There are several things that make the top RPG games great. Characters, gameplay, and narrative are good examples. However, the setting of the best RPG games for PC or consoles is just as important as any of those. Fortunately, gamers have been treated to many incredible RPG worlds over the years. Therefore, now is a great time to take a look back at some of these settings. Here are the top 10 RPG worlds to explore.
10. Amalur – Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
The visuals of Amalur stood out when players first laid eyes on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning in 2012. Everything has a very familiar, yet unique look about it. The colors pop well and draw the eyes to the action on-screen. While the lore of the world isn’t the best thing about the game, it does make Amalur a world well worth poking around in. If you’re looking for good RPG games, you can do a lot worse than Amalur.
9. Cyrodiil – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was one of the best RPGs when it released in 2006. Oblivion introduced players to the land of Cyrodiil. This vibrant continent featured all of the great makings of a memorable fantasy RPG. However, the way that Cyrodiil works was revolutionary at that time. The even more impressive thing is that Oblivion is still very fun to explore today, as there are tons of adventures to be had.
8. Los Angeles – Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is an RPG from 2004 that offers a mixed bag in terms of experience. It did some things extremely well, while letting other things slide into the “janky” territory.
While it might not be considered one of the great RPG games, one thing that Bloodlines did very well was its setting. Los Angeles is a very interesting place to explore through the eyes of the paranormal. Several small hubs make up the whole of L.A. in the game, but they all feel distinct and interesting.
It certainly isn’t the prettiest game ever, but the setting offers so much that any RPG fan should at least peek at the cult classic.
7. Halcyon – The Outer Worlds
Technically, 2019’s The Outer Worlds setting is comprised of various planets. The setting that this humorous RPG offers is both entertaining to explore and quite nice to look at. Halcyon is unashamedly alien, which is what makes it so attractive to players.
Some space-oriented games go for an earthly, familiar atmosphere. The Outer Worlds goes straight for the weird and unique. That’s a good reason to love the Halcyon system, and why The Outer Worlds is one of the best RPGs of all time.
6. Kanto – Pokémon: Red, Green, and Blue
Are Pokémon: Red, Green, and Blue (1998) the best role playing games of their time? Perhaps not, but the first generation of Pokémon games introduced many gamers to a beloved series. It stands to reason that the region that those games took place in also had a big impact on them, as well. The Kanto region in Pokémon is so interesting that it has been revisited by the series numerous times.
There are plenty of secrets to be found, villages and cities to visit, and Pokémon to meet. Of course, the games don’t look as nice as they used to, but many trainers still welcome a visit to Kanto on occasion.
5. Gaia – Final Fantasy VII
1997’s Final Fantasy VII was groundbreaking for video games. It was one of the first RPGs to feature a large world in such a cinematic fashion. From Midgar to Cosmo Canyon, the world of Gaia is a fascinating place.
Politics and greed run rampant and threaten the world. Magic courses beneath the world’s surface. Monsters populate the wilds and alleyways. As far as RPG settings go, few had an impact as large as Final Fantasy VII’s did. Plus, the world is still very interesting to crawl around in today. It deserves a spot on any list of top 10 RPG game worlds.
4. Yarnham – Bloodborne
2015’s Bloodborne is one of the best PS4 RPG games. Bloodborne’s Victorian setting of Yarnham is complemented by a heavy dose of Gothic influence. These two atmospheres make Yarnham very interesting and desirable to explore, if for the sights alone. However, a dark Lovecraftian secret lies at the heart of the city.
As players get closer to the truth, Yarnham begins to twist itself into a living nightmare. The result is a setting that fans are desperate to return to at some point. Only time will tell if they will get the chance, however.
3. The Milky Way – Mass Effect
Much like The Outer Worlds, the setting of Mass Effect is made up of various worlds. When players first began the action-RPG way back in 2007, they were greeted with plenty of space exploration to enjoy. Each setting in the game is intriguing and fun to scour for bonus content.
For instance, many hours could be spent lost in the halls of the Citadel. This massive space station offers an entire game’s worth of content despite being little more than a hub world for the players to visit. Mass Effect is one of the best RPG games of its time.
2. The Mojave Wasteland – Fallout: New Vegas
In a surprising twist, 2010’s Fallout: New Vegas shows precious little of Las Vegas itself. While that may be disappointing to some, the game does make up for it with the surrounding areas. Rural Nevada features quaint towns, hidden dungeons, and tons of environmental storytelling.
The best thing about visiting New Vegas is how comfortable it tends to feel. Exploring the Mojave feels more adventurous than miserable. While it may not be the most varied world ever crafted, it certainly delivers in charm and atmosphere.
1. The Continent – The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is one of the best RPGs on Xbox One. And when it comes to RPG worlds, the Continent of The Witcher is tough to beat. The version of this world featured in The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is especially fun to explore. Magic and danger await behind every corner. Each step brings Geralt of Rivea closer to a new adventure. Players may even begin to feel overwhelmed while exploring.
This feeling of quest overload is natural, as there is just so much content to be found. For players looking to become fully immersed in a fantasy world, however, this is openly welcome.
Which RPG world is your favorite to explore? Tell us in the comments below!
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