A role-playing game is where you, er, role-play a character in the story. However, a most prominent selling point of RPGs is the freedom to customize and live your own life within the plot. In fact, there’s no dearth of RPGs that let you create your own character!
So many RPGs have been released for mass consumption since the first generation of consoles. We here at Exp.gg know most of you don’t have two pennies to rub together, but still need your daily gaming fix. Bearing that in mind, here’s a massive list of 50 RPGs you can play for free. Just don’t starve, k?
1. Eternal Senia
- Developer(s): Holy Priest
- Publisher(s): Holy Priest
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: June 18th, 2015
Eternal Senia is a fan-made ARPG inspired by Ragnarok Online. With simplified, linear gameplay, the game is designed to evoke memories of the said.
Get it on: Steam
2. Epic Battle Fantasy III
- Developer(s): Matt Roszak
- Publisher(s): Matt Roszak
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: September 1st, 2010
Epic Battle Fantasy III is your quintessential JRPG. Useless NPCs, juvenile humour, crappy weapons and of course, generously-bosomed anime chicks for all you weaboos out there. But, if you’re looking for a few minutes of pointless yet entertaining gameplay, this is the turn-based game for you.
Get it on: Steam
3. RED
- Developer(s): storyk21674, STILILA, ??
- Publisher(s): Lemon Balm
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: Christmas Day 2016
Straight outta Beijing, this game, inspired by the fable of Little Red Riding Hood, was made by three college kids with just Flash, Photoshop and RPG Maker. Gotta hand it to them, some people still retain clarity of vision while high on acid! (just kidding, they weren’t on acid. probably.)
Get it on: Steam
4. Relic Hunters Zero
- Developer(s): Rogue Snail
- Publisher(s): Rogue Snail
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: August 18th, 2015
Relic Hunters Zero is a shooter ARPG where you go up against… evil space turtles. And ducks. Oh yeah. It’s free, it’s open source, it’s moddable, what the fuck else do you need? Just download the damn thing already!
Get it on: Steam
5. Voyage Senki VR
- Developer(s): Shanghai sound of the wind Co.,Ltd.
- Publisher(s): Shanghai superpoint Co.,Ltd.
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: April 16th, 2018
Voyage Senki VR is a VR-enabled (as if the VR jawn didn’t clue you in already) MMORPG currently still in Early Access. With seafaring, warship-sinking gameplay, recruit other players and travel the world, and even set up your own country!
Get it on: Steam (Requires a VR headset)
6. Confess My Love
- Developer(s): LR Studio
- Publisher(s): LR Studio
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: May 20th, 2017
Confess My Love (there’s something grammatically wrong with that name, I just can’t figure out what) tells the story of Willie, a nice guy who desperately wants to get with his dream girl Liza. Does he make it? Who knows! With twenty different endings to the game, you can be assured of a shit ton of choices. Oh, before I forget, it’s also a HORROR GAME.
Get it on: Steam
7. Mothlight
- Developer(s): Samu
- Publisher(s): Samu
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: August 25th, 2017
This game is about you. As a cat. In a world. Made out of people. Literally. Escape the Black Sea back to the surface before you join the other millions of souls who have decayed to form it. Fun, right?
Get it on: Steam
8. Team Four Star RPG
- Developer(s): Shadow Blade Productions
- Publisher(s): Shadow Blade Productions
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: November 8th, 2017
Team Four Star only has three main characters. Go figure. Inexplicably finding themselves in a anime-esque world based off of the games they’ve played over the years, they need to figure out a way to return to the real world.
Get it on: Steam
9. Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius
- Developer(s): Love in Space
- Publisher(s): Sekai Project
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: July 2nd, 2014
As captain of the Sunrider, explore the galaxy while trying to find your homeworld. Filled to the brim with mecha and waifu-appealing elements, as well as a strategy- and turn-based gameplay, you’ll probably spend hours on this game if not days, like me!
Get it on: Steam
10. Trove
- Developer(s): Trion Worlds
- Publisher(s): Trion Worlds
- Platform(s): PC | PS4 | Xbox One
- Released: July 9th, 2015
With graphics reminiscent of Minecraft, this MMORPG has several character classes, each with its own unique capabilities. Explore, craft, loot, and build your world. (Basically Minecraft with awesome weapons)
Get it on: Steam | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store
11. Clicker Heroes
- Developer(s): Playsaurus
- Publisher(s): Playsaurus
- Platform(s): PC | PS4 | Xbox One | Android | iOS
- Released: July 9th, 2015
Like it says on the tin, you simply mash your mouse to strike at the enemy until it gives out. If you’re tired of mashing, you can utilize up to 35 heroes to do your job for you! Don’t worry, they’ll keep charging even when you’re not playing!
Get it on: Steam | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store | Google Play | App Store
12. TinkerQuarry
- Developer(s): Cassandra Clery
- Publisher(s): Caprizant Games
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: June 13th, 2017 (demo)
This game tells the story of a nameless little girl who wakes up in a universe filled with living toys. A dog named Staya wants you to stay and play with him, while a rabbit named Peter wants to lead you out of there. Unfortunately, the game isn’t quite complete yet, but you can enjoy the Toy Story 3-esque plot in all its beta glory now.
Get it on: Steam
13. Endless Sky
- Developer(s): Michael Zahniser
- Publisher(s): Michael Zahniser
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: October 30th, 2015
Inspired by the classic Escape Velocity, Endless Sky is a 2D space exploration game, where you’ll fly the friendly stars (jk) in a small ship, until you can raise your own armada. Raise credits by trafficking people, smuggling cargo or hunting down bad guys, and so much more.
Get it on: Steam
14. Aurora Trail
- Developer(s): Screenhit Studios
- Publisher(s): Screenhit Studios
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: December 28th, 2017
This puzzle RPG requires quite the eagle eye. Depending on how you play this delightfully colorful gem, you’ll either think it’s the best thing since sliced bread or you’ll set your computer on fire out of frustration.
Get it on: Steam
15. Neverwinter
- Developer(s): Cryptic Studios
- Publisher(s): Perfect World Entertainment
- Platform(s): PC | PS4 | Xbox One
- Released: December 6th, 2013
If you’re a Dungeons and Dragons fan, Neverwinter will positively delight you. Indulge in some electronic D&D lore by picking a character class and creating your player. Explore iconic locations in the land of Faerun and meet its denizens, good and bad.
Get it on: Steam | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store
16. Gems of War
- Developer(s): Infinity Plus 2
- Publisher(s): 505 Games
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: November 20th, 2014
Combining elements of puzzle, RPG and strategy games, Gems of War’s casual gameplay is just like Bejeweled, where every gem on the board has its own unique properties, so just put them together and watch the magic. Recommended for toilet breaks.
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
17. Shop Heroes
- Developer(s): Cloudcade, Inc.
- Publisher(s): Cloudcade, Inc.
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: August 16th, 2016
Typical RPGs have you wielding a divinely forged axe (or some other bullshit) and slaying your enemies with great fanfare. Shop Heroes is not one of those games. You are a shopkeeper who supplies weapons and other equipment to the heroes. But you can also get those heroes to go on quests for you to obtain materials you need to expand your store.
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
18. Crusaders of the Lost Idols
- Developer(s): Codename Entertainment Inc.
- Publisher(s): Codename Entertainment Inc.
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: October 13th, 2015
Crusader of the Lost Idols (you people seriously had to rip off Indiana Jones? sheesh) is another clicker game where you mash your mouse ’til it can’t give no more. Lead your heroic band of misfits to victory by defeating all the enemies in sight with the help of your cursor!
Get it on: Steam | Googe Play | App Store
19. Fallout Shelter
- Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: March 29th, 2017
A mobile-oriented spin-off of the wildly popular Fallout series, you’re a Vault overseer in one of the vaults that actually don’t have a sadistic experiment tied to it (if you’ve played Fallout, you’ll know). With elements straight-up glommed from XCOM and Progress Quest, develop your bunker and keep improving its amenities so the residents under your care don’t revolt.
Get it on: Steam | Microsoft Store | Google Play | App Store
20. Creativerse
- Developer(s): Playful Corporation
- Publisher(s): Playful Corporation
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: May 8th, 2017
Another Minecraft clone. ’nuff said.
Get it on: Steam
21. Mobius Final Fantasy
- Developer(s): Square Enix
- Publisher(s): Square Enix
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: June 4th, 2015
This game will be familiar to anyone with a smartphone. Combining turn-based gameplay and elements of CCG deck building, play another great chapter in the Final Fantasy story.
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
22. Tactical Monster Rumble Arena
- Developer(s): Camex Games
- Publisher(s): Camex Games
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: February 1st, 2018
Tactical Monster: Rumble Arena is an RPG where you assemble a team of monsters of legend and sic them on each other in a grid arena. Enjoy turn-based RTS gameplay with infamous characters like WuKong, Medusa, Frankenstein and more fighting for you!
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
23. Towards The Pantheon: Escaping Eternity
- Developer(s): Connor O.R.T. Linning
- Publisher(s): Connor O.R.T. Linning
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: October 26th, 2017
This game is a prequel to Towards The Pantheon. It tells the story of an unnamed soldier, awakening in an unknown place and unspeakable conditions. Your mission, if you choose to accept it: to explore the nooks and crannies of said place, finish tantalizing puzzles, and understand exactly what the fuck is going on.
Get it on: Steam
24. Card Hunter
- Developer(s): Blue Manchu
- Publisher(s): Blue Manchu
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: July 13th, 2015
Card Hunter is an online CCG which combines the best of deck building and tactical combat, as well as other RPG elements. Build a strong party and prove how badass you are at playing tactician.
Get it on: Steam
25. Shakes and Fidget
- Developer(s): Playa Games GmbH
- Publisher(s): Playa Games GmbH
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: June 22nd, 2009
Shakes and Fidget is your first choice in uniquely snarky MMORPGs, having won every award ever since 2009. Featuring on the Steam homepage in February 2016, this game’s playerbase has steadily increased since then due to its emphasis on socializing and its pretty easy mechanics.
Get it on: Steam
26. The Bottom of the Well
- Developer(s): Red Nettle Studios
- Publisher(s): Red Nettle Studios
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: January 25th, 2016
Ookay, I have no idea why this is here. Looks more like a visual novel to me, except noir. Which is good, but how exactly is this an RPG? (I blame the writer of the original article, do read him the Riot Act please)
Anywho, basically you play as Alice who has a dream about the end of the world. How do you stop it, is anyone’s guess. Bleh.
EDIT: LOL TVTropes says it IS a visual novel. HA!
Get it on: Steam
27. Legionwood 1: Tale of the Two Swords
- Developer(s): Dark Gaia Studios
- Publisher(s): Dark Gaia Studios
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: May 10th, 2016
Legionwood: Tale of the Two Swords is a retro-styled JRPG which tries to emulate classic RPGs of the 90s. With thirty hours of exciting gameplay and thirty shamelessly nostalgic locations you can explore, don’t wait! Download today!
Get it on: Steam
28. The Ranger: Lost Tribe
- Developer(s): Leiting Interactive
- Publisher(s): Leiting Interactive
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: August 2nd, 2017
The Ranger Lost Tribe is an ARPG focused on real-time fights and exploration. Armed with only a sword and shield, you have to sneak through diverse locations either in stealth or in style. It’s up to you to decide which approach you’ll take.
Get it on: Steam (Requires a VR headset)
29. Spiral Knights
- Developer(s): Grey Havens, LLC
- Publisher(s): Grey Havens, LLC
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: June 15th, 2011
Spiral Knights has an ever-changing game world. Take control of a knight of the spacefaring Spiral Order, and work to get your ship off the ground by journeying into the center of the world, and exploiting the energy source within. What a totally incoherent plot.
Get it on: Steam
30. Realm Grinder
- Developer(s): Divine Games
- Publisher(s): Kongregate
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: June 16th, 2017
Realm Grinder is an idle RPG where you are tasked with developing the Realm, starting off with a small farm until it is filled with riches vast. Then form alliances with other factions, each with their own pros and cons.
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
31. Oracle: Threads of Fate
- Developer(s): Oracle Gaming Orlando LLC
- Publisher(s): Oracle Gaming Orlando LLC
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: March 30th, 2018
Inspired by classic tactical games but with a decidedly wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey twist, Oracle: Threads of Fate tells the story of a clairvoyant who leads an army to fight evil and prevent the prediction of world’s end from coming true. Use your powers to peek into the future and predict your enemy’s every move.
Get it on: Steam
32. SAS: Zombie Assault 4
- Developer(s): Ninja Kiwi
- Publisher(s): Ninja Kiwi
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: October 16th, 2017
SAS: Zombie Assault 4 is a top-down RPG-slash-shooter, where you play with up to four people in co-op mode 9(or even solo if you’re feeling ballsy) in dealing with a zombie virus outbreak. Up to 160 pieces of equipment are available for you to to save humankind from extinction with.
Get it on: Steam
33. Heroine’s Quest: The Herald of Ragnarok
- Developer(s): Crystal Shard
- Publisher(s): Crystal Shard
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: March 20th, 2014
This adventure RPG will take you on a whirlwind tour of Nordic mythology. As the female protagonist (finally!) will you survive this evil world, filled with Ice Giants who are sworn to freeze the world over, or will you crash and burn? You decide.
Get it on: Steam
34. Forge of Gods
- Developer(s): Panoramik Inc
- Publisher(s): Panoramik Inc
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: May 6th, 2016
Yet another RPG combining elements of CCGs and strategy games, collect and train over 1000 monsters to create the ultimate team. Rage against the machine (literally) or against another player!
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
35. EVE Online
- Developer(s): CCP
- Publisher(s): CCP
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: May 6th, 2003
If this were Vaes Dothrak, EVE Online would be sitting on the council of crones, as this game has persisted for so long. This game lets you take to the stars and be anything you want, even lead your own country! Probably why it has such a large playerbase.
Get it on: Steam
36. Plenty: Skyhearth
- Developer(s): Tiny Lions Inc.
- Publisher(s): Tiny Lions Inc.
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: October 21st, 2016
TL;DR: Duck Hunt is now an RPG. Enjoy.
Get it on: Steam (Requires a VR headset)
37. Destination Sol
- Developer(s): MovingBlocks
- Publisher(s): MovingBlocks
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: February 6th, 2015
Destination Sol is an open-source RPG where you play the part of a captain, flying your humble little spacecraft within a solar system. You’re given the freedom to explore the worlds that lie before you. Beam down to a mysterious planet, deck out your spaceship or even hire mercenaries to help you vanquish your enemies. (Captain Picard would not approve.)
Get it on: Steam
38. Famaze
- Developer(s): MovingBlocks
- Publisher(s): MovingBlocks
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: May 6th, 2014
Famaze is a dungeon crawler that hearkens back to the classics of the SNES era. With a story filled with twists and turns, spelunk in procedurally generated labyrinths, filled with enemies and puzzles for you to finish. Perfect for someone to game on the go.
Get it on: Steam
39. Dungeon Defenders II
- Developer(s): Trendy Entertainment
- Publisher(s): Trendy Entertainment
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: June 20th, 2017
Dungeon Defenders II is a tower defence co-op game with several RPG elements incorporated into the mechanics like looting, levelling and pets! With several unique characters, each with their own pros and cons, hold the fort (er, tower) from monsters that seek only to decimate your king(queen)dom.
Get it on: Steam
40. Labyrinth
- Developer(s): Free Range Games
- Publisher(s): Free Range Games
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: March 7th, 2016
Another RPG-CCG hybrid, Labyrinth tasks you to assemble strong decks to triumph over anyone in your way, and to beat another player sound. Get loot from the enemies you defeat, and evolve your deck! (Wow, how generic.)
Get it on: Steam
41. WAKFU
- Developer(s): Ankama Studio
- Publisher(s): Ankama Games
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: September 19th, 2014
If your regular MMORPG only has generic classes like knight, mage, archer and the like, WAKFU’s system is way more extensive, with eighteen possible choices! Ain’t that a hoot? Turn-based fights, ecosystem adjustments, and politicking with real effects on other players. Git!
Get it on: Steam
42. Hero Zero
- Developer(s): Playata GmbH
- Publisher(s): European Games Group AG
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: July 6th, 2016
Hero Zero is one of the most beloved casual MMORPGs around. Create your character from zero and fight your way through crime to get that superhero cred you’ve always wated. Trick out your headquarters, too!
Get it on: Steam
43. CasinoRPG
- Developer(s): GoldFire Studios
- Publisher(s): GoldFire Studios
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: January 16th, 2018
Confused by that title? Don’t be. For probably the first time ever in history, play the MMO that tries to be an RPG, a tycoon game, a city-building game and a casino game all at the same time. Start at the bottom rung as a janitor, then through minigames, gradually take over the casino itself.
Get it on: Steam
44. Pox Nora
- Developer(s): Desert Owl Games LLC
- Publisher(s): Desert Owl Games LLC
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: October 16th, 2014
Pox Nora is an RPG that combines CCG elements with turn-based strategy. Play campaign mode solo, skirmish mode for practice or just jump straight into the deep end with PvP.
Get it on: Steam
45. Bit Heroes
- Developer(s): Juppiomenz
- Publisher(s): Kongregate
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: December 14th, 2017
Bit Heroes is an MMORPG with pixelated graphics designed specifically as a throwback to the classic RPGs of the 90s. Like MMORPGs in general, this game is pretty simple: decimate enemy forces, get the loot, stockpile weapons, and prove your skills on the battlefield in PvP mode.
Get it on: Steam
46. Ironbound
- Developer(s): Secret Level SRL (DESTEAPTA-TE, ROMANE!!!!!!)
- Publisher(s): Making Fun, Inc.
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: January 4th, 2018
Ironbound is a multiplayer strategy RPG that dares you to make all the vital decisions in a duel against your arch-enemies. Use the heroes at your disposal how you want them, play against other people, and collect. All. Teh. Weaponz.
Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
47. Wildstar
- Developer(s): Carbine Studios
- Publisher(s): NCSOFT
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: June 3rd, 2017
WildStar is a scifi-themed MMO that puts you on the surface of the planet Nexus. Filled with many unique characters you can encounter, exotic locations, awesome challenges, perplexing mysteries and so much more, play WildStar alone or with your friends.
Get it on: Steam
48. Soda Dungeon
- Developer(s): AN Productions, Poxpower
- Publisher(s): Armor Games Studios
- Platform(s): PC | Android | iOS
- Released: February 7th, 2017
Originally a mobile game, Soda Dungeon is finally playable on the PC as well! Assemble a ragtag team of unique heroes, then send them into a deadly dungeon for fun and profit! Use the loot you get to buy even better heroes! Or something.
rd Get it on: Steam | Google Play | App Store
49. Immortal Empire
- Developer(s): Tactic Studios Inc.
- Publisher(s): Tactic Studios Inc.
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: December 3rd, 2015
Immortal Empire is a multiplayer tactical RPG that puts you in control of a group of five immortals. Explore and engage a perilous yet rich fantasy world, and use all the spells at your disposal to achieve victory.
Get it on: Steam
50. Guild Wars 2
- Developer(s): ArenaNet
- Publisher(s): NCSOFT
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: August 28th, 2012
Perhaps one of the only games able to rival the popularity of World of Warcraft, Guild Wars II is an MMORPG that divides players into several classes, with differing weapons and skillsets for each class. My personal favourite.
Get it on: Website