Summary
The 2000s was a fantastic era for gaming, particularly foraction RPGs. Technologically, it was a time of rapid progress, with noticeable graphical improvements being seen every year. This decade also introduced new gameplay mechanics that continue to shape the genre today. Manyiconic action RPG franchiseswere born in this period, and some remain among the most beloved and influential in the gaming world.
Thebest Western action RPGs from the 2000sleft a serious impact on the gaming industry, not only because of their significance when they were first released, but also because of how well they have held up since.
Only games released between 2000 and 2009 will be included, and JRPGs or action RPGs from Japanese developers will not be taken into consideration.
While it may not be as widely known or as popular as theMass EffectorDragon Ageseries,Jade Empirestands out as one of BioWare’s most special action RPGs, largely due to its distinctive setting and dynamic combat system. The game immerses players in a fictional kingdom inspired by Ancient Chinese history and mythology, populated with mythical creatures, spirits, and legendary kung-fu masters.
As with most BioWare games, characters, dialogue, and quests are central to the experience, showcasing the developer’s strengths. However, it’s the combat system that setsJade Empireapart from other titles in the genre.Offering a mix of martial arts, weapons, transformation, and magic, the system requires players to constantly adapt to changing scenarios. The game incorporates a simple “rock-paper-scissors” approach to combat styles while also introducing the powerful harmonic combo system, adding depth and strategy to every encounter.
Dark Messiah of Might and Magicwas one of the earliest games from the now-acclaimed Arkane Studios, building on and refining the strengths first showcased in their debut title,Arx Fatalis, while taking full advantage of the Source engine’s physics. The game earned praise for its impressive graphics andfast-paced, visceral first-person combat, giving players the freedom to choose their path — whether as a warrior, thief, ranger, or mage — and unleash powerful skills and combos on the battlefield.
Though the game’s progression was fairly linear, leaning more toward action-adventure than traditional RPG structure,Dark Messiah of Might and Magicremains a standout, beloved entry in theMight and Magicseries. It’s remembered fondly by players, in part for its unexpected yet highly enjoyable take on the franchise.
TheGothicseries stands as a prime example of a compact yet deeply engaging RPG adventure.Set in a unique and grounded world, it offered remarkable flexibility in progression and quests. With meticulously crafted environments and well-developed characters, it quickly became a cult classic among RPG fans. The sequel, along with its expansionNight of the Raven, remains a highlight of Piranha Bytes' portfolio and is still regarded as one of the most beloved RPGs of its time.
Unfortunately,Gothic 3struggled to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. Overambitious in scope, it was hampered by technical issues at launch and was overshadowed byThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionin almost every aspect. Despite these setbacks,Gothic 3is still remembered as a significant entry in the old-school open-world RPG genre. It remains popular to this day, especially when enhanced by expansive fan-made content and mods.
Deus Exis widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed and influential games ever made, consistently appearing on lists of the greatest and most important titles. The game blends FPS, RPG, action-adventure, and stealth action elements, offering players an unprecedented level of freedom. Its futuristic cyberpunk setting allowsDeus Extoexplore a variety of timely and thought-provoking themes, many of which feel more relevant with each passing year.
While undeniably groundbreaking and influential, the originalDeus Exwas released over 24 years ago, and by modern standards, it doesn’t quite hold up as well as some of its successors. This is why, despite its iconic status, it doesn’t rank higher.
Fable(released asFable: The Lost Chapterson PC) is a unique action RPG that stands out bydoing things differently than what players typically expectfrom the genre. From progression and combat to quests and character interactions,Fableis both exciting and delightfully silly, packed with distinctive British humor. It combines decent action mechanics with quirky, everyday activities, like collecting and donating books to a school or boasting about the hero’s trophies. It also offers players the freedom to shape their character’s morality, allowing them to become a virtuous hero or a truly devilish villain.
The sequel,Fable 2, builds on many of the original’s standout features, but unfortunately, it’s not as accessible as the first game. It remains exclusive to the Xbox 360 and, unlike the originalFable, did not receive the Anniversary remaster, making it difficult for fans on other platforms to experience it today.
The originalWitchermay not have achieved the fame of its acclaimed sequels, but it has plenty of distinct qualities that set it apart from other RPGs of its time. Asthe first game developed by CD Projekt Red,The Witcheroffered a gritty and convincing portrayal of Andrzej Sapkowski’s dark fantasy world, skillfully capturing its brutal atmosphere, complex characters, and the appeal of being a monster-hunting mutant reviled by a world steeped in violence.
From its rhythm-based combat and dynamic day-night cycle to branching dialogue, morally complex quests, and a deep alchemy system,The Witcheris a dark, immersive action RPG that forges its own path in many respects. It’s an experience that remains compelling even years later, thanks to its bold design and unique tone.
Diablo 2, along with itsLord of Destructionexpansion, ranks among the most iconic and enduring loot-based action RPGs. Over 20 years since its release, it remains widely played and beloved by fans. With this sequel, Blizzard nearlyperfected the loot-driven ARPG formula, offering deep character-building mechanics paired with a richly rewarding loot system that has near-infinite potential.
The game’s distinctive graphics and memorable soundtrack further cemented its legacy, contributing to its enduring popularity. Now, with theDiablo 2: Resurrectedremake, fans can enjoy this classic on modern hardware. In every sense,Diablo 2set a high bar for the genre — a benchmark few games have managed to match.
BeforeSkyrim, it wasThe Elder Scrolls 3: MorrowindandOblivionthat carried the series forward, gradually shaping it into one of the most popular RPG franchises around. Both games became known for offering unparalleled freedom within vast open worlds, delivering a scope and depth of content that few competitors could rival.
Many features beloved by fans ofSkyrimor newerFallouttitles have their roots inMorrowindandOblivion, each advancing Bethesda’s RPG formula. These titles laid the groundwork for Bethesda’s signature approach to RPG design, withOblivionin particular serving as a blueprintfor nearly every game the studio has developed since and setting a standard that helped define the studio’s modern legacy.
Fallout 3is a prime example of how to revive a beloved franchise successfully,preserving its iconic elementswhile making them accessible to a wider audience. This new direction forFalloutproved immensely popular, paving the way for acclaimed follow-ups likeFallout: New VegasandFallout 4, which both garnered worldwide recognition.
WithFallout 3, the series reached a level of popularity rivaling Bethesda’s ownThe Elder Scrollsfranchise. It skillfully blends FPS and RPG elements, immersing players ina richly detailed post-apocalyptic wastelandthat invites exploration and discovery. Every corner of the radioactive landscape holds small stories and new adventures, making it a world that gamers will happily lose themselves in for hours.
Upon release, the originalMass Effectepitomized the idea of a “next-gen RPG,” introducing players to a fresh, thrilling sci-fi universe with groundbreaking visuals and a cinematic narrative that was unlike anything seen in the genre. As the powerful start to a now-iconic trilogy widely regarded as one of the greatest in gaming,Mass Effectcaptivated audiences with its immersive, meticulously crafted world, bold design choices, and the depth of even the smallest character interactions.
From this point on,Mass Effectset a new standard for dialogue and action in RPGs, moving beyond traditional “talking heads” conversations and combat sequences with little dynamics. While the game wasn’t without flaws — leading the sequel to revamp certain mechanics — itpresented a bold vision of what RPGs could achieve, forever changing players' expectations for storytelling in the genre.
