If you are a RPG lover, the 2000s were a golden period to the genre, bringing innovations, surrounding narratives, and expansive worlds that shaped the games we know today.
This time marked the height of iconic franchises and introduced new concepts that revolutionized the way we experienced the genre. Many of these titles remain references, even decades later, and remain as pillars of industry.
Between epic adventures, strategic combat and impactful moral choices, the games on this list not only defined the decade but also captured the essence of RPG in its purest form.
In this list, we separated 10 best RPG games of the 2000swhich combine fascinating stories, innovative mechanics and unforgettable characters. Get ready to revisit classics that not only marked an era, but also profoundly influenced the gamer culture.
10 Best RPG Games of the 2000s
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)
Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn ”is often considered the apex of classic RPGs based on Dungeons & Dragons. Launched by BioWare, the game offers a rich narrative, with numerous customization possibilities and a deep combat system.
Set in the world of Forgotten Realms, “Shadows of Amn” places the player on an epic journey full of political intrigue, powerful magic and choices that define the fate of the protagonist. The game stood out for its dynamic dialogues, memorable allies and a depth of history that few RPGs managed to match.
Diablo II (2000)
Blizzard Entertainment’s “Diablo II” redefined the action RPGs subgenre with its addictive gameplay and loot system. The combination of a dark story with impressive graphics for the time and a cooperative gameplay has made it an instant success.
The game introduced five iconic classes, each with unique skills, and brought the legendary progression system that keeps players engaged to this day. With expansions such as “Lord of Destruction” and an extremely active community, “Diablo II” is undoubtedly one of the best RPG games of the 2000s.
Vagrant Story (2000)
Developed by Squarresoft, “Vagrant Story” is a unique jewel in the RPG world and no wonder one of the best games of the 2000s. Unlike the traditional titles of the time, the game features a dense narrative focused on political and personal mysteries.
With impressive graphics and a combat mechanics based on attack zones, Vagrant Story stood out for its complexity and innovation. Set in the fictitious Kingdom of Ivalice, the title has won a legion of fans and is remembered as a masterpiece that combines Storytelling with strategic gameplay in a unique way.
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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Kotor) is a revolutionary RPG of BioWare that brought deep moral choices to the genre. Situated four thousand years before the events of Star Wars’s original trilogy, the game places the player at the center of a galactic war between Jedi and Sith.
With a shift -based combat system and a branched narrative, Kotor is known for their ability to give players the power to shape the story and fate of their characters. The rich setting and bright dialogues have consolidated the title as a classic and one of the best RPG games of the 2000s.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004)
“Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” is a cult RPG that offers an immersive experience in the dark universe of vampires. Developed by Troika Games, the title combines traditional RPG elements with an engaging narrative that takes place in Los Angeles.
Players can choose from different vampire clans, each with their own skills and game styles. Despite its troubled release and some technical problems, “Bloodlines” has gained classic status thanks to its rich narrative and engaging atmosphere.
Final Fantasy XII (2006)
The Final Fantasy series is synonymous with RPG, and “Final Fantasy XII” is one of its most innovative entries. Launched by Square Enix, the game introduced the real -time combat system, which replaced traditional shift combat.
Set in the world of Ivalice, the title presents a complex political story and well -developed characters. The “Gambits” system has allowed an unprecedented strategic customization, making “Final Fantasy XII” a milestone in the series and one of the best RPG games of the 2000s.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
Bethesda’s “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” brought a vibrant and mechanical open world of RPG that redefined the genre. Set on the Tamriel continent, the game offers full freedom to explore, complete missions and create a unique character.
With impressive graphics for the time and an engaging central narrative about the invasion of the oblivion portals, the game was a milestone for Western RPGs. The combination of freedom and a rich setting made “Oblivion” an unforgettable title.
Mass Effect (2007)
Launched by Biowa, “Mass Effect” is a masterpiece of science fiction RPG games and one of the best titles of the 2000s. The game presents commander Shepard, who leads an interstellar team to save the galaxy from an ancestral threat.
With a dynamic dialogue system and moral choices that affect the unfolding of history, “Mass Effect” brought a narrative depth unprecedented to the genre. Hybrid combat, combining RPG elements and third -person shooting, helped set the game as one of the most important of the decade.
Final Fantasy IX (2000)
“Final Fantasy IX” is a return to the roots of the series, bringing a charming narrative and memorable characters. Launched by Squarresoft, the game combines a classic artistic style with advanced graphics for the time.
The story, centered on identity and destination themes, captivated players of all ages. With a refined shift combat system and an unforgettable soundtrack, “Final Fantasy IX” is considered one of the best RPGs in the series and in the 2000s.
Demon’s Souls (2009)
“Demon’s Souls,” developed by FromSoftware, is the forerunner of the subgenre “Soulslike” that has revolutionized the world of RPGs. Known for its punitive difficulty, innovative complex and mechanical level design, the game introduced a new standard of challenge and immersion.
Situated in the dark kingdom of Boletoria, “Demon’s Souls” requires the player’s patience, strategy and skill, rewarding each achievement with an unmatched sense of fulfillment. It is a milestone that shaped the future of RPGs.