Role-playing games make up a genre with a power like no other. They invite you to step into alternate realities where imagination knows no bounds, opening up entire universes for you to explore. No longer are you limited to human constraints—in these virtual worlds, you can walk in the shoes of anyone you can dream up.

Whether you seek to explore mythical realms, slay legendary beasts, or forge your own destiny, there are countless games for you just a mouse click away. Keep reading for our list of the top 15 best fantasy RPGs available on PC in 2023.

15. New World

New World: Rise of the Angry Earth - Official Launch Trailer.

Go from castaway to king on a magical island in New World, an open-world MMO.

As an adventurer stranded on an island where supernatural forces reign supreme, you’ll face bizarre prehistoric creatures, unruly terrain, and vicious combat as you fight for survival. Whether you wage war with a faction or walk your own path, the island of Aeternum offers danger and opportunity alike.

New World’s player base has fallen off quite a bit since the boom at its initial release, but it still has enough regular players for a healthy co-op experience. In 2023 this game has loads of new content worth exploring and stunning graphics you don’t want to miss.

14. Albion Online

Albion Online | Tell Your Story

Albion Online transports you to a sprawling medieval fantasy world where every decision has the potential to bring you riches or ruin. In this sandbox MMORPG with a dynamic player-driven economy, strategy is your greatest asset, from forging powerful weapons to commanding guilds in epic battles. 

While you’ll trade goods, cultivate crops, and explore unique biomes, the main focus of the game is PVP, whether you're robbing someone of their hard-earned loot or leading an army to victory. The main downside players mention is that Albion Online involves a lot of grinding, which is why it doesn’t rank higher on this list. However, its classless combat system, open-world exploration, and cross-platform play are just a few features that make this game worthwhile.

13. Wildermyth

Wildermyth Launch Trailer.

In Wildermyth, your choices shape the destiny of unique heroes as you follow your party’s journey into the unknown. This RPG captures the essence of the best tabletop roleplaying games. Characters evolve as they age, forge bonds, and make life-altering decisions, all within a beautifully hand-painted world.

Unlike the previous two games on this list, Wildermyth places storytelling at its core—every action you take builds on your favourite heroes’ legends. Plus, each procedurally-generated campaign brings new characters and obstacles to the table, offering endless replayability. Whether your story is one of sacrifice, friendship, or romance, you won’t regret giving this indie game a try.

12. OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

OCTOPATH TRAVELER II - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch.

OCTOPATH TRAVELER II invites you to uncover a vibrant steampunk world full of innovation and culture. In Solstia, eight different travellers—each with their own background and skills—wait for you to explore their intertwining tales.

What instantly stands out about this game are its stunning HD-2D graphics that combine retro and modern styles. When you dive in, you’ll rediscover beloved mechanics and embrace new ones as you toggle between day and night, activate latent powers, and sail vast seas. It’s no wonder this game has so many players waiting for an OCTOPATH TRAVELER III.

11. Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch.

Battle fierce new monsters in the most recent installment of this beloved Capcom series. 

In Monster Hunter Rise, you’ll hunt down fearsome foes, explore new landscapes, and wield a diverse array of weapons. From creatures inspired by Japanese folklore to classic returning monsters—each with special abilities—you must adapt and strategize to claim your rewards. You can even choose whether to walk the path of the hunter alone or join forces with up to three other friends.

The breathtaking visuals, unleashed framerates, and co-op experience make Monster Hunter Rise a must-play for both series veterans and newcomers alike.

10. Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Official Shadow of War Story Trailer | 4K.

Prepare for a return to J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy realm in a thrilling sequel to Shadow of Mordor. In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, you play as Talion—a vengeful Ranger sharing a body with a wraith—as he sets out to put an end to Sauron’s rule. This action-packed RPG offers epic battles, a dynamic Nemesis System, and an open world to explore. 

Newcomers to the series will be pleased to find that Middle-earth: Shadow of War works as both a sequel and a self-contained narrative, enjoyable even if you haven’t played Shadow of Mordor. While some critics of the game note dragged-out gameplay, committed players are bound to savour this quest for retribution.

9. Nioh 2

Nioh 2 Complete Edition - Official PC Overview Trailer.

Travel through Japan's Sengoku period in Nioh 2, where you’ll face evil spirits and engage in visceral, unforgiving combat. As you step into this action RPG, you’ll create an original protagonist, confront fearsome yokai, and harness the new Yokai Shift ability to take on your foes. The Complete Edition also introduces three DLC expansions, each transporting you to different periods in history to battle new enemies.

With support for 4K Ultra-HD graphics and up to 120 FPS, the game’s fantasy world bursts to life on your monitor. Nioh 2’s souls-like combat promises an exhilarating challenge for players who love skill-driven gameplay. 

8. Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy - Official Launch Trailer 4K.

Immerse yourself in the open-world RPG that sends you on an enchanting adventure through the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Set in the 1800s, you’ll explore iconic locations as you master spells, bond with mythical creatures, and unveil the hidden secrets of the wizarding world.

Hogwarts Legacy contains hundreds of hours of gameplay as well as nostalgic visuals and soundtracks in a love letter to the franchise. While the game is true to the source material, its reviews bring up somewhat repetitive gameplay that may not impress players who aren’t already Harry Potter fans. Still, it makes up for this with a modern gaming experience that plunges you into a world of magic and wonder.

7. Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 - Teaser Trailer.

Journey through the rich world of Tyria in a sequel to the critically acclaimed MMORPG Guild Wars.

In Guild Wars 2, Tyria beckons you to traverse its landscapes at your own pace, either alone or with fellow adventurers. Customize your character, forge alliances, and tackle fearsome boss battles in the game’s structured combat, all without needing to form parties. Each available profession offers a different playstyle, ensuring a tailor-made experience no matter how you prefer to approach the game.

A highlight of Guild Wars 2 is its refreshing breakaway from having to grind excessively to make any progress—a convention of MMOs. Players of all stripes can play the game the way they want to, embarking on quests or simply going where their path takes them.

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Modded)

Skyrim Special Edition – Gameplay Trailer #2.

Skyrim has been a beloved RPG for over a decade—its breathtaking landscapes, epic dragon battles, and memorable NPCs have captured our hearts. But let’s be honest, what truly makes Skyrim worth picking up even in 2023 is the creativity of those who mod it.

If you haven’t explored Skyrim’s rich modding scene, you’re missing out. You’ll find free mods for just about anything you can imagine, whether you want to overhaul your game’s graphics with 4K textures, introduce mighty foes to fight, or make your Shouts turn people into cheese.

If you’re so inclined, you can even pick up the Creation Kit and learn to make your own mods with the countless tutorials available online. The sky's the limit when you can change your whole gaming experience to suit your tastes, which is what we believe will keep Skyrim relevant for years to come.

5. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Trailer.

Unleash your inner power as you battle for Divinity in the epic world of Divinity: Original Sin 2. Write your own destiny as you explore every corner of the map, watching the game respond to the legend you become. Form bonds with your companions, engage in tactical turn-based combat with over 200 skills, and manipulate the environment to win, all while traversing Rivellon either alone or in co-op. 

With endless possibilities, engaging narratives, and loads of content to explore, Divinity: Original Sin 2 gives you unparalleled freedom and replay value. This entry in a classic series is a must-play for fans of the genre.

4. Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars | Launch Trailer.

A new RPG is breaking the mould, combining classic gameplay with modern storytelling and navigation for a fresh gaming experience. That RPG isSea of Stars.

Follow the story of two “Children of the Solstice,” Valere and Zale, as they use their powers to fight against the creations of a wicked alchemist. When you aren’t meeting charming characters, solving puzzles, or engaging in dynamic combat, you’ll spend your free time hanging out in the tavern, sailing the seas, and much more.

This game brings stunning graphics and dynamically rendered lighting to the nostalgic 16-bit RPG experience. Everything is designed with seamless and unrestricted gameplay in mind. Give Sea of Stars a try and it’ll become clear why this indie release was an instant hit.

3. Elden Ring

ELDEN RING Official Launch Trailer.

The 2022 Game of the Year conjures a dark fantasy realm filled with massive, intricate dungeons and powerful foes. You’ll customize your character's appearance and skills, shaping them into a mighty warrior or a master of magic on your quest to wield the power of the Elden Ring. The game supports both multiplayer and solo gameplay, and its asynchronous online features connect you to fellow Tarnished even when you journey alone. 

Elden Ring’s soulsborne style may intimidate newer players, but fear not—even beginners can enjoy exploring the mysterious and hauntingly beautiful Lands Between at their own pace. Critics and players alike are raving about the game’s vast world, grand artwork, and captivating story.

2. The Witcher® 3: Wild Hunt

Official Launch Trailer - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Enter a vivid fantasy realm based on the iconic book series in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. You’ll traverse a war-torn continent filled with magic and corruption alike as Geralt of Rivia—a professional monster hunter—on his quest to track down the Child of Prophecy. Faced with exotic creatures, mischievous spirits, and merciless rulers, you’ll have to make brutal decisions that will influence the fate of the world for better or for worse.

Beyond its main storyline, The Witcher 3 offers loads of side content, from mini-games to bounties and everything in between. Face down the Wild Hunt, or ignore all perils and spend dozens of hours mastering Gwent. Whatever you choose, you’re in for an adventure that’s sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always compelling.

1. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 Official Launch Trailer.

From the creators of the Divinity Series, this open-world adventure is setting a new standard for fantasy RPGs.

Infected by a mind-flayer parasite, you find yourself on a perilous journey to uncover the mysteries of an enigmatic artifact while navigating a world filled with danger, magic, and moral choices that shape your destiny. As you gather a diverse party of companions, you must confront personal demons and unravel the tapestry of an ever-evolving story. Will you save the people of Faerûn from the forces threatening to enslave it, or become one of the many figures vying for power?

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterpiece of a game with rich storytelling and role-playing elements that respond to every choice you make—from the things you say to even the race and class you choose, the smallest things have a hand in determining your fate. While it’s a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rule set, even those who aren’t familiar with the tabletop roleplaying game can enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3’s well-crafted narrative and branching storylines. We hope to see more games with this level of depth in the  years to come.

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