPGs and we're ready to use our knowledge to help you find your next big adventure. Read on to find out more.
Best RPGs 2024
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Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Dragon’s Dogma 2 places players back into the role of the Arisen - a character who has been chosen by the titular Dragon to free the world from its endless cycle of conflict between it and society’s various factions. It's a very particular game, like many of the RPGs on this list, with its own unique approach to classic systems like fast travel and character customization.
The fun of Dragon's Dogma 2 comes mainly from its unique approach to open-world design. You'll likely feel very out of depth at first, before slowly learning how to best the giant and ferocious foes you'll go up against. Whether you want to build a precise archer, or a bulky sword-swinging menace, you'll have more options than you'll ever need. Dragon's Dogma 2 continues the hot streak of fantastic RPGs that we've seen over the last few years, with a sequel/sometimes-remake of a cult classic.
Overall, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of the most ambitious games Capcom has ever made. Its myriad systems weave together effortlessly, and its exploration proves so bountiful, that it makes for a game that’s fiendishly difficult to put down.
Cyberpunk 2077 not only provides fast-paced action, but it also takes the time to ask deeper questions when exploring its characters and storylines. Come for the robot ninjas, but stay for the philosophy lessons.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky launch, but, after years of patches and improvements, the sci-fi RPG is in a fantastic state and now delivers on many of the game's launch promises, finally earning a place on our best RPGs list. Patch 2.0 is the jewel in the update crown, completely rebuilding the game's character progression system from the ground up, while adding vehicle combat and improved behavior for NPC enemies during fights.
What's more, update 2.0 is bundled for free with the original game, and won't cost you anything extra. That said, the game's expansion Phantom Liberty is well worth the investment, offering a murky sci-fi spy thriller that plays into the moral ambiguity at the heart of the cyberpunk genre. It also features Idris Elba starring alongside Keanu Reeves, both of whom contribute to Phantom Liberty's high-stakes drama in a big way.
Disco Elysium is as thought-provoking as games come. Over a playthrough, you'll confront difficult political realities and harrowing glimpses into the worst parts of being human. Amongst all this, though, there's always a glimmer of hope to help keep your head above water.
Platforms available: Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Disco Elysium is an RPG like no other. Set in a grimy rundown city full of downtrodden characters, you play a hungover, amnesiac detective trying to solve a murder. Thanks to his amnesia this (initially) nameless cop is yours to mold as you play.
What makes Disco Elysium special is its choices. There is rarely a clear 'right' or 'wrong' decision, and you can have wildly different playthroughs by leaning into different possibilities for the character. You can be corrupt as heck or completely dedicated to law enforcement. Usually, you end up as something in between. Disco Elysium's protagonist contains multitudes, making him one of the best roleplaying game characters out there. This is a must-play for fans of the best RPGs.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a storytelling masterclass. Laughter-inducing highs and tearful lows are commonplace alongside a narrative with more twists than a corkscrew.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the latest title in the Yakuza series. The story-driven drama follows two protagonists: Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as they search for the former's long-lost mother in Hawaii. Both Kasuga and Kiryu are ex-members of the Yakuza - Japan's infamous (and often romanticized) organized crime families. Despite what might seem like a gritty premise, however, Infinite Wealth has plenty of tongue-in-cheek elements too, offering just as many laugh-out-loud moments as it does somber reflections on human struggle.
With a detailed turn-based combat system that gives many of the best RPGs a run for their money, Infinite Wealth keeps you on your toes. Whether it's deciding how to level your characters, getting swept up in the RPG's gripping storyline, or devoting yourself to one of a myriad of fun mini-games, Infinite Wealth has plenty of tools to draw you into its gritty yet soulful world.
Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of the Persona 5 experience, doubling down on the gripping social drama and stylish turn-based combat that made the original so memorable. To play Persona 5 Royal is to live out a second life, full of teenage anxiety and supernatural intrigue.
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Persona 5 might be the most stylish RPG you’ll ever play. Everything aspect of the game, from the battles to the loading screens, insists upon you with an unerring commitment to slick aesthetics. Before long, you'll find the game's catchy soundtrack and eye-catching visuals living in your head rent-free.
This artistically inclined third-person RPG tells the story of a group of jaded teens who quite literally change the psyches of evildoers, uncovering stories of abuse, breaking free from societal norms, confronting corrupt officials, and much more. There’s a maturity to Persona 5's story, which tackles dark themes through nuanced storytelling. This is a game that belongs on any list of the best RPGs, thanks to its snappy presentation, intriguing story, and loveable characters. If you're looking for another Persona fix, we also recommend Persona 3 Reload - a remake of a classic title from the series' past.
The Witcher 3 is an all-time classic. Its chilling dark fantasy plot maintains its grit without ever sacrificing the sense of humanity at the game's core. Nothing in The Witcher 3 happens in a vacuum; a feat that ranks it amongst the best RPGs ever made.
Platforms available: Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S and PC
The Witcher 3 sees you stepping into the well-trodden boots of Geralt, a gruff and gray-haired monster hunter who is trying to hunt down his adopted daughter Ciri before the ghostly Wild Hunt does. His quest leads him on a sprawling adventure through a massive open world full of dark fantasy wonders. On your travels, you'll encounter bizarre and terrifying creatures, oddball NPCs, and even some opportunities for romance.
If you're after a medieval fantasy RPG with detailed world-building, quality storytelling, and enticing sidequests, then you can't go wrong with The Witcher 3 – even if you've not played the other games in the series. What's more, thanks to The Witcher 3 next-gen upgrade that was released in late 2022, this top-notch RPG looks and performs better than ever. It's definitely worth playing ahead of The Witcher 4's release and remains one of the best RPGs ever made to this day.
Baldur's Gate 3 is your own personal Dungeons & Dragons game. You can create almost any kind of character you can think of, but, more importantly than that, your protagonist will slot into Larian Studios' adventure with a seamless ease that speaks to the strength of the worldbuilding on display.
Platforms available: PS5 and PC
Baldur's Gate 3 brings Dungeons & Dragons to life, offering a roleplaying game experience that provides a mind-boggling degree of freedom. Not only is character customization open and full of possibility but the game's fleshed-out companion characters and massive fantasy story offer a masterclass in immersion.
Larian Studios' latest RPG is a creature of contrasts. On one hand, it asks you to make tough narrative decisions weighing up moral complexities as you attempt to navigate its harsh and unforgiving world. On the other, it lets you talk to animals and push enemy necromancers off of cliffs. Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs when it comes to playfulness and creativity, capturing the improvisational spirit of Dungeons & Dragons with panache.
Elden Ring's open-world approach makes for a more accessible soulsborne experience. If you can't defeat that pesky boss, you can simply go elsewhere and level up. There are no roadblocks in Elden Ring, only possibilities.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Elden Ring isn't for the faint of heart, but, for those who wish to brave its demanding gauntlet of bosses awaits a treasure of a game. Perhaps the best RPG of its kind, Elden Ring is a shining example of everything the soulsborne formula has to offer. Your character is highly customizable, allowing you to develop your own playstyle as you move to tackle the title's roster of challenging yet satisfying boss battles.
What's more, Elden Ring offers a deep and rewarding open-world experience. Soulsborne games are renowned for their environmental storytelling and, in Elden Ring, there's plenty of environment to work with. No matter where you go, you'll find yourself in the shadow of the setting's rich history - a sense that only heightens the tension as you venture forth on your quest to become Elden Lord.
Final Fantasy 16 may draw criticism for its use of action-oriented mechanics, but the storytelling is among the best in the series. Against the backdrop of an intriguing dark fantasy world, Final Fantasy 16's cast makes for some of the best-written characters in gaming.
Platforms available: PS5
From many of the big names behind the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy 14, this gritty, dark fantasy tale is bursting with heart and soul. Final Fantasy 16 follows Clive Rosfield, on his quest to unravel a dark conspiracy that threatens his world. Set against an intricate backdrop of political tension and interpersonal drama, Square Enix's latest is a masterclass in storytelling and dialogue.
Contrary to many previous entries in the series, Final Fantasy 16 opts for an action-oriented approach to combat, more in the tradition of Devil May Cry 5 than a turn-based game. The result is a thrilling and rewarding combat system, which allows for fully-realized cinematic engagements. In Final Fantasy 16, the setpiece battles are almost characters in themselves, providing heart-stopping action that had us at the edge of our seats.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a compilation of one of the most influential series in modern gaming history. The Mass Effect games offered a cinematic take on the more traditional RPG formula, building an epic space opera that stands the test of time.
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.
This remastered sci-fi trilogy follows the adventures of Commander Shephard as they traverse the cosmos with their ragtag crew. Their mission is simple: to stop a race of machines, known as the Reapers, from taking over the galaxy. The original trilogy is one of the best RPG series ever made, and, fortunately, this remaster does its predecessors justice.
Released during the Xbox 360 era, the Mass Effect trilogy was beloved by gamers the world over thanks to its immersive role-playing gameplay, deep science fiction lore, and, if we're being honest, charming romanceable aliens. Mass Effect Legendary Edition makes these games even better by significantly cleaning up all three titles with visual, audio, and gameplay enhancements, bringing the series into the modern age while keeping our rose-colored memories completely intact.
In Stars and Time may be a high-concept time-traveling adventure, but its well-written and relatable cast of characters keeps you constantly grounded. Before long, their struggles become yours as you root for them to come out on top.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Not just one of the best RPGs of last year, In Stars and Time is also one of the best indie games of its kind. With a charming retro soundtrack and gorgeous monochrome visuals, the title turns convention on its head by having you play out the last part of a traditional fantasy story over and over again. You play as Siffrin, a plucky adventurer who must save the world of Vaugarde from being frozen in time.
The story takes place at the House of Change, the final dungeon in the characters' ongoing adventure. Full of lethal twists, turns, and traps, you'll soon find yourself looped back to the start, forced to try again. What makes the game so special is how, over many time loops, you start to understand Siffrin's struggle. While frustrating at times, it's as if you and Siffrin share that frustration as you adventure onwards. making for a powerful and engrossing tale.
Best RPGs: FAQs
What is the best RPG out now?
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is already one of the best RPGs of 2024. With nuanced and well-written characters, a gripping story, and a deep and rewarding turn-based combat system, Ryu Ga Gotoko Studio's latest release artfully combines tried and tested mechanics with a modern art style to create something truly compelling.
However, if you're looking for something more traditional, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a stunning fantasy RPG experience where you can build your character from the ground up. Plus, thanks to a vibrant modding scene, there's always more content out there to help you spice up your playthroughs.
What is the best RPG game to start with?
Final Fantasy 16 is a great starting point. While boasting all of the strong storytelling and theatrical setpieces of a traditional RPG, the action-oriented combat will be familiar and accessible to those coming into the genre for the first time. Square Enix's dark fantasy offering is one of the best RPGs when it comes to accessibility, too, providing a highly customizable combat experience that's ideal for beginners.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is also a great entry point. Also a dark fantasy title, CD Projekt Red's action RPG is a bit more technical than Final Fantasy 16 while also offering an explorable open world full of mysteries and monsters. If you're looking for something a bit more open-ended, then The Witcher 3 is the game for you.
How we made our best RPGs list
Our best RPGs list is the product of fierce debate amongst the TRG team. What we settled on, however, was that the list should accommodate as wide an audience as possible. For instance, while the intense melodrama of Final Fantasy 16 might appeal to some, others might find it a bit too theatrical, and prefer the more grounded stories of the Mass Effect series. We aim to serve gamers of as many tastes as possible with this list.
Each of these games faithfully delivers on the role-playing fantasy and stands as some of the most immersive experiences in all of video games. These are all titles that will transport you to other worlds with their writing and visuals. The choice of destination is up to you.
If you're looking forward to future RPG releases, check out our list of the best upcoming games for everything you need to know about what's on the horizon.
