RPG (role-playing games)
What makes a game an RPG, the main sub-types, and how long they usually take.
RPG stands for role-playing game. The defining idea is that you take on a character and that character develops over time — gaining levels, abilities, equipment and often a place in the world shaped by your decisions.
The genre comes from tabletop games, and the inheritance shows: stats, dice-like probability, dialogue choices and long stories are all borrowed from there.
What makes something an RPG
Character progression — levels, experience, stats that increase.
Equipment that meaningfully changes what you can do.
Choice — in dialogue, in how you build your character, sometimes in how the story ends.
Length. RPGs are usually the longest games on any platform. Forty hours is normal; a hundred is not unusual.
The clearest test: if playing more makes your character stronger independently of your own skill improving, it is an RPG.
The main sub-types
Action RPG — real-time combat with RPG progression, such as The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring.
JRPG — the Japanese tradition, often turn-based with a strong authored story. Final Fantasy, Persona, Dragon Quest.
Western RPG — heavier on player choice and consequence. Baldur''s Gate, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls.
Tactical RPG — grid-based combat with RPG systems.
What are examples of RPGs?
The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, Final Fantasy, Persona 5, Skyrim, Baldur''s Gate 3, Mass Effect, Diablo.
Before you buy one
Two practical considerations. Time — an RPG is a commitment, and buying three at once usually means finishing none. Combat style — turn-based and real-time RPGs feel completely different, and many people strongly prefer one; check which you are getting.
Also worth checking: whether the Complete or GOTY edition exists. RPGs get large expansions, and the complete version is often cheaper than the original was.