When 2024 began, it looked like it might be the year of the survival game, as titles likePalworldandEnshroudedbegan dominating the scene. However, as the year went on, RPGs began taking over both in number and in quality. From reimagined classics likePaper Mario: The Thousand-Year DoorandPersona 3 Reloadto groundbreaking new entries likeMetaphor: ReFantazio,2024’s RPG lineuphas been a celebration of both nostalgia and innovation, inviting players into worlds teeming with rich stories, memorable characters, and unique gameplay mechanics.
What makes theseRPGsthe best of 2024 is their ability to redefine player experiences while continuing to honor the core principles of the genre. These games don’t just entertain with fast-paced gameplay, they challenge players to think, feel, and explore in ways that only a true RPG can. Together, the following titles (presented in alphabetical order) represent the pinnacle of the RPG experience in 2024.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguardtakes players to the northern reaches of Thedas, where players must navigate the thinning Veil and the advent of the blighted Evanuris. Throughout the story, players navigate political intrigue while building alliances across six factions in hopes that they can all work together to see their common threat expunged.Dragon Age: The Veilguardis the firstDragon Agegame to be released in ten years, so a lot has naturally changed in its look and style from previous games in the series. Even so, it is aDragon Agegameat heart and its streamlined mission based design, meaningful decision-making, and diverse cast of companions make it one of 2024’s best RPGs.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2is arguably more of a remakethan a sequel, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a great game. Essentially, everything introduced in the firstDragon’s Dogmagame (the sprawling open world, janky combat, and unique Pawn system) all make a return inDragon’s Dogma 2, but they have been refined for a more modern experience.Dragon’s Dogma 2once again casts players as the Arisen, a chosen hero linked to an eternal cycle of struggle and rebirth, who is tasked with destroying the Dragon that threatens the land.
Despite some initial technical issues at launch,Dragon’s Dogma 2’s fluid class system, emergent gameplay, emphasis on player agency, and seamless open world all nonetheless come together to form what is one of this year’s best RPGs and a massive improvement over its predecessor.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakereimagines the journey of a young hero destined to defeat the demon lord Baramos in what is one of the most faithful yet innovative video game remakes in recent years, with substantial changes made that still somehow manage to respect the original game’s DNA. The originalDragon Quest 3was only moderately well-received by critics, but it is still recognized by fans as one of the series' best games for its story and gameplay. However,Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remaketakes things up several notches with refinedturn-based combat, vibrant visuals, and timeless narrative charm that combines nostalgia with a modern touch to make it a must-play RPG born in the heart of 2024.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
While not technically a full title,Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is substantial enough that it could very well be considered a full game. Shadow of the Erdtree takes players to theRealm of Shadow, in the heart of the Lands Between, following in the footsteps of Empyrean Miquella. It has been recognized as the highest-rated video game DLC ever made and for good reason. Specifically, Shadow of the Erdtree manages to remain faithful to what the base game forElden Ringdid so well and piles more greatness on top of it, with gorgeous new locales to discover, much more challenging gameplay than before, and plenty of secrets to uncover in its largely vertical world.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis Square Enix’s next attempt at showing the video game industry what a remake arguably should be, as it feels like an entirely different game and yet somehow still feels the same.Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthis the second entry in theFinal Fantasy 7 Remaketrilogy, now seeing Cloud and his friends venturing beyond Midgar in pursuit of Sephiroth. The story introduces new twists while reimagining iconic moments, seamlessly blending action and strategy in its revamped combat system. Its new semi-open-world zones are also a thrill to explore, thanks to their captivating visuals and rewarding discoveries.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
InLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ichiban Kasugaembarks on a new journey filled with eccentric characters and heartfelt drama, with all the exaggerated moments the series has always had. From a visual standpoint,Infinite Wealthis gorgeous, with a pool of saturated colors to make its rendition of Hawaii both fun and breathtaking to behold. It’s much more than its appearance, however, as it has a tremendous number of activities for players to complete, with their diversity being their standout characteristic. The game’s engaging turn-based combat, absurd humor, and deeply emotional moments highlight its unique qualities, offering a balance of laughter and tears and making it one of 2024’s great RPGs.
WhileLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwas not nominated for Game of the Year at 2024’s Game Awards, it received a nomination for Best RPG and rightfully so. IfMetaphor: ReFantaziodoesn’t winBest RPG in 2024, it seems likely thatInfinite Wealthwould be next in line.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Following the ongoing success of itsPersonaseries, Atlus' new IP,Metaphor: ReFantazio, has seemingly taken the world by storm, receiving high praise from both critics and fans and even going on to receive numerous nominations at the 2024 Game Awards, including Game of the Year, Best RPG, and Best Narrative.Metaphor: ReFantaziointroduces players to a surreal fantasy world where ancient mysteries and political intrigue collide, making it a unique step to the side for Atlus. As a protagonist destined to shape the broken world, players forge bonds with various companions and confront powerful enemies usingMetaphor’s innovative Archetype system. Its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, challenging and engaging combat, and visually stunning design are the perfect recipe for an excellent RPG in 2024.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Yet another remake in the list of 2024’s best RPGs isPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which takes everything the original game did right, refines it, and elevates its wit and heart to new heights. The story ofPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorfollows Mario as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of the titular door. Along the way, he partners with quirky allies and faces off against comical villains in vibrant paper-crafted environments, where the combat is just as exaggerated as the jokes, but nonetheless fulfilling. Despite remaining faithful to the original game,Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Doorincludes enough modern additions to make it feel new, so it is more than deserving of a spot among 2024’s best RPGs.
Persona 3 Reload
InPersona 3 Reload, players step into the shoes of a high school student balancing daily life with battling shadowy creatures in the mysterious Dark Hour. The game explores themes of mortality, friendship, and inner strength, blending social simulation withturn-based dungeon crawling, just as the original game did. However, the addition of updated visuals, extra voice acting, expanded content, and refined combat make it a worthwhile RPG in 2024.
Unicorn Overlord
Unicorn Overlordis a brand-new IP in 2024, and it has quickly made a name for itself in the RPG space since its release.Unicorn Overlordtakes players on a journey through a fractured kingdom, where the exiled prince Alain must forge alliances to liberate the nations of Fevrith from the tyrannical Zenoiran Empire. Combiningtactical RPG combatwith expansive exploration, the game emphasizes strategic planning, and, as is the case in any great RPG, its narrative is deep and compelling.Unicorn Overlordeffectively fuses grand-scale storytelling with innovative gameplay mechanics to not only make it a fresh entry in the RPG genre but also one of 2024’s best RPGs overall.
