Upcoming Games That Could Redefine Turn-Based RPGs

Turn-based RPGs have changed dramatically since the 1980s. Once considered dull and difficult to get into, the genre has been revitalized by recent, innovative games. And the exciting part is, it’s still evolving and improving!

Lots of exciting turn-based RPGs are currently in development, from small independent projects to large, well-funded games. These upcoming titles have the potential to significantly impact the gaming industry and inspire other developers, so RPG fans will want to watch out for them.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

One Of The Most Anticipated Sequels In The Genre

While often compared to *Pokémon*, *Digimon* has become a unique and successful franchise in its own right, and in some ways, it’s even surpassed its competitor. The 2017 game, *Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth*, received a lot of praise for being a more complex RPG within the *Digimon* universe, with many comparing it favorably to the *Persona* series. Now, after an eight-year wait, a new installment in the *Digimon Story* series is almost here.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a significant improvement over the last game, boasting upgraded graphics, a brighter and more appealing art style, and several helpful changes that make it easier and more enjoyable to play. Players who’ve tried it describe it as incredibly fun and hard to put down, suggesting it could revitalize the Digimon series and attract a new generation of fans.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

The Modern Pokemon Game Fans Have Been Dreaming Of Since The 90s

Both *Digimon* and *Pokemon* are getting new games in October 2025, and both could significantly change what monster-collecting games can be. *Pokemon: Legends Z-A* is arriving first, and despite some past issues with the series, the gameplay looks genuinely fun and fresh.

Like *Pokemon Legends: Arceus*, *Legends: Z-A* will emphasize story, exploration, and playing on your own. The changes to battling are particularly interesting – players will still select moves each turn, but can now also move their Pokemon around the battlefield to position for attacks or avoid damage. This makes battles more like those seen in the *Pokemon* anime, something fans have wanted for years. If this new system works well, *Legends: Z-A* could significantly influence future *Pokemon* games and even the wider world of monster-taming games.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake

Going Back To Two Of The Most Influential RPGs Ever Made

Many consider *Final Fantasy* the most important role-playing game series of all time, but *Dragon Quest* is just as impactful, particularly in Japan. In 2024, players loved *Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake*, a beautiful and updated version of a beloved classic. As this was only the third game in the well-known Erdrick Trilogy, fans are now hoping to see the first two games remade as well.

Fans will be happy to hear that the highly anticipated *Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake* is launching at the end of October, and early looks are very encouraging. The updated HD-2D art style beautifully complements the classic, cartoonish look of *Dragon Quest*, and this release will finally make the first two games – titles that were incredibly influential decades ago – accessible to a wider audience. It’s a significant event for the gaming world.

SacriFire

The Perfect Balance Between Turn-Based And Real-Time Combat

Release Date: Q1 2026

One of the biggest complaints about turn-based strategy games is that combat can feel slow. Players are always hoping for something new to make battles more exciting. SacriFire aims to do just that – this new RPG is gaining attention for its unusual combat system, which blends traditional turn-based elements with faster-paced, real-time action.

Okay, so this game is really cool because of how time works. Basically, everything – enemies, attacks, everything – only moves when *I* move. It’s a lot like *SUPERHOT*, which is awesome. I think that’s what’s going to make *SacriFire* really stand out when it comes out. And honestly? It looks amazing too. The pixel art is super detailed, the environments are huge and 3D, and all the animations are really energetic. It’s a great-looking game!

Lost Hellden

A Much-Needed Return To The Nostalgic PS1 Era

Release Date: 2026

For a long time, independent RPGs drew heavily from the iconic games of the 16-bit generation, such as *Earthbound*, *Chrono Trigger*, and *Final Fantasy 6*, resulting in many fan-favorite titles. But tastes are changing with new technology, and now players are increasingly interested in 3D RPGs that capture the feel of PlayStation 1 classics like *Final Fantasy 7* and *The Legend of Dragoon*. It looks like *Lost Hellden* is perfectly designed to satisfy that desire.

Lost Hellden feels like a classic RPG brought to life with modern graphics and production values. It features charming pre-rendered backgrounds, a nostalgic world map, and a deep job system. The combat is particularly interesting, combining the strategy of turn-based battles with the excitement of real-time action, making it both engaging and easy to pick up. If Lost Hellden does well, it could encourage other independent developers to create similar 3D RPGs.

Starbites

People Want More RPGs With Giant Mechas, And This Game Will Deliver Exactly That

Release Date: 2026

Starbites is a new RPG that hasn’t gotten much attention yet, but it looks promising and unique. Players will control characters who pilot giant robots in turn-based battles. These robots can be improved and personalized using resources found while exploring the game world.

The official Steam page for *Starbites* confidently claims the game will prove turn-based battles can be exciting. It does this through a unique feature called Drivers High, which lets players interrupt the normal turn order when a special gauge fills up. With turn-based RPGs featuring giant, anime-style robots becoming rare, *Starbites* could revive this popular style of game and inspire others to follow suit.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave

The Unexpected (But Welcomed) Return Of One Of Nintendo’s Biggest Franchises

Release Date: 2026

The *Fire Emblem* series is incredibly popular right now, and Nintendo has just announced the first game for the new Switch 2 console! Called *Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave*, the game is set to release next year. The announcement trailer has already generated a lot of excitement, as it appears the story will continue in the world established by the 2019 hit, *Fire Emblem: Three Houses*.

Details about *Fortune’s Weave* are still limited, but the game looks stunning. The advanced technology of the Nintendo Switch 2 will let Intelligent Systems build a richer world, tell a more intricate story, and create smoother character movements. The series’ signature tactical battles also appear more dynamic and visually impressive than ever before. *Fortune’s Weave* has the potential to not only revitalize the *Fire Emblem* franchise, but also set a new standard for all turn-based RPGs on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Persona 4 Revival

A Full-Blown Remake Of One Of The Best Turn-Based RPGs Ever Made

Release Date: 2026

The *Persona* series has become incredibly popular, particularly since *Persona 5* was released in 2017. This means any future game from Atlus is almost guaranteed to be a hit. Although a new main installment (*Persona 6*) isn’t currently being made, fans are thrilled about the upcoming *Persona 4 Revival*, which will let them experience *Persona 4* again next year.

Many fans consider the original PlayStation 2 game to be a classic turn-based RPG, and it heavily influenced later games like *Persona 5*. A complete remake with updated graphics and helpful improvements, while staying true to the original gameplay, sounds fantastic. Sega and Atlus haven’t shared many details yet, but if they deliver on their promises, this remake has the potential to be one of the top RPGs of 2026.

2025-09-27 20:07