Finding an action RPG (ARPG) that works for both a seven-year-old and an adult can be tough—you need a sweet spot where the combat isn't overly punishing or gory, the mechanics are easy to grasp, but there is still enough depth, humor, or exploration to keep older players engaged.
Here are some of the best, highly accessible action RPGs ideal for players of all ages:
Cat Quest II 2019
100%·
Microsoft Windows +7
A purr-fectly charming, fast-paced 2D open-world ARPG where you play as a cat and a dog trying to reclaim their thrones. It features drop-in/drop-out local co-op that makes it an absolute blast for parents and kids to play together. The combat is simple enough for young children to button-mash and succeed, but the quick leveling, gear customization, and endless cat/dog puns keep adults genuinely entertained.
Minecraft Dungeons 2020
90%·
Xbox One +4
Think of this as Diablo for beginners and families [12.0, 13.0]. It strips away the overwhelming inventory management and complex skill trees of traditional dungeon crawlers and replaces them with straightforward, satisfying hack-and-slash combat wrapped in the iconic blocky aesthetic [12.0]. It supports up to four players locally or online [12.0], scaling nicely so younger kids can team up with experienced gamers.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2017
10/10·
Wii U
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (and Tears of the Kingdom ): While Nintendo labels these as action-adventure games [14.0], they function fundamentally as open-world action RPGs [15.0]. They are masterclasses in accessibility: younger players can just run around, catch horses, and cook, while older players can dive deep into complex combat strategies, shrine puzzles, and weapon fusing. Best of all, there is zero gore, an E-for-Everyone rating [8.0], and a breathtaking world that treats curiosity as the ultimate leveling system.
Portal Knights 2016
90%·
Xbox One +5
A cooperative 3D sandbox action-RPG [17.0, 18.0] that lets you choose between classic RPG classes (Warrior, Mage, Ranger) [18.0], level up your character [18.0], craft gear [18.0], and fight real-time action bosses [18.0] across floating, procedurally generated islands [18.0]. The split-screen couch co-op is seamless [18.0], making it a fantastic weekend adventure for families.[1]
If you want to narrow these down, tell me:
- What gaming system(s) you are playing on (Switch, PlayStation, PC, etc.)
- Whether you need co-op/multiplayer or a single-player experience
I can give you a more tailored recommendation!
