Almost all games these days contain elements of RPGs. From online shooters to sports
games, more and more games include a role-playing component where players can
customize the look of their character, select specific skills, gear, dialogue options, and
more. This unique mechanic is even making its way into casino games, with the first
RPG slots offering a fresh combination of two classic playstyles.
The Best RPGs You Can Play Right Now
In recent years, we have been treated to sensational RPG slots games on all platforms, from
hunting for mythical monsters to building up a perfect player in a sports game. We’ve
seen brand new blockbusters, spiritual successors, and complete remakes of games
millions know and love. Whether you are dying to level up, have fun rolling dice, or want
to swing a giant sword, here are the best PC and console RPGs to check out in 2021.
Fallout 4
Set in 2287, this story is a sequel to Fallout 3. After a prolonged cryogenic stasis, your
character comes out and learns about the world. After witnessing their partner murdered
and their child kidnapped, the character sets out to find their child.
One thing is for sure – you will like the retro-futuristic atmosphere of the game and
connect with your character. Will they find their child? How will this play out? There’s not
a single dull moment in this game. It’s a complete multi-tasker with combat, exploration,
and puzzles.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
It's incredible how free players feel when they play Breath of the Wild. This game is so
different from the traditional Zelda games that sometimes it’s easy to forget you are
playing a Zelda game. There are tons of secrets to discover in this version of Hyrule,
and the best part is that everything is accessible. In Breath of the Wild, you can climb
everything, from snow-capped peaks in the distance to islands in the middle of the
ocean.
You must piece together Link’s lost memories 100 years after his awakening to solve
the mystery in the game. BoTW is one of the best titles in the world-famous franchise
because of its new gameplay mechanics, equipment management, puzzle-solving, and
sense of exploration. It is arguably one of the best RPGs of all time.
Persona 5 Royal
Many people claim the expanded version of Persona 5 is the best version of the game.
In addition to the original campaign, Royal features brand new characters, locations,
and hours of story content. Most of Royal’s best moments revolved around the main characters, the Phantom Thieves, and their unique style and set of abilities. Completing
the primary campaign may take you up to 100 hours, but every single minute is worth
your effort.
The dungeon crawling in Persona 5 Royal is perhaps the main selling point, but it is only
one of the many things you can do in this game, as it is also a life simulation. You’ll visit
Tokyo, Japan, build trust with other members of the Phantom Thieves, and travel
around the cities. Is it not fascinating to learn that going to school can be fun?
Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata is the game for those who crave a little more action and philosophy. You
will enjoy the crazy boss fights in a breathtaking post-apocalyptic setting, while the
fantastic soundtrack (in a language that doesn’t exist) makes you feel the weight of the
world. You may even find yourself reflecting on your own life and purpose.
The game vividly combines Yoko Taro’s masterful storytelling with Platinum Games’ flair
for action. The story of Nier: Automata is both unconventional and profound. It features
26 different endings. After you finish the game, you even have the option to sacrifice
your progress and help a random player somewhere in the world.
This action RPG has some flaws, but the fast-paced action and memorable story make
up for them. Nier: Automata is one of those rare video games that hold a special place
in players’ hearts even years after completing them.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
The RPG Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen offers action-oriented gameplay similar to
Capcom’s Devil May Cry and Monster Hunter series. The game is inspired by classic
fables and myths, set in a world haunted by the return of a destructive red dragon.
The combat is engaging and flashy, and the open-world environments are brimming
with detail. However, the quest-driven plot and sparse character development hamper
an otherwise satisfying story. The RPG leveling system also slows down combat, so
you can not do your best until you have sufficiently leveled your class. Despite these
problems, those hoping for an action-packed open-world adventure will have plenty to
explore and enjoy.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
The Yakuza games have always mixed adult themes with wacky pranks for a
recognizable look and feel many players love. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is no exception.
There are still plenty of badass twists and turns in the game’s long and turbulent story,
but the entire combat system has been completely transformed into a turn-based JRPG
– and it works pretty well.
There are different classes for characters to choose from, like singing musicians or cute
idols, and each of them has its abilities in battle. So it’s a very different approach to the
series, but one where the freak flag can fly. The game is available for PlayStation 4,
PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. The next-gen version features almost
no loading times and improved visuals to take advantage of the new hardware.
Dark Souls III
After developing the legendary PlayStation 4 exclusive title Bloodborne, From Software
returns to the Souls series with Dark Souls III. The gameplay and design elements of
DS3 follow the winning formula of previous games that sparked a whole new subgenre
of ‘Souls-like’ games.
The whole series is famous for its convoluted lore, and Dark Souls III is no exception.
However, those who are willing to invest the time and pay attention to little details will
run into characters and locations they’ve seen before or just heard about in the previous
games. Every aspect of DSIII is improved compared to the previous entries. The game
offers new insight that confirms or shatters different theories fans have been developing
since 2011’s original Dark Souls.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you are into all things fantasy, Wild Hunt should definitely be on your radar. It offers
stunning graphics and a high level of detail that makes exploring the world as Geralt of
Rivia a pleasure. In this engaging story, the player explores the many realms of the
continent to find answers, resulting in one of the best role-playing games you’ll ever
experience, even if it does have a lengthy campaign.
Witcher 3 features a variety of role-playing elements such as boss fights, player
decisions, exciting NPCs, and wildly unconventional quests, as well as a vivid story and
deeply developed characters that deserve your attention. Even after you have
completed the main storyline of Witcher 3, you can continue to expand the world with
quests, locations, and characters with the two expansion packs, Hearts of Stone and
Blood and Wine.
Demon’s Souls
Since it’s one of the PS5’s launch titles, Demon’s Souls is by far the most visually
stunning action RPG you can play on Sony’s newest console. This spiritual successor to
Dark Souls looks stunning and runs in perfect 60 frames per second. Plus, it only takes
a second to travel from one level to another, thanks to the PS5’s super-fast storage.
It’s a remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 game many call the best RPG game ever made
to this day. It’s not just looking great, though. Demon’s Souls will challenge your gaming
skills in spades. If you were put off by PS3’s modest graphics before, there’s nothing stopping you now. The treacherous land of Boletaria is looking better than ever and calling you to see where it all began.
Xanadu Next
Xanadu Next is an action RPG developed by Nihon Falcom for Windows. Although this
2005 game looks pretty outdated compared to some other games we mentioned here,
the simplicity of the design does not have a detrimental effect on the gameplay itself.
Xanadu Next offers a fantastic dungeon crawling experience that is definitely worth your
time, especially if you’re waiting for hardware shortages to pass before beefing up your
rig or getting the latest console. There are similarities between Xanadu Next and
Diablo’s point-and-click gameplay, such as the crypts and treasures. Xanadu Next’s
system is interconnected and convoluted but still retains its distinctiveness.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut is not for you if you don’t like politics in games. It is also
not for you if you don’t like games with a profound message. Just to be clear, this game
is not a manifesto, though. You will love how it pokes fun at a range of ideologies
cynically and thoughtfully, showing that the game’s politics are not as extreme as you
might suspect.
We are not talking about watered-down centrism here. Disco Elysium sympathizes with
the working class and movements that advocate for their interests, even though you are
supposed to do the opposite by playing cops. The stunning gameplay and the rich world
would be impressive even without a story, but its thematic core makes it worth checking
out.
Final Words
There is no question that RPGs have left a lasting impression on gamers. If you want to
invest some serious time and enjoy adventures in mysterious worlds full of secrets
waiting to be discovered, nothing else comes close.
