The RPG (role-playing game) genre places players in a fictional character’s shoes in a fictional setting. This premise serves as the basis for countless games. RPGs might contain dungeons, open-world environments, or a combination of both. Their focus on customization is unlike any other genre.
When we think of early RPGs, usually Dungeons & Dragons comes to mind. The following games are part of the RPG genre or contain some RPG elements. They all have multiplayer components, but they aren’t MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games). What better way to play video games than to be slaying monsters and fiends with friends?
Updated January 23, 2021 by Thomas Bowen: Despite the huge number of role playing games that are released every year, there aren’t too many options for those yearning for a true RPG experience that can be shared with friends. Sure, they could go down the MMORPG route, but this is a path that not everybody is eager to tread. Thankfully, there do exist a handful of RPGs that cater to these co-op enthusiasts without straying into MMO territory.
15 Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3 may be considerably shorter than its predecessor, but it surpasses it in almost every other way. It looks great, features some wonderful characters and provides the player with choices that feel both meaningful and impactful. The latter shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise though considering we’re talking about a series which heavily inspired Bethesda’s Fallout titles.
The game features both synchronous and asynchronous multiplayer with the former allowing players to team up with a friend and tackle the main story. The latter means that one of those players can continue their journey even when the other is offline, although both will need to be present for key missions and story beats.
14 Tales Of Berseria
It’s very rare for JRPGs to include multiplayer functionality due to the way that their combat and exploration mechanics are typically structured. Tales of Berseria is proof that it is possible though, albeit in a rather limited capacity.
The game allows up to four players to take part in battles with each one assuming control of a different party member. It actually works surprisingly well thanks to the game using real time combat rather than turn-based. Exploration is all handled by a single player though, so things can get a little dull for additional players during story-heavy sections of the game.
13 Dying Light
There are plenty of multiplayer zombie games that are better than Dying Light, but those looking for one which also includes RPG elements could certainly do a lot worse. It features multiple skill trees, adaptive difficulty and allows for up to four players. There’s a lot more to it than that though.
One of the things that makes the game so enjoyable is the freedom that it allows its players when it comes to exploration and dealing with the infected. Sharing this experience with three friends is an absolute joy and one of the reasons why we’re so excited about the upcoming sequel; which looks set to lean further still into the RPG genre.
12 Gauntlet
The very first Gauntlet game first hit arcades all the way back in 1985 and would go on to spawn a string of sequels in the decades that followed. It was not until the franchise was rebooted in 2014, however, that light RPG elements really began to make their presence felt.
At its heart, Gauntlet remains a twin-stick dungeon crawler and is a very good one at that. Much like the Gauntlet games of yesteryear, where it really comes into its own is through its chaotic multiplayer experience which is infinitely more enjoyable than playing solo. It would be nice if the game featured more pronounced character progression, but the lack thereof is hardly a deal-breaker.
11 Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows Of Amn
While the latest Baldur’s Gate title may have taken the leap into the world of MMORPGs, earlier titles in the series were a lot more single-player oriented. In fact, several reviewers were incredibly critical of Baldur’s Gate II‘s limited and poorly implemented online functionality; although that didn’t stop the game from achieving a 95% average rating on Metacritc.
The game allows up to six players to team up and explore the Forgotten Realms together, although only one of them is considered to be the protagonist. Everything functions more or less the same as it does while playing solo, but stability and poor communication options could often make playing the original release incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, the enhanced edition of the game is much better in these areas.
10 Monster Hunter: World
The fifth game in the Monster Hunter mainline series is a step forward in many ways. It has a more full-fledged co-op multiplayer experience where players can quest and defeat monsters. Monster Hunter World has a robust loot system that allows players to upgrade their Hunter. While past Monster Hunter games were iconic, the world surrounding Monster Hunter World is more immersive than we could’ve asked for. The game appeals to newcomers and experienced Hunters alike.
9 Diablo II: Lord of Destruction
Although the game is starting to show its age (leaving room for a remaster or remake), Diablo II is still an enjoyable action role-playing game. It’s a game with a large focus on hack and slash, yet it has a robust multiplayer with active servers. The experience of playing Diablo II: Lord of Destruction is vastly different from launch, but one can still play with friends quite easily. Players will be invested in the story and relish the procedurally generated levels. Playing distinctly different classes like the Barbarian, Paladin, Amazon, and Druid gives the game immense replayability.
8 Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a microcosm of the most peaceful region on Earth. It has a simple premise that revolves around taking a dilapidated farm and turning it into whatever you please. Just like Harvest Moon, the game is open-ended, meaning there is virtually no end. The seasons pass as you strive to collect income from farming activities.
Stardew Valley has a multiplayer mode that can be played via LAN or over the internet. Multiplayer is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, but not mobile. The host creates the world, which they can save and play solo at any time.
7 Grim Dawn
Inspired by the Victorian era, Grim Dawn takes players on a dark fantasy adventure. The themes are along the lines of a game like Bloodborne, but the gameplay is closer to Diablo III. Diablo III is undoubtedly a juggernaut in the action role-playing game genre, but Grim Dawn brings enough to the table to be considered relevant. The dark tones of the game make it horrific at times. It could have been more cheery, but Grim Dawn truly distinguishes itself with immensely enjoyable and expertly executed hack and slash gameplay.
6 Warframe
Games like Warframe prove that the free-to-play model can work. The purpose of the game is to collect Platinum, weapons, and Warframes, among other things, to build your character. You can also raise a pet, customize your spaceship, and join clans. Microtransactions hold the game back from reaching its potential, but they aren’t so overbearing as to make the game unplayable. Warframe is continually updated, so there’s never a bad time to jump into the action.
5 Torchlight II
What distinguishes Torchlight II from other Diablo III-like games is its freedom for customization. It has a significant amount of mods that make the game stand out. You can even add mods and play them on multiplayer if all other players have downloaded the same mods. Torchlight II has LAN and online co-op multiplayer. The game doesn’t have as much polish as Diablo III, but it proves relevant with awesome hack and slash gameplay.
4 Divinity: Original Sin 2
The turn-based combat of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is masterful. This game earned wide acclaim and praise from critics who cited it as one of the greatest turned-based RPGs of all time. It has seamlessly integrated single-player and multiplayer modes, the latter of which can be played online or via couch co-op.
You’ll make important choices as you progress through the game’s arduous Acts. Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers flexibility in regards to player customization. If you only play one turn-based game this year, let is be Divinity: Original Sin 2.
3 Borderlands 2
Although not considered a traditional RPG, Borderlands 2 lets you assume the role of a fictional character class of your choosing in a fictional setting — it may be a looter-shooter at its core, but it certainly fits the bill here just fine.
There is a significant multiplayer component in Borderlands 2. Set on the planet of Pandora, players must work together to finish quests. The writing, unique visuals, and online multiplayer rank Borderlands 2 among the greatest co-op games of all time.
2 Diablo III
Multiplayer RPGs are great when working together is conducive. Diablo III is a prime example of a game that blends well with multiplayer. Although Diablo II had a most substantial social component, Diablo III doesn’t fall far from the tree. Trading is a part of the game, and it is the most fun when you are helping others. Diablo III is considered one of the most influential RPGs because of the numerous other games that tried to copy the formula, but you can’t beat the franchise that truly put hack and slash RPGs on the map.
1 Dark Souls
When it comes to influential RPGs, Dark Souls is a knockout title. It has revolutionized the gaming industry because of its unforgiving gameplay and masterclass RPG elements. Players create a character and choose to specialize in several template classes or do something completely different. Dark Souls gives you the option of customizing your character to fit your playstyle. The co-op element is a bit stilted, given that you depend on the White Sign Soapstone and summoning signs to engage in some jolly cooperation, but rest assured that helping your friends battle through its immense boss fights is a treat unto itself.
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