Introduction

The world of role-playing games (RPGs) is vast and ever-expanding, offering endless adventures and memorable experiences. From classic turn-based battles to immersive open-world epics, RPGs have captivated gamers for decades with their rich narratives, complex characters, and limitless possibilities. In this definitive guide, we'll explore the very best RPGs ever created, taking you on a journey through fantasy realms, futuristic cities, and everything in between. Get ready to embark on an epic quest to discover the ultimate RPGs that will keep you entertained for years to come!

The Evolution of RPGs: A Journey Through Time

Role-playing games have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 1970s, with early tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons capturing the imaginations of players worldwide. The video game revolution soon took RPGs to new heights, introducing immersive graphics, captivating storylines, and dynamic gameplay. Over the years, RPGs have evolved to encompass a wide range of subgenres, including Japanese RPGs (JRPGs), action RPGs, and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Each evolution has brought new innovations, pushing the boundaries of what an RPG can be and solidifying its place as one of the most beloved genres in gaming.

The Criteria for an Outstanding RPG: Immersion, Storytelling, and Player Choice

When it comes to crafting an exceptional RPG, certain elements are essential. Immersion is key, transporting players to fantastical worlds where they can lose themselves in the lives of their characters. Rich storytelling and well-developed characters are also crucial, drawing players into the narrative and investing them in the outcomes of their decisions. Player choice is another hallmark of great RPGs, offering branching paths and multiple solutions to quests, ensuring that each playthrough feels unique and tailored to the individual. These elements combine to create dynamic and memorable gaming experiences that keep players coming back for more.

The Top 25 Best RPGs of All Time: A Definitive Ranking

Presenting a definitive list of the best RPGs is no easy task, as personal preferences and subjective opinions vary widely. However, after extensive research and consideration, we've compiled a list of 25 RPGs that consistently rank highly among critics and players alike. These games represent the pinnacle of the genre, showcasing exceptional storytelling, immersive gameplay, and innovative features that have left an indelible mark on the RPG landscape. So, without further ado, let's embark on a journey through the best RPGs ever made!

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Release Date: 2011

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Skyrim is a masterpiece of open-world RPG design, offering a vast and vibrant world filled with captivating quests and memorable characters. The game's impact on the RPG genre cannot be overstated, with its immersive first-person perspective, dynamic combat, and unprecedented freedom to explore. From slaying dragons to crafting powerful gear, Skyrim provides an unparalleled sense of adventure that has captivated players for over a decade.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Release Date: 2015

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt builds upon the rich lore of the Witcher series, delivering a sweeping epic that combines gripping storytelling with a vast, beautifully realized open world. Players step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a gruff yet charismatic monster hunter, and embark on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, against the backdrop of a war-torn fantasy realm. The game's stellar writing, complex characters, and breathtaking visuals have cemented its place as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.

3. Final Fantasy VII

Release Date: 1997

Platforms: PlayStation, PC

Final Fantasy VII revolutionized the RPG genre, blending stunning pre-rendered backgrounds with real-time 3D character models and introducing a more cinematic approach to storytelling. The game's epic narrative, memorable cast, and innovative Active Time Battle system captivated players worldwide, solidifying the Final Fantasy series' status as a powerhouse in the RPG genre.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release Date: 2017

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

Breath of the Wild took the beloved Legend of Zelda series in a bold new direction, presenting a sprawling open-world filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. Link awakens after a century of slumber to a Hyrule ravaged by calamity, tasked with restoring balance to the kingdom. The game's stunning visuals, innovative physics-based puzzles, and unparalleled sense of freedom earned it universal acclaim and a place in the hearts of RPG enthusiasts.

5. Fallout 3

Release Date: 2008

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Fallout 3 transported players to a post-apocalyptic wasteland unlike any other, blending RPG mechanics with first-person shooter action. The game's bleak yet captivating world, filled with mutated creatures and warring factions, offered players unprecedented freedom to shape their destiny. From exploring abandoned vaults to engaging in intense firefights, Fallout 3 delivered an unforgettable experience that defined the golden age of RPGs.

6. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Release Date: 2000

Platforms: PC, Mac

Baldur's Gate II is a landmark RPG that built upon the success of its predecessor, refining and expanding upon the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset. With an improved engine, a more intricate story, and a diverse cast of memorable companions, Baldur's Gate II set a new standard for party-based RPGs. The game's intricate quests, tactical combat, and branching dialogue options provided players with a deeply immersive and reactive gaming experience.

7. Dark Souls

Release Date: 2011

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Dark Souls introduced players to a brutal and unforgiving world where death lurked around every corner. However, within this challenge lay a profound sense of satisfaction. The game's intricate level design, nuanced combat mechanics, and cryptic storytelling encouraged exploration and rewarded perseverance. Dark Souls' impact on the RPG genre cannot be overstated, inspiring a wave of "souls-like" games that embraced challenging gameplay and intricate world-building.

8. Planescape: Torment

Release Date: 1999

Platforms: PC

Planescape: Torment stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in RPGs, presenting a complex and philosophical narrative set in the bizarre planes of existence known as Planescape. Players assume the role of an amnesiac immortal, exploring their past lives and shaping their future through a series of thought-provoking choices. The game's rich dialogue, unique setting, and memorable companions have earned it a place in RPG history.

9. Dragon Age: Origins

Release Date: 2009

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Dragon Age: Origins transported players to the rich and diverse world of Thedas, where political intrigue and dark forces converge. The game's compelling cast of characters, tactical combat, and branching narrative paths offered a deeply immersive RPG experience. With multiple origins stories to choose from, each offering unique perspectives and interactions, Dragon Age: Origins encouraged replayability and allowed players to shape their destinies.

10. Chrono Trigger

Release Date: 1995

Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Chrono Trigger is a timeless classic that revolutionized the RPG genre with its innovative battle system, time-traveling narrative, and vibrant world. Players journey through time, encountering memorable companions and facing off against a cosmic threat to prevent a catastrophic future. With its engaging story, dynamic combat, and memorable soundtrack, Chrono Trigger remains a pinnacle of RPG design to this day.

11. Mass Effect 2

Release Date: 2010

Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Mass Effect 2 continued the epic sci-fi saga of Commander Shepard and their crew, refining the gameplay of the original while expanding upon its rich lore. The game struck a perfect balance between action and RPG elements, offering intense third-person shooter combat alongside engaging character interactions and a branching narrative. The diverse cast of companions, each with their own unique backstories and quests, added depth and emotional weight to the player's journey.

12. The World of Warcraft

Release Date: 2004

Platforms: PC

World of Warcraft redefined the MMORPG genre, transporting players to the vast and vibrant world of Azeroth. With its diverse races, classes, and endless quests, World of Warcraft offered a truly immersive and social gaming experience. The game's impact extended far beyond the virtual realm, fostering communities and friendships that endured long after players logged off.

13. Persona 5

Release Date: 2016

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Persona 5 captivated players with its stylish blend of traditional RPG mechanics and life simulation elements. Set within the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Tokyo, the game follows a group of high school students who moonlight as Phantom Thieves, battling corruption and changing the hearts of wrongdoers.

14. Red Dead Redemption 2

Release Date: 2018

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

While primarily an action-adventure game, Red Dead Redemption 2 features strong RPG elements that shape the player's experience. Set in a vast and breathtaking Wild West landscape, the game follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as they struggle to survive in a world slowly moving on from the outlaw era. The game's deep character customization, moral choices, and immersive storytelling make it a standout entry in the RPG genre.

15. Disco Elysium

Release Date: 2019

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Disco Elysium is a unique and captivating RPG that focuses on dialogue, choices, and character development rather than combat. Players step into the role of a detective trying to solve a complex murder mystery in a politically unstable city. The game's deep role-playing systems, branching quests, and exceptional writing offer an unparalleled level of freedom and immersion, solidifying its place among the best RPGs of all time.

16. Divinity: Original Sin II

Release Date: 2017

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Divinity: Original Sin II is a masterpiece of modern RPG design, offering a rich and reactive world that responds to player choices. With a diverse cast of origin characters, tactical turn-based combat, and an innovative dialogue system, the game encourages players to explore, experiment, and make their own paths. The game's sense of freedom and its ability to cater to multiple playstyles have earned it widespread acclaim.

17. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Release Date: 2003

Platforms: PC, Xbox, Mac

Knights of the Old Republic transported players to a galaxy far, far away, thousands of years before the events of the Star Wars films. The game combined BioWare's signature storytelling with a rich RPG system, allowing players to align themselves with the light or dark side of the Force. The impact of player choices, memorable companions, and a captivating narrative set in the beloved Star Wars universe made this game an instant classic.

18. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Release Date: 2002

Platforms: PC, Xbox

Morrowind, the third entry in The Elder Scrolls series, introduced players to the exotic and alien world of Vvardenfell. With its unique setting, deep lore, and unprecedented freedom, Morrowind offered an RPG experience unlike any other. The game's impact extended beyond its immersive world-building, as it introduced groundbreaking features such as open-ended quest design and a dynamic journal system that influenced RPGs for years to come.

19. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

Release Date: 2004

Platforms: PC

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines offered players a unique twist on the RPG genre, inviting them to step into the shadowy world of vampires. Set in a modern-day interpretation of Gothic-Punk Los Angeles, the game combined intense action with complex role-playing mechanics. The game's branching storylines, memorable characters, and rich dialogue options presented players with a captivating and nuanced depiction of vampire politics and survival.

20. NieR: Automata

Release Date: 2017

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

NieR: Automata is an action RPG that blends fast-paced combat with a profound and philosophical narrative. Players take control of android soldiers in a post-apocalyptic world, battling mechanical beings while uncovering the truth behind a long-forgotten war. The game's exceptional storytelling, diverse gameplay styles, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack have earned it widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

21. Pillars of Eternity

Release Date: 2015

Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux

Pillars of Eternity is a modern take on the classic Infinity Engine RPGs, offering a rich and detailed world filled with complex characters and challenging combat. The game's deep customization options, tactical real-time-with-pause battles, and intricate questlines provided a refreshing take on the traditional RPG formula. Pillars of Eternity's success helped spark a renaissance for isometric RPGs and proved that classic gameplay could thrive in a modern setting.

22. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride

Release Date: 1992 (Super Famicom), 2008 (Nintendo DS)

Platforms: Super Famicom, Nintendo DS

Dragon Quest V stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional turn-based RPGs. Following the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood, the game presents a heartfelt narrative filled with memorable characters and emotional moments. Dragon Quest V's impact extends beyond its captivating story, as it introduced innovative features such as a day-night cycle, monster-taming mechanics, and a dynamic AI system for companions, shaping the future of RPG design.

23. Ultima VII: The Black Gate

Release Date: 1992

Platforms: PC, Amiga, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Ultima VII: The Black Gate pushed the boundaries of RPGs with its immersive open-world design, revolutionary real-time gameplay, and complex narrative. Players were thrust into a vast and reactive world, where their actions had consequences and their choices mattered. The game's attention to detail, intricate quest design, and groundbreaking dialogue system set a new standard for RPGs, influencing countless developers and shaping the genre's future.

24. Monster Hunter: World

Release Date: 2018

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Monster Hunter: World introduced a new level of depth and accessibility to the beloved Monster Hunter series. Players embark on epic hunts across stunning ecosystems, facing off against larger-than-life beasts. The game's emphasis on strategic combat, character customization, and cooperative multiplayer offered a uniquely satisfying RPG experience that captivated players worldwide.

25. The Bard's Tale

Release Date: 1985

Platforms: Apple II, Commodore 64, PC

The Bard's Tale is a classic RPG that helped pioneer the genre in the early days of home computing. With its first-person perspective, intricate dungeon crawling, and innovative use of music, the game offered a unique and immersive experience. The Bard's Tale introduced elements that would become staples of RPGs, including character creation, inventory management, and complex puzzle-solving, earning it a place in the annals of RPG history.

Conclusion

RPGs have come a long way since their inception, evolving and adapting to new technologies and storytelling techniques. From the early days of tabletop gaming to the vast open-world epics of today, the RPG genre has consistently delivered immersive experiences that captivate players and push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. The games featured in this list represent the pinnacle of RPG design, showcasing exceptional storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable worlds that have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

As we look to the future, the RPG genre shows no signs of slowing down. With advancements in technology and an ever-growing appetite for immersive experiences, RPGs will continue to evolve, offering new worlds to explore, new stories to uncover, and new adventures to embark upon. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, there has never been a better time to dive into the world of role-playing games. May your journeys be epic, your choices meaningful, and your loot legendary!