Best Korean RPGs That Rival JRPGs

In the 1990s, PC gamers enjoyed fantastic RPGs such as Diablo and Baldur’s Gate, while console players favored Japanese RPGs like Final Fantasy 7 and Pokemon Yellow. Today, both PC and console gamers have access to both Western and Japanese RPGs, and many classic titles from the 90s are still available to play.

As a huge RPG fan, I’ve been really excited to see how many amazing RPGs are coming out of South Korea lately! It’s awesome how the gaming world has grown, and a lot of these Korean developers are clearly inspired by the classic RPGs from the 90s – the ones we all love. I wanted to share a few of these games that I think any RPG enthusiast should definitely check out if they’re looking for something new.

Lies Of P

Pinocchio Souls

Lies of P offers a dark and unique reimagining of the classic Pinocchio story, set in the gritty, steampunk city of Krat. The city has been taken over by mechanical puppets, and you play as the one who can restore order.

This game pushes players to be aggressive, letting them take down enemies with a variety of weapons and tools, including a grappling hook for fast-paced combat. It strongly resembles the feel of Bloodborne, and the creators at FromSoftware would likely approve. While it’s challenging, like other games in the genre, you can get help from an AI companion if you’re struggling against the game’s decaying enemies.

The First Berserker: Khazan

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem

The First Berserker: Khazan is a challenging action game set in the world of Dungeon & Fighter. It’s known for its high difficulty, even compared to other tough ‘soulslike’ games, making every hit and kill feel impactful. The game features a distinctive weapon system with just three weapon types, but each offers a deep and extensive skill tree to explore.

Focusing on mastering a single weapon, similar to the Monster Hunter games, is a real benefit in The First Berserker: Khazan. The bosses are incredibly difficult, demanding skill and patience, as the game doesn’t offer much help. It’s designed to be a tough experience, but if you can beat it, you’ll be prepared for any other Soulslike game.

Stellar Blade

Looking Good In The Apocalypse

Released on the PS5 in 2024, Stellar Blade quickly became popular, and a PC version in 2025 promised to reach even more players. The game puts you in control of Eve, a powerful combat android tasked with saving a devastated planet from an alien threat. Visually striking and featuring a stylish protagonist, Stellar Blade blends action RPG gameplay with challenging combat inspired by the ‘Souls-like’ genre, often drawing comparisons to Bayonetta.

I’m completely hooked on Stellar Blade! You get to travel through so many cool environments and battle these incredibly designed aliens – they’re seriously creepy and beautiful, like something straight out of H.R. Giger’s imagination. Everything just feels amazing, from the smooth combat to the stunning graphics, and the game’s world is so well thought-out. It’s easily one of the biggest South Korean action RPGs out right now, alongside Lies of P, and I’m already hoping they announce a sequel soon!

MagnaCarta 2

A Forgotten Xbox 360 Cult Classic

Developer: Softmax
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Released: October 13, 2009 (NA)
Platform: Xbox 360

MagnaCarta 2 is a game released in 2009 exclusively for the Xbox 360. It’s the third and last installment in the MagnaCarta series. The second game was available on the PlayStation 2 in North America, and the very first MagnaCarta game was only released in South Korea. This final version combines action-based combat with elements typically found in massively multiplayer online games. Players explore the game world and initiate battles by choosing their enemies.

During each character’s turn, a timer counts down, giving them a chance to use a variety of attacks that can flow seamlessly into the next character’s actions if you time your switches well. It takes a little practice, but this combat system is definitely the highlight of the game. The story and character designs might not appeal to everyone, particularly with its focus on civil war and the characters’ small heads. However, fans of Japanese role-playing game combat will find MagnaCarta 2 similar to games like Final Fantasy 12 or Xenoblade Chronicles, though it doesn’t feature the expansive open worlds those games are known for.

Lost Eidolons

Challenging Tactics

Lost Eidolons stands out from typical South Korean RPGs with its art style, which feels closer to games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Though the character designs lean towards a Western look, the gameplay is similar to the Fire Emblem series – it’s a turn-based strategy RPG where characters can be permanently lost if they fall in battle.

Players need to play cautiously, or they risk losing units and being forced to adapt their strategies on the fly. When not in battle, you can build relationships with your units to improve their morale – a feature similar to recent Fire Emblem games. While the game includes some magical elements, Lost Eidolons offers a more realistic tactical RPG experience for fans who prefer that style.

Crimson Gem Saga

A Diamond In The Rough

If you were a PlayStation Portable (PSP) owner searching for a quality RPG, you may have come across Crimson Gem Saga. It’s actually part of the Astonishia Story series, but because the first game wasn’t very well-received, the developers likely decided to release the sequel under a different title.

This game is a significant improvement, featuring a simple yet engaging turn-based combat system. It lets you control a team of four characters, strategically using a timeline and powerful combo attacks, much like the classic game Chrono Trigger. Visually, it’s reminiscent of Ragnarok Online, with a beautiful, soft color palette and a watercolor-like style. Crimson Gem Saga is a hidden gem on the PSP that deserves a second look – or even a re-release.

Black Desert Online

More Than Dunes

Black Desert Online is a long-running online multiplayer game that first launched in South Korea in 2015, with a North American release following in 2016. It’s been around for a decade and has evolved significantly, even getting a version for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2025. Unlike many traditional MMOs, Black Desert Online focuses on fast-paced action combat and features large groups of enemies, similar to the monster hordes found in games like Diablo.

Besides fighting, the game offers relaxing activities like fishing and hunting, and it’s a really good choice if you want a virtual world to live in. While it’s not as widely played as Final Fantasy 14, it’s clearly doing something right – it’s been around since 2015! The developers, Pearl Abyss, are even creating an offline sequel called Crimson Desert, expected in 2026, and it’s poised to be a major action RPG release from South Korea.

TERA

An Original MMO

Released in South Korea in 2011 (and in North America a year later), TERA was a groundbreaking MMO known for its innovative action combat system – one of the first of its kind. The game offered a vast open world, appealing character designs, and unique race options, including the charming Popori, who resembled small animals like dogs or bears. TERA‘s large and challenging monsters encouraged cooperative play, similar to the epic battles found in the Xenoblade Chronicles series. This focus on action-based combat set TERA apart from more traditional MMOs such as World of Warcraft.

Ragnarok Online

An All-Time Classic MMO

In the early 2000s, many PC gamers tried out various online multiplayer games, and Ragnarok Online was a particularly popular one. Originally released in South Korea in 2002, and internationally in 2003, the game used 2D sprites instead of 3D graphics. Gameplay was straightforward, relying on clicking to attack, and like many games of the time, it required a lot of repetitive effort. While it didn’t offer the immersive 3D world of Final Fantasy 11 (released in Japan in 2002), Ragnarok Online excelled at bringing players together. Many fondly remember teaming up to fight monsters or simply socializing in the game’s towns.

2025-12-28 20:07