The RPG is a hard genre to define, as it can encompass everything from small handheld titles to full-blown AAA projects. On top of that, there are certainly games that have RPG elements, but they aren't blown up enough to define the title as an RPG. A good example of this is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which has RPG elements in it, but is classified as a Metroidvania action-adventure game.
As such, the following games are the cream of the crop in the role-playing game genre. RPG fans who have yet to play any of these games from 2019 would do well to do so before the next big wave of video game releases begins in January 2020.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
This side-scrolling action RPG sees players take on the role of Miriam, an orphan whose body is slowly being crystallized, and what separates it from past Castlevania games (as it is often hailed as a spiritual successor to) is the inclusion of solid RPG elements. Players can complete sidequests, cook meals, craft, and level up when outside of combat, and overall, these elements make it a better and more fun game to play.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is available for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 is the latest entry in the fan-favorite franchise, and while there are a few bug and glitches to be found in the game, it shines in on the looter shooter, action RPG elements. From each character having three different skill trees and key abilities to customizing a Borderlands 3 build to melt Mayhem 4 bosses, the game is all about catering to someone's playstyle. This, coupled with the plethora of weapons, endgame activities, and bosses to grind, makes for an intense action RPG.
Borderlands 3 is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Dauntless
In Dauntless, players take on the role of Slayers to track down and hunt Behemoths, a concept that is not that far off from the likes of Monster Hunter World. It certainly fills the same niche for fans of this style of RPG and does so satisfactorily. From designing a character to hunting down behemoths, everything big and small screams RPG, and with the multiplayer element of the game, it's a good way to scratch that co-op itch, too.
Dauntless is available to play now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with a Switch version also in development.
Disco Elysium
Although only available on the PC currently, Disco Elysium launched to universal acclaim, meaning console players should be keeping an eye out for it to drop next year. There is no traditional combat, so to speak, as the game is dominated by dialogue-heavy mechanics. Players take on the role of a alcoholic detective on a murder case, solving it through dialogue trees and skill checks. These skill system is also incredibly deep, with some skills also having negative effects the higher that it is. This is also combined with the fact that it is one of the most beautiful video games of 2019 as well. Overall, the sheer thoroughness of this game should invite many-a-RPG fan to try it out.
Disco Elysium is available on PC, with a PS4 and Xbox One release planned for 2020.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
This tactical RPG is set on the continent on Fodlan, where players take on the role of a tutor at Garreg Mach who must side with one of three nations. The turn-based tactical elements, social simulation elements, and time management components all make this is a solid entry in the fan-favorite Fire Emblem franchise. And between the plethora of characters players meet, the Fire Emblem advanced classes they can take, and more, there's little standing between this game and a solid RPG reputation.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is out now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Greedfall
Describe as 2019's honorary Dragon age game, GreedFall sees players take on the role of De Sardet, a diplomat exploring colonial tensions in an new world, all the while trying to discover the cure for a terrible sickness. Players have talents, attributes, and skills they unlock as they level up, and they can choose from Warrior, Technical (Rogue-like), and Mage classes. Everything in this game is applied to some degree; the approach to combat is tailored to class, the talents allow players to craft and navigate conversations, and attributes help out across the spectrum. In other words, GreedFall is a pure RPG that lovers of the genre may have missed out on this year.
GreedFall is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Kingdom Hearts 3
Kingdom Hearts 3 launched earlier this year, once again putting players into the role of Sora and finally bringing the Dark Seeker Saga to an end. While there's a lot to be said for the title, the combat was one shining detail of it that, when combined with the graphics, creating a beautiful and thrilling action RPG. What's more, fans won't have to wait several more years for the story to continue, as the Re: Mind DLC has been teased heavily as of late, hopefully meaning that a release date is announced soon.
Kingdom Hearts 3 is available now for PS4 and Xbox One, with the Re: Mind DLC set to release sometime this winter.
Pokemon Sword and Shield
Despite it being covered in controversy prior to release, Pokemon Sword and Shield launched to a generally positive critical reception. It offers players a core Pokemon experience, complete with new methods of evolutions, Pokemon secrets and hidden mechanics to find, a higher degree of customization than before, and more. Of course, only time will tell how it ranks among the great of the franchise, but for the first gen 8 title, it certainly makes a splash.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are out now, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3
Although Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 first launched in Japan in September 2017, it wasn't made available worldwide until October 2019. It picks up a year-and-a-half after the events of the second game, with the protagonist Rean Schwarzer now serving as a military professor. And while it plays like a traditional turn-based JPRG like its predecessors, it makes a number of improvements on the speed front. In addition to that improvement, there's a new Orbment system, Order system, and affection meter at play within the threequel that should make this a must-play for fans of the JRPG.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 is out now for PS4, with a Switch version in development.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is the latest RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and is one of the Game of the Year contenders for The Game Awards. It's deserving of that honor, as Obsidian's unique touch that made Fallout: New Vegas so great is clearly evident in this game, whether it's when completing companion quests, designing a character, or choosing a dialogue option. It is so Obsidian, in fact, that one of the endings of The Outer Worlds requires a player character to be dumb and make a bad decision to get. Small touches like that are what make RPGs stand out, and this RPG is certainly a standout.
The Outer Worlds is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.