Role-playing games (RPGs) are among the most beloved genres in the world of video games. They allow players to embark on epic adventures, explore fantastical worlds, and dive deep into immersive stories. However, RPGs aren’t one-size-fits-all—they come in a variety of styles, each offering its own flavor of gameplay. From turn-based classics to sprawling open-world epics, RPGs have evolved into a rich and diverse genre. Let’s explore some of the most popular styles of RPGs and what makes each unique.
Japanese RPGs (JRPGs)
Defining Traits: Turn-based combat, linear storytelling, and vibrant characters
Popular Titles: Final Fantasy VII, Dragon Quest XI, Persona 5
JRPGs are characterized by their focus on story-driven narratives, turn-based combat systems, and rich character development. Often, these games are linear, guiding players through a structured storyline filled with plot twists, dramatic cutscenes, and colorful characters. JRPGs are known for their distinctive art styles, often featuring anime-inspired graphics and vibrant worlds.
JRPGs like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Trigger have become timeless classics due to their emotional storytelling and iconic characters. Modern titles like Persona 5 have continued to evolve the genre with stylish visuals and innovative mechanics, while still staying true to the heart of what makes JRPGs beloved.
Why Play Them?: If you love deep stories, memorable characters, and strategic turn-based combat, JRPGs offer a rich experience that feels like playing through an epic novel.
Western RPGs (WRPGs)
Defining Traits: Open-world exploration, player freedom, and decision-driven narratives
Popular Titles: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
WRPGs emphasize player choice, giving you control over how you shape the story and interact with the game world. These games often feature branching narratives where your decisions impact the story and its outcome. WRPGs typically focus on realism, darker tones, and complex characters, often drawing inspiration from Western fantasy and science fiction.
Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Witcher 3 allow players to explore vast, open worlds filled with quests, lore, and secrets. Meanwhile, series like Mass Effect focus on player agency, where decisions have significant consequences on the fate of the galaxy.
Why Play Them?: If you’re a fan of deep role-playing, moral choices, and expansive worlds that let you carve your own path, WRPGs are a perfect fit.
Action RPGs (ARPGs)
Defining Traits: Real-time combat, fast-paced gameplay, and character progression
Popular Titles: Dark Souls, Diablo III, Bloodborne
Action RPGs blend the traditional RPG elements of character progression and narrative with real-time combat. Unlike the turn-based combat of classic RPGs, ARPGs require quick reflexes, precise timing, and strategic thinking in fast-paced battles. This subgenre is known for its intense gameplay and challenging difficulty levels.
The Dark Souls series popularized the concept of “tough but fair” gameplay, where players must master the mechanics to survive. Meanwhile, games like Diablo III focus on loot-driven gameplay, where players collect powerful gear and spells to grow stronger.
Why Play Them?: If you’re into high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping combat paired with deep customization and exploration, ARPGs deliver an exhilarating experience.
Tactical RPGs (TRPGs/SRPGs)
Defining Traits: Grid-based combat, strategic planning, and team management
Popular Titles: Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Final Fantasy Tactics, XCOM 2
Tactical RPGs focus on strategic, grid-based battles where positioning and planning are crucial. Players control a squad of characters, each with unique abilities, and must carefully plan each move to achieve victory. These games often involve permadeath mechanics, where losing a character means they’re gone for good, adding an extra layer of tension.
Series like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics combine complex tactical combat with rich storytelling and character relationships. Meanwhile, games like XCOM 2 focus on modern warfare and sci-fi themes, challenging players to outsmart alien invaders.
Why Play Them?: If you enjoy chess-like strategy, deep tactical gameplay, and the thrill of overcoming tough odds, TRPGs are a rewarding experience.
Open-World RPGs
Defining Traits: Expansive worlds, non-linear exploration, and immersive storytelling
Popular Titles: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2
Open-world RPGs give players the freedom to explore massive, detailed worlds at their own pace. These games often blend elements from multiple genres, allowing players to engage in side quests, discover hidden secrets, and interact with a dynamic environment. The focus is on immersion, with a rich world that feels alive and responds to your actions.
Games like Breath of the Wild and Cyberpunk 2077 offer stunning open worlds filled with possibilities, where players can approach challenges in a variety of ways. Whether you’re climbing mountains, hacking systems, or solving puzzles, these games reward curiosity and creativity.
Why Play Them?: If you crave the freedom to explore vast worlds and engage in emergent gameplay, open-world RPGs offer endless opportunities for adventure.
Roguelike and Roguelite RPGs
Defining Traits: Procedural generation, permadeath, and high replayability
Popular Titles: Hades, Dead Cells, Rogue Legacy 2
Inspired by the classic game Rogue (1980), roguelike and roguelite RPGs are defined by procedural generation and permadeath mechanics. Each run is different, with players facing randomized levels, enemies, and items. In roguelikes, death means starting from scratch, while roguelites often allow players to retain some progress between runs.
Hades is a standout example, blending fast-paced action combat with an engaging story and vibrant art style. Players fight their way out of the underworld, learning more about the characters with each attempt. Roguelites like Dead Cells focus on tight combat mechanics and fluid movement, making each run a fresh challenge.
Why Play Them?: If you love challenging games with high replayability and the thrill of mastering a system, roguelikes and roguelites are incredibly rewarding.
MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs)
Defining Traits: Persistent online worlds, player interaction, and cooperative gameplay
Popular Titles: World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, The Elder Scrolls Online
MMORPGs are vast online worlds where thousands of players can interact, quest, and battle together. These games are known for their expansive worlds, detailed lore, and social aspects. Players can join guilds, take on challenging raids, or simply explore at their own pace.
Games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV have built dedicated communities over the years, offering frequent updates, expansions, and seasonal events to keep players engaged. MMORPGs often blur the line between a game and a virtual social space, where friendships are formed, and epic adventures are shared.
Why Play Them?: If you enjoy collaborative gameplay, exploring vast worlds, and being part of a vibrant online community, MMORPGs provide an ever-evolving experience.
The Future of RPGs: What’s Next?
As technology continues to evolve, RPGs are breaking new ground. We’re seeing more hybrids that blend elements from different subgenres, like Cyberpunk 2077’s mix of open-world exploration and narrative depth or Elden Ring’s seamless integration of action combat and open-world design. Virtual Reality (VR) is also starting to influence the genre, offering immersive RPG experiences that feel more real than ever before.
No matter which style of RPG you prefer, one thing is certain: there’s a vast world of adventures waiting to be explored, filled with captivating stories, complex characters, and endless possibilities. The only question is—where will your next quest take you?