The Best Action JRPGs That Let You Play With Friends

Summary

Action JRPGs tend to be solitary, but some games like Dragon’s Crown offer accessible multiplayer options for up to four players online.
Classic JRPG franchises like Dragon Quest Heroes 2 have incorporated four-player co-op options for a more engaging experience.
From games like Collection of Mana to Elden Ring, there are varied options for co-op gameplay in JRPGs to enjoy with friends, partners, or strangers.

Action role-playing games (Action RPGs) are generally designed for solo play, such as the remake of Final Fantasy 7 or any Yakuza titles. On the other hand, Western RPGs often feature multiplayer modes more frequently, like Diablo 4 and Borderlands 2. However, it’s worth noting that there are also action JRPGs suitable for cooperative play with friends, partners, or strangers.

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast with roots tracing back to the iconic SNES era, I can’t help but reminisce about the good old days. However, even those classic titles often come with a handful of caveats. With that nostalgic perspective in mind, let’s embark on an exciting journey through the vast world of JRPGs. Our mission? To uncover which beloved franchises or standalone games offer cooperative gameplay and explore whether this multiplayer aspect enhances or complicates the gaming experience. So, grab your controllers, let’s dive in, and see what we find!

Collection of Mana

Two Classic SNES JRPGs

Multiplayer Options: Two-Three Local

The Collection of Mana is a compilation of the initial three Mana video games, featuring titles such as Final Fantasy Adventure, which does not support multiplayer. Contrastingly, Secret of Mana does offer multiplayer functionality, much like its original SNES version, allowing up to three players to cooperatively experience the campaign.

Obtaining “Trials of Mana” was a notable addition to our collection, as this SNES game has been elusive in the West for many decades due to its official absence. In “Trials of Mana”, players have the freedom to select their starting characters, and later on, the campaign offers two-player cooperative play.

Dragon’s Crown

Crossplay Possibilities

Multiplayer Options: Four Online/Four Local

Dragon’s Crown stands out as one of Vanillaware’s top-tier action RPGs, with a strong focus on multiplayer gameplay. Characters can be controlled to represent familiar RPG roles such as mages and warriors, embarking on quests to discover treasure in dungeons. Up to four players can team up either online or locally, making it one of the most user-friendly cooperative gaming experiences available.

Moreover, due to the release of a PS4 version at a later stage, various gaming consoles can now enjoy the cooperative play of the game “Dragon’s Crown”. This includes earlier versions on PS3 and PS Vita. Although the story might be less engaging, it compensates with its captivating gameplay features.

Dragon Quest Heroes 2

A Classic JRPG Gets Co-Op

Multiplayer Options: Four Online

Dragon Quest Heroes 2 is a spinoff from the Dragon Quest series and falls under the Musou games developed by Koei Tecmo. Unlike many other Musou games that usually support two-player co-op, this one offers four-player cooperation, setting it apart. Games like Dynasty Warriors, Fire Emblem Warriors, Hyrule Warriors, and Samurai Warriors, which also fall under the Musou genre, typically only have two-player co-op.

Without focusing on the multiplayer count, Dragon Quest Heroes 2 is simply a well-made game filled with clever nods to the franchise, ranging from creatures to characters. However, like many Warriors (Musou) games, it can become repetitive due to the numerous enemies it throws at players. But don’t worry, teaming up in co-op mode can make battles less tedious since they will be completed more swiftly.

Elden Ring

Survive The Lands Between Together

Multiplayer Options: Three Online

It’s clear that Elden Ring has been FromSoftware’s most triumphant game to date, so much so that they developed a multiplayer roguelike spinoff titled Elden Ring Nightreign. Interestingly, the original game also supports multiplayer, and some players prefer it due to its less intense atmosphere compared to single-player mode.

In simpler terms, you can invite up to two companions to join you in the vast game world of Elden Ring. After defeating a boss, your online friends usually vanish, but they can quickly reappear. Playing a Soulslike game with a friend can make it less challenging, and Elden Ring is one of the best choices for such an experience.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

A Casual Co-Op Experience

Multiplayer Options: Four Online/Two Local

The Latest Game: “The Girl Who Holds Time” from Level-5, follows a playstyle similar to the initial installment in the series, originally launched for the 3DS. In this game, you assume various roles, termed as ‘Lives’, transforming you into valiant knights or resourceful fishermen.

Initially, there might be a bit of a wait before things pick up pace, but rest assured, you’ll eventually gain access to a distinct multiplayer mode apart from the campaign. This mode allows you to delve into dungeons alongside your friends, either locally or online. Although it may not offer the same depth as full co-op in the campaign, dungeon crawling remains an enjoyable experience when played with companions.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink

An Under The Radar JRPG

Multiplayer Options: Four Online

Granblue Fantasy: Relink slightly slipped under the notice when it was launched in 2024. It’s unfortunate that it didn’t scale the peaks of other action RPGs from that year, such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but every underrated gem usually has its moment to shine again.

As a gamer diving into the world of Granblue Fantasy: Relink, I find that the main campaign is designed for a solo offline experience, with AI-controlled party members aiding me in my journey as the hero. However, if I’m craving some camaraderie, there’s an option to take on smaller quests together with three other players online. It’s unfortunate that this co-op isn’t tied to the main story, but it’s still nice to know that I can team up with others for some cooperative play, adding a layer of multiplayer fun to my adventure.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Hunt Monsters And Look Good Doing It

Multiplayer Options: Four Online

In simpler terms, “Monster Hunter Wilds” stands out among other games in the Monster Hunter series because it introduces AI-companions for the first time. While these partners offer a helpful alternative for those playing alone, it’s worth noting that the Monster Hunter series is renowned for its cooperative gameplay with random online players or friends.

As a gamer, I love that we can team up with three other players for some epic monster hunts! But sometimes, when I’m not in the mood for a fight, it’s great to have the option of joining a quest to explore the world together and gather materials instead. It’s a nice change of pace, but let’s be honest – nothing quite compares to the thrill of taking down those formidable monsters!

Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

Many Fantasies To Check Out

Multiplayer Options: Three Online

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin serves as a prequel and remake of the initial game in the series, designed in the style of a Soulslike game. Unlike other Soulslikes such as Elden Ring, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin offers a more approachable challenge, allowing players to complete it solo with ease due to adjustable difficulty levels.

In this spinoff, players have the freedom to embark on campaign missions either solo or with the company of two other friends online. The game’s appeal lies in its unique Job system, which allows for extensive customization by modifying equipment and skill loadouts. For those seeking cooperative gameplay within the Final Fantasy universe, the three main titles of Crystal Chronicles series and Final Fantasy Explorers are worth exploring as well.

2025-08-09 20:37