Role-playing games (RPGs) have been around for decades, but every year, developers continue to churn out new titles that offer fresh stories, gameplay mechanics, and environments. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the genre or a newcomer looking for a place to start, here are the 30 best new RPGs released in recent years.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world RPG that takes place in a dark, gritty fantasy universe. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter on a quest to find his adopted daughter. The game offers a rich, branching storyline, complex characters, and satisfying combat mechanics. The graphics are also stunning, with detailed environments and character models.

2. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is a post-apocalyptic RPG set in a world overrun by robotic creatures. You play as Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer who sets out to uncover the secrets of her past and the world around her. The game features a vast open world, thrilling combat, and an engaging storyline. The graphics are also top-notch, with stunning vistas and detailed character models.

3. Persona 5

Persona 5 is a stylish, anime-inspired RPG that follows a group of high school students who moonlight as thieves. The game is set in modern-day Tokyo and features a unique blend of turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging, with multiple branching paths and endings.

4. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a turn-based RPG set in a rich, immersive fantasy world. You create your own character and team up with other adventurers to explore the game's vast open world, battle enemies, and solve puzzles. The game features a deep, complex storyline and a wide range of character customization options. The graphics are also impressive, with detailed environments and character models.

5. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a traditional JRPG that follows a young hero on a quest to save the world from destruction. The game features classic turn-based combat, a colorful cast of characters, and a charming, lighthearted storyline. The graphics are also top-notch, with beautiful environments and character designs.

6. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a charming, whimsical RPG that follows a young king on a quest to reclaim his throne and unite the world. The game features a unique blend of action-based combat and kingdom-building mechanics, as well as a colorful cast of characters and a heartwarming storyline. The graphics are also gorgeous, with lush environments and stunning character designs.

7. Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata is a fast-paced action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by machines. You play as a combat android on a mission to save humanity from extinction. The game features a unique blend of hack-and-slash combat, bullet-hell mechanics, and RPG elements. The story is also engaging and thought-provoking, with multiple endings and branching paths.

8. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a classic-style isometric RPG set in a rich, detailed fantasy world. You create your own character and lead a crew of adventurers on a seafaring adventure, battling foes, discovering new lands, and uncovering a deep, complex storyline. The game features a wide range of character customization options and satisfying tactical combat mechanics.

9. Monster Hunter: World

Monster Hunter: World is an action-packed RPG that puts you in the shoes of a hunter tasked with taking down massive, ferocious beasts. The game features a vast open world, satisfying combat mechanics, and a wide range of weapons and armor to collect and customize. The graphics are also stunning, with detailed environments and monster designs.

10. Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler is a retro-style RPG that pays homage to classic games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. You play as eight different characters, each with their own unique story and abilities, as you journey through a vast, enchanting world. The game features turn-based combat, stunning pixel art graphics, and a charming, nostalgic soundtrack.

11. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a historical RPG set in medieval Bohemia. You play as a young blacksmith on a quest to avenge the death of your family and restore order to the land. The game features a deep, immersive storyline, realistic combat mechanics, and a rich, detailed open world. The graphics are also impressive, with beautiful landscapes and character models.

12. Tyranny

Tyranny is an isometric RPG set in a dark, dystopian world where evil has already won. You play as a high-ranking officer in the service of a malevolent overlord, making difficult choices that will shape the fate of the world. The game features a deep, branching storyline, complex characters, and satisfying tactical combat mechanics.

13. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 is an action-packed RPG set in the seedy underbelly of 1980s Tokyo. You play as two different characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and storylines, as you navigate the criminal underworld and take down rival gangs. The game features a wide range of side activities, including karaoke, arcade games, and even running your own cabaret club.

14. Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy XV is an epic, sprawling RPG that follows a group of young men on a journey to save their kingdom from destruction. The game features a vast open world, thrilling action-based combat, and a deep, emotional storyline. The graphics are also stunning, with breathtaking environments and character models.

15. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a massive, sprawling RPG set in a world where humanity lives atop living creatures called Titans. You play as a young salvager on a quest to find the ultimate power and save the world from destruction. The game features a vast open world, deep character customization options, and a complex, emotional storyline.

16. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a classic open-world RPG that needs no introduction. You play as the Dragonborn, a hero with the power to slay dragons and absorb their souls. The game features a vast, immersive world, deep character customization options, and a wide range of quests and side activities to explore.

17. Fallout 4

Fallout 4 is a post-apocalyptic RPG set in a world devastated by nuclear war. You play as a survivor in the wasteland, building settlements, battling mutants and raiders, and uncovering the secrets of the world around you. The game features a deep, immersive storyline, complex characters, and satisfying combat mechanics.

18. South Park: The Stick of Truth

South Park: The Stick of Truth is a hilarious, irreverent RPG that puts you in the shoes of the new kid in town. You team up with the cast of South Park characters on a quest to retrieve a powerful artifact and save the town from destruction. The game features turn-based combat, outrageous humor, and a faithful recreation of the show's iconic art style.

19. Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is a punishing, unforgiving RPG that challenges you to lead a group of heroes through a series of dark, dangerous dungeons. The game features turn-based combat, a unique stress mechanic that affects your heroes' mental states, and a dark, gothic art style. The difficulty is high, but the sense of satisfaction from overcoming the game's challenges is even higher.

20. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical RPG set in a world where three great nations are on the brink of war. You play as a professor at a military academy, training a group of students who will one day become the leaders of their respective nations. The game features deep, engaging tactical combat mechanics, a branching storyline, and a colorful cast of characters.

21. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is a unique, surreal RPG that takes place in a dystopian city where you play as a detective trying to solve a murder case. The game features a blend of point-and-click adventure game mechanics, branching dialogue trees, and a deep, complex storyline. The graphics are also striking, with a hand-drawn art style that perfectly complements the game's surreal tone.

22. GreedFall

GreedFall is a fantasy RPG set in a world inspired by 17th-century Europe. You play as a diplomat on a mission to explore a newly discovered island and establish relations with the native inhabitants. The game features a deep, immersive storyline, satisfying action-based combat, and a unique setting that sets it apart from other RPGs.

23. The Banner Saga

The Banner Saga is a tactical RPG set in a world inspired by Viking mythology. You play as a group of survivors fleeing a mysterious threat, making difficult choices that will determine the fate of your people. The game features turn-based combat, a unique resource management system, and a deep, emotional storyline.

24. Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda is a sci-fi RPG set in a new galaxy, where you play as a member of the Andromeda Initiative, a group of explorers tasked with finding a new home for humanity. The game features a vast open world, satisfying action-based combat, and a deep, branching storyline. The graphics are also stunning, with breathtaking alien landscapes and detailed character models.

25. Torment: Tides of Numenera

Torment: Tides of Numenera is an isometric RPG set in a world of strange, ancient technology. You play as a cast-off from a previous age, exploring the world and uncovering the secrets of the past. The game features turn-based combat, a deep, complex storyline, and a unique setting that sets it apart from other RPGs.