When I set out to rank the best action RPGs of all-time, I didn't expect it to trigger a war among my colleagues. What constitutes an ARPG, we pondered, and what differentiates them from the best RPGs as a whole? We settled on the fact that action RPGs put a stronger focus on combat compared to more story-based experiences, taking level and loot-based systems a step further.
With many ways to skill up and spec out your playable characters, achieving the ultimate power fantasy is often the goal in the best action role-playing games. Many games on this list are a testament to that, with combat so good you won't care that the story is bland. Others among the best choice-based RPGs show that you actually can have branching questlines and deep action mechanics all at once. I've also included vibes for each pick, which you can learn more about in our handy FAQ section.
