RPGs have been one of the largest industry-changing genres to have scaled on throughout gaming history. From the likes of Final Fantasy, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, Baldur's Gate, and many others, video games have been influenced and driven in such a way that they have undoubtedly benefited.

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With RPGs mainly revolving around characters with a deep narrative that these faces follow, some titles allow players to create their own party. This allows gamers to construct a party of individuals to take on the games' unique storylines and various quests, making for a far more player-unique experience than other video games.

8 Dragon's Dogma

Metascore: 75

Dragon's Dogma has become a cult classic a while after its initial release. With its unique party-building mechanics and familiar combat, Dragon's Dogma has since been a widely appreciated title. Dragon's Dogma allows players to create their own character, who will lead a group of Pawns.

These Pawns, who aren't exactly human, can help the player fight enemies and tackle quests throughout their journey. While adventuring through Dragon's Dogma, fans will locate more and more Pawns that can be chosen to take part in their team.

7 Pillars Of Eternity

Metascore: 89

Pillar's of Eternity, which is free to play on Xbox Game Pass, is a wonderful strategy RPG with real-time mechanics. Unlike most strategy RPG games, Pillars of Eternity is real-time, meaning that fans will be fighting enemies with their character(s) all at once (players can pause and unpause as much as they would like).

After creating their own character in a system reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons, fans will be able to create even more custom characters for their party at taverns, as well as recruit story-important heroes along their journey. In a large world with many quests and a very lore-filled story, Pillars of Eternity is one of the best party-based strategy RPGs that gamers can get into.

6 Wasteland 3

Metascore: 85

Jumping into non-fantasy/non-medieval RPGs can be a bit refreshing, seeing as many games occupy similar settings. Wasteland 3 is one such RPG, which throws players into an apocalyptic location with monsters and bloodthirsty bandits. In Wasteland 3, players get to create their own custom characters, from their appearances to their skills.

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In fact, customization is important, as having party members with different skills helps fans advance through the unforgiving world much more easily. Wasteland 3 is also turn-based, catering to fans of strategic combat.

5 Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Metascore: 72

For decades, Pokemon titles have ruled a section of the RPG genre. Nowadays, it may seem intimidating to jump into a franchise that has consistently built upon itself, but in reality, it's very simple. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are fantastic entries into the franchise that are perfect for newcomers to the Pokemon franchise.

Fans will be able to experience the Pokemon world in a fully open world that allows players to drive the narrative forth in almost any way they choose. There are also plenty of different Pokemon for gamers to capture and use on their 6-slot team, starting with the very first Pokemon players will choose when starting their adventure.

4 Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark

Metascore: 82

Not only does Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark have such a flawless artistic style with unique designs, but also has an exceptional narrative with lore that is more than fun to learn about. In Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark, players will encounter a load of important personalities that help the story feel more natural, while players will also be able to create more custom characters to use on their party.

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These characters have various abilities and skills that are fully customizable as well. In this turn-based strategy game,Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark does a fantastic job at catering to newcomers to strategy RPGs, as the game isn't overly complicated, but in-depth enough for fans to want to sink their teeth into the game's enthralling story.

3 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Metascore: 93

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is highly regarded as one of the best RPGs out there for fans of turn-based gameplay and D&D-like structures. When starting in Divinity: Original Sin 2, fans will be able to create their own character, complete with abilities, skills, and weapons.

Eventually, while journeying through the deep and complex narrative that Divinity: Original Sin 2 provides, various characters will be available to recruit for further adventure. Some characters even offer new gameplay features if they're included in the party, such as narrative options and quests.

2 Darkest Dungeon 2

Metascore: 84

Darkest Dungeon was a grand hit when it was first released; Darkest Dungeon2 built upon its predecessor and granted fans a new RPG roguelike with a fascinating story, completed with captivating gameplay. Like most strategy RPGs, Darkest Dungeon 2 is turn-based, meaning each character in combat will have a turn to use their skills and abilities.

While there isn't a large-scale 'creation' feature in Darkest Dungeon 2, players will be able to hire heroes to use in their party. These heroes can then be customized, regarding their skills and weaponry, and can even have their names changed. But, players should be weary, as Darkest Dungeon 2's difficulty can easily overwhelm characters and kill them off quickly.

1 Baldur's Gate 3

Metascore: 96

As one of the most anticipated games of 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 has been a game-changer in the world of strategy RPGs. The game has an exceptional amount of cutscenes, more dialogue than entire franchises, freedom for players to choose their own paths and combat that is thought-provoking and rewarding.

At first, fans will create their own adventurer for Baldur's Gate 3, and then they will be able to meet new faces in the large world that Baldur's Gate 3 introduces. With each new personality revealed, the party potential increases, opening up many different variants of ways to play Baldur's Gate 3.

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