Welcome! Today we’re counting down our picks for the best RTwP RPGs that you should check out.
And without further ado, let’s dive right in.
#25. Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC
Okay, I know, I know—it’s not exactly a masterpiece, and that indie budget is pretty obvious from the get-go. But let’s keep it real: this is consistently one of the most talked-about modern RTwP games lately.
And yeah, it’s a blatant love letter to the classic Baldur’s Gate series, which means some of you will absolutely dig this while others will wonder why the graphics look like they’re from 2005.
So yeah, it’s not THAT great, but definitely worth a go for that old-school fix while you’re hiding in your room avoiding actual responsibilities.
#24. Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC
Alright, just like a lot of modern RTwP RPGs, this one is clearly chasing that Infinity Engine magic from the classic Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale era.
And if you’ve played ATOM RPG, you’ll probably feel right at home in this one. I mean, it’s basically the same game, just with a different setting.
Alright… now, is it amazing? Not really.
But let’s be honest, we don’t exactly get a flood of these games anymore. So yeah, beggars can’t be choosers. But, if you’re craving that old-school pause-and-play style, this one gets the job done.
#23. Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Now, this game has always been a bit divisive since a lot of people just don’t like the base campaign. And honestly, that’s fair.
But here’s the thing—the expansions are where this game really shines. That’s where the writing, the quests, and the overall experience step up big time.
Not only that, but the real-time with pause combat still holds up surprisingly well after all these years.
Oh, and this one is available on pretty much all modern platforms now. So if you’ve been curious, there’s really no excuse not to give it a shot.
#22. Drakensang: The River of Time
- Release Date: 2010
- Platform: PC
I personally think that this German CRPG is criminally underrated, mostly because it was about as popular as a math test when it launched.
But look, if you’re a fan of Neverwinter Nights or Dragon Age, chances are you’ll actually dig this.
And sure, it looks old and the vibe is pretty generic—I mean, it’s like the ‘plain vanilla’ of fantasy settings. Also, the jank is very real, so there’s that.
But still, if you don’t mind playing a game from the time you still had your hair, you’ll find a solid game here.
#21. GreedFall: The Dying World
- Release Date: 2026
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S
Okay, this one is easily the hottest release right now, mostly because it’s actually new. But what’s hilarious is that it’s doing the exact opposite of the Dragon Age series. While BioWare started with tactical RTwP and slowly turned it into an action game, GreedFall started as an action-RPG and pivoted into RTwP for this one.
It’s a bold move, I admit, and honestly, a welcome one for us nerds. Oh, and it still has that signature jank, but hey, at least it’s trying to give us what we actually want for once.
#20. Dark Envoy
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC
This one is also a name that keeps showing up in modern RTwP discussions. It’s one of those indie CRPGs that clearly aims for that classic feel, but yeah, it’s not without its flaws.
In fact, a lot of people end up comparing it to Tower of Time, which we’ll get into later.
Also, the combat here isn’t a true “pause.” It’s more like a super slow-mo system. But honestly, it still scratches that RTwP itch.
So yeah, it’s rough around the edges, but still worth a look if you’re into this particular niche.
#19. Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Back then, this was one of the big names in CRPGs. And now with the Enhanced Edition, it’s finally playable on modern platforms. But now, let’s be real—the main campaign isn’t exactly amazing. It’s decent, but nothing special.
The real highlight, though, is the Mask of the Betrayer expansion. That’s where the writing, choices, and overall experience really step up.
But one thing to keep in mind—the camera can be a bit awkward for this type of combat. Still playable, just not ideal. But overall, this classic game is still worth checking out.
#18. Pathfinder: Kingmaker – Definitive Edition
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1
So, this game was built for real-time with pause from the start. That’s the default. That’s the intended way to play it.
Then later on, the devs eventually caved and added a turn-based mode for slowpokes who need an extra minute to think. But, let’s be real, RTwP is the official soul of this experience, and honestly, it’s the best way to plow through the endless trash mobs without going crazy.
And the good news? You can switch between both anytime. So yeah, play however you want… even if you’re playing it the “wrong” way.
#17. Banquet for Fools
- Release Date: 2026
- Platform: PC
Yeah, this is one of the newer kids on the block, and honestly, it’s punching above its weight.
For a small indie game, the exploration feels surprisingly solid, and the combat mechanics actually hold up. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it does the basics really well, which is more than you can say for a lot of bigger games.
And let’s be real, it’s cheap. So if you’re still unsure, just grab the demo first.
Worst case, you lose a bit of time. Best case, you find a hidden gem.
#16. Tower of Time
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Look, if you’ve been digging around this niche, you’ve probably heard people call this one a hidden gem. And yeah, that’s not just hype.
Now, the combat is where it really stands out. You can fully pause if you want, but the game was clearly designed around that super slow-motion system. And honestly, that’s how you should play it.
But now, if you compare it to the big legendary names, yeah, it’s just okay, I guess?
But for a smaller game? It’s actually great. Way better than most people expect going in.
#15. Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: 2012
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
You can’t talk about RTwP without bringing up Baldur’s Gate. This is one of the most legendary RPGs in the genre, period.
Now, if you just discovered Baldur’s Gate 3, you might be a bit confused. This one, and the sequel, aren’t turn-based at all. It’s all real-time with pause.
And yeah, that style is pretty divisive. Some people love the chaos and control, others just can’t stand it. But that’s the thing—no system is perfect for everyone.
Still, if you want to see the origins of modern RPGs, this is one you shouldn’t skip.
#14. Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: 2013
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Now this is where things get interesting. Baldur’s Gate II takes a different approach compared to the first game. While the original felt more open and spread out, this one is a lot more focused, with areas that feel more deliberately designed.
So yeah, it’s basically a “freedom versus structure” situation. The first game gives you more room to wander, while this one tightens things up and guides you more.
And if you’ve played both, you know they feel very different. But which one’s better, then? Well, that really just comes down to personal preference.
#13. Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: 2014
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Okay, this is the game you play when you’re tired of NPCs yapping and just want to smash some goblins. It’s easily one of the most combat-focused titles from the Infinity Engine era.
So, if the RTwP system is actually your favorite part, you’re going to love this one more than almost anything else on the list.
But let’s keep it real: if you jump into this expecting a deep story, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s a dungeon crawler at heart, after all. So yeah, just gear up, pause, and enjoy the chaos.
#12. Tyranny
- Release Date: 2016
- Platform: PC
Alright, this is one of those games the community keeps bringing up, but it never really broke through to a wider audience.
And that’s a bit surprising, because the premise is actually pretty interesting. You’re not the hero saving the world. You’re basically working for the bad guys, making decisions that shape how that world gets controlled.
Now here’s the catch—it’s pretty short. A lot of people finished it and immediately wanted more.
So yeah, it might not dominate the genre, but it definitely left an impression on the people who played it.
#11. Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
- Release Date: 2001
- Platform: PC
Now, this one’s a bit of a rule breaker. Arcanum isn’t exactly a “pure” RTwP game. It’s more like real-time combat that you can instantly switch into turn-based the second your character starts dying.
So yeah, technically, it doesn’t fully belong here.
But let’s be real, it still feels close enough to RTwP, and more importantly, this game is legendary. The world, the writing, the freedom—it’s just on another level.
So yeah, I’m putting it here anyway. Anyway, if you don’t care that much about strict labels, this one is absolutely worth your time.
#10. Dragon Age II
- Release Date: 2011
- Platform: PC, XSX/S, X1
Hmm… okay, this one gets a bad rap for being an “Action RPG” just because the combat is faster and way flashier than its predecessor. But let’s look past the animations—it’s still an RTwP game at its core, just like the first one.
And I know everyone has Origins permanently tattooed on their brain as the peak of the series, but don’t forget about this one just yet. And yeah, the recycled environments are a meme for a reason, but the actual combat is still fun. So trust me, it’s better than the internet remembers.
#9. Icewind Dale II
- Release Date: 2002
- Platform: PC
Here’s a weird situation. This one never got the same Enhanced Edition treatment as the first game, and not because the devs didn’t want to. They literally lost the source code, which is honestly a shame.
But here’s the funny part—some modders stepped in and basically did it themselves. There’s an Enhanced Edition mod out there that updates the game and makes it much more playable today.
So yeah, in the RPG space, magic actually happens sometimes. And if you’re willing to tweak things a bit, this one is still very much worth your time.
#8. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Just like its predecessor, this one gives you real-time with pause and full turn-based modes. Sounds flexible, right? Well, because it is.
But let’s be honest, the game was originally balanced around RTwP. That’s where everything flows the way it was intended.
That said, the turn-based mode is actually great too. In fact, if you prefer slower, more methodical fights, it works perfectly fine. Also, you can still switch between both modes on the fly.
So yeah, play however you want. But you already know which one the game was built for.
#7. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords
- Release Date: 2004
- Platform: PC, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
When people talk about real-time with pause, the KOTOR games usually aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. And yeah, I get it. Most people remember them for the story, the choices, the whole Star Wars vibe.
But here’s the thing—they are RTwP.
And since both games are absolute legends, there’s no way they don’t belong here. This one, especially, leans even harder into the writing and darker tone.
So yeah, even if you don’t immediately associate this series with RTwP, don’t get it twisted, these games are part of the conversation.
#6. Planescape: Torment – Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
If Icewind Dale was all about combat, this one goes in the exact opposite direction. Planescape: Torment is barely remembered for its fights. It’s the writing that people still talk about to this day.
And yeah, when people say the writing is good, they mean really good. Deep, philosophical, sometimes weird, but always memorable.
So don’t come into this expecting constant battles or complex tactics. That’s not what this game is about.
But still, it uses RTwP, and more importantly, it’s one of the most legendary RPGs ever made. So yeah, it absolutely belongs here.
#5. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Okay, this is the only JRPG in this list, which makes it a major standout. Square Enix calls its combat the “Active Dimension Battle” system, which is honestly just a fancy way of saying RTwP.
I mean, let’s be real, the Japanese just love inventing their own terminology for everything to make it sound revolutionary.
And yeah, it might not be a traditional CRPG, but since this video is about the tactical pause, it 100% earns its spot. So yeah, it’s basically a high-budget, cinematic take on the genre that somehow still feels like home.
#4. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1
Now, this one is a prime example of a game that knows exactly what its roots are, even if it eventually tried to please everyone.
It was originally built from the ground up for RTwP, but the devs eventually patched in a turn-based mode just to cater to the mainstream crowd who seemingly can’t handle a little real-time chaos.
It’s a business decision, obviously, but the game’s soul is in the pause button, you know? So yeah, playing it turn-based is fine, but you can tell the engine was truly meant for that tactical flow.
#3. Pillars of Eternity
- Release Date: 2015
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Goddamn it, this game finally caved and added a turn-based mode recently, just like the sequel. Look, I get it—money talks, and turn-based is what the “cool kids” want these days.
But let’s keep it real: this game was built from the ground up for RTwP. Every tactical guide, character build, and pro tip you’ll find online was written with the pause button in mind.
So, if you choose turn-based, you’re essentially playing a version of the game it wasn’t actually meant to be. For the love of God, don’t be that person, okay?
#2. Dragon Age: Origins
- Release Date: 2009
- Platform: PC, XSX/S, X1
When you talk about RTwP, you’re eventually going to talk about this game. It’s basically the law of the internet at this point. There isn’t another game in existence that gets name-dropped as often as this one when the tactical pause comes up.
It’s the “big daddy” of the modern era, successfully bridging the gap between old-school isometric crunch and cinematic storytelling.
So yeah, whether you’re a hardcore veteran or a casual player, this is the gold standard everyone points to. I mean, it’s the reason this list even exists for most people.
#1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Release Date: 2003
- Platform: PC, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Now this one… yeah, it’s not the best when it comes to RTwP mechanics, let’s just get that out of the way.
But honestly, I don’t even care. KOTOR is one of the most legendary RPGs ever made, not just in this niche, but in gaming overall. The story, the characters, the choices—it’s just that iconic.
And even if the tactical pause feels a bit simple compared to some modern gems, the storytelling and world-building are untouchable. So at this point, it almost feels weird not to include it; it’s an all-timer, plain and simple.
So, do you agree with our picks?
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