Role-playing games have given us some of the most memorable experiences in gaming history. From sprawling fantasy worlds and dangerous monster hunts to futuristic science fiction adventures and emotional character-driven stories, RPGs offer something that few other genres can match.
The best RPGs don’t simply give us enemies to defeat or quests to complete. They give us worlds to explore, characters to become invested in, and decisions that can stay with us long after the credits roll.
Over the years, the genre has evolved considerably. We’ve gone from classic turn-based adventures on the Super Nintendo to enormous open-world experiences with breathtaking graphics, complex combat systems, and branching narratives.
But which games deserve to be considered among the best RPGs ever made?
There are countless possibilities, and narrowing the list down to just ten is no easy task. For this article, we’re looking at ten RPGs that have made a lasting impression on the genre.
This is not a ranked list. These games are presented in no particular order. Each offers something different, and all of them deserve recognition for what they bring to the RPG experience.
Prefer watching instead of reading? Check out our video covering the 10 best RPGs of all time.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Release Year: 2015
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Few modern RPGs have made as significant an impact as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this open-world fantasy adventure puts players in the role of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter known as a Witcher.
The central story follows Geralt’s search for his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being pursued by the mysterious and terrifying Wild Hunt. What begins as a personal journey quickly becomes entangled with political conflicts, ancient prophecies, and threats that could change the fate of the world.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its storytelling.
The main quest is excellent, but it’s the side quests that frequently steal the show. Even seemingly insignificant encounters can develop into complex stories involving difficult decisions, unexpected consequences, and memorable characters.
The world is equally impressive. From the war-torn landscapes of Velen to the bustling city of Novigrad and the beautiful Skellige Islands, every region feels distinct and full of personality.
Combat combines swordplay, alchemical preparations, crossbow attacks, and magical abilities known as Signs. Players must prepare for different monsters, making knowledge of their weaknesses an important part of the experience.
The two major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, add even more outstanding content. Blood and Wine, in particular, provides an enormous new region and a satisfying additional adventure.
Why It Belongs on This List:
The Witcher 3 combines excellent storytelling, memorable characters, meaningful decisions, and an enormous world worth exploring. It’s an RPG that demonstrates how even a side quest can become an unforgettable adventure.
2. Elden Ring
Developer: FromSoftware
Release Year: 2022
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring took the challenging action RPG formula the studio had become famous for and expanded it into an enormous open-world adventure.
Set in the mysterious Lands Between, players assume the role of a Tarnished, an exile who returns to a world in turmoil. Their ultimate goal is to gather the Great Runes and become Elden Lord.
Of course, getting there is anything but easy.
Elden Ring’s greatest strength is the freedom it provides. Unlike many traditional RPGs, the game rarely forces players to follow a single path. If a particular boss or area proves too difficult, there’s usually somewhere else to explore.
The world is filled with hidden caves, enormous castles, underground civilizations, mysterious characters, and powerful enemies.
Exploration is incredibly rewarding because discovering something new can completely change how you approach the game. You might stumble across a powerful weapon, a new spell, an optional boss, or an entire hidden region.
Combat is another major highlight. Players can choose from a tremendous variety of weapons, armor, magic, and character builds. Whether you prefer heavy weapons, fast melee combat, ranged attacks, or powerful sorceries, there’s considerable freedom in how you develop your character.
The boss encounters are some of the most memorable in modern gaming. They’re challenging, sometimes brutally difficult, but overcoming them provides an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Elden Ring offers an extraordinary combination of exploration, challenging combat, and freedom. It’s a game that rewards curiosity and persistence, making every major discovery feel earned.
3. Baldur’s Gate 3
Developer: Larian Studios
Release Year: 2023
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac
If there’s one modern RPG that demonstrates just how much freedom the genre can provide, it’s Baldur’s Gate 3.
Developed by Larian Studios and set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a massive role-playing adventure built around player choice.
The story begins with the player character being infected with a mysterious parasite. What initially appears to be a terrible curse eventually becomes part of a much larger conflict involving powerful forces threatening the world.
Players can create their own character, choosing from numerous races, classes, backgrounds, and abilities. Alternatively, they can play as one of several Origin characters, each with their own background and personal storyline.
The companion system is one of the game’s strongest features. Characters such as Shadowheart, Lae’zel, Astarion, Gale, and Karlach have distinct personalities, motivations, and personal quests.
Getting to know these characters becomes a major part of the experience.
But what really separates Baldur’s Gate 3 from many other RPGs is the freedom it gives players.
Conversations can lead to dramatically different outcomes. Combat encounters can be approached through brute force, stealth, magic, negotiation, or creative environmental interactions.
There are often multiple ways to complete a quest, and the game does an excellent job of recognizing unexpected solutions.
Combat uses a turn-based system inspired by Dungeons & Dragons’ fifth edition rules. Positioning, abilities, environmental effects, and party composition all matter.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Baldur’s Gate 3 is an outstanding example of player freedom and reactive storytelling. Its enormous number of choices, memorable companions, and tactical combat make it one of the defining RPGs of its generation.
4. Final Fantasy VII
Developer: Square (now Square Enix)
Original Release Year: 1997
Platforms: Multiple platforms
Few games have influenced the RPG genre as much as the original Final Fantasy VII.
Released for the original PlayStation in 1997, Final Fantasy VII helped introduce Japanese role-playing games to a much wider international audience.
The story follows Cloud Strife, a former member of SOLDIER who becomes involved with Avalanche, an eco-terrorist organization fighting against the powerful Shinra Corporation.
What initially appears to be a straightforward conflict involving corporate exploitation gradually develops into a much larger story involving ancient mysteries, personal tragedy, and the fate of the planet.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its cast of characters.
Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and the rest of the party each bring something different to the adventure. Their relationships and personal struggles help give the story its emotional weight.
Then there’s Sephiroth, one of the most recognizable antagonists in gaming history.
The original game featured turn-based combat through the Active Time Battle system, combined with the Materia system. Materia allowed players to customize their characters by equipping different magical abilities, support effects, and summons.
This provided considerable flexibility when building a party and preparing for difficult encounters.
The soundtrack is another highlight. Its memorable compositions helped establish the atmosphere of the world and remain popular among fans decades later.
Modern players also have the option of experiencing the reimagined story through Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which expand and reinterpret the original adventure.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most influential RPGs ever created. Its storytelling, characters, music, and combat system helped shape the future of the genre and established a legacy that continues today.
5. Mass Effect 2
Developer: BioWare
Release Year: 2010
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Not every great RPG needs dragons, swords, and medieval fantasy settings. Sometimes, the greatest adventures take place among the stars.
Mass Effect 2 is one of the finest examples of science fiction role-playing games, combining character-driven storytelling with action-oriented combat and meaningful player decisions.
The game once again puts players in the role of Commander Shepard, who must assemble a team of specialists to confront a mysterious threat known as the Collectors.
The mission is incredibly dangerous, and success depends on finding the right people and earning their loyalty.
This is where Mass Effect 2 truly shines.
Each companion has their own history, personality, and motivations. Characters such as Garrus, Tali, Mordin, Miranda, and Thane bring different perspectives to the story.
Their loyalty missions provide additional insight into their lives and create some of the game’s most memorable moments.
The decisions players make throughout the adventure can have serious consequences, particularly during the final suicide mission.
The game also builds on the choices made in the original Mass Effect, allowing players to carry their decisions forward and experience a continuing narrative.
Combat is more action-focused than the first game, with improved cover mechanics, weapons, and character abilities.
But the real heart of Mass Effect 2 is its crew. Building relationships with these characters and preparing them for the final mission makes the entire adventure feel personal.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Mass Effect 2 demonstrates how powerful character-driven storytelling can be. Its memorable companions, meaningful decisions, and excellent science fiction setting make it one of BioWare’s greatest achievements.
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Release Year: 2011
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
When discussing open-world RPGs, it’s almost impossible not to mention The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Released in 2011, Skyrim became one of the most recognizable and influential RPGs of its generation.
The adventure begins with the player being taken prisoner and brought to an execution site. However, events quickly take an unexpected turn when a dragon attacks, revealing that dragons have returned to the world.
The player eventually discovers that they are the Dragonborn, a legendary figure capable of using powerful dragon shouts.
From there, the adventure is largely yours to shape.
Skyrim’s greatest strength is its freedom. You can follow the main storyline, join the Companions, become a member of the Thieves Guild, study magic at the College of Winterhold, or simply explore the world.
You don’t even have to spend much time following the main quest if you don’t want to.
The character progression system allows players to develop their abilities naturally through use. Want to become a powerful mage? Spend time using magic. Prefer sneaking around and attacking enemies from the shadows? Develop your stealth and archery skills.
The world is filled with ancient ruins, caves, dungeons, settlements, and countless quests.
Another major reason Skyrim has remained popular is its modding community. Thousands of community-created modifications have expanded the game with new quests, characters, gameplay systems, and graphical improvements.
Even years after its release, Skyrim continues to attract new players.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Skyrim provides an incredible sense of freedom and exploration. Its world encourages players to create their own adventures, and its enormous modding community has helped keep the experience alive for more than a decade.
7. Chrono Trigger
Developer: Square
Original Release Year: 1995
Platforms: Multiple platforms
Not every RPG needs modern graphics, enormous open worlds, or complicated gameplay systems to become legendary.
Sometimes, a well-written story, memorable characters, and excellent gameplay are more than enough.
That’s exactly what Chrono Trigger delivers.
Originally released for the Super Nintendo in 1995, Chrono Trigger is widely considered one of the greatest Japanese RPGs ever created.
The adventure follows Crono and his companions as they travel through different periods in history. What begins as a relatively ordinary adventure quickly develops into a mission to prevent a catastrophic future from destroying the world.
Time travel is at the center of the experience, allowing players to visit prehistoric environments, medieval kingdoms, futuristic cities, and other fascinating locations.
The different time periods are connected through the story, and the actions players take can influence events across history.
Combat uses a variation of the Active Time Battle system, with characters able to combine their abilities through dual and triple techniques.
These combinations make battles more interesting and encourage players to experiment with different party compositions.
Another standout feature is the multiple-ending system. Depending on when and how players complete certain objectives, they can discover different conclusions to the adventure.
The soundtrack, composed primarily by Yasunori Mitsuda with contributions from Nobuo Uematsu, is also outstanding.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Chrono Trigger is a masterclass in RPG design. Its excellent pacing, memorable soundtrack, creative combat system, and time-travel storyline have helped it remain relevant decades after its original release.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Release Year: 2020
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Few games have experienced a turnaround quite like Cyberpunk 2077.
Originally launching in a troubled state, the game underwent years of improvements, updates, and additional content. Today, it offers one of the most impressive futuristic RPG experiences available.
Set in Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 places players in the role of V, a mercenary attempting to survive in a world dominated by powerful corporations, criminal organizations, and advanced technology.
The central storyline revolves around a dangerous digital construct of Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, whose consciousness becomes intertwined with V’s.
This creates an unusual partnership between two characters who don’t always agree with one another.
Night City is arguably the game’s greatest achievement. Its enormous buildings, neon-lit streets, dangerous neighborhoods, and corporate districts create a memorable setting.
Players can explore the city, take on jobs, interact with different characters, and become involved in stories that reveal the darker side of this futuristic society.
Character development provides considerable flexibility. Players can focus on hacking, stealth, firearms, melee combat, or a combination of different approaches.
The Phantom Liberty expansion adds another major storyline, introducing a new district and an espionage-focused adventure that further demonstrates the game’s storytelling strengths.
Cyberpunk 2077 is also notable for its emotional moments. Beneath all the technology, violence, and neon lights is a story about identity, mortality, relationships, and what it means to be human.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Cyberpunk 2077 offers a fascinating world, excellent character-driven storytelling, and flexible gameplay. Its transformation since launch also demonstrates how much a game can improve through continued development.
9. Persona 5 Royal
Developer: Atlus
Release Year: 2019 (Japan), 2020 (international)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Persona 5 Royal is a fantastic example of how an RPG can combine traditional turn-based combat with everyday life simulation.
The game follows a high school student who moves to Tokyo after being placed on probation following an incident involving another person.
While attending school and attempting to live a relatively normal life, the protagonist discovers a supernatural world where people can explore distorted representations of individuals’ desires.
Alongside a group of fellow students, he forms the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
Their goal is to enter these supernatural locations, known as Palaces, and steal the distorted desires of corrupt individuals.
The game alternates between two very different experiences.
During the day, players attend school, study, work part-time jobs, explore Tokyo, and develop relationships with other characters.
At night, they can enter Palaces, fight enemies, collect Personas, and progress through the main storyline.
The social simulation elements are particularly important because developing relationships with other characters can unlock new abilities and gameplay advantages.
Combat is turn-based and built around exploiting elemental weaknesses. Players can collect and fuse Personas to create powerful new allies with different abilities.
Royal expands the original Persona 5 experience with additional characters, story content, gameplay improvements, and a new semester.
The presentation is another major highlight. Its distinctive visual style, stylish menus, and excellent soundtrack give the game an identity that is difficult to confuse with anything else.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Persona 5 Royal successfully combines traditional JRPG combat, social simulation, and an engaging story. Its characters, music, and presentation make it one of the most distinctive RPG experiences of recent years.
10. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Developer: Larian Studios
Release Year: 2017
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Before Larian Studios became widely recognized for Baldur’s Gate 3, it had already created one of the best modern tactical RPGs with Divinity: Original Sin 2.
Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, the game follows a group of Sourcerers who become involved in a conflict surrounding the use of Source magic and the future of the world.
Players can create their own character or select from several Origin characters, each with a unique background, personality, and personal storyline.
These Origin characters add considerable replay value because choosing a different character can change how certain events unfold.
The game also features a deep party system, allowing players to recruit companions and develop their abilities as the adventure progresses.
Combat is turn-based and highly strategic. Players must consider positioning, abilities, environmental effects, and the interactions between different elements.
One of the most interesting features is the environmental combat system.
Water can conduct electricity, oil can be ignited, and surfaces can be used to create dangerous situations for enemies. These mechanics encourage experimentation and reward creative thinking.
The game also provides enormous freedom when completing quests and interacting with the world.
You can approach many situations in different ways, and your choices can have lasting consequences.
Cooperative multiplayer is another excellent feature, allowing friends to experience the adventure together and make their own decisions along the way.
Why It Belongs on This List:
Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers deep tactical combat, excellent character customization, meaningful choices, and tremendous freedom. It’s an essential experience for anyone who enjoys traditional computer-style RPGs.
Final Thoughts: Which RPG Is the Greatest?
Looking at these ten games, one thing becomes clear: there isn’t just one way to create a great RPG.
The Witcher 3 offers an incredible fantasy world filled with memorable stories. Elden Ring rewards exploration and perseverance. Baldur’s Gate 3 provides almost unmatched freedom in how players approach its adventure.
Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger demonstrate the lasting power of classic Japanese RPGs, while Mass Effect 2 shows how compelling character-driven science fiction can be.
Skyrim gives players the freedom to create their own adventures, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers an unforgettable futuristic setting, Persona 5 Royal combines RPG combat with everyday life simulation, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 provides some of the deepest tactical gameplay in the genre.
These games are very different from one another, but they all share something important: they create experiences that players remember.
Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of what the RPG genre has to offer.
There are plenty of other games that could easily be included. Dragon Age: Origins, Fallout: New Vegas, Final Fantasy X, Planescape: Torment, Disco Elysium, and many others deserve consideration.
Ultimately, the greatest RPG is probably the one that means the most to you.
Now it’s your turn!
What do you think is the greatest RPG of all time? Did your favorite make this list, or is there a game you think absolutely deserves a place here?
Let us know in the comments!
And if you enjoyed this article, check out more gaming content here at Casual Old Gamer.
Happy gaming!