Best of
The best RPGs
A character that becomes yours. RPGs live off choices that stick and a world that reacts to them, instead of pushing you down a corridor. From sprawling adventures to titles where a good conversation weighs more than any fight.
This list in numbers
- 194 games in this category
- 93 average rating of the top 30
- 40 median playtime in hours
- 30 release years covered (1995 to 2025)
- 9 of 30 playable in co-op
- 13 of 30 are cheap or free
Why these three lead
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time takes the top spot with 99 out of 100, followed by Elden Ring at 97 and World of Warcraft at 97. All three clear the 93 point average of this list, and the gap to the rest of the field is small enough that your own taste matters more than the ranking.
How this list is put together
I start from every game in the database that fits this category, currently 194, and sort them by the aggregated critic rating. The 30 highest scoring titles make the list. No publisher can pay to appear here, and the affiliate links have no effect on the order. The full method is explained under how I pick.
- 01 99/100
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Details
This N64 title is regarded by many as the greatest video game ever made and first translated the Zelda formula into a 3D world, playable today through Nintendo Switch Online. Hyrule, the time travel concept and the Z targeting lock on system shaped the entire action adventure genre.
- 02 97/100
Elden Ring Details
From Software brings the Souls formula into an open world full of secrets and brutal boss fights. Freedom to explore meets a ruthlessly fair challenge.
PCPlayStationXboxSwitch - 03 97/100
World of Warcraft Details
As one of the longest running MMORPGs ever, it offers a vast fantasy world with dungeons, raids and decades of story history. Together with friends or guilds, entire communities form around adventure and progression.
- 04 96/100
Undertale Details
In an underworld full of monsters, your own morality decides whether you fight or negotiate, fundamentally changing how the game unfolds. The soundtrack and quirky characters have reached cult status.
PCPlayStationXboxSwitchMobile - 05 95/100
- 06 95/100
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Details
As a captive of the wizard Jon Irenicus, players travel through the city of Athkatla and beyond seeking revenge and uncovering their own dark heritage. The Enhanced Edition adds extra content and modern controls to this RPG milestone.
PCSwitch - 07 95/100
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Details
This darker follow up to Ocarina of Time revolves around a three day cycle and a looming apocalypse and is playable today through Nintendo Switch Online. Mask transformations and its melancholic atmosphere make it one of the most distinctive Zelda entries.
- 08 94/100
- 09 94/100
- 10 94/100
- 11 94/100
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Details
Set thousands of years before the films, players experience one of the best Star Wars stories ever told as an amnesiac hero, complete with a legendary plot twist. Choices between the light and dark side of the Force shape both combat and dialogue.
PCSwitchXboxMobile - 12 93/100
- 13 93/100
Dave the Diver Details
Described in detail under The best simulation games
PCPlayStationSwitchXboxMobile - 14 93/100
- 15 93/100
Monster Hunter: World Details
Hunters take down massive monsters in a living ecology to craft ever stronger armor and weapons from their remains. It's the series' entry point for the West, with an enormous long-term grind appeal.
PCPlayStationXbox - 16 92/100
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Details
This PlayStation classic is considered the blueprint for the modern Metroidvania genre and is playable today via the Requiem Collection and digital storefronts on PC, consoles and Switch. Its inverted castle, RPG elements and dense exploration still feel unique today.
PCPlayStationXboxSwitch - 17 92/100
Demon's Souls (2020) Details
The fully rebuilt remake of the genre's forerunner sends players into a cursed kingdom full of archaic demons. Difficult, fair combat and a bleak, decaying world define every step.
PlayStation - 18 92/100
- 19 92/100
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Details
Described in detail under The best JRPGs
PCPlayStationXboxSwitch - 20 92/100
Horizon Forbidden West Details
Aloy explores a lush, overgrown post-apocalyptic American West Coast and fights massive machine creatures. Tactical trap setting, bow combat and a deep world history drive the exploration.
PlayStationPC - 21 92/100
System Shock 2 Details
Described in detail under The best horror games
- 22 92/100
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Details
Geralt of Rivia searches a dark fantasy world for his adopted daughter Ciri. The side quests often tell better stories than entire other games manage in their main campaigns.
PCPlayStationXboxSwitch - 23 91/100
Bloodborne Details
In the gothic city of Yharnam, a plague turns residents into bloodthirsty beasts, while the player leans into aggressive, fast combat instead of shields and stamina management. Lovecraftian horror meets merciless boss design.
PlayStation - 24 91/100
- 25 91/100
Divinity: Original Sin 2 Details
Described in detail under The best strategy games
PCXboxPlayStationSwitchMobile - 26 91/100
Dragon's Dogma 2 Details
Accompanied by recruitable Pawns, you literally climb monsters like griffins and cyclopes to bring them down. The journey itself is dangerous and deliberately uncomfortable, with no fast travel to fall back on.
PCPlayStationXboxSwitch - 27 91/100
Stardew Valley Details
Described in detail under The best simulation games
PCPlayStationXboxSwitchMobile - 28 90/100
- 29 90/100
Bastion Details
After a catastrophe, a shattered world literally builds itself beneath the hero's feet while a distinctive narrator comments on every action. Hand painted scenery and a haunting soundtrack carry the melancholic story.
PCPlayStationXboxSwitchMobile - 30 90/100
Deus Ex Details
Described in detail under The best shooters
Worth reading on this
Common questions
- How many games of this kind are in the database?
- There are currently 194. This page shows the 30 with the highest critic rating, so nothing below that cut is missing by accident, it simply scored lower.
- What is the single best pick right now?
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, with 99 out of 100. That said, the top of this list sits within a few points, so the second or third entry may fit your evening better.
- How much time do these games ask for?
- The median across this list is about 40 hours. 3 of the 30 entries are finished in fifteen hours or less if you are short on time.
- Can I play these with friends?
- 9 of the 30 entries support co-op. The rest are built as single player experiences.
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