RPGs have been having a boom as of late, with 2025 playing host to some of the most-anticipated games in the genre, likeAvowedandGhost of Yotei. Of course, it comes as no surprise after the likes ofBaldur’s Gate 3propelled the genre and its many sub-genres into the public eye, garnering both critical and commercial success. People are craving huge, sprawling adventures with cinematic narratives and tactical combat, and RPGs almost always deliver on that promise.
Some of thebest RPGs released in 2024, withMetaphor: ReFantazioandFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthoffering players hundreds of hours of content to enjoy. Fortunately, 2025 will be no different. From similarly epic JRPGs with star-studded casts to immersive and densely detailed open worlds,there are so many RPGs worth getting excited about releasing in 2025.
10Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive)
A Star-Studded JRPG
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33wowed fans when itdropped its first trailerthanks to its stunning visuals, compelling plot, and phenomenal soundtrack. It is offering its own unique spin on the JRPG genre, with its unique plot blending with frenetic turn-based combat that looks almost as fast-paced as active-time combat. WithXenoblade ChroniclesandFinal Fantasyvibes,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33is set to entertain both traditional RPG and JRPG fans.
Of course, one of its most unique selling points is its stacked cast of celebrities, including the likes of Andy Serkis,Daredevil’sCharlie Cox,Baldur’s Gate 3’sJennifer English, andFinal Fantasy 16’s- and nowBalatro- Ben Starr. With talent like that backing the game,it’s fair to say that RPG fans can expect a very cinematic and story-driven experience that will likely be very memorable.
9The Outer Worlds 2 (Obsidian Entertainment)
It’s Coming To PS5, Xbox Series X/S, And PC In 2025
The Outer Worlds 2is the long-awaited sequel to Obsidian Entertainment’s rather excellentThe Outer Worlds.It is, naturally, aiming to be a bigger and better sequel, with a larger focus on relationships and ensuring that the first game’s minor woes are ironed out. It isn’t Obsidian’s only RPG this year, but it is the biggest and coolest-looking sci-fi one.
The Outer Worlds 2 Doesn’t Need To Compete With Starfield
The Outer Worlds 2 should focus on increasing its handful of maps rather than trying to copy Starfield and the immense universe Bethesda is creating.
Fans of the original game are likely already excited, but newcomers should also jump aboard the hype train as it’s looking set to be one of the biggest cross-platform RPGs. Featuring the same wit as the first game coupled with Obsidian Entertainment’s knack for good writing and excellent characters,it’s hard to imagineThe Outer Worldsbeing a disappointing release. The developer has learned a lot since the first game and, as a result,The Outer Worlds 2is sure to be a compelling jaunt through space.
8Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions)
The Long-Awaited Sequel To Ghost Of Tsushima
Many were likely expecting a more direct sequel to the wonderfulGhost of Tsushima, but Sucker Punch Productions had other ideas.Ghost of Yoteiis set hundreds of years after the events ofTsushimaand is set in the northern region of Japan, Hokkaido. It features a female protagonist, Atsu, who has taken up the mantle of the Ghost. Of course, much like the first game,players will get to choose what paths Atsu takes, althoughYoteiis set to feature even more freedom over how Atsu’s story unfolds.
Ghost of Yoteiwas nominated for the Most Anticipated Game at the 2024 Game Awards- beaten by the ridiculously hypedGTA 6- and for good reason. This looks to be a sprawling open-world adventure that willcarry overTushima’sbest mechanicswhile implementing many of its own ideas. It will expand upon the failings of the first game while embracing its best bits, and that’s exactly what a sequel should do.Ghostfans should keep an eye onYotei.
7Avowed (Obsidian Entertainment)
The Next Big Fantasy RPG Coming February 2025
Avowedhas alreadygarnered a lot of hypefrom fans ever since it was first announced, with its glowing previews helping to sell its overall package. It’s Obsidian Entertainment’s first game of the year, launching in the already incredibly packed month of February. While, in terms of world size, it’s smaller in scale than something likeSkyrim,it’s a far denser experience, offering plenty of ways to approach missions, meaningful dialogue options, and a plethora of secrets.
It’s been a long time since players had a genuinely great first-person fantasy RPG, andAvowedlooks set to fill that space. For a long time,it has felt like nothing could capture the magic ofSkyrim, but if any developer can do it, it’s the very talented folks behindFallout: New Vegas.Avowedhas a lot of competition when it comes to immersive RPGs in 2025, but it will likely stand out above the rest.
6Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Warhorse Studios)
It Looks Set To Be The Most Immersive RPG Of 2025
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2is the sequel to one of the most immersive open-world games ever madeand looks set to greatly expand upon the formula that made its predecessor such a success.After a beneficial delay, it is now due for release in 2025, giving RPG fans even more to look forward to.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2continues the journey of Henry, only this time he’s far more experienced than at the start of the first game.
While players can jump intoKingdom Come: Deliverance 2without having experienced the first game, it is highly recommended to play it first. The sequel continues directly after the events of the first game and is heavily character-driven.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’sworld is even bigger than the first game, which should excite those who love huge open worlds and medieval Europe. Fans can look forward to sprawling and densely packed cities as well as lush forests in which they can go hunting. With much of the first game’s cast returning, and Warhorse Studio’s having learned a lot of lessons,it’s fair to say thatKingdom Come: Deliverance 2is shaping up to be a great RPG.
5Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ubisoft)
Finally Releasing After Delays
Many may have been only tentatively excited forAssassin’s Creed Shadowsafter the series slowly declined in quality over the years. Luckily, Ubisoft is seemingly learning from its bad business practices, as it is ditching theworst parts ofAssassin’s Creedto makeShadowsthe best game that it can possibly be. As such,it’s now easy to get hyped for its gorgeous rendition of Feudal Japan, and its dual protagonists.
Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis putting a much greater focus on stealth by allowing players to directly affect their surroundings in order to better sneak around. It also has a seasonal system that will affect how players approach missions, such as having pools and lakes that Naoe can hide under freeze over in the winter.Assassin’s Creed Shadowslooks like it could be the best game in the series in a while, and definitely worth getting excited over.
4Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)
The Spin-Off No One Expected
It’s fair to say that no one expected Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio to drop aLike a Dragonspin-off featuring one of the series' most beloved characters as a pirate captain, and yet here comesLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. As is typical of this beautifully wacky series,the plot is outlandish yet almost certainly deeply sincere, allowing players to take on the role of Goro for the second timeas he captains his own pirate ship in Hawaii.
With a plethora of minigames to engage with as well as a lengthy campaign,Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiimay end up being the most bizarre entry in the series' history, but it will undoubtedly be amazing. So far, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio hasn’t put a foot wrong when it comes to theYakuza/Like a Dragon series, and it’s unlikely to start now withPirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
3Fable (Playground Games)
A Comeback Long In The Making
The newFablegame has been a long time coming, with fans waiting patiently for its brilliant blend of wit and choice-driven gameplay. Fortunately, it is finally due sometime in 2025, ensuring that those who have been waiting sinceFable 3won’t have to for much longer. Featuring a brand-new protagonist and with a whole new art direction,Fablemay feel like a different game, but early trailers have indicated it’ll retain a lot of the charm from the games it takes its name.
There’s A Good Reason The New Fable Looks So Much Different Than The Originals
Fable has received quite a facelift with its upcoming title, but why does it look so different and realistic when the series never did before?
Fableis also one of the many RPGs that will finally give Xbox users a chance to dust off their consoles. It’s coming exclusively to Xbox consoles - at least at the moment - as well as PC. While PlayStation fans will likely be content withGhost of Yotei,Xbox fans can revel in sinking hundreds of hours into the likes ofFable,Avowed, and so many more.
2Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Game Freak)
The Next Entry In The Legends Franchise
Pokémon Legends: Z-Ais the rather mysterious new entry in the spin-offLegendsseries. It’s following on from the critically acclaimedLegends Arceus, which explored the history of the Sinnoh region.Z-Ais set, seemingly, exclusively in Lumiose City in the Kalos regionfromPokémon X and Y. While it’s not yet clear whetherPokémon Legends: Z-Awill follow in Arceus' footsteps and explore the past or the future, it will hopefullyfixPokémon X and Y’smistakes.
Not a lot is known aboutPokémon Legends: Z-Aother than the fact that it’s centering on the development of Luminose City. Fans will get to explore a far greater urban environment than anyPokémongame has let them before, which is definitely an exciting prospect. So far, outside ofXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition,Pokémon Legends: Z-Ais Nintendo’s big RPG for 2025.
1Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (The Chinese Room)
It’s Been A Very Long Time Coming
For a very long time, it felt likeVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2would never come out. Having been announced nearly a decade ago, receiving multiple delays, and later switching developers, this sequel to a game from 2004 was certainly almost left in development hell. Fortunately,Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2is finally coming out in 2025, with critically acclaimed developer The Chinese Room behind it.
I’m Worried Xbox Could Become Known For Its Broken Exclusives Like Starfield & STALKER 2
Xbox has had a number of exclusives brimming with potential, but their buggy launches and unfinished states are giving the publisher a bad name.
2025 is clearly the year for long-anticipated RPGs, as bothFableandVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2are dropping months apart. Even outside these titles, there are so many other incredible RPGs for fans to get excited about. Whether it’s Obsidian Entertainment’s multiple choice-driven RPGsAvowedandThe Outer Worlds 2, or the sprawling immersive open-world adventures likeKingdom Come: Deliverance 2, RPG fans will have a lot to add to their backlogs in 2025.
