Den of Geek Leaves KCD2 Out of Top 15 RPGs of All Time

While Den of Geek’s list of the top 15 fantasy RPGs is packed with classics and modern hits, one notable absence is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The sequel to the critically acclaimed medieval RPG, known for its historical accuracy and hardcore realism, has been highly anticipated by fans. However, it seems the game either missed the cutoff for consideration or was overshadowed by more established titles. With its focus on grounded storytelling and immersive mechanics, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 could have been a strong contender — but for now, it remains a hidden gem.

I guess they just decided not to repeat the same well-known game for the hundredth time, the one that was recently at the top of every list. So, leaving KCD2 out of their ranking is more about avoiding boring and obvious choices. Now, let's see what games made it into the "of all time" list.

15. Dragon’s Dogma 2

While some fans felt it didn’t innovate enough, Dragon’s Dogma 2 refines what made the original great. The Pawn system, improved combat, and a vast open world make it a standout fantasy RPG. Its dynamic day-night cycle and weather system add an extra layer of immersion, making every journey feel unique.

14. The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age

This 2004 gem was criticized for its similarities to Final Fantasy X, but it's turn-based combat and faithful adaptation of Tolkien’s world make it a classic worth revisiting. The game also features iconic locations like Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith, bringing Middle-earth to life in a way few games have.

13. Pillars of Eternity

A love letter to ‘90s CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate, Pillars of Eternity delivers deep combat and rich storytelling, with every character feeling alive and integral to the world. The game’s lore-rich world of Eora is filled with political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and moral dilemmas that keep players engaged.

12. Fable II

A recent release, Metaphor: ReFantazio combines Persona-like mechanics with a gripping story about politics, racism, and inequality. It’s already a contender for future classics. The game’s morality system, which shapes your character’s appearance and the world’s reaction to you, remains one of its most innovative features.

11. Metaphor: ReFantazio

A return to the series’ fantasy roots, Final Fantasy IX features a medieval setting, memorable characters, and classic turn-based combat. It’s a timeless entry in the franchise. The game’s unique Archetype system allows for deep character customization, blending traditional fantasy roles with modern RPG mechanics.

10. Final Fantasy IX

The latest in the long-running series, Dragon Quest XI is a traditional JRPG with a beautiful world, charming characters, and a story that keeps you hooked for hours. The game’s heartfelt narrative, centered on themes of identity and belonging, resonates with players even decades later.

9. Dragon Quest XI

Once overlooked, Suikoden II is now celebrated for its intricate storytelling, blending personal drama with epic political conflict. Its unique combat systems still feel fresh today. The game’s orchestral soundtrack and vibrant art style make it a visual and auditory treat, staying true to the series’ iconic aesthetic.

8. Suikoden II

A masterpiece of player freedom, Divinity: Original Sin II offers deep customization and morally complex choices. It’s a CRPG that rewards creativity and exploration. The game’s 108 recruitable characters, each with their own stories, add incredible depth and replayability.

7. Divinity: Original Sin II

A masterpiece of player freedom, Divinity: Original Sin II offers deep customization and morally complex choices. It’s a CRPG that rewards creativity and exploration. The game’s environmental interactions, like setting oil spills on fire or freezing water to create ice paths, add a layer of tactical brilliance to every encounter.

6. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s open-world epic, Elden Ring, combines the studio’s signature difficulty with a vast, breathtaking world. It’s a game that invites exploration and discovery at every turn. The addition of mounted combat and a seamless open world makes it a fresh yet familiar experience for Soulsborne fans.

5. Dragon Age: Origins

BioWare’s crowning achievement, Dragon Age: Origins, features a richly detailed world, complex characters, and branching storylines. It’s a high point for narrative-driven RPGs. The game’s tactical combat system, which allows for pausing and issuing commands, adds a strategic layer that’s often missing in modern RPGs.

4. World of Warcraft

The king of MMORPGs, World of Warcraft has evolved over two decades into a sprawling fantasy universe. With endless content and constant updates, it’s a living, breathing world.

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

A decade later, Skyrim remains a benchmark for open-world RPGs. Its freedom, emergent gameplay, and vast landscapes make it a game you can lose yourself in for years. The modding community has kept the game alive, with countless user-created mods adding new quests, graphics enhancements, and even entirely new worlds.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 is a modern masterpiece, blending deep storytelling, tactical combat, and unparalleled player freedom. It’s the closest thing to a tabletop D&D experience in video game form. The game’s multiplayer mode allows friends to join your campaign, creating unforgettable shared adventures filled with chaos and creativity.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Topping the list is The Witcher 3, a game that excels in every aspect. From its gripping story and dynamic choices to its stunning visuals and immersive world, it’s the pinnacle of fantasy RPGs. The game’s expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, are often praised as some of the best DLCs ever made, adding hours of rich content to an already massive game.

These 15 games represent the best of what fantasy RPGs have to offer. Whether you’re exploring Skyrim’s frozen peaks, battling dragons in The Witcher 3, or diving into the tactical depth of Baldur’s Gate 3, each title brings something unique to the table. If you’re a fan of the genre, this list is your ultimate guide to the greatest adventures in gaming.