Summary
JRPGshave been part of the video game industry since the ’80s with the release of games such as the firstDragon Questin 1986 and the originalFinal Fantasyin 1987. While the genre has many dedicated fans, JRPGs may appear daunting and unapproachable to those who’ve never played one before. As a genre with a history that spans over three decades, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where to start.
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Each year produces a couple of great JRPGs, many of which are tied to existing franchises that span decades. So far, 2023 has unleashedFinal Fantasy 16,Octopath Traveler 2,The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie, andTrinity Trigger, and the year is hardly done. Still, what are thebest JRPGs to start with?
Updated on July 10, 2025 by Mark Sammut:Thebest JRPGs for newcomersare accessible, ambitious, and brilliant. The genre has been around for a very long time, and it has a huge selection of timeless masterpieces and modern greats.
Going strong since the first entry of the series was released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, thePaper Marioseriescan be an excellent jumping-on point for the JRPG genre, especially for those who’ve never played a JRPG.
While the series uses many characters associated with the mainlineMarioplatforming franchise,Paper Mariogames are surprisingly character-driven turn-based RPGs with memorable casts and writing. These elements are paired alongside timing-focused mechanics that may make turn-based combat more palatable for some.
All the entries have their strengths, but the originalPaper MarioandThe Thousand-Year Doorare the best picks for RPG fans.
TheBravely Defaultseries developed by Square Enix is a throwback to classics from the 1990s with modern game design sensibilities in mind. With a robust and customizable job system, players can easily develop their own strategies through the use of their favorite classes and skills as they create their ideal character builds.
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This self-expression within the game’s combat inherently allows for fun battles as players are given tons of options and only need to use those that speak to them.
While originally somewhat of a sleeper hit and hidden gem at the time of its release, in recent years,Earthboundhas garnered something of a reputation. Nowadays, it is often regarded asone of the most outstanding RPGs of all time.
Highly regarded for its off-beat writing, comedy, and art style,Earthboundabsolutely oozes personality. Set within a modern suburban setting rather than one of fantasy, the game has inspired a wide range of modern indie games fromUndertaletoLisa: The Painful.
Many JRPGs utilize impressive and stylized visuals, and this couldn’t be more epitomized than with theNi no Kunigames. Real-time action JRPGs that use a lighter tone of whimsy whilst still maintaining stakes, these games have the distinction of being developed in conjunction with several artists and animators of the famed anime studio, Studio Ghibli.
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While the franchise’s combat doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the game’s character designs, animation, and charm make theNi no Kuniseries quite unforgettable. The sequel,Revenant Kingdom, features a revamped hack and slash battle system that is smoother thanWrath of the White Witch’s combat; however, the latter is the stronger overall game.
The World Ends With Youand its sequel,Neo: The World Ends with You, are highly styled JRPGs with as much visual flair as they have substance. Taking place in modern urban Japan, these games each fast-paced action-based combat rather than turn-based combat, making them a stellar choice for players who prefer more immediacy in their gameplay and are turned off by turn-based battles.
These games also notably make great use of a consistent tone that helps to convey the series' high stakes as players work to come out on top of a series of fate-deciding challenges called the “Reapers’ Game.”
Released in 1996,Super Mario RPGwas developed by Square and published by Nintendo, bringing the world of Mario into a traditional JRPG.
While not exceptionally difficult, the game is incredibly charming and is a perfect jumping-on point for Nintendo fans who’ve never played through a JRPG. Additionally, as the game was developed by Square, it has all the polish that one would expect
In November 2023, Nintendo will be releasing a remake ofSuper Mario RPGfor the Switch.
Final Fantasy 7is easily one of the most iconic JRPGs of all time. While the original version of the game is a classic turn-based masterpiece for the PS1,Final Fantasy 7 Remakeis a great way to introduce new players to theaction JRPG genre.
With great visuals and dynamic combat, the game is authenticallyFinal Fantasy 7while using an alternative form of action that may be preferred by players disinterested in turn-based combat. For fans who grew up with Square’s 1997 release, the remake takes a few detours along the way, so it is not the exact same experience. The sequel,Rebirth, has been confirmed for an early 2024 release.
Released in 2018,Octopath Traveleris a modern game that is heavily inspired by JRPGs of the 1990s. With a turn-based combat system and a blend of sprite-based graphics and a 3D lighting engine, the game possesses a very distinct visual style that brings together old and new.
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Allowing the player to initially choose from eight characters that each have their own story and abilities, they can select a starting point that best fits their taste.Octopath Traveler 2is basically identical to its predecessor, although it does feature more interactivity between the party members, which was probably the most common criticism of the first game.
As far as classicFinal Fantasygames are concerned, for players who want to get an authentic experience that has aged well and shows what the series has to offer,Final Fantasy 6may be the game to start with. With one of the largest amounts of playable party members in the series, the game features the active-time battle system that the series is now known for.
Additionally, the game has one of the strongest casts in the series, which is highlighted by a structure that regularly shifts the focus of the story to various party members across the game’s duration.
For players who are looking for a JRPG that doesn’t feature turn-based combat,Tales of Vesperiamay be the game for you. An action RPG with a memorable cast of characters,Tales of Vesperianotably allows for each party member to be controlled by a separate player, allowing the game to be experienced with up to four players.
The campaign has a somewhat slow start, but it eventually blossoms into a genuinely gripping adventure. The protagonist, Yuri Lowell, is also acontender for the franchise’s best.
