The 18 Best WRPGs of the 2000s

The decade that defined the Western RPG: sprawling open worlds, branching morality, and party-based epics from post-apocalyptic wastelands to steampunk frontiers. Which one still rules? Cast your vote!

1

Mass Effect

BioWare's 2007 sci-fi RPG that fused cinematic dialogue, squad combat, and branching galactic choices.

1000pts

2

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

BioWare's 2003 Star Wars RPG using D&D-style rules, famed for its twist and morality system.

799pts

3

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Bethesda's 2002 open-world RPG set on the alien island of Vvardenfell, prized for its dense lore and freedom.

685pts

4

Fable

Lionhead's 2004 action RPG where every choice visibly ages and morally shapes the hero.

645pts

5

Titan Quest

Iron Lore's 2006 action RPG that reimagined the Diablo formula across ancient mythological worlds.

645pts

6

Gothic II

Piranha Bytes' 2002 hardcore open-world RPG revered for its immersive, reactive world.

645pts

7

The Witcher

CD Projekt Red's 2007 debut RPG adapting Sapkowski's novels with morally grey choices and consequences.

599pts

8

Risen

Piranha Bytes' 2009 open-world RPG praised for its rewarding exploration and island setting.

599pts

9

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Troika's 2004 cult classic RPG set in the World of Darkness, beloved for its atmosphere and roleplaying.

545pts

10

The Temple of Elemental Evil

Troika's 2003 RPG offering the most faithful turn-based adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 rules.

545pts

11

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Bethesda's 2006 open-world fantasy RPG that brought Cyrodiil and radiant NPC schedules to a new generation.

544pts

12

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

BioWare's 2000 Infinity Engine epic, a benchmark for party-based D&D storytelling and strategic depth.

479pts

13

Deus Ex

Ion Storm's 2000 genre-blending cyberpunk RPG-shooter celebrated for player-driven choice and open-ended design.

399pts

14

Dragon Age: Origins

BioWare's 2009 dark-fantasy RPG hailed as a spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate.

399pts

15

Neverwinter Nights

BioWare's 2002 Dungeons & Dragons RPG with a robust toolset that spawned a huge modding and multiplayer community.

399pts

16

Jade Empire

BioWare's 2005 martial-arts RPG set in a mythic ancient China with real-time combat.

399pts

17

Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura

Troika's 2001 steampunk RPG that pitted technology against magic in a richly detailed world.

399pts

18

Fallout 3

Bethesda's 2008 first-person revival of the post-apocalyptic series set in the Capital Wasteland.

399pts