You've probably never heard of the highest rated Steam RPG in 2026

It may only be March, but many great games have already been released, including potential Game of the Year contenders. Resident Evil requests. It's no surprise to see survival/action horror title review groups and scales alongside casual life simulation games. Pokemon Pokopia and tactical roguelike Meugenics. The latter borrows some RPG mechanics, but the strategic and roguelike elements are much more apparent. As such, many RPG fans may be curious about what's best in that genre this year, and Steam has your answer.

The RPG genre has one of the widest selections of games, depending on exactly how the RPG elements are approached. There are action RPGs, CRPGs, JRPGs, turn-based RPGs, MMORPGs, open-world RPGs, and of course, those can still be broken down because Soulslikes are generally action RPGs. This can make it difficult to keep up with the genre, but they usually get a lot of attention. Which is why it's strange that the highest-rated RPG of the year (so far) has gone largely unnoticed.

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

title The Hermit and the 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, with 100% of critics recommending the title. As of this writing, it's only been out for a month, so fans of the genre should be sure to check it out. It's also pretty cheap, priced at just $14.99 on Steam.

The Hermit and the Pig is connected with Mystical Ebb On Metacritic and OpenCritic, however Disco Elysium-Just like CRPGs haven't gone under the radar The Hermit and the Pig.

The Hermit and the Pig is about a reclusive woodsman and his loyal truffle-hunting pig who are forced to leave their quiet forest life after trouble occurs in 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 territories filled with wildlife, cultists and shadowy corporate forces. Along the way, players engage in fast-paced 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 lead to hilarious dialogue mishaps. Within this anti-capitalist, comic packaging is one of the standout RPG features.

The Hermit and the Pig feature list

Turn-based combat is timedMeaning players must understand enemy tactics, choose attacks carefully and quickly, and hit button combos before time runs out. Combos become more complex throughout the game.
Turn social anxiety into gameplay Where dialogue gives another flavor to combat. If players say the wrong thing, they take “cringe damage”, but overcoming these awkward moments will help you level up.
fodder About 50 types of fungi to gain healing and combat benefits. Pigs can sense enemy weaknesses as well as truffles (regenerative items and currency).
Make your hermit Where each level provides trinket points, and trinkets can be used to customize your personal playstyle.
Adjust your experience: While The Hermit and the Pig Focused on timed scenarios, players who prefer a relaxed experience can adjust everything from combos and timers to overall difficulty.
How long to beat the hermit and the pig: 6-10 hours, depending on play style and exploration.
Yes, you can raise a pig.

Drag the arms to fill the grid

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While The Hermit and the Pig Inspired by classic RPGs, not the other way around Sea of stars And classic JRPGs, this is more of a retro-modern game than a retro RPG. and so on Sea of starsThat fact alone makes it The Hermit and the Pig A must-play RPG for any fan of the genre. Others may get over it this year, but our socially awkward friend is standing up there with Leon Kennedy, so he's clearly doing something right.