RPGs are frequently seen as some of the more popular games in the industry thanks to compelling stories, interesting characters, and addictive gameplay. This year has seen a lot of great RPGs get ported over to the Nintendo Switch and a few developers have released some new titles that are proving to be great games.
These RPGs have been identified by Metacritic as the best ones to come out this year. Most are familiar titles, but there are a few lesser known games that are worth exploring.
10 Asgard’s Wrath
A VR exclusive title, Asgard’s Wrath is an action RPG that puts players in the center of the Norse Mythos as the God of Animals. With Loki’s assistance the player embarks on a series of adventures that promise to shake up the old world forever.
It makes the list for its great graphics, addictive gameplay, and compelling stories. It’s hardly compares to the deeper and longer titles on PC or consoles, but as a VR game it’s incredible. It also shows the potential lying with VR technology and the game developers who are tapping into that potential to create something special.
9 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Fire Emblem series made it’s bones by being a difficult and deep strategy RPG. The most recent entry to the franchise Fire Emblem: Three Houses is not only living up to its heritage, but proving to be one of the best in the series.
Described as part dating simulator and part war strategy, Three Houses is proving to be a popular game on the Switch and fans are loving the deep and complex storylines of the factions and main characters. It’s not often a game lets you be a strong warrior and military leader, but this one definitely hits the mark.
8 Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a quirky adventure RPG that’s gained a loyal following that many aren’t aware of. Some have compared it to Planetscape Torment 2 and it’s not hard to see why. As a detective of the city Revachol you are tasked with investigating an intriguing murder.
It’s open world and how you handle your cases is entirely up to you. You can be a straight shooter beloved by the local residents or a menace to society. It’s strange, it’s a little weird, and fans are loving every second of it.
7 Monster Hunter: World – Iceborne
When Monster Hunter: World was first released it gained a lot of popularity for being an action RPG of epic proportions. Now the recent expansion Iceborne is adding more monsters, more areas, and all of the same combat players loved in the original.
The game can be a bit linear at times, but it’s open enough you never feel like you’re corralled along without any freedom. The combat mechanics are flexible enough that people can go through most of the game with nothing but a horn. If you want a game that makes you feel like a legendary monster hunter than definitely go with this one.
6 NieR: Automata GOTY
NieR: Automata is a dark and gritty game that has earned its Game of The Year award. Players step into the shoes of androids sent on various missions. The story gets incredibly complicated with each chapter and the players sees it all through the eyes of various characters.
There are multiple endings and each arc is an interesting and compelling narrative that wowed fans. The combat also saw some strong improvements from previous titles and seems to be a solid continuation of the franchise while standing on its own feet.
5 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
The turn based RPG Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age is a bright and cartoony game on the surface, but has a surprising level of depth and darkness underneath. The player is a mysterious young man who may be the legendary hero reborn or an evil being meant to destroy the world.
What follows is an interesting quest with solid gameplay and a nostalgia that will appeal to fans of JRPGs. Admittedly it doesn’t do much in terms of innovation or originality, but it’s a strong game that embraces its simplicity and does it well.
4 Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
While the Final Fantasy XIV MMORPG hasn’t been making that many waves in the mainstream, it is seen as an immensely fun game by fans that breathes new life into modern MMO’s. It’s latest expansion Shadobringers is a solid package of content that introduces a lot of fun new things.
The Crystarium city is a beauty, players are enjoying the new Gunbreaker and Dancer classes, and the level cap raise to 80 has been much needed. While the game may never reach the same level of awareness the rest of the games on this list have, it’s definitely worth taking a peek.
3 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
From Software’s latest challenging action RPG Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a stunning game that introduces a lot of interesting and much needed game mechanics to its catalogue. Set in feudal Japan in the 1500’s the player survives a tragic attack and must use his new prosthetic to exact revenge.
Sekiro is similar to Dark Souls in many ways, but the freedom of movement and exploration, emphasis on strategy and stealth make it a breath of fresh air. Combat is much more precise and requires great skill to fully master, as is befitting a lone samurai.
2 Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar has really hit it out of the park with their western sequel Red Dead Redemption 2. The PC port is proving to be immensely popular and provides new content such as new weapons and missions.
The player is a wanted outlaw who seeks to keep the gang alive and well by performing various lucrative crimes while avoiding federal agents and other foes. The story is rich, the characters feel life-like and the gameplay is exceptional. It also makes you question your own morals and which side of the law the real monsters reside.
1 Divinity: Original Sin 2
By far the most highly rated RPG on Metaritic for 2019 is Divinity: Original Sin 2. The main character is a Sourcerer, a being of immense power who can summon creatures from the Void. Because of this power and the rapid expansion of the Void the character is immediately suspected of being the cause and thrown into a dungeon where they must escape and find out the truth behind the Void’s growth.
The game is much darker in tone than its predecessor and you'll find everyone is guilty of something. Even the holy Order has skeletons in the closet and you’ll find yourself wondering whether you’re truly the hero, the villain, or something else altogether.