6 Best JRPGs with Both Real Time and Turn-Based Combat

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The JRPG genre is full of incredible games, but most focus on either turn-based or real-time combat systems. It’s unusual to find a game that successfully combines both. However, a few titles have managed to blend these styles, creating truly memorable experiences.

Combining real-time and turn-based combat in a single game is incredibly challenging because these two styles are fundamentally different. Turn-based combat involves carefully choosing actions from a menu while opponents wait, whereas real-time combat is fast-paced and features constant, simultaneous action. They offer very different experiences.

It’s unusual, but some RPGs successfully blend real-time action with turn-based strategy, creating a really engaging experience. Here are six of the best Japanese RPGs that do just that.

6. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Wait Mode Adds Turn-Based

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age has a special combat system that mixes real-time action with strategic, turn-based commands. Like Final Fantasy VII Remake, you mostly control your characters directly in the moment, but you can pause to select abilities and actions from a menu. While you can issue commands on the fly, the game also lets you completely stop the action with a “Wait” mode, giving you time to plan. This creates a unique experience where you move and dodge in real-time, but strategically choose your attacks and healing using a turn-based system.

If you’re new to Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, I strongly recommend playing with the Wait mode turned on. The game can be challenging and a bit much to handle at times, so pausing to plan your moves during battles will give you a real advantage. Plus, the game has a cool feature called the Gambit System. It basically helps you fight better in real-time by letting you set up automatic actions for your characters. For instance, you can tell a character to automatically use a potion when their health drops below 30 percent.

5. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Dragon’s Resurgence

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth primarily features turn-based combat, but around Chapter 8, players unlock a real-time fighting mode. This mode, called “Dragon’s Resurgence,” lets you control Kiryu directly instead of using turns. When activated, a meter appears on screen that gradually decreases, limiting how long you can fight in real time. You can continue fighting in this style until the meter is empty.

While the game features real-time combat, you won’t rely on it heavily, and it’s not as crucial as in other similar games. Still, it’s a welcome addition, especially in a long game like Infinite Wealth, as it prevents battles from becoming repetitive. Switching from turn-based fighting to unleash quick attacks on multiple enemies feels powerful and fun. It’s a shame the Dragon’s Resurgence ability, which enables this, is relatively short, lasting only around 20 minutes.

4. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Seamless Transition

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter uniquely combines real-time action with classic turn-based battles. You’ll mostly explore and fight in real-time, but can instantly switch to turn-based combat with a button press. This is key to dealing extra damage and gaining an advantage, particularly after stunning enemies. While you’ll use both styles while exploring, all boss battles take place using the turn-based system.

What makes the combat in Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter so great is its depth and fun factor. It uniquely combines both real-time and turn-based battles, which feel like two distinct systems. This remake offers essentially two combat experiences in one, justifying its cost. This blend of systems isn’t exclusive to this game either; Trails Beyond the Horizon also does a superb job, and I highly recommend giving that one a try as well.

3. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Quick and Easy Grinding

Metaphor ReFantazio is a brand new game from Atlus, the creators of Persona. Unlike the Persona games, it mixes real-time action with traditional turn-based battles. You’ll spend most of your time in turn-based combat, especially when facing tough bosses and powerful enemies. However, you can fight weaker enemies using fast-paced, real-time action. While this real-time combat is straightforward—it mostly involves basic attacks—it’s a fun and efficient way to earn experience and collect items, making leveling up and gathering resources feel less tedious and more engaging.

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s combat is challenging and requires careful planning, so it’s a nice change of pace when you don’t have to fight every single minor enemy. In games like Persona, constantly battling even weak foes can become repetitive and annoying, especially when it doesn’t offer much reward. This feature alone makes Metaphor: ReFantazio more enjoyable to me than many other Atlus titles.

2. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Active Time Battle

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth features fast-paced, real-time battles, but also incorporates elements of turn-based combat through its Active Time Battle (ATB) system. During fights, a gauge fills up as you attack. When full, the ATB system lets you pause the action to choose abilities, skills, or items. Though not strictly turn-based, it often feels that way as you frequently use the action menu to plan your next move. This system demands thoughtful strategy and is very rewarding to learn.

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If you preferred a more traditional turn-based experience in Rebirth, choose the classic mode difficulty. This setting handles the action automatically, filling your ATB gauge for you so you don’t have to manually attack. This streamlines combat, letting you focus solely on opening the ATB menu and choosing your attacks. Ultimately, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s combat system beautifully combines real-time and turn-based elements, making it a standout JRPG.

1. Grandia HD Remaster

Such a Classic

The mix of real-time and turn-based combat often feels like a new concept in games, but it’s actually been done before. A great example is the classic PlayStation 1 game, Grandia. Grandia cleverly combines these two styles of combat using its unique IP Bar system, which controls the order players and enemies take turns.

Characters are represented by icons displayed in a row at the bottom right of the screen, labeled “COM” and “ACT.” When an icon reaches “COM,” the game pauses, prompting you to choose an action for that character. After you select an action – like using an ability or attacking – the character has a cooldown period. Once the icon reaches “ACT,” the chosen action is performed.

Battles happen live, with everyone – both your team and the enemies – acting at the same time. Instead of taking turns, each character acts as soon as their turn indicator reaches the end of a timeline. This creates a fast-paced, dynamic fight where you’re constantly seeing movement and action, making combat feel more exciting and visually engaging.

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2026-01-19 15:10