RPGs have become more and more ingrained into the mainstream gaming scene over the years, and 2022 is already packed with plenty of notable titles in the genre. Especially with the next generation in the form of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S consoles, and Nvidia's latest line of graphics cards, the capabilities these upcoming games will provide are even more enticing prospects.
The overall RPG genre is incredibly diverse when factoring in the likes of turn-based JRPGs, tactical RPGs, and more, and some of this year's heaviest hitters include western-themed titles. Several of these games adopt classical medieval fantasy settings, though Bethesda's next biggest endeavor will be diving firmly into sci-fi.
Horizon Forbidden West (PS4, PS5)
Guerilla Games' next endeavor in their blossoming Horizon series is one of PlayStation's biggest games of 2022, and it's finally on the cusp of release. Horizon Forbidden West will continue the story of Aloy from Zero Dawn and greatly expand on this inventive sci-fi dystopian world. Aloy and company will venture out to the country's coastal regions in the west to investigate a mysterious plague that kills everything it touches.
On the way, players will also meet rival tribes that add layers to the narrative's conflict, exciting new robotic creatures, and visually-stunning new biomes. In terms of gameplay, both air and underwater traversal will look to add a great sense of verticality to Forbidden West's game world, with combat and RPG mechanics getting a greater emphasis in depth. Horizon Forbidden West launches on February 18th for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Elden Ring (PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX|S, PC)
Fans have been desperately waiting for FromSoftware's next dark-fantasy RPG adventure in the coveted Elden Ring. After nearly two years of radio silence from the developer and publisher, the several gameplay and story trailers have looked incredibly promising for fans of the Souls-like subgenre FromSoft spawned. The gameplay transition to the open-world format and how it's being executed looks like a grand evolution of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro -- as well as inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
When it comes to story, director Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team have long proven their mastery over subtle and environmental storytelling, worldbuilding, and lore. But throwing in George R.R. Martin's written foundations makes things even more encouraging, with all these elements combining to be likely one of the best video games to play this month. Elden Ring launches on February 25th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Starfield (XBO, XSX|S, PC)
Though their reputation has taken a hit in recent years after the initial fumble of Fallout 76 -- and arguably Fallout 4 straying away from RPG mechanics despite its strong reception -- Starfield will have plenty of players' attention. Not only is it their next chance to recapture that goodwill as one of the gaming industry's RPG titans, but it's also Bethesda's newest original IP.
Primarily known for The Elder Scrolls and the aforementioned Fallout series, Starfield will venture out of the western fantasy of the former and the dystopian setting of the latter to dive hard into sci-fi. Not too much is known about the story and characters of the upcoming game, but some fascinating pieces of lore have been revealed and take place 300 years into the future, with humanity taking to space to continue their advancements. Starfield launches on November 11th -- the 11th anniversary of Skyrim -- for XBO (through cloud streaming), XSX|S, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
Despite being a nearly 7-year-old game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt still stands tall among its contemporaries as one of the best modern fantasy RPGs ever made. It was acclaimed for its rich, sprawling dark fantasy world of The Continent, excellent narrative, compelling characters, and an abundance of meaningful content stretching from the base game to its equally-celebrated DLC.
CD Projekt Red confirmed that the famed monster hunter Geralt of Rivia will be getting a next-gen revitalization in a remaster, along with some free DLC to capitalize on Netflix's well-received The Witcher live-action series. Saber Interactive -- who developed the impressive Nintendo Switch port -- is returning to develop the upcoming remaster. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition will launch sometime in the second quarter of 2022 for PS5, XSX|S, and PC. Worth noting is that owners of the PS4, XBO, and current PC versions will get the remaster as a free upgrade.
Hogwarts Legacy (Rumored - PS5, XSX|S, PC)
This game has seen a somewhat tumultuous development cycle as of late, like with other WB Games properties, but it appears that the highly-anticipated Harry Potter game Hogwarts Legacy could see a release late this year. Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG set to the backdrop of the 1800s, with the story centered around a student attending the school in the past.
Players will be allowed to customize their playable protagonist and choose their House, attend a variety of classes, and learn a slew of magical abilities on top of exploring its open world. Avalanche Software serves as the team developing the game. A now-defunct Twitter account dedicated to game industry leaks suggested that fans should anticipate a September launch for Hogwarts Legacy on PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX|S, and PC.
Baldur's Gate III (PC, Stadia)
The CRPG subgenre has seen a resurgence in modern-day gaming within the last few years, and developers Larian Studio played a big hand in that. Larian has been responsible for creating one of the best modern CRPGs in Divinity: Original Sin II, and is now helming a Dungeons & Dragons revival of a beloved genre classic. Baldur's Gate III will have the studio's take on turn-based combat from the former and will let players create one or more characters to form a party that will journey through its story.
As expected with this developer, the game will let players also have the option of taking their original characters and forming parties with others online. It was originally released through Steam's Early Access program in October 2020, though, Larian has tentative plans to fully launch Baldur's Gate III in 2022 for PC and Google Stadia.