Introduction

The world of PC gaming is vast and ever-evolving, with a diverse range of genres to explore. Among the most beloved and immersive experiences, RPGs (Role-Playing Games) stand out, offering players the chance to embark on epic adventures, create their own unique characters, and shape the destiny of virtual worlds. With a rich history spanning decades, PC RPGs have evolved to deliver unparalleled storytelling, intricate gameplay mechanics, and breathtaking visuals.

This guide aims to showcase the very best RPGs available on PC, catering to both veteran adventurers and those new to the genre. Whether you’re seeking an action-packed fantasy epic, a strategic turn-based battle system, or a deeply emotional narrative, these games will satisfy your RPG cravings.

Action RPGs: Immerse Yourself in Fast-Paced Adventures

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Setting and Story: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes place in the vast and detailed world of the Northern Kingdoms, where players step into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with a unique set of abilities. The story follows Geralt’s quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is on the run from the mysterious Wild Hunt.

Gameplay Highlights: With its seamless open-world design, The Witcher 3 offers a blend of intense combat, exploration, and decision-making. Geralt’s witcher senses allow players to track down quests and uncover hidden items, while the combat system demands precision and strategy, especially when facing powerful enemies and bosses.

Why It’s a Must-Play: The Witcher 3 is renowned for its immersive world, compelling characters, and impactful choices. The game’s narrative depth, combined with its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, makes it a true masterpiece in the RPG genre.

2. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Setting and Story: Set in the fantasy realm of Thedas, Dragon Age: Inquisition puts players in command of the Inquisition, a force determined to restore order after a catastrophic event. As the Inquisitor, you must gather allies, make crucial decisions, and unravel the mysteries behind the rift that threatens the world.

Gameplay Highlights: Dragon Age: Inquisition offers a blend of real-time combat and tactical pauses, allowing players to strategize and issue commands to their party members. The game features a diverse range of weapons, abilities, and character classes, providing a high level of customization and replay value.

Why It’s a Must-Play: With its expansive world, intricate political intrigue, and branching narrative, Dragon Age: Inquisition delivers a truly epic RPG experience. The game’s emphasis on player choice and consequence, along with its well-crafted characters and immersive world-building, make it a standout title in the genre.

3. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Setting and Story: Divinity: Original Sin 2 is set in the high fantasy world of Rivellon, where players embark on a journey to become a divine, a powerful being capable of shaping the fate of the world. The story follows a group of source hunters, each with their own motivations and backstories, as they navigate political intrigue and combat an ancient evil.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG excels in its turn-based combat system, which allows for strategic positioning, environmental interactions, and creative use of elemental magic. The game also features a robust character creation system, offering a wide range of races, classes, and origins to choose from.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Divinity: Original Sin 2 is celebrated for its deep gameplay, engaging narrative, and extensive customization options. The game’s emphasis on player agency and its well-crafted turn-based combat make it a standout title for fans of tactical RPGs.

JRPGs: Explore the Rich Traditions of Japanese RPGs

4. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Setting and Story: Final Fantasy VII Remake is a reimagining of the iconic Final Fantasy VII, set in the futuristic city of Midgar. Players take on the role of Cloud Strife, a former soldier turned mercenary, as he joins forces with a ragtag group of rebels to combat the sinister Shinra Electric Power Company.

Gameplay Highlights: The game blends real-time action with strategic elements, allowing players to switch between characters during combat. The ATB (Active Time Battle) system returns, requiring players to time their attacks and spells effectively. Additionally, the game features a vibrant and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and stories.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Final Fantasy VII Remake captures the essence of the original while adding modern enhancements, stunning visuals, and an engaging combat system. The game’s blend of action and strategy, combined with its emotional narrative and memorable characters, makes it a must-play for both fans of the series and newcomers alike.

5. Persona 5 Royal

Setting and Story: Persona 5 Royal is set in modern-day Tokyo, where players assume the role of a transfer student who, along with a group of friends, discovers the power to enter a mysterious realm known as the Metaverse. Together, they form a group called the Phantom Thieves, fighting to expose the corruption and greed of adults who abuse their power.

Gameplay Highlights: The game seamlessly blends life simulation, dungeon crawling, and turn-based combat. During the day, players navigate social interactions, build relationships, and strengthen their Personas (manifestations of their personalities). At night, they enter the Metaverse to fight shadow creatures and uncover the truth behind the corruption.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Persona 5 Royal is renowned for its stylish presentation, captivating narrative, and engaging gameplay loop. The game’s unique blend of high school life and supernatural adventure, coupled with its memorable characters and compelling combat system, make it a standout title in the JRPG genre.

6. Trails of Cold Steel

Setting and Story: Trails of Cold Steel is set in the world of Erebonia, a land torn by political tensions and military conflicts. Players follow the story of Rean Schwarzer, a student at Thors Military Academy, as he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies and battles against powerful forces.

Gameplay Highlights: The game features a blend of real-time and turn-based combat, allowing players to strategically position their characters and exploit enemy weaknesses. The Bonding system adds depth to character relationships, influencing their performance in battle and unlocking unique abilities.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Trails of Cold Steel is part of the expansive Trails series, known for its intricate world-building and interconnected narratives. The game’s engaging combat, memorable characters, and deep exploration of political themes make it a compelling choice for fans of JRPGs.

Indie RPGs: Discover Unique and Innovative Experiences

7. Divinity: Original Sin

Setting and Story: Divinity: Original Sin is set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, where players embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind a series of magical explosions that threaten to tear the realm apart. The story follows two Source Hunters, each with their own personal motivations and backstories, as they navigate political intrigue and combat an ancient evil.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG is renowned for its innovative turn-based combat system, which allows for strategic positioning, environmental interactions, and creative use of elemental magic. The game also features a robust character creation system, offering a wide range of races, classes, and origins to choose from.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Divinity: Original Sin paved the way for its successor, Divinity: Original Sin 2, with its engaging narrative, deep gameplay, and extensive customization options. The game’s emphasis on player agency and its well-crafted turn-based combat make it a standout title in the indie RPG scene.

8. Disco Elysium

Setting and Story: Disco Elysium is set in the fictional city of Revachol, a post-war metropolis plagued by political turmoil and social unrest. Players assume the role of an amnesiac detective, tasked with solving a murder case while unraveling the mysteries of their own fragmented past.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG stands out for its unique dialogue-driven gameplay, where players navigate intricate skill checks and philosophical discussions to progress the story. The game’s extensive skill system and detailed world-building allow for a highly personalized and immersive experience.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Disco Elysium is celebrated for its thought-provoking narrative, exceptional writing, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s focus on player choice and consequence, coupled with its immersive world and engaging characters, make it a standout title in the indie RPG genre.

9. Undertale

Setting and Story: Undertale is set in the underground world of monsters, where players take on the role of a human child who has fallen into this realm. The story follows the child’s journey as they attempt to escape back to the surface while navigating the complex relationships and emotions of the monster inhabitants.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG offers a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and innovative combat. Players have the choice to either kill or spare enemies, with each decision impacting the game’s narrative and outcome. The game’s charming pixel art style and humorous writing have garnered a dedicated fan base.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Undertale is renowned for its innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling characters, and emotional storytelling. The game’s emphasis on player choice and its ability to subvert RPG conventions make it a standout title in the indie RPG space.

Classic RPGs: Rediscover Timeless RPG Masterpieces

10. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Setting and Story: Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn is set in the Forgotten Realms, a fantasy world based on the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Players assume the role of an adventurer, tasked with unraveling the mysteries surrounding their own powerful abilities and the sinister forces that seek to control them.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG is known for its expansive world, rich storytelling, and tactical turn-based combat. Players can explore vast environments, interact with diverse characters, and make choices that shape the outcome of quests and relationships.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn is considered a classic for its immersive world-building, complex characters, and engaging gameplay. The game’s blend of storytelling and strategic combat make it a timeless masterpiece in the RPG genre.

11. Planescape: Torment

Setting and Story: Planescape: Torment takes players on a journey through the bizarre and surreal planes of existence, where they assume the role of an immortal being with amnesia, seeking to uncover the secrets of their past lives. The story explores themes of identity, mortality, and the nature of reality.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG focuses on dialogue and character interactions, with combat taking a backseat. Players navigate intricate conversations, make morally ambiguous choices, and uncover the truth behind their existence through exploration and skill checks.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Planescape: Torment is celebrated for its philosophical narrative, exceptional writing, and thought-provoking themes. The game’s emphasis on dialogue and character development make it a unique and captivating experience in the RPG genre.

12. Fallout: New Vegas

Setting and Story: Fallout: New Vegas is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where players take on the role of a courier who must navigate the treacherous Mojave Desert and uncover the truth behind their own betrayal. The story explores themes of power, politics, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG offers a blend of first-person exploration, real-time combat, and strategic decision-making. Players can engage in intense gunfights, craft powerful weapons and armor, and make choices that impact the game’s factions and overall outcome.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Fallout: New Vegas is renowned for its immersive world, engaging narrative, and player agency. The game’s blend of action, exploration, and moral choices make it a standout title in the classic RPG genre.

Tactical RPGs: Master the Art of Strategic Combat

13. XCOM 2

Setting and Story: XCOM 2 is set in a future where Earth has been conquered by an alien force, and players take on the role of the commander of a resistance group, fighting to reclaim the planet and restore humanity’s freedom. The story follows the resistance’s efforts to gather resources, recruit soldiers, and launch strategic attacks against the alien occupation.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG is known for its intense turn-based combat, where players must carefully position their soldiers, utilize their unique abilities, and make tactical decisions to overcome overwhelming odds. The game’s procedural generation ensures each mission is unique, offering a high level of replay value.

Why It’s a Must-Play: XCOM 2 is celebrated for its strategic gameplay, engaging narrative, and high-stakes decision-making. The game’s blend of tactical combat and resource management make it a compelling choice for fans of tactical RPGs.

14. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Setting and Story: Fire Emblem: Three Houses is set in the fictional continent of Fódlan, where players take on the role of a mercenary-turned-professor at the Officer’s Academy. The story follows the professor’s journey as they navigate political tensions, train a new generation of warriors, and make crucial decisions that shape the fate of the continent.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG features a blend of real-time exploration and turn-based combat. Players can interact with students, build relationships, and teach them new skills. The tactical combat system is renowned for its depth and strategy, requiring players to carefully position units and exploit enemy weaknesses.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Fire Emblem: Three Houses is celebrated for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and strategic gameplay. The game’s blend of relationship-building and tactical combat make it a standout title in the tactical RPG genre.

15. Wasteland 3

Setting and Story: Wasteland 3 is set in the post-apocalyptic world of Colorado, where players lead a squad of Desert Rangers on a mission to establish a new headquarters and protect the wasteland from various threats. The story follows the Rangers’ struggles to navigate political alliances, combat powerful enemies, and survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Gameplay Highlights: This RPG offers a blend of first-person exploration and turn-based combat. Players can customize their squad, equip them with powerful weapons and abilities, and make strategic decisions to overcome challenging encounters. The game’s narrative choices and branching paths add depth to the overall experience.

Why It’s a Must-Play: Wasteland 3 is celebrated for its immersive world, engaging narrative, and tactical combat. The game’s blend of exploration, character development, and strategic decision-making make it a standout title in the tactical RPG genre.

Conclusion

The world of PC RPGs is a vast and diverse landscape, offering something for every type of player. Whether you’re seeking epic adventures, emotional narratives, strategic combat, or unique gameplay mechanics, these 15 RPGs will provide countless hours of immersive and captivating gameplay.

So, gear up, choose your character, and embark on these epic journeys, knowing that each game on this list will deliver an unforgettable RPG experience.

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