We’re finally in 2026, and this is the perfect time to look back and remember how packed 2025 was with major releases.
One of the genres that truly stood out during this period was RPGs, which delivered heavyweight titles such as The Outer Worlds 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game that won over countless players and took home the Best RPG award at The Game Awards.
To revisit what made the year so memorable for fans of the genre, I selected a few titles that personally stood out to me and that also played an important role in shaping both 2025 and the RPG landscape as a whole.
10
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, e PC
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the first game centered on Goro Majima since Yakuza Zero. Despite being an RPG, the new title leans heavily into action and delivers plenty of fun thanks to its varied combo system.
That said, the story is not among the franchise’s strongest and falls behind most other entries in the series.
Still, Majima’s skill tree and several smaller details help sustain an enjoyable experience with RPG elements, even with a core fully focused on action. For players looking for something lighthearted to have fun and pass the time, without worrying too much about roleplay, this ends up being a welcome option, at least for a good while.
9
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
The Chinese Room | PC, Xbox Series S/X and PS5
Even with its RPG elements significantly reduced compared to the original game, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 still works as a solid roleplaying experience, even though it leans much more toward an action game than a traditional RPG.
The stronger focus on action is clear, but there are still moments that remind you why Vampire: The Masquerade remains one of the most interesting tabletop RPG systems out there.
One aspect I enjoyed quite a bit was the story, which, despite its occasional stumbles, still delivers some strong moments. The same can be said of the clans and of how certain choices influence the narrative’s direction.
It’s also worth mentioning that the game offers good overall immersion, especially when it comes to fully committing to and progressing with your favorite vampire clan.
8
Dune Awakening
Funcom | PC
RPGs are a genre with many subgenres, and one of the most prominent is the MMORPG, which offers room for interesting ideas like Dune Awakening. Although the game didn’t hook me as much as I expected, especially considering my excitement for Denis Villeneuve’s films, it still stands out as a pleasant surprise within the rich universe created in the books.
The detailed character creation, combined with a vast open world and the constant need to survive the unforgiving desert, makes Dune Awakening a very engaging roleplaying experience.
Having an RPG set in an alternate Dune universe, with a creative crafting system and a structure fully designed around MMO mechanics, results in something both curious and promising. It’s also worth noting that the game is set to arrive on consoles starting in 2026.
7
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment | PC and Xbox Series S/X
One of my recommendations from 2025 is Avowed. Even though it didn’t quite break out of its niche or draw massive attention, despite being available on Game Pass, Obsidian Entertainment’s new title managed to keep me engaged for several hours.
Much of that comes down to its stunning map design, as it is, in my opinion, one of the games that best showcases Unreal Engine 5 so far this generation, along with a mysterious story that consistently keeps you curious about what comes next.
Character customization, as well as the choices and dialogue options, also stand out and further reinforce how skilled Obsidian is when it comes to crafting RPG experiences.
That said, Avowed doesn’t introduce many groundbreaking ideas, and its systems don’t stand out as much when compared to what we’ve seen in recent years, including in 2025. Even so, the game is honest about what it sets out to do and clearly shows itself as a new IP with plenty of potential.
6
Citizen Sleeper 2
Jump Over The Age | PC, Xbox Series S/X, PS5 and Nintendo Switch 1 & 2
Choosing the best RPGs of 2025 is no easy task, especially when so many interesting titles were released throughout the year. Citizen Sleeper 2 is one of those cases and serves as a direct sequel to the acclaimed indie RPG released in 2022.
Built on mechanics that closely resemble tabletop RPGs, the game delivers an even more refined experience and one of the most impactful narratives I encountered in 2025.
It fully embraces the idea of being a “sci-fi Disco Elysium”, and that is precisely what makes it an almost mandatory experience for any RPG fan.
5
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
Media.Vision Inc | PC, Xbox Series S/X and PS5
Another game that kept me hooked for quite a while in 2025 was Digimon Story: Time Stranger. After a long period without major standouts, the franchise finally delivered a genuinely interesting RPG again.
The game goes far beyond the simple concept of capturing monsters and using them in battles, as seen in Pokémon.
Here, the RPG systems are much deeper, both mechanically and narratively. Some of the highlights for me were the presence of over 400 Digimon, a rich story, a lively world, and visuals that, honestly, I found more appealing than those in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, another notable release of the year.
If you’re already a Digimon fan, this game is an absolute treat. And for RPG fans in general, it also works very well as an entry point for newcomers.
4
Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom | PC, Xbox Series S/X and PS5
Monster Hunter Wilds was my true gateway into the franchise. Even though I tried to get into Monster Hunter World, it was only with this latest entry that I truly got hooked, largely thanks to its more present and accessible RPG elements.
Beyond the familiar crafting system, the protagonist now has a voice of their own, which greatly improves immersion and helps you feel like a real Hunter. You can even customize the voice, which I found to be a very nice touch, especially during standout missions like the hunt for Guardian Arkveld.
The role-playing aspect here is extremely satisfying, making Monster Hunter Wilds one of my favorites of the year, despite some performance issues that occasionally impacted the experience.
3
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian Entertainment | PC, Xbox Series S/X and PS5
The original The Outer Worlds, released in 2019, quickly became a favorite among RPG fans, even though it was criticized for being relatively short. Thankfully, Obsidian listened to the feedback and delivered a sequel that not only expands the experience but improves nearly everything that already worked.
The RPG systems are far more robust, with decisions constantly shaping the world around you. The multiple ways to complete quests surprised me more than once, even surpassing some similar titles from Bethesda.
If you enjoy RPGs with a high degree of freedom, whether in exploration or in defining your own path, The Outer Worlds 2 is easily one of the best games of 2025. Being more ambitious than the first game was absolutely the right call.
2
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive | PC, Xbox Series S/X and PS5
Currently the second most awarded game in history and a favorite for many in 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like the perfect non-Japanese take on a JRPG.
Despite being more linear in its narrative, the game still offers dialogue choices that enhance immersion, along with multiple endings.
The skill system and ability tree are incredibly engaging, as are the Pictos, which allow for absurdly creative and effective builds tailored to different situations throughout the campaign.
That said, the more limited role-playing aspect, mainly due to a fully defined protagonist with a set name, doesn’t appeal to me as much.
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Unlike series such as Persona, which clearly inspired the game, this approach feels a bit heavier here. Even so, Expedition 33 is easily one of the best RPGs of the decade and fully deserved its Best RPG award at The Game Awards.
1
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Warhorse Studios | PC, Xbox Series S/X and PS5
Last, but definitely not least, we have Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Much like The Outer Worlds 2, this sequel arrived by refining everything that already worked so well in the first game.
The level of role-playing here is simply fascinating and can keep you engaged for dozens of hours. Even with a predefined protagonist, there’s still immense freedom to shape Henry in a way that closely matches your playstyle, which, in my opinion, adds a lot to the experience.
Alongside a vast and incredibly alive map, the game delivers what was already its greatest strength: multiple ways to achieve your goals.
Even more so than in The Outer Worlds 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a truly unique gameplay experience, with varied and highly rewarding approaches.
