The Most Popular MMORPGs: What Players Choose

2025 promises to be a dream year for all RPG fans. This year, fans will see several outstanding releases, each of which brings something unique to the genre. The most anticipated RPGs will win the hearts of gamers not only with their plot and gameplay, but also with rich worlds, deep characters and original mechanics.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Medieval Reality Returns

Warhorse Studios once again sends players to the Middle Ages, where every stone and every village seems to come to life on the screen. The game world breathes with details: dense forests, noisy markets, castles with dozens of rooms – all this is recreated with precision down to the smallest details, right down to the cracks in the walls and characteristic patterns on the tiles. Blacksmiths work at the forges, and in the markets, merchants shout about their goods. Immersion in the life of those times is achieved thanks to realistic physics and historical verisimilitude.

Gameplay and combat mechanics

The gameplay of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is famous for its attention to historical accuracy and dynamic combat scenes. Realistic physics of blows, the need to take into account the weight of the weapon and the enemy’s defense – all this turns the battle into a real fight for life. For example, a long sword differs from an axe not only in speed, but also in maneuverability. Each action of the player changes the surrounding world: you can become a defender of the village, or turn into a robber – and this will affect the attitude of the locals. Every choice and every battle affects the world and its development.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Japanese history in a new light

One of the most anticipated RPGs takes players to the era of the samurai, during the internecine wars of Japan. The plot of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is replete with cultural details: there are rituals of the tea ceremony, the philosophy of Buddhism, as well as political intrigues of daimyo thirsty for power. In one of the missions, the user will witness the famous siege of Odawara Castle, where he will have to conduct covert surveillance and intervene in events, changing the course of history with his actions.

Avowed: a fantasy world and a new word in RPG

In Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment, fantasy knows no bounds. Magic glowing mushrooms illuminate underground caves, ancient ruins keep the secrets of vanished civilizations. Forests are inhabited not only by wild animals, but also by ancient ents, who can be both allies and enemies. Every corner is filled with magic, and every object can hide secrets.

New items and unique features

Among the new features of the expected games in the RPG genre, it is worth noting the system of dynamic events of this project, when the world reacts to the player’s actions. For example, by destroying a bridge, you can make part of the map inaccessible, but open hidden caves. Dragons can suddenly attack villages, changing their fate, and the player’s decisions regarding helping residents affect available quests and resources. This adds depth and surprise to each game session.

Monster Hunter Wilds: a new look at hunting

Capcom offers to explore amazing dimensions, where each ecosystem is unique. “Misty Valley” is a forest immersed in eternal fog, where poisonous monsters live, and players have to rely on special beacons to avoid getting lost. The desert “Forgotten Grove” is full of creatures hiding under the sand, and they can only be lured out with special baits. Biomes are diverse and each requires a unique approach.

Fable: a fairy tale that comes to life

Playground Games returns users to fairy-tale worlds, where magic lives in every corner. Enchanted forests, magical villages, ancient mills – all this creates a unique atmosphere. Depending on the player’s actions, the environment can become bright and kind, or plunge into darkness and despair, which is reflected in the locations and characters.

Gameplay and interaction

Fable’s gameplay includes many aspects of interaction with the environment. Users can choose the path of a hero or a villain, influence the fate of NPCs, get married, have children, and become landowners. Magical artifacts hidden in the most unexpected places give players special abilities. An enchanted lute, for example, allows you to persuade a crowd through musical performances.

Chernobylite 2: Excursion to the Exclusion Zone

The Farm 51 expands the exclusion zone, adding new, previously unknown locations. Another new RPG, one of the most anticipated, Chernobylite 2 is a mixture of real places of the Chernobyl zone and fictional, mystical spaces. Closed laboratories, secret facilities, ghost villages – all this is filled with dangers and anomalies that react to the player’s actions. The participant must be prepared for unexpected manifestations of radiation and mysterious creatures that live in these places.

Borderlands 4: Planet of Chaos

Gearbox Software invites you to a new, even crazier planet. Borderlands 4 is a combination of chaos, technology and continuous battles. The planet is a mixture of abandoned laboratories, gangster enclaves and futuristic cities, each of which keeps its own secrets and dangers. Gjkmpjdfntkb can explore deserts, explore old abandoned factories and search for artifacts in hidden bases.

Characters and loot

Borderlands 4 characters are as charismatic and funny as ever. The new Vault Hunter is a hacker named Jax, who hacks into enemy systems and controls drones. The loot system has become even more diverse: weapons, armor modules, rare artifacts – all this can be customized to suit your individual playstyle. Jax also has the ability to change the behavior of drones, turning them from scouts into combat machines.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: the world of vampires returns

The Chinese Room creates a dark and intriguing world of one of the anticipated RPGs, immersing players in a night city full of secrets and dangers. In Bloodlines 2, participants explore atmospheric streets, gothic buildings and secret dungeons, each corner of which hides something unusual and sinister. Interacting with the city requires caution, as any careless mistake can lead to the player’s vampire nature being revealed.

Gameplay and New Features

Bloodlines 2’s gameplay focuses on social interaction and hunting. Users must maintain a masquerade by hiding their vampire nature, but at the same time manipulate others using hypnosis and charm abilities. Vampire powers include the ability to teleport short distances and turn into a shadow to avoid detection. Mistakes in choosing a victim can lead to the protagonist being hunted by other vampires.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers – Legend of the Ming Dynasty

Leenzee Games has created an amazing project, immersing users in the era of the decline of the Ming Dynasty. The world is filled with mythical creatures, ancient temples and huge palaces. Historical aspects are combined with mythology, creating an atmosphere where the past and fantasy are intertwined. Here you will meet spirits, ancient gods and explore places that hide magical secrets and mysterious artifacts.

The most anticipated RPGs: conclusion

2025 promises to please RPG fans with variety and depth. Each game on the list brings something unique to the genre: from historical details and authentic battles to incredible fantasy worlds and tactical battles. The anticipated RPGs are captivating both with their plot and the ability to influence the world and its inhabitants.

Regardless of whether you prefer battles in medieval Europe, secret murders in Japan, monster hunting or intrigue among vampires, 2025 is ready to offer an adventure to your liking.

The Action-RPG genre consistently holds a position in the list of the most sought-after formats in the industry. It combines rich combat mechanics with a deep role-playing component, allowing players not only to engage in combat but also to experience the story, make decisions, and explore the world. Every year, the top Action-RPG titles are enriched with more ambitious projects. Some focus on visual grandeur, while others emphasize philosophical undertones or the scale of role-playing mechanics. This compilation systematically covers the best examples, encompassing both dark post-apocalyptic worlds and fantasy settings, as well as technocratic cyberpunk cities.

Elden Ring: Open World and Mythology in Action

The Souls-like format has reached a new peak. Elden Ring has taken the genre to a whole new level, while maintaining its hardcore combat system and emphasizing exploration. The game offers freedom not only in movement but also in the choice of progression paths. The expansive world, created under the guidance of Hidetaka Miyazaki, combines elements of classic fantasy with an authorial dark aesthetic. The difficulty level encourages players to strive for self-improvement. The world’s design, hidden locations, unexpected bosses, and lack of a clear route make this project the foundation of any top-rated Action-RPG.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (series): Zone atmosphere and free survival

Post-Soviet mysticism, dark philosophy, and an open gameplay structure have made S.T.A.L.K.E.R. a cult series. The developers have incorporated survival, trade, non-linear progression, and the freedom to choose allies into the shooter. The player faces not just enemies, but a world that feels alive. Anomalies, factions, radiation, and moral dilemmas create an experience that cannot be replicated. In terms of gameplay and atmosphere, the series consistently remains on the top lists of Action-RPGs on PC.

Gothic (series): a classic of the German RPG school

Severity, conciseness, and maximum internal logic are the main differences between Gothic and most Western RPGs. The series has gained cult status due to its respect for the player’s choices: the world reacts to actions, NPCs remember actions, and quests influence factions. The limited but lively world makes every walk meaningful.

Dark Souls III: Combat Mastery and Destruction Aesthetics

If the task is to choose a reference for the combat system in the Action-RPG genre, Dark Souls III will remain one of the main candidates. The combination of animations, weapon weight, dodge mechanics, and timing studies has formed a game core that requires not only reaction, but also analysis from the player. Each battle becomes a micro-scenario. The minimal interface, lack of pausing, and rare hints all contribute to the tension. The well-designed level design, dark visuals, and non-linear level structure support Dark Souls III’s reputation as one of the most fundamental games in the genre.

Bloodborne: A Worthy Representative of the Top Action-RPGs

If Dark Souls appeals to medieval horror, Bloodborne turns its gaze towards Lovecraftian madness. By replacing shields with speed, the developers have made combat aggressive, encouraging attack rather than defense. The atmosphere of Victorian Gothic with a touch of cosmic horror creates a unique visual style. Each location tells a story through its architecture and enemies. The absence of traditional difficulty levels is replaced by a constant increase in pressure and unexpected twists.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Cyberpunk That Spoke

The cyberpunk genre has long been in need of a full-scale Action-RPG, and Cyberpunk 2077 has filled this gap. The city of Night City lives by its own laws, with its towering skyscrapers, slums, neon signs, and moral degradation. The game is based on variability, with branching storylines, decisions that affect the characters’ fates, and customization options that allow players to adapt the gameplay to their playstyle.

The world encompasses everything from high-tech neighborhoods to psychedelic quests. It combines the philosophy of a post-human future, dynamic shooter combat, and deep role-playing. Cyberpunk 2077 has earned a well-deserved place in any Action-RPG top, confirming its status as a competitive AAA project.

Fallout (series): A post-apocalyptic story that became a legend

The Fallout series began as an isometric RPG, but with the release of the third installment, it evolved into a full-fledged Action-RPG. The unique combination of shooting, the V.A.T.S. system, a vast world, and dark humor created a distinctive gameplay experience. Fallout not only focuses on survival after a nuclear war, but also presents players with ethical dilemmas, often without clear-cut solutions. Each installment offers a unique story set in different parts of the devastated world, from Washington to the wastelands of Nevada.

The Elder Scrolls (series): Time-tested freedom

Open worlds and non-linearity have always been at the heart of The Elder Scrolls. The series allows you to forget about the main quest and delve into the world, engaging in crafting, becoming a guild master, or exploring. Skill progression is based on actions rather than levels, allowing for organic development of archery, alchemy, and sorcery. TES does not require you to follow a script, but rather allows you to shape your own journey. The world reacts to your actions, and your actions in one city can influence the attitudes of others.

Path of Exile: Dark Hardcore and Depth of Builds

One of the top Action-RPGs is based on isometric presentation, but it surpasses many competitors in terms of the richness and customization of builds. Path of Exile features a grandiose skill tree, combined with a system of gems and an unconventional approach to loot. The mechanics are deep, reaching the level of mathematical formulas, while the atmosphere is at the dark fantasy stage, immersing players in a world of darkness. Path of Exile is not a game for quick decisions. It is a long journey of fine-tuning your character, constantly experimenting, and engaging in competitive economics. It maintains a loyal audience through its fair model, lack of Pay-to-Win, and timely updates.

Diablo (series): a prominent representative of the top ranking and the founder of the Action-RPG genre

Every generation of players has played at least one part of Diablo. The game sets the rhythm: battles are fast, loot drops in the right dosage, bosses create pressure. Combat mechanics work like a clock: muscle memory remembers attack rotations, the sounds of picking up items trigger a dopamine response. Diablo remains the standard for hack’n’slash mechanics in Action-RPGs. The setting, a dark fantasy with angelology, demons, and doom, completes the gameplay with a finished aesthetic frame. Each new release in the series doesn’t just repeat the formula; it improves it.

Conclusion

The top Action-RPG list is not a static list. It reflects the development of the genre, its adaptation to new generations of players, technological advancements, and changes in audience expectations. All the projects included in this list not only meet the genre’s criteria but also challenge them, setting new standards and inspiring followers. The common thread among these games is their focus on the player, their decisions, their style, their emotions, and their journey. This is the power of the genre, which continues to shape the face of the gaming industry.