Narrowing down my list of the best fantasy RPGs to a mere ten was not an easy task. It’s one of the most popular subgenres, for one, with a number of the best MMORPGs standing tall alongside dense narrative experiences, FPS titles, and the best open word RPGs to deliver a staggering amount of breadth and diversity. All of those facts make it hard to pick the greatest outings, however, that’s why I’m here to help.
Below, you’ll find a host of the greatest roleplaying games of all time that will transport you to fantastical realms for unforgettable experiences. I’ve made sure to include a range of platform offerings, whether you’re looking for one of the best Xbox Game Pass games or something to tide you over until one of those upcoming PS5 games finally lands. There’s also Switch, PC, and last-gen console titles to choose from as you take your pick of these otherworldly greatest hits.
The best fantasy RPGs to play in 2026 are…
10. Dragon Age Inquisition
Release date: November 18, 2014
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
“The heart of this game rests with its characters,” says the opening of our Dragon Age: Inquisition review, and oh how true that is. BioWare’s 2014 RPG offers a diverse range of companion characters which complement the lush medieval fantasy realm of Thedas, pulling you into a thrilling adventure with branching narrative outcomes depending upon the choices you make.
The Dragon Age series is full of unique gems, and much like the Mass Effect games, moments of choice and consequence have rippling effects. Past decisions are carried across the series, preserving your worldstate as you move through the four games. This influences everything from who rules which kingdoms to the fates of specific characters, these branching narratives offering some incredible replay value. The most divisive thing about Inquisition is whether you can grapple with its tactical combat mechanics – something that has, unfortunately, turned many people away before they can give it a real chance.
Release date: October 11, 2024
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
There’s something about Metaphor: ReFantazio that, even among the best fantasy RPGs, stands out as uniquely whimsical. Don’t be fooled by the Persona-like stylings of Sega and Atlus’ quirky latest: it’s a futuristic-medieval fantasy epic masquerading as an anime game. The combination of a monarchical social structure against a distinctly modern world “makes you feel like you’re wandering the pages of a fairytale book,” according to our Metaphor Re:Fantazio review, with some of the deepest and most varied combat styles of many other JRPG entries on this list.
The dungeon layouts can get a little samey, as can the handful of recycled Shin Megami Tensei and Persona features you’ll see rearing their heads throughout. But the intriguing setting is enough to make Metaphor an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a rare take on a fantasy world that’s more than your classic medieval fare.
8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Release date: April 24, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
As GamesRadar+’s ultimate game of 2025, take it from me: Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is a belter of a fantasy RPG that you will not be able to stop thinking about. From the tragic premise to its stylish turn-based combat encounters, everything about Expedition 33 screams anime drama. That’s because it’s an ode to the best JRPGs of all-time, but developed by French studio Sandfall Interactive, its incredible blend of Eastern and Western RPG flavors makes it a special experience you won’t regret spending time with.
Much like the Soulslike games on this list, however, there is a catch. Expedition 33 leans heavily on timed parry and block mechanics, which can be chained for an eyewatering amount of strikes should you go up against one of the RPG’s many, many superbosses. If timing isn’t your thing, you may want to look elsewhere. But fans of the best Persona games will find a curious familiarity here that is both refreshing and nostalgic in equal measures.
7. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Release date: February 29, 2024
Platform(s): PC, PS5
Vibe: Story-driven
It’s soon to come to Xbox Series X and the Switch 2, but until then, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth should be top of every PC and PS5 owner’s list. The stunning fantasy RPG (which also has some sci-fi nods to genre-bending fans) is the second in a three-part reimagining of Final Fantasy 7, following 2020’s FF7 Remake, that will have you experiencing Cloud’s journey through a compelling new lens.
As more of a “what if?” alternative timeline than an all-out remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can be a little bit contentious. It’s largely faithful almost all of the time, before turning everything you thought you knew about the game onto its head. Don’t panic too much, though; one of our resident FF-heads praises its “meaningful improvements” in his Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review, so it’s not all shock factor here. I can’t share much more than that without ruining the whole thing, but if you’re looking for one of the best fantasy RPGs to challenge some of your deeper-set gaming opinions, look no further.
6. Dark Souls Remastered
Release date: May 25, 2018
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Expect the Unexpected
After being remastered in 2018, Dark Souls is still a must-play fantasy RPG for all fans of dark, brooding aesthetics. FromSoftware does an excellent job at painting an incredibly vivid, tactile atmosphere that doubles up as a fittingly imposing backdrop for all the pain you will be inflicting upon yourself.
But getting humbled is a part of the process. The combat has weight, pace, and rhythm to it, like all the best Soulslikes, but Dark Souls Remastered delivers that same core experience – just with refreshed controls. It’s a far more forgiving time than you’d have if you played the 2011 version, though it’s still very much out in the wild if you fancy the challenge. Whichever you opt for, know this: you’ll suffer, but you’ll be happy about it.
5. World of Warcraft Classic
Release date: August 26, 2019
Platform(s): PC
Vibe: Better With Friends
Giving a modern facelift to the 2004 original MMORPG, World of Warcraft Classic is still one of the best-loved fantasy roleplaying experiences you can play right now. The core of the game revolves around level grinding – either solo or in a Guild – on a journey through an expansive digital world.
But first, you’ll need a steady internet connection. World of Warcraft Classic is an always-online game (even if playing solo) where you’ll need constant connection to servers, so be sure your WiFi is up to the challenge. Also, with its top-down isometric camera to give you a more tactical view of the battlefield, fans of the best first-person RPGs will need to keep an open mind. Even so, WoW’s sheer stubborn staying power is what earns it a spot on this list. My brother almost flunked out of high school, he was so obsessed with the original WoW… So please, try not to get too sucked in?
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Release date: May 18, 2015
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
The Witcher 3 has been synonymous with the very concept of fantasy RPGs since it launched in 2015. There’s nothing like stepping into Geralt’s weathered monster-hunting boots for a spot of mercenary mayhem, cutting down fearsome foes of all shapes and sizes in between hunting down his lost “surprise” daughter, Ciri. I love wandering the Continent and immersing myself in it, with CD Projekt Red delivering an impressively faithful rendition of its source material and bolstering the game’s claim to legendary status.
The journey continues in its two DLCs. Our The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine review encapsulates what I love most about this particular one – a brooding vampire tale set amongst the picturesque valleys of Toussaint, with a beautiful vineyard to retire to (potentially with a bae) at the end of it. If you’ve yet to experience The Witcher 3, do yourself a favor and right that wrong ASAP.
Release date: April 22, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Chill Out
The landscape of the best fantasy RPGs was forever changed when The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered shadow-dropped out of nowhere. Resurrecting the Bethesda classic with updated controls and graphics across PC and console, Oblivion briefly overtook Elder Scrolls 6 discussions and continues to be front-of-mind for many. The Skyrim precursor is a chaotic joy to behold in its remastered form, even if it’s still a bit of a jank-fest. Anyone looking for something totally modern and slick will likely want to skip this, but I really hope you don’t.
You can stroll into strangers’ houses unannounced. You can get hunted by a murderous unicorn. You can turn every NPC into a sheep. Oblivion is the very definition of a quirky fantasy roleplaying experience where Murphy’s law reigns supreme: anything can and will happen in Cyrodiil, but the weirdest moments are what make it such a silly thrill to experience today.
2. Elden Ring
Release date: February 25, 2022
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Expect the Unexpected
There’s a reason our Guides Editor gave it five stars in his Elden Ring review, and the “Dark Souls meets Breath of the Wild” framework is just a small part of it. Exploring the Lands Between is one of the most thrilling fantasy RPG experiences out there, as long as you don’t mind a little punishment along the way. Elden Ring’s explosive formula combines the DNA of the best FromSoftware games with a stunning open world, and that second thing is what makes it the most approachable.
Being able to run away from a tough encounter gives you time to regroup – every Elden Ring newbie accidentally picks a fight with the Tree Sentinel, right? – while speccing your build can be a trial-and-error process that offers enormous depth. There’s dense lore to unpack on your travels, further explored in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, making it one of the most absorbing high fantasy realms as well as one of the best ARPGs of all-time.
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Release date: August 3, 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
As far as the best fantasy RPGs go, you really can’t get more fantastical than Larian’s Dungeons and Dragons epic. With a host of playable classes, races, and backgrounds to choose from in character customization to the distinct fairytale environs of its very first act, Baldur’s Gate 3 has everything to fulfil your wildest fantasy role-playing… well, fantasies. Fans of the best turn-based RPGs will have a lot to love, too. Every inch is crawling with new discoveries to encounter, everything governed by a roll of the dice.
There’s also gods and devils, hags and necromancers, vampires, shape-shifting druids, and even a foul-mouthed pixie trapped in a lantern (free her at your own risk). Really, I could go on and on about what makes this such a perfect pick for our top spot on this list, but our Baldur’s Gate 3 review says it best: it’s “an entire, years-long pen-and-paper roleplaying campaign realized in beautiful fidelity”.
Best Fantasy RPGs FAQs
How do we pick our entries for the best fantasy RPGs?
All of our picks for the 10 best fantasy RPGs have been played extensively by me and a few members of the team who are also RPG experts. I’ve specially chosen games where fantasy elements go beyond settings and story and are instead also directly woven into gameplay mechanics. Both new and old games are considered; however, this list focuses on the best games to play right now. So if a classic isn’t here, chances are it just isn’t as accessible or aged as well as other entries.
Why do we update our lists?
At GamesRadar+, we are committed to making sure that all our recommendations are relevant and also reflective of the current gaming sphere. This means that all new games are played, tested and considered for our lists, and if a new hit is on our hands, we want you to know about it.
We’ll add and replace entries when we truly believe a game deserves the spotlight. If you comment on an RPG that you think we are missing as well, we’ll take the time to play that and see if it makes the cut. Basically, to stay as helpful as possible and to highlight any hidden gems when they are released.
Our RPG Vibes explained
All our entries include a “vibe section”, which we use to indicate what kind of game experience you’ll largely be getting here. Now, RPGs tend to have a ton of experiences; however, the vibes we’ve given them are to take the main mechanics of fantasy RPGs (keeping in account the genre’s staple stories and typical gameplay experiences), and make a recommendation through that lens.
You can also find definitions for all of our vibes below.
- Story-driven: RPGs where the story propels your journey forward, with unforgettable companions and impactful choices and consequences. Read our curated list of the best story-driven RPGs for more.
- Better With Friends: RPGs that can be played solo but thrive with others. These offer the possibility for shared experiences, be that online or locally. Read our curated list of the best multiplayer RPGs for more.
- Quick Play: RPGs that aren’t hard to pick up and play whenever you have the spare time. The perfect choice for busy folks after quick gaming sessions. Read our curated list of the best quick play RPGs for more.
- Chill Out: RPGs that let you take things at your own pace, explore, and venture on side-quests if you choose. For those looking for a less demanding and more stress-free time. Read our curated list of the best relaxing RPGs for more.
- Expect the Unexpected: RPGs where you can get silly and find yourself in novel and very unusual situations. Things can go wrong quickly, but also in very funny directions. Read our curated list of the best unique RPGs for more.
How frequently do we update our ranking?
We tend to check in with all our lists every month to see whether any new games that we’ve played have managed to beat out an existing entry. However, if the ranking is still relevant, we will leave it. But keep in mind that this list is reviewed yearly at the very least and will be updated to make sure that it’s always reflecting the best fantasy RPGs to play right now.
For more recommendations, check out our lists of the best PS5 RPGs and the best Xbox RPGs next.
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