10 Best RPGs Of 2024

When Dragon's Dogma II's title screen simply calls the game "Dragon's Dogma", it's an indicator that this isn't going to be your typical adventure. By the time the game gets round to adding that elusive "II" to its title, you'll be dozens of hours into one of 2024's most brutal, beguiling, maddening, thrilling adventures.

Dragon's Dogma II is an idiosyncratic beast, and one that makes few concessions to the player. Fall foul to its archaic save system and you can lose hours of progress; your transport can, and frequently will, be derailed by random monster attacks; and you can accidentally infect entire villages if you wander in with a poisoned party member.

However, those willing to look past the obfuscation were rewarded with one of 2024's most richly rewarding experiences. Dragon's Dogma II gives up none of its secrets readily, whether it's unlocking the full potential of the game's ferociously enjoyable combat or simply discovering a new location. After years of big-budget games that fret over the player like an anxious tour guide, Dogma's willingness to trust the player to figure out its secrets feels strikingly refreshing.

Dragon's Dogma II may ask much of its players, but those who keep the faith will find its rewards are more than equal to its challenges.