Highlights

• Not all JRPGs have turn-based combat, and there are many action-packed alternatives available.
• Nier: Automata stands out for its emotional storytelling, great soundtrack, and sleek combat system.
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers an excellent JRPG experience with improved features and gameplay.

JRPGs are pretty much a dime a dozen in the realm of gaming. From the basics like the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series to the more complex and intricate adventures like Chrono Trigger and Bravely Default, there's something out there for everyone. But there's usually one problem that makes many gamers turn away from an entire genre: turn-based combat.

The stop-and-go flow of turn-based combat and random encounters can definitely get tedious after a while, but not all games in the genre have this feature. In fact, there are a great many JRPGs as action-packed as their American cousins.

Updated October 1, 2023, by Seth Parmer: With 2023 nearing its final few months, we've decided to revisit this list to add a few more excellent JRPG titles that were released this year, bringing us to a total of 16 recommendations!

16 Nier: Automata

One of the most emotionally draining titles ever released is Nier: Automata, which may not be a great selling point for some but stick with us. Nier: Automata, along with its prequel, arguably has the best soundtrack and characters than most other titles, which would be an absurd statement if it wasn't generally accepted as the case by many.

In terms of gameplay? Nier: Automata has a sleek, fast-paced combat system thanks to the wizards over at Platinum Games, which gave Yoko Taro and company a helping hand. There's truly nothing quite like Nier: Automata, and we sincerely cannot beg enough people to give it a chance. And, if you do happen to dive into it, don't forget the tissues.

15 Yakuza 0

While some will argue that the Yakuza series, in general, is most certainly not a JRPG, it's always been one at heart. And isn't that what really matters in the end? Semantics aside, Yakuza 0 is one of the best games conceived and wears its JRPG influences on its sleeve.

With a killer soundtrack, over-the-top action, and rich character development, Yakuza 0 delivers one of the best stories in any game. Full stop. Brawl with some goons, sing some karaoke and experience the events that started it all in this epic tale.

14 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

Despite there being several installments in the Ys series, it is still a largely overlooked franchise, especially when considering how solid the vast majority of the catalog is. Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana is amongst the better titles in the series and delivers an unforgettable journey from start to finish.

Exhilarating combat, fascinating characters, and an engaging plot help cement Lacrimosa of Dana as one of the best JRPGs you can play, even more so now that it has been enhanced on the PlayStation 5 and PC, making the Isle of Seiren come to life and feel buttery smooth as your traverse through it.

13 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

When speaking about the best JRPGs with no trace of turn-based combat, it's hard not to instantly think about The Legend of Zelda series, which some would argue isn't really a JRPG but rather just an Action/Adventure title. And to that, we respectfully disagree, especially as the series evolved into one of the most influential pieces of media in the entire genre with each installment.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes what its groundbreaking predecessor excelled at and somehow makes it even better, all the while polishing up the aspects that were sort of lacking, making it one of the best JRPG experiences you could ever wish for.

12 Scarlet Nexus

Scarlet Nexus, simply put, is one of the genre's biggest sleeper hits that deserves a shot. While the game's story is quite ambitious, the gameplay manages to be somehow even more ambitious and is genuinely all killer, no filler in its execution.

Flashy, fun, addicting, deep, and reward are terms I'd use to describe Scarlet Nexus' gameplay, which is just one aspect of the game. Additionally, the cast of characters present in Scarlet Nexus is remarkable and will have you falling for them before the credits roll. Give one of 2021's best a shot!

11 Souls Series

It's probably not the first series that comes to mind when one hears the term JRPG, but the Souls series is indeed one of the most played titles in the genre. That being said, it's definitely not for everyone and is often overlooked as a "true JRPG" due to it being heavily inspired by western fantasy.

Even with that said, the Souls titles are still JRPGs in the grand scheme of things and are pretty dang good ones, all things considered. While it may be a grueling, unforgiving experience for anyone who plays them for the first time, they are genuinely one of the most rewarding games out there.

10 Neo: The World Ends With You

The World Ends With You is a series with unmatched style and storytelling, but it is also a series that is criminally underrated and deserves a much broader audience than it currently has. While it does have its dedicated and vocal audience, it pales in comparison to pretty much any other title on this list.

However, fans were fortunate to receive a sequel to The World Ends With You fourteen years later with Neo: The World Ends With You, an excellent continuation of the world and fascinating premise of the original with an updated combat system that makes it a must-play for any Action JRPG fan looking for snappy and fun combat and an emotional powerhouse of a story.

9 Final Fantasy 16

Final Fantasy 16 had tremendous amounts of pressure placed on its shoulders due to its predecessor being one of the most polarizing installments in the series and the developer being the team behind the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy 14.

Fortunately, Creative Business Unit III knocked yet another title out of the park, bringing one of the best combat systems alive and an engaging and emotional story filled with remarkable characters, music, and locations. Final Fantasy 16 may not be what some wanted, but it's unquestionable that the team nailed what they set out to do!

8 Monster Hunter Series

Though it might be slightly grindy, the Monster Hunter series is far from the typical adventure associated with the JRPG genre. You will be tasked to track down monsters of epic proportions to get better weapons and armor, which can look phenomenal when all is said and done.

There's always a unique charm that comes along with any Monster Hunter title, even if it does feature towering monsters looking to make you its evening snack. But, with the latest entry finally hitting Xbox and PlayStation this month in Monster Hunter Rise, you can hunt some epic monsters yourself to get an adrenaline rush like never before.

7 Dragon's Dogma

Why not give Capcom's Dragon's Dogma a shot if Dark Souls was too brutal? Similar to Dark Souls, the game draws a lot of inspiration from western fantasy, bringing to mind the works of Tolkien or classic mythology. Although Dragon's Dogma won't be for everyone, much like with Souls titles, we still urge anyone even remotely curious to give it a shot.

In this action-packed epic, players can explore a mythic kingdom, battle giant monsters, and take up arms against an evil dragon. It might not be as deep as something like Final Fantasy, but it's quite the adventure nonetheless.

6 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Final Fantasy 7 is perhaps still the best turn-based JRPG out there, which seems fitting that Final Fantasy 7 Remake happens to be one of the best Action JRPGs out there, making it a must-play for fans of the series, genre, or universe of Final Fantasy 7. And with Rebirth on its way and Crisis Core actually being fun to play now, there is no better time to play it than now.

Seeing Cloud's adventure unfold with unrivaled writing, gorgeous visuals, and a level of love, care, and attention from the developers is a dream come true for many. The combat system is deep, rewarding, and explosive while oddly remaining true to the game's Active Time Battle (ATB) twist on turn-based combat to deliver an exhilarating real-time action-focused system.

5 Tales Of Arise

One of 2021's best JRPGs belongs to the emotional adventure found in Tales of Arise. Not only does Tales of Arise feature a stunning art direction, a genuinely lovable cast of characters, and an engaging story, but it may hold one of the best modern combat systems of all time.

Combining and chaining together Artes to deliver relentless attack combos while taking in the flashy, stylized combat effects is just one reason you should give Tales of Arise a chance. You are almost guaranteed to get blown away by the superb environmental design and fall in love with every character you encounter. Whatever you do, do not sleep on Tales of Arise.

4 Xenoblade Chronicles 3

For years, the Xenoblade Chronicles series has been praised for its deep combat, expansive worlds, fascinating characters, and strong narrative. Still, it has never quite received the praise or attention it deserved. However, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 seems to be the breakout the series needed, as it enraptured a large audience last year, quickly becoming one of the best, most beloved releases.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has one of the best combat systems in any recent Action JRPG, and that's not an exaggeration. The way you can mix and match Skills and bring some over from one Mastered Class to a new one opens the door for creativity and experimentation in a way that feels natural and rewarding. In addition to that, the story is also heartwrenching and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout its incredibly long runtime.

3 Final Fantasy 14

Perhaps this is considered cheating to some, but any chance we get to talk about Final Fantasy 14, we'll take it. While an MMORPG, the laser focus on the story, characters, and the world more than qualifies it for this category, especially considering many will experience this game primarily as a single-player game until they are required to party up for a dungeon or boss fight.

With Endwalker cruising along with meaty patches, there's never a better time to give Final Fantasy 14 a fair shake. In many ways, Final Fantasy 14 is the dream experience for any hardcore fan of the series and any newcomer to the series and genre. It's a perfect blend of everything you need to get started and will slowly take over your entire existence. Have fun!

2 Kingdom Hearts

Quite possibly the most-played JRPG among American audiences, Kingdom Hearts is what happens when Disney's magic meets Final Fantasy's lore. The result is an epic adventure that has spanned over the course of nine core titles.

As strange as it may seem to see characters like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy joining forces with spiky-haired protagonists like Sora, Cloud, and Squal, the result is actually a match made in heaven, or more accurately, Japan.

1 Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist Of The End & The Secret Key

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is low-key (get it?) one of the best releases this year, and it pains us to know it will likely get swept to the side due to the sheer volume of other excellent titles that are dropping left and right this year.

Still, Atelier Ryza 3 has a fantastic world with wonderful characters, following an emotional and satisfying story, making it check all the boxes for JRPG fans. Your party is enormous in this game, and the combat system is extensive and rewarding, which is arguably Gust's finest work as of yet and is a must-play for fans of the series or genre!

NEXT: The Best Standalone JRPGs