10 Greatest Western RPGs of All Time, Ranked

Role-playing games, or RPGs, have a distinct split between Japanese and Western styles, often feeling like separate genres altogether. Both approaches have dedicated fans and boast many highly-regarded games.

There’s a wealth of fantastic Western RPGs available, and some, like Deus Ex and Fallout 3, are truly exceptional – often considered masterpieces. They’re so well-made that even fans of Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) will likely enjoy them.

Deus Ex Is One of the Best 2000s Games

Deus Ex is a first-person shooter that mixes action with stealth and allows players to explore a detailed world. The game is set in 2052 and puts you in the role of JC Denton, an anti-terrorist agent who battles dangerous groups while also uncovering a larger conspiracy that threatens world peace.

Originally released as the first game in a popular series that continued with Deus Ex: Mankind Divided in 2016, Deus Ex is still fun to play today. Its blend of freedom in how you play, immersive atmosphere, and complex story hold up remarkably well, offering a satisfying and modern experience of both action and deep engagement.

The Witcher 3 Is a Modern Classic

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a highly acclaimed game. It centers around Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, and his quest to locate his adopted daughter, Ciri. She’s being chased by the Wild Hunt, a frightening enemy who will stop at nothing to capture her.

This is easily one of the best games in The Witcher series. Even when the story shifts away from Geralt and Ciri, it remains engaging thanks to the memorable supporting characters. They not only enrich the narrative but also make it easier for players to learn and understand the game’s complex mechanics.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Was Worth the Wait

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing game that takes place about a hundred years after the events of Baldur’s Gate 2, which came out 23 years ago. In the game, players are traveling to the city of Baldur’s Gate, but they face challenges like dangerous guards and other threats along the way. After such a long wait for a sequel, many players feel this new installment was worth it.

This game is packed with content, and thanks to a constant flow of new mods and updates, there are always fresh ways to experience it. Now is the perfect time to start playing this RPG.

System Shock 2 Was Ahead of Its Time

System Shock 2 is a thrilling combination of action and horror. You play as a soldier battling terrifying, genetically altered monsters aboard a starship, all while facing off against a dangerous artificial intelligence that wants to take control.

This game was incredibly influential for its time. It successfully blended science fiction, horror, role-playing elements, and a focus on telling its story through the game’s environment – all of which inspired many games that came after it. Despite taking place on just one ship, the game feels vast and immersive thanks to its rich backstory and constant sense of dread.

Mass Effect 2 Is the Best in the Series

Mass Effect 2 picks up where the first game left off, following Commander Shepard’s ongoing journey. Many fans consider it the strongest installment in the Mass Effect series.

Like all my favorite games, making choices in conversations and seeing how they change the story is a huge part of what keeps me hooked. But this one? Wow, the choices really matter, and the consequences are so interesting that I absolutely have to know what happens next with Shepard. It’s seriously hard to put the controller down!

Cyberpunk 2077 Is Gaming’s Greatest Redemption Story

In the year 2077, Cyberpunk 2077 is set in a massive, rundown city of the future. Players create their own character, V, choosing their appearance and history, and then complete missions for different criminal groups throughout the dangerous streets of Night City.

This game isn’t just a futuristic playground; it’s a lot like Grand Theft Auto, but with a really detailed role-playing game system built in. The story missions are exciting, and even when you’re not following them, simply exploring the city and taking in the atmosphere is a lot of fun.

Fable II Is Worth Going Back To

Set 500 years after the original Fable, Fable II returns to the land of Albion. This time, you play as a hero on a quest to stop a cruel ruler who threatens to destroy the world simply out of anger. It’s a long and challenging adventure, so you’ll need to become skilled and strong to succeed.

It’s tough to follow up a popular game like Fable, but Fable II actually improves on the original in many ways. The game world feels larger and more immersive, and your decisions have a greater impact. Plus, Fable II boasts an incredible voice cast, featuring renowned British actors like Stephen Fry.

Disco Elysium Is a Text-Based RPG

The game Disco Elysium is set in Elysium, a world that feels like Earth but is entirely fictional. It’s heavily inspired by real-world history and politics, and features various groups and characters all tied to a central murder mystery.

I’ve been hearing so much about this RPG for years, and honestly, it totally lives up to the hype. What really grabbed me was how smartly it tackles social issues, and the characters are just unforgettable. It’s different from most RPGs because it’s all about the story and choices – there’s no combat, it’s purely text-based. But trust me, the writing is so good, it’s a game everyone needs to experience.

Fallout 3 Is One of the Best Games of the PS3 Era

Released ten years after Fallout 2, Fallout 3 significantly changed the direction of the series. While still set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by nuclear war, it moved away from the top-down, turn-based gameplay of previous games and became an action RPG, attracting a larger player base.

While Fallout 3 is easier to pick up than some other Fallout games, it’s still a complex role-playing game. Interestingly, you can actually play through the entire game without fighting if you prefer. With so many ways to approach things, each journey through the ruined world feels unique.

Skyrim Is the Greatest Western RPG of All Time

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, often shortened to just Skyrim, is an action role-playing game set in a fantastical medieval world inhabited by various intelligent races. The game takes place in the province of Skyrim, within the world of Tamriel, and allows players to forge their own destiny, using their abilities and building relationships with allies and factions to stay alive.

Very few Western role-playing games remain as popular as Skyrim. Its carefully designed world, filled with interesting people and locations, makes simply exploring a joy. Plus, a large and active modding community allows players to customize the game to their liking.

2026-02-08 07:11