RPGs have been mainstream since the Game Boy days proving players all around the world love number-crunching and party management, so today we are taking a look at what games sold the most over the years.
15. Final Fantasy XV - 2016
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Few games possess such a fascinating trajectory from announcement to delivery, Final Fantasy XV officially began development an entire decade prior to its release as a spin off title before disappearing from public view for years.
Later resurfacing as the latest mainline title and boasting a fully fledged open world, despite its tumultuous development the game would see success upon release being celebrated for its loveable cast and exciting action RPG gameplay.
Total Sales: At least 10 million copies.
14. Final Fantasy VII - 1997
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Long heralded as a crowning achievement for the original PlayStation and amassing a rabid fanbase, Final Fantasy VII marked the series first foray into 3D Graphics and a mysterious sci-fi setting.
Presenting an ambitious scope the game spanned three discs in its original release (plenty of space for unrelenting snowboarding minigames), its massive world was fitting for its lengthy dystopian-environmentalist narrative and iconic soundtrack solidifying its legendary status amongst RPG fans.
Total Sales: At least 13.25 million copies.
13. Elden Ring - 2022
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After a decade of prosperity and acclaim for the studio, FromSoft decided to push their hit formula into the open world genre aided by creative input from popular author George RR Martin.
While sadly Martin doesn't bring his signature style of indulgent descriptions of foods to the table, the title was critically acclaimed for its fresh and purposely oblique approach to open world design, the game was a major hit on release becoming the studios best selling title in just two months, sending shockwaves throughout the RPG genre.
Total Sales: At least 13.4 million copies.
12. Fallout 4 - 2015
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The latest entry in the post-nuclear RPG series by open world behemoth Bethesda Studios proved to resonate with audiences for its expansive and dynamic setting and enhanced gameplay.
Evolving the famous Bethesda formula with an increased focus on survival mechanics such as crafting and player designed outposts, and even the most vital of additions - a loveable dog companion. The enigmatic cast of characters and diverse questlines assured the game was an instant commercial success.
Total Sales: At least 13.51 million copies.
11. Pokemon X & Y - 2013
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Finally delivering the long awaited transition from a classic pixel art style to a full 3D world in the series, X&Y offered a new perspective and more detailed approach to the universally loved Pokemon formula.
Landing at the apex of the 3DS’s lifespan and providing a fresh and expansive experience for long-time players who likely reveled in being able to finally pet your Pokémon. The game was a hit for the system, with players ecstatic to finally experience the series staple combat in higher detail and polish.
Total Sales: At least 16.5 Million copies.
10. Monster Hunter: World - 2018
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While the series was a long term success with a dedicated fanbase many players would openly dream of a version of the game made fully manifest after existing mainly on portable systems.
World saw the Monster Hunter formula fulfill that promise with an advanced and dynamic world and the biggest apex predators to hunt yet, replete with quality of life upgrades and supported with post launch content, the game was an instant success that enjoyed a long lifespan.
Total Sales: At least 17 million copies.
9. Pokemon Diamond & Pearl - 2006
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Serving as the genesis point for the fourth generation of Pokémon games, Diamond & Pearl offered over 100 new Pokémon and online play as a series first.
Considered by fans to be the most comprehensive well rounded Pokémon titles even singled out by GameFreak for the basis of their recent game Arceus, it proved a major success for the popular Nintendo DS as the game flew off the shelves and became one of the best selling titles on release.
Total Sales: At Least 17.6 million copies.
8. Cyberpunk 2077 - 2020
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Following the goodwill built from the critical and commercial success of The Witcher games, players were immediately enchanted with the prospect of CDProjectREDs take on the Cyberpunk genre.
Promising an ambitious open world and their signature acclaimed narrative design, the game was a commercial success before it launched amassing a staggering 8 million pre orders. Post-release it would prove to be one of the most controversial releases in gaming history even being the only game to be removed from major digital stores, though this didn’t slow the games long term sales.
Total Sales: At Least 18 Million Copies.
7. Pokemon Sword & Shield - 2019
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After much anticipation for a mainline Pokémon game hitting the Nintendo Switch, Sword & Shield released sporting significant inspiration from Great Britain in its locale and setting even featuring Corgi inspired Pokémon and football culture for true authenticity.
Providing signature Pokémon charm and addictive mechanics while pushing the series forward in scope, it was a major commercial success eventually becoming one of the best selling games on the Switch.
Total Sales: At Least 21 million copies.
6. Borderlands 2 - 2012
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After the success of the first title gamers were wildly anticipating a sequel to the groundbreaking take on highly stylised loot-driven shooting, the sequel featured a more ambitious scope and leaned into the personality and style of the original further establishing the bombastic franchise.
The zany world populated by loveable dirtbags and addictive RPG action shooter provided fertile ground for players looking for a co-operative blast of an adventure, ensuring the commercial success that followed its release.
Total Sales: At least 26 Million copies.
5. Pokemon Gold & Silver - 2000
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Kicking off the second generation of Pokémon games Gold & Silver landed with over 100 new collectible friends and higher quality Game Boy Advance visuals, finally allowing for the render of the great and omniscient Togepi.
The cultural and commercial momentum didn’t waver as players still spent countless hours chasing gym badges and honing their team. Many players consider Gold & Silver as a series highpoint, and the commercial reception is equally impressive.
Total Sales: At least 29 Million copies.
4. Diablo 3 - 2012
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Long anticipated and arriving twelve years after its predecessor, Diablo III became the best selling PC time immediately after it was released.
Providing a comprehensive online experience and addictive character building preened to perfection with that signature Blizzard polish, the game enjoyed a long and fruitful reign as the dominant game in its style. After extensive post-launch support and being released on consoles the commercial success didn’t slow down making it the highest selling RPG of this style.
Total Sales: At least 30 Million Copies.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 2011
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The positively omniscient Elder Scrolls series defined many aspects of modern open world design: providing a systems driven approach to RPG worldbuilding that creates a dynamic living world (as long as you avoid speaking to Nazeem, or at least place a pot on his head).
The series would hit a commercial apex with Skyrim, inviting an entirely new audience into the RPG world with its minimalist user-forward RPG systems and immersive worldbuilding. The game quickly made its mark on gaming culture becoming one of the most quoted games in online spaces.
Total Sales: At Least 30 Million Copies.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - 2015
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After establishing a passionate audience with the first two Witcher titles, the third title would go on to become one of the most celebrated games of the generation and it's easy to see why.
The massive scope of the world and endless quests filled with every flavor of storytelling from tragedy, comedy, horror, and politics. Managing the impossible feat of juggling both quantity and quality ensured The Witcher series would become the household name it is today. Perfectly simulating the experience of being a grizzled hunter of all things wicked.
Total Sales: At Least 40 Million Copies.
1. Pokemon Red & Blue - 1996
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The worldwide phenomenon of Pokémon that is still dominant today all started here with two innovative games released for the original GameBoy.
Never before had RPGs found such immediate crossover appeal, expanding the genre to a global audience with its adorable Pokémon designs and fantastic music - some of which even spawned a popular urban myth. The blueprint for the entire series was born here, and the success of the game would immediately show just how effective of a blueprint it is.
Writing about games is really fun! But more importantly it allows me to avoid the inclement weather of the British isles, and provides a nice distraction from obsessing about Twin Peaks.
Gamer Since:
1997
Favorite Genre:
RPG
Currently Playing:
Fortnite
Top 3 Favorite Games:
Dark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Dead Space
