The Wii U isn't exactly known for its vast library of role-playing games. Let's be honest, this Nintendo console isn't exactly known for its robust library of games in general. That being said, a lot of what did make its way to this underrated system is pretty good.
While most of the best RPGs on the Wii U have made their way over to the Nintendo Switch, there are still some that haven't (and likely won't). But, for those looking for the best Wii U RPGs for their classic piece of hardware, or even those looking to get that last-generation fix on their current Nintendo console, this countdown has you covered. Unfortunately, some digital games will be difficult to come by as Nintendo has decided to discontinue its support of the Wii U's digital eShop, but all of the digital-only games listed below can be found on Nintendo Switch and other various platforms. (NOTE: The eShop gift card links below lead to Nintendo Switch eShop gift cards as Nintendo has announced it will no longer support the Wii U digital marketplace.)
These games promise fantastic RPG experiences no matter where you decide to enjoy them, however. And despite having a relatively limited number of options, the Wii U still has quite a diverse lineup of RPG titles. Whether you're looking for something action-packed or a more traditional turn-based experience, there is something here for most types of gamers.
The 10 Best Wii U RPGs:
1. Xenoblade Chronicles X
- Metacritic Score: 84
- Genre: Action RPG
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Description: “Fight for survival while exploring the vast expanses of an unknown planet where anything you see is reachable in your weaponized mech, called a Skell. Customize a lethal skill set of combat and defensive skills, called Arts, to strengthen your strategies and defeat enemies efficiently. Attack your enemies from multiple directions using melee weapons, guns, and your greatest asset—your tactical mind.”
What The Critics Say: “It has more than enough to satisfy the hungriest RPG fans: fun exploration, in-depth combat, and a scope that will keep players engaged for a very long time.” – GamesBeat
2. Darksiders II
- Metacritic Score: 85
- Genre: Action RPG
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Description: “Darksiders II follows the exploits of DEATH, one of the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse, in a weaving tale that runs parallel to the events in the original Darksiders game. This epic journey propels DEATH through various light and dark realms as he tries to redeem his brother WAR, the horseman who was blamed for prematurely starting the Apocalypse in Darksiders.”
What The Critics Say: “An excellent way to experience Death's adventure. There haven't been any significant changes from the Xbox and PS3 versions. The combat is still thrilling, the dungeons are lengthy and challenging, and the loot hoarding is addictive.” – GamesRadar+
3. Mass Effect 3: Special Edition
- Metacritic Score: 85
- Genre: Action RPG
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Description: “Earth is on fire. Striking from beyond known space, a race of terrifying machines have begun their destruction of the human race. As Commander Shepard, an Alliance Marine, your only hope for saving mankind is to rally the civilizations of the galaxy and launch one final mission to take back the Earth. Mass Effect 3 features additional missions, weapons, and characters for both single player and multiplayer including the Extended Cut ending and an interactive backstory experience.”
What The Critics Say: “Despite the rare occurrence of frame rate drops, and the stunted online play, Mass Effect 3: Special Edition is a love letter to video game and science fiction enthusiasts everywhere, as it does all it can to please the fans and engage newcomers to its immense and beautiful universe.” – Nintendo Life
4. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
- Metacritic Score: 82
- Genre: Action RPG
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Description: “Traverse the grand world of Monster Hunter as you journey through more than two hundred quests, battle larger-than-larger-than-life monsters, and create a myriad of weapons and armor. Hunt with your pair of AI companions in single-player quests or connect via the Wii U system with up to 3 friends in 4-player online engagements.”
What The Critics Say: “It's easily the best Monster Hunter game so far, and while it would be nice to see a console sequel with more up-to-date visuals and all-new locations, Ultimate is [a] great entry into the Wii U catalog.” – GameSpot
5. Paper Mario: Color Splash
- Metacritic Score: 76
- Genre: Turn-Based RPG
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Description: “There’s a mystery on Prism Island. The solution? Mario. Someone's been draining the color from Prism Island! Can you help Mario unravel the mystery and use the power of paint to restore the island?”
What The Critics Say: “Paper Mario: Color Splash might not be the Paper Mario game everyone wanted, but it's a game that oozes polish and manages to sit somewhere in a niche between RPG and adventure game… It's a memorable journey full of charm, craft, chuckles, and a whole lot of paint.” – Digitial Spy
6. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
- Metacritic Score: 80
- Genre: Turn-Based RPG
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Description: “An Atlus-developed RPG for Wii U set in a modern-day world of music and art featuring characters and gameplay elements from Intelligent System's Fire Emblem franchise mixed with elements from the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.”
What The Critics Say: “Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE takes a lot from the Shin Megami Tensei series and mixes in some Fire Emblem-flavored icing, and the results were fantastic. It's a superb RPG with a lot to offer, and is a must-have game for Wii U owners.” – Attack of the Fanboy
7. Child of Light
- Metacritic Score: 84
- Genre: Action RPG
- Digital Only (Amazon): Nintendo Switch eShop Card
Description: “The duke's daughter Aurora is dead; and yet, she lives. Join Aurora across the mysterious kingdom of Lemuria on her quest to return home. Helped by Igniculus the firefly, Finn the Capilli, and many more, she must defeat the Queen of the Night who has stolen the sun, the moon, and the stars.”
What The Critics Say: “Sound combines with art and writing for the creative triple [threat]. Piano is at the forefront of most of the game’s soundtrack, with an orchestral accompaniment providing a robust lift; perfect for this manner of presentation.” – Nintendo Life
8. Ittle Dew
- Metacritic Score: 79
- Genre: Action RPG
- Digital Only (Amazon): Nintendo Switch eShop Card
Description: “Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet. Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left. Experience devious puzzles, timeless gameplay, and lots of exploration!”
What The Critics Say: “Ittle Dew is a top-class puzzle-adventure title that Zelda fans will absolutely adore.” – Nintendo Life
9. Unepic
- Metacritic Score: 72
- Genre: Action RPG
- Digital Only (Amazon): Nintendo Switch eShop Card
Description: “Unepic is a combination of platforming and role-playing games. There are many hilarious references throughout the game. The game takes place in Harnakon, a huge medieval castle.”
What The Critics Say: “Wii U gets a challenging game, fun, addictive and full of surprises, that becomes one of its best downloadable titles.” – Vandal
10. Squids Odyssey
- Metacritic Score: 68
- Genre: Tactical RPG
- Digital Only (Amazon): Nintendo Switch eShop Card
Description: “Squids Odyssey is a unique mix of action strategy and RPG: build your team of Squid heroes for epic turn-based battles against corrupted crabs and shrimps. Steev, Vahine, and the rest of the Squids are in danger. An infectious black ooze is corrupting their world. The band of unlikely heroes [needs] to fight back to save their lush underwater kingdoms.”
What The Critics Say: “Its difficulty curve may frustrate younger gamers, but Squids Odyssey is a fun and unique, turn-based action game that's worth spending a few squids on.” – Official Nintendo Magazine UK [May 2014, p.85]