The Hardest JRPGs On The Nintendo Switch

Key Takeaways

JRPGs offer deep lore and challenging gameplay.
Alliance Alive
boasts unique worldbuilding and tough mid-game spike.
SMT V
and
Nocturne
are known for their high difficulty levels.

As someone who’s spent countless hours navigating the treacherous labyrinths of Etrian Odyssey and battling demons in the Shin Megami Tensei series, let me tell you, these games are not for the faint-hearted!

JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) offer immersive gaming experiences, seamlessly blending extensive narratives with intricate battle systems and challenging boss encounters. Globally, they are recognized for delivering exceptional narrative and mechanical gameplay, often captivating players not only in the main plot but also in the characters that constitute their party and the world they inhabit.

Even among JRPGs boasting rich narratives, it is the gameplay that consistently draws players back. If a game’s combat is aggravating or its enemies are dull in design, then no matter how exceptional the plot may be, it won’t prevent the game from falling flat. These specific games, on the contrary, provide exceptionally challenging yet equally rewarding gameplay, which is as essential to their identity as their story and world-building.

8 Alliance Alive

A Novel Leveling System Meets Difficult Combat

Alliance Alive is a standout title in the collections of Nintendo 3DS, Switch, and PC games, offering players an enjoyable experience filled with vivid, distinct, and captivating characters, as well as a fascinating world teeming with exclusive lore. In this game, you’ll encounter Daemons with their distinctive appearances and the intriguing regulations that categorize them, beastfolk, and humans, resulting in immersive world-building that propels the narrative forward.

Although the initial stages of the game are generally easy in terms of challenge, there’s a significant increase in difficulty around the midpoint. One of the bosses at this point is incredibly powerful, potentially blocking players from progressing further until they return, strengthen their gear (and crucially: gather guild members!), and then make another attempt when they are better prepared.

7 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

On Higher Difficulties, This Game Is A True Tactical Challenge

The video game titled “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” captivates gamers with impressive character development and engaging, customizable gameplay elements. Players can mold their characters into various formidable warriors and mages.

To ensure that units perform efficiently during challenging levels, each one must be meticulously adjusted. Engaging in disadvantageous battles against enemy units could lead to the unfortunate loss of a valuable student on the battlefield.

6 Romancing SaGa 3

A JRPG Masterwork Known For Its Difficulty

The SaGa series is typically recognized for its exceptional challenge level, attracting players not just by the difficulty but also with its captivating environments and distinctive take on Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) mechanics that are scarcely found in other games. Many SaGa titles rank among the hardest games across all console generations, and Romancing SaGa 3 is particularly famous for being one of the most challenging retro JRPGs currently playable on the Nintendo Switch.

This game offers multiple challenge levels, starting off with a scarcity of resources and limited player skills during the initial phase. As the game progresses, the difficulty spikes significantly once players become familiar with the numerous game mechanics.

5 Soul Hackers 2

A Slick SMT Spin-Off

Soul Hackers is often fondly recalled as a challenging yet captivating spin-off from the Shin Megami Tensei series, and it maintains a closer connection with the original games compared to other spin-offs like Persona, which typically develop their own distinct identities separate from the parent series.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but exclaim that Soul Hackers 2 delivers on every front when it comes to summoning demons, a staple feature in any Shin Megami Tensei game. The game boasts a chic and captivating ensemble of characters, and the challenges it presents are as tough as they come – be warned, you’ll often find yourself fine-tuning and optimizing your demons just to survive mid-level battles!

4 Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection

A Series With A Legacy Of Difficult Dungeon Crawling

Platforms	Nintendo Switch, PC
Released	June 1, 2023
Developer	Atlus
Genre	Adventure, JRPG

The Etrian Odyssey series isn’t known for being easy, but the Origins Collection bundles the first three games as enhanced, high-definition experiences. These games don’t hold back, and having a well-balanced party is crucial for navigating some of the tougher dungeons in later stages across all titles. One aspect that makes this game appealing is that its party composition system remains flexible and engaging.

It’s no wonder that the Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection stands among the toughest games on the Switch, given its narrow yet intense focus. At its core lies a progression of increasingly difficult labyrinths to delve into, chart, and endure.

3 Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance

A Huge And Difficult Title

As a devoted fan, I can attest that the latest addition to the SMT series, Shin Megami Tensei 5, certainly presents a challenge right from the get-go for those who haven’t fully grasped its combat mechanics. Mastering elemental affinities, making strategic use of extra turns and items, and always keeping an eye on the overall demon level are essential skills to develop from the very first battle.

For even those who grasp the mechanics, this game boasts some of the toughest battles from the entire series. As you progress towards the end, be prepared for substantial fighting or leveling up to prepare for a series of powerful gods.

2 Tactics Ogre Reborn

A Fantastic Strategy JRPG With High Difficulty

In the opening stages of Tactics Ogre Reborn, one of the initial hurdles for players is managing the game’s complex narrative. The story is rich with political machinations and historical details that require careful attention.

If you’re up for a challenge, this strategy JRPG from Square Enix might be their masterpiece in the genre. It offers an intricate branching narrative and an impressive variety of units to choose from. But be warned, the game’s elemental effects, combat mechanics, tough enemies with high health, and steep learning curve make it one of the most challenging JRPGs on Nintendo Switch, arguably the hardest.

1 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne

A Remaster Of A Classic JRPG

Among the toughest games in the Shin Megami Tensei series, Nocturne presents players with a relentless and challenging adventure as they progress in crafting their demi fiend and his team of demons. In a game series recognized for its difficulty, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne is particularly noteworthy for being the most extensive and hardest of all the games available.

As a gamer, I’m always ready for the challenge! To master this game fully, I know I’ll need to put in some serious work – optimizing my characters and grinding levels. This is particularly crucial when tackling those tough optional battles or diving into New Game+ content. Without a strategic party setup, these feats will be nearly impossible. Let the gaming journey begin!

2024-10-25 03:35