Become a TechRadar Insider
The best RPGs (role-playing games) whisk us away on unforgettable adventures. Whether they're set in the real world, a fantasy reality, or on a far-off planet, these titles use strong characters, stellar storytelling, and immersion to draw you in, offering experiences that stay with you.
'RPG' is a pretty broad term and encompasses all sorts of games. While some RPGs will have you build your own character from the ground up, others have you step into the shoes of an already fleshed-out protagonist. In the same way, some RPGs offer branching narratives while others offer a more bespoke, linear story.
Best RPGs to play in 2026
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Octopath Traveler 0 injects a simple but fun building macrogame alongside its turn-based combat prowess. On your journey, you'll rebuild your destroyed village almost from scratch, recruiting folks from all over the land to help you run things while you're away. Beyond that, you can expect a gripping story with some truly detestable villains, and tons of party customization and build variety.
It's easy to feel disappointed that Octopath Traveler 0 ditches the 'eight unique protagonists' angle of its two predecessors, but it still provides a wonderful RPG adventure worthy of the series' legacy.
This time, you create your own character and assign them a starting class (as well as a favorite food!). Not long after starting the game, you and your comrades are scattered to the winds as your village is razed to the ground by a group of utterly reprehensible villains. Thus begins a tale of not just revenge, but also restoration.
Octopath Traveler 0 brings the series' in-depth turn-based battling back for another go. It's still just as brilliant here, and the ability to stuff your active party with eight members (four as the acting party, and four in reserve that you can swap to at any time).
Alongside it is one of the new main draws: rebuilding your destroyed village. As you progress through the story, you'll unlock houses, places of business, farms, and all sorts of decorations for you to place as you see fit. Some buildings, like the chapel, are fixed, but you're still offered a lot of freedom as to how your new village will look.
It's a really moreish loop of progressing through the story, then returning to your village to build it up to its next rank and take a breather from all the action. And you might need it, too, as the game's central antagonists are horrifyingly evil. Prepare for some pretty dark scenes that certainly aren't for the faint of heart here.
- Read more: Octopath Traveler 0 review
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Dragon’s Dogma 2 places players back into the role of the Arisen - a character who has been chosen by the titular Dragon to free the world from its endless cycle of conflict between it and society’s various factions. It's a very particular game, like many of the RPGs on this list, with its own unique approach to classic systems like fast travel and character customization.
The fun of Dragon's Dogma 2 comes mainly from its unique approach to open-world design. You'll likely feel very out of depth at first, before slowly learning how to best the giant and ferocious foes you'll go up against. Whether you want to build a precise archer, or a bulky sword-swinging menace, you'll have more options than you'll ever need. Dragon's Dogma 2 continues the hot streak of fantastic RPGs that we've seen over the last few years, with a sequel/sometimes-remake of a cult classic.
Overall, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one of the most ambitious games Capcom has ever made. Its myriad systems weave together effortlessly, and its exploration proves so bountiful, that it makes for a game that’s fiendishly difficult to put down.
- Read more: Dragon's Dogma 2 review
Cyberpunk 2077 not only provides fast-paced action, but it also takes the time to ask deeper questions when exploring its characters and storylines. Come for the robot ninjas, but stay for the philosophy lessons.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, PC
Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky launch, but, after years of patches and improvements, the sci-fi RPG is in a fantastic state and now delivers on many of the game's launch promises, finally earning a place on our best RPGs list. Patch 2.0 is the jewel in the update crown, completely rebuilding the game's character progression system from the ground up, while adding vehicle combat and improved behavior for NPC enemies during fights.
What's more, update 2.0 is bundled for free with the original game, and won't cost you anything extra. That said, the game's Phantom Liberty expansion is well worth the investment, offering a murky sci-fi spy thriller that plays into the moral ambiguity at the heart of the cyberpunk genre. It also features Idris Elba starring alongside Keanu Reeves, both of whom contribute to Phantom Liberty's high-stakes drama in a big way.
Lastly, I'd be remiss not mentioning the excellent Ultimate Edition port for Nintendo Switch 2. It might not be the most visually impressive offering, but CD Projekt Red has done a superb job getting the game to run at a stable framerate on the handheld wonder. Plus, it comes bundled with the Phantom Liberty expansion and all other game updates, so Switch 2 really isn't a bad way to begin your dystopian journey if you've yet to do so.
- Read more: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition review
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a storytelling masterclass. Laughter-inducing highs and tearful lows are commonplace alongside a narrative with more twists than a corkscrew.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the latest title in the Yakuza series. The story-driven drama follows two protagonists: Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as they search for the former's long-lost mother in Hawaii. Both Kasuga and Kiryu are ex-members of the Yakuza - Japan's infamous (and often romanticized) organized crime families. Despite what might seem like a gritty premise, however, Infinite Wealth has plenty of tongue-in-cheek elements too, offering just as many laugh-out-loud moments as it does somber reflections on human struggle.
With a detailed turn-based combat system that gives many of the best RPGs a run for their money, Infinite Wealth keeps you on your toes. Whether it's deciding how to level your characters, getting swept up in the RPG's gripping storyline, or devoting yourself to one of a myriad of fun mini-games, Infinite Wealth has plenty of tools to draw you into its gritty yet soulful world.
- Read more: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review
Baldur's Gate 3 is your own personal Dungeons & Dragons game. You can create almost any kind of character you can think of, but, more importantly than that, your protagonist will slot into Larian Studios' adventure with a seamless ease that speaks to the strength of the worldbuilding on display.
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Baldur's Gate 3 brings Dungeons & Dragons to life, offering a roleplaying game experience that provides a mind-boggling degree of freedom. Not only is character customization open and full of possibility but the game's fleshed-out companion characters and massive fantasy story offer a masterclass in immersion.
Larian Studios' latest RPG is a creature of contrasts. On one hand, it asks you to make tough narrative decisions weighing up moral complexities as you attempt to navigate its harsh and unforgiving world. On the other, it lets you talk to animals and push enemy necromancers off of cliffs. Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs when it comes to playfulness and creativity, capturing the improvisational spirit of Dungeons & Dragons with panache.
- Read more: Baldur's Gate 3 review
Elden Ring's open-world approach makes for a more accessible soulsborne experience. If you can't defeat that pesky boss, you can simply go elsewhere and level up. There are no roadblocks in Elden Ring, only possibilities.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Elden Ring isn't for the faint of heart, but, for those who wish to brave its demanding gauntlet of bosses awaits a treasure of a game. Perhaps the best RPG of its kind, Elden Ring is a shining example of everything the soulsborne formula has to offer. Your character is highly customizable, allowing you to develop your own playstyle as you move to tackle the title's roster of challenging yet satisfying boss battles.
What's more, Elden Ring offers a deep and rewarding open-world experience. Soulsborne games are renowned for their environmental storytelling and, in Elden Ring, there's plenty of environment to work with. No matter where you go, you'll find yourself in the shadow of the setting's rich history - a sense that only heightens the tension as you venture forth on your quest to become Elden Lord.
- Read more: Elden Ring review
Final Fantasy 16 may draw criticism for its use of action-oriented mechanics, but the storytelling is among the best in the series. Against the backdrop of an intriguing dark fantasy world, Final Fantasy 16's cast makes for some of the best-written characters in gaming.
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
From many of the big names behind the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy 14, this gritty, dark fantasy tale is bursting with heart and soul. Final Fantasy 16 follows Clive Rosfield, on his quest to unravel a dark conspiracy that threatens his world. Set against an intricate backdrop of political tension and interpersonal drama, Square Enix's latest is a masterclass in storytelling and dialogue.
Contrary to many previous entries in the series, Final Fantasy 16 opts for an action-oriented approach to combat, more in the tradition of Devil May Cry 5 than a turn-based game. The result is a thrilling and rewarding combat system, which allows for fully-realized cinematic engagements. In Final Fantasy 16, the setpiece battles are almost characters in themselves, providing heart-stopping action that had us at the edge of our seats.
- Read more: Final Fantasy 16 review
Final Fantasy 14 Online remains one of the richest, most rewarding MMORPG experiences you can get into today. The initial A Realm Reborn journey you'll embark on has a reputation for being a bit of a filter, but beyond that and into its expansions lies one of the greatest stories ever told in all of gaming. Beyond that, expect exceptional encounter design and swathes of content tailored to casual and hardcore players both.
Platforms available: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Final Fantasy 14 Online is still trucking more than a decade after its A Realm Reborn relaunch, and each expansion since has changed the game in dramatic ways. The MMORPG is draped in reverence for the Final Fantasy series as a whole, but you don't need to know even an ounce of series knowledge to enjoy (and get very emotional at) a captivating story that has successfully built upon itself all this time.
Final Fantasy 14 is often described as a 'theme park' MMO, meaning there's a whole bunch of content tailored to players of all kinds. On the battle side, a favorite of mine is Deep Dungeons, a pseudo-roguelite mode that tasks you with ascending floors, defeating enemies and bosses along the way. Its permadeath element makes runs super intense, especially if you're chasing the coveted titles and mounts on offer.
Over on the crafting and gathering side, Dawntrail's Cosmic Exploration content has been a blast, offering up a community-driven effort to restore dead planets all while earning some seriously desirable gear.
The game is still going strong, with Dawntrail launching in 2024 as its fifth major expansion. A sixth will also be on the way and is expected to be announced soon. As a result, there's no better time to jump in than now. There's a whole lot of story and fantastic side content to enjoy.
Ultimately, it's a game about the journey. Over the years, across both PS5 and PC, I've put in well over 3,000 hours of game time into Final Fantasy 14. And that's rookie numbers compared to some players. I'm only just now scratching the suface of hardcore content, too, and having an absolute blast with the group of friends I raid with every week.
- Read more: Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail review
The debut project from Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is as French as baguettes, berets, and affordable public transport. The game truly deserves its accolades, putting forward beautifully bleak tale that encourages us to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. Paired with drop-dead gorgeous visuals, moreish turn-based combat, and highly customizable builds for its endearing cast of characters, and you have an unmissable game in Expedition 33.
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
You might have heard of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This little game burst onto the RPG scene in 2025 and earned pretty much every major accolade under the sun. Though having played through the game myself, it really is easy to see why.
Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG in a French-inspired setting. An annual event known as the Gommage completely erases people of a certain age, threatening to count down until there's no one left. As the titular Expedition 33, we embark on a seemingly futile quest to slay the Paintress - the one responsible for the cataclysm - and give the world a chance at life.
I think Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a bit of an emotional yo-yo. The turn-based combat makes use of Lost Odyssey-esque quicktime actions, rewarding you for well-timed button presses. It's incredibly thrilling when you successfully dodge, parry, and counterattack powerful foes.
Then the game's story will drag you kicking and screaming back down to earth. It's a harrowing tale; one that's often not easy to stomach with death, ruin, and tragedy around almost every corner. You'll be thankful for every bit of heartwarming levity that you're granted, though, and these are some of Expedition 33's best moments.
- Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review
Best RPGs: FAQs
What is an RPG?
The term 'RPG' is an abbreviation of 'role-playing game', and there isn't really a one-size-fits-all descriptor for the genre. It's incredibly malleable, and in truth, many games these days are more likely to have RPG-defining elements than not.
Typically, RPGs will have a variety of progression systems, including leveling to increase character stats and parameters, weapons and armor sets for improving offensive and defensive capabilities, and occasionally, some social interactions between characters for unique perks and wholesome scenes.
What is the best RPG out now?
It really depends what you're looking for. But I'll highlight a few here. If you're after a classic dark fantasy setting with deep customization, Baldur's Gate 3 is an ideal port of call. Or for something in a similar setting with more action-focused combat, give Elden Ring a go. Maybe you're after something that mixes fantasy with science fiction? Final Fantasy 14 Online is your go-to there, and even has a monumentally generous free trial. Alternatively, let's say you're not keen on fantasy and want to go full bore futuristic. Cyberpunk 2077 is incredible in that regard, and has had tons of content, fixes, and even a huge expansion to go with it over the years.
What is the best RPG to start with?
Final Fantasy 16 is a great starting point. While boasting all of the strong storytelling and theatrical setpieces of a traditional RPG, the action-oriented combat will be familiar and accessible to those coming into the genre for the first time. Square Enix's dark fantasy offering is one of the best RPGs when it comes to accessibility, too, providing a highly customizable combat experience that's ideal for beginners.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is also a great entry point. Also a dark fantasy title, CD Projekt Red's action RPG is a bit more technical than Final Fantasy 16 while also offering an explorable open world full of mysteries and monsters. If you're looking for something a bit more open-ended, then The Witcher 3 is the game for you.
For something turn-based, though, definitely check out Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It's a game that's very easy to pick up and learn, and its Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy inspirations mean you're getting a hard-hitting, deeply personal storyline to go along with it.
