Graphics don’t mean everything when it comes to turn-based RPGs, which is something that game developers are learning after the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Although it's widely considered a Double-A game, it has features that any Triple-A turn-based RPG has. There’s a rich story, engaging gameplay, and a big world to explore with plenty of extra content, even though some of the polish is not fully there.
It’s a great turn-based RPG for anyone to try, even with high difficulty in some parts, as there are ways to cheese the system. That said, these Triple-A RPGs are widely considered some of the best. These games highlight talent from across the world with high production values and lengthy campaigns.
RPGs That Punish Players For Using Skills
You can make these RPGs easier by using these powerful abilities, but in exchange, you'll face some devastating consequences that may not be worth it
Baldur's Gate 3
A Giant Leap Up
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The second Baldur’s Gate game was released in 2000 and was considered a top-notch game for its time, but Baldur's Gate 3, in terms of pure production value, is leaps above it. It is better than any fan could have imagined from the series or the grander Dungeons & Dragons franchise.
Larian is technically an independent studio, but they've produced something that's undoubtedly Triple-A quality. The voice talent and characters come to life, the choices give compelling reasons to replay multiple times, and the combat effects make it more exciting than any other tactically centered turn-based RPG on the market. This is exactly what more D&D games should be like as trendsetters of the RPG genre as a whole.
Final Fantasy 7
A PS1 Staple
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Final Fantasy 7 may not look like a grand-scale RPG now, but it certainly broke boundaries when it released in 1997. Every PS1 RPG that came before it was instantly forgotten, as this was the new blueprint for what the Final Fantasy series would be: a spectacle.
It may look dated now, but it still has all the qualities of modern Triple-A RPGs, from the epic story to the large number of quests. It’s so beloved that Square Enix finally started to remake the game into multiple parts, which are good action transformations, but old-school fans still love going back to the turn-based combat of the PS1 original.
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Lighting The Path Of The Luminary
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
- Released
- September 4, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the biggest entry in the series yet, as Square Enix finally gave it the production value of a Final Fantasy game. As the silent Luminary, players will go on a classic quest around the world to gather party members and stop an evil from ruining the world.
Best RPGs To Play Over A Long Time
These RPGs aren't made for marathon gaming sessions. They reward steady play over long periods of time, and they're unsatisfying to complete quickly.
It’s a cliché story, and the combat may not be as flashy as other turn-based RPGs, but it certainly ups the challenge. Players shouldn’t let the cute designs of these monsters lure them in, because they are deadly. There are many versions to choose from, but the Switch edition does have a SNES-style pixel mode that is fun to play with.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
A Party In Hawaii
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Released
- January 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Simulated Gambling, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the eighth main installment of the Yakuza franchise, and they do carry over stories, but this one feels like a refresh that is perfect for new players. Instead of Japan, the heroes embark on a quest throughout Hawaii, looking for the main character’s mother.
Combat is turn-based, and characters can take on a wide array of classes, from a cowboy-like gunman to a surfer who can use the waves to their advantage. It’s silly and brutal, all rolled into one big adventure set in reality.
South Park: The Stick of Truth
Obsidian Entertainment’s Dark Horse
South Park: The Stick of Truth
- Released
- March 4, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Since the series began in 1997, South Park fans have been treated to a lot of cash-grabbing games that weren’t that fun to play. South Park: The Stick of Truth changed all that.
The franchise's creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, put all of their effort into making this the best South Park experience yet. They were aided by the massively talented RPG studio Obsidian Entertainment, along with Ubisoft, which took over publishing rights from THQ. Fans can now say there is not only a good South Park game, but a great one that calls back to years of inside jokes with decent turn-based combat that utilizes each kid’s unique talent well.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
A Politcal Race
Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Released
- October 11, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Metaphor: ReFantazio was a new take for the Persona team at Atlus as they decided to try their hand at a fantasy game instead of one set in reality. Set in a kingdom about to collapse because of a king's death, he returns as a godly comet above the world, declaring a race for the throne that anyone can participate in. With the backing of a strong party, players will campaign across the kingdom to try to gain more supporters to see their vision fulfilled.
Best RPGs Where Fashion Matters
Everyone knows fashion is the true endgame in every video game, and these RPGs bring that statement to a whole different level.
While it is a lengthy campaign, it is more freeing than the Persona games, and the combat is more engaging too. Party members can change into classes called Archetypes, and if they so chose, players can even play parts of the game like an action RPG. It's the best of both worlds.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
A Major Backing From Studio Ghibli
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
- Released
- January 22, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Studio Ghibli is known far and wide in Japan as a top-notch anime film studio that has aided game productions too. Their biggest experiment combined their talented artists with key designers over at Level-5 to create Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.
The game looks, sounds, and feels like a heartfelt and adventurous Studio Ghibli film, without any corners being cut. It plays like a Pokemon game, except that the three main party members can also participate in battle. Part action, part turn-based, this hybrid RPG is an amazing achievement.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Card-Based Tactics
Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Released
- December 2, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Language, Mild Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
Marvel’s Midnight Suns may not have the production value of an MCU movie, but this is a great Marvel game nonetheless. To stop Lilith from rising and taking over heroes and villains alike, a variety of skilled and underdog Marvel heroes band together, including Iron Man, Blade, and Wolverine.
Players can create their own character to lead these classic heroes into tactical, turn-based battles using cards. It’s a hodgepodge of many genres, but the gameplay manages to blend these elements well, along with the social aspects players can engage with outside of battle.
JRPGs More People Should Play
There are JRPG legends, and then there are those underrated games that didn't get enough attention and that more gamers should check out.