Best RPGs to Play in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for role-playing game enthusiasts. With a diverse array of titles spanning various subgenres, platforms, and narrative styles, gamers are in for an unforgettable journey. From cozy farming simulations to intense hack-and-slash adventures and strategic turn-based combat, the upcoming year promises something for every type of RPG fan. This article delves into some of the most anticipated RPGs set to release in 2025, offering a glimpse into their unique worlds, innovative gameplay mechanics, and compelling stories. Prepare to embark on new quests, forge legendary heroes, and lose yourself in immersive digital realms as we explore the best RPGs coming your way in 2025.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

Release Date: August 27, 2025

Platforms: PC, Switch, Switch 2

For those who prefer a more tranquil and charming gaming experience, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar offers a delightful escape into the idyllic Zephyr Town. This remake of the beloved Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar invites players to cultivate their farms, earn a living, and revitalize a once-bustling community. The game focuses on the simple yet rewarding loop of farming, selling goods, and interacting with a vibrant cast of characters. A notable return in this installment is the inclusion of love rivals within the romance system, adding depth and immersion to your relationships as the town and its inhabitants come to life around you. If you’re looking for a cozy alternative to action-packed RPGs, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar promises a heartwarming and engaging experience.

Lost Soul Aside

Release Date: August 29, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5

Lost Soul Aside emerges as a highly anticipated action RPG, promising a grand narrative and visually stunning combat. Players will step into the shoes of Kaser, embarking on an epic journey across multiple worlds and dimensions. His quest? To save his sister and, by extension, all of humanity from mysterious invaders. Early trailers suggest a fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat system, complete with formidable bosses that will test players’ skills. While many details about the story and gameplay are still under wraps, Lost Soul Aside is poised to deliver an exhilarating and immersive experience for fans of high-octane action and compelling fantasy.

Demon School

Release Date: September 3, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Demon School brings a unique blend of university life and demonic battles to the RPG landscape. Following Fay and her friends, players will navigate the challenges of academia on a mysterious island, only to find themselves embroiled in conflicts with strange foes from both their world and a demonic plane of existence. The game features turn-based combat, a staple for strategic RPG enthusiasts. The intriguing premise and stylistic visuals make Demon School a title to watch for those seeking a fresh take on the genre, combining everyday life with supernatural encounters.

Wander Stars

Release Date: September 19, 2025

Platforms: PC, Switch

Wander Stars is an upcoming RPG that promises to captivate fans of anime-inspired narratives and classic turn-based combat. The story follows Ringo and her mysterious wolf partner as they embark on a perilous journey to find the fabled Wanderstar Map. Their quest is fraught with challenges, requiring players to engage in strategic turn-based encounters. With its charming anime aesthetic and a narrative that feels straight out of a ’90s animated series, Wander Stars is set to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh experience for those who appreciate compelling characters and engaging combat in a vibrant world.

Consume Me

Release Date: September 25, 2025

Platforms: PC

Consume Me offers a unique and adorable take on the slice-of-life RPG genre. Players will follow Jenny, a young protagonist navigating the complexities of childhood. The core gameplay revolves around managing Jenny’s daily schedule and making choices that influence her development and experiences. Described as a “darkly funny coming-of-age story,” the game boasts 13 different endings, suggesting significant replayability and the impact of player decisions. Consume Me is an intriguing title for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences with a focus on character development and the subtle nuances of everyday life.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian

Release Date: September 26, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch

Fans of the long-running Atelier series will be thrilled with Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian, the 27th installment in the beloved franchise. This JRPG sees the protagonist returning to the mysterious town of Hallfein, a restricted area for years. Players will embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the town’s past, engaging in battles and utilizing the series’ signature alchemy system. The game also promises elements of exploration and city-building mechanics, offering a rich and engaging experience for both newcomers and veteran Atelier fans. Prepare to delve into a world of magic, mystery, and crafting as you unravel the secrets of Hallfein.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Remastered)

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2

A true classic of the tactical RPG genre is making a grand return with Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Remastered). This highly anticipated remaster allows both new and returning players to experience the epic tale of Ramza Beoulve as he navigates a period of intense war and political intrigue. The core gameplay revolves around strategic, turn-based battles on a grid, where players must carefully manage their units and utilize a deep character class system to achieve victory. With enhanced graphics and refined gameplay, this remaster aims to preserve everything that made the original a masterpiece while bringing it to a new generation of hardware. For fans of deep strategy and compelling storytelling, this is a must-play title.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Release Date: October 2, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

For fans of creature-collecting RPGs, Digimon Story: Time Stranger offers a fresh adventure in the beloved Digimon universe. This new installment throws players into a story that spans both the human world and the Digital World. Unlike previous titles, Time Stranger promises expanded worlds and hints at parallel dimensions, adding a new layer of complexity to the narrative. The combat system is expected to be more intricate than that of its Pokémon counterparts, providing a challenging experience for those seeking a deeper strategic element in their monster-battling games. If you’re looking for a compelling story and a more demanding combat system in a creature-collecting RPG, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is one to keep an eye on.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Release Date: October 16, 2025

Platforms: Switch, Switch 2

Pokemon Legends: Z-A marks a significant evolution for the long-running Pokémon franchise. Set in Lumiose City, this new title explores a future where Pokémon and humans coexist in harmony. A major departure from previous main series games is the introduction of a real-time combat system, moving away from the traditional turn-based battles. This change promises a more dynamic and action-oriented gameplay experience, inviting players to engage with Pokémon battles in a fresh and exciting way. For both long-time fans and newcomers, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is poised to redefine what a Pokémon RPG can be, offering a compelling new adventure with innovative mechanics.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S

The highly anticipated sequel to a cult classic, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, is set to immerse players in the dark and intriguing world of vampires. Developed by The Chinese Room, this action RPG places players in the role of Phyre, an Elder vampire navigating 21st-century Seattle. The game promises a rich narrative where players will uncover their backstory, interact with various vampire clans, and develop their unique vampiric powers. With its deep lore, branching storylines, and moral choices, Bloodlines 2 is expected to deliver a mature and atmospheric RPG experience that fans of the original and newcomers to the World of Darkness will appreciate.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Release Date: October 23, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

For those who enjoy a blend of merchant simulation and roguelike dungeon crawling, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is poised to deliver. This sequel to the popular Moonlighter invites players to step back into the shoes of a shopkeeper who ventures into dangerous dungeons by night to gather loot, and sells it in their shop by day. The core loop of exploring, collecting, and selling is at the heart of the game, promising an engaging experience as you strive to fill your coin purse and build the best shop imaginable. With its charming pixel art style and addictive gameplay, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is a highly anticipated title for fans of unique RPG hybrids.

The Outer Worlds 2

Release Date: October 29, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

From the acclaimed developers at Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds 2 is set to continue the satirical and choice-driven action RPG experience. Set in an alternate future where mega-corporations dominate and colonize alien planets, players will assume the role of an agent sent to one of these colonies. The game is known for its sharp writing, memorable characters, and the freedom it offers players to shape their own narrative through impactful choices. With its distinctive art style and promise of expansive new worlds to explore, The Outer Worlds 2 is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated RPGs of 2025, offering a compelling blend of humor, action, and deep role-playing.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Release Date: October 30, 2025

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Experience the origins of a legendary JRPG series with the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. This modern take bundles two foundational games, allowing players to first step into the shoes of Erdrick and then continue the adventure as his descendants in the sequel. The core objective remains timeless: save the land from impending doom. This remake promises not only improved graphics and performance, bringing the classic pixel art to life with stunning HD-2D visuals, but also maintains the charm and challenge that made the originals so beloved. For both long-time fans and newcomers eager to explore the roots of JRPGs, this collection offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary presentation.

Conclusion

2025 is poised to be an exceptional year for RPG enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to every taste. From the tranquil farming life of Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar to the high-octane action of Lost Soul Aside and the strategic depth of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Remastered), the diversity is truly remarkable. Whether you seek a cozy escape, a thrilling adventure, or a thought-provoking narrative, the upcoming titles promise countless hours of immersive gameplay. As these games launch throughout the year, prepare to dive into new worlds, forge unforgettable memories, and continue your epic journey as a true role-playing game aficionado. The future of RPGs looks brighter than ever, and 2025 is just the beginning of another golden age for the genre.