The Role-Playing Video Game Taxonomy: RPG Subgenres Made Simpler

In an ideal scenario, a genre label provides useful information. For instance, when you notice the “real-time strategy” tag beneath a video game, you typically understand that it involves workers collecting resources and a group of soldiers assaulting enemy fortifications. When you come across “first-person shooter”, you’re likely to adjust your field of view (FOV) and always keep one finger poised for reloading.

When you come across the label “role-playing game,” you might anticipate an interactive experience that involves creating a character and making decisions for them within a fictional setting, often with elements of fantasy, adventure, or strategy. However, as your gaming history may influence your expectations, it’s important to remember that experiences can vary greatly depending on the era when those formative gaming moments occurred.

Rather than any other type of game, role-playing games (RPGs) can be quite confusing due to their many categories, leading to several sub-genres that aim to bring some structure to the complexity. Let’s explore some of the most well-known ones!

cRPG – A View From the Top

Generally recognized as the classic form of role-playing video games, CRPGs (Computer Role-Playing Games) were originally defined in the late 1900s when the term was quite fitting. Today, we can describe a CRPG as an immersive, interactive experience that allows players to explore fantastical worlds, build characters, and make decisions that impact the game’s storyline and outcome.

Among all RPG subgenres, they typically show the most fascination with intricate dialogue systems, enabling players to shape their characters and impact the storyline. An exceptional contemporary illustration of this is the groundbreaking game “Disco Elysium“, which elevated narrative reactivity and depth to unprecedented heights, thereby significantly increasing its replay value.

CRPGs often provide control over a group of adventurers rather than just one character, enhancing narrative depth while offering crucial assistance in tactical combat. Historically, this subgenre has employed the real-time with pause format, mimicking real-time strategies, but outstanding CRPGs have successfully utilized turn-based battles. The original Fallout serves as an early model, while Baldur’s Gate 3, set to release in 2023, is a contemporary example and one of the finest RPGs of the last decade.

A common feature in many tactical party games is a top-down view, whether isometric or from a bird’s eye perspective, of the battlefield. However, games like Knights of the Old Republic and Neverwinter Nights have demonstrated that even with a smaller scale, a third-person perspective can be highly effective.

If a more intimate experience is what you’re after, you may find the following genre more appealing.

Action RPGs – Close Enough to Get Splashed

If you prefer a hands-on approach and would rather manipulate characters directly, rather than issuing commands, Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) could be the ideal choice for you.

The way they play their game continuously leans more towards action genres, featuring instant controls, prompt attacks, and typically a third-person or first-person viewpoint. Some titles, for instance, the latest game Avowed, grant players the flexibility to alternate between these two perspectives whenever they desire.

Action Role-Playing Games (RPGs) often place significant importance on battle sequences, but their narrative styles can vary greatly. For instance, games like Cyberpunk 2077 are heavily story-focused and take immense care in crafting engaging plots and themes. By contrast, titles such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim lean more towards open-world exploration and player actions rather than textual storytelling.

In games like Cyberpunk or Elden Ring, while the number of choices you might have may be less than in traditional RPGs, each choice can still significantly influence the storyline. This is evidenced by the various deep and impactful endings these games offer.

Tactical RPGs – Chess With Personality

Tactical Role Playing Games (RPGs) occupy a middle ground. Previously known as Japanese RPGs (JRPG), this label is no longer useful due to the evolution of gaming. They typically feature a narrative that’s mostly linear, yet deeply character-focused. In battle scenarios, these games employ turn-based mechanics or similar systems and heavily emphasize strategic and tactical planning.

Certain games, like “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” and “Tactical Breach Wizards”, come with comprehensive grid-based movements that enable players to strategically place their units one by one, so they can seek shelter or encircle adversaries during each turn.

In contrast to games such as “Persona 5 Royal” and “Battle Chasers: Nightwar”, these titles do not allow characters to move during combat. Instead, they focus solely on strategically utilizing a character’s skills for both offense and defense.

MMORPGs – Better With a Guild

One disadvantage (or an advantage, depending on your perspective) of the preceding three subgenres is that they are typically designed for solo play. However, if you’re looking for more social interactions, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are a perfect fit, making the “MMO” abbreviation a more convenient choice.

This genre has been around for quite some time, and it found its deepest roots in the 1990s with games like Ultima Online or Everquest. Over the past two decades, World of Warcraft has ruled supreme as the unchallenged king among MMORPGs. However, in recent times, Final Fantasy XIV has been experiencing a surge in popularity that it truly deserves.

One attractive aspect of this genre lies in its ability to immerse you in a shared universe where hundreds, or even thousands, of individuals embark on unique journeys, unite to overcome formidable obstacles, and frequently engage in lively role-playing and camaraderie with fellow players. It’s like stepping into a vibrant community where everyone is having a great time together.

Absolutely, there’s more than just one factor at play: MMORPGs often keep players coming back because they offer strong frameworks for thrilling Player versus Player battles and the chance to craft intricate game mechanics, appealing to those who prefer a deep, immersive gaming experience.

Rogue-lites – Next Time for Sure

The offspring of Rogue exhibit diverse traits, yet there’s an essence of role-playing game (RPG) character about them. Essentially, your character navigates through randomly generated areas teeming with dangerous foes, hazards, and obstacles, aiming to complete a “labyrinth” (not necessarily a traditional dungeon). It’s highly unlikely you’ll conquer it in one go.

When a character perishes, they are back at the symbolic starting point, shedding much of their acquired equipment and enhancements from their previous journey. However, they retain valuable resources that can be utilized for enhancing skills and gear. The cycle then repeats: try, try again, and try yet again. Perhaps there is no clearer embodiment of this pattern than games like Hades 1 and 2, both exceptional in terms of content, narratives, challenges, and rewarding combat mechanics.

More Than the Eye Can See

These five genres serve as one possible way to categorize them, but due to the infinite creativity and variety inherent in this genre, strictly defining specific categories might not be achievable. To some extent, these five (or six, if we consider sandbox RPGs separate from Action RPGs) are simply components, and every RPG should be assessed based on its unique qualities rather than grouping them together.

The essential aspect is that Role-Playing Games (RPGs) are an exceptional category brimming with thrilling journeys, distinct characters, striking equipment, and unique interactivity not found in other categories. With fantastic RPG deals available on the G2A.COM Marketplace, you can embark on your digital adventures immediately, utilizing various subgenres as helpful starting points to unlock your gateway.

Your turn!

2025-04-02 11:14