RPGs have always been a fan favorite, and they have a special way of drawing players in. Players invest hours upon hours into exploring these worlds, meeting memorable characters, and making roleplaying decisions and choices.
A lot of these games tell stories that stick with you long after they’re over. Some RPGs do stand out for their sheer addictiveness, keeping players hooked with their depth, atmosphere, and compelling gameplay. In no particular order, here are nine such addictive RPGs.
9. Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a gaming masterpiece that introduced many to the vast and rich world of Tamriel. Released back in 2006, it set a new standard for open-world RPGs with its expansive landscapes, fun and diverse quests, and the freedom to play however you wanted. It was also a massive evolution over its predecessor, Morrowind.
Whether you were closing Oblivion Gates, finishing up the faction questlines, or just exploring the countryside with its amazing soundtrack, the game had a way of keeping you going for hours. Its world just felt absolutely magical, making it one of the most immersive experiences in gaming.
8. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is a perfect blend of both an RPG and a third-person shooter, offering an experience that’s both thrilling and personal thanks to its amazing cast of squadmates. The entire trilogy has plenty of choices to either go Paragon or Renegade, and player choices significantly affect the outcome such as the fate of multiple characters.
The game’s addictiveness mostly comes from the desire to explore every dialogue option, every side mission, and every possible outcome, leading players to replay it multiple times to see how different choices affect the story, and also the fate of your squadmates.
7. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Another BioWare classic, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic brought the magic of the Star Wars universe into the RPG genre, with a storyline that many fans still consider one of the best in the franchise. Released all the way back in 2003, it gave players the freedom to choose between the light and dark sides of the Force, with decisions that would shape the fate of the galaxy, similar to the Mass Effect trilogy.
The classic Star Wars atmosphere, characters, and lore made this a game that was incredibly hard to put down, especially for Star Wars fans, and the game still holds up extremely well, with a remake also currently in development.
6. Persona 5
Persona 5 is a very stylish and unique RPG that took the gaming world by storm with its mix of life simulation and dungeon crawling. The game is set in modern-day Tokyo and has players balancing their daily lives as high school students with their secret identities as Phantom Thieves.
The game’s amazing art style, a catchy soundtrack full of bangers, and fun gameplay mechanics kept players hooked for the entirety of its rather lengthy 100-hour campaign. The addictiveness of Persona 5 is mostly due to its calendar system which results in a unique gameplay loop that never gets boring.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 had a pretty rocky launch, but beneath its initial issues lies an RPG with an incredibly detailed and immersive world. The depth of combat and an amazing cast of likable and complex characters make it a game that players keep coming back to.
Despite its few flaws, the game’s addictiveness is undeniable, drawing players into its gritty and neon-lit world. Similar to GTA V, you can just listen to music, drive around, and take in the impeccable views of its insanely detailed map.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 revitalized the classic RPG formula, offering players a modern take on the CRPG experience. With its deep characters and rich storytelling filled with an insane amount of choices and consequences, it captured the essence of RPGs while adding a level of polish and detail that very few games achieve these days.
The game’s addictiveness comes from its open-ended nature, where every decision can lead to wildly different outcomes. The game keeps players engaged with its endless possibilities and challenging encounters, and there’s an insane amount of replay value too.
3. The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, and for good reason. It offers an authentic medieval open world filled with interesting characters, complex moral choices, and a story that’s both emotional and epic.
The rich narrative, and the high quality and depth of both its main and side quests, lead to a game that is just a joy to explore every nook and cranny of its beautifully crafted world, with some amazing music to boot.
2. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium stands out in the RPG genre for its emphasis on dialogue and choice rather than combat. Players play as a detective trying to solve a murder in a rundown city, with the game evolving based on the protagonist’s choices and mental state.
The game is heavily dialogue and NPC-driven, and its Skill system is extremely unique. Its addictiveness comes from the sheer depth and quality of its writing, and the endless possibilities for how each playthrough can unfold depending on your stats.
1. Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas is often hailed as the best entry in the Fallout series, thanks to its compelling narrative, complex factions, and the freedom it offers players via its various RPG mechanics.
The game actually lets you shape the fate of the Mojave Wasteland through your choices. Its branching faction storylines and the variety of ways to approach quests make the game extremely addictive. The map is filled with interesting characters and locations, and how you interact with them feels pretty natural and immersive.
Which of these amazing RPGs do you personally find the most addictive? Let us know in the comments below!
