Beyond Baldur's Gate 3: 8 Must-Play Modern RPGs That Define the Genre in 2026

As we move through 2026, the monumental legacy of Baldur's Gate 3 remains a towering benchmark in the RPG genre. Players have collectively poured countless more millions of hours into Faerûn, cementing its status as an all-time great. However, the gaming landscape is always evolving. In the time since Larian's masterpiece launched, a new generation of role-playing experiences has emerged, each bringing its own unique flavor, innovation, and unforgettable stories to the table. While BG3's shadow is long, these games don't just stand in it—they stand proudly beside it, offering adventures that are just as deep, compelling, and worthy of your time. 🎮✨

Black Myth: Wukong

This action RPG, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, has taken the world by storm. You don't just play as Sun Wukong; you become the legendary Monkey King, wielding his iconic staff to defy heaven itself. What makes Black Myth: Wukong so special is its genre-blending mastery. It's not strictly a Soulslike, nor is it a pure character action game. It sits perfectly in a sweet spot between the two, demanding skill and precision while delivering flashy, spectacular combat. The boss fights are legendary—each one a visual and mechanical spectacle that feels like a cinematic event. With a combat system featuring tons of transformative powers and abilities, the gameplay stays fresh for dozens of hours. The overwhelmingly positive reception? It's absolutely earned. This is a mythic journey you won't forget.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The Yakuza series' reinvention as a turn-based JRPG continues to pay off brilliantly. Infinite Wealth follows the eternally optimistic Ichiban Kasuga on a wild adventure to... Hawaii? Yes, and it's glorious. The game retains the heart and hilarious side content the series is known for, now wrapped in a refined turn-based combat system. The real star is the Job system. Forget traditional Warrior or Mage classes—here, your party members can become a Housekeeper wielding a vacuum cleaner, a Chef throwing kitchen knives, an Idol buffing allies with song, or even a Homeless Guy using a shopping cart as a weapon. 🤣 The juxtaposition of its serious, emotional main story with utterly absurd side-quests and mini-games (from managing a resort to classic Sega arcade games) creates an experience that is uniquely, wonderfully Yakuza.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

For players who adored the immersive, choice-driven role-playing of Baldur's Gate 3, this historical epic is a must-play. Returning to 15th-century Bohemia as the blacksmith's son Henry, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doubles down on authenticity and consequence. Every decision, from how you speak to a lord to how you choose to solve a quest, tangibly shapes Henry's skills, reputation, and the world around him. It's a first-person RPG where you truly live another life. Want to be a chivalrous knight, a silver-tongued diplomat, or a stealthy cutpurse? The game supports it all through its deep systems. The open world feels lived-in and real, making exploration a reward in itself. If deep immersion is your priority, this game delivers in spades.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

The second chapter of the FFVII Remake project is a staggering achievement in scope and heart. Leaving the dystopian city of Midgar behind, Rebirth presents a breathtaking open world filled with meaningful content, from epic hunts to poignant character moments. The combat system remains a flawless blend of real-time action and strategic, ability-based commands. But it's the character dynamics that steal the show. The bonds between Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and the rest of the crew are explored with incredible depth, making the journey—and its emotional twists—land with immense power. Paired with a legendary soundtrack and a story that both honors and boldly reimagines the original, Rebirth is an unforgettable adventure that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Persona 3 Reload

This isn't just a graphical facelift; it's the definitive way to experience one of the most philosophically profound JRPGs ever made. Persona 3 Reload follows a transfer student who joins the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES) to fight Shadows during the mysterious Dark Hour. By day, you live a school life, building Social Links (now called "Bonds"). By night, you climb the ever-changing dungeon of Tartarus. The game's updated presentation, full voice acting, and quality-of-life improvements make its dark themes of mortality, depression, and finding meaning in existence more impactful than ever. It's a slower, more contemplative burn than Persona 4 or 5, but its emotional payoff is arguably the most powerful in the series. A true modern classic of storytelling.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

For CRPG purists who crave the deep, systems-driven experience similar to Baldur's Gate 3, look no further than the grim darkness of the far future. In Rogue Trader, you are a nascent imperial lord granted a Warrant of Trade, giving you absolute authority over a slice of uncharted space. This is a game of immense depth, where your choices in dialogue, alignment (Dogmatic, Heretical, or Iconoclast), and companion management have far-reaching consequences. The character building is incredibly complex (yes, the tooltips do have tooltips), offering near-endless replayability for theory-crafters. If you want a narrative where you can be a ruthless capitalist, a zealous fanatic, or a radical reformer, all within the rich, gothic-horror setting of Warhammer 40K, this game is a treasure trove of content.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Sometimes a game comes along that feels like a revelation. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is that game. In a stunning, post-apocalyptic world ruled by the Paintress—a being who annually erases everyone of a specific age—you lead the 33rd Expedition to kill her and save humanity. From its jaw-dropping, painterly art direction to its emotionally charged story and innovative combat, every element sings. The turn-based combat is skill-based and deeply engaging, requiring strategic thinking beyond simple menu selections. It's a game that proves the turn-based genre still has vast, unexplored potential. Calling it a "modern masterpiece" might seem like hype, but once you play it, you'll understand. It's a breath of fresh, beautiful, and tragic air.

Quick Comparison Table

Game	Genre	Key Strength	Vibe
Black Myth: Wukong	Action RPG	Spectacular Boss Fights & Combat	Mythic & Epic
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth	Turn-Based JRPG	Hilarious Jobs & Heartfelt Story	Wholesome & Wacky
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2	Immersive Sim RPG	Historical Authenticity & Choices	Gritty & Realistic
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth	Action RPG	Character Bonds & Open World	Cinematic & Grand
Persona 3 Reload	Social Sim/JRPG	Philosophical Themes & Atmosphere	Contemplative & Dark
Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader	CRPG	Narrative Depth & Character Builds	Gothic & Complex
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33	Turn-Based RPG	Artistic Vision & Innovative Combat	Beautiful & Melancholic

So, there you have it! 🎉 The RPG genre in 2026 is richer and more diverse than ever. Whether you're craving mythic action, deep tactical choice, heartfelt stories, or artistic innovation, there's a game on this list that will capture your imagination just as powerfully as Baldur's Gate 3 did. The golden age of RPGs isn't over; it's just getting started. Now, go choose your next adventure!