RPGs are arguably the hardest video game genre to pin down. While most share common features like character leveling or a strong emphasis on storytelling, and often borrow terms from tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, there isn’t one single element that definitively makes a game an RPG. The lines aren’t always clear.
Action RPGs, like Ys X: Proud Nordics, emphasize fast-paced, real-time battles. In contrast, turn-based RPGs such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offer slower, more strategic combat. Computer RPGs like Pillars of Eternity often feel similar to traditional tabletop games, giving players a broad view and plenty of choices. Dungeon crawlers, such as Lunacid, focus on exploring labyrinthine environments in first-person, with less emphasis on story and character development. Many games blend these different styles. With so much variety, it can be hard for newcomers to know where to start.
Over time, the way we define role-playing games (RPGs) has changed, including the terms we use. Traditionally, people tried to separate RPGs made in the West from those made in Japan, but these differences were never clear-cut. With games continuing to evolve, the line between them has become even more blurred. Furthermore, some Japanese developers dislike being labeled this way. Because these terms are hard to pin down and can be considered insensitive, we’ve decided not to use them.
Hybrid Genres
Games Like Avowed Combine RPG Elements With Other Genres
Lots of games include RPG features like improving gear or gaining levels. Some go even further, blending RPG elements with other genres to create unique experiences. For example, even though Avowed is played from a first-person perspective and features gun combat, it’s still fundamentally an RPG because of its focus on player choices through dialogue, customizable equipment, and character development.
Games that blend elements from different genres can be called hybrid RPGs. Actually, most games combine aspects of multiple genres, so in a way, many of them could be considered hybrids.
Turn-Based RPG
The Home of Dragon Quest and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Turn-based RPGs feature combat where players and enemies take actions one after another, giving you time to plan your strategy. Originally, this meant strict, sequential turns with no time limits. However, the genre has expanded, and now many turn-based games blend this structure with real-time elements.
The Final Fantasy series began with traditional turn-based combat, but later evolved to an “Active Time Battle” system. Unlike classic turn-based games where everyone waits for a player’s turn, Active Time Battle keeps enemies and allies acting continuously, even while the player is deciding what to do. This adds a sense of urgency and timing to the gameplay.
As a huge fan, it’s amazing how many games fall into this category! You’ve got everything from classic, colorful adventures like Dragon Quest and Pokémon to the more strategic, challenging titles like XCOM and Fire Emblem. But it’s good to remember they’re not all the same – playing a turn-based RPG feels very different than an action RPG, even though both are RPGs!
Action RPG
Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Mega-hit Elden Ring Are Sure to Excite
Action Role-Playing Games, or ARPGs, blend the character progression of classic RPGs – things like leveling up, stats, and skill upgrades – with fast-paced, real-time combat. Unlike other RPGs, ARPGs require quick reflexes and skillful play, letting you directly control your character’s movements and attacks instead of taking turns.
Popular modern action RPGs, or ARPGs, include titles like Elden Ring by FromSoftware and Final Fantasy XVI from Square Enix. If you enjoy fast-paced, exciting gameplay, these games are definitely worth checking out.
Dungeon Crawlers
Lunacid and Path of Exile 2 Keep the Legacy of Dungeon Crawlers Alive
Dungeon crawlers are games where you explore complex, maze-like areas, battle monsters, dodge traps, and gather treasure. Managing your resources carefully is usually a key part of the experience as you delve deeper into each dungeon. These dungeons can be randomly created each time you play, though some are pre-designed. Traditionally, these games were played from a first-person viewpoint, like the Etrian Odyssey series, but now many games use dungeon-crawling gameplay with a third-person camera, in both 3D and 2D settings.
Games such as Darkest Dungeon and Etrian Odyssey 3 are well-liked, but keep in mind that dungeon crawlers tend to be more challenging than most other RPGs. If you’re up for a tough game, though, you’ll likely find these titles very satisfying.
MMORPG
Final Fantasy 14 and World of Warcraft Continue to Impress
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games, or MMORPGs, come in a wide variety of styles. Games like the action-packed Black Desert Online and the constantly updated World of Warcraft are both examples, even though they play very differently. What really makes an MMORPG stand out is its ability to support thousands of players all interacting in the same ongoing world, whether they’re playing together or on their own.
Many MMORPGs focus on building communities and often require players to work together to progress or fully enjoy the game. If you want a game to play with friends, an MMORPG is an excellent option.
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Monster-Taming
Pokémon and Digimon Are Some of the Most Recognizable Properties in the World
Monster-taming RPGs are all about collecting creatures to join your team. These companions can help you in various ways, like battling enemies or even managing a farm. The main goal is to gather as many helpful creatures as you can!
Monster-taming games are incredibly popular, with series like Pokémon, Shin Megami Tensei, and Digimon leading the way. If you enjoy collecting and battling with creatures, this genre is definitely for you!
Roguelikes and Roguelites
Hades 2 and Slay the Spire 2 Introduce New Challenges on Every Run
It’s easy to see why people mix up these two types of games. A classic “roguelike” creates levels, items, and enemies randomly each time you play, and it includes permanent death – meaning if your character dies, you have to start all over with nothing. This total reset is a core element, going all the way back to the original game, Rogue.
Unlike roguelikes, roguelites let you make lasting progress. You earn upgrades or benefits that carry over between playthroughs, making you more powerful over time. Although the difference between the two types of games has become less clear, both are designed to be difficult, and the fun comes from learning and improving to conquer those challenges.
Open-World RPG
Crimson Desert and Ghost of Yōtei Let Players Roam to Their Heart’s Content
Open-world role-playing games, such as The Witcher 3 and Crimson Desert, feature huge, connected environments that players can freely roam. These games typically let you choose how you want to complete quests and solve puzzles, though there are usually some boundaries to what you can do.
Many open-world games feature worlds that respond to your actions and choices, but they primarily focus on letting you freely explore. If you enjoy discovering hidden stories or simply like to roam around, an open-world game might be perfect for you!
Tactical RPG
Fire Emblem Engage and Triangle Strategy Allow Players to Plan Their Every Move
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that TRPGs take what we love about leveling up characters in RPGs and add a layer of strategy to the fights. Usually, this means turn-based battles on a grid – think classic tabletop RPGs. But some, like Unicorn Overlord, even throw in real-time strategy bits, which keeps things interesting!
What makes tactical role-playing games so engaging is carefully planning each action. Everything from your character’s position and facing direction to their gear and attacks impacts battles. While the intricate combat system can seem daunting initially, mastering it feels incredibly rewarding, like executing a brilliant strategy.
Computer RPG
Esoteric Ebb and Solasta 2 Provide a Tabletop-like Experience
Though a classic and well-loved type of RPG, the definition of what constitutes this subgenre has become more specific over time. Originally used to describe all computer role-playing games, it now generally refers to games with an overhead, angled perspective, intricate stories, detailed character development, and choices that significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Computer Role-Playing Games, or CRPGs, started as a way to recreate the experience of playing tabletop role-playing games on computers. Early examples include games like Ultima and Wizardry, which later evolved into popular titles such as Fallout 1 & 2 and Baldur’s Gate. If you’re looking for a video game that feels like a tabletop RPG, CRPGs are the closest you’ll get.
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2026-03-31 17:09