7 Best Turn-Based RPGs
The joy of a good RPG is being able to fill the shoes of your character, regardless of their background. Some of the most popular RPGs may have real-time combat to keep the pace going, but that doesnāt mean there arenāt some excellent turn-based RPGs to play.
From some of the most iconic JRPGs to Western RPGs that have dominated the industry, thereās no shortage of turn-based goodness. This list highlights seven of the best turn-based RPGs in no particular order.
Final Fantasy X
If youāre a long-time Final Fantasy fan, then thereās a good chance that youāve already played and fallen in love with Final Fantasy X. Considered one of the most influential JRPGs ever, this turn-based game originally came out on the PS2. However, it still holds up for multiple reasons that helped it earn its legendary status all those years ago.
The game has an engaging turn-based battle system that heavily relies on strategy and party switching. Players can swap characters mid-battle without penalties, ensuring the game feels like your entire party is really there instead of just some members. While Final Fantasy X understandably has its share of grinding, modern ports help make it more manageable through accessibility options.
The gameās story is also legendary, making many gamers shed unforgettable tears. Final Fantasy X has some of the most memorable characters in JRPG history, with the relationship between Tidus and Yuna being one for the ages.Ā
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
While itās the newest game on this list, itās definitely one of the most popular with modern gamers. Created by a completely new studio and taking place in a dark fantasy world where someone known as the Paintess erases people from existence every year, this gameās story is as deep as its combat.
Instead of just having players pick and choose between attacks, this game has a fast-paced parry system. Players can dodge or parry enemy attacks by pressing the right buttons at the right time, ensuring every battle keeps you on your toes at all times.Ā
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 became the most talked-about RPG in 2025, and itās no surprise why. Its combat, characters, story, and overall atmosphere are all excellently done, especially from a studio as small as it is. Most agree that the game more than deserves all the awards it received, including being named the Game of the Year for 2025.
Persona 5: Royal
Persona 5 Royal is considered by many to be the best JRPG of all time. The Persona series is already synonymous with high-quality turn-based combat that combines the rock, paper, scissors combat that games such as PokĆ©mon display with an anime style that isnāt found in many other places.
The combat revolves around exploiting enemy weaknesses, collecting and using new Personas, and chaining attacks with your teammates. Multiple identifiable Personas from previous entries in the series return, ensuring thereās one for everyone.
The game also has an extremely fleshed-out social aspect, where you can go around making connections with all sorts of people. Time management, relationship building, and life simulation mechanics are common in Persona games, and Persona 5 Royal perfects them all.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
There was much confusion when it was announced that the Yakuza series would become turn-based. After all, it was a franchise that was known for having real-time combat. Most of these worries were laid to rest when Yakuza: Like a Dragon came out, and that too for all the right reasons.
The game introduces a new protagonist in Ichiban Kasuga. While the world is the same, this game introduces many fantasy-like features and themes that keep things fresh. From deep themes to hundreds of hours worth of side content that you can go through to keep yourself busy, Yakuza 7 has it all.
The turn-based combat is a little different than the traditional static combat. Players can move around during battles, letting them distance themselves from enemies, get close to weapons they can use to attack, or even block attacks before they land to reduce the damage.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldurās Gate 3 doesnāt really need an introduction. It became one of the biggest RPGs of the decade when it came out, primarily because of all of the freedom and choices that players have. From detailed dialogues to the freedom to date all sorts of characters, this game really makes you feel like youāre living in the fictional world that it has created.
The combat here is turn-based and extremely strategic. Whether itās verticality or environmental interactions, the game gives players all sorts of options to do whatever they want. However, Baldurās Gate 3 stands out because of its story and characters.
The game has all sorts of popular characters, including Astarion and Shadowheart. It also lets players choose how they want their story to go, giving them all sorts of choices. It makes sense that Baldurās Gate 3 won so many Game of the Year awards, since itās a must-play for everyone.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Most turn-based fans may not have expected to see a Paper Mario game on this list, but those fans likely havenāt played The Thousand Year Door. This game is considered one of the best Mario RPGs ever, and for good reason.
The story follows Mario as he searches for the Crystal Stars. What follows is a long journey where players meet all sorts of characters, each with their own personalities and stories. Every character feels unique, and every location feels memorable.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door has an in-depth turn-based combat system. Players can use real-time action commands to increase how much damage they deal or reduce the damage they receive. They can also partner with all types of identifiable figures from the Mario universe to utilize their abilities. These characters include Goombella, Koops, and Admiral Bobbery.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Created by Atlus, the same developer as the Persona series, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a more fantasy-like take on Atlusā successful formula. The game takes place in the fantasy kingdom of Euchronia. Here, players can expect to see elves, fairies, and other fantasy species.
The story is excellent, having players fight for the kingdom to ensure it gets the right ruler. Mechanics such as calendar management and social interactions return here, but thereās so much more for players to enjoy. Thereās Archetype customization, much deeper world-building than the Persona series, and an excellent soundtrack.
As for the combat, itās very similar to the Persona series. However, thereās also some real-time combat mixed in against weaker enemies, ensuring things stay fresh. Players can switch their roles freely, which adds even more depth to the already deep combat system.
