As of 2018, the video game market was worth an astounding $137.9 billion. If you think that’s a large number, wait until you hear the future’s predictions.
Experts estimate that the industry will grow to be worth $180.1 billion by 2021.
The U.S. brings in the second-highest revenue — $30.41 billion — second only to China, which brought in about $37.95 billion. Video games are a global hobby, making people invest time, money, and even emotions!
In this article, we’re going to focus on one particular style of games: role-playing games, or RPGs.
What are the best RPG games of 2019? Which ones should you invest your heart and wallet into? Here are seven favorites gamers love!
The Best RPG Games: A 2019 Update
There are two different types of RPGs: video and tabletop. We’ll cover both in this list.
Here are some characteristics of RPGs for those not in the know:
- The player, you, controls one specific character — aka role-playing
- The player has relationships with other things in the game, in the forms of attributes or statistics
- There are a narrative arc and story element to the game
- You control the character’s choices, decisions, and actions as if you were them
Sounds fun, right? Everyone loves a good fantasy.
Speaking of fantasies. . .
Let’s hop into our list with the first pick.
1. Final Fantasy
This game, available on PC or PlayStation, is on its sixteenth version. And it’s safe to say that while not all are great, none are bad. Players love the sci-fi fantasy world that makes this game so intriguing.
You can expect epic battle scenes, map-reading, lots of mythology, weapons, and more. Each game has some common elements, but they’re all stand-alone, independent stories.
2. Dungeons and Dragons
Do you love magic and monsters? Are you a fan of the nostalgic board games of your past? Then the tabletop game D&D (as it’s commonly referred to) will satisfy your craving!
This RPG has it all: medieval fantasy, crazy creatures, brave warriors, fun adventures. Whatever role you play will have a story filled with accomplishments and consequences, giving it a true depth that not every game has.
If you want to really role-play it up (and why wouldn’t you?), don’t go for your average player. Why not fantasize playing a warlock with a strange bond to mystical powers?
If that sounds enticing, read here for more info.
3. Diablo 3
This game takes place in the fantasy realm of Sanctuary — a world that is dominated by the massive conflict between angels and demons. Play it on your PC or your game console, but prepare to get sucked in as you slay monsters.
Become friends with your supporters, or Followers, meet and collaborate with expert craftsmen, and enjoy fast, smart combat.
You can try it for free now on their website!
4. World of Warcraft
Exit the world of Sanctuary and enter the world of Azeroth — all while on your computer screen. In this exciting, collaborative, multiplayer RPG, you are a hero surrounded by adventure.
Create your own avatar which you will then use to navigate this foreign land. You’ll guide yourself through many quests, missions which change as you age and grow. Join Groups to defeat the most intense foes, and prove yourself through Professions and skills.
This game ages with your character, allowing the storyline to develop and become deeper as you play.
5. The Witcher
Power up your PC and get ready to play this epic, action-packed short story series!
You play Geralt — in a decision-consequence story, much like you’d see in D&D.
You are one person in a world of personalities; you influence the people and scenery around you by your decision-making alone. This forces you to make those choices based in all seriousness.
6. Fallout
Play this post-apocalyptic game, now on its 4th version since its first in ’97, on your PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One.
After a nuclear disaster during the “Great War,” you must survive in this drastically-altered environment.
Each character in the game, yourself included, is SPECIAL, as in they have:
Strength
Perception
Endurance
Charisma
Intelligence
Agility
Luck
This makes them complex, deep, and unique. Each has different skills — gambling, science, traps, guns, and more — meaning everyone needs everyone.
Or do they?
You are living 84 years after said nuclear disaster, in California, year 2161. When a chip responsible for recycling and pumping water breaks, you must go find a replacement part.
And that’s when the game begins!
7. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
This game is said to “revolutionize the open-world fantasy epic.” And it certainly revolutionized the gaming industry, awarding itself the 2011 Game of the Year award!
This game is the fifth in the Elder Scrolls saga, which comprises of a virtual world where you can explore in any way you want.
This game, like many of the others on this list, allows you to grow and develop with your character. You complete various quests, earning you more skills and knowledge of your surroundings.
Your underlying mission? To defeat a dragon — known as Alduin the World-Eater. No big deal, right?
There is an awesome storyline that you can follow, allowing you to hopefully, ultimately, reach your goal.
However, this game is unique in that you really can explore wherever, whenever you want. You can postpone the storyline indefinitely in this way.
Play this award-winning game on your Xbox, PC, or PlayStation.
Game On!
Now that you know some of the best RPG games 2019 has to offer, it’s time to get playing and strategizing! You’ve got some catching up to do.
And once you set down the controller, or shut your laptop off for the night, what else are you filling your time with?
Head on over to the “Hobbies” section of our blog for more inspiration!
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