Best JRPGs On Steam Without DRM, Ranked

Summary

DRM can be annoyingly restrictive, but many JRPGs offer DRM-free versions.
Games like Yume Nikki and Trials of Mana removed Denuvo DRM after release.
The Legend of Heroes series and Dragon Quest 11 S: The Definitive Edition have no DRM restrictions.

In today’s world filled with advanced AI, chatbots, and recurring subscriptions for goods once bought individually, it’s simple to overlook the presence of Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology as well. Originally developed as a means to combat piracy, given the increasing sophistication in pirating tech beyond just duplicating floppy disks, DRM can sometimes become overly restrictive with its continuous online needs and anti-modification updates, leading to frustration.

Despite the widespread use of Digital Rights Management (DRM) in many games today, there are numerous titles available that either lack it, have had it eliminated, or offer methods to bypass it – even on the popular PC gaming platform, Steam. Consequently, if you’re a fan of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) searching for some excellent picks on Valve’s storefront, feel free to try out these games and discover whether their DRM avoidance techniques function smoothly for you.

9. Yume Nikki

Uneasy Dreamquest Is Free In Price & In DRM

Labeling Yume Nikki as an RPG may not entirely fit, considering there’s no combat involved. Rather, it is a surreal adventure game where the player takes on the role of Madotsuki, navigating through her peculiar and sometimes unsettling dreamscapes. Despite its creation in RPG Maker and inspirations from JRPGs like Earthbound, it gained a devoted following due to its chilling ambiance. Interestingly, it has been freeware since its 2004 release, meaning it can be downloaded on Steam without cost, and free of Digital Rights Management (DRM).

In simple terms, if you’re running a Steamworks title like Yume Nikki, remember that features such as achievements may not function properly if you use the Steam client instead of launching the game directly from Steam. This isn’t much of an issue for Yume Nikki, a free game designed for older Windows XP systems, but it’s worth noting for those who are particularly focused on earning achievements with other games.

8. Star Ocean: The Divine Force

No Room For DRM In The Star Ocean

Yume Nikki received a lower rating because it leans more towards being an RPG spin-off rather than a traditional RPG. On the other hand, Star Ocean: The Divine Force got a lower score as it’s not the top game in the market. It’s not bad by any means, as fans appreciated the smooth combat and charming characters, but its production was done on a tight budget, which is surprising given that its Limited Edition is now one of the priciest PS4 games available.

Initially, it included Denuvo Anti-Piracy software (which was later removed in April 2023). Now, you can play it without any interference from DRM restrictions. However, there are two ways to ensure this:

1. Install the game using a Steam client instead of downloading it directly from Steam.
2. Ensure that the steam_appid.txt file is located in the directory with the number “1776380”.

It’s an unconventional solution, but it effectively bypasses the DRM restrictions.

7. Trials Of Mana (2020)

Making The Trials Less Testing To Run

In simpler terms, there are two methods for obtaining “Trials of Mana”. Firstly, you can utilize an original SNES cartridge along with a Retrode device. Alternatively, you could navigate the digital seas by emulating a ROM version of the game online. However, it’s worth noting that in 2020, the game received a remake, offering players a chance to fight against the Benevodons in 3D. This updated version also includes an additional post-game chapter, enriching the story further.

Similar to TDF, initially it came equipped with Denuvo Anti-Piracy software, which was later taken out after four months since its launch in August 2020. However, it’s important to note that players must run the game without Steam installed for complete assurance, or when the steam_appid.txt is placed in the same directory as the executable file. Unlike before, there’s no need for a specific folder number this time around.

6. Ys: The Oath In Felghana

Old School Game Learns New Tricks

For those who prefer not to tinker with directories or their Steam installer, they might want to consider playing the Ys series of games instead. Titles such as Ys 1+2 Chronicles+, Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Ys Origin, and Ys 6: The Ark of Napishtim have been confirmed to be DRM-free by their localizers, bypassing Steamworks’ CEG DRM. To install these games without Steam oversight, simply use a Steam client rather than installing them directly through Steam.

Among all of them, the remake known as Ys: TOF is typically seen as the top choice. It’s essentially a revamped version of the original Ys 3, shedding its platforming parts for a more polished, traditional JRPG feel akin to Ys 6. Now, players won’t have to compromise on inventory space for healing and stat enhancements, as they receive these benefits without any loss. Additionally, the storyline has been broadened with extra scenes for better value.

5. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel 1 & 2

Get A Headstart On The Erebonia Arc

The Ys games are well-known role-playing games developed by Nihon Falcom, but these days, gamers might be more accustomed to The Legend of Heroes and its Trail series, which has been around for about two decades. If players started with the older Gagharv and Dragon Slayer titles, they’ve been going strong even longer. However, if one is only interested in the Trails series, they’re in for a treat!

1st Trails in the Sky, SC, and 3rd have had DRM removed, whereas the initial 2 Trail of Cold Steel games didn’t have it installed from the start. Similar to Ys games, they employ the same executables as their GOG versions, but they do include Steamworks. This allows players to launch the game without using Steam, however, they won’t earn any achievements if they do so.

4. Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection

A Fine Dish Gets Finer Without DRM

Just like how ToCS games bypassed Digital Rights Management (DRM), Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection has taken a similar approach, relying on Steamworks and the GOG executable instead. This seems to be a strategic move by Nihon Falcom or Xseed Games to simplify their PC releases, reducing hassle for everyone involved and making it easier for players to access their lesser-known gems.

Example: In the game Zwei: TII, Ragna, a treasure hunter, and Alwen, a vampire princess, team up in an adventure reminiscent of 3D Ys games. However, instead of traditional leveling up, players must consume food to gain experience points. A bonus is earned when dishes are creatively combined. To aid players, they can acquire pets (either cats or dogs) that gather loot post-battle, or craft tools to facilitate dungeon navigation.

Or simpler: In Zwei: TII, Ragna and Alwen embark on an adventure similar to 3D Ys games. Instead of the usual leveling up, you eat food for experience points, and combining dishes gives bonuses. Pets help gather loot after battles, while tools make dungeon exploration easier.

Or even simpler: In Zwei: TII, Ragna and Alwen’s adventure resembles 3D Ys. Instead of leveling up, you eat food for experience points, with bonuses from combining dishes. Pets help collect loot after battles, while tools make exploring dungeons easier.

3. Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster

1,000 Words, Zero DRM

In contrast to expectations, since the Final Fantasy series is a major player in the JRPG genre, arguably the most prominent outside Japan, one might assume its PC versions would be heavily guarded with DRM or similar protective methods. However, surprisingly, the HD Remaster of Final Fantasy 10 and 10-2 initially bypassed these measures altogether. This omission was later rectified with an update that made offline play impossible, which prompted a wave of complaints from players. Eventually, another update rescinded the DRM following this feedback.

Now, players can smoothly navigate Tidus’s dream journey and Yuna’s sequel with the pistol-swinging title, without requiring any workarounds. This game is one of the beloved titles in the series, but some players might still choose to install a few modifications on the HD remaster. Although it significantly enhanced the visual clarity, the developers also added a touch of Botox to Tidus and his companions’ faces, which fans found less appealing and not as expressive as they were previously.

2. Final Fantasy 9

How To Overcome Queen Brahne Without DRM

One particularly irritating form of Digital Rights Management (DRM) converts offline single-player games into ones that must constantly be online to function. This change, met with strong resistance, led Square-Enix to release the games ‘Final Fantasy 10/10-2’ and ‘Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age’ from its control. Interestingly enough, ‘Final Fantasy 9’ did not have DRM restrictions to start with.

Similar to TDF and ToM2020, if players choose to run the game without Steam or place the steam_appid.txt in a specific directory, they can bypass the Digital Rights Management (DRM) process entirely. This means no supervision from Steam whatsoever. The swift load times of the PC version make entering and exiting battles less of a tedious experience. However, players may wish to use mods to enhance the low-resolution backgrounds with higher definition alternatives, as this game is based on its mobile counterpart.

1. Dragon Quest 11 S: The Definitive Edition

Save Erdrea Without Needing To Stay Online

In many regions worldwide, “Final Fantasy” is undeniably a dominant force in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). However, within Japan itself, it’s the “Dragon Quest” series that often takes the lead. The absence of Dragon Quest would have significantly altered the landscape of JRPGs today. Interested gamers can explore this renowned franchise by playing “Dragon Quest 11 S: The Definitive Edition“, a polished, critically-appraised addition to the series that represents its latest installment.

In a new twist, the epic journey of our protagonist to safeguard the realm of Erdrea against an impending danger now comes with additional features such as a symphonic soundtrack and the retro 16-bit gaming experience provided by the Nintendo 3DS. What’s more delightful is that this game does not impose Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions, either internally or externally. The Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was eliminated in 2021, sparing players from dealing with directories and clients. Instead, they can simply launch the game without having to preload it on Steam first.

2025-04-06 08:35