The 25 Best JRPGs of All Time (2026 Rankings)
You've got 500 JRPGs on your backlog and no idea where to start. Or maybe you're new to the genre and wondering what all the fuss is about. Either way, this is the list.
We ranked the 25 best JRPGs of all time based on critical reception, lasting influence, gameplay innovation, and how well they hold up today. Not five years ago. Today. Every game on this list is either a timeless classic or a modern masterpiece that pushed the genre forward.
Let's get into it.
Quick Answer: What's the Best JRPG to Start With?
If you've never played a JRPG: Start with Persona 5 Royal. It's available on every platform including Game Pass, it's gorgeous, and it eases you into the genre with a perfect mix of story, combat, and social simulation. You'll sink 100 hours in before you realize it.
If you want something shorter: Chrono Trigger (~23 hours) on Steam is the purest distillation of what makes the genre great. No filler, no grinding, just a perfectly paced adventure.
If you're a returning fan catching up: Metaphor: ReFantazio is the best JRPG released since Persona 5. If you loved Persona, you'll love this.
The 25 Best JRPGs of All Time
1. Chrono Trigger
| Developer | Square |
| Release | 1995 |
| Metacritic | 92 (DS version) |
| Play Time | ~23 hours |
| Available On | Steam, iOS, Android |
The gold standard. A dream team of creators (Sakaguchi, Horii, Toriyama) built a time-travel RPG with 13+ endings, zero filler, and a story that respects your time while delivering one of the most emotionally resonant adventures in gaming history. Nearly 30 years later, nothing has topped it.
If you only play one JRPG in your life, make it this one.
2. Persona 5 Royal
| Developer | Atlus |
| Release | 2020 |
| Metacritic | 95 |
| Play Time | ~100 hours |
| Available On | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC, Game Pass |
The most stylish JRPG ever made. Royal takes the already exceptional Persona 5 and adds a full new semester, new characters, and quality-of-life improvements that make an already great game damn near perfect. The fusion of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and turn-based combat with that jaw-dropping art direction set a new bar for the entire genre.
100 hours sounds like a lot. It'll feel like 30.
3. Final Fantasy VII
| Developer | Square |
| Release | 1997 |
| Metacritic | 92 |
| Play Time | ~35-40 hours |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, iOS, Android |
The game that blew the doors off JRPGs for Western audiences. Cloud, Sephiroth, Aerith, and Midgar became cultural touchstones overnight. The materia system gave players incredible build customization, and the story tackled identity, corporate greed, and environmentalism in ways that still hit hard. You probably already know this one. It earned its spot.
4. Metaphor: ReFantazio
| Developer | Studio Zero (Atlus) |
| Release | 2024 |
| Metacritic | 94 |
| Play Time | ~80-90 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
From the creators of Persona comes a completely new IP that earned universal acclaim out of the gate. High fantasy meets political intrigue meets sharp social commentary, all wrapped in Atlus's signature combat system. Metaphor proved this team can build something incredible beyond the Persona name. It's the freshest JRPG experience in years.
5. Final Fantasy VI
| Developer | Square |
| Release | 1994 |
| Metacritic | 86 (Pixel Remaster) |
| Play Time | ~35 hours |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, iOS, Android (Pixel Remaster) |
Many consider this the true peak of Final Fantasy. Kefka remains one of gaming's greatest villains, the opera scene is iconic, and the ensemble cast of 14 playable characters each get meaningful story arcs. The World of Ruin twist halfway through was gutsy storytelling that few games have matched since. The Pixel Remaster is the best way to play it today.
6. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
| Developer | Square Enix |
| Release | 2024 |
| Metacritic | 93 |
| Play Time | ~40-50 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PC. Coming to Xbox and Switch 2 (June 2026) |
The second chapter of the FF7 Remake trilogy took everything that worked in Remake and cranked it up. An open world that actually felt worth exploring, a refined hybrid action/command combat system, and story moments that will have fans debating for years. The second-highest Metacritic score in Final Fantasy history.
7. Final Fantasy IX
| Developer | Square |
| Release | 2000 |
| Metacritic | 94 |
| Play Time | ~40 hours |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, iOS, Android |
Sakaguchi's love letter to classic Final Fantasy. Vivi's existential crisis, Zidane's charm, and a story about mortality and the meaning of life wrapped in the most beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds the PS1 ever produced. Often cited as the most emotionally mature entry in the series despite its storybook aesthetic. Available everywhere, no excuse not to play it.
8. Final Fantasy X
| Developer | Square |
| Release | 2001 |
| Metacritic | 92 |
| Play Time | ~45-50 hours |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC (HD Remaster) |
The first fully voice-acted Final Fantasy. Tidus and Yuna's pilgrimage through Spira is one of the most emotionally devastating journeys in the genre. The Sphere Grid, the Conditional Turn-Based Battle system, and Blitzball gave players a ton to dig into. That ending still makes people cry, and they're not wrong to.
9. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
| Developer | Monolith Soft |
| Release | 2020 (DE) / 2010 (original) |
| Metacritic | 89 |
| Play Time | ~50-60 hours |
| Available On | Switch (exclusive) |
"I'm really feeling it!" isn't just a meme. Xenoblade delivered one of the most ambitious open worlds in JRPG history across the Bionis and Mechonis. The real-time combat with chain attacks and visions created genuinely strategic encounters, and Shulk's journey is one of the best revenge-to-something-more arcs in the genre. Switch exclusive, and worth buying one for.
10. Persona 3 Reload
| Developer | Atlus |
| Release | 2024 |
| Metacritic | 89 |
| Play Time | ~70-80 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Game Pass |
A ground-up remake that brought the darkest Persona story to modern platforms. Themes of death, mortality, and finding meaning hit even harder with the modern presentation. The Social Link system and Tartarus dungeon crawling finally got the glow-up they deserved. If Persona 5 is the flashy one, P3 is the one that sticks with you.
11. Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition
| Developer | Square Enix |
| Release | 2019 (S) / 2017 (original) |
| Metacritic | 91 |
| Play Time | ~55-60 hours (80-100 with post-game) |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC |
Dragon Quest distilled to its purest form. DQXI doesn't reinvent the wheel. It just makes the best damn wheel you've ever seen. Classic turn-based combat, a charming world, and a post-game "Act 3" that essentially doubles the content. The Definitive Edition adds a full 2D mode and orchestral soundtrack. Available on everything.
12. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Release | 2024 |
| Metacritic | 91 |
| Play Time | ~55-65 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
The Yakuza series fully embraced turn-based JRPG combat and absolutely nailed it. Ichiban in Hawaii delivers one of the most heartfelt, hilarious, and content-packed JRPGs in years. The Dondoko Island mini-game alone could be its own release. Proof that JRPGs can be deeply emotional and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.
13. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
| Developer | Square Enix |
| Release | 2020 |
| Metacritic | 89 |
| Play Time | ~35-40 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 |
Square did the impossible: they reimagined the most beloved JRPG ever in a way that satisfied die-hard fans while creating something genuinely new. The hybrid action/command combat became the template, and Midgar (previously a 5-hour intro) became a fully realized world worth spending 40 hours in.
14. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
| Developer | Monolith Soft |
| Release | 2022 |
| Metacritic | 89 |
| Play Time | ~55-65 hours |
| Available On | Switch (exclusive) |
The conclusion of the Xenoblade trilogy brought together the worlds of the first two games into one massive, emotionally charged adventure. The Interlink system and class-swapping mechanics gave combat incredible depth. The Future Redeemed DLC added even more to an already enormous package.
15. Persona 4 Golden
| Developer | Atlus |
| Release | 2012 (Vita) / 2023 (modern consoles) |
| Metacritic | 93 (Vita) / 92 (Switch) |
| Play Time | ~70-80 hours |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC |
The coziest murder mystery you'll ever play. Inaba's foggy small-town setting and the Investigation Team's bond created a JRPG experience that felt deeply personal. Golden added a new character, expanded storyline, and tons of quality-of-life improvements. Available on everything now, so there's no excuse.
16. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
| Developer | Square Enix |
| Release | 2025 (Remaster) / 1997 (original) |
| Metacritic | 88 (Remaster) |
| Play Time | ~40-50 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, PC |
The deepest tactical JRPG ever made. Ivalice's political intrigue and religious corruption feel more like Game of Thrones than typical Final Fantasy. The Job System offers staggering customization. The 2025 remaster added full voice acting and sold over a million copies in three months. If you like strategy and storytelling, this is your game.
17. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
| Developer | Square Enix / Team Asano |
| Release | 2024 |
| Metacritic | 85 |
| Play Time | ~30-35 hours |
| Available On | PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC |
The game that codified what a JRPG is. Dragon Quest III's class system and open-world exploration set the template for the entire genre in 1988. The HD-2D treatment gave it gorgeous modern visuals while preserving the charm. Sold over 2 million copies, proving classic JRPGs still have massive appeal.
18. EarthBound
| Developer | Ape Inc. / HAL Laboratory |
| Release | 1995 |
| Metacritic | N/A (cult classic) |
| Play Time | ~25-30 hours |
| Available On | Switch (via Nintendo Switch Online) |
Nothing else plays like EarthBound. Set in suburban America instead of a fantasy kingdom, using baseball bats instead of swords, fighting hippies instead of dragons. Its quirky humor disguises surprisingly deep commentary on consumerism and growing up. The final boss sequence remains one of the most unsettling and creative moments in all of gaming.
19. NieR: Automata
| Developer | PlatinumGames |
| Release | 2017 |
| Metacritic | 88 |
| Play Time | ~25-30 hours (all main routes) |
| Available On | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC |
Yoko Taro finally got the gameplay to match his vision. The way NieR: Automata uses the medium of video games to tell its story about consciousness, purpose, and what it means to be alive is something no other medium could replicate. You need to play through all the main routes. Trust the process. Route C's ending hits like a freight train.
20. Suikoden I & II HD Remaster
| Developer | Konami |
| Release | 2025 (Remaster) / 1995 & 1998 (originals) |
| Metacritic | 81 (Remaster) |
| Play Time | ~55 hours total (both games) |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, PC |
Suikoden II is one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. Recruiting 108 Stars of Destiny, the political war storyline, and Luca Blight as one of gaming's most terrifying villains. The 2025 HD Remaster finally made these long-inaccessible classics available on modern platforms. Two games, one package, and an absolute must-play.
21. Tales of Arise
| Developer | Bandai Namco |
| Release | 2021 |
| Metacritic | 87 |
| Play Time | ~45-50 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC |
The Tales series' breakout mainstream hit. Arise overhauled the combat to feel faster and more impactful than ever, the Unreal Engine visual upgrade was massive, and the story about a slave uprising tackled surprisingly heavy themes. Won Best RPG at The Game Awards 2021. If you're new to Tales, start here.
22. Star Ocean: The Second Story R
| Developer | Gemdrops / tri-Ace |
| Release | 2023 (Remake) / 1998 (original) |
| Metacritic | 86 |
| Play Time | ~30-35 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Switch, PC |
A stunning remake that blends 2D pixel characters with 3D environments. The dual-protagonist system, private actions that shape relationships, and real-time combat made the original a standout. The R version adds full voice acting, rearranged music, and fast travel while preserving everything that made it special. One of the best remakes ever done.
23. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
| Developer | Intelligent Systems / Koei Tecmo |
| Release | 2019 |
| Metacritic | 89 |
| Play Time | ~45-50 hours (one route; 200+ for all routes) |
| Available On | Switch (exclusive) |
Three Houses reinvented Fire Emblem for a massive new audience. The Garreg Mach Monastery hub, branching house storylines, and tactical grid-based combat came together into one of the Switch's best games. Choosing between the Black Eagles, Blue Lions, and Golden Deer creates genuine emotional stakes and incredible replay value.
24. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Release | 2020 |
| Metacritic | 83-86 |
| Play Time | ~45-50 hours |
| Available On | PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC |
The game that transformed Yakuza from a beat-em-up into a full-blown turn-based JRPG. Ichiban Kasuga is one of the most likable protagonists in modern gaming, a guy who literally sees the world through the lens of Dragon Quest. The job system, the absurd humor, and the surprisingly touching story made this a genre-defining pivot.
25. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
| Developer | Level-5 |
| Release | 2004 |
| Metacritic | 89 |
| Play Time | ~55-65 hours |
| Available On | iOS, Android (no modern console/PC port) |
The game that introduced Dragon Quest to Western audiences in a big way. Cel-shaded Toriyama art that popped off the screen, an addictive alchemy pot system, and a world that felt genuinely massive. Jessica, Yangus, and Angelo are some of the series' best party members. Desperately needs a modern remaster, but the mobile port gets the job done.
Honorable Mentions
These almost made the list and are absolutely worth your time:
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch -- Studio Ghibli co-designed a JRPG. It's as gorgeous as that sounds. (PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)
- Super Mario RPG (2023 Remake) -- The game that spawned Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. Short, sweet, endlessly charming. (Switch)
- Octopath Traveler -- Pioneered the HD-2D visual style. Eight interconnected stories with a deep job system. (PS, Xbox, Switch, PC)
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 -- Ambitious, divisive, and deeply loved by its fans. (Switch)
- Chrono Cross -- The polarizing Chrono Trigger sequel that's only gained appreciation over time. (PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)
Where to Play: Platform Availability at a Glance
Not sure which platform gives you the most options? Here's the breakdown.
Available Everywhere (PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)
| Game | Game Pass? |
|---|---|
| Persona 5 Royal | Yes |
| Final Fantasy VI (Pixel Remaster) | No |
| Final Fantasy IX | No |
| Final Fantasy X HD | No |
| Dragon Quest XI S | No |
| Persona 4 Golden | No |
| NieR: Automata | No |
| Suikoden I & II HD | No |
| FF Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles | No |
| Dragon Quest III HD-2D | No |
PS5 + Xbox + PC (No Switch)
| Game | Game Pass? |
|---|---|
| Metaphor: ReFantazio | No |
| Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | No |
| Persona 3 Reload | Yes |
| Tales of Arise | No |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | Yes |
Switch Exclusives
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- EarthBound (via Nintendo Switch Online)
Coming Soon to More Platforms
- FF7 Rebirth -- Xbox and Switch 2 on June 3, 2026
- FF7 Remake Intergrade -- Now on Xbox and Switch 2 as of January 2026
Best New JRPGs Released in 2024-2025
If you're searching for the best JRPGs to play right now, these are the standout releases from the last two years. Several of them made our all-time list above, and the rest are absolutely worth your time.
2024 Highlights:
- Metaphor: ReFantazio (Metacritic 94) - From the Persona team. The best new JRPG since Persona 5 Royal. Fantasy setting with Atlus-quality combat and social systems. PS5, Xbox, PC.
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Metacritic 90) - Ichiban goes to Hawaii. 60+ hours of turn-based combat, absurd minigames, and genuinely touching storytelling. PS5, Xbox, PC.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Metacritic 92) - The massive second chapter of the FF7 remake trilogy. Coming to Xbox and Switch 2 in June 2026. PS5, PC.
- Persona 3 Reload (Metacritic 87) - Full ground-up remake of the darkest Persona game. On Game Pass. PS5, Xbox, PC.
2025 Highlights:
- Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (Metacritic 86) - Beautiful Octopath-style remake of one of the genre's most important games. PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC.
- Suikoden I & II HD Remaster - Two cult classics finally get modern ports. PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC.
- Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles - The tactical RPG that many consider the best FF game period, finally on modern platforms.
These are the games pushing the genre forward right now. If you haven't played any of them, start with Metaphor: ReFantazio or Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
How to Track These Games
Got a few of these on your wishlist? Instead of checking prices across six different storefronts, Vaulted.Games tracks prices, sales, and subscription availability across PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and Steam in one place. Set a price alert and we'll tell you when your next JRPG goes on sale.
Because the only thing better than a great JRPG is getting one at a great price. If you're on PC, check out our complete Steam sale schedule to know when the next big sale drops. And if you're debating whether to go disc or digital, we ran the numbers on physical vs digital game pricing.