Summary
The RPG genre is one of the longest-standing in all of video game history. Having been inspired by the long legacy of tabletop RPGs that preceded them, RPGs pride themselves on offering intense and dramatic stories, as well as in-depth mechanics that allow players to get truly immersed in the action.
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The genre still persists to this day and is perhaps more popular than ever before, with so manyRPGs of varying kinds. One of the most unique kinds is the 2.5D RPG; this list will look at the very best 2.5D RPGs available on PC right now!
10Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Saplingis a slightly lesser-known RPG that boasts an art style immediately recognizable to ardent RPG enthusiasts. Lifting its art style from the popularPaper MarioRPG series,Bug Fablestakes players on a whimsical quest through the dangerous lands of Bugari as they take control of Vi, Leif, and Kabbu, the game’s three loveable party members.
Players loved not only the great sense of humor thatBug Fablespresents but also the in-depth combat that requires a surprising amount of strategy!
9Dave The Diver
This is one of the most surprising games on this list. Though it presents itself as anaction-oriented game,Dave The Diverfeatures some very in-depth RPG mechanics. The game is focused on the titularDave The Diver, as he delves into the depths of the ocean in the daytime to procure ingredients for his Sushi restaurant, which he manages in the nighttime.
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The structure of the game ensures that players are always considering resources, not only so they can survive while spelunking the deep seas but also so that they can create perfect sushi to satisfy hungry customers.
8Romancing SaGa 3
Romancing SaGa 3is one of the most treasured JRPG games of all time, but despite being so beloved, it has alwaysremained a cult classic, due to the fact that, until now, it has never been released in the West! When it comes to 2.5D RPGs on PC, there are none quite likeRomancing SaGa 3!
Avid fans of the game prize it for its amazing visuals, which manage to update the game, bringing it a whole new lease of life while still staying true to the original game’s charming sprite art!
7Grime
RPGs are often known for featuring crushing difficulty curves that can make the play experience all the more rewarding.Grimeis a game that proudly adheres to this tradition by providing players with a gameplay loop that is simultaneously satisfying and unforgiving.
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With gameplay that is reminiscent ofthe addictive Metroidvania styleand plenty of RPG elements to keep players hooked,Grimeis a game designed for players to sink hours and hours into!
6Triangle Strategy
Published by Square Enix and developed by the beloved ARTDINK studio, fans of theBravely Defaultseries will easily get a kick out of the 2.5D antics ofTriangle Strategy.
Set within the nation of Norzelia, players are forced to make a number of tough decisions throughoutTriangle Strategy, not only within combat but also within smaller character-driven moments. Players cannot simply make decisions for the whole party but must insteadconvincethe party of the best approach to any situation.
5Cris Tales
Cris Talessets itself apart from its RPG contemporaries thanks to its adorable art style that almost looks like the concept art for an unreleased Disney movie. However, this isn’t just a beautiful-looking game but also a remarkable game to control. Players loved the way that the combat felt, with flashy animations, weighty attacks, and plenty of strategies needed to make it through some ofCris Tales’ toughest encounters.
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4Cat Quest
What could possibly make any RPG better?Adding adorable cats!Cat Questtakes a relatively simple RPG combat system and injects it with plenty of style and charm. Players ofCat Questfound themselves drawn in by the offer of adorable cats and exciting combat and found themselves immensely satisfied.
The combat takes on an action-RPG style, allowing players to engage in real-time combat, which is supplemented by in-depth customization that allows players to create a feline hero to admire!
3Darkest Dungeon 2
True to its name,Darkest Dungeon 2is easily one of the darkest RPGs available on PC. The combat is full of gritty and violent animations that really help to drive home the hostile and horrifying environments that the player will spend much of their time exploring.
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The Lovecraftian horrorfound behind every corner ofDarkest Dungeon 2’s world helps to make the satisfying combat feel even better, making this a truly amazing RPG for the ages and one of the best 2.5D games available on PC!
2Live A Live
Unlike many re-releases of cult classic JRPGs,Live A Live’s 2023 rerelease saw the visuals of the game being completely overhauled for the better. Though the game still honors the original charming sprite art of its 90s release, it now features fully realized 3D environments that help to bring the game into a 2.5D style.
Players ofLive A Livepraised its anthology format, following 7 unique stories, each with their own unique playstyles and mechanics. The game also offers plenty of challenges for returning players while also not being too tough as to alienate new players.
1Octopath Traveler
With a sequel having recently been released, there is perhaps no better time to delve intoOctopath Traveler. Originally released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, the game has recently seen a rerelease on PC.
When most people think of 2.5D RPG games, this is very often the game that springs to mind. It laid the graphical blueprint for games likeLive A Live’s 2023 re-release andTriangle Strategy. And its combat more than complements its amazing visual style!Octopath Traveleris a game that is destined to become a classic!
