You've Probably Never Heard of the Highest Rated Steam RPG in 2026

It may only be March, but several great games have already been released, including potential Game of the Year contenders like Resident Evil Requiem. It’s no surprise to see that survival/action horror title topping review aggregates and scales, alongside the cozy life simulation game Pokemon Pokopia and tactical roguelike Mewgenics. The latter borrows some RPG mechanics, but the tactical and roguelike elements are far more pronounced. As such, many RPG fans may be curious about 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 the RPG elements are approached exactly. There’s action RPGs, CRPGs, JRPGs, turn-based RPGs, MMORPGs, open-world RPGs, and of course, those can be broken down even further because Soulslikes are typically action RPGs. That can make it hard to keep up with the genre, but they do typically receive 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)

Titled Hermit and Pig, it is described as a story-rich RPG. It sits with a respectable Metascore of 88 on Metacritic, with a Top Critic Average of 89 on OpenCritic, with 100% of critics recommending the title. It has 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 only $14.99 on Steam.

Hermit and Pig is tied with Esoteric Ebb on Metacritic and OpenCritic, but the Disco Elysium-like CRPG hasn’t gone under the radar like Hermit and Pig.

Hermit and Pig is about a reclusive woodsman and his loyal truffle-hunting pig who are forced to leave their quiet forest life behind after trouble hits a nearby town. The unlikely pair set out to find a legendary giant mushroom that could solve the town’s food crisis, leading them through strange areas filled with wildlife, cultists, and shady corporate forces. Along the way, players take part in fast-paced turn-based battles with combos, gather 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 standout RPG features.

Hermit and Pig Feature List

TURN-BASED COMBAT IS TIMED, meaning players must understand enemy tactics, choose attacks carefully and quickly, and hit button combos before time runs out. Combos grow more complex throughout the game.
TURN SOCIAL ANXIETY INTO GAMEPLAY where dialogue encounters give another taste of combat. If players say the wrong thing, they take “cringe damage,” but overcoming these awkward moments helps you level up.
FORAGE nearly 50 types of Fungi to heal and gain advantages in combat. Pig can sniff out enemy weaknesses as well as truffles (revival items AND currency).
BUILD YOUR HERMIT where each level grants trinket points, and trinkets can be used to customize your personal playstyle.
ADJUST 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 HERMIT AND 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 Stars, that fact alone makes Hermit and Pig a must-play RPG for any fan of the genre. Others may surpass it this year, but our socially awkward friend is standing up there with Leon Kennedy, so he’s obviously doing something right.