Top 20 Best RPGs of the Last 5 Years (2020-2025) – Must-Play New Games

Top 20 Best RPGs of the Last 5 Years (2020-2025) - Must-Play New Games

Role-playing games (RPGs) have captivated gamers with immersive worlds, rich narratives, and deep mechanics. Over the past five years, from 2020 to 2025, the genre has seen remarkable releases that redefine storytelling and gameplay. Whether you're a fan of epic adventures or indie gems, this lineup has something for everyone. Here's a detailed breakdown of these must-play titles.

1. Outriders (2021)

Kicking off the list, Outriders blends RPG depth with third-person shooter action. Released on April 1, 2021, by People Can Fly, this sci-fi epic offers a gritty tale of survival on the hostile planet Enoch.

2. Mirthwood (2024)

A hidden gem, Mirthwood arrived on November 6, 2024. This indie RPG combines farming sim elements with medieval fantasy, delivering a cozy yet adventurous experience.

3. Wartales (2021)

Shiro Games' Wartales, launched on December 1, 2021, offers a tactical RPG journey through a plague-ridden world. Lead a band of mercenaries in this unforgiving open-world adventure.

4. Solasta: Crown of the Magister (2021)

Released on May 27, 2021, Solasta: Crown of the Magister by Tactical Adventures brings tabletop RPG vibes to life with its faithful adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules.

5. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (2024)

From Don't Nod, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (February 13, 2024) weaves a haunting tale of love and loss, blending action RPG combat with supernatural storytelling.

6. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter (2025)

A fresh 2025 release (February 18), Tails of Iron 2 by Odd Bug Studio continues its brutal rat-kingdom saga with enhanced RPG mechanics and stunning hand-drawn art.

7. Dragon's Dogma 2 (2024)

Capcom's Dragon's Dogma 2 (March 22, 2024) elevates its predecessor's open-world action RPG formula with breathtaking visuals and dynamic pawn-driven combat.

8. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)

Sega's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (January 26, 2024) mixes turn-based RPG combat with the series' signature quirky charm, set across Japan and Hawaii.

9. The Thaumaturge (2024)

Launched on March 4, 2024, The Thaumaturge by Fool's Theory offers a unique isometric RPG experience in a mystical 1905 Warsaw, blending history and folklore.

10. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon (2023)

An indie standout, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon (December 12, 2023) delivers a dark fantasy RPG with branching narratives and punishing combat.

11. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)

Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 (August 3, 2023) is a modern masterpiece, offering unparalleled freedom and depth in a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired world.

12. ELEX 2 (2022)

Piranha Bytes' ELEX 2 (March 1, 2022) continues its sci-fi-fantasy RPG legacy with a vast open world and morally complex choices.

13. Tales of Arise (2021)

Bandai Namco's Tales of Arise (September 10, 2021) revitalized the Tales series with stunning visuals and a heartfelt story of rebellion.

14. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (2024)

GSC Game World's S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 (November 20, 2024) merges FPS and RPG elements in a hauntingly atmospheric post-apocalyptic zone.

15. Hogwarts Legacy (2023)

Hogwarts Legacy (February 10, 2023) by Avalanche Software lets players live out their wizarding dreams in an open-world RPG set in the Harry Potter universe.

16. Avowed (2025)

Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed (February 18, 2025) promises a rich first-person RPG experience in the vibrant yet perilous world of Eora.

17. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 (December 10, 2020) overcame a rocky launch to become a sprawling cyberpunk RPG with a neon-soaked Night City.

18. Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024)

BioWare's Dragon Age: The Veilguard (October 31, 2024) returns with cinematic storytelling and tactical combat in the beloved Thedas setting.

19. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2025)

Warhorse Studios' Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (February 4, 2025) builds on its realistic medieval RPG roots with a larger world and refined mechanics.

20. Diablo IV (2023)

Blizzard's Diablo IV (June 5, 2023) redefines action RPGs with its dark, loot-driven descent into Sanctuary's depths.

Why These RPGs Stand Out

This list spans blockbuster hits like Baldur's Gate 3 and Diablo IV to lesser-known titles like Mirthwood and Tainted Grail. The variety reflects the RPG genre's evolution, blending traditional mechanics with innovative twists. Released between 2020 and 2025, these games showcase the past five years' finest offerings.

Final Thoughts

From the dystopian streets of Cyberpunk 2077 to the magical halls of Hogwarts Legacy, these 20 RPGs represent the pinnacle of the last five years. Whether you're chasing epic quests or tactical challenges, this list-fresh as of March 16, 2025-has you covered. Which title will you dive into first?