The turn-based RPG is a spwarling genre that attracts creative minds from around the world. With so many fantastic titles, it's hard to pick just 25, but here they are.
25. Fallout (1997)
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Reuploaded Fallout Trailer
Fallout, the title that started one of gaming’s biggest franchises. Set in the post-apocalypse, the player is tasked with setting out from the safety of their underground vault to explore the wastelands for a water chip. This initial task soon leads the player to discover a whole new world, full of monsters, politics and opportunities.
Most gamers jumped straight to Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas, both being excellent within their own right, however, if you want a turn-based RPG that will give you a Souls-like experience, before Dark Souls was a thing, then I highly recommend this game. It has not aged as gracefully as some of the other older titles on this list, never-the-less, if you’re willing to tackle the learning curve, this is a classic game you simply must experience.
24. Legrand Legacy: Tale of the Fatebounds (2018)
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Legrand Legacy Trailer
Legrand Legacy: Tale of the Fatebounds is a 2018 lover letter to classic JRPGs, developed by Semisoft and published by Another Indie. You are Finn, a boy suffering from amnesia, who must embark on a journey across a war-torn land, being joined by other travellers along the way, each with their own story and abilities.
Drawing upon classic games for mechanics, Legrand Legacy stands out with a bold art style that pair nicely with the core combat loop. If you are a fan of JRPGs, and want a fresh look and a fantastical setting, this one is definitely worth your time.
23. Ruined King: A League of Legends Story (2021)
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Ruined King Announcement Trailer
Ruined King: A League of Legends Story is a top-down turn-based game developed by Airship Syndicate, set on Runeterra in the League of Legends universe. This game is not just for League of Legends fans, and boasts a robust yet classic top-down RPG style.
As someone who never had an interest in League of Legends, I was surprised at how engrossed I felt, and I am confident any fan of the original game would enjoy themselves playing this game. If you like a good old top-down, turn-based RPG, you will also enjoy playing this game!
22. Expeditions: Viking (2017)
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Expeditions: Viking Trailer
Expeditions: Viking is the second instalment in the Expeditions franchise. Developed by Logic Arts Expeditions: Viking expands upon mechanics from previous entry Expeditions: Conquistador, creating an engaging and unique campaign experience. As the title suggests you are the new leader of a group of Vikings that set out on expeditions, and if you do not find that premise to be immediately kick-ass, then I’m not sure how else to sell this game to you.
Beyond the premise, Expeditions: Viking is an engaging RPG, with an in-depth party that creates the feeling of being a chieftain to your very own clan. You will have to manage your party in a 3D combat arena, which gives your engagements a tactical focus. This is a brilliant RPG and a brilliant turn-based combat game.
21. Wartales (2022)
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Wartales Trailer
Wartales is the only title on this list that is still in Early Access on Steam, however even its current state is better than some “fully finished” AAA titles. Shiro Games presents an open world RPG, that gives the player a chance to create their own adventure and forge their own path with their own party.
The way Wartales uses the 3D environment in combat is refreshing, and lends itself to tactical consideration, and not just what weapons/abilities your party has. If you are looking for a strategically engaging turn-based RPG, look no further than Wartales.
20. I am Setsuna (2016)
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I Am Setsuna Trailer
I am Setsuna is a classic looking top-down, turn-based RPG developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, and should be in the collection of any JRPG fan. Published by Square Enix, I am Setsuna has an interesting start, playing as the potential assassin of the titular Setsuna, you are convinced to join her on her quest, rather than kill her.
The immediate twist of turning from assassin to protector sets the tone for the rest of I am Setsuna’s story. This is complimented by the retro-inspired combat, which reminds us why we all love the genre.
19. Forever Home (2017)
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Forever Home Trailer
Forever Home is a retro RPG, with a deep story that does not take itself too seriously. There are collectables, item crafting, and everything else you’d expect from a SNES era JRPG, which is made all the more impressive when you learn that Forever Home is developed by indie studio Pixel Blade Games.
Forever Home feels like the culmination of every great RPG from the SNES, and is a very good entry point to that type of game if you have never played a classic JRPG and feel intimidated by some of the dated elements. Pixel Blade Games have made a highly polished and classic feeling version that is more accessible to a modern audience.
18. Total War: Warhammer 2 (2017)
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Total War: Warhammer 2 Trailer
Total War: Warhammer 2 is the second in the trilogy of Warhammer fantasy strategy games by Creative Assembly, releasing in 2017. You are thrust into the Warhammer universe, choosing one of multiple factions to control. The aim of the game is simple, dominate the world and wipe your enemies from the face of it!
Despite having the option (and I think you should always take this option) of fighting the battles in a real time tactics style, the rest of the game is turn-based strategy. How you decide to expand and level up your faction’s Lords dictating the rest of your campaign. In truth all Total War games offer this type of role-playing, however Warhammer 2 perfects this element, and currently does so better than Warhammer 3.
17. Earthlock (2016)
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Earthlock Trailer
Earthlock, developed by Snowcastle Games, is not a fresh look at the turn-based RPG mechanically, but has an introspective premise. What if the earth stopped spinning? How would people have to live? Set in this dilemma is our protagonist, Amon, his daily struggle to survive, and the threat of an authoritarian empire.
Earthlock’s combat mechanics are an interesting “back to basics” type of party system, with two combatants with distinct roles. The focus is on finding the combination of characters and buffs that work for you. This one is a must have for RPG lovers and those who enjoy engaging turn-based combat.
16. Sword & Souls: Neverseen (2019)
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Sword & Souls: Neverseen Trailer
Sword & Souls: Neverseen is a cartoony RPG adventure game with turn-based combat, developed by SoulGame Studio. This game forgoes a traditional plot for a player-led narrative, having interactions with quests and characters being the basis for the story. You land your ship on a land never seen before, and must embark on questing from there.
The core combat loop is an engaging turn-based affair with skills acquired by the player buffing your attacks. There is an interesting series of mini games, that give you a new skill or ability in combat. This attaches the mini games to the core of the gameplay, and makes learning new skills an engaging process. I highly recommend this game.
15. Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)
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Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an adventure RPG. With a new cast and century of time since the first game, Original Sin 2 is enjoyable without knowledge of the previous title. Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, the player is the “Godwoken”. A sorcerer (called sourcerers in this game) saved from certain death by a divine force, and tasked with taking on the monsters and the oppressive organization that seeks to subjugate sourcerers.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 has a number of pre-set backstories as well as the option to create an entirely custom character, so the emphasis is on the role-playing. You can play this one online with party of three friends, so definitely give this one a go.
14. Disgaea 5 (2015)
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Disgea 5 Trailer
Disgaea 5 is what people who hate JRPGs fear JRPGs look like, but do not let that deceive you. Underneath the almost unbearably twee anime-ness there is a solid story and combat, and could be the game to turn any cynical “games should be realistic” type into a giggling schoolchild in no time.
Disgaea 5 has a distinctly tactical approach, and has polished combat mechanics that comes from making four games previously. Nippon Ichi Software got me when I did not expect to be gotten, and perhaps it can do the same for you.
13. Battle Chasers: Nightwar (2017)
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Battle Chasers: Nightwar Trailer
Battle Chasers: Nightwar is traditional turn-based RPG, developed by Airship Syndicate (this is their second appearance on this list) and demonstrates why this is their preferred genre. After your party’s airship is shot down, you and yours must fight your way out of this mysterious place.
Battle Chasers: Nightwar has an engaging cast of characters and plenty of role-playing moments on top of a top-notch combat system. This should be in the collection of any turn-based RPG lover.
12. South Park: The Stick of Truth (2014)
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South Park: The Stick of Truth E3 Offical Trailer
South Park: The Stick of Truth is a comedic take on the turn-based RPG, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and involving South Park’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker. The Stick of Truth marks the first time Stone and Parker were directly involved in the creation of a South Park game (AND IT SHOWS!)
Every single element of The Stick of Truth is a joke, from the combat mechanics to the main character’s interactions with the South Park kids to how the story unfolds. All of it either parodies the conventions of traditional turn-based RPG mechanics or the story tropes, and it is hilarious! This game works for lovers of turn-based RPGs, lovers of South Park and lovers of a good time. South Park: The Stick of Truth is a comedy game that never shies away from being a turn-based RPG. The idea of a parody game is risky, as either the comedy or the gameplay is subpar. South Park: The Stick of Truth does both with gusto.
11. Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus (2018)
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Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus Teaser Trailer
Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus sets the player in the shoes of a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a faction in the sprawling Warhammer 40K universe. The Adeptus Mechanicus believe that machines have souls, and combining yourself with machinery is part of their religion. In practice this means you get super cool augmentations to upgrade your character!
The Warhammer universe has several games made about them, each exploring the unique stories this universe has to offer, and Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus looks to be no different. The deep characters and literal libraries full of lore, this is one for the 40K fans.
10. Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
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Final Fantasy VII Remake Offical Trailer
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a reimagining of 1997’s classic, set in the dystopian city of Midgar, players inhabit the familiar role of Could Strife and his party. Square Enix is on a Final Fantasy remake binge as of late, and this remake captures so much of what made the original fun.
For those who loved the original, Square Enix has created a fresh version of this beloved title, and if you have never played a Final Fantasy game this could be a great place to start. Do yourself a favor and play this thing!
9. Persona 5 (2016)
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Persona 5 Trailer
Persona as a series has always presented a window into other types of JRPGs that I as a combat orientated gamer tends to miss out on. That being the life sim side of the game, which is a role-playing game, but not one I often play. I was an awkward teenager; I had no need to role-play as one. The alternate dimension demon hunting, however, got my attention.
Persona 5 is the Persona formula mixed to perfection. The combat and story are engaging, and the life sim element kept me entertained. If only high school was that fun.
8. Wasteland 3 (2020)
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Wateland 3 Launch Trailer
Wasteland 3 is a turn-based RPG, and the third adventure across post-apocalyptic America, and this time you’re in Colorado. Controlling the remaining two members of Arizona Ranger Team November, your job is to survive the isometric world and see what else of your team exists.
Wasteland 3 has a co-op option for its campaign and the survival nature lends itself to this, as you and your friend try and complete your new missions. InXile Entertainment made a truly fun and challenging game.
7. XCOM 2 (2016)
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XCOM 2 Trailer
XCOM 2 is the sequel to Feral Interactive’s reboot to the classic XCOM series, advancing the story a few decades and putting the player on more of a back foot than before (this time the aliens have already won). It is now your job to rage a guerrilla war and attempt to liberate earth from its oppressors.
XCOM 2 is turn-based isometric combat at its finest. The general loop of combat, looting and researching compliment and feed into one another nicely. Each campaign is unique except for how much of a struggle it is. Highly recommend for any strategy nerd.
6. Valkyria Chronicles 4 (2018)
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Valkryia Chronicles 4 Trialer
Valkyria Chronicles 4 continues the fictionalised retelling of WW2, where our heroes fight the Empire of the Rising Sun to defend their homeland from invasion and oppression. The art style creates idyllic looking battlefields, giving the player a sense of something worth fighting for.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 expands upon the established tactical combat system, adding a new class for a more dynamic arena. With a message of hope and overcoming a greater force, this game is well worth your time and money.
5. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden (2018)
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Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden Trailer
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is a turn-based RPG based on the TTRPG, Mutant Year Zero. Developed by The Bearded Ladies, Mutant Year Zero has you control a small party of mutants as they journey across the wasteland. This quest will test you and your party.
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden has an XCOM styled combat system merged with a truly stellar stealth system that combine to create an edge-of-your-seat tactical experience you will not soon forget.
4. Chrono Trigger (1995)
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Chrono Trigger PC Release Trailer
Chrono Trigger is a 1995 game for the SNES. No, I am not lazy, they just rereleased it for PC. If you have not heard of this game by now I can either assume you’re new to gaming (in which case, welcome! You have so much to enjoy!) or you’re lying.
Chrono Trigger is the blueprint for classic styled JRPGs, and is the quintessential retro gaming and turn-based combat experience. Go play/replay it. Like, right now.
3. Expeditions: Rome (2022)
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Expeditions: Rome Trailer
Expeditions: Rome is the latest instalment of Logic Art’s Expeditions franchise, releasing in 2022. This time you are at the helm of the Roman Empire, going to battle with your own Pretorian Guard. Much like with Viking the focus is on customizing your units and using their strengths tactically.
I wanted to restrict myself when writing this article to one title per franchise. That is why Fallout 2 or XCOM: Enemy Unknown are not on this list, but after picking this one up on a sale not so long ago I couldn’t help myself. It follows much of the template of Expeditions: Viking, but like Viking, Rome improves on the mechanics and party systems, allowing for a truly dynamic Pretorian guard. Fans of Roman history or good combat mechanics will find hours of fun in this one.
2. Disco Elysium (2019)
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Disco Elysium Launch Trailer
Disco Elysium is more than a game. It is a TTRPG with your best friend that happens to be in the form of a video game. Developed by ZA/UM, Disco Elysium sets itself apart immediately by demonstrating a deeper level of choice and role play from the very first activity you will need to do. This game flips the amnesia riddled protagonist on its head, having that not only become a character trait of sorts, but be a consequence of his drinking.
The less I say about Disco Elysium the less I spoil, and more you’ll get to enjoy if you have not already. This is the most fun you can have legally, anywhere.
1. Darkest Dungeon (2016)
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Darkest Dungeon Trailer
Darkest Dungeon is a party management RPG, where the turn-based combat is the least of your worries. Your job is to gather a party of adventurers, ensure they are properly equipped and send them off to a dungeon to get loot, which is where the classic turn-based combat comes in. Your choices will affect these encounters, and these encounters will affect your adventurers.
The interesting part is when your party returns and you have to help them with any PTSD or new found interests they picked up on the journey. At the core Darkest Dungeon is an HR simulator with a dungeon crawler attached. I cannot recommend this game enough.
