The love for RPGs, especially open-world ones, has expanded exponentially over the past year, and that's largely due to games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Dragon's Dogma 2. 2024 has played host to some of the best RPGs of all time across a variety of different platforms, which will naturally be incredibly overwhelming for those with major delays.
Fortunately, not every RPG is a huge 100+ hour spectacle, as many of them fall into the small but incredibly sweet indie category. Plus, many of these RPGs are on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, making them more accessible than ever. From diving deep into dungeons to hanging out at school with some friends, there are so many phenomenal RPGs coming out in 2024 that will easily help carry gamers looking for a long experience into the New Year.
10
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (Square Enix)
A beautiful remake of a classic RPG
After releasing the three original Dragon Quest games on current consoles and PC, Square Enix decided to do a complete remake of the trilogy, starting with the third game - which is chronologically the first. Happily, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakewhich gets its name from the HD-2D visual style popularized by Octopath Traveler series, kicked off this remake trilogy with a bang.
While it retains much of its old-school charm, it's modernized where it countsmaking it the definitive version of the game. In a year full of massive 100+ hour RPGs with photorealistic visuals, the Dragon Quest 3 Remake it's a breath of fresh air and a great way to experience a true classic. For fans of old-school JRPGs or those who want to see where it all began, the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a great place to start.
9
Unicorn Overlord (Vanillaware)
A tactical RPG like no other
Unicorn Sovereign is Vanillaware's foray into the world of TRPGs, providing players with a remarkable experience that takes a look at the beats of Fire Emblem. It's a sprawling open-world RPG in which players attempt to liberate various cities and towns spread across different biomes. Each area can be approached in any order, as long as players have gathered a strong pool of fighters and leveled them up so they can create larger units.
The progression of units and squads in Unicorn Sovereign This is where much of the fun comes from, as it drastically changes how players approach combat. Unit formations and unit synergies are also important and require consideration. It's all a lot to think about, but Unicorn Sovereign manages to make it seem digestible, ensuring it never overwhelms people. For those who want a good TRPG, Unicorn Sovereign is the perfect choice.
8
Granblue Fantasy: Relink (Cygames)
An RPG with so many playable characters
Granblue Fantasy: Relink was forgotten in 2024, despite offering one of the most compelling RPG experiences of the year. It's an action-packed game with an epic story, a huge roster of playable charactersand a phenomenal soundtrack. For those who love campy JRPGs, Granblue Fantasy: Relink absolutely fits the bill. It's a better experience for those who've seen the anime or played the original mobile game, but even newcomers can enjoy this sprawling RPG.
What it does Granblue Fantasy: Relink What sets it apart from other 2024 RPGs is its cast of characters. Players start with several to choose from - either to play with or to add to their party - and will then unlock more as they progress through the story. Each character has their own series of missions and unique weapon types that can be upgraded. They also have very different play styles, which helps add a lot of replayability to this already huge package.
7
Persona 3: Reload (Atlus)
The definitive RPG remake
Person 3: Reload is a great example of how to do remakes well, as it not only improves on the visuals of the original game, but also injects it with a variety of new content and character moments. While those who didn't like Tartarus won't find any love for it here, everything surrounding the procedurally generated dungeon is truly exceptional. Turn-based combat has been significantly updated with additions of Person 5 and there are additional activities that can be carried out to improve social statistics.
Additionally, the characters have new Link Episodes that help flesh out their origins and even Tartarus has had a revamp to make him a little more tolerable. Frankly, from the writing to the soundtrack, Person 3: Reload It's one of the best, if not the best, games in the entire series.. It's an excellent life simulation-RPG hybrid that delivers consistent results across its long runtime.
6
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree (FromSoftware)
An incredible DLC that feels like a complete game
Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree It may be DLC, but as the 2024 Game Awards confirmed, it's practically its own game. With a huge runtime and a huge supply of content to get through, Shadow of the Erd Tree is one of the most ambitious DLCs ever made. Although it was initially criticized for being too difficult, fans changed their minds and it now looks comparable to the original Elden Ring experience.
Shadow of the Erd Tree adds an entirely new area to the game, as well as a multitude of new bosses and story details. Of course, those who loved Elden Ring You'll probably have already played it, but for those who haven't, it's definitely one of the best RPG games of 2024 that's worth playing. Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree It surpasses many other RPGs released in 2024 in many aspectsbut especially in terms of scale and ambition.
5
Dragon's Dogma 2 (Capcom)
The most immersive open-world RPG of 2024
Dragon's Dogma 2 It's the perfect sequel in many waysoffering a completely standalone experience that builds on the original game, introducing improved versions of previous mechanics and a host of new ideas. For example, the Pawn system that made the original game such a unique RPG returns in Dragon's Dogma 2it's just much more advanced and engaging. Pawns have more to do, more to say and interact better with the world and enemies around them.
Additionally, the level of emerging events has increased significantly, which helps make the world feel more alive. Simply traveling from one city to another can lead to a multitude of memorable moments that will linger in the player's memory long after the credits roll. Of course, with dozens of side quests to complete, secrets to discover, pawns to find, and story missions to experience, players will have plenty to enjoy in Dragon's Dogma 2.
It was nominated for GOTY
Metaphor: ReFantazio was nominated for Game of the Year at the 2024 Game Awardswhich naturally puts it at the top of the list of best RPGs of 2024. Of course, it earned its nomination for this prestigious award thanks to its many improvements over Atlus' traditional RPG formula, as well as its sprawling narrative that has twists and turns. enough to fill several games.
Fortunately, while the central story dealing with the politics of a fantasy kingdom is absolutely fascinating, Atlus hasn't forgotten the importance of downtime. When not fighting horrific monsters in some of the best turn-based combat encounters ever made, the player can mingle with several excellently written companions to help boost their stats. Metaphor: ReFantazio takes all the best elements from Atlus' other RPGs and combines them to create a truly exceptional game.
3
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)
A fantastic culmination of everything that came before
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth seems like the culmination of all Yakuza and Like a dragon previous games, telling an epic, nostalgia-filled story that features the best characters and writing in the series. The central story revolves around Ichiban and Kiryu as they both face their own demons and challenges during an incredibly tumultuous time. This is a heartfelt and emotionally charged story that fans of the series will certainly enjoy.
Of course, while there is plenty of dark introspective reflection to be found in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealththere are also a lot of silly moments. Whether it's the ridiculous collection of minigames or the hilarious side quests, players looking for the fun side of Infinite Wealth we will definitely find it in droves. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth can overcome practically everyone Yakuza and Like a dragon game before him to give fans the best RPG experience.
2
Dark Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
A phenomenal action RPG
Dark Myth: Wukong is one of the best-looking RPGs of 2024, with each of its diverse locations offering impressive views as players run around beating up a variety of monsters. With a multitude of bosses to face, an epic story full of spectacular moments and some of the best driving scenes in gaming, Dark Myth: Wukong is a huge and incredibly beautiful RPG that is worth playing.
When players aren't defeating the game's many bosses, Dark Myth: Wukongthey can explore their immensely detailed environments, each with multiple secrets to discover. Again, Dark Myth: Wukong was nominated for GOTYand while it didn't win, it's still a phenomenal RPG. For those who want a blockbuster RPG with great combat and compelling progression, Dark Myth: Wukong is the ideal game.
1
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (Square Enix)
The best part of the Remake trilogy so far
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is one of the greatest RPGs ever made and a phenomenal sequel to the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 Remake. It's a bigger, bolder, action-packed experiencefull of compelling optional content, stunning open areas to explore, and a plethora of exceptional character moments that are worth the price of admission alone.
Of course it helps to have played Remake first, but even newcomers can enjoy it all Renaissance has to offer. All of 2024's best RPGs offer a unique experience, whether it's tactical combat, turn-based school simulators, or blockbuster open worlds, and that's what makes it such a great year for the genre. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and all the other best RPGs are wonderful games and will make 2024 an unforgettable year.
Source: PlayStation/YouTube, Xbox/YouTube