The best RPGs of 2022 – All the greatest RPG games still to come

WE have been spoiled by a delectable line-up of RPG games, but there are more RPGs coming in 2022.

Despite being just halfway through the year we have already seen a number of high-quality RPGs from every kind of genre.

From classic turn-based strategy RPGs such as Triangle Strategy and Monark to action RPGs such as Elden Ring and Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.

We’ve even had games that stray far from the usual formula such as the delightfully surprising Pokémon Legends: Arceus. 

While many of these will likely be some of the best games of 2022, the year has plenty of delights left in store.

So if you’re a fan of RPGs and you’re interested to find out just what the rest of the year has prepared for us, you won’t be disappointed.

One of your favourite RPGs of the year could still be yet to come.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch, 29. Jul)

The next installment in the Xenoblade Chronicles series is right around the corner, and the release got moved forward from its original September launch.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is out on July 29, bringing the worlds from the two mainline games together for the first time.

Fans are still unsure of the details of the story though some small plot details have been announced.

What we know for sure is that the combat system has seen a huge overhaul.

Parties can now have up to seven members – up from the previous three – and characters can change class as and when they wish. 

Persona 5 Royal (PC/PS5/Xbox, 21. Oct)

While it was first released for PS4, Persona 5 Royal is one of the best RPGs of all time, and this year it is coming to the latest generations of console and PC.

In it, you play as Joker, a high school student who is forced to move to Tokyo after being falsely accused of a crime.

On his journey, he encounters a misfit crew and together they dive deep into criminals’ minds in order to teach them a lesson. 

What’s better than one Persona game coming to modern consoles? That’s right, three of them.

Developer Atlus also announced that both Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable would be coming to the latest consoles too, though no set date has been announced for these yet.

Gotham Knights (PS5/Xbox/PC, 25. Oct)

Following the death of Gotham’s beloved caped crusader, it is up to Red Hood, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin to keep the city safe from crime.

They’ll be taking on the Court of Owls, a rich and influential group of criminals taking over Gotham’s seedy underbelly.

Gotham Knights can be played in either co-op or solo with each of the four protagonists playing completely differently.

Depending on your playstyle, you can take on Gotham’s worst equally well using Nightwing’s speed, or Red Hood’s raw strength.

Quite a lot of gameplay has already been shown off and it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (Switch, 18. Nov)

Pokémon has been on a roll of late setting up to release three major games in just 12 months.

Late in 2021, we saw the fourth generation remakes known as Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and in January we received the first open-world title, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

However, developer Game Freak has also announced that the ninth generation of Pokémon is already on the horizon.

Based on Spain, the new region will feature not only different legendaries based on which version you buy — you’ll have a different starting professor, too.

The new games will mix the previous Pokémon with the new Gen 9 designs.

So far we have seen the starters: Sprigatito, a grass cat, Fuecoco, a fiery croc, and Quaxly, a matador duck, as well as Smoliv, Lechonk, and Pawmi.

It’s going to be a must-buy for all Pokémon fans.

Hogwarts Legacy (Switch/PS5/Xbox/PC, Late 2022)

While it has been years since we were first promised an open-world adventure set in the wizarding school of Hogwarts during the 1800s, it seems that Hogwarts Legacy is almost upon us.

Though author J.K Rowling isn’t directly involved in the new game, the canon from the Harry Potter stories has been kept.

You can create your own student, and explore life as if you were delivered your invitation on your eleventh birthday personally.

Take part in classes, cast spells, tame magical beasts, and make friends in the world of Hogwarts. You can even decide if you want to fight on the side of good or evil. The options seem endless.

Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion (Switch/PS5/Xbox/PC, Late 2022)

While it was a long wait, fans were more than pleased with the remake of the most popular game in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy VII.

Square Enix has fans in the palm of its hand once again after it announced that it would be remaking Crisis Core, formerly only released on the PlayStation Portable. 

In the original, which was released in 2007, you find out more about Zack, Cloud’s former teammate, Aeris’ ex-boyfriend, and Sephiroth’s past right-hand man.

Seeing images from this latest remake, the game has received a massive graphical overhaul as well as new combat features and story elements. 

Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.