The 8 Best-Selling 'RPGs' Of All Time, Ranked

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Role-playing games, or RPGs, have been a beloved genre among gamers for decades. These games allow players to immerse themselves in intricate and engaging worlds, with deep and complex characters and storylines. Over the years, many RPGs have become best-sellers, captivating audiences worldwide with their captivating narratives and gameplay mechanics.

This article will be exploring the top 10 best-selling RPGs of all time, ranked by their worldwide sales. From classic titles to modern blockbusters, let’s take a closer look at what makes these games so popular and why they have stood the test of time. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the genre or just curious about the best RPGs out there, this article is sure to have something for everyone.

Pokemon X And Y - 16.53 Million

Pokemon X and Y, which introduced the sixth generation of the series, were also the first titles to debut on the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. In contrast to other Pokemon games, X and Y have not received an update. There was a rumor that Nintendo was working on a sequel for the games, but the company ultimately canceled the titles. Kalos, modeled after France, served as the setting for Pokemon X and Y. The game introduced 72 new Pokemon species, as well as a new Fairy-type and a significant advancement in graphics technology. Over 16 million units of Pokemon X and Y have been sold since their release on the 3DS.

Monster Hunter World - 17 Million

Monster Hunter World, the fifth installment in Capcom's Monster Hunter series, was released in 2018 to widespread acclaim. Monster Hunter World is one of Capcom's most popular titles, as its sales recently surpassed 17 million copies. Similar to the other games in the series, players are entrusted with hunting down large creatures that roam Astera. The game features an incredible customization system that allows you to equip your character with weapons and armor of incredible design. Monster Hunter World's accessibility to new participants of the franchise has earned Capcom a great deal of praise.

Pokemon Diamond And Pearl - 17.67 Million

Diamond and Pearl, the first Pokemon titles to debut on the Nintendo DS in 2006, ushered in the fourth generation of Pokemon. Shortly thereafter, in 2008, a revised version titled Platinum was released, and complete remakes titled Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are forthcoming.

Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokemon titles to include Internet play via a Wi-Fi connection, and they also introduced 107 new Pokemon species. The events also increased the day-night cycle from three to five time periods. Currently, Diamond and Pearl have sold over 17 million copies, making it one of the most popular series.

Pokemon Sword And Shield - 21.85 Million

The main Pokemon titles have appeared on every iteration of the Nintendo main series console, while a few spin-offs have also found homes on other consoles. Pokemon Sword and Shield was the first installment of the series to debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. The release of Pokemon Sword and Shield was a momentous occasion following the success of Let's Go, Pikachu! and Eevee! The upgraded three-dimensional graphics stunned fans and propelled the series to new heights. Pokemon Sword and Shield has sold over 21 million copies in less than two years, making it the most popular Pokemon game since Gold and Silver.

Borderlands 2 - 22 Million

Borderlands was a genuinely original creation by Gearbox Software. Borderlands, a satirical first-person shooter that combines science fiction and Western elements, received high praise. Since then, the developer has created two more main games (one spin-off) with the same level of success, but Borderlands 2 is presently the most popular game. The most recent unit data for Borderlands 2 is 22 million, but this information is two years old. With a movie based on the franchise on the horizon, there is no doubt that these numbers will increase. Borderlands 2 was the fastest-selling game in 2K's history prior to the release of Borderlands 3.

Pokemon Gold And Silver - 23.73 Million

In 1999, during the Y2K panic, Nintendo released Pokemon Gold and Silver. After completing the Johto region, you can travel from Red and Blue to the Kanto region. It was incredible to be able to challenge the old Gym Leaders once more, but it was even more incredible to face off against Red, the original protagonist. The addition of the Kanto region was a major commercial and critical success for Nintendo. Not only have Gold and Silver sold over 23 million copies, but their status as the best in the franchise has been extensively debated. Gold and Silver were nonetheless exceptional sequels to two masterpieces.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - 30 Million

The Witcher 3 is one of the most successful games in a genre that many individuals may consider to be their preference. The Witcher 3 is a prequel to The Witcher 2 that focuses on Geralt of Rivia's quest for his adopted daughter Ciri. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are two critically acclaimed expansions for The Witcher 3 that were created by developer CD Projekt Red. The Witcher 3 is regarded as having one of the greatest side quests in RPG history, in addition to its commercial success of selling 30 million copies worldwide.

Diablo 3 And Reaper Of Souls - 30 Million

It's difficult to dissociate Diablo from PC gaming, as it has been a dominant franchise since its inception in 1997. Diablo 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever, and its success carried on to the third installment, which shattered the record for the fastest-selling PC game in 2012, with over three million copies sold within the first 24 hours. Following the triumph of Diablo 3, the expansion Reaper of Souls was released in March 2014, just before the game's launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. As of 2015, Diablo 3 had sold over 30 million copies, cementing its position as one of the top-selling PC games of all time.

Sources: Fandom, Gamers Decide, IGN