Summary
Quests, characters, and stories are the heart of any greatRPG, and they’re a big reason why these games are beloved by so many players. Typically, themore variety a game offersin terms of how players can approach even the smallest quest, the more it’s discussed and celebrated. The best RPGs out there are known for offering a rich array of activities beyond basic combat, predictable revenge plots, or collecting random items. Instead, they provide unconventional and memorable missions.
From quests centered purely on dialogue interactions with NPCs to stealth infiltrations, detective work, political maneuvering, animal escorting, mini-game progression, and much more, the RPGs below excel at constantly surprising players with new tasks and giving them the freedom to solve problems in creative ways.
Baldur’s Gate 3has already established itself as one of the most hyped and universally appealing RPGs, a must-play for any fan of the genre. The game stands out in numerous areas, from character design to mission variety, offering playersendless possibilities in how they tackle quests. Its rich character and class creation system can significantly influence quests and how NPCs perceive one’s character, revealing a wealth of hidden paths and alternative solutions throughout the adventure.
Unique mechanics, such as the ability to speak with animals or use spells like Detect Thoughts, add depth to interactions, while the dice roll system injects unpredictability into every choice.Baldur’s Gate 3’s replayability is off the charts, a fact highlighted by its consistent presence among the most-played games on Steam, even more than a year after its release.
Disco Elysiummight not appeal to every RPG fan, but for those it resonates with, the game is nothing short of remarkable. With its unique structure and quest design thatalmost entirely eliminates combat, players are invited to immerse themselves in a deep, richly crafted world where narrative is king. The game explores the darkest, most intimate corners of the protagonist’s personality, offering a one-of-a-kind roleplaying experience.
As a police detective, investigation is central toDisco Elysium, but it’s just one layer of what the game offers. Its captivating blend of political intrigue, personal introspection, and surreal storytelling — laced with existential, philosophical, and metaphysical themes — makes this game truly stand apart. There’s little else like it in the RPG genre.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntfirmly established CD Projekt Red as one of the top RPG studios, excelling in nearly every aspect of Geralt’s third chapter. EvenCyberpunk 2077can’t quite matchThe Witcher 3in areas like quest design and variety. With an abundance of things to discover and do, the game keeps players engaged — despite the occasional overuse of the witcher’s sense mechanic. What truly stands out is theunpredictability of the side quests, ensuring players are always drawn in.
Unlike many RPGs, where tasks often boil down to “go here, fight this, get your reward,”The Witcher 3takes a much more complex, multi-step approach. CDPR challenges players to think, make meaningful choices, and brace for the unexpected at every turn.
Kingdom Come: Deliverancestands out as both an RPG and a life simulator, thanks to its meticulous approach torecreating the authentic routines of everyday medieval life. The game frequently comes up in discussions about the most varied quests in the genre, a testament to the dedication of Warhorse Studios.
The game features a wide array of well-crafted, seemingly trivial quests that many other titles overlook. Beneath their surface simplicity, these quests often reveal unexpected and intriguing twists. What truly enhances the experience is how even the most ordinary tasks are elevated by the game’s unparalleled immersive and authentic appeal — qualities that are sure to be further developed in the upcomingKingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
TheFalloutseries has long been celebrated for its quest variety, player freedom, and choices that have long-reaching consequences. Among its rich history,Fallout: New Vegascontinues to stand out, even whencompared to other influential entriesin the franchise. True to Obsidian’s focus on prioritizing quests and characters above all else — just as any great RPG should —New Vegasquickly garnered a dedicated fanbase, many of whom believe it represents the pinnacle of the series, even fourteen years after its release.
Masterfully working within its complex setting,Fallout: New Vegasadds entirely new facets to the universe’s deep lore, surprising and captivating players for countless hours without ever letting up. The final stretch of the game, set in the city of New Vegas, is filled with an abundance of intertwined quests, enough to constitute a smaller RPG on its own. Not to mention, the game features four sizable expansions, all true to the core strengths of the original.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfireis a significant step up from its already strong predecessor, doubling down on everything that the world of Eora has to offer. Infused with irresistible pirate romance, the game sends players on an epic quest to chase a colossal god while exploring a vast Deadfire archipelago filled with countless factions, races, and adventures.
Thanks to its flexible quest design, players enjoy a high degree of freedom reminiscent of old-school CRPGs, though the variety of options can sometimes feel overwhelming. With every party member able to engage in quests and dialogue, and an impressively branching nature to almost every mission, players can truly carve their own path throughPillars of Eternity 2as they see fit.
It may be hard to believe, butWorld of Warcrafthas been around for two decades now. Since its vanilla days, it has always been an excellent RPG for solo players, thanks to the game’s impressive and ever-growing array of quests that offer great variety. While there’s certainly some filler content typical of MMORPGs, the freedomWoWprovides in terms of character choices and personal goals makes for an adventure that is hard to match.
To date,World of Warcrafthas received over ten major expansions, each introducing a wealth of new content and various quest storylines to immerse players. Some expansions have reshaped the game entirely, with more successes than missteps. However, one downside to startingWoWtoday — aside from its somewhat outdated visuals — is the time commitment required to fully engage with its vast world.
