The defining feature of RPGs is their ability to keep players engaged for the long term. Many role-playing games feature colossal content that can only be completed after dozens of hours of gameplay. Beyond the main quest, these titles offer side activities like secondary missions, items to collect, and locations to discover. So much so that surpassing 100 hours of playtime has almost become the norm. These productions can feature vast open worlds, stories rich in dialogue, or impressive freedom that encourages us to explore off the beaten path. Here are the best RPGs that deserve more than a hundred hours of your time.
It’s been nearly 14 years since Skyrim started entertaining us. Bethesda Game Studios’ action-RPG is probably the best example of Western RPGs. Despite its main quest being quick to finish, this The Elder Scrolls is full of secrets in its dungeons, caves, tombs, and abandoned temples waiting to be explored. The Witcher 3 took the formula even further by offering ultra-narrative side quests that can take a long time to complete. Furthermore, both titles are supported by a community of insatiable fans. Mods are frequently uploaded, adding new quests, items, or even changes to the gameplay. So, there’s plenty to keep you playing for hundreds of hours.
There are also RPGs so deep in terms of storytelling that it’s highly recommended to finish them multiple times. Mass Effect belongs to this category. The responses you give during conversations will affect your relationships with characters and even alter the ending. The same goes for Baldur’s Gate 3, which filled with story branches and important decisions to make throughout your adventure. Cyberpunk 2077 also pushes these boundaries. Entire aspects of the game can change based on the background you choose at the beginning and the character missions you complete. These missions unlock additional options for the grand finale.
Sometimes, an RPG can keep us engaged solely because of its gripping story. Persona 5 Royal is the perfect example of this! This Japanese role-playing game created by Atlus hides a much more complex plot than it seems at first glance. The twists and turns multiply as the hours pass, and long conversations with both allies and enemies add extra depth. Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XII also boast unforgettable plots and protagonists. However, it’s worth noting that these three titles require players to engage in battles to gain experience and level up their characters, which artificially extends the playtime. But since the battles are well-calibrated, the enjoyment remains intact.
Lastly, we can also mention RPGs that intentionally lose the player in their vastness. This is the case with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which drops Link into a vast open world with no clear direction. It’s up to us to choose where to go, discover sometimes isolated villages, or abandoned shrines that hide key rewards for the next steps of the adventure. Our hero can climb anything, swim, and use the elements around him. This encourages experimentation and replays. Also in the category of enormous maps, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey makes a major impact. There are 256 km² to explore, both by sea and land, and hundreds of points of interest to uncover on the map.
To conclude, we can confidently say that the RPG genre is without a doubt the one that occupies us the most in the world of video games. We’ve intentionally skipped over MMORPGs, which are even more time-consuming compared to single-player RPGs. In any case, there’s no shortage of options in gaming to keep us busy for tens, even hundreds, of hours. Soon, titles like The Elder Scrolls VI, The Witcher 4, and Fable will add even more layers to this genre!
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
3. Cyberpunk 2077
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC
4. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
6. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
7. Nioh 2
- Available on PS4, PS5, and PC
8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC
9. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
10. Persona 5 Royal
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
11. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC
12. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch (Cloud), and PC
13. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Available on Switch and Switch 2
14. Final Fantasy XV
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC
15. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
- Available on PC
16. Divinity: Original Sin II
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
17. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
18. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
This post highlights some fantastic RPGs that really showcase the genre’s depth and storytelling. It’s great to see games that can provide such immersive experiences for long play sessions. Looking forward to diving into these recommendations!
Absolutely, the storytelling in RPGs often goes hand in hand with character development, making players feel truly invested in the journey. It’s interesting how some games also incorporate player choices that can lead to multiple endings, adding even more replayability!
You’re right! The depth of character development can really enhance the emotional investment in the story. It’s fascinating how some RPGs allow players to shape their characters’ paths, making each playthrough feel unique.
Absolutely! A strong narrative combined with character growth can make those long hours feel like a rewarding journey. It’s fascinating how the choices you make can shape not just the story, but also your connection to the characters.