The 10 Most Underrated RPGs of the Last Decade, Ranked

There is an undeniable magic woven into the role-playing genre. These virtual worlds craft unforgettable narratives that enthusiasts return to year after year, populated by legendary figures and profound philosophical themes—even if their protagonists are occasionally plagued by amnesia, gravity-defying spiky hair, and broadswords that easily eclipse their own body weight.

A truly exceptional RPG is a generational treasure. While millions naturally flock to flagship titles like *Final Fantasy* or celebrated contemporary arrivals such as *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio*, the past decade has quietly sheltered a wealth of brilliant masterpieces that slipped past the mainstream spotlight. Here is our curated countdown of the ten most criminally underrated RPGs of the last ten years, designed to guide you toward some of the most rewarding gaming journeys you may have inadvertently overlooked.

10

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Available on: Switch, Switch 2, PS5, PC

Originally making its debut in Japan all the way back in 2004 under the title *Eiyuu Densetsu: Sora no Kiseki*, *Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter* eventually crossed overseas thanks to Xseed Games in 2011, followed by a PC conversion in 2014. More recently, developer Falcom revisited this cherished classic, crafting a stunning, ambitious reimagining that seamlessly marries real-time action with strategic turn-based mechanics, all while preserving the sweeping lore and majestic scale that defined the original release. A dedicated remake of the second chapter arrived earlier this year. Though both iterations earned critical acclaim and cultivated a fiercely loyal following among genre aficionados, they rarely occupy the same cultural conversation as commercial monoliths. Do yourself a favor and experience them.

9

Harvestella

Available on: Switch, PC

Ever since the debut of *Harvest Moon* on the Super Famicom back in 1996, virtual agriculture has held an enduring, almost hypnotic grip on the gaming populace. While titles like *Stardew Valley* and modern *Story of Seasons* entries have kept the cozy flame burning alongside various lifestyle simulators, developer Live Wire took a distinctive route with *Harvestella*. This striking action-RPG offers a robust selection of twelve distinct vocations—ranging from traditional warriors to arcane mages—while tasking players with tending homesteads, forging relationships with the residents of the village of Lethe, and unravelling a compelling, high-stakes mystery that underpins all the routine fishing, crafting, and crop-harvesting.

8

Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk

Available on: Switch, PS4, Vita, PC

First-person, hardcore dungeon crawlers of the old-school variety are certainly an acquired taste. However, for devotees of venerable franchises like *Wizardry* and *Etrian Odyssey*, *Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk* stands as an absolute must-play. Debuting on the PlayStation Vita in Japan back in 2016 before reaching Western shores across multiple platforms a couple of years later, this eccentric adventure casts you as a sentient, mystical tome capable of conjuring an entire brigade of synthetic puppet soldiers. While the narrative centers on a quest to resurrect a cherished departed soul, the deeply rewarding tactical combat and labyrinthine exploration are what truly hook players—paving the way for its stellar sequel, *Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society*, in 2020.

7

The DioField Chronicle

Available on: Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

Having a publishing heavyweight like Square Enix behind a project usually guarantees immediate commercial triumph, yet *The DioField Chronicle* unfortunately suffered a quieter fate. Despite boasting a sophisticated geopolitical plot exploring the devastating realities of armed conflict, alongside a fluid combat system that brilliantly fuses real-time strategy with tactical depth, the game largely flew beneath the radar. Co-developed by Lancarse (*Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey*) with breathtaking character designs by Isamu Kamikokuryo (*Final Fantasy XII*), it features exceptional pedigree. For tacticians seeking a rich campaign to conquer after exhausting titles like *Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave*, *The DioField Chronicle* is an essential journey.

6

Monark

Available on: Switch, PS4, PS5, PC

Another brilliant creation from Lancarse, *Monark* is set within the eerie confines of Shin Mikado Academy—a high school isolated from the outside world by a maddening, demonic mist. To reclaim their freedom, students must plunge into a surreal Otherworld to vanquish monstrous entities through intense tactical battles. While it drew minor criticism for its reliance on level grinding, the game’s intricate mechanics, dark atmospheric storytelling co-written by Fuyuki Hayashi (*Crystar*), and oversight by Kazunari Suzuki (early *Shin Megami Tensei* games) give it a distinct classic pedigree. Accompanied by a hauntingly melancholic soundtrack, it easily wins over any dedicated RPG enthusiast willing to overlook a few rough edges.

5

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Available on: Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

Launched via a massive Kickstarter campaign in 2020, *Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes* was conceived as a spiritual successor to Konami’s dormant *Suikoden* franchise. Headed by the late Yoshitaka Murayama—creator of the original *Suikoden* and director of its first two entries—alongside the newly formed Rabbit & Bear Studios, the project overwhelmingly delivered on its ambitious promises. Tragically, Murayama passed away on February 6, 2024, just months before the game’s official release. Upon arrival, critics and players warmly embraced its engaging narrative and nostalgic sensibilities, earning it widespread praise as both a standalone masterpiece and a heartfelt tribute for longtime genre traditionalists.

4

CrossCode

Available on: Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

For lovers of glorious 16-bit aesthetics, *CrossCode* serves up an exceptional blend of action-RPG design. Set within a distant sci-fi future, it features lightning-fast combat, ingenious environmental puzzles, and an intriguing narrative anchored by a mute protagonist waking up with total amnesia. Drawing clear inspiration from timeless 16-bit classics like *Chrono Trigger* and *Terranigma*, *CrossCode* earned stellar reviews upon its 2018 launch, though it has unfortunately remained somewhat overshadowed by louder commercial giants in the years since.

3

The Caligula Effect 2

Available on: Switch, PS4, PS5, PC

Crafted by the creative minds of Tadashi Satomi (*Persona*) and Takuya Yamanaka (*Heroland*), *The Caligula Effect 2* builds upon a lineage stretching back to the 2016 Vita original (later expanded via *The Caligula Effect: Overdose*). While the original premise followed students trapped in a deceptive virtual simulation resembling high school, the sequel refines the formula with streamlined combat systems, vastly improved dungeon layouts, and polished visual presentation. The result is a vibrant, deeply satisfying experience that serves as the perfect antidote for *Persona* fans waiting patiently for the eventual arrival of *Persona 6*.

2

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Available on: PS5, PC, Xbox Series X

Developed by Dontnod Entertainment (*Life is Strange*) and released in 2024, *Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden* transports players to the haunted, untamed wilderness of 1695 North America—an unconventional backdrop that immediately sets it apart. The protagonists, Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith, are professional “banishers” drawn to the New World by a tragic distress call. As their investigation unfolds, the narrative spirals into deeply emotional and supernatural territory, branching out toward five distinct conclusions. Though its unique genre-defying premise limited its initial commercial explosion, it remains a genuine hidden gem that action-RPG enthusiasts owe it to themselves to experience.

1

SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions

Available on: Switch, PC, PS4

*SaGa Scarlet Grace* successfully resurrected a long-dormant franchise when it launched on the PlayStation Vita in Japan back in 2016, though it initially bypassed Western shores entirely. Fortunately, an expanded and enhanced edition titled *SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions* arrived globally across multiple modern platforms three years later. This definitive version introduced full voice acting, additional characters, refined musical arrangements, and expanded plot threads. While it didn’t match the stratospheric sales figures of *Final Fantasy* or *Dragon Quest*, it won over critics and purists alike, keeping the beloved *SaGa* lineage thriving brightly into the modern era.

Source: Polygon