The beauty of video games is at the end of the day, it doesn’t make what type of player you are there will always be something that’ll appeal to you. Whether it’s shooters, puzzles, life simulators, sports, or exploration, the options are limitless in a rapidly-growing industry. Of the major genre topics available, one of the most popular among fans is role-playing.
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RPGs have been a staple in games with iconic franchises like Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Diablo, and Elder Scrolls. In most RPGs, there’s either a global threat that you’re only capable of preventing or simply embarking on an exciting, wondrous adventure filled with quests galore. While not all RPGs are the same, especially when comparing the differences in JRPGs, there remains one consistent goal for the studios that develop these games: money. These are the highest-selling RPGs in history, and deservingly so.
Pokemon Sword And Shield – $19.02M
Arguably the biggest entertainment franchise in existence, Pokemon has simply dominated video game sales for decades. Developed by Game Freak, Pokemon is one of Nintendo’s crown jewels. The main Pokemon games have appeared on every iteration main series Nintendo console, while a few spin-offs have found homes on various other consoles as well. Pokemon Sword and Shield were the first of the series to appear on the Nintendo Switch, launching in 2019.
Coming off the success of Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, the launch of Pokemon Sword and Shield was a momentous event. The updated three-dimensional graphics blew fans away and pushed the franchise to new heights. Because of this highly-anticipated launch, Pokemon Sword and Shield has sold over 21 million copies and amassed $19.02 million in under two years.
Borderlands 2 – $22M
As the industry continues to evolve with more advanced technologies, so do the games and the genres they’re classified as. In the past, many would assume all RPGs were games that only featured turn-based style combat or some form of mythical creatures. Gearbox Software created something truly unique in Borderlands.
A cartoonish, first-person shooter that blends science-fiction and western, Borderlands received high praise. The developer has since made two more main games (one spin-off), all with the same level of success, but with Borderlands 2, currently, reigning supreme. The middle game has grossed $22 million for Gearbox and publisher 2K Games. Borderlands 2 was also the fastest-selling game in 2K history until its sequel, Borderlands 3, launched.
Pokemon Sun And Moon – $25.09M
The swan song for the Pokemon franchise on the Nintendo 3DS, Pokemon Sun and Moon sent the handheld out with a bang. Released in 2016, Sun and Moon received an upgraded version in the form of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon the following year. The game introduced the seventh generation of pocket monsters and was based in the tropical Alola region.
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Sun and Moon brought a slew of new Pokemon to the series; a whopping 81 new species were featured in the game. The game also introduced Alolan forms, Ultra Beasts, and new power moves called Z-Moves. Since 2016, Pokemon Sun and Moon has earned $25.02 million for the franchise.
Pokemon Diamond And Pearl/Platinum – $25.27M
The first Pokemon games to appear on the Nintendo DS in 2006, Diamond and Pearl ushered in the fourth generation of Pokemon. An updated version dubbed Platinum was released shortly after in 2008 and full-blown remakes called Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are on their way.
Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokemon games to add Internet play over a Wi-Fi connection and added 107 new types of Pokemon. The games also expanded on the day-night cycle with five time periods instead of three. Diamond and Pearl made adjustments to the combat system, categorizing attacks into three distinct groups instead of their specific type. For now, Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum have grossed $25.27 million but that figure is sure to rise with the inclusion of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
The Witcher 3 And Expansions – $28M
In what many might pick as their favorite game of all time, The Witcher 3 happens to be one of the most successful ones. The third installment of the series, The Witcher 3 is a prequel to its predecessor focused on Geralt of Rivia’s search for his adopted daughter, Ciri.
Developer CD Projekt Red created two critically acclaimed expansions in Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine that further enhanced the experience of The Witcher 3. On top of commercial success in earning $28 million, The Witcher 3 is regarded as having one of the best side quests in RPG history.
Diablo 3 And Reaper Of Souls – $30M
When you think of PC gaming, it’s hard not to think of Diablo. The franchise began in 1997 and has continued to dominate sales, with Diablo 2 considered as one of the best RPGs ever. The third entry continued that trend in 2012, setting a new record for fastest-selling PC game with over three million copies sold in the first 24 hours.
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The Reaper of Souls expansion launched in March 2014, shortly before the game was ported to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Commercially, Diablo 3 and Reaper of Souls have grossed $30 million, making it one of the highest-selling PC games of all time as well.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – $30M
In what has to be the longest-running joke in history, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim continues to get new releases. While seeing Skyrim appear on a new system every few years is entertaining, it definitely helps pump up the sales figure. Currently, Skyrim has earned around $30 million but could see a boost with the special Anniversary Edition slated for release in November 2021 on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
Although Skyrim is not a direct sequel, it takes place 201 years after the fourth game, Oblivion. You can pick among ten different races and your ultimate goal is to slay the dragon Alduin the World-Eater, who’s destined to destroy the world. With the upcoming Anniversary Edition marking Skyrim’s tenth year of existence, it will also mark the seventh time the game has been released.
Pokemon Ruby And Sapphire/Emerald – $36.6M
The first Pokemon games to appear on the Game Boy Advance proved to be among the most successful in the series. From its launch in 2002, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, along with Emerald and the updated Omega and Alpha versions, have earned $36.6 million. Dubbed the “advanced generation,” Ruby and Sapphire added 135 new Pokemon and the exciting new feature double battles.
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The concept of double battles is simple to grasp, two Pokemon fight instead of one, but a bit more difficult to execute. With two Pokemon to account for, that’s another set of abilities to plan for. Instead of countering a Fire-type with a Water-type immediately, you might have to reconsider if the opponent’s second Pokemon is an Electric-type. This little wrinkle added a plethora of new strategies to an already exciting combat system that paid off in the sales.
Pokemon Gold And Silver/Crystal – $42.21M
Among the sweeping terror of Y2K in 1999, Nintendo released Pokemon Gold and Silver. While there aren’t direct sequels in the series, similar to Final Fantasy, there were many reasons why Gold and Silver felt like one to Red and Blue. After completing the Johto region, you can travel back to the Kanto region from Red and Blue. It was incredible being able to challenge the old Gym Leaders again, but even more mind-blowing to battle Red, the old protagonist.
Adding the Kanto region paid off huge for Nintendo in both a commercial and critical sense. Not only has Gold, Silver, and Crystal (the definitive edition) earned $42.21 million, it’s been heavily debated if they are the best in the franchise. Regardless, Gold and Silver were exceptional follow-up titles to two classics.
Pokemon Red And Blue/Green/Yellow – $59.52M
The ones that started it all. Pokemon Red and Blue introduced us to a magical world with unique, adorable, yet dangerous creatures. While some people study these pocket monsters in a scientific sense, others used them in battles for glory. The initial success of Red and Blue led to the Pokemon anime, and then Pokemon Yellow was released, which was more heavily based on the show.
Nintendo “remade” Yellow for the Switch in 2018 with Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee. The Let’s Go games featured a more casual approach to the otherwise intense games but followed the story of the original games. This collection of games have grossed an astounding $59.52 million, more than enough to rank as the second best-selling Nintendo game and earning the top spot overall in RPGs of all time.
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