Best Western RPGs to Play in 2026

Good RPGs allow players to immerse themselves completely, as they have a compelling narrative, consequential decisions and choices, freedom to explore and build characters, and other elements. These can be achieved by a game providing a dynamic open world, intuitive combat, and character development. There are several Western RPGs that provide this experience, but here are the best ones you should play in 2026.

Baldur’s Gate 3

This is a turn-based RPG substantially inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, with this particularly visible in the game’s rules. Players can create a character, recruit companions to their party, explore the world, complete quests, or do just about anything else. The game provides an ample amount of freedom, which adds to the immersion. Pair that with detailed dialogues and breathtaking visuals, and the game almost feels real.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a good RPG to play in 2026 because there is a significant amount of replayability due to all the choices you can make, changing the outcomes in each run. You can select different companions or complete quests in different ways, substantially changing the outcomes. This makes the game one of the best choices for players who want freedom and also consequences for their choices. 

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Wild Hunt takes Geralt on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. The game features an open world, so you can visit settlements, cities, and even encounter wild animals. There is substantial freedom, with you being able to focus on the main quest, complete side quests, or just explore. Dodging, parrying, and using Signs are part of combat, but enemies are unique and require you to focus rather than just smash buttons.

A remaster of the game was released in 2026, which provides visual, performance, gameplay, and several other improvements. The Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine DLCs also increase the game’s content. This makes Wild Hunt a good choice for veterans of the franchise, and one of the best titles for newcomers. A new DLC will be released in 2027, which allows players to complete the game before new content drops.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

This is the latest mainline Elder Scrolls game that brings dragons back into the world, and players unsurprisingly take control of a prisoner. Similar to other Elder Scrolls games, Skyrim allows you to complete quests, join guilds, clear dungeons, collect loot, or just level up your character. The difference between Skyrim and Oblivion is that the sequel allows players to use a more hybrid playstyle rather than locking them into a single class. The game has also received major DLCs, which added vampire abilities and a new island.

Skyrim was released more than a decade ago, but is still one of the best Western RPGs to play in 2026. The game’s popular formula, which allows players to build their character, explore the world, plunder different areas, and collect loot, is still something beloved by fans. Many Elder Scrolls fans are waiting for Elder Scrolls 6, but until that game arrives, Skyrim is still a viable alternative. The game is still receiving updates, and mods allow players to tweak things to their liking. 

Mass Effect 2

This game follows Commander Shepard as he quests to find out why human colonies are disappearing from the galaxy. You can recruit a team of specialists, with each having distinct personalities and abilities. The companions also have side quests, which allow you to explore their past and affect their loyalty. Combat revolves around third-person shooting, squad commands, and special abilities. 

Mass Effect 2’s squad narrative is one of the game’s biggest strengths, as it allows you to increase your team’s loyalty while also exploring their lives. Team selection is also a crucial element, as the abilities you get depend on the companions you select. The game focuses more on team-based cohesion and third-person combat compared to other RPGs. Mass Effect 2 was released more than a decade ago, but is still one of the best Western RPGs to play in 2026.

Red Dead Redemption 2

This Rockstar game isn’t a traditional RPG, but has several elements from the genre. It takes players to the late 1890s, where they take control of an outlaw on the run. RDR2 has an immersive open world, where players can swim, hunt, fish, or just rob unsuspecting people. The game is set in the Old West, which explains why combat prioritizes gunfights using pistols, revolvers, and other weapons. There is a unique mechanic that allows players to slow down combat and aim at enemies. The game also includes an honor system, whereby your reputation is increased or decreased based on your actions. 

Red Dead Redemption 2’s open world is still one of the best despite the game being released several years ago. That’s not all, as RDR2 also has a compelling narrative, with your relationship with the gang and other NPCs having consequences rather than you just going through the motions. The game is still seeing a substantial amount of sales in 2026, and the PC version offers more enhancements and community-made mods that can increase RDR2’s longevity.  

Dragon Age: Inquisition

This is another fantasy RPG, where players have to take on demons that enter the world through a breach. Players can create the Inquisitor and take on quests, side quests, or explore the world with their party. Combat comprises both real-time action and strategic team-based action. You can choose your abilities, gear, and build, which can change your playstyle.

Dragon Age: Inquisition provides a fantasy setting, memorable characters with backstories, and consequences for actions. This makes the RPG a good choice for players who don’t just want to rush through and prefer having an emotional narrative. Your squad has unique abilities, and you can develop your cohesion, which makes the game more immersive.