Best Games

Top 25 best iOS RPGs for iPhone and iPad

|
iOS
Top 25 best iOS RPGs for iPhone and iPad

Left Arrow
0/25
Right Arrow

Updated on January 12, 2024 - 3 games swapped. Original post created by Jon Mundy, now maintained by Ivan Spasojevic.


As far as mobile gaming has come over the past decade, we still don't naturally associate the role-playing genre with portable play. However, this list of best iOS RPGs for iPhones and iPad is so vast now that we could probably make it double and some of the impressive games would still be left out. 

Role-playing games, as they're more commonly known, are typically seen as the preserve of console and PC gamers. With 100-hour run times and labyrinthine combat systems, it's not hard to see why.

But there are a couple of factors in the mobile RPG boom. One thing is simply the capabilities of modern smartphones. With laptop-level processing power and larger, sharper displays, your modern flagship phone can accommodate these complex worlds with ease.



For another thing, role-playing games have become way more diverse than before. Yes, there are plenty of straight ports on iOS, but role-playing mechanics now find their way into all sorts of unexpected places.

The list of best iOS RPGs

We've sought to reflect this diversity in the following list. You'll see that plenty of classic games, JRPGs, and tactical RPGs have made the cut. But there are plenty of original mobile-focused experiences too.

We're all role players these days, whether we realise it or not.

What's that? You don't see your favourite mobile RPG on the list? Sorry about that. But while 25 sounds like a pretty long list, we know for a fact we've left a whole bunch of stone-cold greats off. Let us know about your own mobile RPG favourites for iPhones in the comments below. In case you like any of the mentioned titles, head out to the App Store and find it in the correct section.

Click Here To View The List »

1
Wayward Souls (formerly Wayward Saga)

Developer: RocketCat Games
Publisher: RocketCat Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, RPG
Wayward Souls (formerly Wayward Saga)

An action RPG for mobiles of the highest order, Wayward Souls mixes tactile combat with lively physics, randomized dungeons, and bucket-loads of secrets. While it doesn't feature a multiplayer option, the single-player mode will more than allow you to truly enjoy this pixelated-bloody wonder.

Furthermore, the cool top-down perspective and the 16-bit look it offers, blend in perfectly with its general play style, making pixel graphics lovers like myself hyped for the next dungeon! You know it is exceptional when it's rated 10/10. It's a brilliant title from every point of view.

Download Wayward Souls

2
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Aspyr Media
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Action, RPG
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Yes, you can actually be a Jedi Knight, shaping your power set and choosing whether to pursue the light or the dark side. Naturally, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a contender for the best mobile RPG ever. Does it have amazing, over-the-top graphics? No. But if you're a true Star Wars aficionado, you will never complain about such a minuscule detail.

Everything that you'll encounter in KOTOR, from the storyline to the actual gameplay feels good, and with such amazing lightsabers, is there really any doubt?

Download Knights of the Old Republic

3
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition

Developer: Overhaul Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition

The Enhanced Edition of well-acclaimed Baldur's Gate 2 includes Throne of Bhaal expansion crucial to the total closure of the story of Bhaal's child, or if you'd like to go into detail, children. It also contains a few DLCs that are far from necessary, but add a nice touch to the very delicious cake.

You'll wake up in a prison where your torturer and one of the best villains ever, John Irenicus, will use you as a test subject. After a while, you'll manage to escape his dungeon and try to learn what's your real story and uncover the divine web holding your whole heritage and existence. Of course, many memorable characters will sprinkle the whole experience with even more awe. Fans of story-driven RPGs will devour around 100 hours of gameplay like it's a piece of cake. Just make sure to play it on a tablet or a bigger screen since it's not made for smaller screens.

Download Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition

4
Final Fantasy VIII

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PSP
Find out more about Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII

For every FF fan, this one will take you on a trip down memory lane! If you ever dreamed about playing it on your mobile, now is the best time for it. FF8 is as beautiful as you could imagine - from the soundtrack to the cutscenes, every aspect of it is top-notch, making it one of the best iOS RPGs at the moment.

FFVIII has enhanced character models and exciting battles, just like you would expect with (almost) every FF title - but, it also has some newer features, to make it more enjoyable for players in 2024.

Download Final Fantasy VIII

5
Darkest Dungeon

Developer: Red Hook Studios
Available on: iOS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon

Hysterically grim and relentlessly punishing, this side-scrolling turn-based RPG for iOS, Android, consoles and PC is ideally suited to fans of Lovecraft, in-depth party management, and masochists. Yes, you heard that right. While it might look "cool and edgy" at first sight, it's actually just a nightmarish battle between light and stress - quite literally.

Do you need more light to keep things easier? Or do you want to risk it all for the... biscuit? Well, that's entirely up to you. If you've got the nerves of steel and mental fortitude to adventure into the Darkest Dungeon, it's all on you. Note that it's not a clean role-play, but a mix with rogue-lite, which makes it an interesting, but pretty hardcore experience.

Download Darkest Dungeon

6
Knights of Pen & Paper

Developer: Behold Studios
Publisher: Behold Studios
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, Retro, RPG
Find out more about Knights of Pen & Paper
Knights of Pen & Paper

This turn-based masterpiece has drained more batteries than many of us would like to admit - it's highly addictive, and it's super fun - that, if you like pixel art. Similar to many other role-playing games out there, you can form a party and deploy it to battle enemies in super dangerous dungeons, craft equipment and upgrade the stats of your characters.

If you miss those old tabletop iOS RPGs, then grab the Knights of Pen and Paper - it's probably the closest thing you'll find to it! Don't miss our Knights of Pen and Paper review - while we didn't write it in a dungeon, it is pretty dark.

Download Knights of Pen and Paper

7
Old School RuneScape

Publisher: Jagex
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Multiplayer, Retro, RPG
Find out more about Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape

One of the finest and most enduring MMOs comes to mobile - and it's just as good as ever. Still rocking thousands of players, this true cross-platform masterpiece really took over the list of the best iOS RPGs of all time. You have the charm of the original, while still being well-adapted to mobile devices.

While its graphics are still... old school, you will never find a player complaining about them or wishing to upgrade them to fit modern standards.

Old School RuneScape only gets better and better with each passing year. Our Old School RuneScape review too - it stays true to the old school approach we love. Did we use old school enough yet?

Download Old School RuneScape

8
Evertale

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Evertale
Evertale

Evertale was a premium title, not so long ago, until they decided to move to the free-to-play model, and it was the right move apparently since the audience now is much bigger. Pokemon fans will have an absolute blast with it, as the core mechanics of the game is to collect and evolve monsters. There are over 180 monsters in 2023, so it will take a while, no doubt about it.

Graphics is pixelated on the campaign map, and it looks like something made for older Nintendo consoles, but when you enter combat, it will switch to a modern-looking battlefield. Characters take turns and they have different abilities, so the tactical element is rather progressive. If you ever need help with this one, consult our Evertale tier list of best characters.

Download Evertale

9
Star Wars: KOTOR II

Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Aspyr Media
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Star Wars: KOTOR II
Star Wars: KOTOR II

This sequel to long-time favourite Knights of the Old Republic is another classic slice of RPG adventure set in everyone's favourite sci-fi universe. It's more of the same, which is fine by us - players will create a Jedi avatar and take on the quest to defeat Darth Malak, the Sith Lord.

With plenty of iconic locations and characters, players will be able to progress through the campaign, while making decisions that will slowly pull them closer to the Dark or Light Side of the Force. Certainly one of the best Mobile RPGs that you can get your hands on.

Download Star Wars: KOTOR II

10
Papers, Please

Developer: Lucas Pope
Publisher: Lucas Pope
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Simulation, Time management
Find out more about Papers, Please
Papers, Please

Set in the dystopian country Arstotzka where everything reeks of ex-communist countries like the USSR, you get a job as an immigration inspector. Sounds boring and dull, right? Well, it couldn't be further away from it.

You'll get new tasks each time you start working, as the political landscape keeps changing all the time. You can't make too many mistakes, as each mistake is deducted from your income which won't be enough to pay for heating, food and medicine for your family members even if you do everything by the book. There are 20 possible ways to end each campaign, and your choices matter so much that you can end someone's life (including your own). Replayability of Papers, Please is legendary at this point, and it will grip you firmly as soon as you start playing.

Download Papers, Please

11
Lord of Heroes

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Lord of Heroes
Lord of Heroes

Lord of Heroes is a great RPG that will definitely be one of the best choices for anime fans. LoH has high-quality anime graphics, and the visuals are also on point. Moreover, the soundtrack is wonderful and complements the atmosphere You will find many interesting and colourful characters, an incredible story, and a lot of unpredictable plot twists.

The combat system is quite simple, basically, you will have to watch auto-fights, but if you are looking for an RPG that will help you relax once a day, you should give Lord of Heroes a try!

Download Lord of Heroes

12
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

Developer: Nicalis
Available on: iOS + 3DS + PS Vita
Genre: Action, RPG
Find out more about The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

Poor little Isaac, his mother tried to kill him and he got locked in a smelly basement, where the kiddo unlocked a whole new world. His tears can kill everything, and since he is terrified every step of the way, you can imagine what tears will turn into.

As he dives deeper through the cellar, Isaac will encounter his lost brothers and sisters, and various enemies and bosses (there are over 50 of them in the game!). And since he is such a fragile little boy, he'll die much more often than you'd like. But fret not, in the end, he'll stand up to his deranged mother, and the sweet taste of vengeance will be on your lips. The game is an action RPG with elements of roguelike, so if you don't like losing your progress often, you can sit this one out. Otherwise, it's a real gem that can be played for hundreds of hours.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

13
Genshin Impact

Developer: Hoyoverse
Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: 3D, Action, Adventure
Find out more about Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact

I feel like I don't need to explain too much why Genshin Impact is such a big title on the list. For those not familiar with the name yet, it's a massively popular open-world mobile RPG with more than a hint of Breath of the Wild to it. Unlike Nintendo's masterpiece, Genshin Impact has a gacha mechanic and an online multiplayer mode.

There are quite literally new updates every week or every other week, and with such a massive player base you'll quickly understand why such a massive appeal once you start playing! If you're not convinced to try it out yet, make sure to check our review. It'll surely convince you to give it a shot, and once you do, you can also scroll through our massive collection of Genshin Impact articles.

We've got everything you could think of - starting with an up-to-date Genshin Impact tier list, all the way to individual character guides and redeem codes. There's everything that you could need to start on the right foot.

Download Genshin Impact

14
Eternium

Developer: Making Fun, Inc.
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Eternium
Eternium

Eternium has been, is and will continue to be one of my favourites from multiple points of view. If you know Diablo, then that's a good point of comparison between the two - Eternium is a similar action role play, where you can farm equipment and EXP in beautiful dungeons, and build your character just the way you want it.

With several classes and play styles to choose from, there is one amazing feature that makes it an all-time best: the smooth controls. You'll never run into any issues trying to cast your spells because it can all be done with ease by just swiping on your screen. It's a top-class role-playing game for iOS and Android in short.

Download Eternium

15
Honkai: Star Rail

Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail

If you are a fan of a popular Genshin Impact, here we have another RPG title that might become your new favourite title. Honkai: Star Rail is an exciting story about a fascinating space adventure. The art style here is impressive, and you can explore some unbelievably beautiful locations, as well as meet many stylish characters. The combat system has many unique features that bring something new to the standard turn-based gameplay.

If you need help when you turn it on for the first time, take a look at our tier list for Honkai Star Rail, where we've ranked all available characters. We also have a list of all active Honkai codes to help you out at the beginning of your journey.

Download Honkai: Star Rail

16
Dragon Quest Tact

Developer: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG, Strategy
Find out more about Dragon Quest Tact
Dragon Quest Tact

Despite the bright, cute art style common to the series, Dragon Quest Tact is a fully-fledged tactical role-playing game for mobiles with a decent story, a compelling turn-based combat system, and bags full of content. While it's not the newest title to encompass the genre, it is a long-standing one that provides smooth gameplay and a wealth of side missions to keep its players busy.

There are constantly time-limited events to keep players entertained, and levelling mechanics keep me coming back for more. If you're one of those people who love a game with good music, then make sure you check out the soundtrack in Dragon Quest Tact! It is timeless - and so is our opinion on it! So if you're curious how it plays out even years after its release, make sure to read our Dragon Quest Tact review.

Download Dragon Quest Tact

17
Star Traders: Frontiers

Available on: iOS
Find out more about Star Traders: Frontiers
Star Traders: Frontiers

It's been a while since we mentioned another galaxy-themed sci-fi title. Star Traders: Frontiers is one such title, and it's nothing short of amazing, especially for tacticians and role-playing aficionados.

This vast, ambitious sci-fi trader casts you as the captain of your own ship and then sends you out to take on the universe. Or at least survive in it. It's a hugely varied experience that lets you take on the role of trader, tyrant, or something in between.

Download Star Traders: Frontiers

18
Onmyoji

Publisher: NetEase
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Onmyoji
Onmyoji

Saying that Onmyoji is a beautiful game would be an understatement. The graphics, animations, soundtrack and character creation are unique, and it is definitely a gem of the iOS RPGs. You will have plenty of tasks to complete, and while there are elements of strategy, they mainly fall under turn-based battles.

It'll take quite some time to be on the same level as most of the top-tier players on the server, but Onmyoji is wildly enjoyable, so the ride will be well worth it! Once you decide to start playing, you should check our strategy guide and Onmyoji tier list too - they'll give you quite a bit of help from the get-go.

Download Onmyoji

19
Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Switch
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Battle Chasers takes many of the trappings of the classic JRPG, then strips it of all the padding. The result is an uncommonly lean and snappy - not to mention gorgeous - turn-based mobile RPG experience. Many players who've dedicated hours of their lives can only claim the following about Battle Chasers: Nightwar: "the first 500 hours are ok".

For me personally, what really did it was the graphics. Easy to dive in, fun to explore and amazing to adventure into.

Download Battle Chasers: Nightwar

20
Grimvalor

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Platform, Retro
Find out more about Grimvalor
Grimvalor

A mesmerizing mobile RPG adventure with a lot more to offer than you'd originally think. Similarity to Dark Souls shines through, but it doesn't fail to hide its layers of nuanced strategic consideration. There are plenty of elements that make it stand out, but to me what really did it the most was the battle system. It's smooth, it feels right, and it can also get frustrating (see where the Dark Souls similarity kicks in?).

While this adventure might seem more like a platformer, it's not your typical side-to-side jumper. You explore dungeons and battle various bosses in order to get the loot you're aiming for. Grimvalor was one of the exclusive iOS RPGs until it was released on Nintendo Switch. It's brilliant, and our review clearly states it.

Download Grimvalor

21
Another Eden

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Another Eden
Another Eden

With stunning anime graphics and smooth gameplay, Another Eden is a true masterpiece among the best iOS RPGs that made the list. In Another Eden, we will meet similar mechanics that we did in Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, but truly well-established and without shamelessly copying another title.

Another Eden is a must-play for all fans of the genre who own iPhones or iPads out there, especially more so if you like the creations of Masato Kato. We were genuinely impressed with it, and we've mentioned it in our review. When you do start playing it though (which you should, ASAP!) you can also read our Another Eden tier list, which will give you an idea of which characters to go for.

Download Another Eden

22
Stardew Valley

Publisher: Chucklefish
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Multiplayer, Simulation
Find out more about Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley

One of the premium titles that certainly deserves its spot on the immortal list of top RPGs for iPhone and iPad. Stardew Valley was out years ago, and it's still harbouring the hearts of many fans throughout the world. Some might argue that this is not a role-playing game, but we beg to differ. You are in the role of a farmer, but the farmer can fish, talk to other characters, and explore dungeons. Also, can you level up your skills? Yes. Does equipping better gear unlock further progress? Yes. Its genre is clear enough then.

Its pixelated graphics look wonderful, but for those of you looking for something 'darker', it won't do the trick. Note that it can be played with someone else, like your significant other, or a friend, and it's child-friendly, so you can team up with your kid too!

Download Stardew Valley

23
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Dragon Quest VIII marked the point at which the series went fully 3D. The result is a wonderful combination of traditional and expansive JRPG elements with an atypically joyous tone. While the title might be one of the older ones on the list, it's definitely one worth checking.

All the classical RPG elements beautifully assemble into one of the best Dragon Quest titles out there. It's an amazing title that is well worth delving into. Just read our Dragon Quest VIII review if you're not yet convinced.

Download Dragon Quest VIII

24
Transistor

Developer: Supergiant Games
Publisher: Supergiant Games
Available on: iOS + Steam
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Find out more about Transistor
Transistor

Supergiant followed up the acclaimed Bastion with another solid RPG in Transistor - though this one favours strategy over the brute force of its predecessor. With a gorgeous art style, innovative combat system, and a returning role for the hit voice actor Logan Cunningham, Transistor is well worth a look.

And if that's not enough to lure you right in, then how about some stunning graphics to top it all off? This is a truly alluring RPG for iPhones and iPads.

Download Transistor

25
Langrisser Mobile

Publisher: Zlongame
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Langrisser Mobile
Langrisser Mobile

Langrisser Mobile takes the Fire Emblem Heroes formula and adds a whole bunch more RPG goodness, including multiple job paths, deeper combat, and a richer story. In this title, we can truly experience a classic strategy role-playing game with updated graphics and stunning artwork.

If you want a title that will keep you logging back daily for more and more, then make sure you try this one out - I promise you won't regret it! We have a bunch of Langrisser guides to help you out. Don't miss them! That would be our list of the best 25 RPGs for iOS - hopefully, you enjoyed it!

Download Langrisser Mobile
Left Arrow
0/25
Right Arrow
Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.
See Comments