While PC RPGs come in a variety of sub-genres and styles, there are a few core elements that most titles share. While a particular RPG may not offer all of the following items, I’m sure you’ll see that each one shares at least one or more. Note that there are some exceptions to these precedents and that the act of classifying the genre of a game ultimately rests with the decisions of the game developers and players.

Possibly the most recognized of these building blocks is the process of gaining experience and leveling up. Almost all PC RPGs released in the past incorporate this idea to one degree or another. As players progress through a title and battle enemies along the way, it is common practice to reward a player’s character (or team of characters) with experience points for victory, commonly abbreviated “XP.” As a character reaches the set XP milestones, they will gain a level. Often times, a character will learn additional skills as various levels are reached.

Another fairly common element is turn-based combat. Although this element was much more popular in PC and console role-playing games of the past, it is still widely used, especially among series where the original titles offered this type of game. As the name implies, enemy battles are generally conducted much like a chess match in which an opponent can attack or use an item only after his enemy has done so. Battles continue in this manner until an opponent has lost all HP (life points) and the winner is decided.

The final element of PC RPGs that I would like to discuss is interchangeable weapons and armor. While this is probably the least used of the three elements, it is still a very recognizable ingredient within the genre. When playing a game that offers this style of play, players have the option of collecting multiple sets of defensive armor and weapons throughout the game. Most of the time, a character can wield only one weapon or wear a single set of armor at any given time, but the ability to change these items at any time adds a more personalized experience to titles within the genre.