There is no denying that there are RPGs from the 16-bit and 32-bit eras that are considered some of the best games of all time, but we have come a long way since then. This article will focus on modern RPGs, specifically those released in the last 15 years (since the launch of Xbox 360 and PS3).
Additionally, the RPG genre is quite broad, so this article will attempt to only mention pure RPGs, or at least those where role-playing elements dominate the gameplay. More specifically, these are games that focus heavily on decision-making and storytelling, combined with character stat changes. Therefore, titles like X-Com or Fire Emblem will not be included in this list as they lean more towards strategy genres; similarly, the Souls series from FromSoftware is also excluded, as it has essentially evolved into its own distinct genre at this point. Here are the 10 best RPGs of the last 15 years.
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age reminds us of the golden age of JRPGs. The characters in the game are diverse and deep, each with their own unique colors; combined with a balance of world exploration and turn-based combat mechanics, Echoes of an Elusive Age has become a beloved title, keeping players engaged throughout its 80+ hour journey.
This is one of the purest classic JRPGs: the battles are streamlined enough to feel fast-paced while still offering a certain level of challenge (especially in the later stages of the game), satisfying the majority of players. For many gamers, the Dragon Quest series is a delightful escape when they want to recapture the feelings of classic JRPGs. Even after 30 years, it not only remains strong but also attracts new players to this legendary series.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragon’s Dogma and its magnificent expansion, Dark Arisen, is a unique RPG that many people have overlooked for various reasons. Firstly, it is a wonderful blend of exciting elements, top-notch action combat mechanics, and deep role-playing mechanics. The game features a wide array of character classes, allowing players to adapt their playstyle according to the situation.
The melee character class makes players feel like they are in a real fight; the ranged class provides the feeling of a third-person shooter; while the magic class is fascinating, offering various spells to creatively dispatch enemies. It carries some shades of famous RPGs like The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher, but in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, we still see a distinct flavor that is unmistakably its own.
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is one of the RPGs that shaped an entire generation. It heavily emphasizes player choice, features a diverse and rich world, intense battles, and characters with depth and distinct personalities that leave a lasting impression on players. Creating a new character allows you to choose from unique origins through which the game introduces players to the world of Thedas.
This allows your journey to become personalized, relatable, and more familiar, paving the way for you to gain a “ticket” to join an elite council of warriors known as the Grey Wardens. All of this has made Dragon Age one of the most beloved RPG series from the studio BioWare.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an inspiring adventure, transforming the fantasy world of the game into your own playground. While the main quests may be slightly mundane, the game allows you to freely roam and do whatever you like, encouraging you to do so. There’s so much to do in Skyrim: explore a vast kingdom with many inhabitants trying to make a living, battle factions attempting to overthrow the empire, take down dangerous wildlife from wolves to giants, and even dragons soaring through the sky.
Additionally, you will find many interesting side quests that allow you to become a vampire or a werewolf, join the legendary Dark Brotherhood, and countless other surprises as you level up and unlock more powerful spells. Skyrim is one of the most expansive and detailed RPGs, urging you to explore every nook and cranny, whether it’s your first playthrough or your fifth.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is heavily infused with the essence of classic RPGs, utilizing many elements from legendary board games like Dungeons and Dragons and transforming them into a more modern genre. It is a unique, harmonious blend of detective fiction, classic paper-and-pencil gaming, and existentialist theory in a way that no RPG has ever done before. The game’s narrative features numerous twists, impressive character designs, and meticulously crafted decision-making mechanics, all combining to create an extremely unique and creative experience, arguably a classic within the RPG genre.
Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal is the deluxe version of the famous RPG Persona 5, proving that the latest entry in Atlus’s JRPG series is still highly anticipated by gamers. Persona 5 introduced a memorable cast of characters, a very unique turn-based combat system, and a grand story told from the heart of the developers. Somehow, in the Royal version, not only does it add interesting content to the existing story, but it also improves upon elements that previously detracted from Persona 5 in the eyes of players. With its distinct quality, catchy soundtrack, and top-notch RPG gameplay mechanics, Persona 5 Royal has become one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Essentially, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the video game version of the renowned Dungeons and Dragons board game. It features a vast fantasy world that can consume hundreds of hours of gameplay, but more importantly, it encourages players to think creatively like other games. More precisely, each time you “cheat,” you are rewarded accordingly, and when NPCs (non-player characters) and enemies realize you are “cheating,” they will react accordingly.
You are free to steal, kill, or persuade others to continue your journey. You can choose one of the pre-made characters with different stories, or create your own character and bring along 3 friends to battle together. Whether you are playing on easy or hard mode, as an Elf Ranger or Undead Conjurer, whether you are a benevolent wanderer or a cold-blooded killer, Divinity: Original Sin 2 remains a fantastic fantasy world where you can immerse yourself for hours on end.
Mass Effect 2
The first three installments of the Mass Effect series are among the most celebrated RPGs of all time, but shining brightest among them is Mass Effect 2. Anyone who has played this series knows that every decision you make leads to different outcomes, not only at that moment but also greatly impacts the game’s universe, especially affecting the conclusion of the arduous journey. While the third installment did not continue this “tradition,” the plot structure of Mass Effect 2 and the consequences of actions in the first game still satisfy players.
Its gameplay is also outstanding, featuring improved combat mechanics that balance strategy and third-person shooting action. Coupled with a breathtaking world, grand cinematic sequences, and an impressive cast of characters, you have one of the best RPGs in gaming history.
Fallout New Vegas
With a unique approach to the Old West theme set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland following a nuclear explosion, decisive choices, and various ways to accomplish goals, Fallout: New Vegas is not only the best Fallout in the series but also one of the best RPGs ever created.
Developer Obsidian took the open world of Bethesda’s Fallout 3 and elevated it, adding dark humor, unique characters, and dialogue options that depend on character stats, making each playthrough feel fresh and meticulously tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the character you control. As an anonymous courier, you can rise from nothing to become someone who makes life-and-death decisions for an entire region, giving you the feeling of being a deity wielding ultimate power.
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 is a game with a deep storyline and an incredibly detailed vast world, filled with countless mysteries for players to explore. It is also one of those games where each of your actions can lead to different outcomes, leaving you contemplating it long after you have completed the game. The base game of The Witcher 3 is so content-rich that even if you poured hundreds of hours into it, there’s still so much more to discover; coupled with the expansions, you can imagine how immense it is.
Just considering its two DLCs alone, it is clear that they are much more polished and refined compared to other games on the market. In fact, the card minigame Gwent has also become one of the greatest games-within-a-game of all time. The Witcher 3 may well be the greatest open-world RPG we have today. We’ll see if this title is dethroned when Cyberpunk 2077 is released.
Source: IGN translated by Gearvn