Whether you’re PC master race, or a console gamer who’s developed the itch to ditch the controller and journey through narrative-rich worlds using WASD, role-playing games should a key fixture in any game library. You can still get your daily dose of battle royale, moba, or team shooter, but adding a good story goes a long way into making a game a lasting, memorable experience. That said, here are 25 of the best RPGs for PC that every gamer should know about:
25. Gloomhaven
It's dungeon crawling time!
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/-SGDEP-zFHo
Thanks to Asmodee Digital, some of the best board games for your table are also available on your computer, and Gloomhaven is the best of the best. Seasoned fans and newcomers alike will get a kick out of this dungeon-crawling, turn-based, tactical RPG. As an added bonus, there’s an online co-op mode that gives you the tabletop experience with friends from next door or half a world away.
24. South Park™: The Stick of Truth™
The South Park crew all LARPed out.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/iE9XEIY4aRk
South Park: The Stick of Truth is a reminder that you don’t always have to take things so seriously. The game itself is fairly simple and straightforward, not offering a lot in the way of challenge or difficulty, but it makes up for it in general South Park style hilarity. If you’re not a fan of the show’s brand of humor, then by all means stay far away from this one, but if you enjoy South Park and find yourself needing a laugh, this is the RPG for you.
23. Undertale
An innocent child and a ghost-like goat lady, what else do you need?
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/kcpTusmRAWQ
A lot of people avoid Undertale simply because they’ve heard terrible things about the fandom, and that’s doing the game (and yourself) a disservice. Undertale is an underrated saga littered with impactful choices, including the ability to run through the whole game without killing anything, an almost unheard of feat in modern video games. With so many choices that truly make a difference, Undertale will keep you coming back again and again.
22. Ruined King: A League of Legends Story™
You'll never see a team this good on the Rift...
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/PotZzQvPdl4
Did you watch Arcane on Netflix and absolutely love it but then hated your experience playing League of Legends? Ruined King is the game you were looking for. This turn-based RPG has everything you loved about Arcane, great characters, an immersive story, and gripping action, with a comic book art style that adds just the right amount of whimsy. Even if you’re unfamiliar with anything to do with League of Legends, this title still deserves a spot in your game library.
21. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Is that...is that a llama?
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/oki56MQfiHI
After the ripple that was Marvel’s Avengers (the story was good, but the Destiny wannabe post-game left a lot to be desired), Guardians of the Galaxy made a huge splash. Square Enix stuck to what they do best and delivered an action-packed, funny, cinematic adventure that will surely delight. And if you’re a fan of the Marvel movies who’s looking to spend more time with the characters you love (granted, this game isn’t in the MCU canon), this should definitely scratch that itch.
20. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
LA by night...
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/IVi8bUgJi_U
Bloodlines is an innovative (when it was released in 2004, anyway) first person RPG ripped from the pages of the Vampire: The Masquerade tabletop role-playing game. It is tragically riddled with bugs and often cast aside before players even get to the immersive story that changes according to nearly every decision you make. If you wade through the problems, a patient gamer will be rewarded by an incredible vampiric experience in the dark streets of Los Angeles.
19. MONSTER HUNTER RISE
Easy there, big fella.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/9oTjDLnv5T0
The Monster Hunter series is, in general, an absolute blast to play, and the most recent addition is no exception. If traipsing about a foreign land, slaying monsters, and upgrading equipment to allow you to hunt even more powerful beasts sounds like a good use of your precious gaming time, then look no further than Monster Hunter Rise. As an added bonus, the port from Switch to PC improved the already worthy iteration.
18. Horizon Zero Dawn™ Complete Edition
Katniss, eat your heart out.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/T5Xx3MdqdgM
The bow and arrow exploits of Aloy aren’t just for Playstation gamers. This action RPG features breathtaking views, robotic creatures, and a compelling take on a post-apocalyptic story. If you put Horizon Zero Dawn out of mind because you thought it was a console exclusive, think again.
17. Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
...and then he died 15 seconds later.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/a2TjEl0l_FU
Sekiro is a triumph of action, but it is easily the most difficult game on this list (and, yes, this list contains the game’s sister franchise, Dark Souls). Where many RPGs give the player a sense of satisfaction from uncovering new story details, this game’s satisfaction comes from successfully moving forward, be that against a boss or a particularly treacherous pack of regular mobs. Once you finish the game, you’ll want to tattoo the accomplishment somewhere on your body so you’ll be able to remember it forever.
16. DRAGON QUEST® XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ - Definitive Edition
It's like playing a cartoon.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/Ic9ChF9ujOo
The Dragon Quest franchise is an absolute staple for any RPG fan, but especially for those who enjoy the Japanese role-playing game subgenre. If you’ve been a long-time PC gamer, this series may be one you’ve only glimpsed from the outside, but, at long last, Echoes of an Elusive Age brings this classic to the Windows platform. It’s high time you see what this character-driven, slime-filled franchise has to offer.
15. Secret of Mana
Adorable and deadly...
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/ujF9CZJyshQ
This much beloved Super Nintendo title was given a revival on PC with a recent remake. For fans of the original, the story remains basically unchanged with mostly modern quality of life modifications. For those looking to dip their toe into the waters of one of the games that had a major influence on many JRPGs since its release in 1993, Secret of Mana belongs in your library.
14. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
Those look like two straight shooters, no question.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/yAiaY1YC3F4
If you want a side of video game with your engrossing, “choose your own adventure” detective story, this is the RPG for you. Disco Elysium has some of the best dialogue in any video game ever written, helping nearly every interaction come alive and drive you deeper into the narrative. Fans of tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons will fall immediately in love with the dice rolling mechanics this game uses for nearly everything. It is truly one of a kind and something every gamer should experience.
13. God of War
Here kitty, kitty, kitty.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/vgAHqzf2hbM
Whether you consider it the next in the series or a branched off remake, God of War is another must-play console game that’s made its way into the hands of the PC faithful. In this open-world action RPG, you take Kratos on an incredibly rich adventure through Norse mythology where the gameplay is challenging while not being overly difficult, and everything is driven by the story. Don’t be shy if you’ve never played another God of War game, anyone can easily jump in and enjoy this rendition, regardless of prior familiarity.
12. Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition
If his face doesn't scream "torment," I don't know what does.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/pYPMFsrYljw
With a campaign setting and rules coming straight from Advanced D&D 2nd Edition, you might expect this game to be a dungeon crawling hack and slash, yet it is anything but. It features incredibly compelling dialogue, choices that would vex even a tenured philosophy professor, and gameplay that leans away from the combat-heavy nature of most of the genre. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take a seat at the Critical Role table with Matt Mercer as your DM, go get this game right now.
11. DARK SOULS™ III
Your HP will slip through your fingers like sand.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/Gv27YJSOXf8
Long touted as being one of the hardest video game series of all time (though I would put Sekiro above it), the Dark Souls games have likely led to the destruction of many a thrown mouse, keyboard, or controller. The game tests your mettle on what would be a mundane challenge in most games, and makes you learn the ins and outs of its action RPG mechanics more or less by trial and error (lots and lots of error). But, when beating a simple mob just to make your way through a doorway becomes a reason to celebrate, it makes the game infinitely memorable.
10. Fable Anniversary
You can't tell, but he just farted.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/xj7esOet_i0
Fable is a serious hero’s journey action RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The wit and humor in this game set it apart from many other similar games on this list. There are certainly very few games where farting is something that comes up while you’re playing. If you’re looking for a lighthearted adventure with a sword, bow, and magic, go add Fable Anniversary to your wish list.
9. Fallout: New Vegas
Never come between a man, a cool helmet, and his gun.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/HnmPhgfFvzA
When it comes to post-apocalyptic video games, nothing beats the Fallout series, and when it comes to the Fallout series, most fans will tell you nothing beats New Vegas. Between the scenery, the factions, the Courier, and the hours you’ll happily lose getting through the story, New Vegas is an action RPG treasure.
8. Dragon Age™ Inquisition
I have the power!
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/bBPQS7yO6gA
The Dragon Age franchise exists in an expansive universe, and you get dropped smack dab in the middle of it with Inquisition. The scale of the game is evident from the moment you start character creation and notice that there are nearly infinite options for who you’ll play. After that, once you get a handle on the world around you, you notice how deeply connected you’re already feeling with the characters. Upwards of a hundred hours later, Dragon Age feels like home.
7. Diablo® II: Resurrected™
Diablo, aka Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/NpLtYbMXp6c
This grim, angels versus demons epic is often considered the best in class when it comes to hack and slash action RPGs. Aside from the dark tale of adventure, one of the best parts of this game is the multiplayer option. Unless you consider MMOs (which I tend to think of as a genre all their own), role-playing games are traditionally one-player experiences. The ability to play online and/or on the couch with friends makes this game worthy of a spot in every gamer’s library.
6. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition
An epic poster for an epic RPG adventure.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/QqV4gnB6-jw
The Mass Effect series is full of games that stick with you, and the Legendary Edition brings them all together in one place. As you follow the exploits of Commander Shepard, you’ll enjoy the evolving third-person shooter/RPG hybrid action. Be careful, though, the heartfelt storyline is liable to hit you right in the feels.
5. STAR WARS™ - Knights of the Old Republic™
The only Sith Lord who can give Darth Vader a run for his money...
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/lP8k4XVD7r8
Despite Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm turning the majority of the existing Expanded Universe content into “Legends,” Revan from Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most popular characters in all of Star Wars. And he’s just one part of what makes this light versus dark struggle one of the best RPGs of all time. The story, the choices, the characters, and, of course, the lightsabers and Force powers will make you want to play through this one more than once.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Don't mess with him. Just don't.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/-NhevGw_qBw
Considered by many to be the quintessential RPG of the modern era, Skyrim is a game that should be in every RPG player’s library. It’s hard to pin down what’s so great about this game because there’s no one thing that sticks out, it’s really everything. This is a game you have to experience to appreciate because no matter how you enjoy spending your game time, you can bend Skyrim to your will - just be careful not to let it consume you.
3. CHRONO TRIGGER®
Dragonball meets time-traveling swordmasters.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/4lm5lmGh_b4
Chrono Trigger was ahead of its time in 1995, and honestly remains beyond the curve even today. The seamless incorporation of time travel in both gameplay and narrative makes for a cinematic experience where you nearly forget you’re playing a game and not creating art. If you’ve heard the hype about Chrono Trigger over the years but never bothered to check it out…do it. Do it now.
2. FINAL FANTASY VII
Cloud and his oversized buster sword.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/jpZ47ppAGf0
Every installment in the Final Fantasy series deserves to be played and loved by all RPG fans, but if you decide to just pick one, make it Final Fantasy VII. The characters are electric, the villain, Sephiroth, will become one of your new favorite baddies, and the overall story will leave you feeling all kinds of emotions. There’s a reason gamers were clamoring for a remake for years before they finally got one: this is a game that sticks with you and begs you to experience it over and over.
1. The Witcher® 3: Wild Hunt
The man, the myth, the legend.
Gameplay: https://youtu.be/xx8kQ4s5hCY
If you’re the kind of gamer who wants to absolutely lose yourself in the world you play in, Witcher 3 should be at the top of your list too. You don’t play the role of Geralt of Rivia, you are Geralt of Rivia, making choices that matter, slaying terrifying creatures for coin, and spending hours on end riding your trusty steed, Roach, all over the continent. This game is massive, engrossing, engaging, challenging, and rewarding. If you haven’t played this game yet, stop whatever you’re doing (you shouldn’t even be reading this anymore!) and start downloading it now.
