Role-playing gameshave evolved significantly over the years, pushing boundaries in storytelling, world-building, and gameplay mechanics. Some RPGs introduce new concepts that redefine the genre, while others refine existing ideas to perfection, influencing countless titles that follow.
Whether through open-ended player choice, deep narrative design, or innovative combat systems, these groundbreaking RPGs have left a lasting impact on gaming. From classic turn-based adventures to action-packed experiences, each of these games redefined what an RPG could be, shaping the future of the genre. Here are some of the most influential RPGs that changed gaming forever.
Richard Garriott’s Ultima series, particularly Ultima 4: Quest of the Avatar, set the foundation for modern Western RPGs. Unlike earlier games that focused solely on combat and dungeon crawling, Ultima 4 introducedmoral choicesand a virtue system that encouraged players to roleplay beyond simple good-versus-evil mechanics.
The Ultima series pioneered open-world exploration, interactive NPCs, and deep lore-driven storytelling, inspiring franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Baldur’s Gate. Its influence is seen in nearly every Western RPG that followed, from dialogue systems to player-driven narratives. Without Ultima, the RPG genre as we know it today might have taken a very different path.
9Dragon Quest
The Birth Of The JRPG
Dragon Questlaid the groundwork for the Japanese RPG genre, introducing turn-based combat, a party system, and charming character designs by the late Akira Toriyama. It distilled complex RPG mechanics into an accessible format, allowing players to embark on a heroic journey without needing a deep knowledge of tabletop role-playing.
The game’s success in Japan led to the explosion of JRPGs, influencing Final Fantasy, Pokemon, and countless other franchises. Its legacy endures through traditional mechanics that still define JRPGs today, proving that simplicity, engaging storytelling, and memorable characters are the keys to a timeless RPG experience.
Final Fantasy 7 (1997) was the firstJRPG to achieve mainstream successoutside Japan, thanks to its cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and revolutionary 3D graphics. The game introduced players to an emotionally charged narrative, blending sci-fi and fantasy elements into a deeply immersive world.
Its impact went beyond story and visuals—FF7 redefined RPG combat with its Materia system, allowing deep character customization. The game also set the standard for epic-scale RPGs, inspiring future titles with its ambitious storytelling and production values. Even decades later, Final Fantasy VII remains a gold standard for JRPGs.
Fallout brought a new level of freedom to RPGs, offering players choices that had lasting consequences. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it allowed players to solve problems through diplomacy, combat, or stealth, rewarding creativity and different playstyles.
With its deep dialogue system, branching storylines, and open-ended progression, Fallout changed how RPGs approached player agency. The series’ legacy lives on in games like The Outer Worlds and Cyberpunk 2077, proving that meaningful choices and immersive world-building are crucial elements of a great RPG experience.
The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind set a new benchmark for open-world RPGs with its unparalleled player freedom and intricate world-building. Unlike traditional linear RPGs, Morrowind allowed players to forge their own paths, exploring its alien landscape without restrictive quest markers or level scaling.
With its deep faction system, interactive NPCs, and a vast lore-rich world, Morrowind inspired countless open-world RPGs, including The Witcher series and its own sequel, Skyrim. Its emphasis on exploration and emergent storytelling ensured its place as one of the most influential RPGs of all time.
Diablo 2 (2000) set the standard for action RPGs with its fast-paced combat, deep loot system, and addictive gameplay loop. Its randomized dungeons and multiplayer functionality made it a genre-defining experience that kept players coming back for years after its release.
The game introduced skill trees, item rarity, and replayability that became staples in action RPG design. Titles like Path of Exile and Torchlight owe much of their mechanics to Diablo 2, proving that its influence on the action RPG subgenre remains as strong as ever.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt elevated RPG storytelling with its rich narrative, morally complex choices, and breathtaking open world. Unlike many open-world games, its side quests were just as compelling as the main story, creating a fully immersive experience.
The game’s reactive world, cinematic dialogue, and refined combat mechanics set a new bar for RPGs. The Witcher 3’s success influenced games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Cyberpunk 2077, proving that deep storytelling needs to be in every single part of an RPG of this caliber.
Dark Souls (2011) introduced a level of challenge and environmental storytelling that changed RPG design. Its punishing combat, intricate level design, and mysterious lore rewarded patient, observant players, leading to a dedicated fanbase and the birth of theSoulslike subgenre.
The game’s emphasis on indirect storytelling, world interconnectedness, and risk-reward combat has inspired countless titles, including Lies of P, Mortal Shell, and Nioh. Dark Souls proved that difficulty could enhance immersion, and its influence continues to shape modern RPGs.
Persona 5 revitalized turn-based RPGs with its stylish presentation, social simulation mechanics, and deep character development. Unlike many traditional JRPGs, it blended real-life decision-making with a time restriction element, with dungeon-crawling, creating a unique experience that resonated with players worldwide.
Its vibrant art style, dynamic soundtrack, and engaging turn-based combat make it one of the most beloved RPGs of its generation. Persona 5 influenced how modern JRPGs balance storytelling and gameplay, inspiring developers to innovate within the genre while staying true to its roots.
Baldur’s Gate 3 redefined what RPGs could achieve, blending deep storytelling, player agency, and tactical combat into one of the most immersive experiences ever created. Using Dungeons & Dragons’ 5th Edition rules, it offers unprecedented freedom in decision-making, dialogue interactions, and combat strategies.
With fully voiced characters, extensive branching paths, and multiplayer co-op, Baldur’s Gate 3 raised the bar for CRPGs and RPGs alike. Its critical and commercial success proves that role-playing games continue to evolve, and its influence is sure to shape the genre for years to come.
