10 Games That Will Make You An ARPG Fan

By jim_clarke

23 July 2025

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10-games-that-will-make-you-an-arpg-fan — 10 Games That Will Make You An ARPG Fan

Of all the genres in the video game industry, I’ve found ARPGs tend to generate fear among newcomers.

Grim Dawn, Diablo 2 R, PoE, Torchlight 2

I think you’ll find that’s ‘our’ loot.

Since they are often long and dense, with multiple layers of gameplay and narrative, delving into their world may seem complicated. However, coming from someone who’s been playing them for years, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an ordeal.

In reality, there’s a plethora of titles incredibly suited to getting your feet wet within this category that combine role-playing elements with action, several of which even led me to become a dedicated follower of the genre.

Therefore, if you’re interested in this type of experience but don’t know where to start without feeling overwhelmed, I’m sharing this personally curated list of ten games that will make you an ARPG fan.

10 Black Myth: Wukong

An Unforgettable Blockbuster

Black Myth: Wukong

Released: August 20, 2024
ESRB: M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
Developer(s): Game Science
Publisher(s): Game Science
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unknown
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PC
How Long To Beat: 39 hours
PS Plus Availability: N/A
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Like several other games on the list, Black Myth: Wukong is an excellent entry point into ARPGs thanks to its blend of genres.

The title not only adapts the Chinese legend of Journey to the West perfectly and passionately, but also offers an adventure that blends RPG, hack-and-slash, and Soulslike elements to deliver a robust and satisfying set of mechanics.

Taking on the role of the Monkey King as you summon dozens of clones to defeat a giant scorpion that has already defeated you 30 times is as glorious as it sounds, especially since the game’s choreography and controls are thought out down to the last detail.

The level of customization isn’t as dense, but it’s enough to give it great replayability. Once you master the combat and start experimenting with all the stances and weapons, you’ll want to play through the game at least a couple of times like I did.

While I appreciate it more for its awesome artistic design and great cultural value, as it’s clearly a title made with affection for Chinese mythology, it’s also an extremely competent ARPG and one of the best in the last couple of years.

9 Avowed

Direct and Captivating

Released: February 18, 2025
ESRB: Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s): Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Franchise: Pillars of Eternity
Number of Players: 1
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unknown
PC Release Date: February 18, 2025
Xbox Series X|S Release Date: February 18, 2025
Platform(s): Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
How Long To Beat: 17 Hours
X|S Optimized: Yes
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

I’ve included Avowed in many of my articles throughout the year, precisely because I think it’s a worthy contender for the best RPG of 2025.

Obsidian only knows how to produce excellent titles, and the way they’ve expanded Pillars of Eternity‘s universe can only be described as a masterpiece of worldbuilding, narrative, and characters.

A collage of Open World Games With Amazing Side Quests: Dragon Age: Inquisition, Death Stranding, and Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

These games have such immersive universes that the optional content ends up being just as good as the main campaign.

Unfortunately, our ability to influence Avowed‘s world is limited, but this is a positive thing for those who aren’t yet fans of the genre, as it allows them to not worry that much about the outcome of their decisions.

Instead, they can focus on sensational first-person magical combat, masterful dialogue, immersive exploration, and a setting that will have you staring at the screen, spellbound and unable to move.

Especially if your interest lies in Western role-playing games, Avowed is magnificent and accessible, which will help you gradually ease into titles with more branches and variations.

8 Diablo 3

Accessible Addictiveness

Released: September 3, 2013
ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
Developer(s): Blizzard
Publisher(s): Blizzard
Engine: Havok
Franchise: Diablo
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, Switch
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Being one of the titles I’ve dedicated some of the most intense gaming sessions of my life to, Diablo 3 is pure, straightforward fun, the depth of which is up to you.

If you’re like me and are only interested in the core content, dozens of hours await, packed with countless areas, bosses, and playable classes to experience addictive top-down action.

However, if the game hooks you enough, there’s an immeasurable amount of end-game content to spend a fraction of your life on, which is also quite valid to prepare yourself for more profound experiences in the genre.

Plus, the game has stunning cinematics, tons of customization that doesn’t confuse you, and easily digestible systems that give you a great sense of empowerment. Diablo 3 may not be the most beloved among die-hard fans of RPGs, but it’s a perfect place to start.

7 Monster Hunter Wilds

An Excellent Entry Point

Highest Reviewed Games of 2025 - Monster Hunter Wilds

Released: February 28, 2025
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Engine: RE Engine
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play: Yes, all platforms
Cross Save: No
Franchise: Monster Hunter
Number of Players: 1
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unknown
PC Release Date: February 28, 2025
Xbox Series X|S Release Date: February 28, 2025
PS5 Release Date: February 28, 2025
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
X|S Optimized: Yes
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Monster Hunter is among the most iconic ARPG series of all time, but it’s also among the most intimidating for newcomers because of its immeasurable number of mechanics and cluttered interfaces.

Despite this, Monster Hunter Wilds does a perfect job of fulfilling the series’ legacy and attracting new hunters. It was my first game in the IP after decades of not playing it, and it felt as fluid as humanly possible.

Since the story is completely inconsequential, it’s easy to focus entirely on its more than refined gameplay. It’s not exactly a hunting simulator, but exploring biomes, tracking targets, and studying their weaknesses and strengths to defeat them is sensational.

Besides, the game features dozens of highly complex playable classes, but finding the one that suits you and mastering it to the fullest is incredibly enjoyable. After 30 hours, I was still discovering new mechanics and tricks with my Long Sword, making it clear that the game’s skill ceiling is massive.

Despite its accessibility, the barrier to entry is a bit high because this is still a Monster Hunter, but getting over it means entering a wonderful franchise with a community so passionate that it will easily make you feel at home.

6 Salt and Sanctuary

A Challenging but Satisfying Indie

Games That Will Make You A Souls Fan Salt And Sanctuary

Released: March 15, 2016
ESRB: M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence
Developer(s): Ska Studios
Publisher(s): Ska Studios
Engine: FNA / Microsoft XNA Game Studio
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified
PC Release Date: May 17, 2016
Nintendo Switch Release Date: August 2, 2018
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS Vita, PC
How Long To Beat: 16 Hours
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Salt and Sanctuary was one of the first indie games I ever played, and being a die-hard FromSoftware fan, it felt like experiencing enlightenment for the second time.

This gem not only stands out as a Soulslike game but particularly for its ARPG component, presenting side-scrolling combat with challenging bosses, gloriously interconnected areas, and tons of weapons and spells to customize your avatar with.

The game boasts all the genre’s relevant aspects, combining Metroidvania-like features with tremendous lore and atmosphere that make for a robust title from every angle, including a titanic skill tree that will have you creating unique characters every new playthrough.

I’ve completed it as both a Thief and a Mage, and not only did both experiences feel very different from each other, but they also demonstrate how crucial it is for an ARPG to have varied and highly replayable gameplay.

It’s rough to recommend because it can be devilishly difficult at times, but if you’re patient, Salt and Sanctuary will offer you the experience of the last decade’s finest indie games.

5 Cyberpunk 2077

Role-Playing Freshness in First Person

Cyberpunk 2077 Riding Motorcycle in City

Released: December 10, 2020
ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Developer(s): CD Projekt Red
Publisher(s): CD Projekt Red
Engine: REDengine 4
Cross-Platform Play: ps, xbox, pc
Cross Save: yes
Expansions: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Franchise: Cyberpunk
Number of Players: Single-player
Steam Deck Compatibility: yes
PC Release Date: December 10, 2020
Xbox Series X|S Release Date: February 15, 2022
PS5 Release Date: February 15, 2022
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date: June 5, 2025
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
How Long To Beat: 25 Hours
X|S Optimized: Yes
Metascore: 75
PS Plus Availability: Extra & Premium
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

If you’re more accustomed to first-person games, Cyberpunk 2077 has already solidified its position as one of the best open-world FPS and RPGs of the generation, making it a standout alternative.

Nothing beats being a wizard with complete freedom.

It can be overwhelming initially, as it boasts a greater narrative density and an incredibly detailed and expansive setting. Yet, the game knows how to introduce everything gradually, so it’s just a matter of giving in to the adventure and letting it guide you.

When I played it at launch, it was a straightforward action game with a skill tree, but now it’s a full-fledged ARPG where planning your character build is just as important as being good at playing it, especially if you’re chasing complex but satisfying builds like Netrunner.

Of course, you can play Cyberpunk 2077 with your brain off, just following indicators and killing everything in your path, though it gives you the opportunity to take everything as seriously as you want. The title has a lot of narrative and gameplay range, so it adapts to your needs without a problem.

4 The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

A Forgotten Icon

Geralt overlooking a town in the witcher 2

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Enhanced Edition)

Released: April 17, 2011
ESRB: M // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs
Developer(s): CD Projekt Red
Publisher(s): CD Projekt Red, 1C-SoftClub
Franchise: The Witcher
Platform(s): Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows, macOS, Linux

Anyone in their right mind would recommend The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for this list, as it’s among the best ARPGs of all time, but I want to go a little further.

In my case, I discovered the series through The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, and in some ways, it seems like a much better starting point for the IP than its more recent counterpart, despite being less refined.

The second game in the Geralt of Rivia adventure does everything the third eventually improves upon, featuring simple yet fluid combat with minimal customization where the real role-playing component lies in the narrative.

Every dialogue, quest, and event that occurs in The Witcher 2 is a masterclass in worldbuilding, and while these aspects are even better in its sequel, they are presented here in a more compact and digestible form.

Starting any series with the latest installment always strikes me as a suboptimal idea, and this time as well. The Witcher 2 is a tremendous ARPG, and everyone should give it a try before going for the king of kings.

3 Dark Souls

Your Introduction to Soulslike

Dark Souls player fighting Artorias close up

Released: September 22, 2011
ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Violence
Developer(s): From Software
Publisher(s): Namco Bandai
Engine: Havok
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play: No, Dark Souls 3 is not cross-platform between PS4 and PC
Cross Save: Dark Souls always save your game data using steam cloud
Franchise: Dark Souls
Steam Deck Compatibility: yes
PC Release Date: August 24, 2012
Platform(s): Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
How Long To Beat: 100 hours
X|S Optimized: no
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

One of the best things about playing Dark Souls is that it’s not only the perfect introduction to Soulslikes, but also to the genre we’re here for.

All Soulsborne experiences derive directly from ARPGs, the style of game to which they belong at their core, despite the inclusion of obscure narratives, sparse dialogue, and empty worlds.

Dark Souls is a different approach to the genre’s traditional canon, though it maintains its gameplay’s foundation centered on playable classes, high customization, levels, and stats with a wealth of personality and influence.

Truthfully, it’s practically impossible to understand current ARPGs without considering FromSoftware’s influence, and I’ve always believed Dark Souls is the ideal entry point for this kind of game, especially thanks to its DLC.

In retrospect, many of the titles on this list draw directly from it, making it an even more desirable option because it will help you pave the way to countless other games.

An Endless Universe

Skyrim

Released: November 11, 2011
ESRB: M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes
Developer(s): Bethesda
Publisher(s): Bethesda
Engine: Creation
Expansions: Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard
Franchise: The Elder Scrolls
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, PS4, PS5, Switch
How Long To Beat: 26 Hours
X|S Optimized: Yes
File Size Xbox Series: 29 GB (December 2023)
Metascore: 73
PS Plus Availability: Extra & Premium
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is part of the most iconic and important video game series in history, helping to shape open-world role-playing games since its release.

The passage of time has arguably aged its gameplay, with combat falling far short of the quality and spectacle of the other entries on this list, but there are some aspects in which Skyrim is simply unmatched.

When you consider the adventure’s magnitude, its setting, depth of content, myriad of stories to experience, and the overall ability to create a second life as you choose, Bethesda‘s magnum opus is the genre’s highlight.

The immersion with which you explore the frozen landscapes of Skyrim, with its extensive lore, hundreds of characters, and unlimited sensations, makes it a timeless creation, even more so if you have access to the mods the community has created to further improve it.

While The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim isn’t the same marvel by modern standards, it’s an unmissable ARPG classic with infinite replayability. If you have the time and inclination to explore an entire world, you’ll find a fantastic home here.

1 Dragon’s Dogma

The Most Spectacular RPG

Released: May 22, 2012
ESRB: M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Engine: MT Framework
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Franchise: Dragon’s Dogma
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360

As the seventh generation of consoles’ most underrated game, I couldn’t close this list without featuring the open world that improves the most with every passing second: Dragon’s Dogma.

With a story interesting enough not to be considered bland and gameplay that’s excessively ahead of its time, traveling to Gransys is the kind of experience you’ll never forget.

Thanks to its innovative class system that lets you change vocations at will, allowing you to explore its spectacular combat system where you climb giant monsters while summoning meteors and tornadoes, the gameplay possibilities in Dragon’s Dogma are endless and extremely satisfying.

The power fantasy this game fosters is one of the biggest reasons people choose to play ARPGs, as it encourages you to grow and specialize to the point where you literally become a deity.

Along with an immersive world where you lose yourself for hours and through engaging side quests that are worth completing, Dragon’s Dogma takes the basics of ARPGs and improves them to the max, making it an undeniable must-have for the genre.

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