If you’re playing an RPG, you’re in it for the long haul and want an experience that’s going to immerse you and keep you entertained the whole way through. A genre that is both familiar and constantly evolving, RPGs are often tasked with having the total package. The best ones contain all the key ingredients, masterfully combining exciting combat, memorable characters, larger-than-life bosses, and a gripping storyline.
If you’re looking for RPGs that excel in those aspects, look no further than this list. The following games all share common elements but carve out their own unique path in the genre and promise a narrative-focused adventure full of thrilling encounters around every bend. Listed in reverse chronological release order, here are 10 stellar modern RPGs worth the time and effort. This is an evolving list that we'll periodically update with exceptional titles as they release.
Baldur's Gate 3
Every RPG in video games owes a debt to Dungeons & Dragons, and Baldur's Gate 3 captures the spirit, mechanics, and thrilling unpredictability of the tabletop game more faithfully than any title before it. Player agency has never felt more meaningful or impactful. Multiple routes to success – or failure – exist, from the daring to the ridiculous, and the game seemingly accounts for nearly every possibility. This staggering sense of freedom and possibility makes guiding the memorable band of (maybe) heroes feel like a truly personalized adventure. This also makes replaying new campaigns a fresh and exciting proposition. Tack on the stellar writing and characterizations along with great co-op, and Baldur's Gate 3 is a shining new benchmark for the role-playing genre. | Our Review
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars offers some of the tastiest 'memberberries we've ever eaten. This loving homage to Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG puts its own entertaining spin on the tag-team moves and timed-button press attacks of its inspirations, creating some of the most strategically satisfying and dynamic battle systems in recent memory. Exporing Sea of Stars' beautiful, retro-inspired series of islands is engaging thanks to fun traversal mechanics such as a grappling hook to sling ourselves to distant platforms. Where the combat and exploration got us in the door, a compelling and charming narrative filled with surprising twists made us stay. Well, that and Garl. He's just the best. | Our Review
Tales of Arise
The most recent game on this list, Tales of Arise, had a tall order to fill: reinvent the long-running Tales series and appeal to a wider audience. While still retaining the franchise’s essence, Bandai Namco evolved the formula in different and interesting ways, bringing in a new visual style, inserting more strategy into the gameplay, and telling a more mature story. Everything you love about RPGs is here: a big world full of discoveries, ridiculously huge and intense bosses, a satisfying progression system, and wonderful character interactions. The action battle system shines with team attacks alongside flashy aerial strikes and last-second dodge bonuses. You’ll help bridge the gap between two warring cultures and make life-long bonds with your party members along the way. | Our Review
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
As one of the most influential RPGs of all time, it seems everyone has memories of Cloud and his small mercenary team as they fight back against Shinra. However, Square Enix brought a new and exciting layer to this story by not being bound by nostalgia but still tapping into that well. The result is a remake done right - one that brings back beloved characters and revamps the gameplay for modern audiences. Intergrade, which launched this year, is the best way to play the first chapter of this fascinating re-telling of Cloud’s story. Intergrade includes the Yuffie-centric Intermission episode, a photo mode, a new ending cutscene, and some major visual upgrades. There’s a reason why so many people talk about Final Fantasy VII, and there’s also a reason so many are still discussing this remake. Don’t miss out on your chance to find out why. | Our Review