Love for RPGs, especially those of the enormous open-world variety, has expanded exponentially over the past year, and that’s largely due to the likes of FinalFantasy 7 RebirthandDragon’s Dogma 2. 2024 played host to some of the best RPGs of all time from a range of different platforms, which is naturally going to be incredibly overwhelming for those with huge backlogs.
Fortunately, not every RPG is a huge 100+ hour spectacle, as many of them fall into the small but incredibly sweet indie category. Additionally, many of theseRPGs are on Game Passand PlayStation Plus, making them more accessible than ever. From delving deep into dungeons to hanging out at school with some friends, there are so many phenomenal RPGs that were released in 2024 that will easily help carry players looking for a lengthy experience into the New Year.
10DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (Square Enix)
A Gorgeous Remake Of A Classic RPG
After releasing the original threeDragon Questgames onto current consoles and PC,Square Enix decided to do a full-blown remake of the trilogy, starting with the third game- which is chronologically the first. Fortunately,Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, which gets its name from the HD-2D visual style popularized by theOctopath Travelerseries, started this remake trilogy with a bang.
Everything We Know About Dragon Quest 1&2 HD-2D Remake (So Far)
Following the release of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Dragon Quest 1&2 are getting the same treatment—but when and how are they being released?
While it retains a lot of its old school charm, it is modernized where it counts, making it thedefinitive version of the game. In a year full of huge 100+ hour RPGs with photorealistic visuals, theDragon Quest 3 Remakeis a breath of fresh air and a great way to experience a true classic. For fans of old school JRPGs or those looking to see where it all started, theDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakeis a great place to start.
9Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware)
A Tactical RPG Like No Other
Unicorn Overlordis Vanillaware’s foray into the world of TRPGs, giving players a remarkable experience thatreviews stated beats Fire Emblem.It’s a sprawling open-world RPG in which players attempt to liberate various cities and villagesspread across diverse biomes. Each area can be approached in any order, so long as players have gathered a strong enough ensemble of fighters and leveled up their ranking so they can create bigger units.
The progression of units and squads inUnicorn Overlordis where a lot of the fun comes from, as it drastically alters how players approach combat. Unit formations and unit synergies are also important and require consideration. It’s all a lot to think about, butUnicorn Overlordmanages to make it feel digestible, ensuring never to overwhelm people. For anyone who wants a good TRPG,Unicorn Overlordis the perfect choice.
8Granblue Fantasy: Relink (Cygames)
An RPG With So Many Playable Characters
Granblue Fantasy: Relinkwas overlookedin 2024, despite offering one of the most compelling RPG experiences of the year.It’s an action-packed game with an epic story, a huge roster of playable characters, and a phenomenal soundtrack. For those who love over-the-top JRPGs,Granblue Fantasy: Relinkabsolutely fits the bill. It is a better experience for those who’ve seen the anime or played the original mobile game, but even newcomers can enjoy this sprawling RPG.
What makesGranblue Fantasy: Relinkstand out from the other RPGs of 2024 is its roster of characters. Players start off with several that they can choose from - either to play as or to add to their party - and then will unlock more the further they get through the story. Each character has their own series of missions and unique weapon types that can be upgraded. They also have vastly different playstyles, which helps add a lot of replayability to this already enormous package.
The Ultimate RPG Remake
Persona 3: Reloadis a great example ofhow to do remakes wellas it not only improves the original game’s visuals, but also injects it with a breadth of new content and character moments. While those who weren’t fond of Tartarus won’t find any love for it here, everything surrounding the procedurally generated dungeon is truly exceptional.The turn-based combat has been significantly upgraded with additions fromPersona 5and there are additional activities that can be done to improve social stats.
Furthermore, characters have new Link Episodes which help flesh out their backgrounds and even Tartarus has had a facelift to make it a little more tolerable. Frankly, from its writing to its soundtrack,Persona 3: Reloadis one of the best, if not the best, games in the entire series. It’s an excellent life-sim-RPG hybrid that constantly delivers across its lengthy runtime.
6Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree (FromSoftware)
An Incredible DLC That Feels Like A Full Game
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreemight be a DLC, but, as the 2024 Game Awards confirmed, it’s practically its own game. With an enormous runtime and a huge offering of content to get through,Shadow of the Erdtreeis one of the most ambitious DLCs ever made. While it was initially criticized for being too difficult, fans have since come around, and it now feels comparable to the originalElden Ringexperience.
It’s Time To Admit You Were Wrong About Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was criticized for being difficult at launch, but now the dust has settled, it’s clear it isn’t actually that hard.
Shadow of the Erdtreeadds a whole new area to the game as well as a plethora of new bosses and lore details. Of course, those who lovedElden Ringwill likely have already played it, but for those who haven’t, it’s definitely one of the best RPG games from 2024 that’s absolutely worth playing.Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreesurpasses a lot of other RPGs that released in 2024 in many ways, but especially in terms of scale and ambition.
5Dragon’s Dogma 2 (Capcom)
The Most Immersive Open-World RPG Of 2024
Dragon’s Dogma 2is the perfect sequel in many ways, offering a completely standalone experience that builds upon the original game by introducing better versions of past mechanics and a swathe of new ideas. For example, the Pawn system which made the original game such a unique RPG returns inDragon’s Dogma 2, only it’s far more advanced and immersive. The Pawns have more to do, more to say, and better interact with the world and enemies around them.
Additionally,the level of emergent events has been significantly increased, which helps make the world feel more alive. Simply heading out on a journey from one town to another can lead to a myriad of memorable moments that will stick with the player long after the credits roll. Of course, with dozens of side quests to complete, secrets to uncover, Pawns to meet, and story missions to experience, players will have a lot to enjoy inDragon’s Dogma 2.
4Metaphor: ReFantazio (Atlus)
It Was Nominated For GOTY
Metaphor: ReFantaziowas nominated for the Game of the Year award at the 2024 Game Awards, which naturally puts it quite high on the list of 2024’s best RPGs. Of course, itearned its nominationfor that prestigious award thanks to its many improvements over Atlus' traditional RPG formula as well as its sprawling narrative that has enough twists and turns to fill multiple games.
Fortunately, while the core story which deals with the politics of a fantasy kingdom is utterly fascinating, Atlus hasn’t forgotten the importance of downtime. When they’re not fighting horrifying monsters in some of the best turn-based combat encounters ever made, the player can mingle with the various excellently written companions to help boost their stats.Metaphor: ReFantaziotakes all the best elements from Atlus' other RPGs and combines themto create a truly exceptional game.
3Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)
A Fantastic Culmination Of Everything That Came Before It
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthfeels like a culmination of all theYakuzaandLike a Dragongames before it,telling an epic, nostalgia-filled story that features the series' best characters and writing. The core story is centered around Ichiban and Kiryu as they both face their own demons and challenges during an incredibly tumultuous time. This is a heartfelt, emotionally charged story that fans of the series will certainly enjoy.
Of course, while there’s a lot of somber introspective reflection to be found inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, there are also plenty of goofy moments. Whether it’s the ridiculous collection of minigames or the hilarious side quests, players looking for the fun side ofInfinite Wealthwill absolutely find it in droves.Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthmanages to trump practically everyYakuzaandLike a Dragongame before itto offer fans the ultimate RPG experience.
2Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
A Phenomenal Action-RPG
Black Myth: Wukongis one of the best-looking RPGs of 2024, with each of its many varied locations offering striking vistas as players run around beating up an assortment of monsters. With a plethora of bosses to face, an epic story filled with spectacular moments, and some of the best cutscene direction in gaming,Black Myth: Wukongis a huge, mind-blowingly gorgeous RPG well worth playing.
When players aren’t beating the many bosses ofBlack Myth: Wukong, they can explore its immensely detailed environments, each of which has several secrets to uncover. Once again,Black Myth: Wukongwas nominated for GOTY, and while it didn’t win, it is still a phenomenal RPG. For those craving a blockbuster RPG with great combat and compelling progression,Black Myth: Wukongis the ideal game.
1Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (Square Enix)
The Remake Trilogy’s Best Part Yet
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis one of the greatest RPGs ever made and a phenomenal follow-up to the critically acclaimedFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.It’s a bigger, bolder, and more action-packed experience, one full of compelling optional content, striking sprawling open areas to explore, and a myriad of exceptional character moments that are worth the price of admission alone.
I Love The “Worst” Part Of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been met with universal acclaim, but some players point out one major flaw with it. However, that flaw doesn’t bother me.
Of course, it helps to have played Remake first, but even newcomers can enjoy everythingRebirthhas to offer. The best RPGs of 2024 all offer a unique experience, whether that’s tactical combat, turn-based school sims, or blockbuster open-worlds, and that’s what makes it such a great year for the genre.Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthand all the other best RPGs are wonderful games and will make 2024 a year to remember.
