Western RPGs have a special place in many gamers hearts. Some grew up playing them while others got into them later in their gaming careers. It’s hard to deny the alluring elements of WRPGs, from intricate customizations to the addicting gameplay.
Every WRPG is their own entity and follows their own set of rules and some tend to have slower starts with tedious introductions as a result. While not every game can be a slam dunk from the beginning, some find their groove as the story progresses and the gameplay tightens.
Updated June 30, 2025 by John Charron:Western RPGs are only getting more and more popular with each passing year, as gamers across the board are exploring the best video game developers have to offer. Lush worlds, alluring quest lines, and killer gameplay make the best western RPGs the cream of the crop. But, as with many RPGs, there is still the looming threat of a slow beginning. Tedious or boring plot lines, monotonous grinding, or off-kilter pacing can make the intro of RPG games feel more like work than a video game. Nevertheless, getting past those first rough few hours is a badge of honor for many gamers once they get into the rhythm.
15Jade Empire
One of the more visually stimulating western RPGs from the sixth generation consoles,Jade Empireis still a fascinating RPG to jump into, albeit a bit dated. Still, the game is a lot of fun and usesAncient Chinese mythologyto build a compelling world filled with interesting characters.
The plot and quests are somewhat linear, but once players get into the flow of the game after the first few hours, it starts to get more compelling. The combat, while simplistic, also gets more in-depth as the player progresses.
14Undertale
Considered by many one of the most iconic indie RPGs ever,Undertaleis deserving of the praise it receives as a truly wacky video game. Choices and dialogue options are the most engaging aspects of the game and players will often find themselves second guessing every option they choose.
Perhaps all the options make the game seem longer in the beginning, especially on subsequent playthroughs. Players were meant to play this game multiple times to experience the different paths. Unfortunately, that can make the intro a little boring after a while.
13Vampire - The Masquerade: Bloodlines
An oft-overlooked classic example of great Western RPG gameplay,Vampire - The Masquerade: Bloodlinesis a wildly fun game that exploresthe dark world of vampire gangs. For such a cool concept, gamers should be skeptical, but this game is the real deal and utilizes customization and dialogue options to create one of the steadiest RPGs in recent memory.
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The first few quests are a bit bland, but that’s no surprise. They are worth getting through just for the quests later in the game.
12System Shock 2
A game that is just as creepy as it was when it came out in 1999,System Shock 2perfectly blends RPG elements with action gameplay into a survival horror sci-fi setting. If players don’t mind some rough graphics and glitches,System Shock 2is a wild ride with an even wilder story.
The game takes a few hours to get going, focusing on plot development in the first areas of the game, but once the backstory of the first game is covered,all bets are off and the terror begins.
11Skyrim
Probably the most recognizable western RPG of all time,Skyrimis something of a behemoth in the RPG world. The game’s iconic icy tundra is a welcome home to many players, including those who had their first foray into theElder Scrollsseries throughSkyrim.
The first playthrough is always magical, but the subsequent playthroughs can be a real drag, especially in the first areas of the game. The initial quests are fun, but pale in comparison to what comes after the first few hours.
10The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
For a game that is almost twenty years old,The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowindstill holds up remarkably well.The tale of the Nerevarineand their adventures laid the groundwork for countless WRPGs since and the vast amount of customization and exploration will always make thegame worth returning for.
Still, the introduction is somewhat tiresome and the first set of quests aren’t anything to write home about. After players obtain few key weapons and clothing items, the game gets more variety in the gameplay department.
9Fable 2
Known for intricate worlds and a diverse morality system, theFableseries is considered a modern WRPG classic.The second game in the series keeps many of the elements of the first game that fans fell in love with, while adding more customization, combat, and in-depth exploration.
While the changes to gameplay have been welcomed by fans as years have gone on, the long introduction and slow starting story have been a thorn in the sides of many die-hards since it first came out in 2008.
8The Witcher
The firstWitchergame is legendary in its own right, having kicked off one of the most beloved fantasy franchises in gaming history. The story of Geralt of Rivia is one of hardship and turmoil, exemplified by the tough choices players must make in each game.
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The first game is a bit different from the following two, focusing more on decision-making and building the universe and characters. The combat and alchemy are significantly different from the other games and take a rough few hours to really get used to, but the amazing plot alone is worth the playthrough.
7Borderlands
It’s pretty typical for RPGs to get more exciting and interesting as the player levels up, it’s almost a requirement for the genre. The firstBorderlandsgame is a perfect example, as the game is heavily reliant onthe eccentric guns that become available to players as they level up higher.
The first sections of the game are pretty basic as far a WRPG shooters go with introducing the gameplay and characters, but it is still a bore and tends to drag for the first few hours. After a few more areas of the map open up and cooler guns unlock, the game starts to look more like theBorderlandsfans have come to know and love.
6S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl
Just as much asurvival horror gameas it is a role playing game,S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobylis a scary good time filled with terrifying mutants and plenty of abandoned buildings to explore. Featuring multiple endings and a heaping pile of side quests to traverse, the game builds a believable world constructed around mystery and intrigue.
The game has a slow start and steep learning curve to overcome, but once players make it over the hump, the rest of the game is an amazing treat.
