The Best RPGs To Play In 2025

Finding the top RPGs can be quite challenging. The enduring presence of this genre in the gaming community boasts some of the most unforgettable titles ever created, yet, by their very essence, role-playing games typically demand a substantial time commitment compared to other types. Therefore, we aim to assist you in narrowing down your options to maximize your gaming experiences and investments.

The RPG category is extensive, encompassing numerous subgenres into which several titles might fit, depending on their origin or gameplay mechanics. You may frequently encounter RPG features in games that otherwise belong to different categories; action RPGs, such as the Diablo series, have consistently gained popularity, and RPG-inspired character development has been integrated into first-person shooters, action titles, and many more. Moreover, the narratives, characters, and worlds that developers craft within RPGs have often been adapted into films and television series.

Though there are countless RPGs deserving of your time, we take on the demanding responsibility of ranking the top 25 RPGs to explore in 2025. Please note that this compilation includes only one title per RPG series to ensure a broad selection of unique games. However, this guideline does not extend to developers, so you will notice several entries by the same creators. Our choices are presented in alphabetical order. For additional information, don’t forget to check our selections for the best PS5 games, top games on Switch, and recommended games on Xbox.

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Release Date: February 13, 2025
• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Obsidian’s latest creation transports you back into the Pillars of Eternity universe, offering a fresh outlook and unexplored area. In Avowed, you take on the role of a Godlike, a mortal blessed by deities with unique abilities—and a distinctive plant-like growth that sets you apart. Your mission is to act as an envoy investigating the origins of a perilous plague, and soon, you find yourself intertwined in both royal and divine conspiracies. What truly distinguishes Avowed is its exceptional first-person combat that ensures every strike of your blade or spell from your tome feels immersive. Plus, explore a vast open world, providing ample opportunities for exploration alongside your quests.

Read our Avowed review.

• Developer: Larian Studios
• Release Date: August 3, 2023
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Baldur’s Gate 3 is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs in recent memory. For many fans of the genre, it’s the definitive game of its generation, marking a remarkable achievement within the gaming realm. The engaging storyline captivates players right from the outset, guiding them through enchanting locations brimming with quests, side activities, and interesting characters. Some of these characters can join your party, each possessing unique and intriguing quest lines to pursue. The multitude of choices available in BG3 is astonishing, with every decision capable of influencing your ending. Additionally, you have the freedom to develop your character in various ways, enabling you to embody the role you envision, which is the essence of true role-playing games.

• Developer: From Software
• Release Date: March 24, 2015
• Platforms: PlayStation 4

Bloodborne showcases From Software at its peak when it comes to design; the formidable bosses scattered throughout the world provide significant challenges, yet they can all be conquered, and the environment intricately interconnects. Additionally, the game’s Victorian-era backdrop is a visual masterpiece. As is typical with From Software titles, you may occasionally feel that Bloodborne is the most frustrating and unfair game ever while playing, but the satisfaction of reaching the end credits makes all the struggles worthwhile.

• Developer: Square
• Release Date: March 11, 1995
• Platforms: SNES, Nintendo DS, PC

Chrono Trigger is a favorite among many gamers, often hailed as the best RPG of all time, and we find it challenging to dispute that sentiment. Launched in 1995 as the first title in the Chrono series, this groundbreaking RPG takes you through the ages, spanning the past, present, and future. The adventure begins with an unforeseen malfunction that triggers time travel and culminates in a mission to save the planet’s destiny.

• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Release Date: June 28, 2000
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Diablo II exemplifies the series at its finest and remains an exceptional RPG that is still discussed today. For those reluctant to play an older title, there’s also Diablo II: Resurrected, a modern remaster of this classic game. Diablo II features an engaging storyline, numerous character development options, and an immersive experience.

distinctive from anything else on this list.

• Creator: Larian Studios
• Launch Date: September 14, 2017
• Available On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is another role-playing game from Larian Studios, and it predates Baldur’s Gate 3 by six years. This detail accentuates the remarkable achievement of Larian, which crafted a vast world teeming with distinctive characters and locales. While the characters in Divinity: Original Sin 2 may not resonate as strongly as those in other RPGs, the setting is truly unforgettable. Right from the game’s beginning, you are immersed in a struggle between sorcerers and those opposed to magic. The narrative in Original Sin 2 unfolds wonderfully, allowing your decisions to significantly shape the storyline’s conclusion.

• Creator: ZA/UM
• Launch Date: October 15, 2019
• Available On: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

If you’re weary of combat in RPGs, then Disco Elysium should be your next choice. Featuring an innovative dialogue system, it is a 25+ hour adventure that transports you into a thrilling narrative. You portray a detective possessing unique skills that assist you in unraveling murder mysteries and other crimes. However, like any excellent RPG, you are presented with numerous choices that influence the story’s outcome. The voice acting in Disco Elysium is among the finest available, and you’ll be astonished by the depth of the dialogue system.

• Creator: Capcom
• Launch Date: March 21, 2024
• Available On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, surprises abound in every corner of this expansive fantasy journey. A spirit of exploration lies at its heart, fueling the excitement that accompanies discovering fresh locations, new characters, and formidable dragons as you traverse the world. The hack-and-slash mechanics remain exhilarating—no surprise, given that Hideaki Itsuno from Devil May Cry directs this title—while the Pawn System captures a sense of enchantment, making the world around you feel vibrantly alive. Don’t be shocked if Dragon’s Dogma 2 disrupts your sleep patterns with its addictive “just one more quest” nature.

Discover our Dragon’s Dogma 2 review.

• Creator: Bethesda Game Studios
• Launch Date: November 11, 2011
• Available On: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch

The Elder Scrolls series is often hailed as the pinnacle of role-playing games. Although Morrowind and Oblivion, the third and fourth installments in the series, could also be contenders for this slot, we are selecting Skyrim for several compelling reasons. Skyrim boasts one of the most impressive gaming worlds to explore, and its cultural impact remains as significant as any other title on this list. Upon its release, Skyrim became an instant phenomenon, as the developers pushed and surpassed the limits of what players imagined an open-world RPG could achieve. Whether you’re delving into a random cave or embarking on a quest for one of the numerous in-game factions, you always find something entertaining to engage in while playing Skyrim. If you’re on PC, make sure to explore our selections for the best Skyrim mods, enhancing your gameplay further.

• Creator: From Software
• Launch Date: February 25, 2022
• Available On: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Few titles generated as much anticipation as Elden Ring, while also exceeding numerous players’ expectations. From Software’s masterpiece offers one of the finest open worlds ever crafted, filled with formidable bosses and adversaries lurking around every corner. The satisfaction obtained from overcoming Elden Ring’s challenges is unparalleled for many gamers, making the conquest of this realm an arduous but rewarding journey. Elden Ring’s universe is also rich with profound lore, waiting to be unearthed in the most unexpected places. Although dialogue is sparse in Elden Ring, few games foster as strong a connection with your character, as the trials you face in the Lands Between forge a close bond. When exploring, check out our comprehensive Elden Ring guides to optimize your adventure.

• Creator: Obsidian Entertainment
• Launch Date: October 19, 2010
• Available On: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Fallout stands as one of the most recognizable RPG franchises globally. With multiple titles in the series and a wealth of lore to explore, determining the ultimate game is no easy task. However, as numerous fans will confirm, nothing can quite compare to Fallout: New Vegas when it comes to RPGs. New Vegas captivates you from the outset, opening with a mysterious character shooting you in the head against the backdrop of the shimmering Vegas Strip. Upon regaining consciousness, you’re thrust into a riveting story filled with unexpected twists. Your decisions critically influence the game’s conclusion, allowing you to align with a particular faction, a feature that other Fallout titles often struggle to deliver.

You can view how we ranked the top Fallout games in a previous article.

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• Developer: Square Enix
• Launch Date: Various
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

The original Final Fantasy titles were among the most groundbreaking RPGs of all time, and the newly enhanced Pixel Remaster editions represent the ultimate way to experience them. With refurbished graphics and remixed soundtracks, the classic pixel art and music have never sparkled this brilliantly. Additionally, these versions include enhancements to elements like experience points and currency, facilitating a smoother playthrough. Discovering these timeless games has never been simpler, eliminating much of the grinding known from earlier releases. While some titles hold up better than others with FF6 truly shining, having the complete early saga of Final Fantasy in one collection is unbeatable.

• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Launch Date: February 4, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

RPGs typically belong to fantasy or sci-fi genres, providing ample freedom for magical abilities and extraterrestrial locales. The Kingdom Come series stands apart due to its historical fiction setting, taking place in early 15th-century Bohemia. This context enhances the authenticity of court intrigue as you navigate the intricate politics of the time, expanding your influence amid a civil conflict. The revamped combat system improves upon its predecessor, while the quests offer various ways to tackle challenges.

Check out our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review.

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios
• Launch Date: January 25, 2024
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

In Ichiban Kasuga’s continued adventures as the protagonist of the Like A Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza, he travels far beyond Japan to the tropical shores of Hawaii, in a quest to find his estranged mother. This expansive narrative retains the heartwarming charm and humorous antics the series is known for, incorporating beloved minigames such as Sujimon, while introducing the extensive Dondoko Island quest. This minigame could almost stand alone, placing you in charge of a resort, where you’ll need to ensure guest satisfaction while fending off troublemakers. Picture it as a blend of Animal Crossing and confronting thugs with baseball bats.

Read our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth review.

• Developer: BioWare
• Launch Date: January 26, 2010
• Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One

The Mass Effect series showcases one of the most compelling narratives that any RPG franchise has presented. Although the conclusion of Mass Effect 3 disappointed some players, its influence on future RPGs is undeniable. Among the titles in this series, Mass Effect 2 stands out as the finest, offering significant improvements over its predecessor. The universe is more immersive, characters are well-developed, and the gameplay captures your attention from start to finish. Your decisions in Mass Effect 2 will also impact the storyline in the third installment if you transfer your save data, a feature that’s not often encountered in contemporary games. The 2021’s Legendary Edition compiles and remasters the complete original trilogy.

• Developer: Atlus
• Launch Date: October 11, 2024
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

While discussions about the top game developed by Atlus continue, Metaphor ReFantazio certainly asserts its merit with its stunning craftsmanship, refined turn-based combat, and an ensemble of characters you will grow fond of. This work celebrates narratives within a world marked by inequality, blending escapism with real-world issues while balancing pragmatism and idealism. The result is a tale that feels both enchanting and heartbreakingly familiar. It’s an impressive expedition from start to finish, ensuring that you’ll never perceive a moment as wasted during this extended journey. It won the title of GameSpot’s Game of the Year in 2024.

Explore our Metaphor ReFantazio review.

• Developer: Nintendo / Intelligent Systems
• Launch Date: May 23, 2024
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch

The Paper Mario series is considered one of the top Mario RPGs, with The Thousand-Year Door being a significant contributor to its acclaim. Originally released on GameCube, this game received a colorful remake for the Switch that highlights its original charm. The vibrant world appears more impressive than ever and includes small quality-of-life improvements alongside a refined translation to elevate its presentation. Particularly noteworthy are the game’s diverse characters, especially the roster of familiar Mario villains who are infused with personality, transforming them into reliable sidekicks.

Read our Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door review.

• • Developer: Atlus
  • Release Date: October 31, 2019
  • Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

  The Persona series is often celebrated as one of the finest within the RPG sphere, and the fifth chapter showcases the franchise at its peak. More precisely, Persona 5 Royal is regarded as the ultimate rendition of the game overall, although the original Persona 5 garnered numerous accolades in 2019. You assume the role of a high school student who mysteriously acquires Persona abilities overnight. These abilities enable you to assume the identity of a Phantom Thief, taking to the streets to reform corrupt adults into kinder individuals. What sets Persona 5 apart is its unique mechanic where you must also participate in school and attend classes during the daytime, introducing a refreshing social simulation aspect to your gaming adventure.

Pokemon Legends Arceus

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Stardew Valley

Suikoden 1&2 Remaster

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Undertale

Vampire: The Masquerade ??? Bloodlines

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

World of Warcraft