Best PC MMOs & RPGs
Massively multiplayer online (MMO) and role-playing games (RPG) don't always go hand-in-hand but they can be awfully similar as both tend to be based on tabletop mechanics from games like Dungeons & Dragons.
These are typically the kinds of games that allow you to play as a specific character and make choices for that character while working to level them up and make them stronger. RPGs can be either turn-based or offer real-time combat. Meanwhile, MMOs allow players to experience events and missions alongside millions of others on the internet. There are several MMO and RPG PC games that have made a big impact over the years.
Baldur's Gate 3
Few games are as complex and intricate as Baldur's Gate 3 while still being extremely satisfying to play. Taking place in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, you choose what race, subrace, and class you want to play as, which opens unique possibilities for you as you engage with various moments and characters. In any given situation, you'll be given choices to select from, but must roll dice to see if your desired action is successful. This adds an element of luck to the game's strategic base and can make it so very unexpected things occur. Of course, you can always take part in the common practice of save scumming by reloading the game again if you don't like the outcome.
The story starts with you being captured on a Mind flayer ship. A creepy worm gets put in your eye that should eventually take control of you and turn you into a Mind flayer yourself. However, you escape the ship and meet up with a cast of memorable characters who also have been infected. Your group's initial intention is learning how to kill the parasite, but strange and unique powers seem to be granted to you by the worm, so you and your companions need to figure out whether you will destroy it or utilize it.
Gameplay-wise, Baldur's Gate 3 offers free-moving exploration but shifts to turn-based combat when a fight is initiated. Characters have different abilities based on their races and classes, but you get to control everyone in your group and determine how they level up. Plus, you can attempt to romance most of your companions and even some NPCs, which can lead to interesting perks and dialogue. That is, of course, if you can get a character's attention.
Each of your decisions carries weight, even the ones you might not think are important, and might lead your character to unlocking rare cutscenes or situations. As such, there is plenty of replay value and experiences can vary drastically from one player to the next. Admittedly, class and leveling up options can be overwhelming, however, despite throwing you into the middle of Dungeons and Dragon's lore and mechanics the game does an excellent job of being approachable to D&D newcomers.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk 2077 when it first launched in 2020 and one of the most infamous launches on home consoles in modern gaming history. It was riddled with game-breaking bugs, glitches, and various gameplay-design decisions that held it back from achieving its true potential. Still, that didn't stop us from enjoying it when we reviewed the PC version many moons ago.
Since that fateful launch, CD Projekt Red has been working night and day implementing various patches and updates to improve the general state of Cyberpunk 2077 and fix all its problems. This series of updates culminated with Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, a massive expansion that revamps nearly every facet of the base game while adding a new quest line filled with gripping espionage action, and bone-chilling twists to create the definitive version of Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's story follows a cyborg mercenary named 'V', who is down on their luck trying to survive in the dystopian metropolis known as Night City. One day, they get a call from a mysterious character named Songbird with a job offer she can't refuse. V must venture into the forbidden district of Night City known as Dogtown, and rescue the President of the New United States of America who recently crash-landed there. If V completes her mission, Songbird will find a way to cure a terminal condition she contracted during Cyberpunk 2077's base game storyline.
In addition to a new storyline, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty adds a plethora of gameplay changes and improvements. The combat system has been enhanced with new abilities and weapons for V to wield in battle, the police system has been reworked so that they will chase after you with armored vehicles which can lead to high-speed chase sequences, perk trees have been revamped with new abilities to offer players more customization options when developing V, a metric ton of bug fixes to preserve the gameplay experience and much more.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft (WoW) first exploded onto the PC gaming scene way back in 2004 and has been a household name ever since. Through the years Blizzard Entertainment has continued to push out huge expansions with new quests and items for players to engage with.
This MMORPG's popularity stems from the fact that players can create their own characters (chosen from a number of different races) and then put hundreds of hours into the game without coming anywhere close to beating it. You can really get lost in the lore or spend time playing with friends online without getting bored.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium released for PC in 2019 and quickly became a very popular RPG. You take on the role of a gritty detective, but you get to choose if you are willing to take bribes or do other dirty practices while solving murders and crimes.
Many people have lauded the game for the freedom it gives players. You can do just about anything to get the outcomes you seek, giving it more of a true tabletop RPG experience than many other games out there. Will you go for a more straightforward detecting approach or give in to your wild or dangerous side to get what you want?
Persona 5 Royal
The original Persona 5 game released in 2016 and quickly amassed a strong fandom thanks to its interesting take on student life, vigilantism, and the Metaverse. It wasn't until 2022 that the enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, finally came to PC.
Players take on the role of a high school student who has just been transferred to a new school after being falsely accused of assault. Here, the youth makes friends with other teens and each of them develops new powers which they use to form a secret group. Gameplay is a mixture of student life sim and dungeon crawling with a phenomenal cast that will suck you into this story.
You can purchase it individually or access it via Microsoft's PC Game Pass.
Genshin Impact
Initially derided as a Breath of the Wild clone, Genshin Impact is its own thing; an RPG set in a colorful world and filled with a number of exciting quests for players to experience. It initially launched in 2020 and has since received a number of large updates, enlarging the world and adding new characters.
You play as twin (male or female) who wakes up in another world called Teyvat with no memory of your past. Soon you get wrapped up in the troubles of NPCs nearby and can add party members to your team. Each character has its own unique fighting abilities and elemental powers, but some are far more powerful than others.
The game is free to play, and is usually the case offers several microtransactions with gacha systems for dispensing characters and weapons. However, players do not need to spend any money in order to enjoy this RPG.
Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise is an action RPG with an anime art style. As is usually the case in JRPGs, this one has a very detailed plot. Long ago, the world of Rena conquered and enslaved the people of Dahna, however, the Dahna resistance is strong and seeks to end this oppressive reign. Now a young woman and a young man — each from one of these worlds — must band together to make things better for everyone.
Although a JRPG, this game does not have turn-based attacks but rather employs action-packed combat, that's oh-so-satisfying once you get the hang of it. The world is gorgeous and filled with helpful items that will make it easier to take down enemies and monsters.
Stardew Valley
Step aside Animal Crossing! Stardew Valley is a far more complex and fleshed out farming simulation game that also provides RPG elements. The game first released in 2016 and has managed to sell over 20 million copies — An impressive feat given that it was designed in entirety by Eric Barone under the alias of ConcernedApe.
Players inherit their grandfather's farm and must work to get it back to good condition. You can raise livestock, tend crops, cook, go fishing, mine, and much more. In addition to your farming duties, you can interact with the NPCs in town and can marry one of 12 characters regardless of gender.
Stardew Valley for PC can be purchased on its own via Steam or it can be accessed via Microsoft's PC Game Pass.
