The RPG genre encompasses several subgenres followed by devoted fans. It's here that we find isometric RPGs, populated by very importante franchises. As is always the case with the role-playing genre, some go for a more narrative focus, while others approach gameplay first. However, one must first understand what is a game that claims to be isometric.
Here, isometric refers to a display mode that shows our characters from above, albeit with a slightly tilted angle that gives details of the environment that wouldn't be visible otherwise. The camera remains fixed all the time, which is ideal for getting a wider view of the environment surrounding the main character. This lets us anticipate waves of enemies and spots secrets such as loot or new dungeons to explore.
To start with, how could we forget Diablo IV as a must-have isometric RPG? The Diablo formula is as addicting as ever, with plenty of enemies to defeat and endless loot to collect. We upgrade our character's abilities constantly, and this lets us face bigger enemies in turn. What's more, Blizzard brings new content with every season. However, there is plenty of competition, with Path of Exile 2 taking everything that made the genre succesful and adding some much-needed improvements. Once again, this is a live title that welcomes new things to do at a regular pace.
With that said, isometric RPGs can offer a deeper narrative too. Disco Elysium is a perfect example. The game puts us in the shoes of an amnesiac detective who must find the truth behind this murder and remember who he is. Baldur's Gate III also has a story full of twists and turns that changes depending on the player's choices in an absolutely incredible fantasy universe. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is no slouch either, delivering a narratively rich adventure with cutting-edge features to surprise the player.
But in the world of games that opt for an isometric view, it's impossible to ignore Supergiant Games' Hades. This time, we're talking of a roguelike in which we must escape from the underworld. This title inspired by the Greek mythology may seem minimalist at first glance, but it has a depth rarely matched in the genre. The sequel will go out in version 1.0 sometimes in 2025. Special mention goes to Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, which boasts of being the first RPG set in the 41 millennium. Here, the Warhammer is pretty well represented.
Finally, there are some legendary titles that are a must-play. We're thinking of the iconic Fallout 2, with its challenging gameplay and timeless post-apocalyptic world. Diablo II: Resurrected revives an iconic isometric game with a slightly modernized approach. Finally, Octopath Traveler falls into the more classic JRPG category with its turn-based combat and pixel art graphics.
Without further ado, here are the 18 isometric RPGs you absolutely must play in 2025.
1. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch (Cloud), and PC
2. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
3. Path of Exile 2
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
4. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC
5. Solasta: Crown of the Magister
- Available on PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC
6. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
7. Disco Elysium
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC
8. Divinity: Original Sin II
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
9. Fallout 2
- Available on PC
10. Diablo IV
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC
11. Hades
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC
12. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn
- Available on PC
13. Icewind Dale
- Available on PC
14. Diablo II: Resurrected
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch and PC
15. Octopath Traveler
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC
16. Torment: Tides of Numenera
- Available on PC
17. Wasteland 3
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC
18. Neverwinter Nights
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC