Hardest Open-World JRPGs – Investment Policy

While there are many open-world games available today, it’s less common to find them combined with the classic Japanese RPG, or JRPG, style. JRPGs first became popular on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with iconic series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, both of which have changed and improved significantly over the years.

While many Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) let you explore large world maps, few offer the same expansive freedom as games like Skyrim. Even rarer are challenging open-world JRPGs – a feature many players actively seek. So, if you’re looking for a tough experience, these games should fit the bill, though they might take some searching to find.

Elden Ring

Accessible, But Not Easy

It’s no surprise that Elden Ring makes the list. As a Soulslike game, it’s known for being incredibly challenging – a genre famous for its difficulty. While the open world makes it a bit more approachable than other games from the same developer, it’s still a tough experience.

In Elden Ring, you design your own character, pick a fighting style (or class), and then customize your abilities to play however you like – whether you prefer fighting up close or casting spells from a distance. Even playing with friends doesn’t make it easy! The game requires careful timing, accuracy, and a lot of effort to improve your character before tackling its hardest bosses and areas.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

A Truly Frightening JRPG

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is as challenging as the original, and possibly even more so. The game doesn’t hold your hand much, dropping you into a large open world to figure things out, but this lack of guidance actually makes exploring the world more rewarding.

Though not a true “Soulslike” game, it shares some familiar elements, such as challenging enemies that can quickly defeat unprepared players. It’s frustrating to be beaten by a small enemy just as much as a large one! Players especially enjoy the terrifying boss battles, where they can actually climb on the bosses to inflict extra damage, making the fights feel more intense and impactful.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Die, Craft, Repeat

Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be the easiest Monster Hunter game yet for new players. That said, it’s still a challenging game – the difficulty ranges from tough to really difficult, as the series is known for having a steep learning curve.

In this game, you design your own hunter and a helpful feline companion called a Palico. You’ll select one of fourteen weapons and become skilled with it to succeed in challenging monster hunts. The game introduces AI companions who can assist with easier hunts at the beginning. But the real challenge starts later on, truly testing your skills. These massive monsters hit hard, and just a few attacks can send you back to base defeated.

Rise Of The Ronin

Open-World Ninja Gaiden

Team Ninja, the studio behind the famously difficult Ninja Gaiden series, created Rise of the Ronin. This new open-world samurai game offers difficulty settings, but even on the standard and higher levels, it’s as demanding as the Ninja Gaiden games players already know and love.

Okay, so you really need to learn how to parry in this game if you want to live. It’s a loot-based RPG, which means getting better gear is key, but you’ll have to do some serious exploring to find the really good stuff. And let me tell you, exploring is risky – there’s danger around every corner!

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Towering In Defeat

Players of Xenoblade Chronicles X, whether they’re playing on the original Wii U or the updated Switch version, will find the game quite challenging. The game world is enormous, filled with enemies of all strengths – from weak ones to those far more powerful. While the stronger enemies don’t always attack, they often will, and getting caught by one usually means game over.

Getting around and finishing quests can be challenging, but thankfully, dying doesn’t set you back. You might get frustrated after losing repeatedly, though!

Unicorn Overlord

Small-Scale War

While not boasting cutting-edge graphics with its sprite-based style, Unicorn Overlord features a surprisingly expansive open world. Players are free to explore, gather resources, complete quests given by characters they meet, and participate in battles.

The game will blend exploration with real-time strategy. Players will create and command squads, then watch battles unfold automatically when they encounter enemies. These tactical games are known for being challenging, demanding careful planning and strategy.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Hard Knock Hawaii

So, I’m really excited about Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. It’s the second game in the Yakuza series to switch to turn-based battles, which is a cool change of pace. But what’s really neat is the Jobs system. Basically, you can play as different characters with different professions – like a surfer, dancer, or even a chef! – and each Job gives your team members new abilities to use in combat. It adds a ton of strategy and makes things way more interesting.

While exploring Hawaii in the game, players will face increasingly difficult enemies who often have the advantage in both strength and numbers. Progress requires dedication – players will need to spend time earning experience and collecting better items. Luckily, the game’s funny story and vibrant world help keep things enjoyable, even when facing tough challenges.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

A Deceptively Challenging Monster-Catcher

Okay, so Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch isn’t totally open-world like some games these days. It’s more of a classic JRPG, which means it’s got a huge world map you can travel around, but it’s broken up into areas. There are tons of secrets to find, and you collect these creatures called Familiars that fight for you in turn-based battles. You’ll be hopping between towns and diving into dungeons constantly, which is awesome!

During fights, players can choose to battle directly with their character using special abilities, or they can have their creature companions – similar to Pokémon – fight on their behalf. Despite the charming story and beautiful art style inspired by Studio Ghibli, which might suggest a game for younger audiences, this game is surprisingly challenging. The updated version is a little more forgiving, but it’s definitely not a straightforward monster-collecting experience.

2025-11-12 11:35