In this article we’ll take a look at the Top 10 RPGs of 2021. 2020 has come and gone, and some players may be left wondering after such a crazy year, with some crazy launches, what could possibly top it next year. In this article we’ll show you what you have to look forward to, and damned if it isn’t a great list!
Fextralife’s Top 10 Upcoming RPGs Of 2021
There are some exciting games on our radar, which cover a range of RPG genres, including classic CRPG, new IPs, remasters, reimagining’s of fantasy worlds and more. 2020 gave us some brand new platforms to experience games on, the PS5 and Xbox Series X, and we can’t wait to have more games released for them. Without further ado let’s get into the year of 2021!
Honourable Mention – Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Release Date: 2021
Platform: PC/PS4/Xbox One
Developer: Bioware
Publisher: Electronic Arts
The Mass Effect trilogy is getting a remaster, and will be available in the Spring. The collection of games Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 will be released under the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, enhancing the games’ visuals, optimized for 4K Ultra HD. It will also be coming to a number of platforms including Xbox One, PS4, PC, as well as Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 with backwards compatibility. There will also be some new additions which includes new content in the form of promo weapons, armor and packs, and it will include all previous downloadable content for the three games.
The Mass Effect series takes place in the Milky Way, towards the end of the 22nd century. Interstellar travel allows mass transit through Mass Relays, allowing life in space. Follow Commander Shephard, leading an elite squad into an action-packed adventure full of ancient threats. This will be a great time to jump into the trilogy if you are one of the few who haven’t done so yet, and Mass Effect 4 has been announced to be in the works.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition will be releasing in Spring 2021 on PS4, Xbox One, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
10. NieR Replicant 1.22474487139…
Release Date: April 24th 2021
Platform: PC/PS4/Xbox One
Developer: Toylogic Inc, Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
NieR Replicant originally released in Japan on PS3 almost a decade ago, and it seems the NieR 10th year anniversary of the franchise was as good of time as any to unveil that a remaster was in the works. Square Enix producer Yusuke Saito describes it as a “version up” opposed to a remake or remaster. NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139…is set to include fully voiced lines, new content, new music compositions by the original composer Keiichi Okabe and the possibility of a new ending. There will also be more to explore than the original, new scenarios and expanded weapon stories.
This prequel to Nier Automata comes with a number of modern upgrades, but will stay true to the original story, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Taking on the role of Nier, a young man on the quest to cure his sister from the Black Scrawl, a deadly disease. Expect a dark and thought-provoking story ahead.
The game features third-person action, with hack and slash combat, in an open-world where many enemies lurk. Take up your sword, and use your powers to take down foes. You can parry and use counter-attacks as well. From the recent footage shown at TGA there will be plenty of intense projectile dodging, all with a great graphics upgrade.
NieR Replicant ver. 1.22474487139… will be releasing on April 24th worldwide for PS4, Xbox One and Steam.
9. Scarlet Nexus
Release Date: Summer 2021
Platform: PC
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Scarlet Nexus will be releasing next year, and is being developed by Bandai Namco who were behind the sleeper hit Code Vein. The Action-RPG brings together Psionic powers, strange enemies in the form of “The Others” which take on a number of bizarre forms. They crave human brains and are not weak to usual weapons, but can only be penetrated with the use of extra-sensory abilities, wielded by psychics. These psychics now make up humanities last hope, the Other Suppression Force.
The story of Scarlet Nexus follows main characters Kasane Randall and Yuito Sumeragi depending which you choose for your playthrough, and these pair are connected. Through “Red Strings” players can borrow abilities from companion characters, which they can use in battle.
Scarlet Nexus promises to be a fast-paced game with RPG elements, similar to NieR Automata but more similar to Code Vein visuals in terms of the anime artstyle. If you want to know more of what we think about the game, check out our Scarlet Nexus Gameplay Preview: More Nier Automata Than Code Vein, or stop by the Official Scarlet Nexus Wiki.
Scarlet Nexus will release on Steam, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in the Summer.
8. Dark Alliance
Release Date: 2021
Platform: PC + “Consoles”
Developer: Tuque Games
Publisher: Wizard of the Coast, KochMediaUk (Console)
After a year of silence we finally got an update on the Dungeons and Dragons Dark Alliance game – and word is that it’s coming in 2021, with a physical version to be published by KochMediaUk.
Dark Alliance is a core multiplayer RPG experience, allowing you to join up to 4 friends, online or on the couch, and battle iconic monsters from Dungeons & Dragons. There will be at least four playable characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and abilities. And like most RPGs, you’ll be able to customize these characters to your liking, enabling different types of builds for each. Also being introduced is a combo system that is called “emergent combat”, and the combo you perform will depend on the type of weapon you currently use and the skills you have equipped.
There is no in-game footage so far, but the official trailer for the game has been viewed a mind-blowing 7.7 Million times, so we think you won’t have any troubles finding someone to play with!
Dungeons & Dragons Dark Alliance will release in 2021 on PC and Consoles, but we don’t yet know which generation or the specific release quarter.
7. Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2
Release Date: 2021
Platform: PC/Xbox one/PS4/Xbox Series X/PS5
Developer: Hardsuit Labs
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2 is an action-RPG set in the city of Seattle years after the events of the prequel. It is also based on the table top universe of the same name. Bloodlines 2 will follow the story of a young vampire after being turned, awakening to a world where various vampire clans are met with political factions, all fighting for the control of the city. The gameplay takes on stealth and first-person combat which includes some supernatural vampire powers.
From what we’ve seen of the game, there are “classes” you can start off with, three Disciplines which will grant you certain abilities to master. But that’s not the only thing you will need to master as you weave your way into a world of vampire politics between Clans and hiding yourself from the detection of humans.
Bloodlines 2 developer Paradox announced the delay of the game this year, pushing the release to 2021 to “ensure the best player experience possible”.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 will be coming to Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC via Paradox Store, Steam, GOG, Epic, Playstation 4 as well as Playstation 5 sometime in 2021.
6. Hogwarts Legacy
Release Date: 2021
Platform: PC/PS4/Xbox One/PS5/Xbox Series X
Developer: Avalanche Software
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
It’s finally happening, an RPG set in the Harry Potter universe! Hogwarts Legacy was announced during the PS5 showcase earlier this year, releasing on PC, Xbox One, PS4, as well as PS5 and Xbox Series X next year. This wasn’t the best kept secret as leaks here and there pointed to a Hogwarts based game.
Hogwarts Legacy will not take place during the events of the books, but will be set in the 1800s. An open-world action-RPG where players can enroll their very own character, a witch or wizard into the magical school of Hogwarts as a 5th-year transfer student. After being sorted, you will take on quests dependent on your house.
From the footage shown so far, it will include some of the most iconic places from the Harry Potter books/films, including the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest and more. It will be interesting to see how the spell system works in the game, and to go on an adventure you can truly call your own.
Hogwarts Legacy will release in 2021 on PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
5. Alaloth Champions of the Four Kingdoms
Release Date: Summer 2021
Platform: PC Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch
Developer: Gamera Interactive
Publisher: All in! Games
Alaloth is described by its developer as “the very first isometric souls-like RPG”, and it is a skill-driven ARPG game inspired by such classics as Baldur’s Gate and Pillars of Eternity. Set in a rich fantasy world, resembling the darkest period of the Middle Ages, the game offers fast-paced action with a deep narrative.
We are very excited for Alaloth due to its interesting combat mechanics, 40+ houses and clans to fight for, each with their own history and over 12 companions with rich backstories to explore. So far, everything we have seen about the game makes us more and more hyped about it, so add this one to your list. If you want details check out our First Look and the developers Skill-Based Combat Video.
Alaloth Champions of the Four Kingdoms will release oin 2021 for PC Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
4. Biomutant
Release Date: 2021
Platform: Playstation 4/Xbox One/PC
Developer: Experiment 101
Publisher: THQ Nordic
A Kung-fu inspired fable, Biomutant brings martial arts and mutant creatures together in this open-world action-RPG. As a plague starts to destroy the land, the Tree-of-Life starts bleeding death from its roots which results in Tribes starting to divide. Will you help save this perilous land or let it slip into further darkness?
This title was also on our list last year and got delayed and delayed, and delayed, but it’s still in development and we have seen a new Gameplay Trailer showcasing enemies, combat and more. Biomutant is in our most watched list due to its high amount of customization – from the size of your character’s head which affects their intelligence, to choosing their skills and weapons that you gain from taking down certain tribes of animals. It seems everything has it’s purpose, even clothes you choose will protect you from the elements or materials you find around the world can be combined to create weapons. The characters are cute, furry and pretty unique.
Biomutant is set to release for PC, Xbox One and Playstation 4 sometime in 2021.
3. Pathfinder Wrath of Righteous
Release Date: Predicted 2021
Platform: PC
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous won’t be a sequel to Pathfinder: Kingmaker but will continue to expand upon the core elements of the first title, bringing another epic CRPG adventure. Features include 24 different classes to choose from, three additional races in the addition to the nine from Pathfinder: Kingmaker, mounted combat, real-time with pause as well as a turn-based mode.
The game will focus on a new mythic progression system set to explore a new Age of Lost Omens, add more classes and further character customizations all stemming from Pathfinder’s rich history. While it is based on the tabletop game, it will also include brand new characters, storylines and additional elements which will appeal to both new and seasoned players.
In this entry it will tell the tale of a major conflict between both mortals and demons. Players are placed into a world where demonic forces are at play, as the invasion rages, so does the outcome of decisions made, a more personal battle between good and evil.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous currently doesn’t have a set release date but will be going into beta testing in January 2021.
2. Baldurs Gate 3
Release Date: Predicted 2021
Platform: PC/Stadia
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios
The runner-up of this year’s list is Baldur’s Gate 3, as we expect the CRPG title to leave early access sometime late next year. So far the game has been released for Early Access for PC and Stadia, and Larian Studios have been listening to player feedback to make improvements and shape the game. Larian Studios is the same developer behind the Divinity Original Sin franchise, this time diving into the classic CRPG series of Baldur’s Gate.
Baldur’s Gate 3 in early access currently allows players to try five different origin characters, as well as a player customizable character. Choose from companions Astarion an elf vampire rogue, Gale a human wizard, Lae’zel a Githyanki Warrior, Shadowheart a half-elf Cleric, and Wyll a human Warlock, each with their own background story. Gather your party as you return to the Forgotten Realms. This entry will follow a story of fellowship and betrayal, with many mysterious abilities just waiting to be awakened. Fight the darkness and resist it’s call, or embrace it and turn into the ultimate evil.
Changes are being made to the current version of the game, which includes recent adjustments to how companion characters treat you, improving the spell system and a more rewarding path for those who rather take the pacifist route. Play alone with recruited companions, or play online with multiplayer with up to four players in turn-based combat based on the D&D 5e ruleset. If you want to know what we think of the game so far, be sure to check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 Early Access First Impressions: Should You Get BG3 EA?.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently in early access on Steam for PC and Stadia, most likely releasing on both platforms sometime in late 2021.
1. Elden Ring
Release Date: Predicted 2021
Platform: PC/PS4/Xbox One
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Bandai Namco
You might be thinking well this looks familiar, and you’d be right. Once again Elden Ring takes our top spot as it is one of the most highly anticipated games, it even won that title at The Game Awards this year. As we leave 2020, we are hopeful for Elden Ring to show itself in 2021, bringing in a new age of souls game.
Elden Ring is a collaboration between FromSoftware, well known souls developer Hidetaka Miyazaki, and the fantasy author G.R.R. Martin who has written Song of Fire and Ice, and is behind mythos of this upcoming game. The title is a dark fantasy, with open-world exploration. From what we know so far there will be plenty of customization when it comes weapons and also magic. The story is also deeper than any of Miyzaki’s games before, delving into human themes such as politics, citizenship and more. Check out our Elden Ring: Everything We Know for all known details about the game!
While we don’t have a set date for Elden Ring, we anticipate 2021 will bring us out of the darkness, when it comes to this exciting new game and hopefully it’s release date. We cannot wait to see more of it!
Elden Ring has been announced to be releasing on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC, as well as Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 is to be expected.
And that is our list for top RPGs of 2021! There may be some surprises during the year, and hopefully no more delays! What did you think of the list? Did we miss any? What are your Top RPGs of 2021? Let us know in the comments below! And make sure to check out our Game of the Year Awards to see which were our favorites of 2020.
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