The 5 Best RPGs on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass has a daunting, albeit attractive, lineup of games that would appeal to any RPG connoisseur big or small. From the mighty lands of Skyrim to the vibrant worlds of Disney, there's a lot available to subscribers on both PC and console. Here's a list of the best RPGs on Xbox Game Pass. 

Looking for the best RPGs on PlayStation Plus Premium instead?

1) Skyrim Special Edition is one of the best RPGs of all time

Available on: Console, PC, and xCloud

You can't have a list of the best RPGs and not include The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Special Edition. That would be a crime! It's been almost 10 years and fans are still playing the game to this very day. Despite its age, it had a peak of 26,159 players on Steam in April 2021, and there are several reasons for that. The storytelling pulls people into its Nordic undertones and multiple narrative paths. The epic dragon boss battles are incredibly memorable with an outstanding soundtrack that gets your blood pumping for action. Finally, the world is so big that every cave and town you find yourself in has secrets and loot to find; it's honestly a thrill to discover new elements of the game by accident. If you somehow haven't played Skyrim yet or haven't revisited it for a while, we recommend checking it out. If you have an Xbox Series X, you'll experience an FPS boost with a 4K resolution.

2) Undertale is one of the best RPGs for its creativity

Available on: Console, PC, and xCloud

If you've grown tired of the RPG genre, take a glance at Undertale from Toby Fox. Its art style seems simple at first, but looks can certainly be deceiving. Undertale plays around with genre expectations as you have the option to either kill the creatures around you or spare them. Fox somehow was able to figure out how to make both ways entertaining and challenging as there are heavy twitch-reaction elements within the combat that will keep you on your toes. It also keeps surprising you with twists and turns I can assure you will not expect. Without going into too many spoilers, your gameplay decisions can alter the events of the ending. In addition, it makes you stop and think about the actions you'd typically take in an RPG. The end result makes for a captivating storyline and fun gameplay loop that rewards multiple playthroughs. Play this now on Xbox Game Pass and it will fill you with determination. 

3) Mass Effect 2 is the best third-person shooter RPG

Available on: Console and PC

Often called BioWare's magnum opus, Mass Effect 2 blends frenetic third-person shooter gameplay and a character-driven sci-fi narrative that continues to live in the hearts and minds of fans to this day. Each decision feels impactful, and when you go on side missions with specific characters, you'll learn more about them and their struggles. The best kind of sci-fi narrative is when there's a heavy human element, and like its inspiration Star Trek, it brings that in spades. As Commander Shepard, it feels rewarding to build a ragtag group of individuals who can take on the most dangerous parts of the galaxy. While the remastered version of the game is not included on Xbox Game Pass as of yet, the original is still worth playing to this day. 

4) Final Fantasy X is one of the best RPGs from Japan

Available on: Console and PC

From one of the best RPGs to the next, we also think Spira is beautiful this time of year. Arriving on May 13, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster brings Tidus' beloved tale to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on both Xbox systems and PC. The game has a captivating story as the romance between the protagonist and Yuna blossoms. It's a tale of two souls unexpectedly meeting and falling in love, despite the strange circumstances surrounding them. If you're less of a romantic, however, other entries in the series like Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy IX are available. Along with the emotionally gripping narrative, Final Fantasy X also pulls in Japanese RPG lovers with its compelling turn-based system and bosses that will test your mettle. Similarly to Outriders, Final Fantasy X provides an in-depth Sphere Grid experience route that lets you upgrade the characters how you see fit. This FF installment is a classic through and through and helped bring about the cinematic storytelling we see in gaming today. We can't forget its gorgeous soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu either. It still holds up as the one of the best in the genre, infamous laughs included. 

5) The Kingdom Hearts series is beloved with fans

Available on: Console

Last but not least is the Disney and Final Fantasy crossover franchise Kingdom Hearts, and if you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, now's the best time to get into it. The service includes all of the games except the music rhythm game Melody of Memory. Each entry provides a compelling narrative that, while convoluted for some, presents a daring twist on the Disney films we know and love. In this series, you play as a boy named Sora who unlocks the power of the keyblade, an ancient blade that can thwart the powers of the darkness. You explore each Disney world such as Tarzan's Deep Jungle or Aladdin's Agrabah, defeat evil, and try to find a way to reunite with your friends after splitting up. On your way, you must defeat the heartless, beings that can take the heart of any living being. Soon, you'll be wrapped up within its surprisingly deep themes, frenetic combat, and storytelling. 

Sora's adventures alongside Donald and Goofy also present a surprisingly charming story about the importance of friendship and triumphing over turmoil. You'll cry, you'll laugh, but most importantly, you'll have a great time with the Kingdom Hearts series. That's in part thanks to the high-octane action-RPG gameplay that revolves around both melee and magical attacks. The series recently debuted on the Xbox and is currently available to play through Xbox Game Pass. It's certainly one of the best RPGs on the platform. 

Whether you're fighting the heartless with Donald and Goofy or hanging out with Sans in Undertale, you're in for a great time on Xbox Game Pass if you're an RPG fan.