10 Best RPGs For Non-RPG Fans

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In the realm of gaming, Role-Playing Games (RPGs) cater to various tastes, offering an experience tailored for all. Unlike many games that rely heavily on gunfire, these games provide a setting where your decisions and dialogue carry more weight than ammunition. Each choice you make can sculpt the narrative of your unique journey.

The diverse roles you assume in role-playing games could transform you from a chivalrous knight to an ambitious space soldier seeking the stars, yet what truly distinguishes RPGs is not merely the journey, but the understanding that your decisions have the power to shape your own destiny, as you’re not constrained by a predetermined or linear path.

Each new RPG I’ve played has been a unique, captivating cinematic experience. Some have drawn me in with their engaging worlds, striking visuals, and intricately woven narratives. On the other hand, others have offered me opportunities to tinker with mechanics, shape characters’ lives, and explore various gameplay styles, which I immediately found engaging as soon as I hit play.

10.
Cyberpunk 2077

Wake Up, Samurai!

Tired of swords, maces, and magic? Fancy something different? Try out Cyberpunk 2077, a first-person sci-fi shooter RPG in the glowing metropolis of Night City. Here, people aspire to be more than just human, and the Authority dictates reality.

In the role of character V, you possess a chip containing a terrorist’s consciousness, which menaces to supplant your identity. This leaves you with no choice but to maneuver through the seedy underworld of Night City, filled with cyber mercenaries and corruption, in search of a solution to maintain your own identity and stay alive.

Although classified as a Role-Playing Game (RPG), this particular title primarily emphasizes action, be it massive explosions or subtle stealth maneuvers. Interestingly, it allows you to bypass crafting aspects altogether, making the RPG elements more of an optional extra in the gameplay experience.

I genuinely enjoyed playing the game upon its release, despite its highly debated launch in the gaming community. Yet, the refreshing escape Cyberpunk provided from the usual gloomy settings of other RPGs made it stand out particularly for me.

9.
Mass Effect Trilogy

Inherit the Stars

The destiny of the galaxy rests upon your actions. Each decision you make reverberates among the stars within the Mass Effect series, an epic science fiction saga unfolding across space. As Commander Shepard, a top-tier Spectre operative, you’ll be tasked with utilizing all your abilities to halt the Reapers – an ancient and deadly race of machines – before they erase all intelligent life from existence.

This role-playing game primarily emphasizes progressing through the story rather than complex character customization. With its straightforward dialogue options, engaging action gameplay, and automatic leveling system, you can dive right into the thrilling narrative without spending countless hours on power allocation or skill development for your squad. Immerse yourself in three extraordinary games as the tale unfolds.

From the instant I hit “play,” I was captivated by Mass Effect. Its richly detailed universe, well-crafted characters, and poignant conclusion left me with tears in my eyes. It’s an adventure I’ll never forget.

8.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Turn-Based Hero!

Yakuza: Like A Dragon offers an unusual gaming experience, where the ordinary is turned upside down. One instant you might find yourself gathering discarded cans, and the next engaged in a fierce battle against a group of elderly men dressed in diapers. While it’s undeniably funny and eccentric, don’t be deceived by its quirky exterior. Beneath the laughter lies a profound and emotional narrative, filled with betrayal, unsavory characters, and a city rife with gangsters eager to make your life miserable.

As Ichiban, a yakuza member, you embark on a personal journey to reshape your life and expose the deception behind your clan leader’s actions. Contrary to what might be expected, this tale stands out among the Yakuza series for its emphasis on humor, narrative depth, rather than intricacies like character classes, equipment enhancement, or tactical turn-based combat.

Being an avid enthusiast of the Yakuza Series, particularly its brawler-style gameplay, I found myself greatly appreciating the modifications they implemented in Like a Dragon. These updates truly enhanced the game’s brilliance, and the appearance of familiar faces only sweetened the deal.

7.
Outer Worlds

Space Capitalism

In the humorous yet ominous setting of The Outer Worlds, players are thrust into a galaxy dominated by corporations, where everything from employment to existence is dictated by these powerful entities. You’re free to exploit this system, aid fellow stranded travelers like yourself, or forge your unique path—the choice is entirely yours.

The game offers a first-person shooting experience where you can journey across various planets, gather characters along the way, and ultimately mold your own destiny.

In simpler terms, the role-playing game (RPG) aspects are present but streamlined, making leveling up straightforward and dialogue options clearly marked. Unlike traditional RPGs that can be complex and confusing due to numerous menus, this game offers a more user-friendly experience. It shares some similarities with Bioshock in terms of combat, yet it’s more accessible when it comes to quests and character development systems.

6.
Final Fantasy XV

Road Trip

As I embark on this seemingly straightforward adventure in Final Fantasy XV, little do I know that it will quickly transform into a desperate battle for my very existence. This thrilling role-playing game is set against the backdrop of a world ravaged by conflict, ruled not just by empires and warlords, but by divine forces and the inescapable tapestry of fate.

As you assume the role of Prince Noctis, the rightful heir to the kingdom of Lucis, embark on an adventure to regain your throne, discover your fate, and prevent the ominous powers that threaten our world from causing destruction.

In contrast to its predecessors, Final Fantasy XV offers a significant leap in gameplay, featuring real-time combat and the opportunity to explore a captivating world. Instead of engaging in combat that feels like working with spreadsheets, you’re invited to enjoy fast-paced action, deepening character relationships, and an immersive cinematic journey.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say this RPG is ideal for those who prefer a smoother experience, as it offers the choice to engage with complex elements or lets the game handle them automatically. Essentially, it’s a great Final Fantasy game for folks who might not be as fond of traditional RPGs and their intricate mechanics.

5.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

You’re Finally Awake

It’s quite likely that you’ve heard the name Skyrim bandied about – it’s an open-world action role-playing game that served as a blueprint for numerous RPGs and inspired many development studios. In fact, during its time, it was one of the most captivating games available.

In simpler terms, you’re the chosen one in Skyrim, tasked with defeating Alduin, a dragon predicted to bring about the end of the world – quite the tale, isn’t it? Yet, despite being a massive role-playing game, it allows players an incredible amount of freedom. They can choose their own way to play, even if they opt to disregard the skill system and conquer the world solely with a sword.

In Skyrim, the progression system operates passively, meaning your character grows stronger naturally as you explore and play the game, without requiring active attention to enhancements or statistics.

If you adore medieval themes and long for an immersive role-playing experience without the usual hassles like managing equipment, accumulating XP, or honing skills, then Skyrim could be your perfect match. The sensation of battling dragons atop a snowy peak is reminiscent of a movie scene, making it one of the most enjoyable RPGs that even self-proclaimed skeptics might appreciate.

4.
Fallout 4

Nuclear Wasteland Blues

In the realm of apocalyptic genres, no game excels quite like Fallout 4, an engaging sci-fi role-playing game set in an open world. As a player, you assume command of a lone survivor who is awakened from cryostasis, on a desperate quest to find your lost son amidst post-nuclear America – a desolate wasteland scarred by war, mutants, and internal strife. The narrative unfolds as you confront the human greed and the horrors that have befallen the world.

In this game, the primary narrative can be experienced with minimal engagement of many role-playing game aspects. The skills or advantages are straightforward and easy to grasp, and since weapons are available, you’re usually able to resolve issues by firing your way through them without needing to develop a character focused on complex mathematics.

I’ve consistently found delight in the Fallout series, and each installment presents a captivating storyline that lingers in memory. However, Fallout 4 stands out as an advancement due to its numerous side quests and the rich, engrossing lore that permeates every aspect of the game world, creating a more immersive experience compared to previous versions.

3.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Erase Or Be Erased

When several developers parted ways with Ubisoft and opted to create their own game, they developed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – a captivating turn-based action RPG. This game is set in the mournful landscapes of The Continent, where players lead a group of imperfect heroes, the Expedition 33, in an effort to vanquish the Paintress, a formidable entity that eliminates people from existence by painting them out of reality.

The game provides a variety of straightforward character classes and abilities for you to master, enabling you to navigate the hidden perils on the Continent. Always stay vigilant against potential hazards and immerse yourself in the moving soundtrack as you progress through this vivid journey.

Compared to complex, statistics-focused games such as Divinity or Baldur’s Gate, this game stands out with its straightforward linear structure, narrative, and user-friendly turn-based combat system, making it easier for players to grasp and enjoy.

Frankly, I wasn’t anticipating such a massive game from just a handful of developers. Each detail was impeccable, explaining why Ubisoft finds it challenging to keep talent like this on their team.

2.
Elden Ring

Foul Tarnish

In Elden Ring, a Souls-like action RPG, you’ll frequently encounter death within the shattered realm of The Lands Between. However, it is in this struggle that the game’s profound beauty resides.

The objective of a tarnish is singular: to reclaim the Elden Ring and ascend as the Elden lord, yet the path isn’t straightforward, as formidable adversaries lurk around every turn. Despite each boss being extremely difficult to conquer, if you manage to surpass them, your victory outshines all the setbacks faced during the struggle. If you seek a challenge, there is nothing more rewarding than Elden Ring.

As a devoted fan, I must say that Elden Ring, with its captivating storyline penned by the legendary George R.R Martin, immersive combat sequences, and breathtakingly detailed maps, offers an unexpected level of leniency in its RPG systems. What truly sets it apart is not traditional RPG elements but rather your agility, reaction time, and dedication – the number of hours you invest in this extraordinary journey.

After a tough learning curve that spanned quite some time, mastering the art of being an Elden Lord following numerous defeats gave me a newfound respect for the rigor required to excel at it.

1.
The Witcher 3

The Butcher of Blaviken

Without a doubt, I strongly recommend experiencing the incredible Action RPG known as The Witcher 3 at least once in your gaming journey. Immersed within the expansive and perilous landscape of The Continent, this game boasts an abundance of captivating content that continues to outshine contemporary releases.

Venture from the bustling heart of Novigrad to the enigmatic expanse of Valen, where each nook conceals its own mystery. Ideal for gaming enthusiasts drawn to immersive storylines and intricate decision-making.

The narrative centers around Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher tied by destiny in pursuit of his cherished adopted child, Ciri, who is pursued by the supernatural terrors called the Wild Hunt – a band that was once considered part of Geralt’s own circle.

In a nutshell, the game you’re considering might initially seem like a complex RPG, but let me clarify that it offers extensive assistance. For instance, instead of figuring out the best armor, most damaging sword, or the optimal potion to concoct for an edge, all such details are conveniently displayed on your screen.

Let your own opinion about Witcher 3 not be influenced by my passion for it; try playing it yourself, and I promise you won’t regret it afterwards.

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2025-07-04 03:42