The best RPGs you can play on Xbox Series X|S

RPGs are a dime a dozen on many platforms, so trial and error may not be optimal. Luckily, as an Xbox Series X|S owner, you have a selection of objectively great RPGs on your console. Whether new or old, depending on the genre and story, you'll find something in this list that suits you.

Many of these games are well-received and popular titles, and the fun side quests and extra content they include will keep you occupied most of your time. Get ready to sit in your chair because this RPG will captivate you from start to finish.

Updated on April 30, 2024 by Quinton O'Connor: We've added a new entry to our list of the best Xbox Series RPGs. We've also provided some additional thoughts on a few of our other picks!

Diablo 4

This game may have already crossed your mind when development was announced in 2019. You've probably heard that SUGA and Halsey worked on the theme Lilith for Diablo 4. If not, you've probably been captivated by the incredible trailer and accompanying flawless animation.

But animation and music aren't all this game has to offer. This game has a great story that stands out on its own even if you haven't played the previous game. This non-linear action RPG doesn't shy away from the grotesqueness and bloodshed expected from a game that begins with you personally summoning the daughter of the Lord of Hatred.

brightness

It goes without saying that a literal prison break deep within the Greek underworld is a must-do on Xbox Series X|S. You don't have to be a fan of Greek mythology to love this game. The witty and comprehensive writing, amazing soundtrack and voice acting, and dungeon delving craziness should be reason enough to pick up this game.

Taken out of context, Hades is a story about a boy desperately trying to escape his father's massive mansion. As fun as it is to read, you will inevitably become attached to Zagreus and his heartfelt pursuit of belonging and family.

dark souls 3

Embrace tradition by picking up Dark Souls 3 over Elden Ring, or play Elden Ring before if you've never had your fingers dancing to a Souls game before. As the Age of Flame fades away in the Kingdom of Lothric and monsters bloom like daisies, you, the Ashen One, are responsible for putting an end to this apocalypse.

In the grand scheme of things, it's really funny that you, technically an undead whose eternal rest has been disturbed, are now tasked with saving the world.

final fantasy 15

It's never too late to get started with the Final Fantasy series, even if you want to start with Final Fantasy 15. If you're looking for an iconic JRPG with a long history to play, look no further and explore the world of Final Fantasy. Eos with the boys.

Playing this one game may lead you to play other games in the series to better understand the world of Final Fantasy. Unfortunately, the three most modern large-scale FFs (FF7 Remake, FF16, and later FF7 Rebirth) are not available on Xbox. But it's worth picking up the PS5!

Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload is an early contender for one of the best RPGs of 2024, and it certainly doesn't shy away from Xbox Series consoles. It's vibrant, pop, and stylish, just like the other featured Persona games you'd expect to see later on this list.

A remake of the original Persona 3, Reload brings the cast back to life with additional scenes, a new pass through the script, and a variety of quality-of-life features. It lacks what made Persona 3 Portable great (the decision to leave out that version's female protagonist option), but on its own merits it's still a good time.

cyberpunk 2077

You've probably had enough exposure to fantasy settings, swords, and armor. You like modernity. In fact, you like an imagined future filled with high-tech equipment and gadgets instead of old axes. Cyberpunk 2077 has it all: Keanu Reeves cameos, body modifications, and a great story that will make you cry. What's not to love?

Considering its impeccable design and compelling plot, it's no exaggeration to say that this game is responsible for the revival of the genre. Additionally, no matter which faction you belong to, a protagonist with a variety of personalities appears.

Skyrim

If this game is not one of your must play games you are a blasphemer and a degenerate. If you've never played it before and are a big fan of open world RPG games, Skyrim is definitely an outrageous and fun experience. You might be interested in the game's wealth of lore and planning to go on a tomb raid, bashing the undead within.

Conversely, you could become an outlaw who kills chickens on sight. You might experience first-hand things that make no sense, like pickpocketing people's clothes from head to toe, and seriously consider playing this game just for the memes. Skyrim is immortal not just because of the memes, but because of the infinite replay value the mods provide.

fallout new vegas

Fallout New Vegas is a classic RPG set in a dystopia of a lost future. You play as a courier working for the Mojave Express, set in New Vegas in 2281. This is a game where your decisions will determine the ending of the story, so choose wisely.

As new factions battle each other for control of the Hoover Dam following the events of Fallout 3, your choices will be key to determining the winner of the power struggle in New Vegas and the Mojave.

With the recent success of the Amazon TV version, many people new to the Fallout scene are wondering which game they should prioritize. New Vegas is one such game. Trust us.

star field

Bethesda Game Studios has its work cut out for Starfield's Shattered Space expansion when it releases in the fall of 2024. After a massive launch befitting a developer of its pedigree, the company has undoubtedly seen a bit of disappointing public opinion. In space adventure RPGs… there's a box of some sort.

Regardless, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that there are still plenty of fans of what Starfield does well, including ourselves. Yes, it falters in that the game's biggest strength is its exploration. But for all their mechanical design, many of Starfield's planets are beautiful. The combat is crisp, the ability tree is quite complex, and the factions and associated storylines are generally impressive. The cast of companions is a bit weak, but you can take them with you on your own custom spaceship.

There are many things to do at Starfield. If you own an Xbox Series console, it's worth a try. Temper your expectations and you will be rewarded!

Nier: Automata

Imagine an Earth with no more humans, only androids and a machine dystopia. NieR: Automata's story, simply put, is that reducing it to evil, out-of-control robots scavenging the Earth would be doing this tearjerker a disservice.

Robots have emotions, and no one knows this better than 2B himself, who is going through a painful cycle of eliminating the people he cares about.

The best thing about this game is that some outcomes are only unlocked after reaching others, so as 2B you will take the greatest emotional toll possible when you have to make difficult decisions to complete them.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza games have the perfect balance of action, slapstick humor, open world immersion, and main story drama. Yakuza: Like A Dragon follows the story of Ichiban Kasuga as he leaves the familiar streets of Kamurocho and takes him to Yokohama.

He may not be the Dragon of Dojima, but Ichiban himself is a breath of fresh air to the Yakuza series. He's a unique character in his own right, and while he couldn't exactly beat Kiryu in a fight (literally), his personality and authenticity make his story worth following.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is three great RPGs in one. However, because there is an overall narrative and choices carry over from game to game, it feels like one long adventure.

The story revolves around the hero Commander Shepard. Although you can customize their appearance and gender, they are always your primary soldiers trying to stop the imminent invasion of dangerous species.

In addition to making choices and talking to people, all games include excellent third-person shooting combat, where you can use both your and your teammates' skills to succeed in combat.

persona 5 royal

Would you go far for justice if you were involved? Ren Amamiya, a high school student who tried to intervene to save a woman being bullied, was arrested, kicked out of school, and forced to relocate.

This game does not shy away from modern social commentary like other Persona games, and the shocking and sad reality that Ren must endure reflects this.

Overall, Persona 5 Royal is a game that many people wish they could forget about and experience again with a clean slate. This general response is a testament to the game's well-crafted plot and carefully written story.

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

Your adventure across the continent with Geralt and Ciri will take you through an emotional roller coaster. The Witcher 3 has some tough enemies to face and even tougher decisions to make, but it's all worth going through, especially if you're invested in Geralt and Ciri's story.

You don't need to have played through the previous games to enjoy the third installment, but it will help you get some context. Even if it doesn't involve magic, fighting, monsters, or complicated love triangles, at least do it for Gwent.

Elden Ring

If all the other games before this entry lacked the challenge you were looking for, Elden Ring will give you more trouble than you bargained for. But it's worth the struggles you'll face and Revenant because it didn't win Game of the Year 2022 for no reason.

There's nothing more exciting than exploring a crumbling world where gods appear dead and abominations run amok. It won't provide the peace that a desk job offers, but it will keep you from dying of boredom and overeating.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is set in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, but you don't need to appreciate DND to enjoy this unique RPG. The customizable protagonist has been implanted with a parasite, so their goal is to get rid of it. The narrative begins very simply.

But the story goes much deeper than that, and eventually you'll go on a long adventure where you'll meet and interact with a variety of interesting characters. You'll also engage in exciting turn-based battles that require strategy and sometimes creativity.