Summary
- Some RPGs offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience without intense challenges, catering to casual players.
- Games like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot and The Outer Worlds are examples of simpler RPGs with laid-back gameplay.
- Titles like Nox and Stardew Valley provide unique storytelling and a cozy gameplay experience for players.
Some gamers shy away from RPGs, reluctant to get into the genre because of what they feel is a major time sink that demands a lot of their time and attention. This isn't necessarily an incorrect statement, but it's an overgeneralization that doesn't do justice to some of the simpler and easier games in the genre.
Some role-playing games let players relax as they slowly master the mechanics and take part in epic confrontations. The gameplay is not so challenging that players will hit a brick wall, and progression happens at a laid-back pace and helps players relax with these relatively simple RPGs.
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8 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
A Surprisingly Easy RPG That Lacks Challenge
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
- Released
- January 16, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Fans were hyped to play Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, which allowed players to power through the entire story of the series in record time. While hardcore gamers didn't like how easy the game was, this sentiment didn't apply to everyone. Many Dragon Ball Z fans appreciated how faithful this game was without pushing them too hard. The fights could be a bit mindless at times, but fans didn't mind a game that made them feel epic. Villainous enemies were the only foes that could give the heroes a hard time.
7 Nox
A Simple ARPG Where Every Class Boasts A Unique Story
Nox
- Released
- February 16, 2000
- Developer(s)
- Westwood Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Westwood Studios, EA
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Nox is one of the most underrated ARPGs players can get their hands on. The Warrior, Conjurer, and Mage all have different campaigns, making for a unique storytelling approach that encourages players to go through the game multiple times. It helps that the game isn't too hard and let players carve their own path to a goal without facing too many obstructions. Death wasn't too penalizing, and players could get as strong as they needed just by going through the game's dungeons and walloping enemies.
6 The Outer Worlds
A Short, Simple RPG
The Outer Worlds
- Released
- October 25, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Fans were disappointed that The Outer Worlds wasn't sci-fi Fallout: New Vegas, but this doesn't mean that the experience isn't worth investing a few hours in. Players who like funny writing and laid-back gameplay will get a kick out of this game. The worldbuilding isn't too complex, and combat can become ridiculously easy after a point. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, since players don't have to invest too much time learning how the game works.
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5 Final Fantasy
The First Game In This Legendary Series Follows A Simple Formula
Final Fantasy (1987)
- Released
- December 18, 1987
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
One of the most legendary JRPG franchises had to start from somewhere, with 1987's Final Fantasy marking a major turning point for the genre. It set the groundwork for something special, although the original release was extremely challenging.
The same can't be said for the re-releases, which are way easier in comparison and are nowhere near as complicated as the rest of the series. The re-released versions make for a simple and engaging experience. Players choose a job at the start of the game for each Warrior of Light, reaching new heights as heroes in a fairly straightforward story.
4 Fallout 4
Bethesda Made Made The Franchise More Palatable For The Masses
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Fallout 4 is a perfect game for players who don't want to engage with complicated gameplay loops present in most RPGs. Bethesda made several changes to simplify the RPG formula from previous games. This didn't sit right with hardcore fans, who felt it had been dumbed down. However, the same can't be said for casual players who could enjoy the game's magical exploration without feeling overwhelmed by other mechanics. The perk system made progression easier to manage, and the combat became way more manageable over time.
3 South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Easy Combat That Features Real-Time Elements
South Park: The Stick of Truth
- Released
- March 4, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players loved South Park: The Stick of Truth for feeling like a chapter straight out of the show, with the writing and art style to match. It was a genuine achievement and let fans enjoy one of the funniest RPGs that didn't opt for an ultra-challenging combat system.
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This meant that casual players could get into the title without facing too many problems, which was perfect for a game appealing to fans of the TV show. With trademark South Park humor and approachable gameplay, Stick of Truth stands out as an example of what a video game adaptation of an existing IP should achieve.
2 Stardew Valley
A Relaxing, Cozy RPG With A Focus On Farming
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
One of the most laid-back and relaxing RPGs that fans can check out, Stardew Valley's premise is as simple as they come. Players inherit a property in a small town with a farm that they must restore and maintain. This is just a small part of what makes Stardew Valley such a special game, with the game featuring everything from social simulation elements to a simple combat loop. None of it is overbearing, which ensures that players can get into this title with ease.
1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Becomes Easy Over Time, Allowing Players To Soak In The Sights
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Skyrim is one of the best video games ever made, and there's a reason why this game enjoys such a massive player base. The title can be somewhat challenging at the beginning, but this difficulty fades over time. This means that players who don't want to engage with hardcore mechanics can still get a kick out of playing Skyrim. The learning curve is nowhere near as massive as players think, and will help the aspiring Dragonborn embark on grand adventures of their own with ease.
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