The RPG genre is very broad, and that’s why we’ve decided that it’s time to shine a light purely on the best Western RPGs (aka WRPGs) that you can play today.
In case you need a quick refresher, Western RPGs are games that have been developed in Europe or America. They are also often focused on deep character customization, and a certain kind of openness that really lets players feel like they are in charge of crafting the story. While that applies to all the best RPGs in some aspect, WRPGs aren’t typically as linear or feature as prescriptive a main character as the best JRPGs typically do. Of course, we’re seeing more cross over than ever before now between the sub-genres, however this list will be sticking to the descriptors above.
The best Western RPGS, starting with…
10. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Release date: October 15, 2019
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
The best way to describe Disco Elysium is that it’s a very sophisticated piece of art that has some of the greatest writing I’ve ever experienced in a game. Playing as an amnesiac detective on a murder case, you’ll navigate an incredibly detailed story packed with philosophical and political choices. But take note, this RPG has little combat and instead is characterized by dialogue trees and skill checks.
There’s an in-depth stat-building system and 24 individual skills, each with unique checks you’ll need to balance. To make things more interesting, items and research also factor into how you build your character, and all your choices will directly influence how you interact with the world around you and how the story will play out. All these factors make Disco Elysium something that I wouldn’t recommend for new RPG fans, but a must-play for genre veterans searching for a novel challenge that’ll stick with you for years to come.
9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Release date: February 4, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Expect the Unexpected
In our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review, we mention how this is “a thoroughly absorbing RPG”, and I’d go so far as to say that it’s also the best medieval game out there right now. While this is a sequel to the 2018 game Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the plot is pretty easy to follow, and you can just dive in straight away. And honestly, I recommend doing so since Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a marvelous evolution of its predecessor and realizes a ton of ideas and detailed RPG mechanics.
Set during 1403 in the Kingdom of Bohemia you control Henry of Skalitz. You’ll get to sword fight, interact with very fun and sometimes snarky NPCs, and grind your way to the top of the medieval social ladder. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is also one of the best games like Skyrim in the fact of quest variety, and the freedom to explore and do whatever you please.
8. Pillars of Eternity
Release date: March 26, 2015
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
While I loved Avowed which is set in the same universe, the 2015 game Pillars of Eternity still wins in the contest for best WRPG. Avowed is more cinematic, where as Pillars of Eternity has walls of text that you’ll have to read through, but the writing is so outstanding that reading never feels like a chore. The story is set in the world of Eora and you play as a Watcher (aka a person who can read souls).
The world building is very Tolkien-coded here, but there’s also enough fresh details that make the fantasy world stand out in its own right too and that’ll keep you hooked for hours. Pillars of Eternity is also probably the toughest game on this list though, so it’s another one I wouldn’t recommend to fresh RPG newbies. It employs pause-able real-time combat, which can easily lead to your party being wiped out in a dungeon if you aren’t paying attention. It’s tricky but incredibly rewarding, especially for tactical gamers.
7. Fallout: New Vegas
Release date: October 19, 2010
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Vibe: Chill Out
In terms of iconic WRPG games, the Fallout series needs to be in the conversation. And in terms of this list, I had to pick my favorite entry in the apocalyptic wasteland, and also the best Fallout game ever made, Fallout: New Vegas. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas has you taking on the role of a lonely courier who must navigate the Mojave Desert.
Out of all the Fallout games, New Vegas does the best job at offering the freedom and open world exploration that define all the best WRPGs. Every action you take has ripple effects on the world around you, and how NPCs treat you going forward. Your character truly feels like a blank slate who gives you the freedom to play your way, ignoring even the main story if you want. Fallout: New Vegas is a masterpiece and personally one of my most replayed games as well.
Release date: November 11, 2011
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Chill Out
Probably one of the most popular WRPGs of all time, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is inescapable at this point. But its longevity is justified since it’s one of the best open-world experiences that also offers a dizzying amount of freedom in a truly captivating world. You are the Dragonborn, a powerful figure in Tamriel, who basically has the world at their fingertips.
While there is a main story to play through, Skyrim lets you do whatever you please. You can focus on faction quests, explore the massive map, sort out side-quests, and a ton more. There’s always something for you to do and you can take everything at your own pace as well. I also recommend that you check out the recent Elder Scroll Oblivion Remake, which is fantastic. Oblivion is a lot more of a journey to become a hero, whereas Skyrim has you playing as the Dragonborn straight away, and gives you a wider breath of freedom as a result. For more, read our Skyrim Special Edition review.
5. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Release date: November 18, 2014
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Vibe: Story-driven
Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of those RPGs that really makes you care about all your companions. It also has all the other markers that make for a great WRPG – detailed customization, a ton for you to explore, and a mirage of systems that put your choices front and center. However, what made me pick it for this list, is how much it invests you in the fate of others, and how that dynamic perfectly feeds into the “Herald of Andraste” role.
There are also interesting mechanics such as spreading influence through the War Table, and how power is used as a currency to unlock huge new areas to explore. But for all those who like prioritizing romance and interpersonal relationships, Dragon Age: Inquisition’s writing is what will keep you coming back. There is a reason we almost gave it a perfect score in our Dragon Age: Inquisition review, and trust us, you won’t regret giving it a shot.
4. Divinity Original Sin 2
Release date: September 14, 2017
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Better With Friends
Divinity Original Sin 2 is a gorgeous-looking isometric turn-based RPG that offers some of the best customization options for fantasy fans. This is an RPG that I’d recommend to any table-top gamers as well as Baldur’s Gate 3 enjoyers who are looking for more freedom in gameplay and a more light-hearted story than Larian Studios’ most recent outing.
In the game, you’ll pick your class before you dive into the world of Rivellon on a quest essentially for god-hood. You’ll pick up companions along the way and have the ability to tackle side-quests as you make your way through the main campaign. It’s also one of the best WRPGs to play with others and can very quickly feel like a regular D&D session, as you and your friends adventure together with creative builds. I also personally love the combat in Divinity: Original Sin 2 and say it’s still some of the best in the RPG space. A great all-rounder!
3. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Release date: May 14, 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
OK, so it is technically cheating to put the entire Mass Effect trilogy on this list, since it’s three games instead of one. But, since the games are now available in a bundle with the Legendary Edition, and you’ll need to play them all for the complete story, I’m being cheeky and highlighting the whole bunch. Mass Effect is one of the more restrictive RPGs on this list in so far that you have a pretty set character. But, you won’t really care since Mass Effect will make you feel like you’re an action hero in one of the most intense sci-fi movies of all time.
You play as Commander Shepard, who basically has to save the entire galaxy from a growing threat. The fast paced third-person shooter combat, paired with the sharp writing, really do make you feel like a badass and if you need more convincing about how amazing it is to experience that for yourself, you can read our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Release date: May 19, 2015
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Chill Out
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt still wins out as the best title in the series when it comes to WRPGs, at least while we wait for The Witcher 4 to release. The game really captures everything that RPG players are after: brilliant writing, tough choices, and fun (yet still tough) combat to keep things exciting. Geralt of Rivia is both shunned yet vitally needed by the people he meets, as he destroys monsters yet is treated like an outsider. This tension really amplifies your experience playing as Geralt and every choice feels more emotionally charged.
Along with this great emotive work, The Witcher 3 is just super fun. There’s always something to keep you busy, combat is snappy and really leans into a folklore feel with spells, and finally, the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone DLC is also fantastic. Check out our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review for more details!
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Release date: August 3, 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the new gold standard for RPGs in general. The depth and sheer size of it is mind-boggling, and honestly, even if you are a newbie to the genre or a veteran, it’s a must-play. Based on the rules from Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, and also set in the Forgotten Realms, you get to create a character and pick a class from the iconic tabletop game before you set out on a mature adventure packed with heavy themes, off-kilter characters, and some mind flayer antics.
In our Baldur’s Gate 3 review we mention that the game is the “most successful and authentic take on D&D in the tabletop franchise’s 50-year history.” That statement still stands true today, and it’s still truly the best WRPG around. There are a ton of quests, creative tactical combat, and so much to explore. It’s a modern marvel.
Best WRPGs FAQs
How do we pick our entries for the best WRPGs?
All of our picks for the 10 best WRPGs have been played extensively by me and a few members of the team who are also RPG experts. For Western RPGs specifically, we really honed in on games that are super different from JRPGs, focusing on titles that offer more freedom and are typically less prescriptive in their structure.
Both new games and classics were considered; however, since this list is recommending the greatest WRPGs to play right now, some iconic titles may be missing from our rankings, since they struggle to hold up against more polished and easily accessed newer releases.
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. Let’s be honest, there are a ton of new games coming out, and to ensure that we are giving you the best choices, we play and judge the majority of them.
So, if one of these newer titles is a modern master piece, we’ll be sure to add it to this list if it beats out a current entry. 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 make sure we stay as helpful as possible and also to highlight any hidden gems if they are released, we’ll update our ranking to make sure that you have a relevant overview always at your fingertips.
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 WRPGs into account, and make a recommendation through that lens first and foremost.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Western RPGs to play right now. The frequency of updates really depends on new releases and our verdicts on them as well.
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