Since the early days of RPGs or role-playing games, PC gaming has been a stronghold for this genre. While RPGs have found their way onto consoles, the PC remains the platform of choice for many role-playing game enthusiasts. With their rich storylines, immersive worlds, and deep character development, RPGs offer rich storytelling similar to what a book or a good TV series would provide but in an interactive form.
From epic quests to intricate progression systems, skill trees, and impactful dialogue options, these games captivate players, allowing them to shape their own destinies. In this article, we will explore the top ten best single player RPG games you can play offline, perfect for gamers on the go who seek captivating adventures even without an internet connection (I’m looking at you Steam Deckers).
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Mass Effect Legendary Edition
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a remastered compilation of the original Mass Effect trilogy. This edition brings the epic space opera RPG to modern standards, allowing players to relive Commander Shepard’s thrilling journey across the galaxy. With enhanced visuals, improved gameplay mechanics (new Mako physics), and all the downloadable content included, this edition is a must-play for sci-fi RPG fans.
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues to enchant players with its expansive open world and engrossing narrative. The recent The Witcher 3 next gen improves the quality of life, graphics (ray tracing), along with new side quests and items inspired by the popular Netflix TV series, making it the perfect time to delve into the adventures of Geralt of Rivia.
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Fallout 4
The Fallout series has long been a staple of the RPG genre, and Fallout 4 is no exception. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, this game offers a vast and immersive world to explore. With its deep character customization, engaging storylines, and a rich modding community, Fallout 4 provides countless hours of captivating gameplay.
While on the topic of sci-fi and Bethesda, Starfield would be a great addition to this list when it comes out, in the meantime, check out our list of games similar to Starfield.
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim, a game that needs no introduction, stands as one of the most influential and successful RPGs of all time. The immense freedom to create your own path, coupled with a rich lore and an extensive modding scene, ensures that no two adventures are the same. Embark on a heroic journey as the Dragonborn and discover why Skyrim has become synonymous with epic fantasy adventures. Apart from one of the biggest modding scenes in gaming history, Skyrim offers a tone of official DLCs and updates in their final The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition.
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Cyberpunk 2077
Despite its rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone significant improvements through numerous patches and bug fixes. Now offering a more polished and immersive experience, this futuristic RPG takes players on a thrilling journey through Night City, a sprawling metropolis filled with intrigue, danger, and boundless possibilities. You might want to keep this one in your pocket until its first DLC comes out, Phantom Liberty.
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Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium’s unique blend of detective noir and role-playing elements surprised the gaming world when it first came out back in 2019. With its thought-provoking storytelling and deep character development, this 2.5D game immerses players in a dystopian world where choices truly matter. Prepare to be captivated by its rich narrative and complex characters.
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Elden Ring
From the minds of Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring promises to be a groundbreaking RPG experience. Set in a dark fantasy world, this game blends challenging combat, exploration, and a gripping narrative. With its vast open world and interconnected lore, Elden Ring has RPG enthusiasts eagerly awaiting its release. As with Cyberpunk, Elden Ring has a massive expansion pack coming up called Shadow of the Erdtree.
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South Park: The Stick Of Truth
For fans of the irreverent South Park TV show, The Stick of Truth is a hilarious and engaging turn-based RPG. Developed with the show’s creators using the same animation system the show does, this game captures the humor and charm of South Park while providing a surprisingly deep and enjoyable role-playing experience. The sequel, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, is equally worthy of attention.
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Dragon Age
The Dragon Age series has consistently delivered engrossing RPG experiences. From Dragon Age: Origins to Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition, these games offer complex narratives, memorable characters, and meaningful choices that shape the world around you. Embark on epic quests and immerse yourself in a rich fantasy universe. We cannot wait for the next instalment of Bioware’s staple RPG; Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.
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Divinity: Original Sin 2
Closing our list is Divinity: Original Sin 2, a critically acclaimed RPG that emphasizes player choice and freedom. With its deep turn-based combat, intricate storytelling, and dynamic worlds that react to your decisions, this game offers an unparalleled role-playing experience. Whether playing solo or in co-op, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
PC gaming has remained a bastion for single-player RPG games, offering players the freedom to immerse themselves in captivating worlds filled with adventure, character development, and meaningful choices. The recommended RPGs mentioned above showcase the diverse range of experiences available on the platform. From the space-faring epic of Mass Effect Legendary Edition to the medieval and fantasy world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, these games provide endless hours of entertainment for gamers that prefer a solo RPG experience. So grab your laptop, mouse and keyboard, controller, or Steam Deck and embark on these unforgettable journeys into the realms of imagination where the choices you make carve a unique experience each time. If you want to find a PC game gem and you’re not limited to RPGs, check out my list of PC exclusive games. Or if you’re looking for a role-playing experience but with your friends, see our new best MMORPG games list.
