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Among the oldest game mechanics in the Japanese Roleplaying Game (JRPG) history is the turn-based combat system, and it is considered one of the most traditional forms of combat in gaming. The system has been attributed with many great and renowned titles over the last few decades in the gaming scene.
Despite being a traditional system, turn-based combat goes far beyond from being stagnant or outdated in terms of current gaming and further. In fact, there are well known JRPGs that still carry a large community behind them as well as having huge fan bases. It goes to show that turn-based JRPGs can still manage to be just as innovative than real-time combat in games.
With that said, we’ve picked out ten of the greatest turn-based JRPGs of all time – ranging from releases from the roaring 90’s all the way to the modern age of gaming.
1. Final Fantasy VII
Date of Release: 4 Jul, 2013 on Steam
Platforms: PlayStation, PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Originally released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential Japanese RPGs of all time. While its character models may appear dated by today’s standards, they retain a certain charm that gives them a distinct personality and nostalgic appeal.
More importantly, the game played a pivotal role in bringing JRPGs into the mainstream, especially in Western markets where many titles may never have gained exposure otherwise.
2. Chrono Trigger
Date of Release: 28 Feb, 2018 on Steam
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), iOS, Android
Originally developed by Square in 1995, Chrono Trigger became a beloved classic. The DS release was widely considered the definitive edition of the title, featuring all of the bonus content from the original PlayStation version, a refined translation, and an additional ending that connects directly to its sequel, Chrono Cross.
Chrono Trigger features an innovative battle system, striking character designs, and exceptional replay value, setting a high standard for the genre. With a renowned team of creators such as Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yuji Horii, Akira Toriyama, and iconic composers like Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu, these artists helped define the emotional depth of the games experience.
3. Bravely Default II
Date of Release: 3 Sep, 2021
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC
Compared to the first title of this series, Bravely Default II offers one of the most dynamic turn-based combat mechanics in the JRPG scene. With Brave Points (BP), it can control how many actions a character can take per turn. Characters can choose to ‘Default’ to save up to three extra BP for future turns or ‘Brave’ to spend multiple BP at once for several actions in a single turn.
Each character can have both a main and a secondary job, with each job offering unique abilities. Your strategy and character development shape how they perform in battle.
Read our review here.
4. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Date of Release: July 9, 2021
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4
Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers a refreshing twist on the classic JRPG formula. Instead of tracking down monsters to slay, your main mission is to discover, collect, and hatch monster eggs, each one a mystery waiting to be revealed. As you raise and bond with your creatures, you’ll uncover their unique traits and abilities.
With strategically driven combat, success lies on exploiting enemy weaknesses and figuring out the best outcome for victory. You can customize your party with different allies and a wide array of monsters, each bringing their own strengths to the battlefield.
Read our review here.
5. Persona 5 Royal
Date of Release: 21 Oct, 2022
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Persona 5 Royal serves as a kind of director’s cut of the already outstanding Persona 5, enhancing and expanding on its core experience. Like earlier entries in the series, it takes place in modern-day Tokyo and follows the story of a high school transfer student.
While all the Persona titles are strong contenders for the best turn-based JRPGs of all time, Persona 5 Royal stands out as the most accessible and polished entry in the series, earning its place at the top.
6. Octopath Traveller II
Date of Release: February 25, 2023
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Octopath Traveler II builds on the foundation of its predecessor, delivering a retro-style JRPG experience with gorgeous HD-2D visuals and eight brand-new protagonists to explore. Players choose a starting character, complete their introductory chapter, and then recruit the rest of the cast to embark on their individual stories.
The turn-based combat is a standout feature, requiring thoughtful strategy and precise timing to exploit enemy weaknesses. While uncovering those weaknesses can involve some trial and error early on, the system becomes intuitive and rewarding after a few hours of play.
7. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Date of Release: 14 Jun, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X|S
An enhanced version of Shin Megami Tensei V, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance introduces a wealth of new content, including a completely original storyline, additional demons to fuse, various quality-of-life improvements, and much more.
Featuring boss battles that play out like strategic puzzles and a diverse roster of demons with unique traits that deepen the fusion system, Vengeance offers exceptional replayability. It stands as one of the strongest and most engaging entries in the expansive Shin Megami Tensei franchise.
Read our review here.
8. Metaphor ReFantazio
Date of Release: 11 Oct, 2024
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S
Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out as one of the finest modern turn-based JRPGs available today. Set in the fantastical kingdom of Euchronia, the story follows the main character and their party as they compete in a tournament for the throne, all while working to overthrow the oppressive Count Louis.
Each party member can wield different Archetypes, which play a key role in the game’s strategic turn-based combat. Players can also gain extra actions during their turn by exploiting enemy weaknesses or landing critical hits.
Read our review here.
9. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
Date of Release: 24 Oct, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a remake that makes a strong impression, delivering a sweeping, centuries-long adventure where nearly every choice is in the player’s hands. The premise is straightforward: the legendary Seven Heroes have returned, plunging the world into chaos, and it’s up to you, as the Emperor of Avalon, to stop them.
What truly sets Romancing SaGa 2 apart from other JRPGs is its unique generational system. Instead of a traditional game over when the protagonist dies, a new Emperor is chosen to inherit the abilities and progress of their predecessor, continuing the quest across generations.
Read our review here.
10. Fantasian Neo Dimension
Date of Release: 6 Dec, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Fantasian: Neo Dimension is a modern JRPG that captures the spirit of classic titles. Developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, it evokes the charm of early entries in the series with its turn-based battles, vibrant cast, and a storyline centered on a young protagonist with amnesia.
Each location in Fantasian is brought to life through meticulously hand-crafted dioramas, giving the game a unique and immersive visual style.
Read our review here.
Conclusion
Turn-based combat remains a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, proving that classic mechanics can continue to thrive and evolve in today’s rapidly changing gaming landscape. Far from being a relic of the past, turn-based systems have shown a remarkable ability to adapt, offering deep strategy, engaging storytelling, and immersive gameplay experiences that resonate with both longtime fans and new players alike.
The following list celebrates ten iconic and impactful turn-based JRPGs ever made, titles that not only defined generations but also continue to shape the future of role-playing games. However, this list does not define the genre entirely as there are more titles that have not been listed that use the turn-based combat system to bring joy to the communities they have built over time.
Overall, the turn-based JRPG scene will continue to thrive as the years go by within the gaming industry.
If you liked this list, be sure to check out our recent feature article – 10 Cozy JRPGs To Destress With – where we list down 10 of the coziest and comfortable JRPGs gamers can unwind to.
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Check out our video on the Top 10 JRPGs of the First Half of 2025 linked below.
