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Browse our collection and choose the best RPG games for PC, Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation.
RPG (role-playing game) is a type of video game that allows players to take on the roles of characters and explore virtual worlds. The genre has its roots in early pen-and-paper RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons, which laid the foundations for modern formats. With the advent of computers and gaming consoles, RPGs experienced a massive innovation boom and became one of the most popular types of video games. RPG games typically feature a complex story and mechanics such as character customization, inventory management, and decision-making. The latter is essential, as role-playing games usually offer multiple endings depending on the choices the player makes throughout the story.
There are many RPG subgenres, each with its own unique features. Action role-playing games are extremely popular nowadays. These titles put heavy emphasis on real-time combat, similar to hack-and-slash games. Combat is often fast-paced and dynamic, with powerful weapons and magical spells available for the player's character. Action RPGs such as Diablo II and The Elder Scrolls series have become iconic titles in contemporary gaming culture. The new action RPG games offer detailed graphics and a first-person or third-person perspective. We would name Fallout 4, Elden Ring, Mass Effect, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as some of the most prominent representatives of the subgenre.
Isometric RPG games are characterized by a top-down perspective, with the camera stationed at an isometric angle. This subgenre often focuses on creating and managing a party of adventurers who go around exploring dungeons and fighting monsters. Such releases as Fallout, Baldur's Gate, and Planescape: Torment are prime examples of classic isometric role-playing games. Even though most modern games are action RPGs, worthy successors to those classic titles have been released recently. Over the past few years, such titles as Pillars of Eternity, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Disco Elysium have premiered.
For instance, jRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) typically feature turn-based battles where players control a team of characters to fight monsters or foes using weapons, magic, or special abilities. Among the best JRPGs, we can list such titles as Persona 5, Xenoblade Chronicles, NieR: Automata, and the Final Fantasy franchise. It's worth mentioning that this subgenre originated in Japan, but it has influenced game developers all around the world. Consequently, jRPGs are released outside of Japan too.
The massively multiplayer online role-playing game is another very popular subgenre. MMORPGs are a type of RPG video game that lets lots of players join in and play together. As a result, besides NPCs, the worlds in those games are populated with players' avatars, who can join forces to complete raids or quests together or fight against each other. A typical example of an MMORPG is the popular World of Warcraft, where players choose a race and customize their characters before setting out on an adventure with other players. Other notable examples in this subgenre include Ultima Online, EverQuest, Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and New World, which was the first MMORPG developed by Amazon Games.
There is also a branch of RPG games that emphasizes tactical combat in addition to character-building and storytelling. Those titles try to combine RPG and strategy elements, with a focus on careful planning before engaging in combat. It's one of the oldest subgenres because strategic RPGs, such as Tunnels of Doom and Ultima III: Exodus, were released in the early 80s. It has remained popular until today. In games like Disgaea 5, Shadowrun Returns, XCOM, and its sequels, you're able to form an effective party and equip them with powerful weapons and items before taking part in tactical battles.
In our Best RPG Games Collection, you'll find the top RPG releases representing all subgenres. Besides the titles we've already mentioned, there are plenty of other games for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, so pick your new adventure and start it right away!