Top Action RPGs for 2024
I adore role-playing games. Though there are many of excellent ones available, I'm here to discuss the finest of the best. Many of the current generation of role-playing games fit into this genre, which has a broad range of excellent entries on the Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. It's an incredible experience because you know you're in for a life-changing, tough fighting adventure. Nevertheless, the games on this list stand out from the crowd due to their unique qualities, which might be attributed to the plot, the previously mentioned combat, the characters, or the setting in which the game is set.
Of fact, not all of the top role-playing games (RPGs) can be classified as ARPGs. Rather, they should be in other guides, like our list of the top JRPGs. Speaking of which, if you like Persona games and Final Fantasy games, you really should check it out. If you're just interested in the A from ARPG, check out our post on the finest action games; it includes information on Tomb Raider games, Resident Evil games, and other titles.
The top ARPGs for Switch and mobile devices are as follows:
Mobile Genshin Impact
Since its debut in September 2020, Genshin Impact—the king of mobile ARPGs—has been one of the most played games worldwide. We don't see this changing very soon, given the volume of stuff Hoyoverse is releasing and its current velocity. What, therefore, distinguishes Hoyoverse's game as one of the top ARPGs available right now?
It does, however, really embrace the action in role-playing games, providing fluid combat full of options because of its varied cast of characters, which you may choose for your party (provided you can choose them from the Genshin Impact banners, anyhow). As you can see, every character has a distinct fighting style due to their affinity for one of the seven elements and their specialization in a certain kind of weapon. When it comes to friends, Genshin Impact really treats you, so be sure to mix and match to get the perfect gathering.
Beyond the fighting and the characters, Teyvat's universe and every country inside it are breathtaking; just take a look at our Genshin Impact Sumeru review to see what we mean. Beyond only its overall beauty, the reason you are exploring this planet is because you were separated from your twin after coming to Teyvat. This is the reason you are searching for them.
If you want to play this fantastic role-playing game, we strongly advise you to get all of the primogems and excellent enchantment ore from our Genshin Impact codes. You should also consider seeing the characters' positions in our Genshin Impact tier list.
Switch in The Witcher 3 Easily one of the greatest role-playing games ever made is The Witcher 3. Clearly. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it is on this list. In addition, I have a little unhealthy fixation with both Geralt and Triss from The Witcher 3; but, we'll talk about them later.Several of the most recognizable faces from videogames can be found in the cast of The Witcher 3, with many of them standing in for the primary cast because of their significant roles in the world and plot. The Witcher 3 may be understood without ever having played the previous games, but it does assist to clarify certain dynamics. The plot summarizes as follows: Geralt is searching for Ciri, The Witcher 3, who is evading the Wild Hunt.Naturally, Geralt enlists the aid of his pals; yet, like in any good role-playing game, certain relationships have the potential to go nasty, as Triss and Yennefer from The Witcher 3 demonstrate. You are given two swords for combat: a silver and a steel sword. You use the silver to murder horrific monsters and the steel to kill other people. But keep in mind that sometimes they could be the same thing because of the horrible nature of humans.When engaged in battle, you may employ the swords, witcher signs, potions, and throwables like grenades and explosives. Gaining experience points allows you to change your strategy for fighting, whether it's by using potions and signs or simply your own might.If you decide to follow the road, you're in for a wild experience. To make sure you have the right gear for the journey ahead, check out our tips on The Witcher 3 viper armor and The Witcher 3 best armor. If you're not sure how you want the tale to finish, check out our guide on The Witcher 3 endings.
Mobile version of Diablo Immortal
Although a Diablo 4 Switch port does not yet exist, you may still play Diablo games on your mobile device (or Switch, if you're a fan of Diablo III). When Diablo Immortal launched in June 2022, it had a lot of potential and offered a lot for fans of action role-playing games to enjoy, as our Diablo Immortal review reveals. Though its handling of microtransactions is, at best, dubious and quite intrusive, it's still okay if you decide to part with your money.There are six Diablo Immortal classes in battle, and each one may use up to 12 unlocked abilities, so the game can fit the playstyle of every player. Since you may create many characters, try out different classes to find which one best fits you. Though we want to have numerous characters to experience everything with a single class, you may change your character's class at any moment. The Barbarian and Necromancer classes are my favorites since one is a combat warrior and the other employs the most evil spells.Like previous Diablo games, there's a main plot that you have to pursue. For fans of the series, it's a wonderful bridge game since it takes set in Sanctuary five years after the events of Diablo II but before Diablo III. To put it briefly, your mission is to explore the globe for Worldstone shards, which you must destroy in order to avert the end of the world. Everything is on the line. Not a tight squeeze.Because Diablo Immortal is an MMO, you may play with friends in addition to finishing the game alone. In PvP combat, you may even pit your strength against other players. In essence, there is something for everyone in Diablo Immortal.Switch: Dark Souls
Since Dark Souls is credited with creating the Soulslike genre (despite Demon Souls' release having occurred two years before), it is inevitable that the genre quickly springs to mind when discussing the game. We're prepared to give FromSoftware's genre-defining masterwork a lot of credit on this list, too, given it is also an ARPG. Since Bloodborne is a PS4 exclusive, I am unable to play my favorite From Software game or even my second due to the lack of a Elden Ring Switch port.There are several reasons why Dark Souls is so popular, but let me be clear: not everyone will like it. You shouldn't play Dark Souls if you don't want much of a struggle on your journey since this game, its follow-ups, and the Soulslike genre overall are notorious for their extreme difficulty. Remember this before you start: defeating Dark Souls' Gwyn is almost like a medal of honor.Combat may be approached in a variety of ways, however, and given how powerful magic might be, it is one way to simplify the game. In addition to using spells, you may fully use miracles and pyromancies, as well as strength and dexterity builds to participate in melee combat. The fighting in this game has a lot to offer, so you may need to experiment a little before you figure out what works best for you. Just keep in mind that some builds work better than others versus the Dark Souls bosses.Beyond the fighting, Dark Souls features Lordan, a stunning yet gloomy and decaying planet with complex folklore and mysterious inhabitants. Our Dark Souls Gwyndolin, Dark Souls Gwynevere, Dark Souls Artorias, and Dark Souls Solaire tutorials can assist you in piecing together the main narrative since there is a lot to put together.Dark Arisen – Switch – Dragon's Dogma
Oftentimes, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen gets overlooked while discussing Switch role-playing games. I'm here to fix that, however, today. Dragon's Dogma is one of Capcom's best role-playing game series, and that fact alone should speak volumes about it. Here at SmartRead, we adore Capcom, and as you'll see when you read on to see which other Capcom game the firm is featured in.Dragon's Dogma was first published in 2012 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. An improved version, called Dark Arisen, was later released in 2019 for the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. You designate yourself as the Arisen, signifying that halting the end of the world is your destiny. Yes, ordinarily, you would assume that a dragon ripping out your heart meant that you were going to die, but in reality, it meant that you were embarking on a great journey to slay that dragon and would determine the destiny of your whole planet. It's beyond me too.Dragon's Dogma, like many other ARPGs, has a class system that modifies your fighting style. Classes include fighter, mage, mystic knight, ranger, magic archer, sorcerer, ranger, and assassin. Whatever your preferred style of play, you're likely to find something to like among these alternatives. The pawns on your squad are another thing. Party members are pawns. After you get to construct one, you may utilize the other two that other people have created via the online features, or you can recruit them in-game.Dragon's Dogma is a vast globe full of places, settings, and cities to discover. Even if there are a lot of creatures out there that want to harm you, it's simple to divert your attention in the broad countryside. But because you're probably an expert in ARPGs, I believe you'll be OK. Enjoy one of the best role-playing games ever created after taking it all in.If you're interested in the follow-up, there's a ton of stuff on our sister website PCGamesN, such as tutorials for Dragon's Dogma 2 portcrystals, mage talents, and characters.
Mobile Anima ARPG
A game named ARPG should be rather obvious, right? However, a game isn't always wonderful simply because it dares to so overtly flaunt what genre it belongs to. Fortunately for Redeev, even four years after its first release in 2019, Anima remains one of the top ARPGs available on iOS and Android. We'd even venture to suggest that if you're not interested in trying out Blizzard's game, it's a good substitute for Diablo Immortal.That means you get to explore dungeons, engage in boss battles, and use your hacking and slashing skills to defeat adversaries like demons. Naturally, your efforts also get you some pretty awesome treasure, and in a game like this, gear is crucial, as we all know. There are 10 distinct difficulties and over 40 levels to navigate, so there is enough to enjoy here.You may create whatever kind of fighter you want when it comes to character creation since the system lets you mix and match different classes to fit your own playing preferences. I admire this as someone who enjoys wielding a heavy weapon while being surprisingly nimble.Switch for Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is a high point for the series on the Nintendo Switch, and it definitely deserves to be recognized as one of the top ARPGs on the system, according to our wonderful guides editor Tilly. Let's take a brief look at the game here, although our Monster Hunter Rise review does a great job of explaining why.If you've been a fan of the series for a while, you probably already know what to anticipate since it's the sixth major entry in the franchise. You essentially assume the position of a hunter, thus your task is to defeat certain Monster Hunter Rise monsters by using the Monster Hunter Rise weapon of your choosing. Of course, there's a little more to it than that, particularly since the game expands on the ideas shown in MHW and adds a new animal friend named Palamute that you may employ to explore the world. Seasoned viewers of the show are probably aware of why this is such a benefit.Obviously, if you want to go on this trip, you should prepare yourself for a really difficult struggle since Monster Hunter games aren't recognized for their fast-paced encounters. Instead, they provide a test of stamina via bouts that may last for up to 30 minutes. Without a doubt, you receive your money's worth.If you don't think we can convince you, check out our Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review. It's an excellent expansion that goes beyond the original game. To better understand the new weapons and monsters, go to our guides on the Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak weapons and Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak creatures.While Sunbreak has sold six million copies, Monster Hunter Rise has sold over thirteen million copies. Trust us when we tell that Rise is an ARPG fan's dream—it's the second best-selling game in the series.
Mobile – infinite – torchlight
Torchlight: Infinite, the fourth game in the series, is a good role-playing game that also functions as a dungeon crawler game. As such, it is comparable to Diablo: Immortal and provides you with another option to Blizzard's game.We describe Torchlight: Infinite as a “fun little gem” with a variety of levels packed with different kinds of adversaries, so there's enough of material to enjoy. Like other dungeon crawlers, the game has a pretty hack 'n slash style to combat, which does feel good as you tear through the hordes.Like in any other role-playing game, you have a variety of classes to choose from; but, unlike in Diablo Immortal, you are stuck with your selection until you make a new character. Remember that every class has an own skill tree and is suited for different types of weapons and gear. If your primary weapons are speed and agility, possessing a large sword is useless.Check out our post if you need any more help with your Torchlight: Infinite build.Switch – More Automata
After reading our Nier Automata Switch review, you'll understand why a lot of people consider this to be among the greatest ARPGs available. Square Enix's 2022 Nintendo Switch release helped it get even more acclaim. Nevertheless, we are so in love with it that we are prepared to offer you the lowdown right now.To begin with, there is a great deal of replay value since you have to finish the game three times to fully understand what's going on in this universe. That is correct, you should acclimate yourself to the Nier Automata characters, particularly Nier Automata's 2B, who is the character you take control of at first.You take control of Nier Automata's 9S during the second playtime, and Nier Automata's A2 for the third, in contrast to certain games where you play as only one character over many playthroughs. To be really honest, it may need more than three plays throughs to understand the tale. This has a lot of turns and turns. Oh, and there are 26 Nier Automata endings, did I mention that? I wish you luck on it. I've only completed three.Beyond the plot and replayability, Nier Automata has entertaining hack-and-slash action that will appeal to fans of swordplay. To guarantee you can escape oncoming strikes, which might even earn you immunity and present the chance to execute a potent countermove, you must chain combinations using light and heavy attacks while staying light on your feet.