Top 10 Legendary RPG Games on PC

Role-playing games (RPGs) have been at the heart of PC gaming for decades, shaping the way we experience stories, characters, and immersive worlds. From their humble beginnings in the 1980s to the grandiose, multi-faceted epics of today, RPGs have continually pushed the boundaries of what video games can achieve. The genre has evolved in countless ways, but certain games have become legendary—timeless experiences that define the genre and set the standard for future titles. Whether through intricate storytelling, complex moral choices, expansive open worlds, or groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, these RPGs have left a lasting mark on both the gaming industry and the hearts of players worldwide.

In this article, we explore the Top 10 Legendary RPG Games on PC, delving into the classics that not only defined their era but continue to influence modern gaming. From the dark, dungeon-crawling days of Diablo II to the deeply narrative-driven worlds of Baldur’s Gate II, these titles have become pillars of the RPG genre, celebrated for their innovative design and unforgettable experiences. If you’re a fan of role-playing games, then these legendary titles should be on your radar—whether you’re revisiting them or experiencing them for the first time. Prepare for a journey through the history of some of the best RPGs ever crafted.

1. Diablo II

Released in 2000, Diablo II is one of the most iconic and enduring RPGs ever made. Created by Blizzard Entertainment, it blends action-packed gameplay with a deep, dark narrative. Players choose from various classes (like the Amazon, Barbarian, or Sorceress) and journey through random procedurally generated levels in an attempt to stop Diablo, the Lord of Terror. Diablo II set the bar for hack-and-slash RPGs with its loot-driven mechanics, fast-paced action, and multiplayer mode. Even after all these years, the Diablo II: Resurrected remaster proves its timeless appeal.

2. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Considered by many to be one of the best RPGs ever made, Baldur’s Gate II (released in 2000) is a masterpiece of the genre. Developed by BioWare, the game is set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe and features complex characters, deep tactical combat, and an intricate, player-driven narrative. You control a party of adventurers with unique personalities, making decisions that shape the world around you. With its detailed world-building, compelling story, and a sophisticated combat system, Baldur’s Gate II has earned its place in RPG history as a cornerstone of the genre.

3. Planescape: Torment

Released in 1999, Planescape: Torment is an RPG that’s often hailed as one of the most original and thought-provoking games ever made. Set in the bizarre and surreal Planescape universe, the story centers around an immortal character known as The Nameless One. The game is notable for its narrative depth, focusing heavily on philosophical themes of identity, memory, and redemption. Its dialogue-heavy gameplay, intricate character development, and richly crafted world have earned it a cult following and a place in RPG lore.

4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Before Skyrim became a household name, Morrowind (2002) was the game that truly put The Elder Scrolls series on the map. Set in the alien world of Vvardenfell, Morrowind offered an unprecedented level of freedom for its time. Players could create and customize their characters in a way that felt completely open-ended, with a massive world to explore and numerous factions to join. The game’s detailed lore, non-linear storytelling, and ability to shape your destiny made it one of the defining RPGs of its era.

5. Fallout 1 & 2

Before Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas modernized the franchise, the first two Fallout games (1997 and 1998) were the heart and soul of the series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, these isometric RPGs featured turn-based combat, branching narratives, and dark humor. In Fallout 1, you played a Vault Dweller tasked with finding a water chip to save your people, while Fallout 2 expanded on the world and introduced even more morally complex choices. Both games are revered for their mature storytelling, role-playing depth, and the way they allow players to influence the world around them.

6. Icewind Dale

Released in 2000, Icewind Dale is another classic from BioWare (and later Black Isle Studios) set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Although it doesn’t boast the same level of narrative complexity as Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale is revered for its combat-heavy focus, strategic party-based gameplay, and deep lore rooted in the Forgotten Realms setting. The game places a lot of emphasis on tactical battles, exploring dungeons, and discovering secrets within the frozen, brutal landscape. For those who love tactical combat with a rich fantasy backdrop, Icewind Dale remains a fan favorite.

7. The Witcher (2007)

Before The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt became a global sensation, the first game in the series set the stage for Geralt of Rivia’s rise to stardom. Released in 2007, The Witcher had a more limited release but established the core gameplay mechanics and narrative that would define the franchise. It introduced players to the morally gray world where choices matter, and consequences follow. While the original game didn’t have the same open-world scope as its sequels, it still offered deep RPG elements like character progression, alchemy, and complex quests. The Witcher was a key stepping stone in shaping the modern RPG landscape.

8. Dark Age of Camelot

One of the standout MMORPGs of its time, Dark Age of Camelot (2001) became a pioneer of the genre by blending traditional RPG elements with expansive online multiplayer gameplay. The game is set in the mythological world of Arthurian legends, with three distinct factions vying for control of the realm. What made Dark Age of Camelot stand out was its Realm vs. Realm (RvR) combat, where large-scale battles between factions created a unique and dynamic experience. Though its player base has dwindled over the years, Dark Age of Camelot left an indelible mark on the MMORPG genre.

9. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

One of the greatest RPGs of all time, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) allows players to explore the Star Wars universe in a way that few games have matched since. Developed by BioWare, the game takes place thousands of years before the films, allowing players to experience a rich, engaging narrative with deep RPG mechanics. You play as a Jedi whose actions shape the outcome of the game, with the iconic light side vs. dark side morality system driving the story. The game’s engaging turn-based combat, character progression, and masterful storytelling make it a timeless classic in both the RPG and Star Wars universes.

10. The Bard’s Tale (1985)

For those who want to go even further back, The Bard’s Tale series is one of the earliest pioneers of the RPG genre. Released in 1985 by Interplay, the original Bard’s Tale was a dungeon crawler with turn-based combat and a simple but effective narrative. Set in the city of Skara Brae, the game tasked players with defeating an evil wizard and rescuing the kingdom. While it’s definitely a product of its time, the series helped set the foundation for dungeon-crawling RPGs and influenced later classics like Wizardry and Might and Magic. If you want to experience RPG history at its roots, The Bard’s Tale is a fascinating journey.