Best RPGs to Play Right Now in 2024

Discover the awesome world of role-playing games (RPGs), where storytelling and gaming come together for an amazing experience. RPGs have been around for a long time and have become super popular and diverse. Imagine getting lost in these games’ exciting stories and gameplay, exploring different universes full of knights, dragons, and more. We’ve made a list of the best RPGs to play right now, covering lots of different types and gaming styles. Come along and explore these cool RPG games with us!

1. Monster Hunter: World Horizon Forbidden West

The second game in the action role-playing series – Horizon, Horizon Forbidden West was released in 2022 after the game’s first story (Horizon Zero Dawn). After defeating HADES, Aloy looks for a backup of GAIA to reverse the planet’s abject biosphere. While Aloy and her friend Varl search for an establishment that belonged to Far Zenith, they find a GAIA backup, but it has been sabotaged.

The game was developed by Guirrilla Games and Firesprite, and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is available on Windows, PS 4, and PS 5, with the latest release (Horizon Call of Mountain) coming in 2023. Furthermore, there is also a live-action TV series is in the works based on the games.

2. Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Made by Square Enix and released for PS 4 in April 2020, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the first in a planned trilogy of games inspired by the 1997 PS game Final Fantasy VII. The game is set in the dystopian cyberpunk metropolis of Midgar and players control greedy Cloud Strife. Strife joins AVALANCHE, an eco-terrorist group that tries to stop the powerful Shinra from using the planet’s life essence as an energy source.

The gameplay is a combination of real-time elements along with role-playing elements. The game is one of the fastest-selling PS 4 games, selling over 3.5 million units within the first 3 days and 7 million units by September 2023. It is available to play on PS 4, PS 5, Intergrade, and Windows. The second part of the trilogy (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth) is scheduled for this year.

3. Divinity: Original Sin 2

A sequel to Divinity: Original Sin, this game was developed by Larian Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment (for consoles) and Larian Studios (for PC). It is available to play on Microsoft Windows, PS 4, Xbox One, macOS, Nintendo Switch, and iPad. The game is played from an isometric perspective and players can play alone or in co-op multiplayer, with a party of up to 4 players.

The game is set in the medieval fantasy of Rivellon and there are 6 pre-made characters with backstories that the players can play with. Custom characters can also be made along with choices to pick their stats, race, gender, and background when the game commences. However, the origin story of the custom character will provide them with specific dialogue options. This version of the game allows players to play as elves dwarves, and lizards, unlike the last version, which only allowed humans.

4. NieR: Automata The Outer Worlds

Developed by Platinum Games and published by Square Enix, NieR: Automata is available to play on the PS 4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. While players start navigation on foot, the game features a storyline with flying mech battles and a unique item that can call for wild animals to ride. NPCs are also found throughout the world offering quest objectives and in shops selling items like consumables to recover health.

Combat in the game uses a real-time action-based hash and slash system using different combinations. Experience points can be earned through combat, increasing max health, defense, and attack power. Only played in single-player mode, the game has 26 different endings; 5 main endings lettered A to E, and 21 additional endings lettered F through Z. These are triggered by performing certain actions when a player fails to progress the narrative or loses certain battles.

5. Pillars of Eternity

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive, Pillars of Eternity was first released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux in 2015. It is the successor to the Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale series. The game also won various honors and accolades, including best RPG of 2015, and had sold over 700,000 units by February 2016. It was later released for PS4 and Xbox One in 2017, and Nintendo Switch in 2019.

Players take up the role of a character called “Watcher” who is able to see and interact with the souls of people, looking at the memories of the deceased or communicating with those who linger, operating on role-playing mechanics including party-based real-time with pause tactical gameplay. Pillars of Eternity is played from a fixed isometric POV with 3D models vs 2D pre-rendered backdrops just like its predecessors – Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment.

6. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo’s Kou Shibusawa, and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Fire Emblem: Three Houses was released worldwide in 2019. It received favorable reviews, with the critics praising the integration of the school system combined with battalion mechanics, narrative, characters, soundtrack, and replay value. It won the Best Strategy Game and Player’s Voice Award at The Game Awards 2019.

The players control a player character whose gender and name are picked before starting the game. The game is initiated by the character being a teacher at Garreg Mach Monastery, which also acts as a hub for game activities. Gameplay is divided between story-based battles that advance the main narrative and periods in Garreg Mach. Later, the story skips ahead 5 years and focuses more on battles.

7. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the 12th installment in the famous Assassin’s Creed series, and is the successor to 2018’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The game was released in 2020 and is available to play on PS 4, PS 5, Ubisoft Anvil, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Stadia.

This version of the game is based around different main story arcs and optional side missions called “World Events.” The players take on the role of a Viking raider named Eivor Varinsdottir and lead fellow Vikings against Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Players can choose to play as male or female or let the game alternate between the two during key moments in the story. Enemies can be defeated through a specific combination of approaches, tactics, weapon selections, and more.

8. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Released in 2022, only for Nintendo Switch, Pokemon Legends: Arceus was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. It was a commercial success that sold over 14.83 million units until March 2023. Furthermore, it also received critical success, receiving favorable reviews, and got nominated for several end-of-the-year awards, including Best RPB at The Game Awards.

The players roam freely across the game map, divided into 5 large areas of individual biomes. Every time the player enters such areas, they are spawned in a camp and can fast-travel to other camps in the same areas. However, on the outside, players have to unlock rideable Pokemon to explore the areas faster. Different Pokemon are found in different areas, and while some are friendly, some may act aggressively and attack the players. If the player takes enough damage, they will fall unconscious and reappear at the base camp.

9. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal was released in 2016 and was developed and published by the P-Studio and Atlus respectively. It marks the 6th installment in the Persona series. Released in 2016 for PS 3 and PS 4 in Japan, the game was released worldwide in 2017. Currently, the game is available to play on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/s. It has won several awards and has been dubbed as one of the greatest RPB video games of all time because of its visual presentation, gameplay, story, and music.

The player takes the role of a male high school student, codenamed Joker, and lives out a single year attending school in modern-day Tokyo. With a day-night cycle and weather systems that determine general behavior. The Joker attends school and partakes in leisure activities, maintaining relations with other characters, leading to some possible romances. Experience points are gained by improving ranks with non-party Confidants.

10. Diablo 3

Developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, this is the 3rd installment in the Diablo series. Diablo III is an online-only hash and slash action RPG that was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X in 2012, for PS 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, for PS 4 and Xbox One in 2014, and for the Nintendo Switch in 2018. It set a new record for “fastest-selling PC game” by selling over 3.5 million units in the first 24 hours of its release, and became the best-selling PC game of 2012 by selling over 12 million copies

The players control one of seven character classes – Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, Witch Doctor, or Wizard – and are given the task of defeating Diablo. Players will witness classic dark fantasy elements and take up the role of a heroic character charged with saving the world of Sanctuary from the forces of Hell. Choosing character class, gaining experience, and leveling up is part of the game as the player plays forward.

11. Stardew Valley

A farm life simulation game, Stardew Valley was published by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone. The game is available only on Windows. In this game, players inherit their deceased grandfather’s dilapidated farm which is located in Stardew Valley, which is open-ended. Players can grow crops, raise livestock, fish, mine, forage, cook, and even socialize with townspeople, including the ability to marry and have kids.

Players create a character who inherits a plot of land and a little house. There is an option to choose from different types of farms with a unique theme and benefits as well as drawbacks. The farmland is overrun with boulders, trees, stumps, etc. initially, and players have to clear this in order to start farming. Up to 4 players can play online.

12. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Developed by Square Enix, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the 11th part of the long-running Dragon Quest video game series. The game was released in Japan for Nintendo 3DS and PS4 in 2017. For Windows, the game came out in 2018. The game had some critical acclaim for its story, characters, narrative, and localization. Nonetheless, the game sold over 6 million copies by 2020.

Players explore worlds and fight against monsters, with the ability to explore high areas. The Nintendo 3DS version is slightly different, showcasing 3D graphics and the top screen and 16-bit styled sprites on the bottom. If the players are not interested in battling, they can toggle between the 3D and 2D graphical styles. Players can even move around the enclosed battlefield with the MMORPG Dragon Quest X-inspired camera.

13. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, Dragon Age: Inquisition is the sequel to Dragon Age II and is the 3rd game of the Dragon Age franchise. The game was released worldwide in 2014 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Furthermore, the game won various awards and was nominated for more, including Game of the Year. A sequel, Drage Age: Dreadful, is in development currently.

In the initial stages of the game, players are asked to choose a race for their character (human, dwarf, elf, or Qunari), a playable race for the first time in the series. They can customize the physical appearance and genre. The game is presented in a semi-open world and players can interact with NPCs. XP can be earned by killing enemies and completing quests. With enough XP, players can level up and have their max health, as well as stats, increase.

14. Disco Elysium

Developed and published by ZA/UM in 2019, the game was written by an Estonian novelist named Robert Kurvitz and is featured on an oil painting with music by the English band Sea Power. The single-player game is available to play on Windows, macOS, PS 4, PS 5, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. A television series adaptation was declared to be in development in 2020.

The gameplay is dialogue-heavy and is presented in an isometric perspective wherein the player controls their characters by taking up the role of a detective who suffers from drug and alcohol-induced amnesia, on a murder case. NPCs can be interacted with and players have a partner, Kim Kitsuragi, who assumes the role of the protagonist’s voice of professionalism and offers advice at certain times. There are four major abilities in the game: Intellect, Psyche, Physique, and Motorics. Each of these has six distinct secondary skills for a total of 24

15. Bloodborne

Developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for PS 4, Bloodborne is based on the player’s character who lives in the Victorian-era inspired city of Yharnar and the inhabitants are suffering from a blood-borne disease transforming them into scary beasts. The game sold around 7.4 million units by 2022 and won several awards, having been cited as a masterpiece, and considered one of the best video games.

The game is played from a third-person perspective and showcases elements just like the ones found in the Dark Souls series. The players have to find a way through the rickety Gothic world of Yharnam, battling different types of enemies. Foraging is an important aspect of this game, as the players have to collect items that have various uses, interact with NPCs, and more.

16. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft, Odyssey is the 11th installment in the Assassin’s Creed series and the successor to Assassin’s Creed Origins. The game is available to play on PS 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia. Furthermore, the game got praised for its gameplay, graphics, characters, role-playing elements, and world design. Odyssey was a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide by March 2020.

The game is played from a third-person perspective and players are asked to choose to play the game as Alexios or Kassandra (Greek mercenaries and descendants of the Spartan king Leonidas I). Furthermore, players can also explore the world and interact with various NPCs for side missions. There are other things to do like discovering locations of interest, clearing out fortresses and camps, exploring tombs and shipwrecks, and collecting treasures. Players can also collect various crafting resources, such as iron ore, wood, leather, metal, and precious gems, through exploration and hunting wildlife.

17. Elden Ring

Developed by FromSoftware, the game was directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki with worldbuilding provided by fantasy writer George R. R. Martin. Released in 2022, the game is available to play on the PS 4, PS 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox X/S and can be played solo as well as multiplayer. It is one of the most awarded games in history with 324 Game of the Year awards and sold over 20 million copies in a year.

Set in the third person perspective, Elden Ring includes elements just like the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Players are free to roam in the open world and explore the Lands Between and its six main areas. NPCs can be interacted with, and so can enemies including demigods who rule each main area and serve as the game’s main bosses. Other places where players can fight bosses are hidden dungeons, catacombs, tunnels, and caves.

18. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

KOTOR (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic) is a franchise of Western RPGs created and developed by BioWare. The game has been released on Xbox, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Android. The games of this franchise are inspired by the fictional universe of Star Wars by George Lucas. The first release of this series was back in 2003 (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic) and the latest one came in 2023 (Star Wars: The Old Republic – Legacy of the Sith).

Based on the d20 RPG derived from the Third Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, combat in this game is round-based, and time is divided into discrete rounds and combatants attack. But, there are a number of actions a combatant can perform in one round. Players can edit and configure the combat system to pause at specific events after the end of each round.

19. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, Skyrim is the 5th installment in the Elder Scrolls series, coming after Oblivion. The game was released worldwide for Microsoft Windows, PS3, and Xbox 360 in 2011. However, it is currently available to play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PS 4, and PS 5. Skyrim also released a VR version for PS 4 in 2017 and a new game in the series is already in development.

It can be played in either a first or a third-person perspective. Free roam is allowed in the land of Skyrim and consists of wilderness expanses, dungeons, caves, cities, towns, villages, and more. To move around quickly, players can pay the city’s stable for a horse ride, or use a fast travel system. Players choose from among 10 choices of human and fantasy races at the beginning and interact with NPC who populate the world offering side quests. Monsters can be killed by combat via spells, weapons, and enchantments.

20. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was developed and published by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch and Wii U. Released in 2017, the game is considered one of the greatest video games of all time its emphasis on experimentation, physics-based sandbox, and emergent gameplay. The game challenges the players to explore the open world of Hyrule and collect items to complete the puzzle objectives and side quests. Exploring the kingdom while controlling Link is a task as the game encourages nonlinear gameplay, shown by the game’s lack of defined entrances and exits to various areas.

However, a consistent physics engine has been introduced to let players approach problems that have many solutions, instead of just one. The attention to detail is excellent and the game integrates a “chemistry engine” to define physical properties and how they interact with players. Eg. during thunderstorms, metal objects will attract powerful lightning strikes; during a storm, therefore, a player must be careful not to carry metal, but may also throw metal objects at enemies to draw lightning to them.

21. Fallout: New Vegas

Developed by developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks, Fallout: New Vegas was released in 2010 for PS 3, Windows, and Xbox 360. The game has approximately sold 12 million copies. The game received the Golden Joystick Award for “RPG of the Year” in 2011, was nominated for two BAFTA Awards (Best Strategy Game and Best Story), received an Interactive Achievement Award nomination for “Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year”, as well as a NAVGTR Award for Supporting Performance in a Drama.

The gameplay from Fallout 3 was maintained, however, existing gameplay was improved upon by introducing elements with some old and new features to the series. Combat was improved and the V.A.T.S system was updated along with several new attacks and kill animations for melee weapons. The response and accuracy were also refined with players now able to use iron sights on forearms. Along with this, players can visit casinos and play games like blackjack, slots, and roulette.

22. Mass Effect 2

Developed by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios and Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in 2010, Mass Effect 2 takes place in the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, where humanity is threatened by an alien race known as the Collectors. The game received many awards including Game of the Year at the 14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards and Best Game at the 7th British Academy Games Awards.

The player assumes the role of Commander Shepard from a third-person perspective and before the game commences, players have to determine appearance, gender, combat training, military background, and first name. The game features six different character classes for the player to choose from.[4] Each class is proficient in a different set of powers and weapon types. Overworld is a galaxy map with various quests, mostly combat, but players can also interact with NPCs during their visits to settlements.

23. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Published by CD Projekt, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a sequel to The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and the third game in The Witcher series, played in an open world with a third-person perspective. Available to play on PS 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS 5, and Xbox Series X/S, the game sold over 50 million units last year, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer known as a Witcher. This character can walk, run, roll, dodge, jump, climb, and swing as well as has a variety of weapons such as bombs, crossbow, and 2 swords (one steel and one silver). The steel sword is used to kill humans while the silver sword is effective against monsters. In addition to physical attacks, Geralt has five magical signs at his disposal: Aard, Axii, Igni, Yrden, and Quen. Also, players occasionally control Ciri, Geralt’s adoptive daughter who can teleport short distances.