Best Turn-Based RPGs That Are Masterpieces

Okay, so this isn’t a list of the absolute best turn-based RPGs ever made, let’s get that straight. But trust me, these eight games are seriously amazing and any RPG fan needs to play them at some point. We’re talking everything from old-school SNES classics to newer PS5 titles, with a ton of different fantasy and sci-fi worlds to explore. Honestly, you won’t find a more varied bunch of RPGs anywhere else.

As a huge fan of turn-based RPGs, I have to say games like Final Fantasy 7, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Persona 5 are absolute standouts. Honestly, trying to rank them feels impossible – they’re all amazing in their own way! And the best part? You can actually play them all on today’s consoles and PCs, which is fantastic.

Game Title	What’s The Setting?	The Best Way To Play It In 2026
Chrono Trigger	A blend of fantasy and sci-fi in a time-traveling game	Steam (Runs on a Deck)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga	A classic fantasy RPG set in the Mario universe	Switch (GBA Online Selection)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth	A modern-day RPG set in Hawaii	PS5

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

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More Games

Baldur’s Gate 3

This One Is For The D&D Fans

Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, a popular tabletop role-playing game famous for letting players create unique characters. And this game delivers on that promise! Players will create their own character, choose a class, and then begin a huge adventure filled with otherworldly creatures, troubled towns, and powerful, dangerous magic.

When you encounter enemies while exploring, combat begins. During their turn, characters can move within a limited space and then attack using weapons or magic. While the combat isn’t groundbreaking, it’s enjoyable and fits what you’d expect from a good tactical game. What truly shines in Baldur’s Gate 3 are the conversations, characters, and the way the story branches, giving players a real sense of agency and control.

Chrono Trigger

Time Is On Its Side

Chrono Trigger is a beloved, classic role-playing game for the Super Nintendo that features time travel as a central theme. The game begins in the present day, but players quickly journey to different eras – including a medieval past, a distant future, and even the age of dinosaurs. While many RPGs now incorporate time travel, Chrono Trigger remains exceptional and was incredibly innovative for its time.

This game offers a ton of content, but the combat is truly special. Every character has a unique magical ability, and they can team up for powerful combo attacks. With charming pixel art, a fantastic soundtrack, and a compelling story, this RPG is a must-play for anyone who enjoys turn-based battles.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A Modern Miracle

Fans of classic turn-based RPGs have been longing for a game that feels like it’s straight out of the 90s, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 delivers. The game is set in a dark fantasy world where difficult choices – even genocide – are possible. Players will lead their team through creatively designed dungeons and explore a unique world map, which is a standout feature of the game.

Each character in battle fights in a distinct way. For example, Lune gets stronger the more she uses her magic, and Sciel’s abilities are influenced by tarot cards. You can also improve attacks with precise timing, and defend against enemy attacks by dodging or countering. While the game uses the foundations of classic turn-based combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers a fresh experience thanks to its unique combat system, world, and music.

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Classic In Every Way

The Dragon Dragon series can feel repetitive, but Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age offers a charming and nostalgic RPG experience despite that. It follows a familiar classic RPG plot: a quiet hero, a world-threatening villain, and a group of companions embarking on an epic quest.

With vast areas to explore, enemies that show up as you play, and combat that’s skillfully designed to be both difficult and easy to learn, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a massive RPG. If you’re looking for a game to really sink your time into – over 100 hours, in fact – this is it.

Final Fantasy 7

A Big Day For The PS1

Choosing a single Final Fantasy game is tough, but Final Fantasy 7 is a great entry point, especially with its ongoing remakes. It perfectly mixes classic fantasy elements – like monsters and airships – with science fiction themes, featuring everything from huge cities and theme parks to spaceships.

During combat in Final Fantasy 7, all characters become fairly equal once the fighting starts, differing mainly in their weapons and special abilities (Limit Breaks). What truly makes each character unique is the Materia they have equipped – these items can boost stats or even let characters cast spells like Fire or Quake. This system adds depth to battles, offering players a way to customize their characters and progress beyond simply gaining levels.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Hawaii Five-0

Okay, so I’m really excited about Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – it’s the eighth main Yakuza game, which sounds like a lot, I know! But honestly, it feels like a fresh start. This time around, the game takes place in Hawaii instead of Japan, which is a cool change of pace. And just like the last game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, they’ve switched things up with the fighting. It’s all turn-based now, and everyone has different classes, so each character fights in a totally unique way. It’s a fun system!

Okay, so in this game, you can build a seriously wild party! I’m talking surfers, hula dancers, even ninjas and chefs – a totally random mix for an RPG, right? But honestly, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth actually makes all of these classes super fun to play in battles. And it’s not just the combat, either. The main story is really gripping, the side quests are hilarious, and there are a ton of awesome mini-games to mess around with, which makes the whole experience amazing.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Two Brothers, One Destiny

I absolutely love how engaging the battles are in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga! It’s a turn-based system, and you can really feel the influence of other Mario RPGs. But what makes this game special is that you only control Mario and Luigi, and each brother actually has their own button during battles. It’s a really unique way to play!

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, players use the A and B buttons to control Mario and Luigi’s attacks and dodges, making each battle exciting. As they explore, they can combine the brothers’ abilities to unlock new paths – whether it’s digging underground or soaring through the air. The game is wonderfully strange and endearing, featuring a fantastic combat system and a great soundtrack.

Persona 5

The Phantom Thieves Are Waiting

In Persona 5, you play as a group of students who balance everyday life with a secret mission. The game follows a set story path, and you’ll experience a typical school schedule with classes throughout the day. When you’re not in class, you can choose to work, study, spend time with friends, or explore dangerous dungeons – all to try and make the world a better place.

In battle, the protagonist stands out because he doesn’t just fight enemies – he can persuade them, called Shadows, to join his side as Persona. Players collect and combine these Persona to create new ones and tailor their abilities to exploit enemy weaknesses. Persona 5 is a deep and intricate RPG set in modern Japan, and it can feel overwhelming at first due to its length and complexity, but it’s a rewarding experience if you stick with it.

2026-03-24 07:35