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Getting lost in a great story: our favorite adventure and RPG games of 2022

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As gamers, there’s nothing we love more than taking part in a moving narrative... Except maybe seeing numbers go up. Adventure games and roleplaying games both focus on storytelling, whether the systems include pointing and clicking, grinding for levels, taking on fearsome bosses, or sneaking through cover to avoid combat. Here are our five favorite adventure and RPG games of 2022.

Number 5: Harvestella

Harvestella is my personal favorite game I’ve played this year because it merges two of my favorite things in games: slaying monsters and farming. In this Square Enix RPG, I played as a player-created character with no memory of their past, trying to save their world from a series of disastrous events. Throughout this adventure, Harvestella pulled me in with its deep narrative and intuitive combat—not to mention giving me a great excuse to spend hours farming virtual potatoes and carrots. -@Jay Hunter

Number 4: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet dives into the region of Paldea and the mysterious Pokémon hidden around the island. The game features three main storylines that explore Paldea’s secrets and an open world where I made my own discoveries. This charming, wonderfully-made Pokémon title has modern twists but still holds true to its nostalgic roots. -@Jay Hunter

Number 3: Tower of Fantasy

Some people were worried that Tower of Fantasy would be a Genshin Impact clone, and some still think it is. Even if you agree with that criticism, there’s no denying that this stylish title brings its own sci-fi flair that helps set it apart. Add on to that a frankly absurd amount of free-to-play content and a fair approach to microtransactions, and Tower of Fantasy will be staying on my phone and PC into 2023 and beyond. -@Kef

Number 2: A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem tells the dark story of a brother and sister risking everything to survive a horrific situation. This sequel is nearly double the length of the first game and full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. It’s also arguably one of the best-looking games of the year, which doesn’t hurt. -@Kef

Number 1: Elden Ring

For about two months after Elden Ring released back in February, it’s all I could talk about—and for good reason! From Software took the hard-as-nails combat and exploration of its Dark Souls series and blew it up to a scale I never could have imagined. I was already sure that From Software was one of the most influential developers in the industry, but now I’m firmly convinced that they’re among the absolute best of the best. -@Kef