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Since the very beginning of video games, role-playing games (RPGs) have always been at the heart of what makes gaming so special. These games gave us some of the most memorable stories ever told, beloved characters we genuinely cared about, and immersive worlds that felt alive. We spent countless hours exploring every corner of these rich, detailed environments that the developers crafted with so much passion.
And let’s not forget the most important part of any RPG: player choice and build variety. The freedom to create unique characters and make decisions that impact the story means you can play these games over and over, each time experiencing something different.
Today, we have a ton of incredible RPGs to choose from, including modern masterpieces like Baldur’s Gate 3. But before we reached this level of stunning visuals and complex systems, there was a whole generation of classic RPGs that paved the way. These games introduced groundbreaking innovations in storytelling, character development, and gameplay that still resonate today.
Some of these classics came out in the 1990s, while others are a bit newer, launching around 15 years ago. But no matter their age, they all have one thing in common: they’re still absolutely worth playing, even if they don't have the flashy graphics of today’s releases.
So, as a tribute to these timeless gems, I’ve put together a list of RPGs you shouldn’t miss. These are just some of the games that shaped the RPG genre and continue to stand the test of time, which tells a lot about their unquestionable quality.
Best classic RPGs worth playing in 2024
- Alpha Protocol (2010)
- Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)
- Diablo (1996)
- Diablo 2 (2000)
- Dragon Age Origins (2009)
- Dungeon Siege 2 (2005)
- Fallout 1 (1997)
- Fallout 2 (1998)
- Fallout New Vegas (2010)
- Gothic 2 (2002)
- Mass Effect 1 (2007)
- Mass Effect 2 (2010)
- Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer (2007)
- Planescape: Torment (1999)
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
- The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind (2002)
- The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion (2006)
- The Witcher (2007)
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (2004)
1. Alpha Protocol (2010)
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Where to buy: Steam
Alpha Protocol might not be the most impressive game that Obsidian Entertainment released, but it's certainly the most underappreciated one from this celebrated studio. The game follows secret agent Michael Thorton, a hero who saves the world but has to make some tough choices on that path.
Expect Obsidian's trademark writing, morally ambiguous characters, excellent dialogue and plenty of replayability from this one. Personally, I was in love with how the game allowed you to manipulate people and complete missions in ways that didn't require blowing everything up in Rambo style.
While Alpha Protocol didn't set to world on fire, it's unique in many ways and one that I'll always recommend to a fellow RPG lover.
2. Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn (2000)
There's plenty of you who've probably never heard of Baldur's Gate before Larian's critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, and that's fine. This is an old franchise, but one that is rich with stories, an incredible world and characters.
When Baldur's Gate 2 came out in 2000, I think many RPG fans found it to check all the right boxes with solid combat, a good albeit not great story, plenty of awesome quests, loot and monsters to fight.
It is one of the best games BioWare ever made during their prime. While at times the writing and dialogue didn't quite hit the right note, the companions were fleshed out, exploration was rewarding, and we got a massive world to get lost in.
Other highs for this one include a very intuitive interface, fantastic voice acting and solid real-time with pause combat, which may feel awkward at first, but you'll get used to it after some time.
In a nutshell, if you're looking for an RPG that ticks every single box and a mountain of content, look no further than Baldur's Gate 2.
3. Diablo (1996)
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: GOG, Battle.net
Imagine working on one of the most iconic RPGs of all time and one of the most well-known video game franchises ever created. The OG Blizzard developers must be so proud. Diablo truly is a gem that you should not skip under any circumstances. It's a game that kicked off the entire subgenre of RPGs called dungeon crawlers, which are more popular than ever today.
You play as a lone hero who arrives to Tristam, a small village in need of your help. The NPCs send you to explore the surrounding dungeons which are crawling with all sorts of monstrosities, straight from hell. Even now, when writing this I got goosebumps remembering what an experience Diablo was.
With its randomly generated dungeons, simple but addictive gameplay loop and incredible atmosphere and soundtrack, it's a game that I wholeheartedly appraise.
4. Diablo 2 (2000)
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: Battle.net
Still considered as the greatest Diablo game to ever release, Diablo 2 is certainly a one-of-a-kind RPG experience that will stay carved in your memory forever. It got even better recently with the remastered version called Diablo 2: Resurrected, bringing a whole slate of improvements to the base game and the excellent Lord of Destruction expansion.
What made Diablo 2 great when it first released...well, it was pretty much everything. This one really doesn't have any flaws, and I'd dare to say it's closest to a perfect action RPG you're gonna get.
Incredible gameplay loop, world-class writing and world-building, a huge variety of builds, strong level design and a masterpiece of a story that is still cherished by Diablo fans to this day are just some of the reasons why you'll be blown away by Diablo 2 in 2024.
5. Dragon Age Origins (2009)
- Developer: Bioware
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
- Where to buy: Battle.net, Game Pass
It honestly breaks my heart to see the direction the Dragon Age series has taken, especially when I think back to Dragon Age: Origins, one of my all-time favourite RPGs.
After being let down by The Veilguard, I recently decided to reinstall Origins via Game Pass. I was stunned by how well it still holds up. Sure, the visuals haven't aged well, but everything else—the combat, the story, the writing, and the characters—far outshines the newer release.
The opening battle at Ostagar between Ferelden and Darkspawn still ranks on my list of greatest gaming moments of all time, and I'm not going to lie, it made me quite emotional when I saw it again recently.
If you haven’t played it yet, do yourself a favour and give it a try. Dragon Age: Origins is a brilliant RPG that still has so much to offer.
6. Dungeon Siege 2 (2005)
- Developer: Gas Powered Games
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: Steam
This is probably a controversial one, as many people wouldn't agree that Dungeon Siege 2 belongs on this list. However, I fondly remember the countless hours I've spent playing this gem during my high school days. Time really flew away as I was thinking, "Just this small side quest and I'm done"
Its predecessor is also an excellent game, for some even better than the sequel but I have a special place in my heart for Dungeon Siege 2's areas, solid gameplay, interesting party members and story. It's another one of those RPGs that didn't set the world on fire, but it had such an addictive gameplay loop that you couldn't put it down.
The same cannot be said for the god-awful third game in the series and the trash Uwe Boll film with Jason Statham in the main role.
7. Fallout 1 (1997)
- Developer: Interplay Inc.
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: Steam
A timeless classic and one of the most influential RPGs ever made. Since 1997, Fallout has evolved in one of the greatest gaming franchises of all time, selling well over 50 million copies and even getting its own TV series.
But despite all that, you'll hear many Fallout fans only talking about Fallout 1 as the greatest Fallout medium ever made. And I agree to a certain degree. Fallout 1 had a remarkable atmosphere, bringing a bleak, desolate wasteland to life with a much darker tone than its successors.
It also had such a strong build variety, allowing you to play the way you want to play. The game's quest design was groundbreaking too, with missions that could be resolved in various ways depending on your actions, which can have a major impact on the world.
SImply put, it's one of the greatest games ever made, a masterpiece that inspired and still inspires game developers to this day. Go play it.
8. Fallout 2 (1998)
- Developer: Interplay Inc.
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: Steam
Fallout's younger and goofier brother. The one that storms into your room, makes a mess, hits you in the butt with a nerf gun and leaves.
It's still a memorable classic with a bigger world, more things to do and pretty much everything that made the first game great, apart from the bleak tone and serious writing.
And there's a good reason for the occasional silliness - it's set 80 years after the original - and people have long accepted the new life, so why not make the best out of it?
9. Fallout New Vegas (2010)
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
- Where to buy: Steam, Xbox
The Fallout series is starting to dominate this list, innit? Fear not, New Vegas will be the last Fallout game I'm mentioning since Bethesda's output after Obsidian's game isn't something to write poems about.
Many, including myself, consider New Vegas to be the best Fallout game since the abovementioned duo and the last truly great Fallout game. I always looked at New Vegas as a proper successor to the first two games, a perfect example of how to take a beloved classic and transform it into a modern, 3D RPG that respects its roots.
It's a rare occurrence to get such an RPG these days, with such a strong reactivity, choices that matter and vintage writing that makes the world feel so unique and believable.
Do yourself a favour and check it out. It's a game that won't waste a second of your time.
10. Gothic 2 (2002)
- Developer: Piranha Bytes
- Platforms: PC, Switch
- Where to buy: Steam, Switch
A lot of us have a special place in our hearts for Piranha Bytes' Gothic. There's something about this gem that makes it really special and a cult classic, especially in Europe, where you'll find Gothic's biggest fans still playing and talking about it.
There's much to love and appreciate in Gothic 2. From its fully voice-acted dialogues, incredible visuals for 2002, a lot of player freedom and intricate quest design in a beautiful and believable world.
It did plenty of great things before the big modern RPGs like Witcher, Skyrim and Dark Souls, like dragon fights and challenging difficulty. In a way, Gothic 2 was an inspiration for all these games we cherish so much today.
11. Mass Effect (2007)
- Developer: Bioware
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
- Where to buy: Steam, Xbox, PlayStation
The original Mass Effect series is considered to be "peak BioWare" and while I respectfully disagree with such statements, I understand why many people hold Mass Effect in high regard.
Mass Effect is an RPG that has something to offer to both hardcore RPG fans but also those who want something more in the lane of action adventure.
While Mass Effect didn't have the most original story or groundbreaking gameplay, it was a nice little package that did a lot of good things, especially regarding character development and player choice.
With a likeable main character in Commander Shepard, a solid cast of party members and one of the greatest companions ever written and my favourite - Garrus Vakarian - Mass Effect is one of those games where you can truly immerse yourself in "the saving the world" fantasy.
Bioware and EA recently released a remade version of the first game with improved visuals and quality-of-life features, which is the release I recommend to new players who want to dive into this space opera.
12. Mass Effect 2 (2010)
- Developer: Bioware
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
- Where to buy: Steam (2010 Edition), Steam (Legendary Edition) Xbox, PlayStation
Mass Effect 2 brought several improvements over the original, building a strong and unique identity for the franchise. While the sequel received glowing praise from both fans and the press due to gameplay improvements, amazing set of characters and great story, Mass Effect 2 also scaled back on RPG elements, which didn't do much for RPG fans.
That aside, Mass Effect 2 was an excellent blend of genres that worked extremely well, which is why so many people consider this one their favourite game series of all time.
Just like the original, Mass Effect 2 was also re-released recently with the Legendary Edition which includes major visual and gameplay improvements that make this action-adventure RPG something you shouldn't miss in 2025.
13. Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer (2007)
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: GOG
Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer is the only expansion pack on this list and deservedly so. The expansion picks up straight after the somewhat disappointing main campaign and improves in every single way from plot, characters, mechanics, diverse art style and more.
The incredible music and atmosphere add to this wonderful RPG, but for me, the most impressive thing is the story and how it asks you to do some very tough decisions. You, as the main character, are afflicted with mysterious curse which requires you to devour the souls of people and spirits, including your companions. So evil.
Obviously, you can choose not to do that which opens up an entirely new set of options in true RPG fashion.
One of the negatives is that Mask of the Betrayer is not the longest RPG experience you'll play since it's an expansion, so keep your expectations in check but despite that, it is still worth your time in 2025.
14. Planetscape: Torment (1999)
What's there to say about this incredibly unique RPG that is still considered as one of the best-written games of all time? Way ahead of its time, Planetscape: Torment follows an immortal protagonist called the Nameless One who forgets everything if killed.
Both players and the press praise Planetscape: Torment whenever there's a discussion about the greatest games of all time, which really tells a lot about this gem from 1999.
If you're a fan of reading, dark fantasy themes and storytelling in video games, I doubt you'll find a better package than than Planetscape: Torment. The game doesn't lack in RPG elements either, so you'll find memorable companions, strong quest design and "good vs evil" choices throughout the game.
Planetscape: Torment was designed and written by the legendary Chris Avellone, who is known for several other titles on our list.
An Enhanced Edition of the game with updates curated by Avellone was released back in 2017 with bug fixes, gameplay improvements, 4K support, and a remastered soundtrack included. This means you really don't have an excuse not to play this masterpiece, if you haven't already!
15. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Another RPG that is considered as one of the greatest video games ever made. Rich with great characters, quests, meaningful choices and an interesting story, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is a complete package that every RPG fan is craving for.
But there are many other RPGs with such qualities and what set KOTOR apart is its Star Wars setting, allowing you to experience your own Star Wars story, play as a hero or a villain in this memorable adventure.
Sony, of all publishers, have recently tried to bring this classic to life with modernised visuals and gameplay improvements but after going trough development hell, it apparently no longer exists. A shame or a blessing in disguise? I'd say the latter since the original is still well worth playing in 2025.
16. The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind (2002)
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Platforms: PC, Xbox
- Where to buy: Steam, Xbox, and also on Game Pass
Morrowind marked a massive step ahead for Bethesda, taking The Elder Scrolls series from 2D to 3D environment for the first time ever, with a sizeable open world and unprecedented freedom.
You could go anywhere, do anything you wanted, even ignore the main quest completely. The game didn't have any quest markers, so you'd have to listen to NPCs giving you vague instructions and rely on environmental cues to reach your objective.
It was one of the few games at that time with a day and night cycle, real time weather and complex simulation, which made it one demanding beast on PC.
Morrowind is pretty much the trademark Bethesda game that features everything that made them great and so beloved. If you're looking for a unique open-world, great atmosphere, incredible sandbox experience and exploration with a bit of a classic feel, Morrowind is a game for you.
17. The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion (2006)
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Platforms: PC, Xbox
- Where to buy: Steam, Xbox, and also on Game Pass
Fear not, this list is not about to get taken over by Bethesda's big fantasy RPG franchise. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the last Elder Scrolls title we'll mention, and while some fans will disagree, we have our reasons. Skyrim isn't old enough to be considered a classic just yet and Daggerfall simply didn't age well.
Oblivion, on the other hand, is perfectly fine to this day and while it doesn't reach the heights of Morrowind and feels a bit simplified, it's still one of the best games Bethesda ever made.
It's quite unique when compared to other Elder Scrolls titles due to its bright and "happy" art style as well as Monthy Python-esque humour. 2025 is the perfect year to play Oblivion, especially with the stunning remake that brings various improvements to visuals and gameplay.
18. The Witcher (2007)
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: Steam
If Oblivion's art style is bright and happy, The Witcher 1 is the definition of ugly and depressing. Muddy and dirty streets of medieval Europe, misty and rainy weather all the time, certainly won't be for those who are looking for pleasant-to-the-eye high fantasy stuff.
The Witcher 1 is grim and mature, with a simple, rhythm-based combat system that features melee and spells. You play as Geralt, a Witcher who lost his memory and takes on contracts to slay monsters troubling people in villages and towns.
Obviously there's a bigger story in The Witcher 1 than that, and it's quite good, especially when you add the meaningful choice and consequence system CD Projekt Red are known for.
The Witcher 1 is probably the weakest of the three Witcher games that CD Projekt Red made, but if you're eager to see the start of Geralt's adventure and the events that lead into The Witcher 2 and are even mentioned in The Witcher 3, then by no means give it a go.
The Witcher 1 is another game that is being remade with modern visuals, but the original is still worth playing, even though some elements didn't age that well.
19. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (2004)
- Developer: Troika Games
- Platforms: PC
- Where to buy: Steam
It's only logical to end this list with an all-time classic and fan-favourite RPG - Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines. This is still an incredible game with some flaws due to its age, but the setting, phenomenal atmosphere and unique vampire aesthetic are really something you won't find in many other games.
Bloodlines is packed with clever writing, incredible characters and that immersion that really makes you feel like the creature of the night. The game has problems since it's really trying to be a little bit of everything and that genre hybrid doesn't always end up well but this is still one of the greatest RPGs ever made and I wholeheartedly recommend it in 2025.
A sequel is in development but the project went trought a lot of ups and downs and doesn't really look great at the moment so don't expect it to reach the heights of the original.
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