10 Best Action RPGs of All Time (Ultimate List 2023)

Best Action RPGs of All Time: Action RPGs is a video game subgenre that is a hybrid of Action and Role Playing Games. The best part about this subgenre is the thrill of playing an action game with an intricate storyline. The essence of gameplay has changed lately, gamers desire more than just a fighting binge. Having the added element of role-playing makes the Action interactive, delivering a completely unique venture. The gaming industry has identified this fact and is striving to make games more interactive. We have actively kept track of the latest gaming news and curated a list of the Best Action RPGs for you.

Best Action RPGs of All Time

The origin of Action RPGs is older than one might assume. Dragon Slayer is one of the earliest ARPGs to exist that set foot in the gaming world in 1984. The genre has only gained more popularity ever since it set its roots. Who wouldn’t want a challenging round of fighting with an alluring storyline after all? If you are an Action RPG enthusiast just like us you are at the right place. We have compiled a list of the Top RPG 2023 games right here!

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10. Mass Effect 2

We couldn’t resist putting the 2010 release, Mass Effect 2 in the list of Best Action RPGs of All time. ME 2 is a futuristic game that is set up in the Milky Way galaxy in the 22nd-century timeline. The player embodies the character of Commander Shepard in a suicide mission. The player can customize the MC according to their preference. The combat style in the game is squad-based, where the player leads a team of NPCs.

The player equips high-impact weapons like assault rifles, pistols, machine guns, and armor. The player must clear the mission while maintaining health points in order to progress in the game. Being an RPG, the game also enforces an interactive dialogue control to the player.

9. Dark Souls III

Next on the ultimate list of Best Action RPGs of All Time is the legendary, Dark Souls III. This masterpiece was not just able to win the hearts of the fans but also earned the respect of the critics. The game takes place in the fictional kingdom of Lothric. The story commences with the onset of the Age of Dark. The player uses weapons and magic spells to eliminate the enemies to progress in the game. The gameplay is much more efficient and smoother than the previous versions of the game. The game has earned a solid benchmark in the Best Action RPGs due to the perfect balancing of all the elements.

8. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

The next list of the Best Action RPGs is Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This game is the 11th part of the Assassin’s Creed Series. The theme of the game is set in a mythological setting depicting the war between Sparta & Athens. The game earned some mixed reviews from the fandom but the graphics & music effects stood out regardless. The player has to play as a mercenary in this action role-playing game. The game relatively focuses more on combat and action than the storyline aspect. The hardcore action & smooth gameplay lands Assassin’s Creed Odyssey in the list of Top RPG 2023.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

7. Monster Hunter: World

Monster Hunter: World is the next gem in the list of Best Action RPGs of All Time. The 2018 release managed to sell over 18 million units of the game across the globe by December 2022. The hyper-realistic graphics & powerful gameplay is the highlight of this masterpiece. The action is the more dominating element in this game compared to the RPG & storyline aspect. This does not imply that the storyline is a loose end of the game. The impressive character designs, customizable multiplayer group size, and smooth controls land the game in the category of Best Action RPGs.

Related: Best Games Like Monster Hunter: World

6. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

The next masterpiece in the list of Best Action RPGs of All Time is the Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker. Probably one of the best editions of the Final Fantasy Series. The game received a lot of praise for the level designs. The game has an explorative theme with beautiful graphics and art style. The player can explore between the 6 main locations in the game. The player proceeds by battling against enemies & monsters. The technical accuracy of the fighting style imparts a thrilling experience radiating the true essence of an ARPG.

5. Nier: Automata

Next up on the list of Best Action RPGs of All Time is NieR: Automata! The game is based on a war scenario between Androids & Machines. The player embodies the character of an Android in this action-derived game. The gameplay operates on hack & slash combat style. Automata check all the boxes to be in the Top RPG 2023 including combat style, storyline, gameplay, and graphics.

Related: All NieR Games In Order of Release Date

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a true contender for the Best Action RPGs Countdown. The game takes place in a fictional place called Skyrim. The protagonist, Dragonborn is set up against a deadly World Eater, Alduin! The game provides an open-game experience in addition to the main storyline. The player can explore the villages, cities, caves, dungeons, and even fortresses and engage in short-term professions in the game. The player is equipped with specialized weapons, magic spells & defense gears.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The next in the Best Action RPGs List is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game truly set a trademark in the arena of Action RPGs upon its release in 2017. The protagonist of the game awakens in a state of amnesia and now has to explore the kingdom of Hyrule. Link has to recollect the missing pieces of consciousness during the gameplay. The game emphasizes experimentation through the use of physics & chemistry engines. Breath of the Wild has an additional element of solving puzzles which makes it unique.

Related: The Legend of Zelda Games In Order

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Next in the countdown of Best Action RPGs is 2015 Game of the Year The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt! The protagonist of the game is Geralt of Rivia. Geralt is a demon slayer who explores the game in pursuit of his adopted daughter. Geralt will come across dangerous scenarios and vicious enemies in order to live through the quest. The player slashes through the enemies with the aid of Crossbows, Swords & bombs. The game offers 3 alternative endings which vary according to the choices that the player makes.

1. Elden Ring

Elden Ring earns first place in the list of Best Action RPGs. Undoubtedly one of the best Open world games in the Action RPG category. The game was honored with the title of Game of the Year in 2022. The art style and explorative game design grant a unique gameplay experience to the player. The player is given a wide range of character classes to choose from as the MC. The action is spontaneous and quite challenging if compared to similar games in the category. The player will need to combat ruthless monsters, animals, and even Demigods with the wise use of their weapon inventory & magic spells.

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