Summary
- Some of the best games ever made are turn-based RPGs.
- Turn-based RPGs offer something for everyone, from classics like Fallout to modern hits like Baldur's Gate 3.
- Must-play titles like Super Mario RPG, Chrono Trigger, and EarthBound have aged wonderfully.
Fans of turn-based role-playing games are spoiled for choice nowadays, with decades of stellar entries in the genre behind us. Among these are some of the all-time greats, many of which are part of well-known franchises, but even some that were polarizing in their time have gathered a cult following in the years since.
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Players who have never really tried turn-based RPGs or who simply have not found the right one for them must give these games a chance. Whether wanting to play a classic game from a bygone era that has aged like a fine wine or looking for something that pushes modern hardware to its limits, myriad games will make newcomers fans of turn-based RPGs.
Super Mario RPG
Platforming & Turn-Based Combat
Super Mario RPG
- Released
- November 17, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Laying the foundations for other great Mario RPGs like Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi series, Super Mario RPG borrowed some elements, like combat mechanics, from Final Fantasy. Its isometric 3D graphics were revolutionary at the time, and still hold up to this day, but it's the gameplay that really shines.
Any fans of Mario or platforming titles in general should try this game, since it blends platforming sections with turn-based combat and the addition of action commands to amplify the effects of attacks. The 2023 Remake allows players to take Mario and his diverse party to explore the Mushroom Kingdom and its surroundings, and stop the Smithy Gang.
Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! And Eevee!
Relive A Classic With Some Quality-Of-Life Improvements
Pokemon: Let's Go
- Released
- November 16, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
A remake of the original Game Boy titles, Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! And Eevee! Feature gameplay more similar to Pokemon Go, but with some of the hallmarks of other console games in the series. This merger of the two makes it an easy recommendation for new players, since it is arguably the most accessible game in the series.
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The satisfying gameplay loop is much simpler than other games in the series, as players explore the Kanto region, catch and train Pokemon, and then challenge the gym leaders. It's an easy game to pick up and features the iconic original 151 Pokemon.
Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster
Two Great Games In One Neat Package
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
- Released
- March 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
The great thing about Final Fantasy is that the story in each game is standalone, so players can jump in on any entry. One of the best places to start is Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster, a collection of two of the best entries in the series, but with updated graphics.
FF10, in particular, is still highly regarded almost a quarter of a century since its release, largely due to the excellent story and the unique Sphere Grid leveling system, as well as the popular Blitzball minigame. 10-2 is one of the series' few sequels, and it is a little sillier at first in terms of story, but it still has that satisfying turn-based combat.
Chrono Trigger
A Time-Traveling Game That Wastes No Time
Chrono Trigger
- Released
- March 11, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- SNES, PlayStation (Original), PC, Nintendo DS, Android, iOS
Relatively short compared to many of its contemporaries, Chrono Trigger is all action without any unnecessary filler and is regarded by many as a must-play RPG. A story through time, players travel from the prehistoric ages through to a dystopian future and everything in between, with past events having an impact on future settings.
Combat is varied as it utilizes the active time battle system, allowing for more fluidity in battles, potentially even double and triple teaming enemies to cause greater damage. It's a very inventive game that has aged well over the decades with timeless graphics, memorable characters, and an enjoyable story.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Yakuza 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
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The Yakuza/Like A Dragon series has a certain level of silliness mixed in with the gritty action that does not resonate with everybody, but it is difficult not to find something to love about Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Taking the series overseas for the first time, the game is split between the tropical paradise of Hawaii and the familiarity of Japan.
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Ichiban Kasuga and franchise stalwart Kazuma Kiryu have many adventures awaiting them in these inviting locales, and plenty of opportunities to cause a ruckus. Battles are fast-paced and much more refined compared to Yakuza: Like A Dragon, the first game in the series to use a turn-based system.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Revolutionary Gameplay & A Unique Premise
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Set in a dark fantasy version of the Belle Époque era in France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game that would make a great tabletop RPG. The titular Expedition 33 refers to the crew sent out on a mission to take down the Paintress, who is responsible for a cycle of mass death each year, killing everyone above an ever-decreasing age.
Advancing the nature of turn-based combat, this game adds real-time elements to give an extra layer of strategy both in attack and defense. If the story and stunning graphics are not enough to steal the affections of players, then mastering the parry mechanic and successfully learning attack rhythms should seal the deal.
EarthBound
Charming SNES RPG That Was Ahead Of Its Time
Earthbound
- Released
- June 5, 1995
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Crude Humor
- Developer(s)
- HAL Laboratory, Ape Inc.
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- SNES, Nintendo Game Boy Advance
There is a timeless charm about EarthBound that causes it to endure, arguably getting better as the years go by. Following a youngster by the name of Ness and his crew of friends, players should expect the unexpected as they take on unorthodox enemies like piles of vomit, taxi cabs, and the universal cosmic destroyer in battle.
Intentionally mocking the genre with a humorous and quirky tone, the game has become a cult classic in the West, despite poor sales at the time of release. EarthBound caused so many players to fall in love with games in general, never mind turn-based RPGs.
Fallout
The Original Still Captivates Today
Fallout
- Released
- October 10, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
At a time when the desire for role-playing games was dwindling, Fallout managed to revive the ailing genre with its innovative gameplay and fresh setting. It's often credited as the game that introduced the morality system to video games, and many player choices are rather morally ambiguous, unlike the many purely good or evil games of the time.
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Fans of the Bethesda Fallout games may be unaware of these humble isometric origins, but there are still some players who prefer these prior turn-based games. The Master is one of the most unforgettable villains in gaming history, with his chilling voice and challenging final battle.
Persona 5 Royal
The Enhanced Version With Extra Content
Persona 5 Royal
- Released
- October 31, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- P Studio, Atlus
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Even the original Persona 5 would make most players fans of the genre, but Persona 5 Royal adds some bonus content for future turn-based RPG fans to sink their teeth into. Exploring Tokyo over the course of a year, players control Joker and his excellent companions as they seek to change the ways of corrupt individuals.
The original release attracted countless new fans to the series, putting the Persona series on the map, but Royal even adds new characters and extends the story. From rhythm and musou games to a tactical RPG, Persona 5 has even spawned all kinds of spin-offs, so fans of other genres can enjoy its enthralling story and compelling characters.
Baldur's Gate 3
Perfect D&D Experience In A Video Game
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
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Receiving the Game of the Year award at five major ceremonies and from countless outlets, Baldur's Gate 3 certainly took the world by storm. Capturing the Dungeons & Dragons experience in a video game is not easy, but BG3 features a deep and flexible progression system, whether playing alone or with friends.
There is a great deal of complexity and freedom when it comes to exploration and shaping the world through choices made, ensuring a high level of replayability. There are also countless races, classes, and subclasses, each adding layers of depth and strategy to the thrilling action when engaging in combat, where the dice will hopefully roll in favor of the player.
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