Role-playing games (RPGs) are the beating heart of modern gaming, offering expansive worlds, gripping narratives, and the freedom to shape your own adventure. From classic fantasy settings to futuristic sci-fi epics, RPGs transport us into immersive stories that resonate long after the credits roll. If you're ready to explore unforgettable games that define the genre, here’s a list of the top-rated RPGs every gamer should experience, as of 2025.

1. Baldur’s Gate 3

This masterpiece by Larian Studios has redefined turn-based RPGs since its release in 2023. Building on the rich lore of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, party customization, and tactical combat. With branching storylines and an astounding number of possible outcomes, every player’s experience feels uniquely personal. Whether guiding your morally ambiguous party through devilish dilemmas or unearthing secrets buried deep within the Forgotten Realms, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a triumph of creativity and depth.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Even a decade after its release, The Witcher 3 remains one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. Following Geralt of Rivia, a monster-slaying mercenary, players are thrown into a morally complex world awash in political intrigue and ancient curses. Its richly detailed open world, emotionally engaging side quests, and choices that shape the ending make this game a brilliant showcase of RPG storytelling. And with regular updates and DLCs, including the critically acclaimed Blood and Wine, The Witcher 3 continues to attract new players.

3. Elden Ring

If brutal challenge and sprawling open worlds are your idea of fun, Elden Ring by FromSoftware is unmissable. Released in 2022, this action RPG combines Dark Souls-style combat with a vast and mysterious setting. Created in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, the game’s world is packed with lore waiting to be uncovered. The Lands Between beckon adventurers with towering ruins, terrifying bosses, and endless secrets. It’s a game where every victory feels hard-earned, making the quest for glory deeply satisfying.

4. Disco Elysium

There’s no other RPG quite like Disco Elysium. Often called one of the best-written games of all time, this detective role-playing masterpiece places you in the shoes of a struggling amnesiac cop working to solve a murder case while wrestling with his own flaws. With a revolutionary dialogue system, deep role-playing mechanics, and the freedom to shape your character's personality, Disco Elysium transcends traditional gaming. Its sharp humor, compelling moral quandaries, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-play.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

After a rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has turned into one of the finest RPGs of this generation. Thanks to continuous updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, CD Projekt Red has delivered a neon-soaked dystopian playground where choices have weight. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary navigating crime, cybernetics, and corruption in Night City. With dynamic storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and unparalleled character customization, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a shining example of redemption.

6. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

For those who missed out on the original trilogy or fans eager for a replay, Mass Effect Legendary Edition compiles BioWare’s iconic series into one stunning package. This space epic blends character-driven narratives with impactful decisions that shape not only your companions but the entire galaxy. With heart-pounding combat and one of the most memorable casts in gaming, Commander Shepard’s saga remains a benchmark for RPG storytelling a decade after its first release.

7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Released in early 2025, this sequel has taken historical realism in RPGs to new heights. Players once again step into the shoes of Henry, a blacksmith’s son embroiled in medieval struggles in Bohemia. Detailed swordplay, an immersive world reflecting life in the 15th century, and quests shaped by player choices make Kingdom Come 2 a standout. Small touches, like characters reacting to how you’re dressed or your standing in the community, further enhance its authenticity.

8. Oblivion Remastered

For many fans of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, this remaster has delivered the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern polish. Returning players can relive the epic quests, intricate faction systems, and breathtaking Cyrodiil landscapes while soaking in upgraded visuals and smoother mechanics. From joining the Dark Brotherhood to tackling Daedric realms, Oblivion Remastered sets a gold standard for sprucing up a classic.

9. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

This breakout title of 2025 has turned heads with its breathtaking art direction and emotional storytelling. Set in a fantastical version of Belle Époque France, players assume the role of a doomed explorer racing against time to break a deadly cycle. With a blend of turn-based combat and real-time mechanics, and rich characters whose stories tug at your heartstrings, Clair Obscur has quickly become a darling of both critics and fans.

10. The Outer Worlds

Obsidian Entertainment’s The Outer Worlds is a satirical RPG brimming with quirky humor and choice-driven narratives. Set in a corporate-controlled galaxy, players uncover conspiracies while customizing their character’s personality and combat skills. Its focus on concise world-building and manageable scope makes it a streamlined but immensely replayable RPG.

Honorable Mention: Monster Hunter Wilds

If cooperative gameplay is your jam, Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds is an exhilarating addition to their iconic franchise. Released in 2025, Wilds elevates monster-hunting to a whole new level, introducing rideable mounts and smoother gathering systems to make the experience flow seamlessly. The thrill of crafting powerful gear from defeated beasts and strategizing attack patterns with friends makes every hunt unforgettable.