Role-playing games (RPGs) are the heart and soul of gaming, offering deep stories, immersive worlds, and unforgettable characters. Whether they take us through time, across galaxies, or into the depths of dungeons, RPGs let us step into the shoes of heroes, villains, and everything in between. Over the decades, countless titles have shaped the genre, but some stand above the rest.
From turn-based classics to sprawling open-world adventures, here are the 15 best RPG games of all time—games that have defined the genre and left a lasting legacy.
1. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Few games stand the test of time like Chrono Trigger. Developed by a dream team including Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest designer Yuji Horii, and Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama, this SNES masterpiece remains one of the most beloved RPGs ever made.
Its time-travel mechanic wasn’t just a gimmick—it was deeply tied to the gameplay and story, allowing players to influence the past, present, and future. Unlike most RPGs of its time, it ditched random encounters for seamless battles that took place directly on the map. The Active Time Battle system kept combat engaging, and the dual and triple tech attacks made experimenting with party compositions incredibly fun.
But what truly makes Chrono Trigger special is its cast of characters and emotional storytelling. From the silent but courageous Crono to the tragic Robo and the fierce Frog, every party member had depth. The game also featured multiple endings, encouraging players to replay and discover new outcomes based on their choices.
Yasunori Mitsuda’s legendary soundtrack elevated every moment, from the triumphant “Frog’s Theme” to the haunting “Corridors of Time.” Even after nearly 30 years, Chrono Trigger remains a benchmark for RPG excellence—a game that every RPG fan should experience at least once.
2. Final Fantasy VI (1994)
While Final Fantasy VII often gets the spotlight, Final Fantasy VI is where the series reached its peak in terms of storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. Unlike most RPGs that revolve around a single protagonist, Final Fantasy VI had a true ensemble cast, with over a dozen playable characters, each with their own motivations and personal struggles.
The game introduced one of gaming’s most iconic villains, Kefka Palazzo. Unlike many RPG antagonists who merely threaten to take over the world, Kefka actually succeeds in destroying civilization, leaving players to navigate a post-apocalyptic wasteland. This bold narrative twist made the second half of the game feel entirely different from the first, reinforcing its themes of loss, resilience, and hope.
The combat was built on the Active Time Battle system, but each character had their own unique mechanics—Sabin used fighting game-style button inputs for his attacks, Cyan charged up devastating sword strikes, and Edgar’s tools provided strategic advantages.
Nobuo Uematsu’s orchestral soundtrack was a masterpiece, with tracks like “Dancing Mad” and “Aria di Mezzo Carattere” elevating the game’s most powerful moments. The game’s famous opera scene, where players participate in a fully scripted stage performance, was a groundbreaking moment for video game storytelling.
With a world that felt truly alive, deeply emotional moments, and one of the most satisfying final battles in RPG history, Final Fantasy VI remains one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
3. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)
Baldur’s Gate II is the gold standard for Western RPGs. Based on the Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset, this game provided a deep, tactical, and incredibly rich role-playing experience.
Set in the fantasy world of Faerûn, it offered players an unprecedented level of freedom, letting them build their characters and make choices that genuinely impacted the story. The dialogue system was exceptional, allowing for role-playing nuance rarely seen in other games.
The world of Athkatla and beyond was packed with content—every tavern, dungeon, and hidden alleyway felt purposeful and alive. Whether you were dueling mind flayers, uncovering noble conspiracies, or romancing party members, the game never wasted a moment.
The companion system was one of the best in RPG history, with iconic characters like Minsc (and his miniature giant space hamster, Boo), the tormented sorceress Viconia, and the arrogant but brilliant wizard Edwin.
Combat was real-time with pause, requiring tactical mastery, especially on higher difficulties. The sheer depth of spellcasting, party coordination, and enemy AI made battles feel strategic and rewarding.
To this day, Baldur’s Gate II remains the pinnacle of D&D-based RPGs, influencing modern titles like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pillars of Eternity. If you’re a fan of deep, story-driven RPGs, this one’s a must-play.
4. Pokémon Yellow (1998)
For many, Pokémon Yellow was the gateway into RPGs. Unlike Pokémon Red & Blue, which let players choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, Yellow forced you to start with Pikachu, mirroring Ash’s journey in the anime. It was a small but meaningful change that made the experience feel more personal.
Pikachu also had its own unique interactions—it refused to evolve, reacted to how you treated it, and expressed emotions throughout the game. The addition of Jessie and James from Team Rocket brought another layer of connection between the anime and the game, making the world feel more immersive.
Beyond the cosmetic differences, Pokémon Yellow refined game balance, making certain Pokémon easier to catch and training routes more efficient. It still had the same turn-based battles that made Pokémon a global sensation, but with subtle improvements that made the game feel smoother and more polished.
The final battle against the Elite Four and your rival was still a satisfying, climactic challenge, making victory feel truly earned.
To this day, Pokémon Yellow remains a nostalgic favorite, capturing the magic of the anime while refining the original experience. It wasn’t just another Pokémon game—it was a love letter to fans and a defining moment for RPGs.
5. World of Warcraft (2004)
There are MMORPGs, and then there’s World of Warcraft. When it launched in 2004, it didn’t just become the most successful MMORPG ever—it redefined the entire genre.
Azeroth was a world unlike anything gamers had seen before. Whether you were exploring Elwynn Forest, battling the undead in Stratholme, or raiding Molten Core, the game felt alive. The faction war between the Alliance and the Horde gave players a sense of purpose, while dungeons, battlegrounds, and raids offered endless challenges.
The class system was incredibly deep, with Warriors, Mages, Rogues, and more offering vastly different playstyles. Every expansion—The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Legion—expanded the world, introducing new lands, mechanics, and epic storylines.
Few games have had the cultural impact of WoW. It wasn’t just a game—it was a lifestyle, a place where friendships were forged, guilds were built, and legends were made.
As one of the most iconic PC games of all time, World of Warcraft set the standard for MMORPGs and online gaming communities. Even today, World of Warcraft continues to evolve, proving that MMORPGs can stand the test of time when done right.
6. Planescape: Torment (1999)
“What can change the nature of a man?”
That single question sits at the heart of Planescape: Torment, one of the most philosophical and story-driven RPGs ever created. Unlike most RPGs that focus on combat and loot, this game prioritized narrative, choice, and character interaction.
You play as The Nameless One, an immortal who wakes up with no memory of his past lives. As you journey through the surreal world of Sigil, you piece together your history, meeting some of the most unforgettable companions in RPG history—like the wise-cracking floating skull Morte and the tragic, cursed succubus Fall-From-Grace.
Combat was secondary—dialogue and choices were what defined the game. Your decisions could literally rewrite your fate, leading to one of the most satisfying endings in gaming.
With brilliant writing, deep world-building, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Planescape: Torment remains a literary masterpiece disguised as a game.
7. Secret of Mana (1993)
While most RPGs of its time were turn-based, Secret of Mana broke the mold with real-time action combat, making it one of the most exciting RPGs of the SNES era. Instead of waiting for turns, players could attack freely, charge up powerful strikes, and cast spells dynamically.
The Ring Menu system allowed for quick, intuitive access to items and abilities, a feature that felt ahead of its time. The ability to play cooperatively with friends was a game-changer—few RPGs at the time let players tackle dungeons together in real-time.
Its story, while simple, was filled with emotional moments, including one of the most heartbreaking endings of the era. The lush, colorful world was complemented by a legendary soundtrack that still resonates with fans today.
For those who grew up on SNES RPGs, Secret of Mana was a formative experience, and its influence can be seen in modern action RPGs like Ys and Trials of Mana.
8. Diablo II (2000)
Loot. Kill. Repeat.
No game perfected the action RPG loop quite like Diablo II. Its dark gothic world was dripping with atmosphere, and its randomized loot system ensured that no two playthroughs were ever the same.
Each class—Sorceress, Necromancer, Barbarian, Paladin, Amazon, Druid, and Assassin—offered wildly different playstyles, making every character build a new adventure.
The endgame grind became legendary, with players farming Mephisto, Baal, and Diablo himself for that perfect set of loot. PvP duels in the Blood Moor became a test of skill and gear, while hardcore mode (where death was permanent) kept players on the edge of their seats.
And the Lord of Destruction expansion? It only made the game better, adding new classes, runes, and fresh challenges.
Even today, Diablo II remains the king of loot-driven RPGs, and its remaster, Diablo II: Resurrected, proves just how timeless its gameplay really is.
9. Vagrant Story (2000)
Vagrant Story is the unsung masterpiece of Square Enix’s PlayStation era. It took risks that no other RPG dared, blending real-time action combat, deep weapon crafting, and intricate puzzles into a mature and gripping narrative.
The game followed Ashley Riot, an elite riskbreaker investigating a conspiracy in the city of Leá Monde. Unlike traditional RPGs, there were no shops, no towns, and no party members—just Ashley, his weapons, and the dark, twisted corridors of Leá Monde.
Combat was a mix of strategy and action, letting players pause time to target specific enemy limbs for tactical advantages. The weapon crafting system was mind-bogglingly deep, rewarding players who learned its intricacies.
Its gothic, mature aesthetic was ahead of its time, influencing future titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. The writing was poetic and complex, with one of the most intriguing stories Square ever produced.
Though it never received a sequel, Vagrant Story remains one of the most unique RPGs ever made, a game that challenged conventions and rewarded those who embraced its depth.
10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
If there’s a game that defines the modern open-world RPG, it’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red crafted a stunning, living world where every choice mattered, and no quest felt like filler.
Unlike many RPGs where side quests are simple fetch jobs, The Witcher 3 made them rich, emotional, and meaningful. Whether Geralt was helping a villager deal with a botched curse, tracking down a missing person, or unraveling the mystery of the Bloody Baron, every mission felt handcrafted.
The world itself was breathtaking—from the war-torn lands of Velen to the vibrant streets of Novigrad and the icy isles of Skellige, every location had a distinct atmosphere and culture. The combat was fluid, rewarding players who mastered dodging, parrying, and using magic signs effectively.
11. Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Few RPGs have managed to blend cinematic storytelling, deep role-playing mechanics, and character-driven narratives as flawlessly as Mass Effect 2.
The game refined the rough edges of its predecessor, making combat more fluid and tactical, while still keeping player choice at the heart of the experience. From the very first scene, where Commander Shepard dies and is resurrected by the shady Cerberus organization, the stakes felt higher than ever.
Your crew wasn’t just a collection of side characters—they were the beating heart of the story. Each squadmate, from the ruthless assassin Thane to the unpredictable Jack, had their own loyalty missions, shaping how they viewed you and whether they’d survive the final mission.
Speaking of the final mission—the Suicide Mission remains one of the greatest endgame sequences in RPG history. Every decision you made throughout the game determined who lived and who died, making every playthrough feel personal.
The Paragon vs. Renegade system allowed players to shape Shepard into a noble hero or a ruthless pragmatist, with dialogue choices that actually mattered. The game’s branching paths and decisions carried over into Mass Effect 3, making it one of the best RPG trilogies ever made.
With its unforgettable story, stellar voice acting, and thrilling combat, Mass Effect 2 remains one of BioWare’s greatest achievements.
12. Dark Souls (2011)
No game has redefined modern RPG difficulty and design quite like Dark Souls. It wasn’t just a game—it was a trial by fire, demanding patience, skill, and perseverance.
The world of Lordran was hauntingly beautiful, filled with cryptic lore and secrets hidden in every corner. Unlike traditional RPGs that spoon-feed the story, Dark Souls made players piece together its narrative through item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling.
Combat was deliberate and methodical—every enemy could kill you if you weren’t careful. Dodging, blocking, and managing stamina became essential, making every battle feel like a high-stakes duel.
The level design was unparalleled, with a world that interconnected in ways that felt genius. Exploring Anor Londo, Blighttown, and the Undead Burg felt rewarding, with shortcuts that looped back into earlier areas in satisfying ways.
13. Persona 5 (2016)
Few RPGs ooze as much style and personality as Persona 5. From the moment you boot it up, the game drenches you in its bold, anime-inspired visuals, jazzy soundtrack, and slick UI.
But beneath the flashy presentation was one of the most addicting RPG experiences ever crafted. The turn-based combat felt fast and dynamic thanks to the One More system, rewarding players who exploited enemy weaknesses.
The game’s story followed a group of high school students who became vigilante thieves, entering a surreal alternate reality to steal the corrupt desires of villains. Unlike traditional RPGs, Persona 5 wasn’t just about fighting monsters—it was about building relationships in the real world.
The Social Link system encouraged players to spend time with different characters, strengthening bonds that unlocked powerful abilities in combat. Managing your daily life, balancing school, friendships, and dungeon crawling, made every day in the game feel meaningful.
The cast of characters, from the rebellious Ryuji to the mysterious Futaba, made the journey feel deeply personal. And with multiple endings, side activities, and New Game Plus options, it offered endless replayability.
Persona 5 wasn’t just another JRPG—it was a genre-defining experience that proved turn-based combat could still be thrilling in a modern age.
14. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, BioWare made one of the greatest RPGs ever.
Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) didn’t just let you play in the Star Wars universe—it let you shape its fate. You could be a noble Jedi or fall to the Dark Side, with choices that radically changed the story.
The game’s turn-based combat was influenced by Dungeons & Dragons, allowing players to strategically plan their moves. But what truly made KOTOR unforgettable was its story—especially the legendary plot twist that left players speechless.
Your companions, from the sarcastic assassin droid HK-47 to the honorable Jolee Bindo, were some of the best-written characters in RPG history. The game’s moral choices weren’t just black and white—they forced players to question their ethics in a galaxy at war.
Even after two decades, KOTOR remains one of the best Star Wars stories ever told, proving that a great RPG can surpass even its source material.
15. Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
Of all the Fallout games, New Vegas is the one that truly embraced role-playing freedom.
Obsidian Entertainment crafted a world where every choice had weight, from siding with the militaristic NCR to backing the enigmatic Mr. House or embracing the chaos of Caesar’s Legion. Unlike most RPGs, where morality is simple, New Vegas thrived in gray areas, forcing players to make tough, morally ambiguous choices.
The game world was dense with side quests, secrets, and political intrigue, making every trip across the Mojave Wasteland an adventure. Its hardcore mode added a layer of survival realism, requiring players to manage hunger, thirst, and sleep.
With its freedom, deep writing, and player-driven storytelling, Fallout: New Vegas remains the best Fallout game ever made—a true masterpiece of open-world RPG design.
Final Thoughts
These RPGs didn’t just define the genre—they shaped gaming history. Whether you prefer turn-based battles, open-world exploration, or deep storytelling, each game on this list offers something unforgettable.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know!
