What Are The Best RPGs of 2018?
This year saw the release of some of the greatest RPGs in gaming history, from the traditional table-top style to the immersive open worlds that take on a life of their own. Here we find continuations of the beloved stories which have spanned decades, as well as some new adventures that are just coming to light. Whatever your style of adventure or combat may be, there truly is something for everyone—come find yours in the top 15 RPGs of 2018.
15. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
“Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” Gameplay
The most recent installment of this long-running franchise takes place in Greece, 431 BC during the Delian-Peloponnesian war. As the spartan mercenary, either Kassandra or Alexios, we take off on the path to fix a broken family and save Greece from the control of a villainous cult. With an all new skill tree, customizable armor and weapons, and a wholly improved system of both seafaring and hand-to-hand combat, this game is set to carry the Assassin’s Creed series into a whole new era of RPG gaming.
The Adrestia is your home on the sea, invest in your hull and ram like you would a fine set of armor.
Pick a side in the conflict between Sparta and Athens, or don’t; choose the path of fortune!
14. Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset
“Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset” Gameplay
The most recent installment to the Elder Scrolls series is the massive online multiplayer which takes place on the Summerset Isles of Tamriel. It features the familiar mechanics of swordplay and magic, as well as full character customization, that we’ve seen in the previous single-player titles. However, being primarily online, it adds the bonus of working with other players or making adversaries of them, bringing the classic world of the Elder Scrolls to new levels of realism.
When you’ve got a lot of ground to cover, it helps to have a friend watching your back in this massive online multiplayer.
Weapons or magic? Why not both? The only right way is your way.
13. Phantom Doctrine
“Phantom Doctrine” Gameplay
Set in an alternate timeline of the Cold War where mysterious organizations seek to control the world, Phantom Doctrine is a thrilling experience of conspiracy and espionage. The strategic, turn-based gameplay features spy-vs-spy style multiplayer mode as well as a solo campaign working for various intelligence agencies with the ultimate goal of securing freedom for the common good.
The stage is set with an air of tense urgency in the old-school spy vibe that keeps us on the edge of our seats.
These stealthy missions require a great deal of planning and strategy, so get your bearings before you make your move!
12. State of Decay 2
“State of Decay 2” Gameplay
Like its predecessor, State of Decay 2 takes place in an apocalyptic open-world ravaged by zombies. Where it differs is the focus on cooperative multiplayer gameplay and the day-to-day challenges for survival against zombies and hostile humans alike. It’s the kind of end-of-the-world fun that makes us say “Bring it on, zombie apocalypse!”
When the dead come knocking, it’s time to get to work.
Safety is a precarious thing for the end of days, so guard your home with your life.
11. Pathfinder: Kingmaker
“Pathfinder: Kingmaker” Gameplay
This isometric, companion-focused RPG takes place in the world of Golarion where you the player are reaching toward the ultimate goal of building your own kingdom. The turn-based style of gameplay emphasizes strategy above all else, and with almost fully customizable character creation, now is your chance to forge your own path.
Working with your party is the key to success. The enemy won’t always come alone!
Sleep with one eye open: This mission is a full-time job and the monsters are ready to attack at any time.
10. Tower of Time
“Tower of Time” Gameplay
In a land where humanity faces its downfall due to the harsh environment, the last flicker of hope for survival resides in the depths of a mysterious tower. This isometric strategy game features real-time combat as the player works with a party of companions to overcome the obstacles and challenges in the way of their success.
This tower is a maze of puzzles and challenges and the party will have to work together to find their way through.
Your enemies lie in wait around every corner; don’t get caught off guard!
9. Immortal: Unchained
“Immortal: Unchained” Gameplay
This action shooter RPG, which has been described as “Dark Souls with guns”, is a hardcore test of player skill in the grinding cycle of “fight, die, repeat.” Playing as an immortal with no memories after eons of imprisonment, your one goal is to save the Nine Worlds from an impending cataclysm and hopefully learn the truth of yourself along the way. Armed with both ranged and melee weapons, the fight ahead promises to be gruesome and unforgiving.
Just like you, your enemies are armed to the teeth. Don’t underestimate them!
Your journey will take you across the vast landscapes of the Nine Worlds; in between your ruthless attacks, don’t forget to stop and take it all in.
8. Vampyr
“Vampyr” Gameplay
Bring on the night in this third person action RPG as newly turned vampire, Dr. Johnathan Reid, fights to protect the citizens of London from corrupted vampires as well as his own nature. Here we are faced with some tough decisions as progression and skills are gained through feasting on human blood, and while the game can be completed without harming any innocents, it makes for a far more difficult playthrough.
Tastes like chicken: When the only way to get stronger is to feed, it might as well be someone who deserves it.
While becoming a vampire brings its own perks and abilities, sometimes the old ways are best.
7. Yakuza 0 (PC Release)
“Yakuza 0” Gameplay
In this prequel of the Yakuza series we get to experience two different stories from the viewpoints of Kazuma Kiryu, a member of the Dojima family on a mission to prove his innocence, and Goro Majima, the disgraced member of the Tojo clan. From either side, we take on the streets of Kamurocho and Sōtenbori with unique and personalized combat styles for the day-to-day brawling, manage businesses in real estate and a cabaret for income, and interact with the world through side quests and a series of minigames.
The art of the fight takes center stage with uniquely advantageous combat styles.
Take a break form street fighting and dive into the series of fun and hilarious minigames!
6. Monster Hunter: World
”Monster Hunter: World” Gameplay
In this fifth installment of the Monster Hunter series, we venture forth into the New World by way of joining the Fifth Fleet. This open-world, action RPG features in-depth systems of crafting for weapons and armor as well as a fully functional ecosystem which can have a real-time effect on gameplay during missions. Preparation is key, so study your prey well and eat a good meal before a hunt, and maybe bring a friend along through the multi-player system.
Teamwork: When your prey is a real beast, it helps to be working with a team.
Don’t forget to take a break from the hunt and carb up!
5. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
“Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales” Gameplay
Thronebreaker is a point-and-click strategy adventure expanded from the Witcher series’ spinoff game: Gwent. From the top-down perspective of Queen Meve, we explore and complete quests as shown through animated visual-novel type cutscenes and rounds of the highly praised card game of Gwent. It is a singularly unique combination of gameplay elements working alongside the fantastic world of the Witcher that make this adventure such a unique experience.
Recruit and maintain your army for the adventure ahead; you’ll need them!
Not in White Orchard anymore: Gwent has come a long way since its debut, and now we see its most masterful design yet!
4. Valkyria Chronicles 4
“Valkyria Chronicles 4” Gameplay
The fourth game in this series takes place in the parallel timeline alongside Valkyria Chronicles and Valkyria Chronicles: 3 during the war in the fictional land of Europa. As we guide Squad E in this tactical turn-based gameplay, we battle the legions of imperial soldiers as well as the powerful Drei Stern generals with the hopes of ending the war for good.
The enemy comes equipped with their own arsenal of weapons, so watch those guns!
Your squad is the key to winning this war; utilize everyone’s strengths for the win!
3. HellSign
“Hellsign” Gameplay
Become a monster Hunter for hire in this investigative isometric action RPG. No monster is the same, and in order to face one down you will need to study the evidence carefully, learn their weaknesses, and take them out with the necessary tools in this heart pounding, real-time combat.
Follow the clues to determine what kind of monster you’re hunting and how to take them down.
Like a scary movie come to life, the monsters here are ready to pop out of any dark corner.
2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance” Gameplay
Set during wartime in the medieval kingdom of Bohemia, Henry, the son of a blacksmith, fights for the justice of his murdered family and for the rightful king. This first-person action RPG features a classless system which encourages players to focus on utilizing and growing their strengths and skills in very realistically portrayed combat.
Take good care of your weapons and armor or risk losing the fight!
This beautiful scenery creates an immersive backdrop of medieval Bohemia.
1. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
“Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire” Gameplay
Five years after the events of Pillars of Eternity, the god Eothas has returned from the dead and it’s up to you to hunt him down and stop his sinister plot. Gather your crew and take to the high seas, seek out new islands in the massive open world, and defend your ship from pirates with tactical, real-time combat.
With such a wide range of weapons and spells, those who would oppose you don’t stand a chance.
These waters are full of blood thirsty pirates, but you’ll make them wish they stayed ashore!
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