What’s the longest you’ve spent on a single game? Lots of games are meant to be finished on a single playthrough, and that’s that. They’re fine experiences, but sometimes we want something more, something that either feels like it never ends or that we can start over and over again and still enjoy.
If you’re in the mood for a game that can keep you busy for months on end, racking up triple-digit hour counts and loving every minute of it, these RPGs have everything you could want. They can’t be finished in a single weekend marathon, so take your time and enjoy the ride – it’s what they’re made for!
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Release Date: 3 August, 2023
- Platform: Windows, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
- Steam Page
The original Baldur’s Gate games were famed for their depth, and Larian’s revival of the beloved series is the game that CRPGs are going to be measured against for years. This high-fantasy epic is divided into three acts, each one detailed and explorable enough to serve as its own game, and that’s just on the first playthrough.
BG3 is famously full of hidden details, key choices, and roads not traveled, giving it practically limitless replay value. If you’re the sort of player who can’t put a game down until you’ve seen everything there is to see, this is a game that will keep you occupied well beyond a hundred hours.
Octopath Traveler 0
- Developer: Square Enix, Dokidoki Groove Works
- Release Date: 4 December, 2025
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Octopath Traveler‘s retro-inspired look might remind you of a time when memory limitations made games shorter, but make no mistake; this is a series of big, time-intensive JRPGs that will reward completionists.
Each of the games can be played on its own, especially the most recent installment, Octopath Traveler 0.
It keeps the franchise’s signature HD-2D appearance and classic style, but unlike previous Octopath games, this time you’ll find yourself rebuilding a ruined village and building your party from those who come to live there.
The expanded roster and open-ended gameplay mean you can play through the game again with new decisions, in case one giant adventure wasn’t enough!
Persona 5 Royal
- Developer: Atlus
- Release Date: 21 October, 2022
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a JRPG that’s more infused with fun from top to bottom than Persona 5 Royal. This over-the-top anime tale puts you in charge of the Phantom Thieves, teenagers with flashy, bombastic alter-egos who fight for justice and change the hearts of the wicked!
If you know your Atlus games, then you can expect Persona 5 Royal to have loads of content and some of the best JRPG gameplay around, but in this case, it’s an understatement. This is one of their best works, and Steam has it bundled with Persona 3 Reload, another high point in the series, for just $42 together!
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Release Date: 2 September, 2021
- Platform: Windows, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
CRPG aficionados know that Owlcat has some truly sprawling campaigns on offer, and Wrath of the Righteous gives you a chance to see your character grow from “just” a hero to something even greater.
Caught in a battle against monstrous demons, you’ll eventually be able to take a Mythic path, ascending to some of the coolest, most high-powered endgame classes you’ve ever seen in a fantasy RPG.
Wrath of the Righteous is a giant game on its own, but there’s also plenty of DLC, so the adventure doesn’t have to end with the main campaign. The Game of the Year Edition includes the whole lot, making it the best value, especially if you can get it on sale.
Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children
- Developer: Dandylion
- Release Date: 23 April, 2020
- Platform: Windows
- Steam Page
If you’re looking for an indie game that you can really sink your teeth into, Troubleshooter‘s blend of character-focused, anime style with grid-based tactical combat makes it well worth a look.
Its dystopian setting and layers of narrative are brought to life by hundreds of missions and cutscenes, creating a world you can really immerse yourself in.
Don’t be intimidated by the pile of DLC, either; most of it is cosmetics, so it’s entirely optional. Once you’ve finished the game, though (which will take a while), consider the Crimson Crow DLC for a bonus chapter!
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Release Date: 7 December, 2023
- Platform: Windows, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2
- Steam Page
Rogue Trader isn’t just one of the best video games to come out of the legendary Warhammer 40,000 franchise; it’s one of the best RPGs of this decade.
As Lord Captain of a Rogue Trader Dynasty, you have nearly limitless wealth and power over entire worlds, so your decisions can affect billions. Between the politics of the Imperium, the dangers of Warp travel, and the meddling of inscrutable aliens, there are threats around every corner!
Not only does Rogue Trader have plenty of replay value in its enormous campaign for narrative choices, but experimenting with different builds for your party is a blast given the game’s deep, thoughtful tactical battles. Even if you don’t know much about Warhammer, this is one game you shouldn’t miss.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Release Date: 14 September, 2017
- Platform: Windows, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iPad
- Steam Page
Before Baldur’s Gate 3 made Larian Studios a household name overnight, they were already well-respected for their Divinity series.
Original Sin 2 is a top-tier experience, with unique character options, loads of replay value, and excellent tactical combat. If you loved BG3, you should definitely take Divinity: Original Sin 2 out for a spin.
The first Divinity: Original Sin game is fantastic as well, and you can get both on Steam for 30% off in the Source Saga bundle. If you’re looking for hundreds of hours of gameplay and don’t want to wait for a sale, this is great value.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
- Developer: 4 December, 2020
- Release Date: Square Enix
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
There are some notoriously long games in the Dragon Quest series, and while Dragon Quest XI is certainly among the lengthier titles, it doesn’t feel like it overstays its welcome at all.
Like the best Dragon Quest games, it lets you take the adventure at your own pace, in a way that feels both classic and modern all at once.
If you’re really looking for a retro experience, there’s an option to play the entire game in a pixelated 2D mode, which almost makes this grand adventure a two-in-one package. Dragon Quest XI a real treat for longtime fans, and for everyone else it’s just a darn good JRPG.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Developer: RGG Studio
- Release Date: 25 January, 2024
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
- Steam Page
I’m not sure anyone could have foreseen the Yakuza series taking a pivot into turn-based RPGs, while also having those games be some of the best in the series, but then again, this is Yakuza – the entire franchise is built on the unexpected.
Ichiban, the new Like A Dragon protagonist, is intensely likable and brings with him rock-solid JRPG gameplay in Yakuza‘s bizarre, crime-riddled world.
Even if you haven’t gotten into the series until now, Ichiban’s adventures are a perfect jumping-on point. Steam has its original game, Like A Dragon, bundled with Infinite Wealth for a very impressive 60% off, offering tons to do for about half the price of Infinite Wealth on its own.
UnderRail
- Developer: Stygian Software
- Release Date: 18 December, 2015
- Platform: Windows
- Steam Page
If you long for the days of classic Fallout, Underrail will scratch that isometric itch in a way that few others can. In this post-apocalyptic game, humanity survives underground in the ruins of metro stations, and you’ll explore the tunnels trying to survive the conflicts between the varying factions.
In true CRPG fashion, Underrail gives you lots of freedom to approach individual situations and the story as a whole. From guns to stealth and even psychic powers, you’ll have loads of options and plenty of reason to give the game another go after you make it through the first time.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Developer: Atlus
- Release Date: 10 October, 2024
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2
- Steam Page
Metaphor is everything you could want from a modern JRPG, from the masters of the genre at Atlus.
It has the signature look of their other franchises like Persona or Shin Megami Tensei, complete with some very creepy monsters, but Metaphor hews closer to classic fantasy; if the high school vibe isn’t your thing, this tale of a Royal Tournament could be the Atlus game for you.
Astonishingly, Steam has Metaphor bundled with Persona 5 Royal at a 60% discount, letting you score two of their greatest masterpieces for less than half the price of one. Even if you already have P5R on another platform, it might actually be worth getting the bundle for the discount alone.
Battle Brothers
- Developer: Overhype Studios
- Release Date: 24 March, 2017
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Battle Brothers has an open-ended campaign that offers tons of content on a single playthrough, to say nothing of the end-game crises that throw unexpected twists at you, like orc invasions and undead plagues. There’s practically limitless replay value… if you can finish it (maybe you are lying) the first time, that is.
A pioneer of the mercenary sandbox genre, Battle Brothers is known for its ruthless difficulty and permadeath battles.
You can honestly rack up a hundred or more hours without ever coming close to a win, but each ignoble defeat makes you want to start a new game and try again; this time will be different!
Octopath Traveler II
- Developer: Square Enix, Acquire Group
- Release Date: 24 February, 2023
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Where Octopath Traveler 0 is a turning point for the series, Octopath Traveler II focuses instead on more of what made the original game so great.
Like the original, it has eight heroes whose distinct stories weave together as the game goes on, as well as elemental-focused combat that requires thoughtful strategy.
Honestly, all three Octopath games to date have been fantastic, so picking one to call the best is largely a matter of taste. If you’re playing them on Steam, you can get Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II as a bundle for 38% off, a great deal even when there’s no sale to take advantage of.
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy
- Developer: Too Kyo Games, Media.Vision Inc.
- Release Date: 24 April, 2025
- Platform: Windows, Switch
- Steam Page
The Hundred Line combines smart, tactical grid battles with the dark weirdness of Danganronpa, creating a strange but compelling tale of students putting their lives on the line to battle extradimensional invaders.
Between battles, you’ll get to know the other characters trapped in the school with you, and the relationships you build will determine which of the hundred endings you see.
This is a game that not only has a ton to do on the first playthrough but also offers alternate paths and endings for lots of replay value. If you’re in the mood for something a bit odd but well worth an investment of time, try the demo!
Siralim Ultimate
- Developer: Thylacine Studios
- Release Date: 3 December, 2021
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Switch, Android, iOS
- Steam Page
If you think monster-catching games have gotten too simple these days, you need to check out Siralim Ultimate.
This game feels like an old-school RPG built around catching and fusing beasts, with all the depth that entails. From a massive roster to limitless build and equipment options, Siralim Ultimate has no level caps, so you can just keep growing your team indefinitely, and it will continue to challenge you the whole way.
If you’re looking for another collecting challenge to go with it, Steam has Siralim Ultimate bundled with Aethermancer, a very cool early-access take on the genre. Between the two, you’ll find they’re anything but simple!
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Developer: Intelligent Systems, Koei Tecmo
- Release Date: 26 July, 2019
- Platform: Switch
- Shop Page
Fire Emblem games have enormous amounts of content in the battles alone, but Three Houses is positively stacked with things to do between fights.
As a professor at a military academy, you can explore the campus, get to know the other faculty and students, plan your classes (which impacts how the trainees perform in battle), and participate in events. All that eventually proves crucial when war breaks out, and your former students are tested as proper soldiers.
All that would make for a single, massive game, but Three Houses doesn’t stop there. You can choose a different house in each playthrough, resulting in a completely different roster and perspective on the story’s events. Seeing everything this game has to offer is a major feat… and that’s before bringing DLC into the mix.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 11 November, 2022
- Platform: Windows, PlayStation, Switch
- Steam Page
Tactics Ogre spent decades as a cult classic. Like its contemporary Final Fantasy Tactics, it had a sprawling campaign full of challenging, isometric battles, plus a deep class system and gripping story.
Thanks to Tactics Ogre Reborn, it’s able to get the wider attention it’s always deserved. If you’re a longtime fan of Final Fantasy Tactics but haven’t tried Tactics Ogre, you’re in for a treat.
There’s no DLC to worry about, but the Digital Premium Edition on Steam comes with the soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto. If you like building up your collection of in-game tunes, especially by such a legendary composer, it could be worth the extra ten bucks.
Wartales
- Developer: Shiro Games
- Release Date: 12 April 2023
- Platform: Windows, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
If you’re looking for an experience similar to Battle Brothers but (slightly) more forgiving, Wartales has a lot to love. Not only does it have excellent tactical battles and a richly-imagined world to explore, but there are also lots of minigames for when you need a break from all the bloodshed!
Wartales is a bit less open-ended than Battle Brothers in that there is a story to follow, but in exchange you get deeper characters and a better connection to the setting… and you can still wander, fight, and die at your own pace, across as many campaigns as it takes.
Disgaea 5 Complete
- Developer: Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.
- Release Date: 22 October, 2018
- Platform: Windows, Switch
- Steam Page
You could get a hundred hours or more out of practically any of the Disgaea games, but Disgaea 5 Complete is a particularly fun time.
As the rebellious young demon Killia, you’ll raise an army bent on vengeance against a vicious Overlord. It sounds serious, but if you know Disgaea, then you know that this will be a strange and very funny campaign with some of the most absurd combos you can find in an RPG.
Disgaea is all about tossing things like damage caps and balance straight out the window, so you can let your most monstrous build shine. You are playing as a demon, after all.
Caves of Qud
- Developer: Freehold Games
- Release Date: 5 December, 2024
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Switch, Android
- Steam Page
Finally, there’s Caves of Qud, a wonderful game to get lost in, often quite literally. Its enormous, procedurally-generated world is full of secrets to explore both on the overworld and in treacherous dungeons, and whether you’re a mutant, a cyborg, or something else entirely, you can create some strange and exciting characters for the journey.
Caves of Qud is a challenge, especially if you’re playing with permadeath enabled, but every new secret uncovered feels like an accomplishment, and it’s one of the most satisfying and challenging RPGs around to take the time to master.
