You've probably never heard of the top-rated Steam RPG of 2026

It might only be March, but several great games have already been released, including potential Game of the Year contenders such as Resident Evil Requiem. It's no surprise to see the survival/action horror title top reviews gather and scale, along with the cozy life simulation game Pokemon Pokopia and tactical roguelike Mewgenics. The latter borrows some RPG mechanics, but the tactical and roguelike elements are much more pronounced. As such, many RPG fans may be curious as to what's the best in that genre this year, and Steam has your answer.

The RPG genre has one of the most widespread selections of games, depending on how exactly you approach the RPG elements. There are action RPGs, CRPGs, JRPGs, turn-based RPGs, MMORPGs, open-world RPGs, and of course they can be broken down further since Soulslikes are usually action RPGs. That can make it hard to keep up with the genre, but they usually get a lot of attention. Which is why it's strange that this year's top-rated RPG (so far) has gone largely unnoticed.

What is Hermit and Pig, the highest rated RPG game of 2026 (so far)

Titled Hermit and Pigit is described as a story-rich RPG. It has a respectable Metascore of 88 on Metacritic, with a Top Critic Average of 89 on OpenCritic, where 100% of critics recommend the title. It's only been out for a month as of this writing, so fans of the genre should be sure to check it out. It's pretty cheap too, priced at just $14.99 on Steam.

Hermit and Pig is tied with Esoteric Ebb on Metacritic and OpenCritic, however Disco Elysium-as CRPGs haven't gone under the radar either Hermit and Pig.

Hermit and Pig is about a reclusive woodsman and his loyal truffle-hunting pig who are forced to leave their peaceful forest life behind after trouble strikes a nearby town. The unlikely pair set out to find a legendary giant mushroom that could solve the city's food crisis, leading them through strange areas filled with wild animals, cultists, and shadowy corporate forces. Along the way, players engage in quick turn-based battles with combos, collect mushrooms and truffles for items and currency, and navigate awkward “conversation battles” where the Hermit's social anxiety can cause hilarious dialogue mishaps. Within this anti-capitalist, comedic packaging is a plethora of outstanding RPG features.

Hermit and Pig feature list

TURN-BASED COMBAT IS TIMEmeaning players must understand enemy tactics, choose attacks carefully and quickly, and press button combinations before time runs out. Combos become more complex throughout the game.
TURN SOCIAL ANGER INTO GAMES where dialogue encounters provide an additional flavor of combat. If players say the wrong thing, they take “creep damage”, but overcoming these awkward moments will help you level up.
LINING almost 50 types of mushrooms to heal and gain advantages in battle. Pig can sniff out enemy weaknesses as well as truffles (revival items AND currency).
BUILD YOUR HERMIT where each level provides trinket points and trinkets can be used to customize your personal play style.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE: while Hermit and Pig is focused on timed scenarios, players who prefer a relaxed experience can adjust everything from combos and timers to the overall difficulty.
HOW LONG TO BEAT THE HERMIT AND THE PIG: 6-10 hours, depending on playstyle and exploration.
Yes, you can pet the pig.

Drag weapons to fill the grid

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While Hermit and Pig is inspired by classic RPGs, not unlike Sea of stars and classic JRPGs, it's more of a retro modern game than a retro RPG. And just like Sea of starsjust that fact does Hermit and Pig a must-play RPG for all fans of the genre. Others may top it this year, but our socially awkward friend is up there with Leon Kennedy, so he's obviously doing something right.