10 Best Cult Classic RPGs You Need to Play

While there have been a ton of incredible RPGs released over the years, some great games weren’t massive hits right out of the gate. They may have sold modestly, been overlooked by critics, or released in the shadow of bigger franchises. However, these cult classic RPGs resonated deeply with a smaller audience who kept the game alive long after release.

A cult classic RPG is a game that may not have been a blockbuster, but its unique qualities, strong storytelling, and devoted fan following give a lasting impression that far outgrew the game’s initial success.

Planescape: Torment (1999)

Step Into The Planescape Multiverse

Planescape: Torment is considered a cult classic RPG because of its unconventional approach to storytelling and character design. Unlike most RPGs at the time, it was far more story and character driven as opposed to focusing on combat. Set in the strange and metaphysical D&D Planescape multiverse, its surreal locations and iconic protagonist, the Nameless One, eventually inspired a dedicated cult following.

The game’s writing is widely regarded as some of the best in the genre, with deep conversations and dialogue that shape the story in meaningful ways. Though its mechanics and dated graphics limited mainstream success, its originality and depth ensured its enduring legacy as one of the most unique RPGs ever made.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004)

There May Be A Sequel On The Way, But Nothing Beats The Original

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a 2004 cult classic RPG celebrated for its rich storytelling, original world, and freedom of choice for players. Despite a troubled launch with bugs and technical issues, it immersed players in the dark underworld of modern Los Angeles, where navigating vampire politics and choosing between multiple clans created unique scenarios that made you want to replay multiple times.

Its writing, voice acting, and the story’s morally ambiguous themes set it apart, earning a passionate following that has kept the game alive through fan patches and mods. A long-awaited sequel, Bloodlines 2, is in development, but early previews and development troubles have left fans worried. Many fear it will lack the depth and distinctive atmosphere that made the original unforgettable, among other concerns.

Suikoden II (1999)

A Top-Tier Hidden Gem JRPG

Suikoden II stands as a cult classic JRPG for its ambitious scope and nuanced storytelling. Unlike the first game’s more straightforward rebellion plot, it explores the devastating Dunan Unification War, with the player caught between two childhood friends, Jowy and Nanami. Jowy’s betrayal and rise within the Highland Army is one of the most tragic rivalries in RPG history, forcing players to weigh loyalty against duty.

The game expands the “Stars of Destiny” system, letting players recruit a huge roster of characters with unique storylines and gameplay roles. It refines large-scale army battles with tactical depth and adds duel mechanics. A 2025 remaster of Suikoden I & II is available now on most major platforms, and if you’ve never experienced this legendary and underrated JRPG series, I’d highly recommend it.

Outward (2019)

A Challenging RPG That’s Totally Not A Soulslike

Outward is a cult classic RPG that won fans over with its uncompromising survival mechanics and immersive gameplay. Unlike traditional RPGs where the player is a chosen hero, Outward makes you an ordinary adventurer who must manage hunger, fatigue, disease, and limited resources while exploring its vast open world.

Combat is extremely punishing, and the game incorporates many soulslike elements despite not being part of the genre proper. These design choices frustrate many, but deeply resonate with other players who seek an immersive experience and appreciate a challenge.

Developed by the small Canadian studio Nine Dots, Outward’s ambition was remarkable, combining survival elements, unmatched co-op play, and a dynamic reactive world. Despite mixed or average critical reviews, Outward slowly built a dedicated following and has sold over a million copies since its 2019 release.

Neverwinter Nights (2002)

Neverwinter Nights, developed by BioWare, is a cult classic RPG praised for its incorporation of the D&D 3rd Edition ruleset and powerful modding tools. While its main campaign received mixed reviews for being straightforward compared to the iconic Baldur’s Gate, its true legacy lies in its Aurora Toolset, which allowed fans to create custom campaigns and persistent online worlds.

This user-generated content fostered a devoted community and kept the game alive for years, making it one of the most influential RPGs of its era. Critics highlighted its flexibility and multiplayer innovations, though some noted dated visuals and uneven storytelling. Today, it remains accessible through Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition, which updates the classic for modern systems while preserving its expansive modding scene.

The World Ends With You (2007)

Square Enix’s Best Cult Classic RPG

The World Ends With You is a cult classic RPG from Square Enix that stood out for its stylish urban setting, experimental mechanics, and one-of-a-kind art style. Set in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, players follow Neku, a withdrawn teenager forced into the Reapers’ Game, where the dead must complete dangerous missions to win back their lives.

Its dual-screen combat on the Nintendo DS was groundbreaking, requiring players to control two characters simultaneously using touch controls and button inputs. The game blended modern youth culture such as fashion, music, and graffiti-inspired art with an emotional story.

Though initially a niche release, its unique style, inventive combat, and memorable soundtrack earned it a passionate fanbase over the years, ensuring its reputation as one of Square Enix’s boldest, most beloved cult RPGs.

Xenogears (1998)

Xenogears is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, yet it remains a hidden gem due to its limited availability and lack of a proper remaster. Developed by Square, it blends classic turn-based combat with martial arts-inspired mechanics and epic mech battles, creating a unique gameplay experience.

What truly sets it apart is its ambitious, philosophical narrative, with a scope rarely seen in RPGs of the time. While development constraints left parts of the story rushed, most notably the infamously truncated second disc, its depth, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking ideas have cemented its cult status. Sadly, without an updated remaster or modern release, playing Xenogears today is challenging, but it absolutely deserves a proper remake.

Gothic II (2002)

A Punishing & Unforgettable RPG Experience

Gothic II is a beloved cult classic RPG for its uncompromising design and immersive world. Developed by Piranha Bytes, it drops players into a living, reactive environment where NPCs follow daily routines and choices meaningfully impact factions, quests, and story progression.

Unlike more streamlined RPGs, Gothic II demands patience and dedication, encouraging players to interact with every NPC they come across and explore the game as thoroughly as possible. Combat is punishing, progression is rewarding, and survival depends on mastering the game’s systems.

Exploration is incredibly fun, rewarding players’ curiosity with hidden quests, secrets, and memorable encounters. Though rough around the edges with clunky controls and technical quirks, fans embrace its grit and realism. Over time, this difficult RPG earned a devoted following, and Gothic II has become one of the most beloved cult RPGs in PC history.

EarthBound (1995)

Nintendo’s Most Treasured Cult Classic RPG

EarthBound is a cult classic RPG beloved for its quirky humor, heartfelt charm, and unconventional take on the genre. Fans were drawn to its “modern-day” 90s setting, where kids wield baseball bats and yo-yos against bizarre enemies like hippies, living coffee cups, and aliens.

Its writing blends absurd comedy with surprising depth. The game is as silly as it is impactful. The simple, turn-based combat is elevated by a unique “rolling HP meter” that allows players to clutch victories in tense situations. Though it sold poorly at release, fans embraced its offbeat style, witty dialogue, and imaginative world. Community devotion and word of mouth have since made EarthBound one of Nintendo’s most treasured cult classics.

Moon: Remix RPG Adventure (1997)

The “Anti-RPG” That Reimagines The RPG Experience

Moon: Remix RPG Adventure is a cult classic RPG that flipped the genre on its head, calling itself an “anti-RPG.” Instead of slaying monsters, players guide a young boy through a surreal world, freeing the souls of creatures killed by a traditional hero.

Time passes in real days, NPCs follow unique schedules, and progress comes from observation, acts of kindness, and uncovering hidden stories rather than battles or defeating enemies in combat encounters.

Its dreamlike visuals, humor, and emotional themes about love and empathy resonated with players looking for something different. Though it never saw an official English release until 2020, fan buzz and word of mouth kept its reputation alive, solidifying Moon: Remix Adventure RPG as a bold, subversive cult classic RPG far ahead of its time.

Moon: Remix RPG Adventure

Systems

Released

August 27, 2020

ESRB

e

Developer(s)

Love-de-Lic

Publisher(s)

Ascii, Onion Games

Engine

Unity