One of the most diverse genres in gaming is the role-playing game because it can include everything from handheld, party-based games to more action-oriented, choice-heavy games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Because of this, nailing down a list of the best RPGs is rather difficult, as the umbrella term RPG covers a lot of ground. Nevertheless, we here at Game Rant have taken a look at 2018 in retrospect to make this list.
The list follows in no particular order, but each represents some aspect of the RPG genre.
9 Ashen
Nearly three years after its initial E3 2015 reveal, Xbox exclusive Ashen has finally hit the console with a bang. Not only did it receive positive reviews, but the Souls-like action melded well with the game’s classic role-playing elements. The story revolves around the player character trying to find a home in a sunless world, with the game taking heavy influences from works such as DayZ and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road.
Ashen is available now for PC and Xbox One.
8 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Although Assassin’s Creed Origins was the first entry to introduce RPG elements into the former action-adventure franchise, many would argue that Assassin’s Creed Odyssey perfected it. In this installment, choice matters across the spectrum, with players getting to choose everything from their gender to their reactions to the world around them. The main character, as a result, could be a cutthroat mercenary or family-centric warrior, entirely based upon the player’s choice.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
7 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Despite the franchise being around since the 1980s, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age could very well be considered one of the best JRPGs in the series. Of course, some could be discouraged by the game’s usage of classic RPG tropes and classes, but this unique and rustic charm is what solidifies it. For those who have yet to play this game, we recommend checking out our review.
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is out now for PC and PS4. It is also in development for Switch.
6 Kingdom Come Deliverance
On release, Kingdom Come Deliverance topped Steam’s top-seller list and for good reason. The dedication to historical accuracy in this action RPG is something to be admired and is combined well with a plethora of RPG elements. For example, the branching quest lines and immersive in-depth gameplay fits perfectly in place with its period-accurate weapons, combat, and architecture.
Kingdom Come Deliverance is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
5 Monster Hunter World
Monster Hunter World launched to critical acclaim and has since crossed over with several other RPGs including Final Fantasy 14, Horizon Zero Dawn, and The Witcher. All of this and more garnered attention, but of course, fans can now look forward to the forthcoming Iceborne expansion which sees players travel to a new frozen continent. This DLC may very well keep MHW at the fore of the RPG genre through next year as well.
Monster Hunter World it out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
4 Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Despite being delayed twice prior to its launch, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom managed to amass 900,000 sales by May (after launching at the end of March). The popularity of this title is not to be underestimated, as fans of the franchise willfully put in a solid amount of hours to this party-based RPG, which comes packed to the brim with an incredibly detailed world, plot, and character development.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is available for PC and PS4.
3 Octopath Traveler
This turn-based RPG reached critical success quickly, making it one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch hybrid console. Because of this, there is already a sequel in talks for this heavily popular game. Hopefully, the sequel does as well as the original when it comes to critical acclaim and RPG elements.
Octopath Traveler is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
2 Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
The crowdfunding campaign behind Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire was practically a Hallmark success, which hit its goal within a day and raised over $4.4 million by the end of the campaign. An isometric RPG, Pillars of Eternity 2 focuses on the exploration of the Deadfire Archipelago. It also features returning faces from the original game depending on player choice, and is set just 5 years after the events of the first game.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is out now for PC. It is currently in development for PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
1 Pokemon Let’s Go
Enhanced remakes of Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee kept the best parts of the original and improved on everything else. With new capture mechanics, overworld encounters, the Pokeball Plus, and integration with its mobile ARG counterpart, Pokemon GO, it’s pretty clear as to why this remake was so popular. For newcomers and nostalgic fans alike, this entry could easily be their favorite title of the year.
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
