Most Anticipated RPG Games

Role-playing games remain one of the most diverse genres in the video game industry. A great RPG can offer a massive world to explore, memorable characters, complex progression systems, meaningful decisions, challenging combat, and a story that can take dozens or even hundreds of hours to complete.

The upcoming RPG landscape is particularly exciting. Developers are working on new fantasy worlds, returning franchises, ambitious open-world adventures, Japanese RPGs, and action-focused experiences.

Some of these games already have established fan bases, while others are attempting to create completely new franchises.

Here are some of the most anticipated RPG games that players should keep an eye on.

The Witcher 4

Few upcoming RPGs have expectations as high as The Witcher 4.

Developed by CD PROJEKT RED, the game begins a new chapter in the Witcher universe with Ciri taking a central role.

The previous mainline game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, became one of the most influential open-world RPGs of its generation because of its detailed world, memorable side quests, character relationships, and meaningful choices.

The new game has the difficult task of building upon that foundation while establishing Ciri as the focus of a new adventure.

The use of Unreal Engine 5 also makes the project technically interesting. Players will be watching closely to see how CD PROJEKT RED uses the engine to create its next-generation fantasy world.

Fable

Fable is one of the most recognizable fantasy RPG franchises returning to the spotlight.

Developed by Playground Games, the new title aims to reintroduce the series to modern audiences.

The original Fable games were known for their distinctive British humor, fantasy setting, morality systems, character progression, and unusual interactions with the world.

The new Fable has the opportunity to modernize those ideas while preserving the personality that made the franchise different from other fantasy RPGs.

For longtime fans, the biggest question is whether Playground Games can capture the charm of the original series while creating a modern open-world experience.

Kingdom Hearts IV

Kingdom Hearts IV is one of the most anticipated Japanese RPG projects.

Square Enix has revealed that the game will continue Sora's story while introducing a new phase of the series.

The Kingdom Hearts franchise has always been unusual because it combines original characters and worlds with Disney and Pixar properties.

The next installment is expected to continue that tradition while introducing new locations and gameplay systems.

The series has a dedicated international fan base, making every major announcement surrounding Kingdom Hearts IV an important event for RPG fans.

Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate

The Dragon Quest franchise has been one of Japan's most important RPG series for decades.

Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate represents a significant new chapter for the series.

The game is expected to introduce changes to the traditional Dragon Quest formula while maintaining the series' focus on characters, exploration, turn-based combat, and adventure.

One of the biggest attractions is the involvement of long-time Dragon Quest creators, whose previous work helped define Japanese RPG design.

Fans are particularly interested in seeing how the developers modernize the classic formula without losing the identity that has made Dragon Quest successful for generations.

Monster Hunter Wilds

While Monster Hunter Wilds is primarily an action RPG rather than a traditional story-focused role-playing game, its character progression and equipment systems make it an important RPG release.

Capcom's latest Monster Hunter title expands the hunting formula with larger environments, dynamic weather, new monsters, and more seamless exploration.

Players build their characters by crafting weapons and armor from materials obtained during hunts.

This progression loop is one of the strongest elements of the franchise.

Instead of simply increasing a numerical level, players improve their effectiveness through better equipment and a deeper understanding of monster behavior.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out because of its combination of turn-based RPG mechanics and real-time combat elements.

Developed by Sandfall Interactive, the game presents a dark fantasy world inspired by French artistic and cultural influences.

Players follow an expedition attempting to stop a mysterious figure known as the Paintress.

The game's visual identity is one of its biggest strengths. Rather than relying on conventional fantasy environments, it combines elegant architecture, surreal landscapes, and darker themes.

Its combat system also attempts to modernize traditional turn-based RPG mechanics by incorporating timed actions and defensive interactions.

Avowed

Avowed comes from Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind RPGs such as Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout: New Vegas.

The game is set in the Pillars of Eternity universe and takes players to the Living Lands.

Avowed combines first-person combat with RPG progression, dialogue choices, exploration, and character abilities.

The involvement of Obsidian is particularly important because the studio has a strong reputation for creating games where player choices influence conversations, relationships, and story outcomes.

Players looking for a fantasy RPG with a strong emphasis on narrative choice may find Avowed especially interesting.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the Future of the Remake Project

The modern Final Fantasy VII project has become one of the most ambitious RPG reinterpretations in the industry.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expanded the remake project into a much larger world, giving players more freedom to explore environments outside Midgar.

The game combined real-time combat with RPG progression and character relationships.

Its success demonstrates the continuing popularity of traditional Japanese RPG franchises when they are redesigned for modern audiences.

The final chapter of the remake project is therefore one of the most closely watched future RPG developments.

Why These RPGs Are So Anticipated

The games above are attracting attention for different reasons.

The Witcher 4 has the legacy of one of the most acclaimed RPGs ever made.

Fable represents the return of a beloved fantasy franchise.

Kingdom Hearts IV continues one of the industry's most unusual RPG universes.

Dragon Quest XII represents the evolution of a legendary Japanese RPG series.

Monster Hunter Wilds expands a globally successful action RPG formula.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers a fresh approach to turn-based combat.

Avowed comes from a developer known for deep role-playing systems and player choice.

This variety is one of the best things about the current RPG landscape.

Open-World RPGs Continue to Evolve

Open-world design has become increasingly important to modern RPGs.

Players now expect more than a large map. They want environments containing meaningful activities, memorable characters, hidden locations, dynamic events, and quests that feel connected to the world.

The best open-world RPGs make exploration feel rewarding.

Finding an unusual cave, discovering an unexpected character, or stumbling across a hidden quest can become more memorable than simply following the main storyline.

Upcoming RPG developers therefore face a significant challenge: creating worlds that feel detailed without becoming repetitive.

Character Progression Remains Essential

Progression is one of the defining characteristics of RPGs.

Players generally expect their characters to become stronger or more capable over time.

This can happen through:

• Leveling systems
• New abilities
• Weapons and armor
• Skill trees
• Character attributes
• Crafting
• Equipment customization
• Party development

However, progression works best when players have meaningful choices.

A good RPG allows two players to develop their characters in different ways rather than forcing everyone into exactly the same build.

The Importance of Player Choices

Modern RPGs increasingly use decision-making as a major gameplay mechanic.

A conversation can influence a relationship.

A quest decision can affect a later event.

A moral choice can change how another character views the protagonist.

These systems make players feel that they are participating in the story rather than simply watching it.

This is one of the reasons games such as The Witcher 3 and Baldur's Gate 3 have had such a strong influence on modern RPG design.

Why RPG Fans Have Plenty to Look Forward To

The RPG genre is no longer limited to traditional turn-based adventures.

Modern RPGs can include:

• Open-world exploration
• Real-time combat
• Turn-based combat
• Survival mechanics
• Tactical battles
• Party management
• Crafting
• Romance systems
• Character relationships
• Branching narratives
• Online multiplayer
• Extensive customization

This variety allows developers to approach role-playing from completely different directions.

A player who dislikes traditional turn-based combat may still enjoy an action RPG, while another player may prefer a story-heavy Japanese RPG.