After a long day of project management and editing Excel sheets, you might want to relax by playing some games when you get home. You know what they say about all work and no play.

Luckily, there are so many amazing games for various mobile platforms and consoles, and if you prefer PC gaming, you’ll find more than enough free-to-play games. One of the most popular PC gaming genres is the good old RPG (Role Playing Games). Big titles in this genre are released every year, and they often overshadow smaller indie efforts. That’s why we’ve decided to compile this list of best RPG games released (and to-be-released) in 2015, and present all kinds of RPG titles instead of just focusing on the most popular ones.


Here you’ll find games that work on Linux and old-school RPGs alongside fresh Windows-only projects. The games are sorted by release date, with unreleased ones at the end of the list. We’ve also provided links to online stores where you can purchase the games.

1. Blackguards 2 (January)


What is it? Tactical turn-based RPG.

Why you should try it: It’s another solid year for tactical RPG fans. In addition to the two titles on this list, a number of less-known indie titles have been published to solid reviews, including Legends of Eisenwald, Telepath: Tactics, Chroma Squad (which only narrowly missed a slot on this list) and the yet unreleased Fallen: A2P Protocol.

But back to the title at hand. Blackguards 2 is a sequel to The Dark Eye: Blackguards from 2014, and it brings more interaction with the environment, detailed character customization, and improved battle mechanics. You’ll fight all kinds of enemies as you solve quests with the help of your companions and make decisions that can turn you into a hero just as likely as into a villain.

Where to buy: GOG, Steam

Works on: Windows, OS X

2. Pillars of Eternity (March)


What is it? An isometric cRPG in the vein of the Infinity Engine games.

Why you should try it: Obsidian finally got to make a RPG the way they’ve wanted to for a long time. It’s not particularly surprising that they wanted to make a game reminiscent of Planescape: Torment, Icewind Dale and Baldur’s Gate 2 – games that made their reputation as Interplay’s Black Isle and forever earned them a place in the hearts of all cRPG aficionados. If these names mean anything to you, you probably don’t need any further convincing.

Playing Pillars of Eternity means learning what a modern, beautiful and quite accessible cRPG feels and looks like. As the game begins, your character gains a special ability to see others’ souls and memories from past lives, and your main task is to defeat the soul-stealing cultists. If 70 hours of gameplay isn’t enough for you, there’s an expansion pack available, called White March – Part One.

Where to buy: GOG, Steam

Works on: Windows, Linux, OS X

3. Dex (May)


What is it? Side-scrolling cyberpunk action RPG.

Why you should try it: It’s like a 2D Deus Ex. For all three of you who inexplicably haven’t reached for their wallets yet, allow me to expound on that a little bit.

Dex is an open-world, non-linear cyberpunk action RPG. If you love System Shock, Deus Ex or the Shadowrun games, if you believe there aren’t enough sci-fi (let alone cyberpunk) games around, and if you don’t absolutely hate the idea of playing a 2D game, you should take a look at Dex. The game features a female protagonist who uses her computer hacking skills to solve various quests and survive in a dystopian, futuristic world.

Where to buy: Humble Store, Steam

Works on: Linux, Windows, OS X

4. Serpent in the Staglands (May)


What is it? Isometric, real-time with pause cRPG.

Why you should try it: If the words “real-time with pause” immediately make you think of Infinity Engine games, you are not wrong. However, the game Serpent took the bulk of its inspiration from – and the game which more or less originated this style of combat – is Darklands. Much like that game was set in a meticulously researched medieval Germany, Serpent in the Staglands takes place in a Late Bronze Age Transylvania-inspired landscape, mixing up historical accuracy and fantasy to a delightful result.

It also inherited a certain stance towards hand-holding the player too much – there are no auto map markers or magically produced, neat journal entries. You’re on your own for this particular adventure. Have fun deciphering messages and writing your own notes about quests in this decidedly retro RPG.

Where to buy: Directly from developers, GOG, Steam

Works on: Windows, Linux, OS X

5. Victor Vran (July)


What is it? Hack’n’slash action RPG.

Why you should try it: Fans of games such as Diablo and Torchlight didn’t have many games to look forward to this year. The third entry in the Van Helsing series was somewhat underwhelming, and the big publishers didn’t have much to contribute either.

Enter Victor Vran. With its named protagonist (unusual for the genre), novel jumping mechanic used both for combat and puzzle-solving, and an interesting setting in which magic and science co-exist, this Bulgarian indie is a welcome addition to the genre. Instead of playing with a predetermined set of traits, you can tweak your character as you progress through the game. The game also features a narrator, plenty of humorous elements, and a co-op multiplayer mode.

Where to buy: GOG, Steam

Works on: Windows, Linux, OS X

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (May)


What is it? The final entry in the Witcher saga.

Why you should try it: CD Projekt RED have great timing – at the time, Witcher 3 was practically the only AAA RPG on the PC. In fact, if it weren’t for Fallout 4 coming out later this year, it would have remained the only such game. Both Eidos Montreal’s Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Bioware’s Mass Effect: Andromeda are scheduled for 2016. Bioware’s other big franchise, Dragon Age, produced the third game in the series last year, while Bethesda was probably too busy with Fallout 4 to pump out another Elder Scrolls. If you consider that only three of those are fantasy RPGs, then you could say Witcher 3 has the market cornered.

And deservedly so. Despite some controversy about graphical fidelity being toned down to console ports, Wild Hunt has garnered nearly universal praise, and many proclaim it the best game in the series. It continues the story of Geralt the Witcher and lets you control him as he travels and explores the immense in-game world.

Where to buy: GOG, Steam

Works on: Windows

7. Grandia II Anniversary Edition (August)


What is it? An enhanced re-release of a 2002 PC port of a 2000 Dreamcast jRPG.

Why you should try it: While the Dreamcast version was almost universally praised, the subsequent PC and PS2 ports didn’t fare so well, mostly due to graphical issues. In addition, the PC version wasn’t being sold anywhere prior to this release, and no one really expected to see it again.

It’s good to be wrong sometimes. Grandia and its sequel feature one of the most interesting combat systems seen in jRPGs, which lets you move characters around during battle, and even prevent your enemies’ moves. It was adapted by Ubisoft’s Child of Light (2014), but there’s no substitution for the original. In Grandia II, you control several playable characters who form a magic- and weapon-wielding party on a mission to defeat the God of Darkness.

Where to buy: GOG, Steam

Works on: Windows

8. Shadowrun: Hong Kong (August)


What is it? Third entry in the new Shadowrun series.

Why you should try it: You love isometric cRPGs. You love the grime, dirt and darkness of cyberpunk. You think combining traditional fantasy creatures and magic with high-tech and low-life characters is a great idea. Your character was once an orphan who now has to investigate some of the weirdest and darkest events in and around the not-so-distant-future version of Hong Kong. You just need that one last run before retiring. The neon calls to you. Start running.

Where to buy: GOG, Steam

Works on: Linux, Windows, OS X

RPG Games Announced for 2015:

9. Tales of Zestiria (October)


What is it? AAA jRPG.

Why you should try it: Released in Japan last January, the latest Tales game is the only AAA jRPG on this list, offering what one would expect from such a title: anime styling, seamless cutscenes and real-time combat. Your character has to battle enemies who appear when people experience negative emotions, and establish harmony between regular and supernatural humans. It’s possible to fuse your character with another for improved strength and abilities during battle, and if you like dragons, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re prominently featured in Tales of Zestiria.

It’s a good time to be PC-owning jRPG fan. Not only is there going to be a Tales game for the PC, but there are also the Hyperdimension Neptunia remakes (with the third one incoming this year as well), Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, and some more niche titles such as Fairy Fencer F, Akiba’s Trip and One Piece Pirate Warriors 3.

Where to buy: Pre-order on Steam

Announced for: Windows

10. The Age of Decadence (October)


What is it? Isometric, turn-based, post-apocalyptic cRPG.

Why you should try it: Set in a low-magic, post-apocalyptic world inspired by the Roman Empire and citing the original Fallout games as the main inspiration, it focuses on allowing the player multiple ways to go about the challenges its story presents. A game for the Machevellians in the audience, it features plenty of both kinds of backstabbing and political scheming, allowing you to experience the joy that was living in the Roman Empire. At least through the lens of a computer role-playing game.

Where to buy: Directly from developers, Steam (Early Access)

Annouced for: Windows

11. Fallout 4 (November)


What is it? Post-apocalyptic, retro-futuristic action RPG.

Why you should try it: The Fallout 4 announcement came as something of a surprise to many. For a while it seemed like the only big-budget RPG for the PC was going to be Witcher 3 as far as 2015 is concerned. But not only was F4 announced this year, it’s also coming out.

The new setting is Boston (and other parts of New England), and though the timeline begins with the bombs being dropped, most of the game is set in the same period as Fallout 3. One of the biggest changes, aside from the graphical and geographical ones, is the new approach to dialogue – the protagonist will be fully voiced.

Where to buy: Pre-order on Steam

Announced for: Windows

12. Banner Saga 2 (TBA)


What is it? Tactical RPG / choose-your-own-adventure (and watch it end horribly)

Why you should try it: The first episode was a beautifully-drawn tactical RPG mixed with Oregon Trail-like elements, which gave its take on the Norse myth of the world ending (Ragnarok) an extra serving of depression. And what did the developers announce for the second episode? A darker game. There will be new types of enemies, and you’ll have the ability to assign two classes to your characters. Last but not least: the decisions you made in the previous version will influence your new game right from the start. Rejoice.

Where to buy: Not available yet.

Announced for: Windows, Mac OS X

13. Darkest Dungeon (TBA)


What is it? Side-scrolling roguelike RPG.

Why you should try it: Descend into madness one turn at a time! Combining gothic-inspired visuals, turn-based tactical squad combat and a somewhat novel twist on leveling, Darkest Dungeon is something most of us can look forward to. Your group of four heroes has to battle monsters and disease in the dark dungeons, but perhaps the worst – and most interesting – enemy of all are their inner demons. In short, the stress your characters experience during the game will affect their performance. Just like real life, eh?

Where to buy: Steam (Early Access)

Announced for: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

14. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Second Chapter (TBA)


What is it? A modern jRPG reminiscent of the classics of the genre.

Why you should try it: The first chapter is among the most popular jRPGs of its type in the West. This is understandable: it’s a modern take on the classic formula, sporting a contemporary anime look, and none of the 16-bit era inconveniences. The sequel(s) are long overdue because of difficulties with translation, but fans have been promised a release by the end of the year. They can expect a detailed story with interesting side quests and twelve playable characters. Playing as a girl in search of her lost love interest, they will encounter various enemies, face them in turn-based combat, and collect powerful items to increase their stats.

Where to buy: Not available yet.

Announced for: Windows

15. UnderRail (TBA)


What is it? Unofficial Fallout successor.

Why you should try it: Although there have been many games that claimed to closely follow the formula of the original Fallout games, there hasn’t been one with a better claim to that fame than UnderRail in quite a while. Turn-based combat allows for different battle styles, and your character’s skills and abilities can be adjusted as you progress in the game. Of course, UnderRail adds its own twists: the environment is a giant metro, there’s psionics, and crafting is an important element. But it feels similar to Fallout, and for some of us, that’s very exciting.

Where to buy: Steam (Early Access)

Announced for: Windows

Have you tried any of these games? Of course, they’re not the only RPGs from 2015, so if you know of other great titles, drop us a line in the comments. And while you’re there, you can also tell us about your favorite RPGs.