The beauty of video games is at the end of the day, it doesn’t make what type of player you are there will always be something that’ll appeal to you. Whether it’s shooters, puzzles, life simulators, sports, or exploration, the options are limitless in a rapidly-growing industry. Of the major genre topics available, one of the most popular among fans is role-playing.
RPGs have been a staple in games with iconic franchises like Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Diablo, and Elder Scrolls. In most RPGs, there’s either a global threat that you’re only capable of preventing or simply embarking on an exciting, wondrous adventure filled with quests galore. While not all RPGs are the same, especially when comparing the differences in JRPGs, the ultimate goal is to sell as many copies as possible. With that said, these are the highest-selling RPGs in history, and deservingly so.
Updated August 31, 2021, by Avery Lawrence Feyrer: It's been discovered that the initial monetary sales figures featured in this article were inaccurate and we have replaced those figures with the number of units each game sold. Because of the change to units, certain entries have either been replaced or shifted on the list. Each entry will also include a specific reference link as to where that information was found.
10 Pokemon X And Y - 16.53M
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Source: VGS |
Introducing the sixth generation of the series, Pokemon X and Y were also the first games to appear on the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. Unlike other Pokemon titles, X and Y have not received an updated version. There was a reported that leak that possibly detailed Nintendo working on a sequel for the games, but ultimately scrapped the titles.
Pokemon X and Y took place in the Kalos region, based on real-world France. The game introduced 72 new species of Pokemon, as well as a new Fairy-type and a noticeable technological advancement in the graphics department. Pokemon X and Y were major successes on the 3DS, selling over 16 million units to date.
9 Monster Hunter World - 17M
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Source: IGN |
In 2018, Capcom released the fifth installment in its Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter World, to widespread acclaim. The publisher recently reported Monster Hunter World has crossed 17 million copies sold, making it one of Capcom's biggest games in history.
Similar to the other games in the franchise, players are tasked with hunting down large beasts that roam around the territory of Astera. The game features an incredible customization system and allows you to create your character fitted with amazing-looking weapons and armor. Capcom received considerable praise because of how accessible Monster Hunter World is to new players of the series.
8 Pokemon Diamond And Pearl - 17.67M
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Source: VGS |
The first Pokemon games to appear on the Nintendo DS in 2006, Diamond and Pearl ushered in the fourth generation of Pokemon. An updated version dubbed Platinum was released shortly after in 2008 and full-blown remakes called Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are on their way.
Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokemon games to add Internet play over a Wi-Fi connection and added 107 new types of Pokemon. The games also expanded on the day-night cycle with five time periods instead of three. Diamond and Pearl made adjustments to the combat system, categorizing attacks into three distinct groups instead of their specific type. For now, Diamond and Pearl have sold over 17 million copies, one of the highest among the series.
7 Pokemon Sword And Shield - 21.85M
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Source: VGS |
Arguably the biggest entertainment franchise in existence, Pokemon has simply dominated video game sales for decades. Developed by Game Freak, Pokemon is one of Nintendo’s crown jewels. The main Pokemon games have appeared on every iteration main series Nintendo console, while a few spin-offs have found homes on various other consoles as well. Pokemon Sword and Shield were the first of the series to appear on the Nintendo Switch, launching in 2019.
Coming off the success of Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, the launch of Pokemon Sword and Shield was a momentous event. The updated three-dimensional graphics blew fans away and pushed the franchise to new heights. Because of this highly-anticipated launch, Pokemon Sword and Shield has sold over 21 million copies in under two years, making it the best-selling Pokemon game since Gold and Silver.
6 Borderlands 2 - 22M
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Source: Games Industry.biz |
As the industry continues to evolve with more advanced technologies, so do the games and the genres they’re classified as. In the past, many would assume all RPGs were games that only featured turn-based style combat or some form of mythical creatures. Gearbox Software created something truly unique in Borderlands.
A cartoonish, first-person shooter that blends science-fiction and western, Borderlands received high praise. The developer has since made two more main games (one spin-off), all with the same level of success, but with Borderlands 2, currently, reigning supreme. The most recent unit figures found for Borderlands 2 is 22 million units, but that report is from two years ago. With a movie based on the franchise on the way, it's without a doubt these numbers might see a boost. Borderlands 2 was also the fastest-selling game in 2K history until its sequel, Borderlands 3, launched.
5 Pokemon Gold And Silver - 23.73M
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Source: VGS |
Among the sweeping terror of Y2K in 1999, Nintendo released Pokemon Gold and Silver. While there aren’t direct sequels in the series, similar to Final Fantasy, there were many reasons why Gold and Silver felt like one to Red and Blue. After completing the Johto region, you can travel back to the Kanto region from Red and Blue. It was incredible being able to challenge the old Gym Leaders again, but even more mind-blowing to battle Red, the old protagonist.
Adding the Kanto region paid off huge for Nintendo in both a commercial and critical sense. Not only has Gold and Silver sold over 23 million copies, but it’s also been heavily debated if they are the best in the franchise. Regardless, Gold and Silver were exceptional follow-up titles to two classics.
4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - 30M
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Source: Game Rant |
In what many might pick as their favorite game of all time, The Witcher 3 happens to be one of the most successful ones. The third installment of the series, The Witcher 3 is a prequel to its predecessor focused on Geralt of Rivia’s search for his adopted daughter, Ciri.
Developer CD Projekt Red created two critically acclaimed expansions in Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine that further enhanced the experience of The Witcher 3. On top of commercial success in selling 30 million copies worldwide, The Witcher 3 is regarded as having one of the best side quests in RPG history.
3 Diablo 3 And Reaper Of Souls - 30M
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Source: Polygon |
When you think of PC gaming, it’s hard not to think of Diablo. The franchise began in 1997 and has continued to dominate sales, with Diablo 2 considered as one of the best RPGs ever. The third entry continued that trend in 2012, setting a new record for fastest-selling PC game with over three million copies sold in the first 24 hours.
The success of Diablo 3 led to the Reaper of Souls expansion being launched in March 2014, shortly before the game was ported to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Reported in 2015, Diablo 3 broke the 30 million mark in copies sold, making it one of the best-selling PC games of all time, as well.
2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - 30M
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Source: Digital Trends |
In what has to be the longest-running joke in history, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim continues to get new releases. While seeing Skyrim appear on a new system every few years is entertaining, it definitely helps pump up the sales figure. Currently, Skyrim has sold over 30 million copies but could see a boost with the special Anniversary Edition slated for release in November 2021 on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
Although Skyrim is not a direct sequel, it takes place 201 years after the fourth game, Oblivion. You can pick among ten different races and your ultimate goal is to slay the dragon Alduin the World-Eater, who’s destined to destroy the world. With the upcoming Anniversary Edition marking Skyrim’s tenth year of existence, it will also mark the seventh time the game has been released.
1 Pokemon Red And Blue - 32.55M
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Source: VGS |
The ones that started it all. Pokemon Red and Blue introduced us to a magical world with unique, adorable, yet dangerous creatures. While some people study these pocket monsters in a scientific sense, others used them in battles for glory. For many, these were the games that truly introduced people to the world of gaming. Since 1996, Pokemon Red and Blue have sold slightly more than 31.05 million copies, making it the most sold Pokemon game in the series.
Nintendo re-released Pokemon Red and Blue on the online shop for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016, adding another 1.5 million copies sold. The added million and a half brings the total to a whopping 32.55 million copies sold worldwide. The success of Red and Blue rolled into a billion-dollar franchise, one that spans across over 30 main titles and numerous spin-offs.