The Best RPGs On Xbox Game Pass (April 2024)

Perhaps more than any other genre, role-playing games offer players a chance to fully immerse themselves in both a world and a story. By taking control of both a character and the quest they must embark on, fans of RPGs can experience the rewarding upward climb of progression.

Most RPGs tend to be hefty time sinks, but that only goes to show how immersive these titles can be. Luckily for those who own Xbox Game Pass, phenomenal RPG games are available at a moment’s notice. Whether someone prefers JRPGs, Western epics, or indie darlings; Microsoft’s subscription service has them covered. What are the best RPGs on Game Pass?

Updated April 5, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Xbox Game Pass has enjoyed an exciting couple of weeks, with several giant games debuting on the service. Quite a few of the platform’s recent additions lean into RPG territory, providing fans with a robust range of options that blend into other genres. Third-person shooter fans can check out Evil West, while people who are first-person shooters can try out Dead Island 2, even if it is only a lite RPG. Tales of Arise is a great action JRPG, while Indivisible is a solid indie project. Then, there is Diablo 4, a hack-and-slash RPG that tends to draw passionate reactions out of people.

Persona 3 Reload

Metascore: 86

Persona 5‘s shadow looms large over Atlus’ entire franchise, and its fingerprints can be seen in Persona 3 Reload, Atlus’ 2024 remake of 2006’s PS2 JRPG. However, this iteration is still 100% Persona 3, retaining the original’s dark atmosphere, fantastic storytelling, and Tartarus. In a series that has produced almost nothing but stellar games, P3 stands as a genuine contender for its crowning achievement, and Reload shows the classic JRPG all the respect it deserves.

Blending dungeon-crawling with social sim aspects, P3R strikes an outstanding balance that satisfies both genres’ needs in a way that ensures they complement each other. During the day, players get to live the life of a Japanese high school student, which involves attending class and hanging out with friends. These sections are the campaign’s beating heart, granting depth to the characters while also weaving a powerful tale that tackles mostly mature themes.

At night, players lead a party into an intense dungeon crawling with Persona, creatures that can be added to the protagonist’s arsenal. As a monster-collecting game, P3R offers a wide and impressive roster of candidates, and the game expects players to be constantly cycling through new party members by either catching Persona or using the fusion system. While the JRPG’s turn-based combat is fairly traditional for the genre, P3R elevates the action through a fantastic presentation and supporting mechanics that inject an element of strategy into battles.

Starfield

Metascore: 83

The launch of a Bethesda project will always attract hype, but Starfield was a special case since it was the developer’s first new IP in a long time. A vast and ambitious space opera, the 2023 release sets players loose on a galaxy’s worth of content, allowing them to establish outposts in procedurally generated planets as they take on pirates, factions, and local wildlife. As with most of Bethesda’s RPGs, Starfield‘s main storyline is not particularly long, and it can be completed within 20 to 30 hours; however, the campaign only covers a small sliver of what this project has to offer. In fact, players might find themselves ignoring the compulsory quests in favor of optional missions and just plain old exploration, two things that represent the game at its best.

Now, Starfield is not perfect. The fast-travel system is almost unavoidable, and it is implemented in a way that can be jarring. The combat is an improvement over Fallout 4, but it takes a while to pick up momentum and, ultimately, is just decent rather than great. The main plot is quite polarizing, as are Starfield‘s companions. Still, overall, this is an enjoyable RPG that is worth a playthrough to see if it clicks. The negativity that has risen around the game is not unjustified, but there are plenty of positives as well.

Tales Of Arise

Metascore: 87

Even if it is not as synonymous with JRPGs as Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, Bandai Namco’s Tales is one of the genre’s most beloved franchises, and an argument could be made that it is the definitive action property. While fairly consistent in terms of quality, a few entries stand out from the crowd, and Tales of Arise is one of the best games in the series. The 2021 release also serves as a great introduction to the IP, and since the story is not connected to any previous releases, newcomers can jump into this project without hesitation.

Telling a fairly major story that tackles themes of discrimination and oppression, Arise blends strong storytelling with addictive combat, likable characters, and a fair amount of secondary content. While the campaign is quite long, new settings and mechanics are introduced frequently enough to ensure things remain interesting throughout, and all the playable characters are unique and come with learning curves.

Lies Of P

Metascore: 84

Soulslike games belong to their own genre, but they still fall under the action RPG umbrella. Lies of P is an inspired take on the Soulsborne formula, even if its core mechanics do not stray too far from the beaten path. Cast as Pinocchio, players will find themselves exploring Krat, a Gothic fallen utopia that has become overrun by deadly puppets who come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Unlike some other entries in the genre, Lies of P has a fixed protagonist and does not offer too many customization options, at least not in the opening few hours. Players can select from three combat styles, and they unlock new weapons at a steady but not overwhelming pace. Importantly, Lies of P nails its combat and enemy design, offering fast-paced and aggressive action that demands players master all the game’s mechanics, particularly parrying.

Diablo 4

Metascore: 91

Blizzard’s Diablo 4 is a weird beast. The hack and slash RPG attracted near-universal praise at launch and was regarded as a solid evolution for the franchise. However, the game’s reputation declined quite quickly after that point, with a few subsequent updates being viewed as a step back rather than a leap forward. Nowadays, the RPG exists in a strange space where it already feels like old news, although that is something that could easily change over the coming months and years.

Polarizing as it might be, Diablo 4 is nevertheless massive. Except for a more expansive open-world and a couple of touches, Blizzard’s action RPG does not reinvent the wheel, instead opting to offer a straightforward combat-loot-combat loop. The story is fine but nothing special, and it largely exists to keep people busy until they reach the endgame. The combat is simplistic as well, but it is satisfying in a shut-off-your-brain type of way. Unsurprisingly, the game floods players with loot, which provides a small dopamine hit every time. For all its divisive elements, at its core, Diablo 4 is a pretty good action RPG that has the potential to be better. If someone is on the fence about trying this sequel, they can now jump on board thanks to Xbox Game Pass.

Shadowrun Trilogy

Metascore: 76 (PS5)

Three titles for the price of an Xbox Game Pass subscription, this compilation contains Shadowrun Returns, Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut, and Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition. These cyberpunk tactical RPGs guide players through mission-based levels that feature solid combat, great stories, and an immersive world.

While the CRPG subgenre can be intimidating for the uninitiated, Shadowrun is one of the more approachable representatives since the games do not have an overabundance of mechanics that need to be memorized. Consequently, this trilogy serves as a good entry point into this style of game.

Cassette Beasts

Metascore: 84 (PC)

Xbox Game Pass has a couple of monster-collecting games. Those titles can keep someone busy for months on end, but Atlus’ series has some competition. Initially launching on PC before making its way to consoles, Cassette Beasts is a fantastic indie project that takes inspiration from the likes of Pokemon, particularly the older isometric entries, while also crafting a unique voice that sets it apart from its peers. Arriving at a peculiar island called New Wirral, players are quickly greeted by a ranger who tells them about their ability to transform into beasts, which they will need to do to survive the habitat’s wildlife.

Cassette Beasts‘ title gives its monster-taming mechanic away: players “catch” creatures by recording them on a cassette tape. If successful, the protagonist and their human partners will be able to transform into them during battles. Set in a vibrant and diverse open-world, the game offers a creative modernization of this RPG subgenre’s typical formula, and it even manages to incorporate a pretty interesting story. Along with the main campaign, players have quite a few side activities to keep them busy.

Darkest Dungeon

Metascore: 83 (PS4)

Darkest Dungeon is a cutthroat game that takes no prisoners. Players inherit a mansion sitting on top of a strange dungeon, so they hire heroes to explore the creepy labyrinth within. Like most RPGs, these characters come in a variety of classes and can be leveled up; unlike most RPGs, death is permanent in Darkest Dungeon. There is nothing quite as infuriating as watching a powerful hero meet their maker, never to be seen again.

Red Hook’s game uses a turn-based combat system that centers around parties of four characters. While exploring the dungeon, players have to monitor the heroes’ stress levels along with a myriad of other mechanics. It is quite a challenge.

Rune Factory 4 Special

Metascore: 83

Debuting in 2006, Rune Factory strives to be a jack of all trades, which is not always a recipe for success. Along with its immediate predecessor, the fourth entry is generally regarded to be the franchise’s strongest project, and the enhanced version elevates the solid vanilla experience. As a new prince, Rune Factory 4 Special puts players in charge of revamping a town, a process that involves farming, mingling, crafting, and dungeon-crawling. Marvelous’ game casts a wide net, resulting in a diverse albeit sometimes shallow experience; however, the core gameplay loop is fun enough to keep things interesting for a few dozen hours.

Generally, Rune Factory 4‘s campaign does not take too many risks structurally as the story is largely framed around the introduction of dungeons. The latter sequences are built around an isometric hack and slash combat system that gets the job done, even if it is not especially deep. And that’s probably the best way to describe Rune Factory 4: the Game Pass RPG gets the job done in nearly every area. It might not be the best dungeon crawler or farming sim on the market, but it is one of the few games to combine those elements with romance, crafting, and town-building.

Sea Of Stars

Metascore: 89

August and September 2023 produced two of 2023’s biggest RPGs: Baldur’s Gate 3 and Starfield. Most indie projects released around the same time as these games were destined to be overshadowed, and that’s without even mentioning Armored Core 6 and Lies of P. Therefore, the fact that Sea of Stars still managed to make a splash speaks to its quality. Inspired by ’90s JRPGs, Sabotage crafted a gem that pays tribute to its influential ancestors without fully anchoring itself to them.

Set on an island, Sea of Stars follows two heroes tasked with defeating a spreading corruption. On the surface, this premise might sound generic, but it is all about the execution. Not only does the lengthy storyline take a few genuine risks as it progresses, but it is also packed with endearing characters and fun optional content. The turn-based combat system is pretty great too.

Stardew Valley

Metascore: 89

Launching in 2016, Stardew Valley has blossomed into one of gaming’s most enduring farming sims. The indie game comes packed with so much content and freedom that two people could wind up having completely different experiences. Whether planning out a year’s worth of farming or sparking a romance with one of the NPCs, Stardew Valley is incredibly immersive.

Offering endearing visuals, expansive customization options, and a lot to discover, this game will keep somebody playing for months on end. For those looking for a title that doesn’t prioritize combat but is still quite challenging in places, Stardew Valley is a stellar pick.

Mount And Blade 2: Bannerlord

Metascore: 73

Bannerlord is ambitious. TaleWorlds’ project blends action RPG elements with strategy mechanics, crafting an experience that is quite unlike anything else on the market. Players start from nothing as they steadily build their mercenary group, eventually seeking to take over land and spread their influence.

Mount & Blade 2 can be overwhelming, particularly for people who did not play the previous games. However, it might be able to fill a void that no other title on Game Pass can reach.

Remnant 2

Metascore: 85

Remnant: From the Ashes and its 2023 sequel were added to Xbox Game Pass at the same time, allowing players to experience all the currently available content at the click of a button. Gunfire’s IP is known as the third-person shooter Soulslike, a well-earned reputation since it is undoubtedly the best series that combines the two genres without limiting gunplay to a secondary mechanic. Similar to Lies of P, Remnant takes many ideas from RPGs; in fact, these two games are arguably more conventional entries into that genre. Remnant: From the Ashes is very good and a fine entry point into this universe, but its sequel is slightly better.

Featuring a lengthy campaign that is designed to be replayed, Remnant 2 sends players to multiple words that are overrun with the Rot. Once at one of these locations, players need to explore the overworld while searching for dungeons that conclude with boss fights. The latter are procedurally generated, so they should be different from playthrough to playthrough. At the start of a run, players pick from a few available archetypes that act as classes, and these are quite different from each other. Players are also granted a fair range of customization options that revolve around both stats and equipment, allowing them to tweak their character to suit their preferences.

Dead Island 2

Metascore: 76

Dead Island 2 is primarily an action game with RPG elements, so it might not be exactly what every fan of the genre is craving; however, as the project is generally described as an action-RPG, a recommendation is warranted. More importantly, the 2023 game is just fun, and sometimes that is the only thing that matters. Featuring an awesome and gory combat system, Dead Island 2 lets players rampage through a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, arming them with a colorful assortment of weapons to ensure they can gleefully tear zombies to shreds. The minute-to-minute gameplay is a blast, and the campaign does not overstay its welcome either.

In terms of RPG mechanics, Dead Island 2 utilizes cards for unlocking and improving skills. While serviceable, this process is not extremely exciting nor does it provide too much wiggle room for experimentation. Still, players can customize their characters to an extent, and the game includes a traditional level-up system.

Wasteland 3

Metascore: 84

All three Wasteland games are available on Xbox Game Pass, and each one improves on the last. Wasteland 3 is a challenging strategy turn-based RPG reminiscent of classic Fallout titles, and it comes with a dark sense of humor and a desire to constantly challenge players with difficult decisions.

A deep and flexible combat system should keep the game feeling fresh throughout its considerable length, while Wasteland 3‘s story and world-building are second to none. Co-op is also possible for those who want to travel through Colorado with a friend.

Fable 2

Metascore: 89

Released in 2008, Fable 2 returns players to the wonderful world of Albion. All three games in the series have their positives and negatives, but Fable 2 is the most complete and satisfying experience in the trilogy. Players roam an enchanting realm as they set out to carve their own paths and highlight their unique quirks. Albion reacts to the player’s actions, developing to match the choices made throughout the adventure.

Fable 2 takes place in a living, breathing world that empowers users but also doesn’t forget the deeds (or misdeeds) they perform. Although not amazing, the real-time combat system is serviceable and offers enough variety to remain engaging throughout the campaign.

Fable
and
Fable 3
are also on Xbox Game Pass.

Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition

Metascore: 76 (PS4)

Obsidian Entertainment is firmly established as a leading developer in the RPG sphere, and Pillars of Eternity might be the company’s crowning achievement. Both entries in the series rank among the best role-playing games on Xbox Game Pass, but Deadfire gets the nod since it saw the franchise grow out of its Baldur’s Gate roots into something more singular.

A pirate-themed adventure, this isometric RPG gives players a ship and a crew to sail the ocean, allowing them to visit a multitude of islands and take part in naval battles throughout their journey. The story is solid, but Deadfire shines the brightest in its combat, customization, and sense of discovery.

Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
is also on Xbox Game Pass.

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom – Prince’s Edition

Metascore: 80 (Switch)

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is not simply a retread of its predecessor. Level-5’s JRPG features reasonably different combat and also completely removes the Pokemon-like monster-taming system; consequently, people who did not like Wrath of the White Witch might still enjoy its sequel, particularly if they appreciate hack and slash action similar to something like the Tales franchise. Even though it struggles to match the whimsy and heart of its more decorated older sibling, Revenant Kingdom still succeeds in telling a gripping story filled with memorable characters. Visually, the game looks gorgeous, and Level-5 did an impressive job of replicating Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic for the cutscenes.

As Revenant Kingdom has very few direct ties to its predecessor, newcomers can jump straight into the sequel without feeling like they are missing out. It is arguably more satisfying to play than Wrath of the White Witch, although both rank among the best JRPGs on Xbox Game Pass.

Dragon Age: Origins

Metascore: 86

The addition of EA Play to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate brought with it plenty of great RPGs, including some of the best trilogies in gaming. Dragon Age: Origins is the definition of an epic; a grandiose adventure filled with political intrigue, narrative depth, complex combat, and unforgettable characters.

The game is at its best on PC, but the Xbox 360 version is perfectly playable. The sequels are also worth checking out, but Dragon Age arguably peaked with its first entry, setting a standard that few fantasy RPGs have come close to replicating.

Dragon Age 2
and
Dragon Age: Inquisition
are also on Xbox Game Pass.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Metascore: 83

There are more than a few well-established JRPG franchises, but the genre received a surprising addition when Yakuza: Like a Dragon was released. Replacing its traditional beat-’em-up combat with a turn-based battle system, Like a Dragon pushed the Yakuza license in an exciting new direction while paying tribute to classic properties like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.

With a new protagonist and setting, this entry is a great starting point for newcomers to the series, and it is a must-play for anyone who liked the stories but was indifferent to the gameplay of previous Yakuza games. More importantly, long-time fans will find that, despite the significant changes to the core gameplay, Like a Dragon is still the same Yakuza they know and love. The storytelling is just as good as ever, and the same can be said for the exploration, side quests, and minigames. Ichiban, the new main character, is a stark departure from Kiryu, but he is likable and charming in his own right. Wisely, the developers opted to take the protagonist in a completely different direction than his predecessor, allowing Ichiban to completely step out of the Dragon of Dojima’s shadow.

Citizen Sleeper

Metascore: 85

Citizen Sleeper is an RPG that wears its tabletop influences loudly and proudly, all the while still crafting a unique experience that is not just a digital version of a board game. The eponymous sleeper refers to a humanoid robot implanted with a human’s brain, a process designed to reduce the person to a company’s worker bee. Right out of the gate, players flee their corporate overlord’s gaze and hide out in a space station, where they must not only try to escape but also make a life for themselves in the meantime. As the days roll by, the Sleeper will gradually learn more about the people who live in the space station, creating connections and uncovering personal stories along the way.

Citizen Sleeper focuses on these small-scale role-playing moments rather than combat, and the game uses a dice system to determine and limit the protagonist’s actions. Xbox Game Pass’ selection of RPGs includes shooters, melee action, fantasy, MMOs, tactical, and most other common subgenres. The streaming service casts a wide net, and Citizen Sleeper scratches an itch that most other games do not really attempt to reach. It might not be the most well-known title on Microsoft’s service, but it is pretty fantastic.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Metascore: 90

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate owners have access to the full Mass Effect franchise. If they prefer, they can jump into the original Xbox 360 versions. These hold up reasonably well, particularly the sequels; however, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the best way to experience Commander Shepard’s story in this day and age. The package contains remastered versions of BioWare’s classic trilogy, and the compilation also includes most of the DLC.

Beyond a facelift, the Legendary Edition revamps the original Mass Effect game quite extensively, bringing it more in line with the content and gameplay of its sequels. These changes make the trilogy a more consistent overall experience. Each entry is fantastic in its own right, and when combined, Mass Effect makes one of the best video game trilogies of all time.

Mass Effect: Andromeda
is also on Xbox Game Pass. While not as good as the trilogy, it is still decent.

Fallout: New Vegas

Metascore: 84

All the main 3D Fallout games are on Xbox Game Pass, and they each offer something that sets them apart from their siblings. Fallout 76‘s multiplayer-focused design provides longevity, while Fallout 4 fine-tunes the gunplay to deliver a streamlined but enjoyable campaign.

If someone is specifically seeking an RPG, Fallout: New Vegas is almost unquestionably the pick of the bunch, and Obsidian’s game has aged well in the areas that matter the most (writing and world-building). Its gameplay has always been quite clunky, but it does not take anything away from the title’s impeccable storytelling and quests. Newcomers to the franchise should consider starting with this entry.

Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Metascore: 84

Metroidvanias can be qualified as a separate genre, but Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is still very much an action RPG that warrants a recommendation. Created to fill a Castlevania-shaped hole that Konami has carved into everyone’s hearts, ArtPlay’s project serves as a prime example of Kickstarter’s potential to birth genuine greatness. While not hiding its Symphony of the Night roots, the 2019 release does not struggle to find an identity either, and that goes beyond just a well-designed and marketable protagonist. As Miriam, players get to rampage through a beautiful Gothic castle filled with secret passages, impressive demons, and loot.

Delivering fast-paced hack and slash action, Bloodstained plays splendidly, with the combat rarely feeling overwhelming or repetitive. The latter is largely eliminated through a wide assortment of weapons, which are split into 10 types. Beyond this selection, Bloodstained also features shards, which are unique abilities that Miriam picks up from enemies. There are over 60 of these drops, and they are a blast to experiment with.

Indivisible

Metascore: 82

While mostly known for Skullgirls, Lab Zero Games dipped its toes into the RPG genre with Indivisible, which offers a fairly inspired blend of concepts. Telling a lengthy story that goes to some surprising places, the game shines due to its ability to combine playstyles that are not typically associated with each other. Outside of combat, Indivisible plays out like a platformer set in a Metroidvania world, and the controls work as they should in these areas. The map is quite large, and players gradually unlock new items that allow them to reach different areas of previously explored locations.

The combat is turn-based with real-time input, with a party consisting of four characters who are individually assigned an input button. Players can decide which character to prioritize during their turn, although they should focus on executing complementary combos. Charming, gorgeous, and frequently challenging, Indivisible is a fantastic indie RPG that has way more positives than negatives.

The Outer Worlds

Metascore: 85

The balancing act that is The Outer Worlds carries all the calling cards that developer Obsidian is known for, walking the tightrope between meaty mechanical depth and expert storytelling in fine fashion. After being plucked from an ill-fated colony ship by liberty-loving fugitive Phineas Welles, players have an impressive amount of agency in deciding their narrative impact on the colonies and how they make it — whether by big guns, big words, or big brains.

The atmosphere of Halcyon is beautifully sardonic and darkly humorous, making even the heavy-handed social commentary of Fallout: New Vegas blush when compared to its hilarious corporate caricatures. Try the Saltuna while you’re passing through.

Moonlighter

Metascore: 84

Moonlighter scratches a few different itches. The story revolves around running a shop, providing some light management sim mechanics as players have to monitor their customers’ responses and alter the prices of their goods accordingly. However, the bulk of the gameplay involves visiting dungeons to defeat bosses and collect items that can be sold at the shop. While the combat is fairly simple, Moonlighter works well as a dungeon-crawler, especially since it uses procedural-generation technology to freshen things up every day. There is even a town-developing feature as players can invest in their location to expand the services on offer.

None of these elements are particularly deep on their own, but they combine to create a varied and enjoyable overall experience. As an RPG, Moonlighter is also on the light side, granting players the power of choice without bogging things down in minute detail.

Metascore: 82

Skyrim has essentially ruled the open-world RPG roost since its unsubtle and highly-anticipated release in 2011 — that alone should be enough to showcase its necessity for any RPG enthusiast’s repertoire. While it can be safely accused of shedding the deeper mechanical complexities of its predecessors, the cold fact of the matter is that Bethesda did more than a few things right.

Skyrim preserves the franchise’s legacy of beautifully designed open worlds filled with enough content to keep even the most dedicated gamers busy for years while expanding the scope of its audience exponentially. It’s practically gaming’s equivalent to required reading at this point, and it’s not hard to see why.

Morrowind
and
Elder Scrolls Online
are also on Xbox Game Pass.