The past decade has been a big one for the gaming world. After all, the likes of the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S have all launched in the past ten years. And along with the consoles, there has also been a stream of fantastic games. Some of these fascinating titles have changed what it means for a game to be considered an RPG, while others have brought a classic RPG experience to more modern systems.

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This decade saw some of the best RPGs in recent history, with the culmination of the Dark Souls series and Dragon Quest's return to form. Here are the best ones, according to Metacritic.

Updated March 7, 2023 By Ben Jessey: Every decade in gaming has at least a few fantastic RPGs. You had the likes of Chrono Trigger from the 90s, Final Fantasy 10 from the 2000s, and Mass Effect 2 from the 2010s.

We created this list to document the best RPGs of the past decade, which at the time was 2010-2020. However, that isn't the past decade anymore. Thus, we've now updated the list to include the best RPGs from 2013-2023, according to Metacritic.

Only Games That Have At Least Ten Reviews Are Eligible For The List!

17 Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls III Optional Old Demon King

Release Date: 04/12/2016

Platforms: PS4, PC, And Xbox One

Metacritic Score: 89

This was the climax of the Dark Souls trilogy. It isn't the hardest game in the series, but it has some of the best enemy designs and the combat is as satisfying — and as brutally difficult as ever. Dark Souls 3 has some of the best bosses fights in the series, with Aldrich and the Soul of Cinder being two of the most memorable bosses across the trilogy.

Dark Souls 3 will likely be the last time you get to enter this breathtaking universe, and the conclusion to this series is a fitting end to one of the best series of the 2010s.

16 Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition

A necromancer with skeleton soldiers by their side.

Release Date: 08/19/2014

Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, And Xbox One

Metacritic Score: 90

Diablo 3's initial release date didn't actually occur within the last decade. However, the Ultimate Evil Edition of the title did hit the market during this time.

This version of the action RPG combines the base game with the Reapers Of Souls Expansion, making this the ultimate Diablo 3 package for console players, as its name suggests. It doesn't mess with the core experience, as it's still the classic game fans recognize with the same iconic fantasy story and thrilling isometric combat.

15 Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter World - Odogaron And Vaal Hazak Compared

Release Date: 01/26/2018

Platforms: PS4, PC, And Xbox One

Metacritic Score: 90

Monster Hunter World took a major leap of faith, attempting to completely rebuild the Monster Hunter formula (something it definitely succeeded in). The most commercially successful game in the series is definitely one of its best, and the Iceborne expansion further cemented its position as one of the best RPGs of the generation.

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It is the first truly open-world game in the series and gives players the ability to play online or solo, accommodating all different gameplay styles. It has some of the best monsters in the series too, as well as bringing back some of the legendary monsters fans have come to adore from previous titles in the franchise.

14 NieR Automata - Game Of The YoRHa Edition

Promo art featuring characters from NieR: Automata

Release Date: 03/07/2017

Platforms: PS4, PC, And Xbox One

Metacritic Score: 91

NieR Automata is a rather strange game, but it is a great RPG and deserves every bit of praise it has received since it launched in 2017. It deals with some mature themes and is set in a fantastically depicted dystopian future, making it rather unique in the RPG space.

NieR Automata is arguably the best in the series and is beloved by its fans and critics alike. The great combat and well-presented story combine to create an unforgettable experience.

13 Chained Echoes

Chained Echoes - The party stands around Magnolia in the fairy forest

Release Date: 12/08/2022

Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X/S

Metacritic Score: 91

Chained Echoes pays homage to many of the fantastic RPGs from the 90s. The most obvious tip of the cap to those games comes from the visuals, which are in the style of a classic 16-bit game with more polish.

The turn-based combat and storytelling style also feel like they're inspired by classic JRPGs. That's not to say the game is stuck in the past, though. The developer perfectly merges old-school ideas with new-school technology and expectations.

12 Dark Souls 2

Dark Souls 2 Promo Image Of Knight Facing The Other Way

Release Date: 03/11/2014

Platforms: PS3, PS4, PC, Xbox 360, And Xbox One

Metacritic Score: 91

It has been a good decade for the Souls games, with the second title getting excellent reviews. And it was deserving of praise due to how it expanded on the original to create a longer and larger experience.

That is not to say bigger is always better when it comes to gaming, but Dark Souls 2 also provides plenty of interesting characters and encounters, as well as enjoyable combat. Plus, it continues the series tradition of being brutally difficult, which is part of its charm.

11 Demon's Souls

The slayer of demons standing outside a towering building in Demon's Souls PS5

Release Date: 11/19/2020

Platforms: PS5

Metacritic Score: 92

The original Demon's Souls was released in 2009. But in 2020, Bluepoint Games and Sony brought out a remake for the PS5. It contains a few new features, weapons, and armor. The developers also gave the title a boost from a technical perspective.

Yet, thankfully, they didn't make enough alterations to ruin the core experience. This is still Demon's Souls with its satisfying combat and significant challenge. In fact, this is arguably the best version of Demon's Souls due to the additions and upgrades.

10 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

Dragon Quest Screenshot Of Battle With A Dragon

Release Date: 09/27/2019

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, Stadia

Metacritic Score: 92

Dragon Quest 11 S is the most popular Dragon Quest game ever released and is arguably one of the most content-packed games of the decade. Initially launching as a Switch exclusive in 2019, it eventually came to all platforms, and provides a fantastic entry point to the series, as well as giving veterans another great taste of classic Dragon Quest.

It has a great set of characters, with even 'The Hero' (the game's silent protagonist) having some degree of back story and personality to bounce off. This expanded version of the game isn't flawless, but it's the most complete game in the franchise and is well worth replaying, even if you've played the original.

9 Bloodborne

Bloodborne Orphan of Kos

Release Date: 05/24/2015

Platforms: PS4

Metacritic Score: 92

Bloodborne took the hype of Dark Souls and spun it into a bloodier, darker, more attack-minded direction. According to critics, it was a game that made the PS4 a strong console for that generation. The gamer favors aggressive plays, taking chances, and carving anything that got in the player's way.

Players were also fascinated by the rich gothic world full of secrets, lore, and dark tragedies. It was the game that proved RPGs were fertile ground for the horror genre when done correctly and likely inspired a number of horror-based creations afterward.

8 Undertale

Undertale Close Up Of Sans

Release Date: 05/24/2015

Platforms: PS4, PSV, PC, Nintendo Switch, And Xbox One

Metacritic Score: 92

The JRPG that took the internet by storm was re-released for the Nintendo Switch and critics couldn’t get enough of it. Critics considered the Switch version of Undertale to be the best platform the game’s been designed for, and it seemed a natural fit for the sometimes laidback, sometimes action-filled story.

Once again, the story, quirky characters, and innovative replay mechanics were praised. A single playthrough isn’t that long but experiencing everything the game had to offer requires multiple playthroughs. Every run-through of Undertale's intriguing story is unique and gripping.

7 Crashlands

Crashlands Promotional Image of action heroes with outer space backdrop

Release Date: 01/21/2016

Platforms: iOS And PC

Metacritic Score: 93

Crashlands is styled very similarly to Don't Starve, gameplay-wise, putting the player into an alien world and challenging them to survive and later thrive. You can build bases, fight monsters, and craft a staggering number of items.

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Highlights include the well-tuned combat mechanics, funny storyline, and addicting gameplay. There’s a lot of grinding, as anyone familiar with the mobile gaming industry is aware of, but the storyline and gameplay are so fun that you likely won’t care.

6 Hades

zagreus standing at entrance to area

Release Date: 09/17/2020

Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X/S

Metacritic Score: 93

Hades is a game set in Hell, which also happens to be the protagonist's home. Yet, the son of Hades doesn't want to stay there. Thus, throughout this Roguelike, you make repeated escape attempts.

Each one sees you fight your way through different rooms in the underworld. The combat is exciting, the characters are compelling, and the narrative is fascinating. It all combines to make a game that is truly special and different from most recent RPGs.

5 Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition

Divinity Original Sin 2 Promo Image Of Warrior And Mage Together

Release Date: 09/14/2017

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, And iOS,

Metacritic Score: 93

Some consider Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition to be the best RPG produced in the eighth console generation. Originally released for the PC, it's a well-designed update to the classic game. Highlights include in-depth combat and some brilliant characters.

There's also a lot of praise for its ability to offer roleplay-centered playthroughs. Even flawed characters could still manage to complete the game without the roadblocks commonly seen in other titles. Overall, it was a well-designed RPG that catered to just about any playstyle and provided hours upon hours of things to see and do for each playthrough.

4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition

The Witcher 3 Screenshot Of Geralt Fighting A Griffin

Release Date: 14/12/2022

Platforms: PS5 And Xbox Series X/S

Metacritic Score: 94

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a mainstream title, and for good reason. Its world provides a rich and engaging experience for players with a wealth of characters, monsters, and locations for you to interact with.

Each contract needed to be approached carefully with the right tools and abilities to ensure the contract can be fulfilled. Every decision you make has a tremendous impact on how the story plays out and can help decide the fate of multiple characters. The Complete Edition includes enhanced graphics and performance. Plus, it contains some expansions that are viewed as some of the best DLCs ever released, and only add more value to an already fantastic package.

3 Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal Screenshot Of Red Haired Character Wearing Mask

Release Date: 03/31/2020

Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X/S

Metacritic Score: 95

Persona 5 has been scooping up fans with the PS4 version that critics consider superior to the others. The original game was praised for being a solid JRPG with a deep story, complex characters, and a variety of supported playstyles and replayability.

The Royal expansion was also well-received and felt like a solid continuation of what the original game did well. It was also praised for introducing some much-needed quality-of-life features that buffed out some issues in the original. It offers over 100+ hours of gameplay and is a fun rollercoaster of emotions and addictive tactical combat that you won't be able to get enough of.

2 Elden Ring

Elden Ring Grace Mimic

Release Date: 02/25/2022

Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X/S

Metacritic Score: 96

Despite the Dark Souls series being over, FromSoftware is still releasing epic action RPGs. Elden Ring is their best work of the past decade, according to Metacritic. While that specific opinion is arguable, it's impossible to dismiss the game's greatness.

It contains the classic Soulslike combat, which is punishingly difficult but rewards patience and strategy. This game also includes a large open world, meaning exploration is a big part of the experience. Along the way, you can find some interesting locations and meet a few memorable characters.

1 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

disco elysium Screenshot Of Characters Shooting Each Other

Release Date: 03/30/2021

Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Switch, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X/S

Metacritic Score: 97

The most highly acclaimed RPG from the past decade is also one of the most original. In it, you play an amnesiac detective attempting to solve a murder mystery in a seaside town. What makes this game stand out is the fact there's no traditional combat.

So, instead of fighting people, you talk to them and interact with the world around you. Your success in any given encounter mainly depends on your choices and what skills you have. There is no other RPG quite like it.

NEXT: Here Are Some Isometric RPGs To Play If You Liked Divinity: Original Sin 2