The year is ending, and here are the top three best RPG games of 2024. Now that we are reaching the end of the year, it is worthwhile looking back and seeing what players had available, and there was a lot to choose from. At the beginning of the year, we had Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Next, we had Persona 3 Reload, which gave us a new look at the timeless storyline. If that wasn’t enough, we got Square Enix’s next version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in February. That was just at the beginning of the year. As the months went on, we got games like Dragon’s Dogma 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
What Are The Best RPGs Of 2024
2024 was a great year for gaming, and developers gave us a lot to choose from. Selecting the top three best RPG games of the year wasn’t easy. Before we go over the top three, let’s cover those select games that came close. The intriguing first runner-up came from Vanillaware: Unicorn Overload.
Honorable Mention: Unicorn Overload
Unicorn Overload came with its singular art style and unique anime character design. Players get swept away on the continent of Fevrith, which has been overcome by war. The protagonist of the story is an exiled prince, Alain, who can’t battle alone, so he seeks friendly followers to aid him in his quest. Its unique fantasy feel holds a mix of real-time battles with tactical gameplay. This RPG game offers a chance to create squads comprising various classes. Each conflict differs from the other as different combatants explore the world, building towns and changing the game mechanics.
Up next, we have Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Released in 2020, this follow-up to Yakuza: Like A Dragon was a major turning point in the series. It follows the pattern that every sequel needs to offer more than its predecessor. Playing it offers a look into the Kazuma Kiryu family legacy and how time should be used when death is expected.
3. Dragon’s Dogma 2
The first official item on the list is Dragon’s Dogma 2, the sequel to Dragon’s Dogma, which was released in 2012. Players get firsthand experience of what it would be like to live in an unforgiving fantasy world. Developed by Capcom, it has a main quest to follow, but as soon as you start on your adventure, several NPCs offer opportunities to explore the expanding world of side quests. What makes this one of the best candidates is you never know what you will run into next.
Over the years, there have been a great deal of Final Fantasy installments, and this year was no exception. We got Final Fantasy VII’s next-generation images of the Grasslands in Rebirth. They seemed to go for more opportunities to enjoy breathtaking scenic views. Aerith’s life and the world have changed, with excitement around every corner and opportunities to fight in more ways than before. It keeps the tradition of excitement its predecessors had with modifications Final Fantasy fans love.
Rebirth does have its shortcomings, but deep down in its story, it still holds the same character sparks of hero worship that the franchise keeps fresh. These new feelings are intertwined with Final Fantasy’s new deep-level experiences, and it is one of the best RPGs this year has to offer.
2. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
You can’t celebrate RPG games without Dragon Age. The game was first introduced 10 years ago, and gamers haven’t been able to get enough of it. It started with Dragon Age: Origins, and 2024 gave us Veilguard. It isn’t a secret that Veilguard had a difficult time being developed, but all those solutions to their problems appear to have paid off, as it is one of the best RPGs out there.
Veilguard maintains the same combat style as other RPG games. However, it still adheres to its heritage’s class play and playstyle. All of your adequate party members play key roles in the story, combat, and decision-making. It’s the fact that they work with you that makes the game ideal. Either way, you’ll be treated to some great conclusions showing how Veilguard carves its own path confidently.
1. Metaphor: ReFantazio
The next of our top three RPG games is Metaphor: ReFantazio, developed by Atlus. Its fantasy persona made it a first-rate RPG game of the year. Its daily calendar system works like a dream, as Metaphor still holds the mechanics of its predecessors. The time system makes every choice interesting and compelling as you discover how each decision changes the world with your companions. There are dungeons to explore and side quests to complete while building up your stats. It’s a genuine pleasure being a part of your companions overcoming their challenges.
Another key factor in Metaphor is that it takes on some difficult situations most people face today. Throughout the game, players face racism, inequality, religious extremism, and abuse of power and demonstrate an understanding of the material through a powerful story. Taking this into account, as well as the characters who welcome danger throughout the storyline, makes Metaphor unforgettable. Metaphor holds an important message of hope through fantasy, which relates to real life and keeps it close to the heart and inspiring. Metaphor: ReFantazio represents the best of what games can offer.
Looking Ahead to 2025
These are the top three RPG games 2024 had to offer. Despite all their glory and story, 2025 appears to be on track to give them a run for their money. With titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, The Outer Worlds 2, and Avowed on the way, there are plenty of reasons to keep the controller in hand for the new year.