10 RPGs Everyone Should Play Once in Their Lives (#1 Is the Best Ever)

While some role-playing games (RPGs) only attract dedicated fans, others become universally beloved classics. The most successful RPGs, such as The Witcher 3, quickly grab players’ attention and make them feel emotionally connected to the story. The Witcher 3’s impressive sales of 60 million copies are largely thanks to players immediately connecting with the character Geralt of Rivia and becoming invested in his search for Ciri.

Every video game enthusiast should play these titles at least once—many are so exceptional, you’ll want to play them again and again. Leading the pack is a timeless classic that continues to impress players and has truly stood the test of time.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Became an Instant Classic

Although The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was part of an existing series, it was the game that truly made The Witcher popular. Players quickly became captivated by the story of Geralt of Rivia, and the game’s amazing side quests kept them engaged. The Witcher 3 not only succeeded but also set a new standard for role-playing games.

Though The Witcher 3 is famous for its incredible story, it offers so much more, including meaningful choices that truly impact the narrative, particularly in its romantic options. The combat isn’t for everyone, but overall, it’s a highly praised game that any RPG enthusiast should experience.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Made Darth Revan a Fan Favorite

As a huge RPG fan, I think BioWare really changed the game, and for me, it all started with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic back in 2003. Star Wars is already amazing, of course, but BioWare did something special – they brought their own unique spin to this universe I already loved.

Knights of the Old Republic essentially established the hallmarks of BioWare’s success – meaningful choices and compelling characters. It also introduced beloved Star Wars figures like HK-47 and Revan, who remain fan favorites.

Fable II Brought British Humor to RPGs

In Fable II, players explore the vast and detailed fantasy world of Albion. The game lets you create a unique hero, shaping their looks and moral character through choices that truly matter. The world responds to everything you do, and even decisions made during your character’s childhood can have long-lasting consequences, impacting the future they achieve.

Players could do almost anything in the game, from buying houses and getting married to committing crimes and influencing the world around them. Plus, Fable II featured a charming and imaginative world brimming with magical creatures and a distinctly quirky sense of humor, reminiscent of Monty Python. Despite all the lighthearted elements, the game also had surprisingly realistic and unsettling moments.

Dragon Age: Origins Is an Old-School RPG

The acclaimed Dragon Age series started with Dragon Age: Origins. The game takes place in the war-torn country of Ferelden and lets players begin with a personalized backstory. This origin story affects conversations, who you team up with, and how the story unfolds. Dragon Age: Origins combines strategic, team-based battles with well-developed characters, making every fight and conversation feel important.

The story doesn’t offer easy answers, forcing players to consider what’s more important: staying true to their allies or simply surviving. The game is particularly known for its powerful character interactions, which many RPG fans consider among the best ever. A lot of players still think the series peaked with Dragon Age: Origins and that future installments should draw inspiration from it, especially considering recent developments.

Mass Effect 2 Is the Highlight of a Great Franchise

The original Mass Effect made BioWare a well-known studio, but Mass Effect 2 is often considered their greatest achievement. Building on the first game, it tells a story of a galaxy facing total destruction. Players once again control Commander Shepard, and this time must gather a team of experts to fight a strange and dangerous alien enemy.

Mass Effect 2 offers a uniquely personal experience thanks to its engaging combat, well-developed characters, and choices with real consequences. Players don’t just experience the game’s world – they actively shape it through their actions as Commander Shepard. This strong connection is why so many players keep returning to the game, even though the ending of the following installment, Mass Effect 3, disappointed a lot of people.

Dark Souls Defined ‘Souls-Like’ Games

While Demon’s Souls first explored this style of game, Dark Souls truly perfected it and remains many fans’ favorite FromSoftware title. It popularized a deliberate, difficult gameplay experience where players were expected to learn through trial and error, often dying multiple times to understand enemy patterns and conquer each area.

In the world of Lordran, players become the Chosen Undead, a character whose past you define, and whose ultimate goal is to overcome all challenges and restore the First Flame. Beyond the initial thrill of experiencing Dark Souls, new players will be amazed by the incredible detail and complexity of the game’s world.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Raised the Bar for Remakes

Remakes often spark debate among gamers. Some criticize them as uninspired attempts to make money, while others enjoy seeing classic games updated with better graphics and gameplay. Bethesda is a well-respected name in role-playing games, and their game Oblivion was a key moment, bridging the gap between older, more traditional RPG systems and the immersive experiences we see today.

The recent remake of Oblivion has truly solidified its legendary status. While the original game was already highly regarded, the updated gameplay and stunning new visuals take the experience to another level. It’s now the most beautiful and accessible way to enjoy a classic RPG with smooth, responsive controls.

Cyberpunk: 2077 Reached Its True Potential With Phantom Liberty

After a rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has become the impressive RPG it was meant to be. Originally plagued with bugs, it’s now a stunning and massive open-world game. CD Projekt Red built a detailed world full of glowing cityscapes, choices that matter, and a dark, futuristic vibe.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game you should play at least once. It’s beautifully made with a compelling story, and it uniquely combines a detailed, immersive world with the freedom to make your own choices. Despite its initial problems, the game has become something special and enjoyable. Night City feels like a real, vibrant, and unsettling place that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Fallout: New Vegas Gave Players So Much Freedom

The Fallout series boasts many fantastic RPGs, but New Vegas is often considered the best. Although Bethesda owns the Fallout franchise, New Vegas was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the beloved RPG Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II. It’s highly praised for its compelling story and the incredible amount of freedom it gives players.

Fallout: New Vegas gives players a remarkable amount of freedom, letting them make difficult choices with real consequences that affect how the story ends. Obsidian created a deeply engaging world that’s hard to find in other games. The characters are a delight, and the game features a wide range of quests and storylines – all the more amazing considering it was made in just a year and a half.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Keeps Getting Re-Released for a Reason

Okay, let me just say it: Skyrim is the best RPG out there, hands down. What makes it so good? Well, it’s amazing how easy it is to pick up and play, even if you’re new to RPGs, but it’s also incredibly deep and complex if you want to really get into the details. It’s a true sandbox – I can build my character and play the game exactly how I want to, which is awesome.

Even people who are tired of seeing it ranked among the greatest games admit there’s a reason so many players have bought it again and again. It allows you to create any kind of character you want and immerse yourself in the vast, war-ravaged, icy world of Skyrim. You can be a powerful warrior, a skilled wizard, a sneaky thief, a charming bard, or even a simple cook – it’s role-playing done exceptionally well.

2026-02-19 23:13