These are not THE definitive turn-based RPGs of all time. They are, however, eight of the best turn-based RPGs around that every fan should play at some point in their lives. From the SNES era to the PS5, including classic fantasy and sci-fi tropes, there isn’t a more diverse list of RPGs out there.
Final Fantasy 7, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Persona 5 are just a few of the entries worth noting. The following games are not ranked as they all hold an equal value in the great genre of turn-based RPGs. Best of all, in some way or another, they are all accessible on modern hardware.
Baldur's Gate 3
This One Is For The D&D Fans
Baldur's Gate 3 is set within the Dungeons & Dragons universe, a tabletop series known for being customizable, and this game doesn’t disappoint. After players make their character and choose a class, they will embark on an epic adventure involving ethereal beings, towns in danger, dark mages, and more.
As players explore the world, they will start combat whenever they run into enemies, with characters free to move on their turn within a set area limit, and then they can attack as well, from striking with swords to casting magic spells. The combat isn’t revolutionary, but it is engaging, as any good tactical game should be. The real stars of the show are the dialogue trees, characters, and branching storylines that will all make players feel like they are in control in Baldur's Gate 3.
Chrono Trigger
Time Is On Its Side
Chrono Trigger is a classic turn-based RPG from the SNES that involves time travel. Players will start in the modern era before going back to a Middle Ages-like era, and then to the future, the time of dinosaurs, and so on. Even though there are other time-travel RPGs today, nothing holds a candle to Chrono Trigger, as it was way ahead of its time.
The game is packed with content, and the combat system is its most incredible feature. Each character is unique with one magical element tied to them, and they can pair up for duo or triple attacks. From the sprite art to the music to the impactful story, this is one RPG that turn-based fans cannot miss.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A Modern Miracle
Turn-based RPG fans have been wishing for a return to the 90s era, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the game that obliged them. Set within a fantasy world where genocide is on the table, players will take their party into imaginative dungeons and a world map, which is one of the cooler elements of the game’s design.
In battle, each character has a unique attack pattern unlike the rest, like Lune’s magic can be boosted the more she uses it, or Sciel can gain bonuses based on tarot cards. Even better, attacks can be enhanced with well-timed prompts, and enemy attacks in return can be dodged or countered. This active turn-based system is built up from the greats, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 puts enough of a spin on its combat system, world, and music to feel completely original.
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Classic In Every Way
Dragon Dragon is a series that seems like it doesn’t evolve much between entries, but even if that is the case, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a cozy RPG that feels nostalgic while also being newer. It’s a classic RPG storyline involving a silent protagonist, an evil wizard threatening to destroy the world, and a diverse party ready to set forth on a grand adventure.
The areas in each region are huge, enemies appear in real time, and the combat isn’t mind-blowing, but it is expertly crafted to be challenging and accessible. It’s also quite lengthy, so anyone looking to cozy up next to a hundred-plus-hour RPG, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is it.
Final Fantasy 7
A Big Day For The PS1
It’s not easy to pick just one Final Fantasy game, but because Final Fantasy 7 has an ongoing series of remakes, this is a good place to start. It’s also a nice blend of classic fantasy tropes from monsters to airships, while also having a sci-fi edge from big sprawling cities to amusement parks to rocket ships.
In battle, which is randomized, every character is ultimately the same except for their weapons and Limit Breaks. What really sets them apart are the Materia they equip, which can range from stat enhancements to being able to cast spells in battle like Fire or Quake. This adds a nice layer of customization to combat in Final Fantasy 7, along with another thing to upgrade beyond leveling up.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
