It’s the start of a brand new year, meaning a whole year of games to look to forward. We are going to go over some of the most anticipated RPGs that caught our eye and titles we simply can’t wait to play in 2023. In this article, we’ll show you what awaits you in the coming year and trust us when we say there is plenty to be excited for.
Top 10 Anticipated RPGs of 2023
2023 looks to be another year chock full of great roleplaying games, and the list keeps on growing. We have some sequels, reboots, new IPs and much more to feast our eyes on. While there are a number of RPGs expected to launch in the new year, we’ve narrowed down some of the games that are worth keeping on your radar. So without further ado let’s get into the year of 2023!
Honourable Mention: Baldur’s Gate 3
Release Date: August 2023 (Leaving Early Access)
Platform: PC
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: Larian Studios
Finally making its full launch, the CRPG Baldur’s Gate 3 was first released in Early Access in 2020 but will finally be moving to its 1.0 version in the new year. The Early Access version is said to be roughly a third of the content expected to release upon launch according to the devs.
In case you missed it the title is a new entry to the classic CRPG series. Players can follow the origins of different characters which are fully customisable. Put together your own party of companions as you travel to the Forgotten Realms. The narrative sets to focus on an intriguing plot full of fellowship and betrayal. The title is based on the D&D 5e ruleset with turn-based combat, letting players play alone with their own band of companions, or team up online in multiplayer.
Since the early access release of the game, BG3 has seen a number of updates with not only tweak’s to gameplay but additional content such as new playableclasses. But there is still plenty yet to come when the game has its full launch. The devs have already teased a legendary prisoner and a new Paladincompanionjoining the mix who wields a hammer.Paladinshave two subclasses, Oath of Devotion which can unleash a vengeful aura, and Oath of the Ancients which can heal their party at hand with an AOE.
It’s finally time to gather your party asBaldur’s Gate 3is unleashing its full potential in August 2023. If you can’t wait that long, you can always get a taste of what’s come with the early access version available on Steam. Whether you’re planning to play aBard,Barbarianor even aPaladin, head to ourBaldur’s Gate 3 wikifor all the latest info.
10. Blue Protocol
Release Date: Last half of 2023
Platform: PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Bandai Namco Online
Publisher: Amazon Games
A title that has been long awaited by fans, Blue Protocol has finally been confirmed to be coming west. The MMORPG which is expected to launch sometime in Q3 or Q4 of 2023, combines an anime art style with a vibrant 3D fantasy world. Following the heroic tale of Regnas, a world that is on the very edge of destruction after experiencing millennia of conflict after the overuse of technological advancement. United by the aim to defeat the powerful foes, players will harness the mysterious light known as Flux to aid them.
The title will launch with five unique classes to the online Action-RPG, being Blade Warden, Twin Striker, Keen Strider, Spell Weave and Foe Breaker. The combat sets to have fluid action-heavy battles, letting players adventure solo or with friends. Players will also have the help of mystical summoned creatures known as Echoes to not only help save the world but unlock memories dormant in their character’s mind.
Blue Protocol is under a partnership between Amazon Games and Bandai Namco Online. This free to play title could be another great multiplayer game as Amazon adds another online title to their roster after Lost Ark and New World.
Blue Protocolwill be coming to PC, Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in the last half of 2023. A closed beta is expected to take place earlier in the year for PC.
9. The Lords of The Fallen
Release Date: 2023
Platform: Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: HEXWORKS
Publisher: CI Games
TheLords of the Fallenis the reboot of 2014 title but sets to be five times larger than the original game. This time around the Dark Crusader is aided by a mystical lantern, which seems to help exorcise the dead. Your role will be to embark upon a quest to overthrow the demon lord Adyr. Players will have vast locations to explore with interconnected worlds.
Characters will truly be your own with plenty of visual customisation options as well as builds with nine different classes to choose from. The tactical combat allows for a range of options when it comes to playstyle as there are hundreds of weapons and magic at your fingertips. The most intriguing feature seems to be the lantern which possesses a bridge between worlds. Death doesn’t quite seem like the end of all things as you still have a chance to fight your way back to the living, but only as a final chance.
The game looks to have some supernatural elements tied into an Action-RPG with some souls-like influence. If playing as a Dark Crusader going beyond the veil takes your fancy, be on the lookout for The Lords of the Fallen next year.
The title is expected to release in 2023 for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
8. Forspoken
Release Date: January 24th
Platform: PC & PS5
Developer: Luminous Productions
Publisher: Square Enix
Creating a unique blend of modern world colliding with magic, Forspoken follows the New Yorker Frey as she is transported to the world of Athia. The title is action packed, with the use of fast parkour stunts and magical abilities.
Frey will have a companion or rather an accessory known as Cuff that can cast powerful spells. This includes zipping across the land at great speed and is pretty useful in fighting against foes. Frey of course doesn’t belong in this mystical land, and must find her way back to her own world, which will pose quite a challenge.
Gameplay shows a good mix of parkour-like moves with plenty of fast action. Explore a beautiful world that is just as dangerous as it is beautiful. Filled with magical creatures such as dragons and enemies. Athia was once even more breathtaking and prosperous until the calamity only known as The Break. The benevolent leaders called the Tantas, along with all their lands and followers were corrupted. Frey will use a range of spells, plus run, jump, scale walls as well as dash to traverse the world.
Forspokenis set to come to platforms Playstation 5 and PC via Steam on January 24th 2023.
7. Wild Hearts
Release Date: February 17th
Platform: PS 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC
Developer: EA Games
Publisher: Omega Force, Koei Tecmo
Now if you like the idea of combining behemoth hunting with contraption building then this one’s for you. Koei Tecmo’s answer to monster hunting has its own spin on the genre in Wild Hearts. In this brand-new epic adventure, players will be testing their building skills just as much as their fighting skills with the use of ancient tech called Karakuri. You can also use standard weapons such as katanas, mauls or even the Bladed Wagasa, an umbrella-type weapon.
In a world that is inhabited by large beasts called Kemono, these wild beasts are on the rampage and also affect the natural environment around them. Azuma is stunning, but this land is teeming with these monsters. The title is inspired by feudal Japan, but with a fantasy flavour. Stand your ground by using the tech at hand to take down these threats. One type of Karakuri is the Dragon type, its offensive capabilities include Flying Vine, Wind Vortex and Roller. The last one lets you hop on a gyro-wheel type vehicle, that speedily lets you get around. Crafting means you can build blocks to get further off the ground and even lets you create gliders to get you straight into the heart of the action.
This multiplayer title has large regions to traverse based on the four seasons. Visit your home base in the village of Minato to set up before your hunt. The game also supports crossplay so you can team up with friends no matter what platform they’re playing on.
Wild Heartswill be entering the fray on February 17th 2023 for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
6. Final Fantasy XVI
Release Date: June 22nd
Platform: PS5
Developer: Square Enix
Final Fantasy is one long-running franchise and keeping things fresh with each entry is not an easy task. The upcoming entry Final Fantasy XVI has some changes to the way they will handle summons and will have a much darker take on the game’s story this time around. But don’t worry as there will still be plenty of elements from the series that fans know and love such as Ifrit, Shiva and more.
FF16 will be a tale of revenge, political intrigue and lots of action. Following protagonist Clive Rosfield in the realm of Valisthea who can wield the power of an Eikon. The Blight now threatens the peace that once reigned, affecting the Aether, a precious resource that is worth fighting for. This causes war to break out, heavily influencing the political landscape.
One major departure in this entry is the use of abilities that can bechannelled through Dominants. These people can use the inherited powers of dangerous creatures called Eikons, but at a price. This takes a toll on their bodies each time they use these powers. This could be a refreshing take on the series especially when it comes to combat with the main character Clive being able to switch between martial arts in combat and summons seamlessly in real-time . Clive will be the main playable character, but he will also team up with companions controlled by AI who will accompany him in battle. But there are also Eikon versus Eikon battles which look rather epic.
Final Fantasy 16will be released on June 22nd 2023 for Playstation 5 as a timed exclusive.
5. Lies of P
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Neowiz
Publisher: Neowiz
Another intriguing title releasing in 2023 is the fairytale inspiredLies of P. Following the journey of Carlo Collodi’s classic character Pinocchio, who is left to save the abandoned city of Krat in the dark world of Bell Epoque. Here he will be on a quest to find Mr. Geppetto, his father or creator depending on how you look at it. This Action-RPG draws inspiration from games such asBloodborneand Bioshock, with its own unique approach with souls-like combat.
Combat involves an array ofWeaponsincluding wielding swords, mauls and even uses his left hand to unleash bolts of electricity. Using theLegion: Fulminis to take down mechanical monstrosities and creepy puppets. The combat sets to have fluid movement, allowing players to dodge, parry and enjoy responsive gameplay. What’s also interesting is that the choices or “lies” that Pinocchio makes will also shape the story, affecting quests as well as the enemies he will face.
The game is shaping up to be a dark, fantasy title with some interesting combat, especially with the use of the shock ability. Lies of P does stray away from the original story quite a bit, as he’s equipped with a mechanical arm. This can be customised with different attachments from Flamethrowers to a Wire Hook. Changing out different arm attachments to best deal with the situation at hand.
Lies of Pwill launch sometime in 2023 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S.
4. Starfield
Release Date:
Platform: PC & Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: Bethesda
We’re heading into the Starfield finally as the anticipated NASA-punk RPG will be launching in 2023. What exactly is NASA-punk? Well it’s inspired by real-life space tech, combining realism with sci-fi planetary exploration. This title will pit players against the hard realities of space while balancing the fun of science fiction. This game has a lot to live up to as it’s the first new universe by Bethesda Game Studios in 25 years.
Bethesda’s latest RPG will have a whole dynamic quest and faction system. Players will meet different settlements, each with their own set of problems for you to solve. These will lead to quests with their own dungeons, making for dynamic gameplay. Explore the Solar System through missions from Constellation, an organisation motivated to find out more about the origins of this universe. Uncover mysteries that hopefully will tell more about what happened to Earth. The universe sounds quite expansive with over a 1000 planets to explore. How varied these will be is currently unknown but who wouldn’t want to venture through space for the ultimate adventure?
Exploration is not limited to your ship, as you can spend time collecting resources from planets and create a space base, a home away from home. HireNPCsto help you out with day-to-day activities. But not all is peaceful as there will be those who want what you have. These space pirates are dangerous, and you will need aweaponor two to fend them off. Players can use a number of ranged weapons such as SMGs, rifles and shotguns. But you’re not limited to these run-of-the-mill ranged weapons, as there are more sci-fi-orientated weaponry such as energy and plasma guns. You can also engage in spaceship battles.
Starfieldwill be coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2023.
3. Hogwarts Legacy
Release Date: February 10th
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5/Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S April 4th (Switch July 25th)
Developer: Avalanche Software
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Things are about to get magical. Hogwarts Legacy is an Action-RPG adaptation of the wizarding world based on Harry Potter. This title shows a lot of promise for fans of the franchise. The game sets to include not only the charms you’d find in your usual Hogwarts experience but also the rather more serious unforgivable curses concerned with the dark arts.
While set in the same universe as HP, the game takes place in the 1800s, where you play as a 5th-year student. There are rumours of a goblin rebellion being led by Ranrok, supported by an alliance of witches and wizards. Together with trusted companions, other students from the school and your professors, it’s up to you to find out why corrupted magic is threatening the wizarding world. Your actions as well as choices in-game will also affect the character’s lives, having much larger consequences by affecting the ending of the game.
The locations so far reveal some iconic places from the books, including the Hogwarts grounds which can be explored upon broomstick, meaning getting the full experience as a student of the school. Discover magical beasts, craft potions and cast magic. Take part in duels, battles where magical folk will duke it out usingSpells.Battle Arenaswill have a much more challenging experience at hand, with the use of Unforgiveable Curses such as Imperio, Crucio and even Avada Kedavra. Having both offensive and defensive magic, Curses can break an opponent’s shield charms.
Hogwarts Legacywill apparating on February 10th for PC, Playstation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
2. Wo Long Fallen Dynasty
Release Date: March 3rd 2023
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty sets to be a soulslike based on the Three Kingdoms era set in the later Han Dynasty. This period is full of conflict and chaos, so is a perfect setting for a challenging combat game. While taking historical inspiration, this world is infested with demons which are causing havoc with the once prosperous dynasty now teetering upon collapse. Taking on the role as a militia soldier, it’s down to the player to push back against the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
The scope seems to be on quite a large scale compared to previous titles the studio has done in the past such asNioh 2. The game just like Nioh sets to have plenty of mythical and dark fantasy elements, with some brutal sword slashing. Instead of a traditional character levelling system, the Morale system will determine theircharacterssuccess in combat. Defeating more enemies will raise your Morale Rank. Enemies with a higher Morale Rank will mean faster progression. Making facing off against more challenging enemies more rewarding.
Combatis fast-paced usingWizardry SpellsandMartial Artsto defeat your foes. The use of the Spirit gauge determines when you’re able to block or dodge. But spamming attacks will empty the gauge, meaning keeping an eye on your moves in order to empower your Martial Arts. There is a range of fantasy elements and action gameplay which will be loved by Nioh and Ninja Gaiden fans.
Wo Long Fallen Dynastywill launch on March 3rd for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One and PC.
1. Diablo 4
Release Date: June 6th
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Hold onto your loot as Lilith is coming. That’s right, Diablo 4 takes our top spot as it’s the ARPG we’ve been waiting for. Diablo 4 was first announced in 2019, and has since been in development. This title is set in the world of Sanctuary, set in the aftermath of the event of Diablo 3 with the defeat of Prime Evil. Sanctuary has slowly rebuilt, but peace doesn’t last long as there is an old evil on the rise, Lilith Queen of the Succubi.
Sanctuary is split into five regions, whereby players can explore an open world upon mount with their trusty steed. The game will be online only with a host of social activities to take part in. This includes public events and joining social hubs. Choose from five playableClassesincludingBarbarian,Druid,Necromancer,RogueandSorcereress, as you battle through the extensive lands or fight through corrupted dungeons. There also seems to be a lot of customisation when it comes to your character, down to the smallest details such as facial features.
This time around players will be faced with a new challenge with World Tiers. The higher the level the more challenging enemies they will encounter and of course better rewards. Moving from one tier to the next will also have its own gatekeeper. This boss will be what stands in your way of making it to the higher world tier. After players reach level 50, they will have access to the Paragon Board, which provides further ways to customise your build. You can also team up with others players through cross-play, which works across all platforms. You also won’t be limited by your level or where you are storywise when it comes to grouping up. IfPVPis more your style you can venture to PVP zones and fight for glory.
Diablo 4will be unleashing hell on June 6th for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
What did you think of our list? What RPGs are most looking forward to in 2023? Let us know in the comments below.
