7 best RPGs of 2024

The year 2024 was incredible for RPGs; whether they be JRPGs, Tactical Role-playing Games, or more action-based titles, but this list only features the best. From games that hit early access like Hades 2 to a new entry to the Like a Dragon franchise, it’s been hits throughout the year. Unfortunately, not every single role-playing game this year made the list, and some qualifiers are kept some off the list.

For the most part, we aren’t focusing on remakes/remasters, unless they added something truly significant to the game. Reimaginings are a different story altogether. DLCs don’t make the list either, giving us a few honorable mentions. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is truly one of the best remakes I’ve seen. From the visuals to gameplay adjustments, and adding some interesting lore, it’s a must-play.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is another honorable mention - an amazing addition to an already stellar game. It had our writers hooked for months, diving into every tiny aspect. It even inspired me to start giving Elden Ring a fair shake.

Finally, Persona 3 Reload, while incredible, it is a remake of an established game. It's an incredible remake of arguably the best Persona game and does a lot to make the game approachable for everyone, but it's still just a remaster. That said, it's still one of the best RPGs of 2024.

Note: This list is based on the author's opinion and in no particular order.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was filled with new story beats and familiar foes (Image via Square Enix)

1) Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

• Developed by Square Enix
• Available on PlayStation 5

“...Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is an improvement in every conceivable way. From combat mechanics to the ways the party can grow stronger to the various mini-games scattered throughout the world, Square Enix delivered on the presentation and mechanics alike.” – Sportskeeda review

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a masterpiece of an RPG; pure and simple and one of 2024's best. It’s far more than just a remake of a portion of the PSX version of Final Fantasy 7; it adds to the world, giving it more life than ever before. The story was thrilling and emotionally charged, leaving me breathless, and waiting for that forthcoming third installment.

"Gomenasorry" might be the funniest thing I've ever read in a game (Image via SEGA)

2) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

• Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios
• Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows

“Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth tells two stories, and tells them well. Kasuga Ichiban’s story is the drama surrounding his mother, and how mysterious forces are all seeking her. On the other hand, Kiryu’s story is how he is dealing with cancer, and the various sins of his life.” – Sportskeeda review

I'm in love with the shift to a more turn-based RPG style for the mainline Like a Dragon games. It’s a blend of Dragon Quest and Persona, put together in this incredible world crafted by RGG Studios. With an amazing voice cast in English and Japanese and a must-experience story, it’s a rich, full title. All we can truly hope for is that the next main entry just focuses on Kasuga. While I liked Kiryu’s closure, fans must see Kasuga really stand on his own as the main protagonist.

Same, Hulkenberg, same (Image via Atlus)

3) Metaphor: ReFantazio

• Developed by Atlus
• Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows

“Just when you think that this will be the last surprise in the plot, Atlus somehow manages to surpass it. The already strong plot becomes more interesting with its Game of Thrones-esque political twists, a well-written cast of characters, phenomenal music, and visual presentation.” – Sportskeeda review

Metaphor: ReFantazio is so much more than just “Fantasy Persona.” They’ve updated the formula, and improved on it in nearly every way. Every member of the cast is amazing and well fleshed out, reagardless of whether they join your party. Combat’s fantastic, the story is truly compelling, and it features a brilliant visual design. There’s a lot of potential in a sequel, and I for one, hope we get to return to the world created for this RPG.

The photo mode makes your Arisen genuinely pop off the screen (Image via Capcom)

4) Dragon’s Dogma 2

• Developed by Capcom
• Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows

“Dragon’s Dogma 2 now has set a benchmark for action roleplaying games in my life, and something I think even FromSoftware’s games would have to work harder to match, much less surpass.” – Sportskeeda review

While I didn’t play much of the original Dragon’s Dogma, I agree with our reviewer on how he felt about the sequel. This Action RPG was incredibly well designed, with players finding secrets for some time after the initial launch. It may have had its issues on PC when it came to performance, but in terms of world building and design, it’s a hard one to beat.

Unicorn Overlord is the pinnacle of tactical RPG experiences (Image via Vanillaware)

5) Unicorn Overlord

• Developed by Vanillaware and Atlus
• Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch

“Unicorn Overlord has the formation and overworld combat system of Ogre Battle, with the Class/Unit combat system of Fire Emblem. However, it fixes the things both of those franchises do wrong.” – Sportskeeda review

That’s right, tactical RPGs are alive and well, thanks to Vanillaware and Atlus! Unicorn Overlord is a masterpiece that blends two types of tactical game and puts them together in a way that makes it shine brightly.

The story itself is nothing to write home about, but the experiences had in the game are completely different. With a compelling art style, challenge battles, and tons of replay value, it also doesn’t waste your time. Where tactical RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics make you spend incredible amounts of time on a stage, this one won’t lock down your whole day unless you want it to.

We're so back, Mana fans (Image via Square Enix)

6) Visions of Mana

• Developed by Square Enix and Ouka Studios
• Available on Playstation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows

“Visions of Mana spectacularly revives the dormant franchise. It’s fitting in a way because the heroes of this title are out to aid the Mana Tree, and keep the world safe and filled with magic for everyone.” – Sportskeeda review

As a lifelong Mana fan, I was so glad to see that Visions of Mana was coming this year, and that it was fantastic. I adored the story, in that sort of tragic “Final Fantasy X” kind of way. The way it dealt with the notion of people not only sacrificing themselves to the Mana Tree but being glad to do it really hooked me.

Combine that with awesome combat and gorgeous visuals, and you have a recipe for success. This RPG is a blend of cute art and some gloomy, but hopeful storytelling.

Atlus just didn't miss this year, and SMT was no exception (Image via Atlus)

7) Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

• Atlus West
• Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows

“The new Vengeance route also fleshes out the characters and their motivations. The addition of a new set of antagonists also fixes many plot points that felt weird in the first game.” – Sportskeeda review

What puts Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on here, when games like Persona 3 Reload did not make the cut, is the sheer amount of work and effort that went into making this RPG different from the original. Sure, you can talk about the Quality of Life changes, of which there were many.

Instead, what makes this a must-play is the second, full-length storyline, Canon of Vengeance. It’s what the story should have been in the first place, to be honest. It took an already great, but difficult game and made it more approachable, and made the story far more interesting. In addition, this release freed this amazing RPG from the Nintendo Switch jail, so far more people could play it with better hardware.

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There were so many amazing RPGs that were released in 2024, and some even made our best games of 2024 list. 2025 appears to be just as stacked, with remakes like Lunar and Suikoden, alongside new games like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.