There are no shortages of RPGs as of late and Xbox Game Pass has plenty. Even before Microsoft acquired Bethesda studios, Xbox Game Pass still had a lot of RPGs to choose from. But now the catalog has expanded with many RPGs that offer hundreds of hours.
Not everyone has plenty of time for multiple games and may only want to choose one. That’s where I come in to help you.
RPGs come in different subgenres, like third-person or first-person, fantasy or post-apocalyptic, and anything in between. That’s what makes RPGs unique, someone can find something for them, while staying true to RPG elements.
I will help you narrow down your search and find the best RPGs on Xbox Game Pass, old and new.
So let’s get started with this list, shall we?
Final Fantasy VII
Genre: Japanese Turn-based
Who’s it for?: If you love Japanese RPGs, you can’t go wrong with one of the best Japanese RPGs of all time. This is for people who love a colorful cast of characters, unique customization, and a strong (but complicated) story. As you progress further into the story you will encounter plenty of mini-games as well. Games like Chocobo breeding and racing, motorcycle racing, basketball, and many more. Final Fantasy VII is a decent-sized game and also a great starting point if you never played a JRPG before.
Final Fantasy X
Genre: Japanese Turn-based
Who’s it for?: What I said about Final Fantasy 7 above can mostly be applied here as well. Also, if underwater soccer/basketball sounds interesting to you, which it should, be sure to check this out. Even more enticing is the monster capture system. Letting you face them in an arena later on.
Final Fantasy X also has a sequel named X-2. Thanks to Xbox Game Pass it is bundled with it. However, I have never played it. But I will assume that if you like JRPGs and Final Fantasy X, then you will likely find it fun.
Mass Effect Series
Genre: Third-person, Action, Space
Who’s it for?: These games are for anyone who loves the combat of shooters and the story, choices, characters, dialogue, and leveling of an RPG. This series has found a great mix for everyone.
Each entry in the series is great, Andromeda has some mixed reactions though. If you decide to play Mass Effect, then start with the first for story purposes. Characters and choices carry over from game to game.
The Elder Scrolls Series
Genre: Open World Sandbox Fantasy
Who’s it for? The Elder Scrolls series offer something many RPGs don’t: letting players play how they want and get lost in a fantastic sandbox world. Maybe you want to play a mage and just explore the land, well go right ahead, nothing is stopping you.
If you want a more hardcore RPG experience then starting with Morrowind would be best. Skyrim now has plenty of mod support that enhances the game with new content. You can’t go wrong with any game in the series.
Pillars of Eternity Series
Genre: Isometric, Real-time with pause
Who’s it for?: If you have played Neverwinter Nights, Baldur’s Gate, or Icewind Dale then you have a frame of reference if you will like this game or not. Pillars of Eternity is a love letter to the RPGs of the 90s.
In other words, don’t expect this game to hold your hand and it will take time to get accustomed to the game system. Pillars of Eternity is for die-hard RPG and pen-and-paper fans.
Wasteland 3
Genre: Isometric, Turn-based, Tactic, Post-apocalyptic
Who’s it for?: Wasteland 3 is for anyone who loves the squad-based combat of XCOM and the roaming and exploration gameplay of old-school isometric RPGs, like Baldur’s Gate. Along with this unique blend, the game offers impactful choices and zany characters to keep you hooked.
What makes Wasteland 3 different is the use of more modern weapons (and energy weapons) and settings. There is no magic to speak of and could be considered similar to Fallout Tactics in some ways.
Octopath Traveler
Genre: Old-school, Japanese Turn-based
Who’s it for?: Old-school Japanese lovers. Retro graphics, jobs(classes), and combat gives a nice sense of nostalgia. Not much to say, fans of Chrono Trigger and the first Final Fantasy games should feel right at home.
Dragon Age: Origins & Inquisition
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Real-time with pause
Who’s it for?: Dragon Age would be for people who prefer a more modern and streamlined version of Baldur’s Gate or an old-school RPG. It has all the elements without the steep learning curve.
No matter which game in the series you play, Dragon Age will make you care for the complex characters and intrigued with its well-written story. Dragon Age: Origins is the preferred game in the series and I agree. However, Inquisition is a fantastic game as well.
Fallout Series
Genre: Post-apocalyptic, Shooter
Who’s it for? The Fallout series offers paralleled exploration of a post-apocalyptic and war-torn wasteland. While each entry in the series is considered critically acclaimed, New Vegas seems to be the popular favorite.
Choices that matter and many different outcomes to quests are some of the reasons Fallout is such a beloved franchise. So if you love fun combat, diverse builds, and a large wasteland, these games are for you.
The Outer Worlds
Genre: Space, First-person Shooter
Who’s it for? The Outer Worlds is Fallout but in a space setting, yet still, a great game on its own. Considering Obsidian Entertainment developed the New Vegas and this game, it is easy to see the similarities.
If you played the Fallout series and loved it, then this game will be for you. On the other hand, if you never have, well, get ready for plenty of dialogue and intimacy between your crew members.
You can play how you want, kill everyone or play as a smooth-talking pacifist. The variety of choices and options is what makes this game so fun.
There you have it guys. I made this list just for you. The best role-playing games (and series) currently on Xbox Game Pass. Of course, many others didn’t make the list but are still worth trying.
RPGs offer some of the most detailed and expansive worlds and not everyone has the time to explore them all. So I hope this list was helpful for anyone on the fence about trying one of these games.
On that note, tell me what your favorite RPGs are, whether they are on Xbox Game Pass or not. I like to see different opinions.
Originally published at https://gamingnitemare.com on June 2, 2021.
