Ready to lose yourself in epic adventures alongside unforgettable characters? Dive into our list of the best RPGs of all time in 2026! Explore sprawling sci-fi landscapes, forge your path through fantastical realms, or delve into futuristic dystopias. With deep character customization, impactful decisions, and captivating combat systems, these RPGs offer unforgettable experiences that will leave you wanting more. Ready for it? Here are all the best RPG games you must play in 2026.
List of Best RPG Games
RPG is one of the most fun and loved genres in gaming, and it features some true gems. Here are the best RPG games that you should play in 2026:
Name Release Date Red Dead Redemption 2 October 26, 2018 Baldur’s Gate 3 August 3, 2023 Elden Ring February 25, 2022 Fallout: New Vegas October 19, 2010 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt May 19, 2015 Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 February 4, 2025 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 April 24, 2025 Grand Theft Auto V September 17, 2013 Cyberpunk 2077 December 10, 2020 Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild March 3, 2017
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Developer(s): Sandfall Interactive
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 was the GOTY of 2025, and it is an absolute masterpiece that brought everything great in a turn-based combat and mixed it with the mechanics of souls-like. The game also features an incredible storyline with some of the best music compositions in gaming.
Immerse yourself in the world of wonders and find yourself face to face with aesthetics inspired by Belle Époque France. Do not miss out on Clair Obscur Expedition 33, which is one of the best RPG games of all time.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
- Release Date: May 23, 2025
- Developer(s): Questline
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon is an incredibly underrated game. It is the spiritual successor of Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim and Oblivion, bringing that same style and vibe with more polished combat and a vastly interactive world. Every NPC in this game has a story to tell and is incredibly well-voiced.
From an exploration standpoint, you won’t find a better game than Tainted Grail to rekindle your feelings of traveling in Skyrim or Oblivion. I have spent over 80 hours in this game already, and planning to do more each passing day.
Ghost of Yotei
- Release Date: October 2, 2025
- Developer(s): Sucker Punch Productions
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Ghost of Yotei features an incredible open world with gorgeous visuals and an outstanding combat system that builds on Tsushima’s groundwork. Instead of focusing only on katana and stances, Yotei introduces more weapon variety that seamlessly pair with each other to enhance the combat experience.
Although the main storyline in Tshushima is much better, Ghost of Yotei is still an incredible RPG due to its polished mechanics and incredible open world.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
- Release Date: June 26, 2025
- Developer(s): Kojima Productions
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Death Stranding 2 completely rewrote the franchise by building on everything wrong with the first part. The game introduced more combat and made it less of a walking simulator with more things to do. And not just things, Hideo Kojima-style shenanigans. Death Stranding 2 is one of wierdest and most pure forms of RPG out there that everyone must experience once.
It features an incredible storyline, NPCs, and exploration is top-notch. You won’t find a better game to experience the eccentricities of Hideo Kojima than Death Stranding 2 On the Beach.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
- Release Date: February 4, 2025
- Developer(s): Warhorse Studios
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
When it comes to a true RPG experience, the original Kingdom Come Deliverance always comes into conversation. However, the game lacks solid performance, limiting its true fun. But do not worry; Warhorse Studios has solved the issue.
KCD 2 (review) is the true RPG any genre fan must try, as it is one of the best RPG games of all time. The game gives you a story-rich journey of a character you can relate to. The combat and gameplay loop retains the best from the original while adding more to it. If you have not played the original KCD, I recommend jumping to Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 directly instead to feel how a true RPG feels.
Elden Ring
- Release Date: February 25, 2022
- Developer(s): FromSoftware
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Elden Ring will remain an RPG giant even in 2026. The Lands Between offers endless exploration and brutal combat while the deep character builds and lets you forge your own legend. With the “Erdtree” DLC and a whole new chapter to experience, the fresh challenges add to its already epic journey.
Even veterans can return and discover a renewed sense of wonder in this sprawling masterpiece. We must acknowledge that this is the best version among its other soul-sister or cousin games.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Release Date: May 18, 2015
- Developer(s): CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, with its deep story, captivating world, and now limitless modding potential, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an RPG masterpiece not to be missed. The game already offers you everything there should be in a compelling RPG.
Additionally, CD Projekt Red’s official mod kit, REDkit, allows players to create entirely new quests, items, and even areas. This breathes fresh life into the world, offering a near-endless stream of new content to explore. Moreover, with Witcher 4 coming soon, you might want to finish the story ASAP.
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release Date: 3 August 2023
- Developer(s): Larian Studios
- Platform(s): Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, Xbox Series X/S
Having secured the coveted Game of the Year title in 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has made a statement for the RPG genre. This turn-based RPG offers deep character customization based on D&D 5e rules, allowing you to truly embody your hero.
The world is rich with branching narratives and impactful choices. Whether you crave a classic RPG experience or a fresh adventure in the Forgotten Realms, Baldur’s Gate 3 delivers. The game will also get modding support to make your wildest fantasies real this September.
Ghost of Tsushima
- Release Date: July 17, 2020
- Developer(s): Sucker Punch Productions
- Platform(s): Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Ghost of Tsushima is still one of the most incredible RPGs that every gamer should play. It features one of the best open world experience with incredible visuals. I remember taking over 700 screenshots in just a span of 50 hours in the game in my last playthrough. But the highlight of Tsushima that sets it apart and makes it more loved than Yotei is the story of Jin Sakai.
Embark on the incredible revenge tale of Jin Sakai as he fights Mongols to take back freedom for his land, while he struggles internally with his sense of honor.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Developer(s): Rockstar Games
- Platform(s): Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S/X/One, Stadia
Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely accepted as the best game of all time, and it also stands at the top in the RPG genre. This game includes everything you expect in an RPG, and much more on top of that. RDR2 has this unique mechanic where the world reacts to all your behavior, unlocking new hidden missions based on your past interactions. The only other game I have played with such intricacies in missions is Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, which was released 7 years later.
The game follows the tale of Arthur Morgan, almost narrating his story from a young guy to his old age. It has one of the best and most emotional storylines, as you get to see and help grow up Arthur as a character, deciding his fate and journey.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Release Date: March 3, 2017
- Developer(s): Nintendo
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Breath of the Wild remains an RPG phenomenon even in 2026, thanks to its vast, explorable world. The game encourages player freedom, letting you tackle challenges and quests in any order. A clever physics engine lets you interact with the world in surprising ways, while the cel-shaded art style retains its charm.
The story unfolds organically as you explore, uncovering a rich tapestry of lore and a sense of forgotten grandeur. Even after seven years, Breath of the Wild offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Date: September 17, 2013
- Developer(s): Rockstar North
- Platform(s): Windows, PlayStation 3/4/5, Xbox Series X/S/One/360
Grand Theft Auto V is still one of the best RPG games to play and it might be more prevalent with GTA VI knocking on our doors. The game continues to dominate in player numbers on every platform it is available on, mainly due to the free online mode that comes paired with it.
If you haven’t tried out GTA V yet, then now is the perfect time to give it a go and experience the incredible shenanigans of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.
Bloodborne
- Release Date: March 24, 2015
- Developer(s): FromSoftware
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4
Although it has been a long time, Bloodborne is still one of the best RPGs of all time among fans. Bloodborne’s popularity in 2026 boils down to several factors. Its oppressive, Lovecraftian atmosphere and gothic Victorian setting are unmatched.
The combat is fast-paced and rewarding, urging aggressive tactics. Bosses are epic encounters that test your skills. The world design is intricate and interconnected, begging for a whole lot of questing. It offers a unique and challenging RPG experience even after nearly a decade.
Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
- Release Date: November 11, 2011
- Developer(s): Bethesda Softworks
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
If you are into exploring a vast open world, then Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is the ideal RPG experience for you. The freedom to forge your own path, be it a heroic warrior or sneaky thief, offers endless replayability.
A strong modding community creates fresh experiences with new quests, characters, and even entire gameplay overhauls. The game’s memorable soundtrack and stunning landscapes fuel nostalgia for long-time fans and continue to draw in new players.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Release Date: December 10, 2020
- Developer(s): CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
When it comes to CD Projekt Red, RPG is never disappointing. Cyberpunk 2077 shines as an RPG with its deep character builds, offering a variety of combat approaches. Your branching decisions throughout the story genuinely impact the world and characters.
Night City itself is a living, breathing dystopia filled with atmosphere and detail. Despite a rough launch, CD Projekt Red has listened to player feedback and continues to improve the game with updates and expansions, especially a great DLC in “Phantom Liberty.”
Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Release Date: March 7, 2024
- Developer(s): Capcom
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s exciting combat makes you strategize with your AI companions. The Pawn system lets you borrow or rent others’ creations, adding a unique twist to party building. While the story isn’t groundbreaking, it’s engaging and keeps you wanting more.
Exploration is a joy, thanks to a vast world and challenging enemies. Dragon’s Dogma 2 (review) offers a deep and rewarding RPG experience despite some performance issues that can chug on weaker machines.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Release Date: January 28, 2022
- Developer(s): Nintendo
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Legends: Arceus revitalizes the Pokémon franchise by introducing fresh gameplay elements while retaining the core tenets that fans cherish. The open-world exploration and seamless transition into catching mechanics create a more immersive experience.
Completing the Pokedex becomes an engaging core aspect, directly contributing to the narrative. The emphasis on research and observation deepens the connection between the player and Pokémon.
Mass Effect 2
- Release Date: January 26, 2010
- Developer(s): BioWare
- Platform(s): Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
This Mass Effect sequel excels as an RPG by offering impactful choices that shape the narrative and relationships. Players develop a ragtag crew through loyalty missions, forging deep bonds that influence the game’s climax.
Character builds and specializations allow for tactical combat customization, while moral decisions carry weight, affecting both the crew and the game’s overall outcome. The result is a deeply personal journey where your choices define the fate of the characters and the mission.
Stellar Blade
- Release Date: April 26, 2024
- Developer(s): Shift Up
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5
If you’re craving stylish and satisfying combat, then Stellar Blade (review) delivers. This action RPG features a deep combat system that rewards mastery. Players can unlock a wide range of skills and weapons to overcome tough enemies.
The world itself is stunningly detailed and immersive, inviting you to explore and uncover its secrets. While the narrative and characters might not appeal to everyone, the core gameplay offers a truly engaging experience.
Path Of Exile
- Release Date: October 23, 2013
- Developer(s): Grinding Gear Games
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, macOS
Path of Exile is an excellent ARPG due to its incredibly deep combat system. With a vast skill tree and a massive selection of gems granting unique abilities, players can craft highly customized characters with diverse playstyles.
The combat itself is fast-paced and rewarding, demanding strategic positioning and thoughtful skill combinations to conquer increasingly difficult enemies. This depth extends beyond combat, as Path of Exile boasts a complex itemization system that fuels theory crafting and experimentation. As Path of Exile 2 is already here, you can go through the first story before starting the new one.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Release Date: January 25, 2024
- Developer(s): SEGA
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Fans of quirky humor and engaging combat systems will find a lot to love in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This RPG builds upon the fun turn-based battles of its predecessor, adding new mechanics for strategic depth.
The wacky story takes players to exciting locations and throws them into hilarious situations. Beyond the main campaign, a wealth of minigames and side quests provide endless entertainment.
Fallout: New Vegas
- Release Date: October 19, 2010
- Developer(s): Obsidian Entertainment
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Fallout: New Vegas is praised for its deep role-playing mechanics. Players make significant choices that impact the story and factions, making every playthrough unique. The quests are well-written, offering creative solutions beyond combat.
Fans also appreciate the complex world with morally ambiguous factions, creating a more nuanced wasteland experience. These elements combine to make New Vegas a contender for the title of best Fallout game.
Final Fantasy VI
- Release Date: April 2, 1994
- Developer(s): Square Enix
- Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Android, iOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
There are plenty of Final Fantasy games and their remakes, but this classic JRPG boasts a sprawling narrative and a large, diverse cast. Each character has their own motivations and backstories, making the world feel deeply lived-in. The story tackles mature themes of loss, rebellion, and perseverance, offering a more nuanced experience than many JRPGs.
The combat system is engaging, with a unique magicite system that grants players access to powerful abilities and stat boosts. Finally, the timeless pixel art and soundtrack create a memorable atmosphere that continues to resonate with players today.
Monster Hunter: World
- Release Date: January 26, 2018
- Developer(s): Capcom
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
In Monster Hunter: World, you don’t directly level up but instead craft gear from slain monsters, granting you new skills and abilities. The diverse weapons each play differently, further customizing your combat style.
Intricate ecosystems and challenging monster encounters push you to master your chosen weapon and strategize for each hunt, providing a rewarding gameplay loop. While the story is light, the world itself is full of character, encouraging exploration and discovery. In 2026, Monster Hunter World continues to be one of the best RPG games.
Persona 3 Reload
- Release Date: February 1, 2024
- Developer(s): Atlus
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, and Series S
Persona 3 stands out in RPGs for its dark and melancholic tone. Unlike many fantasy adventures, it focuses on mortality and social anxieties faced by teenagers. This unique blend is further emphasized by its gameplay structure.
You fight monsters by night, but during the day, you attend school, build social bonds, and manage your time – blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. This creates a deeply personal experience that resonates with players on a different level.
These were our picks for the best RPGs of all time in 2026. Have you tried any of these? What is your list of the best Role-playing games? Share with us in the comments below.
