RPGshad already been around for many years before the 2000s.

The likes of Final Fantasy, Pokemon, and Dragon Quest were already very well-established.

However, each of these series would continue to grow during the 2000s.

From left to right: Solas from Dragon Age, Darth Malak from Star Wars and the Illusive Man from Mass Effect. All villains created by game developer BioWare

Who doesn’t love exploration?

The genre arguably became more cinematic during the decade asreally long cutscenesbecame a more common sight.

So, it was a significant decade for RPGs.

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Here is the best game for each year of it.

It is an iconic immersive sim game set in a cyberpunk world.

The dialogue isn’t the greatest, but the story is solid.

Eivor from AC Valhalla, Ralof from Skyrim, and a knight from Darkest Dungeon 2.

you’re free to sneak around, talk your way into places, or simply shoot everyone.

There was also Vagrant Story, Skies of Arcadia, and Diablo 2.

Final Fantasy 10 is certainly among the greatest FF titles.

Dragon Age Origins, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Mass Effect.

During this adventure, you meet plenty of interesting and well-written characters and get in plenty of battles.

Those battles are turn-based and feel great to play.

This was helped a lot by the release of Neverwinter Nights.

Collage showing images from Monster Hunter Wilds, Avowed and Pokemon Legends Arceus.

It’s an RPG set in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.

It makes for an exciting and well-told narrative.

BioWare is known for creating some incredible stories, and with them comes brilliant villains.

J.C. Denton aiming a sniper rifle indoors in Deus Ex.

Also, many of your actions are defined by dice rolls, like in the famous tabletop game.

This brings an element of chance to the experience, which makes things a bit more exciting and unpredictable.

It narrowly edges out The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind as 2002’s best RPG.

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Among the best of them is 2003’s Knights of the Old Republic.

Along the way, you make allies and complete a bunch of quests.

While the combat is fine in this one, it’s really the story and characters that shine.

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It’s easy to be captivated by the main narrative, as it takes plenty of twists and turns.

The individual character arcs are also compelling.

It wasn’t a series that took time to get going, as the original game is excellent.

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The story begins with your character’s village being raided and your family being killed.

So, it isn’t the happiest start.

Things pick up when you join the Hero’s Guild and start your adventure.

Tidus and Yuna in Lake Macalania in Final Fantasy 10.

Also impressive is the game’s witty writing and nice world.

Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines was the biggest contender for Fable when it came to 2004’s best RPG.

As with any Mario game, this title’s brilliance doesn’t come from the story.

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Instead, it’s the gameplay that shines the most.

At least, that is what they have to do in the main quest.

This series is known for its large, open-world maps, but which of them is the biggest?

Neverwinter Nights character standing by a dead dragon.

The world is vast and feels incredibly alive due to the inclusion of many NPCs and numerous small details.

So, just roaming around this place is a very enjoyable experience.

It’s also enjoyable to battle things in this game.

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you’re free to use various swords, bows, and your magic powers to defeat your opponents.

Alternatively, stealth is often an option if you’d prefer to avoid battles.

The other RPGs from 2006 aren’t quite as deep as Oblivion.

Carth Onasi in Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic.

32007 - Mass Effect

2007 saw the release of the original Mass Effect.

The story is incredibly well-told and features a bunch of memorable moments.

Equally memorable are your companions and the interactions you have with them.

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Each companion is very well-designed, as they each have distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories.

Getting to know them is one of the greatest joys of the game.

The dialog choices and the universe’s deep lore are other highlights.

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The general gameplay isn’t bad, either.

However, all of these titles were still RPGs.

Fallout 3 is a particularly action-packed RPG.

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So, it’s good that the core combat feels smooth and is a lot of fun.

What’s also enjoyable is exploring the post-apocalyptic wasteland in the game.

You have to cross the wasteland to find your father after he left the vault you grew up in.

A group of Skeletons walking across a bridge in Fable.

It sounds like a basic story, but it soon evolves into something a lot more exciting.

They really feel like your friends by the end of the game.

These RPGs take you back to the medieval period.

Fable 2004

Mario and Luigi with Baby Mario and Baby Luigi in battle with Luigi and Baby Luigi about to attack a mushroom shroob enemy with a hammer in Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time.

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A character in golden armour, wielding a sword and a shield in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

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Garrus Vakarian looking off to the right in the original Mass Effect.

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Your Dad James in Fallout 3, reaching his hand out.

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Alistair wearing armour and sitting down at camp in Dragon Age: Origins.

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