20 Best JRPGs of All Time: Top Picks for 2025
Developing a complete love for this genre was inevitable in my case, so you can thank that for this useful list of the best JRPGs of all time. Rich stories that blow my mind or hit me in the feels always drew me in. Anime and RPG games were right up my alley. Then, I discovered JRPGs and the rest is history.
I’ve clocked hundreds or maybe thousands of hours into Atlus’ games like Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal. Right now, I’m enjoying Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance. I’ve mashed my console’s buttons during combat in Final Fantasy XV and Crisis Core. I’ve dived into a nostalgia rabbit hole playing Xenoblade Chronicles: The Definitive Edition, and so on.
What makes a title worth playing? The story should capture you, the characters should intrigue you, the worlds should immerse you in their bubbles, and lastly: it should be fun.
I’ll be showing you titles you shouldn’t miss. Plus, I’ll include links to great deals if you feel like buying and playing the game immediately.
Our Top Picks for JRPG Games
As a big-time fan, picking the top ten was difficult. I had to overcome my biases and look at all aspects of what makes a great JRPG to bring you the best. Here are the top contenders:
- Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024) – Groundbreaking RPG from the group behind Persona that mixes fantasy, politics, and turn-based combat into an ultimate cocktail.
- Persona 5 Royal (2020) – Stylish entry with slick combat in a high-school setting.
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2020) – Legendary rework of a classic that delivers emotion and cinema.
- Dragon Quest XI (2019) – A modern take on traditional RPGs packed with adventure, fantasy, and great world-building.
- Yakuza: Like A Dragon (2020) – Funny crime drama JRPG with an emotional underdog story.
There are a lot more titles on the list, so keep reading to find out everything about them.
The 20 Best JRPGs: Our Ultimate List in 2025
Just a short note on what I looked into to choose the best titles for this list. What makes a JRPG stand out? Which elements should it deliver? Here are key points that I looked into for each game:
- Story, Characters, and Worldbuilding: A story that hooks. Characters that you’ll remember. Worlds that you sink into easily.
- Combat and Gameplay Mechanics: Combat that’s fun, engaging, or challenging. Gameplay mechanics that contribute to the whole entry and make it better.
- Art, Music, and Aesthetics: Eye-candy and ear-candy. Creativity and beauty.
- Replayability and Side Content: Secret bosses, multiple endings, and great DLCs.
- Public Reception: Genuine and honest opinions on the game provided by the community.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get into it.
1. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Best New JRPG Experience)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | 2024 | Turn-Based with Real-Time Elements |
A bold new entry in the genre, Metaphor: ReFantazio comes from the creators of Persona, and it already bagged Game of the Year awards in 2024. Impressive and a top factor that makes it a MUST try. This contender transports you into a fantasy world rife with political tension and competition for the throne. You have to build your relationships and struggle for power.
What’s cool about this entry is that it blends classic turn-based combat with real-time mechanics. You’ll need to prioritize strategy over force in this game. Like most of Atlus’ games, it has a unique, anime-inspired art style with rich design elements.
It’s shaping the future of Japanese role-playing games, but a lot of newcomers might find its mechanics confusing at first. Seriously though, just push past the learning curve and this game will probably become one of your favorites.
Get Metaphor: ReFantazio now >
2. Persona 5 Royal (Best Story-Driven Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, Switch | 2020 | Turn-based |
Persona 5 Royal is an absolute must-try for newcomers and genre fans. You play as a masked vigilante, balancing high school life with heists inside surreal palaces. Outside of that, you’re a high school student who bonds with other high school students. Honestly, the plot and settings alone make the game very unique and are elements that make it truly stand out.
It’s a stylish game overall and it hooks you emotionally. The game is also packed with deep choices. A true embodiment of this genre. The combat features your classic turn-based battles. You win by being good at strategy. And it probably has one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard in a game.
It’s lengthy, offering over 100 hours of content. However, its social-sim aspects may not appeal to those who prefer non-stop action. If that’s not a dealbreaker, it’s one of the best JRPGs ever crafted.
3. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Best Action JRPG)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS5, PC | 2020 | Real-time action and tactical elements |
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a modern rework of a great classic. The game brings back Cloud Strife, a popular Square Enix protagonist. And they bring him back in some very stunning visuals, for real. This Final Fantasy game places you in an expanded world filled with cinematic cutscenes and deep character arcs.
The Square Enix overhaul adds fast-paced, strategic battles while keeping its RPG essence intact. You’ll enjoy real-time action with tactical combat elements. Plus, the Intergrade Edition makes the game’s performance better and it also introduces Yuffie’s DLC. Who doesn’t love extra content for a game that’s already great in the first place?
A downside of the game might be the episodic approach to revealing the plot. You have to wait for the full story and that might not be appealing to all gamers. Want more? I’ve got a list of the greatest RPG games right here.
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4. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (Best Traditional Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch | 2019 | Turn-based |
Few Japanese role-playing games capture the essence of the genre like a really good Dragon Quest game. It nails the party members’ dynamic. The devs gave each character/companion a rich backstory and a genuine purpose, so you’ll never feel like they’re just filler characters. The story follows a young hero uncovering his destiny.
The entry mixes high-stakes adventure, exploration, charm, and humor. And it does it well! The Definitive Edition upgrades the experience with orchestrated music, faster battles, and a 2D mode for old-school enthusiasts. It’s a gameplay masterclass with over 6 million copies sold worldwide according to Square Enix.
The only noticeable downside is that some of the cutscenes are extremely drawn out. That kind of diminishes the overall gameplay experience and makes the pace too slow at times.
Snag a copy of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition >
5. Yakuza: Like A Dragon – Hero Edition (Best Genre-Bending Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PC, PlayStation, Xbox | 2020 | Turn-based with real-world interactions |
A wild reinvention of the Yakuza series, this entry trades brawling for turn-based RPG battles. And for some reason, it works. Ichiban Kasuga’s journey through Japan’s underworld is both emotional and ridiculous, featuring over-the-top fights, hilarious minigames, and deep party mechanics.
This is one of the most interesting RPGs in recent years. The game’s world is alive and kind of reminds you of some of the best open-world games out there. It has dynamic side quests, a fully explorable city, and even job-based character progression. It kind of feels like an oriental GTA V or something along those lines.
There’s a lot to do: from karaoke to fighting street thugs. Sometimes, some of the fights feel like they drag on quite a bit because of enemy scaling.
Grab a copy of Yakuza: Like A Dragon – Hero Edition >
6. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Best Tactical Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| Nintendo Switch | 2019 | Grid-based tactical RPG |
Here’s a treat for Nintendo Switch users. If you like strategy-heavy RPGs then this game will be your muse. You play as a professor at a fancy academy where you train students who will shape a kingdom’s fate.
Enjoy grid-based combats that force you to be sharp and calculated. On the other hand, you’ll also enjoy relationship-building mechanics like you usually do in JRPGs. Replayability is sky-high as well because you have numerous story paths to discover. You bond with characters, train them in battle, and shape their future. Plus, there’s a permadeath option which makes every fight intense.
A downside to this game is that it’s not beginner-friendly and some of the mechanics can feel overwhelming to newcomers. But it’s still an amazing entry that sold over 4 million copies according to Nintendo.
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7. Final Fantasy XVI (Best Cinematic Boss Battles)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PlayStation 5, PC | 2023 | Real-time action |
Final Fantasy XVI is pure cinematic fun, ditching turn-based combat for high-speed action. Following Clive Rosfield, the game presents an epic, dark fantasy tale with brutal real-time combat and stunning summon battles. The Square Enix team crafted a dark fantasy world filled with intense battles that feel larger than life.
The boss (Eikon) battles feel like a Hollywood blockbuster, with massive creatures clashing in explosive combat. It’s easily one of the most ambitious entries in the Final Fantasy game franchise. The real-time fighting is fluid, flashy, and satisfying, designed by Devil May Cry’s combat director. It has a high score of 88/100 on Metacritic for a good reason.
A downside of the game is that it doesn’t have a traditional party system like past Final Fantasy games, which may disappoint longtime fans.
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8. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (Best Overall Balance)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | 2024 | Turn-based |
I can get behind Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (SMT V Vengeance) as one of Atlus’ best JRPGs so far. You’re thrust into an Isekai situation, where you go in and out of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo and a normal Tokyo. Your choices will impact the end of the story and for the most part, you’re fighting angels and demons, recruiting them, and getting flabbergasted by plot twists.
I played it on the Nintendo Switch online version and it runs well on there. A lot of things stand out to me when playing the game but what truly shines is the plot and gameplay balance. The story is very immersive and grips you. The cutscenes are cool. The opening soundtrack is insane.
The gameplay mechanics: story progression, side quests, main quests, turn-based combat, and expansive map WORK so well together. They make up a very balanced game with high replayability and an addictive formula. A potential con of the game is that some of the maps can feel tedious at times because of the background music and design choices.
9. Persona 4 Golden (Best Mystery-Driven Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PC, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PS Vita | 2008 | Turn-based |
Persona 4 Golden is an absolute must-play and another strong contender from Atlus. It blends random battles, dungeon crawling, and a murder mystery set in a small town. You play as a transfer student investigating bizarre murders while balancing school life, friendships, and battles.
With a great cast of lovable characters and a heartfelt story, it’s one of the most engaging entries on the list. It was released in 2008 but you can still play it on modern consoles and it’s still a crazy strong game! It can compete with the newer entries, for real. The social sim mechanics add depth, making every decision feel meaningful.
The remastered version improves visuals and load times, making it the definitive edition. It has over 45,000 positive reviews on Steam. A downside of the game is that some of the dungeon gameplay can feel repetitive.
10. Nier: Automata (Best Philosophical RPG)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | 2017 | Hack-and-slash |
One of the few games in the genre that make you question existence. Enter Nier: Automata. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where androids fight against machine invaders, it delivers one of the most thought-provoking game experiences I’ve ever played. The battles are fast and fluid, blending hack-and-slash with RPG progression.
With multiple endings and a narrative that changes based on your choices, this game rewards curiosity. The legend of its story only grows with time, thanks to its emotional soundtrack and deep themes. If you haven’t played it yet, prepare for an unforgettable ride. With over 7.5 million copies sold, you’ll come to understand the hype behind it once you’ve tried the game.
Some side quests feel repetitive, with fetch-style objectives slowing down the pacing. However, the main quests are always engaging.
11. Final Fantasy XV (Best Open-World Exploration)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2016 | Real-time combat |
Get ready for another killer Final Fantasy game that blesses you with real-time combat that’s both fun and challenging. You’re thrown into a massive open world where Prince Noctis and his party journey across beautiful landscapes in a beautiful ride called the Regalia. It’s a pretty dreamy entry that combines cinematic fights with road trip vibes. I’m completely here for it.
The characters don’t feel like fillers since their dynamics and friendships feel genuine. The story has emotional weight thanks to that. Other than that, you can enjoy monster hunts, side quests, and more. A potential con I found in the game is that the story’s pacing feels a bit inconsistent and uneven at times.
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12. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Best Unique Combat System)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| Nintendo Switch | 2022 | Real-time action |
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 delivers emotional depth and weight thanks to a good story. If you’ve played its predecessors, it retains a similar sci-fi aesthetic mixed with something else. You enter a world where soldiers only live to fight. You form a group of unlikely allies that go on a journey to break from this miserable cycle.
The open world in this game is something to take in. It’s breathtaking and the contrast between looking at machines and lush nature in one setting is indescribable. The party-based real-time combat is unique to this game. At least, I’ve never seen this style of combat in other JRPGs.
It has over 15,000 positive Steam reviews and is a must-play title just like the others in this list. A potential con in the game is that the first few chapters feel slow because of tutorials and exposition-heavy sequences.
Buy Xenoblade Chronicles 3 now >
13. Granblue Fantasy: Relink (Best Co-op Action Experience)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS5, PS4, PC | 2024 | Real-time action |
A newer entry that deserves your attention is Granblue Fantasy: Relink. You control a party of skyfaring adventurers, each with unique abilities. You battle against monstrous foes in fluid, flashy action combat.
It stands out with seamless co-op multiplayer, allowing up to four players to tackle epic bosses together. Visually, it’s a masterpiece, with detailed environments and smooth animations. The game blends story, exploration, and stylish combat.
With a 8.9/10 USER score on Metacritic, it’s clear that the people like it. A potential con found in the game is that it feels a bit grindy because of the loot system. It kind of feels like an online MMORPG because of that. No wonder it’s inspired by one.
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14. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered (Best Whimsical Play)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC | 2019 | Turn-based with real-time movement |
A Studio Ghibli-inspired entry that feels like pure magic. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered follows Oliver, a young boy transported to a whimsical parallel world. Here, he befriends creatures and battles evil. The gorgeous art makes it feel like you’re playing through an anime masterpiece.
The story is heartwarming. The turn-based combat feels fresh with creature collection mechanics and the world is full of wonder. Its adventure offers nostalgia while welcoming newcomers to the genre. It has over 25,000 positive reviews on Steam.
A potential downside in the game is that some of the play mechanics feel a bit outdated and frustrating, especially the AI-controlled party members during battles.
Get Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered now >
15. Chained Echoes (Best Indie Tribute)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS5, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC | 2022 | Turn-based with strategic resource management |
If you love entries inspired by the golden age of Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) RPGs like Super Mario RPG, Earthbound, and older Final Fantasy entries then Chained Echoes is a must-play. With Chrono Trigger-style pixel art, deep turn-based combat, and an epic story, it feels like a lost classic.
Combat is refreshingly strategic, relying on managing a constantly shifting resource bar rather than mindless grinding. It’s one of the best entries from an indie developer, It offers deep lore, meaningful choices, and a world brimming with surprises.
With a 91/100 Critic Score on Metacritic, check the hype out for yourself. A downside is that there’s no voice acting in the game. This might be a drawback for gamers who like to be fully immersed.
16. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Best Comedic Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC | 2024 | Turn-based with dynamic battlefield mechanics |
If you love games that mix absurd humor with heartfelt stories, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivers. Ichiban Kasuga returns for another wild adventure, taking his party across Japan and Hawaii. Enjoy fighting with over-the-top moves in its refined turn-based system.
The world is alive with minigames, social interactions, and side quests that are often just as engaging as the main story. The game retains the ridiculous charm of the Yakuza series while refining its battles to be more dynamic than ever.
A downside in the game is that some mechanics feel bloated because of the sheer number of side activities. It can feel overwhelming and frustrating for completionist gamers.
Grab Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth today >
17. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core – Reunion (Best Prequel)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| PS5, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC | 2022 | Real-time action |
This one didn’t fly under my radar. You play as Zack Fair, a SOLDIER operative. One thing about Final Fantasy entries are that they never fail in some fields of game development: their visuals are always on point, their dubbing is always on point, and their soundtracks too.
I thoroughly enjoyed the combat in this game. Fluid, fast, and beautiful plus the unique slot-based mechanics added extra buffs that were needed for those hard bosses. But a lot of the other mechanics and elements in the game are so outdated. You can’t interact with most things in the world. The pacing doesn’t flow.
It’s odd that the combat system feels like it’s from the year 2030, but everything else feels like it’s from 2000. The whole game feels a bit half-baked but it’s still plenty of fun and worth the try.
Get Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core – Reunion now >
18. EarthBound (Best Cult Classic)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| SNES, Nintendo Switch Online | 1994 | Turn-based with Unique PSI Abilities |
If there’s one cult classic that keeps getting better with age, it’s EarthBound. This quirky RPG follows Ness, a boy with psychic abilities. He fights against an otherworldly horror: Giygas. The game’s bizarre humor, fourth-wall-breaking dialogue, and strangely unsettling moments make it an unforgettable experience.
The turn-based combat is straightforward but engaging, with status effects, item use, and PSI abilities. Its modern-day setting, full of satirical takes on American culture, makes it stand out among fantasy-heavy JRPGs. The game is accessible via Nintendo Switch Online, so new players can experience brilliance from the 90s.
It has a cult following and is a beloved older JRPG. It can be difficult for newcomers though because of its grind-heavy difficulty curve.
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19. Chrono Trigger (Best Timeless Pick)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| SNES, PC, Mobile, Nintendo Switch Online | 1995 | Active Time Battle (ATB) Turn-Based |
No list of great JPRGs is complete without Chrono Trigger. Created by Square Enix legends, this game is old but a masterpiece. The time-traveling narrative is still one of the best stories ever told in gaming.
Its Active Time Battle combat was groundbreaking. Battles happen seamlessly, with dual and triple tech attacks that make every fight dynamic. Multiple endings, side quests that actually change the story, and a legendary soundtrack keep this game relevant decades later. The Steam and mobile versions make sure you can still enjoy this now.
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20. The Last Story (Best Underrated Gem)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat Style: |
| Wii | 2011 | Real-time action with tactical elements |
This entry has been ranked lower because it’s less accessible on more modern consoles. However, it still rocks this genre and deserves its place on this list. The Last Story is a great game. Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the father of Final Fantasy, this game delivers. The story follows Zael, a mercenary dreaming of knighthood.
The world feels alive. So do the characters. The real-time combat is tactical. You can take cover, strategize, and command your party. It was ambitious for the Wii and it still holds up. Plus, the orchestral soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu is breathtaking.
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If you’re still seeking more new games then I got you. Check out our list of the best PC games if you’re on PC. Xbox players, don’t miss our best Xbox games. There’s a lot more to discover here.
FAQs
What was the first JRPG of all time?
Dragon Quest (1986) is often credited as the first true JRPG.
What is considered the best JRPG of all time?
Many consider Chrono Trigger the best but opinions vary and it’s a much older title.
What is the best JRPG to start with?
Persona 5 Royal or Dragon Quest XI are great picks for beginners.
Is Kingdom Hearts a JRPG?
Yes. It blends action RPG elements with Disney worlds.
Is Rune Factory 4 a JRPG?
Yes. It mixes farming sim mechanics with RPG combat.
Is Octopath Traveler a JRPG?
Yes. It features turn-based combat and a deep class system.
