In the last decade, RPGs have pushed the boundaries of the genre both visually and technically. Some leaned more into storytelling, others focused on combat or exploration. But these eight games stood out the most, either for their innovation or the legacy they left behind.

8 Disco Elysium (2019)

No combat, but a ton of emotional damage

In Disco Elysium, you play a detective trying to solve a murder in a city of sins. This game focuses on storytelling, so there's no combat. You build your character by picking personality traits that help you see scenarios in different ways, and then you have to investigate and find clues about who the murderer could be.

The writing is sharp, but strange, and your choices really do shape who your character becomes. It’s not a typical RPG, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting ones, especially if you like text-heavy games.

7 Divinity: Original Sin II (2017)

A great RPG to play with friends

This is a top-down, turn-based RPG where you control a party of four characters. You can create your own character or pick from pre-made ones with their own backstories. The combat is deep and tactical, and the world reacts to your choices in a unique way.

You can combine spells and abilities in clever ways, like casting rain, then electrocuting enemies in the water. Outside of battle, the game gives you a lot of freedom in how you solve problems. You can talk your way out of situations, sneak around, or even kill characters who block your path. It's also great for gamers who want a co-op RPG experience.

6 Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

Good morning, Night City!

Cyberpunk 2077 had a bad launch but eventually turned into a solid RPG. You play as V, a mercenary in a futuristic city. The story involves brain chips, gangs, corporations, and your slowly crumbling mind.

The game mixes first-person shooting, hacking, and melee combat. You can build your character however you want: sneaky hacker, brute, gunslinger, or a mix. The world is dense, full of side missions and strange characters. The Phantom Liberty expansion added a spy thriller story and even more improvements. It’s a good example of a game that turned itself around.

5 Persona 5 Royal (2020)

Great visuals and an even better soundtrack

Persona 5 Royal mixes life sim with dungeon crawling. You play a high school student who fights supernatural enemies at night while attending school during the day. You manage your time, build relationships, and use those relationships to power up in combat.

Combat is turn-based and focused on finding enemy weaknesses. The dungeons are hand-crafted and full of puzzles. The “Royal” version added new characters, story content, and more polish. It’s one of the best JRPGs in recent years and a good starting point if you’ve never played one.

4 Dragon’s Dogma 2 (2024)

A mix between a hack-and-slash and a monster hunter game

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an action RPG where you control a customizable hero called the Arisen. You travel with AI-controlled party members called Pawns, who help in combat and exploration. The game has a mix of hand-crafted quests and world events that happen naturally throughout the game.

Combat feels like a mix between a hack-and-slash and a monster hunter game. You can climb on enemies, cast big spells, or use fast attacks depending on your class. The world reacts to what you do, and the game doesn’t always tell you exactly what to do, making it feel more like a real adventure. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the most exciting new RPGs in recent years.

3 Elden Ring (2022)

An open-world take on a souls-like game

Elden Ring takes the tough combat of the Souls series and puts it into an open world setting. You can go anywhere on horseback, find hidden dungeons, and fight huge bosses. The world doesn’t hold your hand; you learn by exploring and dying.

What makes it different is how much freedom you have. There are no quest markers or maps full of icons. You just explore and figure it out on your own. Combat is hard but fair when compared to the rest of the souls games, with lots of weapon types, spells, and builds to try out.

2 Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)

D&D comes to digital life

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a modern take on the Dungeons & Dragons rules, built for single-player or co-op. You make a character, gather a party, and explore a world filled with danger and choices. Everything from combat to conversations is affected by dice rolls, and you can approach situations in a ton of different ways.

The game lets you solve problems however you want: fight, sneak, talk, or even use spells creatively. Your decisions matter, and the story branches depending on how you play. It’s one of the most flexible and detailed RPGs ever made, especially if you enjoy slower, more thoughtful gameplay.

1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

Toss a coin to your Witcher!

The Witcher 3 is an open-world fantasy RPG where you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire. You travel across a war-torn world doing quests, fighting creatures, and getting involved in political conflicts. The main story focuses on finding your adopted daughter (Child surprise) while trying to hide her from a group of ghost-like horsemen called the Wild Hunt.

The game stands out for its writing. Side quests are deep, and your choices really change how things end. Combat is a mix of swordplay and magic, from a third-person perspective, and you need to prepare for fights with potions and traps. Two expansions added even more content, including a whole new region. Even 10 years later, this is still the RPG other games compare themselves to.

These RPGs have become iconic

These RPGs weren’t just successful; they each pushed the genre in new directions. These titles showed that RPGs can be anything: action-packed, thought-provoking, deeply personal, or mechanically rich. Whether you love immersive storytelling, strategic combat, or total player freedom, the last decade delivered something worth remembering and replaying.