Best RPGs

RPGs are one of the most powerful tools of escapism. Role-playing games don’t just transport players into fascinating virtual worlds — they essentially let you live a second life there. In today’s selection, we’ve gathered some of the genre’s most outstanding representatives — from the timeless classics of the '90s to modern releases.

Outdated graphics — already outdated even at the time of its 1997 release — didn't stop Fallout from achieving cult status. That's because the game nails all the key elements of a great RPG: it has an intriguing setting, well-written dialogues, memorable characters, and impressive freedom of choice. On top of that, Fallout makes excellent use of dark humor and references to popular culture.

The sequel has even more dark humor than the original — and more of everything else too. Fallout 2 is an impressively vast game, with dozens of hours of engaging content, a huge number of well-crafted quests, locations, and enemies. Still, it’s worth playing the first game beforehand to appreciate how the world has changed.

If the D&D universe seems bland or even boring to you, then you must try Planescape: Torment. The game lets you explore lesser-known, yet utterly unique corners of the Dungeons & Dragons setting — its characters and locations are so bizarre, you’ve definitely never seen anything like them.

Despite some outdated mechanics, Baldur's Gate 2 still feels like a surprisingly modern RPG. That’s because today’s role-playing adventures owe a great deal to BioWare’s masterpiece — many still borrow ideas it introduced over twenty-five years ago.

Deus Ex is a game with no obvious flaws. Everything is done right here — from the storyline, which flirts with popular conspiracy theories, to the gameplay that offers players numerous ways to complete each mission.

Today, many developers boast about realistic open-world simulations, but once you play the original Gothic, modern achievements might not seem quite as impressive. That’s because Piranha Bytes created an incredibly believable world back in 2001 — one that many studios are still trying to catch up to.

A spiritual successor to the first Fallout, Arcanum shares its complex storytelling and tough decision-making. Thematically, however, the games are nothing alike: Arcanum is not about surviving the apocalypse — it’s about the clash between technology and magic.

In an era of minimaps, GPS markers, and compasses pointing you exactly where to go, an old-school adventure like Morrowind feels like a breath of fresh air. The Elder Scrolls 3 doesn’t hold your hand or coddle the player — where to go and what to do is entirely up to you.

A textbook example of a perfect sequel, Gothic 2 builds on everything the first game did right and expands on it. The world is bigger and more dynamic, combat feels less frustrating, and quests are significantly more complex.

Still the best Star Wars game ever made, featuring one of the most compelling and epic stories in gaming. If, by some miracle, you don’t know anything about Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or its famous plot twist — you need to play it ASAP. You can even do it on your phone now.

The second Knights of the Old Republic didn’t leave quite the same mark on the RPG genre as the first game did, but there are still plenty of fans who prefer the sequel. Why? Many gamers believe that KOTOR 2 features better-written dialogues and a deeper story, one that explores more complex and mature themes.

Vampire-themed games aren’t exactly rare, but good ones are hard to come by. Bloodlines isn’t just good — it’s the best. The game’s incredible atmosphere, mature story themes, and vivid characters have kept fans coming back for years, continuing to support it with unofficial patches.

Few RPGs are as charming as the original Fable. It’s warm, funny, and welcoming — yet it still manages to challenge the player with moral dilemmas that push you out of your comfort zone. One fun detail: your hero’s appearance changes based on the decisions you make.

There’s a faction within the Bethesda fanbase who believe that Oblivion is the studio’s last true masterpiece — at least in terms of RPGs. While the setting of The Elder Scrolls 4 may not be the most original, the quests offer real depth, and the main storyline experiments with bold ideas. For example, the protagonist isn’t the stereotypical “chosen one,” but rather someone who helps the real savior complete their journey.

RPGs set in space are rarer than unicorns in the wild. Luckily, the few that exist tend to be excellent. The first Mass Effect is a prime example: an epic adventure grounded by relatable moments. It’s a story about saving the galaxy — but also about friendship and personal connection.

The gameplay of the first The Witcher is far from modern or smooth, but its complex and captivating story, along with its charming characters, more than make up for the flaws. CD Projekt RED’s signature magic is already present in the studio’s debut game.

The last BioWare project in the spirit of the studio’s classic CRPGs. Dragon Age: Origins has the depth of '90s role-playing games, but was built with late-2000s standards in mind — featuring solid visuals, full voice acting, and modern controls.

In many ways, the second Mass Effect is even better than the original: the stakes are higher, the new companions more memorable, and the shootouts rival those of dedicated third-person shooters.

You’ve probably noticed that Fallout 3 isn’t on the list. That’s because Fallout: New Vegas is essentially the same game — just significantly better. So much so that going back to Fallout 3 afterward can be tough. New Vegas is a stronger RPG: its writing is sharper, and the freedom it offers doesn’t feel like an illusion.

Even after the release of the third game, The Witcher 2 still holds up. Credit goes to its gripping narrative, full of political intrigue and betrayal — so much so, it could give Game of Thrones a run for its money.

If you judge Skyrim purely as an RPG, the game quickly crumbles under scrutiny. But what it lacks in strong role-playing mechanics, it makes up for with one of the most detailed and dynamic open worlds in gaming history.

The third Witcher forever changed open-world games by proving that vast virtual worlds could be filled with meaningful side quests that rival the main storyline. Many modern games still try to follow in its footsteps — with mixed results.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 deserves praise for its brilliant writing and engaging quests, but the real star here is its combat system. No other game on this list features turn-based battles as fascinating as these — slow and tactical yet wildly unpredictable. One wrong move, and the whole encounter can spiral into chaos.

Over the past few years, Obsidian has released several CRPGs in the spirit of genre classics — but Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is arguably the best of them. It’s packed with the spirit of adventure: a band of misfits sails the ocean, explores mysterious islands, and constantly stumbles into trouble worth playing through.

How compelling can an RPG be without combat? Incredibly — if it replaces it with stunning dialogue that explores philosophical and sociopolitical issues. Disco Elysium is a one-of-a-kind project no fan of bold, experimental games should miss.

For those seeking the spirit of the classic Fallout games in a modern package, Wasteland 3 is a true gem. It offers a similarly bizarre and compelling post-apocalyptic setting and the same deep role-playing mechanics — but with modern graphics and extra features like full co-op support.

Of course, gamers will probably never forget the rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Still, CD Projekt deserves credit: the studio didn’t abandon ship — they patched the holes and turned it into a first-class cruise liner. Today, Cyberpunk 2077 stands as one of the most refined RPGs out there — and absolutely worth playing if you haven’t already.

Owlcat’s RPG overwhelms with the sheer amount of options and freedom it provides. In Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, you can become almost anything — even a living demigod. And the game actually reacts to all your choices, many of which can completely reshape the narrative.

Before the release of Baldur's Gate 3, a true AAA classic-style RPG felt like a fantasy. But Larian proved such a game is not only possible — it can be spectacular. So much so that it attracted people who had never touched a CRPG before. The only downside? It’s hard to imagine anyone replicating this success anytime soon.

So far, the biggest RPG of the year. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a stunning medieval life simulator, featuring a meticulously crafted world, a gripping story, and a strong combat system. It feels like the spiritual successor to Oblivion — just without the magic and goblins. You can read more in our review.

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Of course, this list of the best RPGs is far from complete — and we’ll keep updating it over time. In the meantime, tell us in the comments about your all-time favorite RPG adventures that deserve a spot in this ranking.