One thing the best real-time combat RPGs have in common is a taste for the extravagant. All the games on this list offer something unique, where combat is more exciting and complex than simply bonking enemies over the head. Some are shooters that do something different to expand upon the series' DNA, while others go the extra mile in delivering realistic melee action.
My favorites are those that shine for their broader approaches, enabling you to craft combat and character builds that best reflect your personal strengths as you tailor-made your specifications accordingly. If you want some of the best action-RPGs interspersed with flavors of the best turn-based RPGs (only hold the turns), you've come to the right place. I've scoured the digital shelves to bring you the most iconic real-time combat experiences in RPG history, as well as ascribing each with a specific "vibe" (which you can read more about in our FAQ section) to help you match the game to your current cravings.
