Role-playing games (RPGs) have captivated gamers for decades, offering deep stories, memorable characters, and expansive worlds to explore. The best RPG games have shaped the genre, influencing everything from mechanics to storytelling techniques. Whether you’re into classic fantasy settings or futuristic adventures, RPG video games provide a level of immersion and choice that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The list below of iconic RPG games highlights games that every RPG fan in 2024 should experience at least once. All of the games on this list aren’t necessarily released in 2024, they showcase what makes RPGs special, with unforgettable journeys and challenges. In no particular order, let’s dive into the best role-playing games of 2024 and see what sets them apart from other games in the genre.
Black Myth: Wukong
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 and PC
Developer(s): Game Science
Publisher: Game Science
Genre: Action role-playing game
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Black Myth: Wukong takes you into the heart of a mythological Chinese world, retelling the tale of the Monkey King with a dark, cinematic twist. You play as Sun Wukong, a hero who wields shape-shifting powers and battles mythical creatures across a stunning landscape. The game’s real-time combat combines skillful melee, magic, and transformative abilities that add a strategic edge to every encounter.
With inspiration drawn from Soulslike games, Black Myth challenges you with tactical fights that require precision and timing, keeping the gameplay intense and rewarding. Its breathtaking visuals and detailed character design create a visually striking world, blending ancient Chinese lore with modern fantasy aesthetics.
This unique mix of action and mythology places Black Myth: Wukong as one of the best RPG games of 2024. Especially for fans looking for an immersive and challenging journey through a legendary story.
Baldur’s Gate III
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Baldur’s Gate III redefines what’s possible in role-playing games, blending deep storytelling with complex gameplay rooted in Dungeons & Dragons lore. Set in the Forgotten Realms, you control a party of adventurers fighting the sinister Mind Flayers, who implant parasitic tadpoles in their victims. You face a huge open world filled with choices that affect characters, story outcomes, and alliances, making this one of the best RPG games of 2024.
Larian Studios have created a deeply involving experience, letting you control every action, from dialogue to moral choices. Combat is turn-based and tactical, requiring careful planning, which keeps each battle challenging. The game also supports cooperative multiplayer, so your friends can join you on the epic journey.
Baldur’s Gate III combines complex character development with true freedom of choice, making it both challenging and rewarding to play. With detailed environments, memorable characters, and branching storylines, it stands out as essential. If you are looking for one of the best RPG games to play, Baldur’s Gate III is a must-play and great addition to your collection.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Adventure, Action, Role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Building on Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom expands the Zelda universe, delivering a rich experience filled with puzzles, exploration, and secrets. You guide Link on a quest to uncover the mysteries of a new realm while facing familiar foes and challenging dungeons. The game’s new abilities bring a creative twist to exploration and combat, letting you interact with the world in innovative ways.
With Nintendo’s classic style and attention to detail, Tears of the Kingdom stands as one of the top RPG games. For the most part, the game performs smoothly on the Switch, bringing the Zelda legacy to life in an impressive open world. Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Elden Ring
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Developer(s): FromSoftware
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Elden Ring combines the expertise of Hidetaka Miyazaki and the creative storytelling of George R.R. Martin. Set in the expansive, atmospheric Lands Between, you explore this open world with a level of freedom rarely seen in RPGs. As a Tarnished, you seek to become the Elden Lord, confronting powerful enemies and uncovering ancient secrets across the land.
This game offers a rich combat system that tests your skills through precision-based gameplay. Each battle requires strategic planning, which makes every victory feel satisfying and earned. Elden Ring also supports cooperative multiplayer, so you can team up with friends to face challenges.
With its huge, interconnected world and challenging gameplay, Elden Ring earns its place among the best RPG games of all time. Its intricate storylines, legendary boss fights, and unforgettable world design mark it as a top RPG game every fan should experience. Read our review of Elden Ring.
Final Fantasy XVI
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 and PC
Developer(s): Square Enix Creative Business Unit III
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Final Fantasy XVI offers a unique twist in the long-standing series, blending classic Final Fantasy themes with modern, action-packed gameplay. Set in Valisthea, a world divided by powerful Mothercrystals, you follow Clive Rosfield, a warrior on a quest to uncover the truth behind dark forces shaping the realm. Each character possesses distinct powers linked to elemental forces known as Eikons, bringing a new and exciting approach to combat and storytelling.
With real-time combat inspired by action games, Final Fantasy XVI emphasizes agility and timing. You take part in battles that feature skill-based systems, adding depth without making things overly complicated. Beautiful visuals and cinematic cutscenes bring Valisthea to life, giving each scene a grand sense of scale and impact.
Known for its mature themes and immersive world, Final Fantasy XVI stands as one of the top RPG games. This entry showcases Square Enix’s ability to evolve while staying rooted in what made Final Fantasy iconic. If you are looking to play one of the top RPG games, Final Fantasy XVI is a must play.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360
Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains a defining game in RPG history, even years after its original release. In this action role-playing game, you play as the Dragonborn, a hero with the power to absorb dragon souls and master shouts. Set in the expansive region of Skyrim, the game offers endless exploration, allowing you to shape your path through quests, guilds, and character-building. Skyrim’s depth makes it one of the greatest role-playing games of all time, especially for fans of freedom and adventure.
On the Nintendo Switch, the game performs well, with slight graphical downgrades for portability. With its modding potential on PC, the game provides endless customization and replayability, securing its spot as one of the top RPG games.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4 and PC
Developer(s): Atlus
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Metaphor: ReFantazio takes you into a rich, high-fantasy world created by Atlus, the minds behind Persona. In this unique RPG, you guide a hero on a journey to break a curse affecting a royal friend, blending mythological themes with an epic sense of destiny. Set in the kingdom of Euchronia, the game offers an open world filled with mythical creatures, powerful deities, and political intrigue.
The combat in Metaphor builds on Persona’s turn-based system, adding strategic layers that emphasize party coordination and tactical positioning. Each hero’s unique abilities and skill paths give you options in battle, while environmental advantages add depth. This system pushes you to think carefully about each move, rewarding adaptability and strategy over speed.
Visually, Metaphor stands out with detailed landscapes, immersive cities, and ancient ruins, all backed by an atmospheric soundtrack that sets a sweeping, fantasy-driven mood. With its challenging gameplay and well-crafted setting, Metaphor: ReFantazio shows Atlus’s strength in creating memorable, strategic RPGs. This title combines their traditional storytelling with innovative gameplay, making it one of the best role-playing games.
Explore the best RPG games
And there you have it! Our list of the best RPG games of 2024. These RPG games showcase the genre at its best, with immersive worlds, rich storytelling, and challenging gameplay. From Baldur’s Gate III’s strategic depth to Metaphor: ReFantazio’s mythological adventure, each game has something unique to offer. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to role-playing games, these RPG games promise memorable experiences.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you agree with this list, or would you add other RPGs? Let us know in the comments section below.
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It’s a remaster, but Shining Resonance: Refrain definately deserves a look if you’re a fan of anime-esque stories.
Interesting. I’ve been playing PS3, XBox 360 and One for years and have barely heard of any of these games. Not sure they have even been recommended when I go into my games stores looking for RPG games. Great to have some new options to check out.
No computer games in this list? Gamers play more than overpriced consoles with mediocre graphics.
Dragon Quest XI is on PC.
I have always enjoyed Dragon Quest games when I’ve played them in the past. I am really looking forward to playing DQXI when it comes to the Nintendo Switch, as long as they don’t cancel that expected version.