Role-playing games (RPGs) have evolved dramatically over the years, shaping the gaming industry and defining entire generations of players. From turn-based classics to expansive open-world experiences, these games have captured imaginations, offered deep storytelling, and allowed players to live out heroic (or villainous) fantasies. Here’s a look at the top 10 RPGs that not only left a mark but helped define an era.
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Few RPGs have had as much impact as Final Fantasy VII. When it was released for the original PlayStation, it blew players away with its cinematic storytelling, deep characters, and unforgettable moments. Cloud Strife and Sephiroth’s rivalry became iconic, and the game set a new standard for what RPGs could achieve on both narrative and technical levels. With its recent remake, Final Fantasy VII continues to influence new generations of players.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Skyrim brought open-world RPGs to the mainstream with its vast, freeform gameplay. Players could choose to be anyone, go anywhere, and do just about anything in this enormous fantasy world. The game’s dragons, shout powers, and endless modding potential made it a phenomenon, and even over a decade later, it's still a staple in gaming conversations. Its influence can be seen in many modern open-world RPGs, from The Witcher 3 to Cyberpunk 2077.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
When The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt hit the scene, it redefined storytelling in RPGs. Its richly detailed world, complex characters, and mature, morally ambiguous narrative offered a depth rarely seen in gaming. Geralt of Rivia’s journey across the Continent became a benchmark for open-world RPGs, blending exploration with meaningful choices that shaped the world around you. The Witcher 3 helped push RPGs into a new age of narrative-driven design.
Mass Effect 2 (2010)
Mass Effect 2 is one of the finest examples of narrative RPGs, blending science fiction with character-driven storytelling. Its seamless integration of choice and consequence kept players emotionally invested in the fates of their companions and the overarching storyline. The Paragon/Renegade system encouraged replayability, while its mix of action-RPG mechanics set the standard for future games in the genre. Commander Shepard’s saga remains a touchstone for fans of space operas and narrative-heavy RPGs.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
Considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger took the traditional turn-based RPG formula and enhanced it with innovative mechanics like multiple endings and time travel. Its art, created by Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama, and its music by Yasunori Mitsuda made it an instant classic. The choices players made throughout the game had ripple effects across different eras, making Chrono Trigger stand out in an era dominated by more linear RPGs.
Persona 5 (2016)
Persona 5 combined the best of life simulation and traditional RPG mechanics to create something truly special. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the game has players live out both a high schooler’s daily life and their alter-ego as a supernatural Phantom Thief. With its stylish art, jazz-infused soundtrack, and complex social interactions, Persona 5 redefined what an RPG could be in the 21st century. The game’s social link system added a layer of emotional depth, drawing players into its vibrant world.
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)
A pinnacle of Western RPG design, Baldur’s Gate II is a complex, sprawling RPG based on the Dungeons & Dragons rule set. It delivered a mix of tactical combat, deep storytelling, and rich character development, setting the gold standard for party-based RPGs. Players’ choices in dialogue and action had real consequences, which was groundbreaking at the time. This game laid the foundation for many of the isometric RPGs that followed and helped establish Bioware as a powerhouse developer.
Diablo II (2000)
Diablo II might not have the intricate storylines of other RPGs on this list, but its influence on action-RPGs and the loot system can’t be overstated. Diablo II’s dark, gothic world, addictive gameplay loop, and endless treasure hunting revolutionized the genre, inspiring countless imitators. The game’s randomized dungeons and items gave it incredible replayability, and it became the blueprint for action-RPGs that followed, including its successor, Diablo III.
Dragon Quest III (1988)
While many Western players first got their taste of Dragon Quest with later entries, Dragon Quest III is considered a defining moment in the RPG genre, particularly in Japan. It introduced the idea of a customizable class system, allowing players to create a party of characters from scratch. Its open-world structure, turn-based battles, and job system would go on to influence numerous RPGs, making Dragon Quest III a blueprint for many modern RPG conventions.
Dark Souls (2011)
Dark Souls redefined the action-RPG genre with its punishing difficulty, cryptic lore, and intricate level design. Its "tough but fair" gameplay, where every enemy encounter could be lethal, introduced a new challenge to gamers seeking something more intense. Dark Souls pioneered the "Souls-like" subgenre and showed that difficulty could be a compelling game design element, influencing countless games and shaping the modern action-RPG landscape.