Hey guys, welcome! And in this video we’re counting down our picks for the best JRPGs that you should check out.
And without further ado, let’s dive right in.
#25. Octopath Traveler II
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Okay, before I continue, I must let you know that this list only contains games that are available on PC or modern consoles, so, yeah, legendary games like Xenogears won’t be here.
Anyway, this is a modern retro JRPG following eight travelers, each with their own story. And I like that it doesn’t try to reinvent the genre. I mean, it reminds me why people fell in love with these kinds of games in the first place.
So yeah, this one will make you feel like you’re playing old-school Final Fantasy games for the first time.
#24. Tales of Arise
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2
Look, I know longtime Tales fans have their complaints about this one, but I think people are too quick to dismiss it. It’s a flashy, anime-style action JRPG, and man, it knows how to make a fight look exciting.
And sure, some enemies are damage sponges, and I get why that’s annoying. But I think there’s a lot to like here if you’re not comparing every little thing to the older games.
Also, you can jump in without knowing anything about the series, and if you enjoy big, dramatic anime adventures, I’d say it’s worth a shot.
#23. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Now, I know some people are gonna complain that this isn’t a JRPG because it was made in France. But come on, it’s a turn-based RPG inspired by the Japanese classics, except you also dodge and parry attacks in real time, which makes it quite different.
Oh, and then it went and won nine major awards, including Game of the Year and Best RPG. So yeah, I get why some fans think the hype has gone overboard. But still, I don’t think being popular makes a great game any less worth playing. Sometimes the hype is deserved, you know?
#22. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Release Date: 2024
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
So, I find it funny that a series famous for street brawls somehow became a full-blown turn-based JRPG. And this time, Ichiban ends up in Hawaii, which makes everything more ridiculous.
But what I like is that the game never forgets how to have fun. You could be following a serious story one minute, then spending the next three hours doing something completely stupid.
And sure, I’ve seen people argue that the previous game had a stronger story. I can understand that. But for me, the ridiculous side adventures are a huge part of the appeal.
#21. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
- Release Date: 2024
- Platform: Switch 2, Switch
Alright, I know Mario isn’t exactly the first name that comes to mind when we’re talking about the greatest JRPGs. But that’s kind of why I like this one.
It’s a turn-based adventure in a world that looks like it’s made out of paper, and it’s way funnier than you might expect. The writing is sharp, the characters are weird in the best way, and every chapter seems to have some ridiculous idea that somehow works.
So yeah, I get why fans keep calling it a classic. It has more personality than plenty of RPGs twice its size.
#20. Star Ocean: The Second Story R
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch
Look, if you’re only going to play one game from this series, I’d pick this one. It’s a sci-fi JRPG with real-time battles, and the remake looks great.
And what I like is how much stuff you can miss on your first run. I mean, you can’t recruit everybody, so going back with a different party makes sense.
Oh, and I’m not gonna pretend the story is some masterpiece, but I don’t think that matters here. In the end, there’s plenty to mess around with, and I can see why people still call it the best in the series.
#19. Persona 3 Reload
- Release Date: 2024
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2
Now, here’s one for all the grown men who wish they could go back to high school as the mysterious, cool sigma male guy who actually has friends. So basically, half my audience.
Anyway, in this game, you go to class, build relationships with pretty anime girls, and fight monsters at night. That’s basically it.
And story-wise, I think this is one of the strongest in the series. I mean, it gets surprisingly serious about death and how little time we’ve got.
Oh, and the game can be a repetitive slog, sure, but I think everything else is great.
#18. Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 + II.5 Remix
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
So, Disney characters teaming up with Final Fantasy characters sounds like something a twelve-year-old came up with, but somehow it works.
Anyway, this is an upgraded collection of the first two main games, plus other adventures and story cutscenes, brought to modern platforms.
And if you ask me, the real star here is the second game, especially Final Mix. I mean, there’s a reason people still talking about its combat and boss fights.
And sure, the story eventually gets so complicated you’ll need ChatGPT to summarize it for your brainrot mind. But seriously, these games are absolute must-plays.
#17. NieR: Automata
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Alright, remember when 2B was the internet’s favorite waifu? Yeah, those beautiful thighs carried the marketing. And knowing my audience, I’m sure some of you still have her as your wallpaper.
Anyway, underneath all that is an action JRPG about androids fighting machines, except it gets way more depressing and philosophical than you’d expect.
I mean, people still argue whether this even counts as a JRPG, but I couldn’t care less. The story actually has something to say, the music is incredible, and there’s a pair of reasons fans won’t shut up about it.
#16. Undertale
- Release Date: 2015
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Okay, look at these graphics. This is the kind of game only hardcore, basement-dwelling retro RPG nerds would play. I mean, it looks like somebody made it in 1995.
But, somehow it became a massive deal, and we can see why. It’s weird, genuinely funny, and has a way of making people way more emotional than they ever expected.
And some fans even argue about whether it counts as a JRPG, because the guy who made it apparently speaks English fluently.
Anyway, don’t write this one off just because it looks ancient. It’s a great game, I promise.
#15. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: Switch 2, Switch
Look, it sucks that this great game is only available on Switch consoles. I mean, it’s their loss, but whatever.
Anyway, this is an action JRPG about six soldiers fighting a war where nobody gets much time to live. So yeah, it’s not exactly a relaxing vacation.
But the special thing is that all six characters stick together from early on, so you actually get to know them instead of meeting some random guy thirty hours in.
So yeah, when things get serious, you care. And that’s why I’d recommend it, even if you have to borrow a Switch.
#14. Chained Echoes
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Now, if you’re still complaining that nobody makes JRPGs like they used to, here’s your game. And get this—it was made by one guy.
And yes, this is a modern, pixel-art, turn-based RPG that feels like something from the old Final Fantasy days, except the battles make you think. Sometimes a little too much.
And yeah, some people find the regular fights exhausting. But still, this hidden gem would’ve been a classic back in the PS1 era.
So yeah, if you’re craving an old-school JRPG without actually playing an old game, give this one a shot.
#13. Final Fantasy IX
- Release Date: 2000
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
So, if you want Final Fantasy fans to start fighting, just say this game is better than Final Fantasy 7. Those two fanbases have been arguing about it forever, and nobody’s getting tired.
Anyway, this is an old-school fantasy JRPG about a thief, a princess, and a black mage named Vivi. At first glance, it looks like a cute fairy tale, but the story gets surprisingly dark, and the characters have wildly different personalities.
And sure, the battles can be painfully slow, but I feel like everything else holds up.
Oh, and yeah, feel free to restart that argument in the comments.
#12. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: Switch 2, Switch
Alright, if you like your JRPGs more tactical, then this one’s for you. In this game, you play a professor who picks one of three student houses and leads them into turn-based battles.
And yes, it starts with school lessons and friendships, then somehow turns into a political war. Great curriculum, I know.
Anyway, what I like is that you get attached to these students, so the fighting actually means something. Plus, your choice of house gives you a different side of the story.
So if you want strategy with characters worth caring about, give this one a shot.
#11. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, Switch
Okay, if you liked Three Houses, here’s another tactical JRPG heavyweight. And yes, I think this one is slightly better, for some reason.
Anyway, this is a remastered classic about a soldier caught in a war full of corrupt nobles, religious scheming, and betrayal. So basically, Game of Thrones, except you can change everyone’s jobs.
And that’s the fun part. You can spend hours messing with different classes and building your squad.
And sure, some mechanics still feel pretty old, but the story is fantastic, and the new voice acting makes it even better. Definitely don’t miss this one.
#10. Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Look, if this remaster didn’t exist, I would’ve put Eiyuden Chronicle here instead. I mean, it’s basically the modern spiritual successor, after all.
Anyway, in this compilation, you get two classic, turn-based JRPGs about war, betrayal, and recruiting an absurd number of people to your cause. Yeah, you can recruit 108 characters. So good luck remembering everybody’s names.
But, the real reason I’d recommend this collection is the second game. Its story about friendship torn apart by war is fantastic, and I think it deserves to be called one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. But yeah, definitely play both.
#9. Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Release Date: 2024
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Now, imagine Persona, but medieval. Instead of trying to become the sigma male in high school, you’re trying to become a nonchalant king. So yeah, basically the same power fantasy, just with better career prospects.
Anyway, you’ve still got a calendar, friendships to maintain, and turn-based battles, except now there’s a fantasy kingdom full of racism, politics, and people who shouldn’t be allowed to rule anything.
Oh, and being able to switch classes around makes combat surprisingly addictive. So yeah, there’s that.
Overall, it’s another massive Atlus time sink, but if you liked Persona, I wouldn’t skip this one.
#8. EarthBound
- Release Date: 1994
- Platform: Switch 2, Switch
Look, if this weren’t available on Switch consoles, I wouldn’t even include it here. Yeah, those are the rules.
Anyway, you play a kid with a baseball bat, fighting aliens, cultists, and bizarre enemies in a weird version of America. So it’s basically your typical turn-based JRPG, minus the swords, castles, and pretty anime girls.
And sure, the combat hasn’t exactly aged gracefully, but there’s a reason old-school gamers still swear this thing is a masterpiece. It’s weird, genuinely funny, and surprisingly emotional.
I mean, you don’t become a cult classic by being normal, do you?
#7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Release Date: 2024
- Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Alright, before some of you start complaining, picking this one doesn’t mean Final Fantasy 7 Remake isn’t great. And no, I’m not disrespecting the original, either. I’m just using this game to represent all of them on the list, since it’s the biggest.
Anyway, it’s a massive action JRPG with fantastic characters, addictive combat, and so many side activities you’ll probably forget you’re supposed to save the world.
And sure, you can argue about which version tells the story better. But I think each one is worth playing.
So yeah, if you’re a big Final Fantasy 7 fan, definitely play all of them.
#6. Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, Switch
So, before Final Fantasy 7 took the series into 3D, this was Final Fantasy at its pixel-art peak. And yeah, I think it’s the best out of all the pixel-art games.
Anyway, it’s a turn-based JRPG about a huge cast fighting an empire obsessed with magic and power. You’ve got memorable characters, an amazing soundtrack, and a story that somehow makes you care about these tiny pixel people.
Oh, and there’s an opera scene. Yeah, an opera, in a game from the SNES era.
So yeah, if you want to know why old-school fans worship pixel-era Final Fantasy, play this one.
#5. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, Switch 2, Switch
Okay, this is a remake of the first game, and I’m using it to represent the series. I mean, putting a dozen games from one franchise would be redundant, so no, thank you.
Anyway, the story is pretty standard, with two adventurers moving through a fantasy kingdom and their journey becomes something bigger.
But, this series is a hidden gem for JRPG nerds who love detailed worldbuilding, slow-burn stories, and cringe anime tropes on steroids. Yeah, you’ll get what I’m saying when you play them.
But still, the characters are fantastic, and the interconnected storytelling is massive. Definitely start here.
#4. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Now, if you want to know what a classic JRPG looks like with modern production values, this is pretty much it. No weird experiments, just a chosen hero, a colorful fantasy world, and good old-fashioned turn-based battles.
And that’s why it works flawlessly. The party is lovable, the towns feel alive, and the adventure has that comforting, Saturday-morning-cartoon charm.
And sure, some people find it predictable, or painfully traditional. But like, that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?
I mean, it’s basically everything a modern classic JRPG should be. So yeah, if you love the genre, don’t skip this one.
#3. Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster
- Release Date: 2013
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Alright, this compilation includes two games, and don’t get me wrong, X-2 is good. But let’s be real, it’s the first game doing the heavy lifting here.
Anyway, you follow Tidus and Yuna on a pilgrimage through Spira, a gorgeous world terrorized by a giant monster called Sin. Very subtle name, I know.
But what really makes this one special is its story. The romance, the characters, and the music are unforgettable, and the turn-based combat still holds up.
And sure, some parts have aged, but there’s no doubt that this is one of Final Fantasy’s absolute best.
#2. Chrono Trigger
- Release Date: 1995
- Platform: PC
Look, you’re lucky this masterpiece is available on PC, because otherwise it wouldn’t qualify for this list. Yeah, even legends have to follow the rules.
Anyway, it’s a turn-based JRPG where a bunch of unlikely heroes travel through time to prevent the end of the world. And surprisingly, the pacing, music, characters, and multiple endings still put plenty of modern games to shame.
Oh, and a lot of later JRPGs have a piece of this game’s DNA in them. That’s how influential it really was.
So yeah, there’s a reason people still worship this thing. It’s a must-play, definitely.
#1. Persona 5 Royal
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch
Okay, if you’ve ever fantasized about being the coolest guy in school, with actual friends and pretty girls constantly wanting your attention, congratulations. This is basically your dream simulator.
Anyway, by day you’re a student juggling friendships and romance with pretty anime girls, and by night you’re leading the Phantom Thieves, stealing the hearts of corrupt adults. Yup, normal teenage stuff, nothing special.
But seriously, the turn-based combat is addictive, the soundtrack is great, and the style is on another level. And sure, it’s incredibly long, but it’ll keep you hooked.
So yeah, that’s my number one. Don’t miss it.
So, do you agree with our picks?
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