Sixteen of the Best RPGs on iPhone and iPad in 2023
The App Store boasts a vast library of games, but finding truly exceptional role-playing games (RPGs) can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many offer shallow gameplay or repetitive mechanics. However, 2023 has seen a surge in high-quality mobile RPGs, bringing rich narratives, compelling characters, and engaging combat to your fingertips. This curated list showcases sixteen of the best RPGs available for iPhone and iPad, categorized for easy navigation and tailored to diverse player preferences.
Classic Turn-Based RPGs: A Nostalgic Journey
For players who appreciate the strategic depth and thoughtful pacing of classic turn-based combat, these titles offer a rewarding experience. The meticulous planning and tactical decision-making required in these games provide a unique and enduring appeal. They often feature rich lore and intricate storylines that unfold gradually, immersing the player in a captivating world.
1. Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR): A Timeless Epic
BioWare’s legendary Star Wars RPG needs no introduction. This port of the original KOTOR remains a masterpiece of storytelling and character development. The game’s moral choices impact the narrative significantly, offering multiple playthroughs with vastly different outcomes. It’s a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
2. Chaos Rings III: A Complex Narrative
Chaos Rings III delivers a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns, challenging players with morally ambiguous choices and complex relationships between characters. The turn-based combat is strategic and rewarding, demanding careful planning and resource management. Its stunning visuals and immersive soundtrack enhance the overall experience.
Action RPGs: Fast-Paced Adventures
If you prefer a more dynamic and action-oriented approach to RPG gameplay, these titles will provide exhilarating experiences. They typically feature real-time combat systems that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking. These games often emphasize character progression and customization, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle.
3. Diablo Immortal: A Mobile Masterpiece
Diablo Immortal seamlessly translates the visceral action and loot-driven gameplay of the main series to mobile devices. Its endless hordes of demons, diverse character classes, and deep customization options keep players engaged for hours. The game constantly updates with new content, ensuring longevity.
4. Genshin Impact: A Breathtaking Open World
Genshin Impact boasts a stunning open world, vibrant characters, and engaging elemental combat. Its gacha mechanics might be a deterrent for some, but the core gameplay is undeniably fun. Exploring its vast landscapes and uncovering its secrets offers countless hours of entertainment.
Story-Rich RPGs: Immersive Narratives
These games prioritize narrative depth and character development above all else. They offer captivating stories filled with memorable characters, complex relationships, and impactful choices. The gameplay often takes a backseat to the unfolding narrative, creating an immersive and emotional experience.
5. Stardew Valley: A Relaxing Farming RPG
While not strictly an action RPG, Stardew Valley’s compelling story, charming characters, and addictive gameplay loop make it a perfect choice for those seeking a more relaxed RPG experience. Building relationships with townsfolk, cultivating your farm, and exploring the mines provide an incredibly satisfying journey.
6. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm: A Zelda-esque Adventure
Oceanhorn 2 offers a classic adventure RPG experience reminiscent of the Legend of Zelda series. Its expansive world, engaging puzzles, and challenging combat provide a rewarding adventure that fans of the genre will appreciate. Its beautiful graphics and immersive soundtrack enhance the overall experience.
Strategy RPGs: Tactical Combat
Strategy RPGs demand careful planning and tactical prowess. These games often involve turn-based combat, where positioning and unit synergies are critical for success. They frequently feature intricate storylines and diverse unit types, adding layers of complexity and strategic depth.
7. The Battle of Polytopia: A Civilizational Strategy Game
While not a traditional fantasy RPG, The Battle of Polytopia blends civilization-building with turn-based combat. Its simple yet addictive gameplay loop and diverse tribes make it a compelling strategy game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master.
8. War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: A Tactical Masterpiece
This tactical RPG, set in the world of Final Fantasy, features a rich story, compelling characters, and engaging turn-based combat. Its stunning visuals and well-designed characters will appeal to fans of both the Final Fantasy franchise and tactical RPGs.
Unique and Innovative RPGs: Stepping Outside the Box
These RPGs offer unique mechanics and gameplay experiences that deviate from traditional RPG conventions. They often experiment with different genres, combining RPG elements with other gameplay styles to create fresh and engaging experiences.
9. Grimvalor: A Dark and Stylish Metroidvania
Grimvalor blends the fast-paced combat of action RPGs with the exploration and progression of a Metroidvania. Its dark and stylish visuals, challenging combat, and rewarding exploration make it a unique and satisfying experience.
10. Crashlands: A Hilariously Unique RPG
Crashlands defies easy categorization. It’s a crafting RPG with a focus on humor, exploration, and surprisingly deep combat. Its unique blend of mechanics and offbeat humor makes it a standout title.
RPGs with a Focus on Exploration and World Building
These titles prioritize exploration and discovery, rewarding players for delving into their rich and detailed game worlds. They often feature expansive environments, hidden secrets, and captivating lore to uncover.
11. Exos Heroes: A Stunning Anime-Style RPG
Exos Heroes features a beautiful anime-style aesthetic, a compelling narrative, and a diverse cast of characters. Its focus on character relationships and the unfolding story make for an immersive experience.
12. Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space: A Time-Traveling Adventure
Another Eden stands out with its engaging time-travel narrative, memorable characters, and turn-based combat. Its story is rich with emotion, and the varied locations across different time periods make for a captivating journey.
RPGs with a Strong Emphasis on Customization and Character Progression
These games allow for significant character customization, offering players a wide range of options to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle. Character progression is often a central element, encouraging players to experiment with different builds and strategies.
13. Raid: Shadow Legends: A Gacha Game with Deep Customization
Raid: Shadow Legends is a popular gacha RPG with a heavy emphasis on collecting and upgrading heroes. Its deep customization options and strategic combat provide a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in building their team.
14. Summoners War: Sky Arena: Another Popular Gacha RPG
Summoners War: Sky Arena offers a vast roster of monsters to collect and build teams with. Its strategic combat and competitive PvP arena keep players engaged. Its longevity and depth provide ample replayability.
Simple Yet Engaging RPGs: Easy to Pick Up and Play
These games offer a more straightforward and accessible RPG experience, perfect for casual players who want to jump in and enjoy a fun adventure without a steep learning curve.
15. Pocket Rogues: A Simple Yet Addictive Roguelike
Pocket Rogues presents a simplified yet challenging roguelike RPG experience. Its quick gameplay loops and addictive nature make it perfect for short bursts of gameplay.
16. Pixel Starships: A Space-Based RPG
Pixel Starships offers a unique space-faring RPG experience with a blend of strategy and customization. Building and upgrading your starship is a key element, and the simple yet engaging gameplay makes it accessible to a wide range of players.
This list offers a diverse range of RPGs for iPhone and iPad, catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer classic turn-based combat, fast-paced action, or immersive storytelling, there’s an RPG on this list that’s sure to capture your imagination. Each game offers unique mechanics and compelling narratives, promising countless hours of entertainment. Explore these titles and discover your new favorite mobile RPG. Remember to check for updates and new content regularly, as many of these games are consistently enhanced with fresh challenges and features. The world of mobile RPGs continues to evolve, ensuring that players will always find new adventures to embark upon.
