Role-playing games (RPGs)have entertained players for decades, offering immersive worlds, unforgettable characters, and stories that stick with you long after the credits roll. More than just gameplay, RPGs explore deep themes such as friendship, loss, destiny, and morality — making every journey feel personal. RPG’s range from classic turn-based adventures to modern open-world epics, the genre continues to evolve, blending deep narratives with player-driven choices.
Whether it’s forging friendships, making hard decisions, or shaping a character’s fate, RPGs place the gamer at the heart of the story in a way few other genres can, making these the best stories in RPGs.
10 Best Turn-Based RPGs
Turn-based RPGs have evolved over decades and these ten games show just how deep, strategic and unforgettable the genre can be.
The games on this list have left a lasting mark on the genre, influencing storytelling and redefining what video gaming narratives can achieve. Some have set new standards for lore-building, while others have tackled adult themes with great depth. Each of these titles excels in crafting an experience that resonates emotionally through intricate plots, character-driven drama, or philosophical ideas.
These games in this list demonstrate the power of storytelling in gaming, proving that interactive narratives can even rival everyone’s favorite literature and film. From timeless classics to more modern titles, these RPGs showcase why the genre remains one of the most compelling and beloved in gaming history.
10Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
A Galaxy of Decisions
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Bioware’s Knights of the Old Republic is widely regarded as one of the greatest Western RPGs ever created. Set in the expansive Star Wars universe, the game allows players to carve their own destiny, choosing between the light and dark sides of the Force. Its morality system and choice-driven narrative laid the groundwork for future RPGs. The game’s ability to immerse players in an original Star Wars RPG story, complete with shocking twists and complex characters like Bastila Shan, solidified its legendary status.
Beyond its narrative depth, character customization and party interactions enhance immersion, ensuring that every choice carries weight. Engaging in lightsaber duels, battling epic Sith Jedi, and making pivotal choices shape the journey. The storyline introduces themes of redemption, power, and the struggle between good and evil, adding layers of depth. Knights of the Old Republic remains an essential RPG experience, setting a standard for narrative-driven gaming. Let’s not forget this game was the first to introduce the epic yellow lightsaber andhas a remake on the way!
9Xenoblade Chronicles 3 + Future Redeemed
A Grand Tale of Fate and Freedom
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
The Xenoblade Chronicles series has consistently delivered big narratives, and its third installment is no exception with the strongest story. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 builds on the foundations of its predecessors, pulling together an emotional and intricate story filled with political intrigue and philosophical undertones. The world of Aionios is vast and jaw-dropping, populated with different races and histories that add layers to its storytelling. Character relationships and the struggle to live drive the story, making every moment resonate with players.
Much-Requested Wii U Title Xenoblade Chronicles X Finally Makes its Way to Switch
After years of fan outcry, Xenoblade Chronicles X is finally on its way to Switch devices.
The Future Redeemed expansion deepens the overarching lore, bridging gaps between previous titles and returning key characters from previous games. Themes of sacrifice, destiny, and unity are the focus the DLC story, elevating the impact. With compelling character arcs, powerful storytelling, and thought-provoking themes of existentialism and legacy, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 stands as one of the most ambitious RPGs of recent years.
8Suikoden II
A Tale of War and Betrayal
Suikoden II
Few RPGs capture political turmoil as effectively as Suikoden II. This PlayStation 1 classic tells the story of two childhood friends caught on opposite sides of a brutal war, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and destiny. The narrative is deeply emotional, enhanced by a vast cast of 100+ recruitable characters, each with their own backstories. The intertwining fates of its two main protagonists add depth, making every choice feel impactful.
Suikoden II allows players to shape their army and alliances. The war-torn world is rich with history, and the evolving power struggles make for an emotional experience. Suikoden II remains a landmark in RPG storytelling, as its themes of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of war continue to resonate decades after its release. Suikoden I & II will be gettinga modern remaster for multiple platforms, so there’s no excuse to skip it!
7Undertale
A Game That Knows You
Undertale challenges conventional RPG mechanics by allowing players to navigate encounters without resorting to violence. Every enemy can be spared or defeated, and these choices shape the game’s world and narrative. Its humor, emotional depth, and memorable characters make it one of the most original RPGs ever created.
The story subverts expectations at every turn, playing with player agency in ways that few games attempt. The deeper players dig, the more they realize the consequences of their actions, leading to a multitude of endings. Undertale is more than a game—it is a thought-provoking experience that forces players to reflect on their choices, morality, and the impact they have on others. The story in Undertale is best experienced during the course of multiple playthroughs. What’s even more impressive is that Undertale was made by just one person.
6Triangle Strategy
A War of Convictions
Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategy places players at the heart of a land on the brink of war full of injustices, where every decision influences the course of the story. Political struggles, betrayals, and shifting alliances define the game’s intricate narrative. The branching storyline forces players to weigh loyalty, justice, and survival, leading to multiple paths and endings. Different decisions tip the scales to different battles for players to experience.
The strength of Triangle Strategy lies in its nuanced characters and complex moral dilemmas. With a cast of well-developed leaders, strategists, and warriors, the game explores the cost of ambition and the sacrifices required for peace. Its exploration of political conflict and moral ambiguity makes it one of the most gripping narratives in modern RPGs. If you like Game of Thrones, you will like Triangle Strategy.
5Final Fantasy Tactics
A Tactical Masterpiece
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is a story of ambition, betrayal, and social upheaval set within the war-torn kingdom of Ivalice. The game follows Ramza, a noble caught in the middle of a brutal conflict, as he uncovers conspiracies and questions the legitimacy of those in power. The narrative is a richly woven tale full of surprises, filled with morally complex characters and religious undertones.
At its core, Final Fantasy Tactics is a deeply personal story about questioning fate and challenging societal structures. Its layered political themes and tragic character arcs elevate it beyond a simple war story. Decades later, its storytelling remains one of the strongest in the genre, influencing countless RPGs that followed (leavingfans wanting a remake). Also, there are Chocobo’s in the game. WARK!
4Persona 5: Royal
Stealing Hearts and Taking Names
Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5: Royal refines an already stellar RPG into a definitive experience. Gamers step into the role of the Phantom Thieves, a group ofhigh school students and confidantswho infiltrate the subconscious of corrupt people to reform society. The game’s modern setting, stylish presentation, and deep storytelling make it a standout in the genre. As the heroes navigate personal struggles and societal pressures, they form unbreakable confidants while challenging the oppressive systems that dictate the world.
The added content in Royal expands character relationships while adding new characters, strengthening an already compelling narrative. Themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and justice resonate throughout, while the expanded story in Royal adds further depth to the Phantom Thieves' journey. With a story that balances humor, heartbreak, and triumph, Persona 5: Royal stands as one of the most impactful and unforgettable RPGs.
3Nier: Automata
Existence and Purpose
NieR: Automata
Nier: Automata is an exploration of identity, consciousness, and existentialism. Players follow androids 2B, 9S, and A2 as they navigate an apocalyptic world, unraveling the truth of their existence by fighting and questioning humanity choices. The game presents a world abandoned by humans who now live on the moon, where remnants of civilization and warring machines led by aliens create an eerie and thought-provoking setting. If this sounds crazy, trust me, it is.
NieR Automata Sells Over 9 Million Copies
NieR Automata has sold more than one million copies in 2024 alone.
Multiple playthroughs reveal deeper layers of its philosophical themes, challenging players to reconsider their understanding their purpose. The evolving relationship between 2B, 9S, and other key characters adds emotional weight to the narrative, while a lot of unexpected twists keeps players engaged. With a deep storyline, a legendary soundtrack, and deep existential themes, Nier: Automata stands as a masterpiece in narrative-driven RPGs, leaving players reflecting on the nature of life itself.
2Chrono Cross
A Parallel Tale of Fate
Chrono Cross
Chrono Cross, thesequel to the legendary RPG Chrono Trigger, crafts an emotional journey exploring parallel worlds and destiny. Its deep story introduces a vast array of 30+ characters, each playing a role in the grand narrative of fate and consequence. The game follows Serge, a young man who stumbles into an alternate reality where he never existed, forcing him to unravel the mystery behind his fate and the forces that shape the world of El Nido Triangle.
Themes of regret, choice, and the passage of time create a compelling narrative filled with shocking revelations. The dual-world structure allows for a unique perspective on cause and effect, further enriching the story’s depth. With one of the best soundtracks in gaming history, Chrono Cross remains a deeply woven RPG that defies convention, introducing a tale that stays with players after the journey ends.
1Xenogears
The Pinnacle of Narrative Ambition
Xenogears is an ambitious RPG that blends philosophy, psychology, and religious undertones into a deeply complex story. Its protagonist, Fei Fong Wong, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, battling against powerful forces while dealing with a mental health crisis. The story explores themes of free will, identity, and the nature of existence, leading players through a philosophical adventure.
Despitedevelopment issues affecting the second disc, its world-building and character development remain top-notch. Xenogears tackles psychological trauma, existential dread, and divine intervention with a maturity rarely seen in gaming. Its ambitious storytelling, combined with an intricate mythology, cements its place as one of the most thought-provoking RPGs ever made. Xenogears continues to inspire discussions decades after its release (with fanswanting a remaster similar to Star Ocean 2), proving its lasting impact on storytelling in video games. Also, there are huge mechs they fight in, and you get a camel-like demi human friend.
8 RPGs That Deserve Remakes
It’s time to dig up some lost gems and check out the top RPGs worthy of being remade.
