5 Best Action JRPGs With No Grinding

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours leveling up in JRPGs, I can attest that there’s more to these games than just grinding for levels and items. The monotony of battles and endless quests can be a turnoff for many, but fear not, fellow gamers! There are some fantastic titles out there that offer a perfect balance between combat, story, and action, without forcing us to grind our way through.

As a passionate admirer of JRPGs, I can’t help but appreciate their distinct traits: vibrant hues, captivating characters, grandiose battles, and the relentless pursuit of leveling up and acquiring items. Admittedly, some fans might find this repetitive aspect less appealing, but fortunately, there are a few exceptional titles that replace this outdated (and occasionally frustrating) system with engaging action gameplay instead!

Here’s a list of five JRPGs, perfect for players who prefer not to focus on level grinding. These range from a relatively unacknowledged but classic series, to a beloved game that was brought back to life due to a well-timed remake.

5 Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster

The Perfect Balance Between Combat And Story

If you’re a gamer seeking less tedious gameplay, more captivating narratives, and thrilling battles, then the Suikoden series is your perfect match. The initial installments of this franchise (namely, Suikoden I and Suikoden II) are relatively shorter compared to most JRPGs presently in the market, which is advantageous if you’re after an engaging storyline and a less demanding gaming experience. What makes it even more appealing is that remastered versions of these games can now be played on Steam, adding an extra layer of coolness to your gaming journey.

In the Suikoden series, it seems that only Suikoden 4 deviates from the norm. Unlike other games in the series, this one disregards the low encounter rate rule, making exploration of its world challenging for players who wish to avoid battles. However, Suikoden 3 and 5 are equally excellent options, and they offer a more contemporary visual experience if graphics hold significant importance for you.

4 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel

No Grinding Here — Enjoy The Action And The Story

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel serves as an ideal entry point for newcomers to the Legend of Heroes series, offering less grinding than many other games in the franchise and boasting a visually appealing design. Its user-friendly interface is another plus. While it’s true that Trails in the Sky features even less grinding than Trails of Cold Steel, what truly sets this game apart is its captivating narrative, making it a potential gem for players seeking an engaging JRPG experience.

You can easily access the game, as well as many of its prior versions, on PC via Steam and other systems such as Nintendo Switch. This means that if players enjoy this installment, they can quickly move on to other parts of the storyline since their narratives are straightforward enough to follow, even when played in a non-chronological order.

3 The Last Remnant

A Cult Game, That Punishes You For Grinding

If you’re seeking a JRPG that emphasizes strategy, character building, and creative problem-solving over repetitive grinding, then give The Last Remnant a try. This game offers challenges that are tougher than many other JRPGs, featuring demanding boss fights that can easily catch players off guard if they’re not carefully positioning their team or have an unbalanced composition.

Characters in this game don’t level up stats like in typical JRPGs; instead, their stats increase every time they perform an action during battle. This gradual progression enhances their skills over time. Consistent use of these abilities is the most effective method to maximize each character’s unique strengths.

2 Tactics Ogre: Reborn

A Must Play If You’re A Fan Of FF Tactics

In essence, “Tactics Ogre: Reborn” does not include the feature known as Grinding, unlike many other games. Instead, it employs a fixed level cap system, which cannot be surpassed based on the game’s progression. However, players can employ units that exceed this level cap, but they won’t gain additional levels unless they advance further in the story. The combat is dynamic and engaging, accompanied by a captivating narrative reminiscent of masterpieces like “Final Fantasy VII”, “Final Fantasy VIII”, and the “Chrono” series, with a soundtrack that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with these classics.

Despite some complexities, the game’s leveling mechanics can be challenging to grasp as they consider factors such as game progression, level cap, player training, and mission advancements. This strategic RPG shares similarities with the Final Fantasy Tactics series due to its class system, but it remains enjoyable overall.

1 Chrono Cross

One Of The Hardest JRPGs Made To Date, And With No Grind

Without a doubt, Chrono Cross stands out among many JRPGs as one of the most intricate ones ever created. Its storyline is richly layered, though occasionally complex, managing to remain coherent despite its convoluted timeline. The characters it introduces are vivid and enduring, leaving a lasting impression. What sets this game apart even further is its departure from the common “level-grinding” mechanic, instead focusing on strategic combat, character composition, and equipment selection.

In this game, characters don’t gain levels in a conventional way, but instead, they improve their abilities when they defeat powerful enemies, known as Bosses. This advancement is shared among all characters, regardless of whether they have been recruited or not, making the game more balanced. However, battles between boss fights can feel insignificant, unless you consider the Crafting System, which becomes available later in the game. Here, collected materials gain purpose, including those peculiar Rainbow Shells that the game doesn’t explain until a crucial point when they drop like an anvil. The game is enjoyable to play, and the The Radical Dreamers Collection provides additional intrigue for veteran players revisiting the game.

2024-09-23 03:34