It’s a new year, and that means there are many new games to look forward to! 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for fans of RPGs. Whether you’re in the mood for old-school JRPGs or need an exciting action RPG to play, there is an option for you this year. So, here are some of the best upcoming RPGs of 2023 you will want to keep your eye on.
Starfield
With this game being the first major Bethesda RPG to release after the company got acquired by Microsoft, it will be very interesting to see how this game turns out. Todd Howard claims that Starfield will be a “more hardcore RPG” compared to Bethesda’s more recent titles. What exactly this entails is still unknown. However, this may be good news for those looking for a deeper role-playing experience.
Starfield will be exclusive to current-gen consoles and PC if it strikes your interest. There is no release date as of writing, but the game is expected to launch sometime in the first half of 2023. Hopefully, Starfield will be as memorable as some of Bethesda’s most iconic RPGs.
Final Fantasy XVI
Also included on our list of the most anticipated action games of 2023, Final Fantasy XVI looks to be a sprawling adventure for fans of the franchise to sink their teeth into. Unlike the previous mainline entry in the series, Final Fantasy XVI will not be an open-world game but will feature large areas that span across the game’s world. This could mean that the game will have a greater focus on storytelling and tighter pacing.
Final Fantasy XVI will release as a timed PlayStation 5 exclusive on June 22, 2023. No word is out on when we can see it on other platforms, but don’t expect it this year. I hope Final Fantasy XVI turns out to be among the best action RPGs of 2023.
Fire Emblem Engage
Setting itself apart from the previous entry in the franchise, Three Houses, Engage looks to be a more colorful and vibrant take on the Fire Emblem series. While many have made jokes about the protagonist’s hair being reminiscent of a certain brand of toothpaste, there seems to be a fair amount of excitement around this game.
You will not have to wait long for Engage. The release date is so imminent, that it may even be out as you read this. You can pick up Fire Emblem Engage exclusively for Nintendo Switch on January 20, 2023. This will likely be a great pick for fans of strategy RPGs.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Unlike the other games here, you can actually give Baldur’s Gate 3 a try right now. The game has been in a state of early access since 2020, but the full release will launch this year. The game is being developed by Larian Studios, the same team that brought you the critically acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin 2. It will be interesting to see what this team will bring to the table with this classic CRPG series.
No specific release date is set for Baldur’s Gate 3, but it will supposedly release in August of this year. The game will be exclusive for Windows and macOS computers, but there’s a chance that we might see it on current-gen consoles in the future.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
Continuing the story of Ryza for a third adventure, Atelier Ryza 3 looks to be a great option for those who are looking for a colorful JRPG. The game promises to immerse the player in four expansive and vibrant worlds that are seamlessly connected.
Atelier Ryza 3 is on its way soon. Those who are interested will be able to play the game on February 24, 2023. Atelier Ryza 3 will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This looks like a solid choice if you’re on the lookout for a more lighthearted adventure.
Diablo IV
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a brand new mainline Diablo game, but one is finally on the way. Many are hoping for the fourth title to recapture the glory days of the hack-and-slash RPG franchise. Whether it accomplishes this or not is yet to be seen, but one can hope that it will succeed.
Diablo IV might be a great pick for your summer vacation. You will be able to pick this up on June 6, 2023, for every platform except Switch. I hope that this classic RPG franchise can make a great comeback.
Octopath Traveler 2
As the first Octopath Traveler seemed to dazzle players with its gorgeous presentation and classic JRPG gameplay, it’s no surprise that a sequel is going to excite many. Fortunately, Octopath Traveler 2 seems to be as gorgeous, if not more so, than its predecessor. The game makes use of the second iteration of the HD-2D engine, allowing for improvements in visuals.
If you can’t wait much longer for this title, there is no need to worry. Octopath Traveler 2 launches on February 24, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This looks to be a superb option if you’re looking for a stylized RPG in 2023.
Hogwarts Legacy
Another title that was included on our list of the most anticipated action games of 2023, Hogwarts Legacy appears to be a promising role-playing experience as well. Players will take on the role of a student of Hogwarts as they immerse themselves in the game’s world.
Hogwarts Legacy is releasing on February 10, 2023, but only on current-gen consoles and PC. For those of you on PS4 or Xbox One, you will have to wait until the fourth of April. Switch users will be seeing the longest delay with a release date of July 25, 2023. There is a lot of opportunity here, so hopefully, this turns out to be one of the better RPGs of 2023.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
With a visual style similar to Octopath Traveler, Hundred Heroes looks to be another charming throwback to classic JRPGs. This game will act as a spiritual successor of sorts to the cult classic Suikoden series. Players will be able to command over one hundred characters, as the title would suggest.
No release date has been set as of writing, but Hundred Heroes will launch sometime this year. This game will be seeing a release on basically every active platform, so there is no need to worry about any kind of exclusivity.
Forspoken
Developed by many of the same staff that worked on Final Fantasy XV, Forspoken looks to be a visually impressive open-world RPG. Following a New Yorker who finds themselves in a fantasy world, the player must explore and fight in the world of Athia to get home.
Forspoken will be launching very shortly. Players who are looking forward to this will be able to pick this up as soon as January 24, 2023. On consoles, this game will be a PS5 exclusive. However, PC players will be able to join in on the adventure as well, presuming that your rig will be powerful enough.
Keep Your Eye Out for More Great RPGs in 2023
Since the year is still very young, it’s possible we could be getting more titles down the road. Be sure to keep your eye out for more announcements regarding new RPGs in 2023. If there are any titles I may have missed, I hope they get their time to shine later on in the year. With all that said, have a great year, and have fun with whatever you decide to play!
