Best Top Down RPG Games To Check Out Today (Our Choices)

If you're wondering what the best top down RPG games that you could easily pick up today, well you've come to the right place. The conditions we've put in place are:

• We didn't put a Zelda game in here since you don't level up your character. We're sorry Zelda fans, you won't be featured here.
• The orientation of the character camera must be overhead in order to be on this list.
• Top down role playing games cannot be third person or first person.

Listen To This Article

0:00

/15:28

1×

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

20. Chrono Trigger

• Available Platforms: SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, iOS, Android, PC

Chrono Trigger is one of the best role playing games of all time. It was published in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and rapidly became a classic, beloved by fans, even today.

Chrono Trigger is primarily a narrative about friendship and adventure. It follows a group of unexpected heroes as they travel across time to avert a horrific tragedy from destroying the Earth. They meet a varied ensemble of individuals along the journey, each with their own distinct personality and reasons. The time travel aspect of the gameplay is something that has yet to be replicated on this level of detail. We enjoyed playing through every minute of this fantastic rpg.

The story of the game is masterfully designed, with rich dialogue, engaging characters, and unexpected plot twists that keep players involved from start to finish.

19. Final Fantasy VI

• Available Platforms: SNES, PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, iOS, Android, PC

Final Fantasy VI is a top-down role-playing game with a classic turn-based battle system. Yet, it also offers a number of additional components that enhance the gameplay's immersion and excitement. Gamers may modify their characters' talents and spells, and each character has a unique narrative that adds dimension to their personality.

The Espers system is one of Final Fantasy VI's most significant elements. Espers are strong creatures that provide characters magical powers, and players may equip them to learn new talents and improve their attributes. This system adds a layer of strategy to the action, letting players to experiment with different Esper and ability combinations to build their own distinct playstyle.

Final Fantasy VI's has a storyline where the world has been taken over by an evil empire. You and your cast of selectable party members are set out to take on the dangerous Kefka to restore light to the world. There's a ton of character development relating to love, friendships and many other plot twists as you choose to discover the unbelievable amount of playable characters.

18. Baldur's Gate

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

The iconic RPG Baldur's Gate helped significantly to establish the genre to where it is today. It has endured the test of time thanks to its intricately drawn setting, challenging and interesting gameplay, and gripping narrative.

You'll feel right at home within the setting of the Forgotten Realms if you're a fan of the Dungeons and Dragons franchise. You're going to have to take on the role of an adventurer who gets pulled into a conspiracy that threatens the entire human race.

Choose you base character and make changes to their race, class and unique set of abilities. You can pick something as simple or complex as you feel necessary. You'll be happy you picked this up as one of the best top down rpgs of all time.

17. Diablo II

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS

Click and kill is the name of the game in the iconic release of Diablo II. You'll take control of your character class and navigate randomly generated dungeons while slaying hordes of enemies. You'll get to choose between a Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, Necromancer, Paladin and Amazon. A couple of these classic characters are only able to be chosen in the Diablo 2 Expansion.

The item pickups are fantastic and always wanting you to come back and perform another run. The feeling of progression in Diablo 2 is like no other.

The thought of getting that ring that levels up your stats another 10% after putting in hours of work will make you feel like this top down rpg is like no other!

16. Fallout

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

If you're a fan of post apocalyptic games, Fallout on the PC is considered one of the best. Set in an area where you have to take on a mercenary after a nuclear war. Chances are you've come across a Fallout game in the past and what better way to discover the franchise as to where it first started.

The S.P.E.C.I.A.L system gives you the choice to upgrade your traits, skills and abilities. Depending on your playstyle, you can choose your path to enhance your communication, combat, or even lockpicking.

We loved experimenting with different ways forward, being able to persuade people or open doors that you never thought were possible with your skills that you've put together.

15. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

• Available Platforms: Gameboy, Nintendo 3DS

The focus of the Pokemon games is all about catching, training, and competing against other trainers with your very own Pokemon team. When you first begin, you only have one Pokemon, a gift that was donated by Professor Oak.

As you travel the world, making your way through grass fields and dungeons, you'll come across and capture more and more Pokemon along the way. Some will be a walk in the park to catch and others will only come up once, so you'd better make it count.

Levelling up your Pokemon will be no easy feat. You'll have to grind away in order to gain valuable experience. To progress further in the game you'll have to take on the eight gym leaders to earn badges that will grant you a spot in order to face the Elite Four and win the title of Pokemon master.

14. Secret of Mana

• Available Platforms: SNES, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, PC

You've probably heard of Secret of Mana if you enjoy top down role playing games. All over the world fans of the genre still have a soft spot in their hearts for this legendary 1993 game.

The battle system in Secret of Mana is one thing that really gives it the blend of uniqueness. Secret of Mana's real time combat system lets you manage up to three characters at once and replaces conventional turn based fighting. We had a blast being able to switch between characters in flavor of others on the fly

Secret of Mana also makes for a great multiplayer game. That's right, grab up to two of your friends and duke it out together if you have a SNES multi tap laying around. Secret of Mana is a blast if you're looking for a top down RPG.

13. Planescape: Torment

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

If you're a fan of isometric top down role playing games, you'll for sure want to check out Planescape: Torment. Planescape is set in the Dungeons & Dragons reality, which has its own peculiar monsters and unfathomable realities, serves as the setting for the game. The Nameless One, an immortal individual who awakens in a mortuary with no memory of his history, is what you'll be taking on throughout your journey.

Exploring the city of Sigil never felt so real, the way you speak with each of the characters, ultimately leading to having you make decisions that have an impact on the plot never felt so rewarding.

Planescape: Torment is a game you won't want to miss out on. Fans of the RPG genre will learn to love this hidden gem of a game.

12. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

• Available Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo 3DS

If you're in the market for one of the longest rpg games to date, look no further than Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. Coming in at a whopping 61 hours to beat the main quest alone, you're going to get a ton of bang for your buck here.

The main story line sets off where a group of travelers embark on their quest to break a curse that has overtaken their kingdom in Dragon Quest VIII. You'll learn the mysteries of the cursed country along the road as you come across a varied array of individuals, each with their own motivations and backstories.

Dragon Quest VIII is an excellent RPG that you won't be able to put down, the minute you pick that controller up.

11. Suikoden II

• Available Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation Network

Suikoden II offers a distinct gaming experience by fusing turn-based combat, strategy, and exploration. Feel free to explore the extremely vast open area at your leisure. There are 108 party members that you can choose to find and unlock, each with their own set of backstory and set of skills that can be used freely.

With a storyline that is filled with tons of twists and turns along the way, Suikoden II offers a fantastic experience that shouldn't be missed if you're on the hunt for a top down rpg.

10. Pillars of Eternity

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux

Pillars of Eternity brings you a mix of immersive tactical combat that encourages thoughtful preparation and strategy. You're able to pause the game play to inspect what your next move should be along the way.

Carefully planning your next move is the name of the game here, you won't regret picking up Pillars of Eternity if you're into this sort of gameplay.

9. Divinity: Original Sin II

• Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Divinity: Original Sin II brings you a wonderful turn based gameplay mechanic that is rich, challenging, and rewarding. Designing your own characters was such a joy to be able to do, selecting from a range of classes and races, and modifying their skills and powers.

The crafting system made for an extremely addicting feature that allows you to craft resources to make far superior weapons to help you along the way. It always gave us the feeling of just one more craft, ending in hours more of gameplay before we were able to put it down.

8. Xenoblade Chronicles

• Available Platforms: Wii, New Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch

Xenoblade Chronicles is set along the frozen bodies of two enormous giants. You and your party of three will duke it out in real-time battles against countless enemies along the way. The game has a wide range of side missions, trinkets, and crafting possibilities, making it simple to lose dozens of hours playing it.

It's clear to use that Xenoblade Chronicles is a must play and is easily one of the best Wii games of all time, and for good reason.

7. The World Ends with You

• Available Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

The Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo serves as the setting for The World Ends with You, when the film's protagonist Neku is coerced into taking part in a fatal game. The game's battle system is unlike any previous RPG's, forcing players to control Neku and his sidekick by using both the top and bottom screens of the DS to repel waves of foes.

The World Ends with You is simply put, a game that is way ahead of it's time. The use of social commentary, fashion and a gameplay that is clearly like no other, you'll enjoy this top down RPG from start to finish.

6. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

If you're looking for a classic role playing game, you'll for sure want to check out Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn for the PC. It picks up right where the first game left off, but without having to play them in succession.

We loved being able to modify the character classes along with their sets of abilities and race. Along the way, you'll meet and allow other sets of characters to join your party to help you along the way. Seriously, a game this good should not be left alone.

5. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness

• Available Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, PC

The tactical role-playing mechanics in Disgaea: Hour of Darkness are simply fantastic. Created by Nippon Ichi Software, it has gained cult status among aficionados of the genre thanks to its fun gameplay, intriguing plot, and distinctive characters.

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness's narrative follows Laharl's travels, who is the son of the recently departed Overlord of the Netherworld. Laharl faces attacks from competing demon lords and other formidable enemies while navigating the intricate politics of the Netherworld.

Seriously, how could you not want to play a top down rpg with a storyline this intriguing?

4. Ys Origin

• Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Ys Origin is a fantastic RPG game because it delivers a distinctive gameplay experience. You'll take on one of three characters who are on a mission to save the world from an imminent catastrophe in the game's magical and enigmatic setting. You'll be able to can customize your very own playstyle to suit your preferences because each character has a wonderful set of skills and advantages. Leaving you with plenty of replay value in the core gameplay.

Any PC gamer should play the role-playing game Ys Origin. RPG game aficionados will surely enjoy this game's deep gameplay, compelling plot, and stunning graphics for hours on end.

You won't regret trying Ys Origin if you're on the hunt for a new game to add to your library.

3. Transistor

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux, PlayStation 4, iOS, Nintendo Switch

Are you out looking for a game that will immerse you in a world of gorgeous graphics, difficult gameplay, and alluring narrative? You need look no farther than Transistor, an intense PC RPG that provides all of this and more.

Transistor provides a gameplay experience unlike any other thanks to its distinctive mix of action and strategy. Taking on the gameplay of the main character Red, a singer who uses the potent Transistor weapon. Red must take out her weapon to combat the unknown robotic force known as the Process throughout the course of the game.

2. Wasteland 2

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

In Wasteland 2, a planet ravaged by nuclear war is where the game takes place for a gripping narrative. The original game's events take place in the year 2102; this one is set fifteen years later. Assuming the character of a Desert Ranger, you're entrusted with looking into a string of enigmatic assaults on villages in the wasteland.

We had a blast playing through wasteland every step of the way. It's totally worth mentioning on our list of the best top down RPGs of all time, and for good reason.

1. Undertale

• Available Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch

The gameplay in Undertale offers an experience like no other. Instead of the typical bash an opponent over the head, you'll have to decide how to take each opponent on. It's almost like a parody of how an rpg game is meant to be played.

The plot is as decisive as ever. With decisions that are made giving you the option of choosing the ultimate ending depending on the actions you take within the game.

If you're familiar with Earthbound, Undertale will be right up your alley. Taking elements of the cult classic game, every step of the way. There are several intertwining storylines that lead to an exciting finale. The game also has endearing characters, each of them has a distinct personality and backstory.

Conclusion

To recap our list of the best top down RPG games you should totally check out, here are the titles covered:

1. Chrono Trigger (SNES)
2. Final Fantasy VI (SNES)
3. Baldur's Gate (PC)
4. Diablo II (PC)
5. Fallout (PC)
6. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow (Gameboy)
7. Secret of Mana (SNES)
8. Planescape: Torment (PC)
9. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2)
10. Suikoden II (PlayStation)
11. Pillars of Eternity (PC)
12. Divinity: Original Sin II (PC)
13. Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
14. The World Ends with You (Nintendo DS)
15. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (PC)
16. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness (PlayStation 2)
17. Ys Origin (PC)
18. Transistor (PC)
19. Wasteland 2 (PC)
20. Undertale (PC)