Best JRPGs That Let You Play As A Rogue

Key Takeaways

Rogues add diverse playstyles in JRPGs with attributes like agility and subterfuge combined with lethal combat skills.
Stocke, Locke, Erik, and others epitomize the rogue archetype with unique abilities and engaging character development.
Rogue characters, vital for party composition, offer strategic versatility in combat, from tactical advantages to item stealing.

As a seasoned gamer and connoisseur of all things RPG, I must say that the rogue class has always held a special place in my heart. From the shadows they strike, with their agility and stealth, these characters have captivated me since my early days in the realm of gaming.

In most Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), you often assemble a team of unique characters who work together to overcome challenges. These teams are made up of individuals with distinct personalities and roles, from noble knights and fearless warriors to sneaky rogues. The variety in the party members is what makes them so appealing to players, providing a diverse range of abilities for tackling various obstacles or correcting great injustices in the game world.

In various types of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), whether lighthearted or challenging, characters known as rogues can be found filling different roles. These characters may utilize high agility to dodge attacks, farm critical hits, or even steal items and abilities from enemies. Interestingly, not all JRPGs explicitly feature a “rogue” class, but each game usually has a character with traits that resemble the rogue’s characteristics of agility and stealth.

1 Trails In The Sky FC

Joshua Is A Swift And Incredibly Lethal Bracer

In battle, Joshua, a notorious and deadly member of the bracer’s guild, is typically seen brandishing a pair of scimitars. He is frequently found in Japanese role-playing games that emphasize the rogue character type. The first installment of the Trails in the Sky series introduces some of the most memorable characters in the franchise, and Joshua’s assassin skills make him a recurring figure. While some fans argue he is less effective in direct confrontations, much like any skilled rogue, he excels when he has the advantage over his adversary.

Many people view the epic “Trails” series as Nihon Falcom’s masterpiece, having put out numerous outstanding games. For those new to the series, diving into this world can start with the first installment of the “Trails in the Sky” series, offering a fantastic entry point.

2 Radiant Historia

Stocke Is An Interesting Rogue-Styled Protagonist

In contrast to numerous games on this list where rogue characters are crucial for their teams, Radiant Historia stands out by featuring a main character who embodies the rogue persona flawlessly. Unlike the typical knight in heavy armor, Stocke is an operative, possessing numerous abilities that revolve around stealing and deceit.

Experiencing the unique charm of Radiant Historia, a game that deviates from the typical sword-and-sorcery focused JRPG protagonists, is an enjoyable experience in itself. However, what truly sets this game apart, beyond its rogue-like protagonist, is its one-of-a-kind nature.

3 Final Fantasy 6

Rogue Or Treasure Hunter – Locke Is A Character To Remember

Locke is a captivating figure who is among the key characters in the diverse group of Final Fantasy 6. His gameplay and narrative style reflect those of a genuine rogue, even though he claims to be a treasure seeker instead.

In the collection of memorable and endearing characters that contribute to making Final Fantasy 6 one of the top games in the series, Locke emerges as a charismatic rogue with a golden heart and strong, captivating reasons for his actions.

4 Unicorn Overlord

The Rogue Class Shines In Late Game

Showcasing a grand, cross-continental storyline and an array of extraordinary personalities, the captivating Unicorn Overlord offers an abundance of unique character combinations to potentially shift the balance in the struggle against Zenoira.

Initially focusing on Travis and some additional prospective team members, the enhanced thief character boasts abilities that drain energy from opponents and strikes with deadly accuracy. Additionally, it imposes powerful debilitating effects.

5 Triangle Strategy

Anna Is An Indispensable Rogue

In keeping with the character traits of a rogue, Anna excels as a quiet yet potent force on the battlefield within the captivating game Triangle Strategy. Her nimbleness and ability to move unnoticed allow her to outmaneuver and defeat opponents when they least expect it.

In addition, Anna exhibits exceptional agility for a non-flying character within this game, effortlessly scaling walls and finding favorable spots for covert assaults.

6 Tactics Ogre

Rogues Are Deadly And Useful

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the versatility and sheer power that Rogues bring to the table in Tactics Ogre. Their swift movement across the battlefield makes them an unpredictable and formidable force, capable of both dealing damage and imposing debuffs. In this strategic game, every unit has a role to play, and the Rogue’s speed and agility make them indispensable in ensuring victory.

If a unit lacks a specific role or objective it consistently contributes to each turn, they become a detriment to the entire army. Consequently, versatile units like rogues, who can serve offensive, debuffing, and item-acquiring functions on the battlefield, will always be valuable additions to a player’s army.

7 Dragon Quest 11

Erik Is A Formidable Rogue Companion

Erik is an incredibly well-written character, embodying the rogue archetypes in combat while having an uplifting and incredibly engaging character. With the new remake of Dragon Quest 3 drawing more people than ever to this series, now is the perfect time to see why many have been calling DQ11 one of the lot.

As a gamer, I find my character, Erik, to be an exceptional blend of strength and agility. He’s not just a one-note character; he’s deeply loyal yet multidimensional. Compared to other rogue characters who are often depicted as brooding and moody, Erik stands out with his vibrant personality.

8 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

The Strider Has Utility Like No Other Vocation

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, the title is captivating, however, certain alterations to the character classes didn’t please everyone. On one side, dividing the strider vocation into thief and archer roles offers more diversity; yet, the harmonious blend of these playstyles in Dark Arisen resulted in a unique rogue class that was unparalleled.

On the battlefield, Striders excelled at navigating nimbly. Just like cunning rogues, they were both fast and graceful, capable of inflicting significant damage from a distance or in close quarters, all the while preserving their own safety thanks to their agility.

2024-11-19 15:34