RPG Top 100: The Best Role-Playing Games of All Time

RPG Top 100 is a ranking of 100 of the best role-playing games, from classic CRPGs and JRPGs to modern open-world adventures, souls-like games, and action RPGs. The list includes titles that influenced the genre and remain worth playing years after release.

There is no single objective RPG ranking. Different publications have produced very different lists. For example, IGN's 2017 ranking placed Chrono Trigger at number one, while The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ranked tenth.

This RPG Top 100 therefore considers more than review scores. Story quality, character progression, freedom of choice, combat mechanics, atmosphere, influence on the genre, and how well each game holds up today all matter.

RPG Top 100 - Full List of the Best RPGs

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Which RPGs Deserve a Place in the Top 10

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 combines a deep role-playing system, extensive freedom of choice, and a highly reactive world. Player decisions can change quests, relationships, storylines, and even the way certain situations can be resolved.

It is an excellent choice for players who enjoy dialogue, exploration, tactical combat, character development, and multiple solutions to the same problem.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 focuses on exploration, open-world adventures, and story-driven quests. One of its greatest strengths is the way smaller stories often avoid obvious good-versus-evil choices.

The game is ideal for players who want a combination of exploration, character progression, memorable quests, and cinematic storytelling.

3. Elden Ring

Elden Ring expands the Souls formula with a massive open world. Players can choose their own route, discover weapons and abilities, change their build, and return to difficult bosses after becoming stronger.

It is a strong choice for anyone looking for exploration, challenging encounters, powerful bosses, and freedom in character development.

4. Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn

BioWare's classic CRPG remains one of the defining games in the genre. Its strengths include party management, dialogue, memorable companions, a huge adventure, and tactical combat.

Games such as Baldur's Gate 2 helped establish many of the conventions that would later become fundamental to Western computer RPGs.

5. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is unusual even by RPG standards. Traditional combat is largely replaced by dialogue, investigation, skill checks, and internal conflicts involving the protagonist's own mind.

It is particularly well suited to players who value role-playing, writing, atmosphere, and narrative choices more than fast-paced combat.

6. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the most influential JRPGs ever made. It combines time travel, a memorable story, distinctive characters, and a combat system that does not rely on separate battle screens.

Its different historical eras are also part of the gameplay itself. Actions in the past can affect events in the future, making exploration directly connected to the game's central narrative concept.

7. Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas offers one of the deepest systems of choice and consequence in an open-world RPG. Factions, quests, and relationships can change depending on the player's decisions.

Its greatest strength is freedom. A single objective can often be completed through dialogue, stealth, combat, character skills, or cooperation with different factions.

8. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 combines story-driven RPG elements, squad interaction, and third-person combat. Each companion has a distinct personality, personal history, and individual problems that the player can help resolve.

The decision system is particularly important. Relationships with squad members and decisions made throughout the campaign can affect the outcome of the final mission, giving players a reason to replay the game.

9. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the most flexible party-based RPGs available. Players have numerous ways to interact with the environment, while turn-based combat encourages experimentation with abilities and elemental effects.

For example, surfaces can be ignited, frozen, electrified, or otherwise manipulated. As a result, even a seemingly ordinary encounter can become a tactical puzzle with several possible solutions.

10. Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains one of the most accessible open-world RPGs in the genre. Its enormous world allows players to explore freely, develop different skill combinations, join factions, complete side quests, and create their own style of play.

Unlike more linear RPGs, Skyrim does not require players to follow a single optimal path. A player can focus on magic, archery, melee combat, stealth, crafting, exploration, or a combination of several approaches.

How to Choose an RPG from the Top 100

You do not necessarily have to start with the number one game. The best RPG for you depends on which elements of the genre you enjoy most.

• Want a large open world: The Witcher 3, Skyrim, Elden Ring, Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
• Want tactical combat: Baldur's Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.
• Looking for a strong story: Disco Elysium, Mass Effect 2, The Witcher 3.
• Prefer Japanese RPGs: Chrono Trigger, Persona 5 Royal, Final Fantasy VII, Dragon Quest XI.
• Enjoy challenging combat: Dark Souls, Dark Souls III, Elden Ring, Sekiro.
• Want a classic CRPG: Baldur's Gate 2, Fallout 2, Planescape: Torment.
• Like Diablo-style games: Diablo II, Path of Exile, Grim Dawn, Torchlight II.
• Prefer tactical strategy: XCOM 2, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Final Fantasy Tactics.

This approach is often more useful than simply following a numbered list. First identify your preferred RPG mechanics, then choose a game that matches them.

Why Do RPG Rankings Include Different Games?

RPG rankings depend heavily on the criteria used. Some publications focus on historical influence, while others prioritize gameplay, storytelling, innovation, or overall player experience.

The definition of an RPG also continues to expand. Modern lists can include Western CRPGs, JRPGs, MMORPGs, action RPGs, tactical RPGs, and games with strong role-playing mechanics but very different gameplay structures.

That is why a specific position should not be treated as an absolute measurement of quality. For a player who values narrative choices, Disco Elysium may be more appealing than an action-heavy RPG. Someone who prefers difficult combat may choose Elden Ring instead.

FAQ

What is the best RPG of all time?

There is no universally accepted answer. Different rankings have placed games such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, Baldur's Gate, and other classics at the top. The best RPG ultimately depends on the player's preferred gameplay style.

What is the best RPG for beginners?

The Witcher 3 is a strong starting point because it combines accessible character progression, a large world, story-driven quests, and manageable combat. Players who prefer turn-based tactical combat may find Baldur's Gate 3 more appealing.

Which RPGs have the best stories?

Disco Elysium, The Witcher 3, Mass Effect 2, Planescape: Torment, and Dragon Age: Origins are excellent choices for story-focused players. They emphasize characters, dialogue, world-building, and meaningful decisions.

What is the hardest RPG?

Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Dark Souls III, and Sekiro are among the most demanding games on this list. Their difficulty comes from learning enemy patterns, mastering combat mechanics, and making effective use of the character's abilities.

Are old RPGs from the Top 100 still worth playing?

Absolutely. Many classic RPGs remain compelling because of their deep systems, memorable characters, freedom of choice, and influential game design. However, older interfaces and graphics can require some adjustment. Players who prefer modern presentation can start with newer titles such as Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, or The Witcher 3.