Beyond the Story: The Best RPGs to Play Over a Long Time

In the vast and ever-expanding landscape of video games, few genres offer the same depth, immersion, and sheer time commitment as the role-playing game. Unlike a fast-paced action game or a linear shooter, a great RPG is a long-term investment, a world you can live in for hundreds of hours. The best RPGs to play over a long time aren’t just about a single, massive storyline; they are about replayability, meaningful character progression, and worlds that feel alive and are filled with endless secrets to uncover. For players looking for a true, long-term adventure, the following games stand out for their ability to provide a rewarding experience that can be enjoyed for months, or even years, on end.

From sprawling open-world epics to dense, narrative-driven classics, these games are a testament to the power of a well-crafted RPG. They offer a unique blend of engaging combat, deep customization, and stories that will stick with you long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for your next grand adventure, consider one of these highly-regarded titles.

1. Elden Ring: A World of Endless Discovery

When FromSoftware released Elden Ring in 2022, they redefined the open-world RPG. The game’s massive, interconnected world, filled with secrets, dungeons, and challenging boss encounters, is a masterpiece of exploration. Unlike many open-world games that are filled with repetitive side quests, every corner of the Lands Between feels hand-crafted and meaningful. The game’s “show, don’t tell” approach to storytelling encourages players to piece together the lore on their own, a process that can take hundreds of hours and multiple playthroughs. The sheer number of character builds, from a spell-slinging sorcerer to a hulking brute with a massive sword, ensures that every new game feels fresh. With the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adding a whole new map to explore, Elden Ring is a game that can easily consume hundreds of hours and still have more to offer.

2. Cyberpunk 2077: A Redemption Arc and a Deep World

After a famously disastrous launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has gone through a monumental redemption arc. With the release of its 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game has been completely transformed. It is now a sprawling, beautiful, and deeply immersive RPG that can be played for hundreds of hours. The world of Night City is a character in its own right, with hundreds of side quests, gigs, and secrets to uncover. The game’s deep character customization and a completely overhauled skill tree allow for a massive number of build possibilities, from a stealthy hacker to a cyber-enhanced brawler. The narrative is rich with choice and consequence, and the multiple endings ensure that a replay is a completely new experience. Cyberpunk 2077 is no longer a cautionary tale; it’s a shining example of how a developer can turn a game around and create a long-lasting experience for its fans.

3. Diablo 4: The Endless Grind for Power

For players who prefer a constant loop of progression and loot, Diablo 4 is the perfect long-term investment. The game’s isometric action and addictive gameplay loop of slaying demons, collecting loot, and customizing your character is a time sink in the best possible way. The game’s seasonal model ensures that there is always new content, new mechanics, and a fresh meta to explore. The endgame is a marathon, with players spending hundreds of hours in the Pit and other high-level content in search of the perfect gear and the ultimate build. While the game has had its fair share of criticism, its core gameplay loop is incredibly strong, and the constant stream of new seasons and content has made it a favorite for players who want a game they can return to again and again.

4. Baldur’s Gate 3: A Masterpiece of Replayability

Widely hailed as one of the best RPGs of all time, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that is defined by its staggering replayability. Set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the game is a masterclass in player choice, with every decision having a tangible impact on the story and the world around you. The game’s deep, turn-based combat and a vast number of classes and subclasses allow for a seemingly infinite number of ways to play. With dozens of companions, thousands of dialogue options, and multiple endings, the game can easily be played for hundreds of hours across multiple playthroughs without ever feeling stale. For players who value storytelling and character interaction above all else, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the ultimate long-term adventure.

5. Path of Exile 2: The New King of the Grind

While still in its early access period, Path of Exile 2 has already proven to be a long-term RPG with a monumental amount of content. The game is a love letter to the isometric action RPG genre, with a level of depth and complexity that is unparalleled. The game’s massive, interconnected skill tree, its intricate gem system, and its notoriously complex endgame are a paradise for players who love to tinker and min-max their characters. With a constant stream of new content, including the upcoming “The Third Edict” update, and a game-as-a-service model that is designed to keep players engaged for years, Path of Exile 2 is a game that can easily consume thousands of hours. It’s a game for those who are not afraid of a challenge and who want a deep, rewarding experience that can be enjoyed for a very, very long time.