Top 10 Best Turn-Based RPGs of All Time

Final Fantasy VII

The game has gained an epic status due to its extremely engaging storyline, characters and a huge universe for a player to explore. In the game, playing the role of soldier Cloud Strife along with his companions, a player travels the world of Gaia and tries to stop evil forces from further destroying it.

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One of the other distinctive features of the game is the combination of dynamic turn-based combat with the unique Materia system thanks to which players have the freedom to shape the characters’ abilities. The game is available on steam.

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Chrono Trigger

One of the classics of JRPGs takes you on a journey through time with a hero named Crono. In order to stop an oncoming threat, he travels through different eras, fighting enemies and performing quests. Every decision you make affects the final outcome of the game due to its non-linear character.

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The game introduces the ATB (Active Time Battle) system, which makes the clashes dynamic, and the battles become even more exciting thanks to a wide range of items and unique techniques you can use during the fight.

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Persona 5 Royal

The game is an expanded version of the well-received original, Persona 5. The plot of the game is extremely engaging, and a player has the chance to take on the role of a high school student who, along with his friends, leads a double life – they are ordinary school students, but can move to an alternative world, where they summon powerful Persons.

Image credit: Atlus

Gameplay combines simulation of life, with turn-based combat during which you establish relationships with other characters by day and explore dungeons at night, fighting enemies.

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Divinity: Original Sin 2

In the game you have the opportunity to move to the fantastic open world of Rivellon, full of magic and mysterious creatures. You create a protagonist possessing the power of Source, which is as dangerous as it is intriguing. In addition to solving puzzles related to this power, a player meets many characters on his way – some become allies, while others become enemies.

Image credit: Larian Studios

A very important feature of the game is the choices players make and the strategy they adopt during the gameplay. Each decision has an impact on further events, and even the choice of a character changes the course of the adventure.

The game is also available on Steam.

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Baldur’s Gate 3

Players create a character of their own or choose one of the available characters, embarking on a dangerous journey, during which the team is joined by various companions. The main goal is to fight a parasite – a tadpole that has been implanted in the inhabitants of Baldur’s Gate to take control of their minds.

Image credit: Larian Studios

It turns out that the protagonist is already infected, which forces him to search for a cure. The rest of the story depends on the player’s decisions.

The game’s battles are based on Dungeons & Dragons rules, offering deep and tactical gameplay. The game is also available on Steam.

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Xenogears

An ideal game for lovers of Japanese RPGs, which has gained a cult status due to its amazing storyline and the deep themes it explores. A player takes on the role of a male hero embroiled in a conflict between powerful factions using huge mechs, known as Gears, to achieve their goals.

As he travels across the vast world, he not only performs tasks and faces enemies, but also takes a metaphorical journey into himself, uncovering the secrets of his past and searching for his destiny. The gameplay takes place in a turn-based system, and battles are enriched with dynamic combinations of attacks.

Earthbound

Another JRPG that grabs attention with its unusual storyline and humor. A character named Ness embarks on a journey to save the world from space monsters. Together with a group of friends, he goes through numerous adventures and faces opponents in turn-based battles.

Although the game’s action does not take place in a typical fantasy world, but in a reality resembling modern times, surreal elements, unusual characters and a unique atmosphere make the player feel as if he moved to a fantastic universe.

The game touches on themes of friendship and coming of age, with the entire gameplay viewed from a top-down perspective.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A fantasy game in which the chosen hero ends up on the continent of Fódlan, divided between three disparate nations. The character becomes a teacher at a prestigious academy, where talented students from all three countries are educated. The character’s job is not only to guide them through school life and build relationships, but also to prepare them for battles through training.

Image credit: Intelligent Systems Co., Ltd.

The battle system is turn-based, and each player decision affects the development of the story, making the gameplay non-linear and full of choices. The choice of weapons that students use depends on the progress during training sessions.

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Pokemon Emerald

A player arrives in the well-known world of Pokémon, taking on the role of a young trainer whose goal is to become the best. Three Pokémon that are available at the beginning are Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip.

During the gameplay, the trainer competes against other trainers, Pokémon and their skills can be tested in various locations, such as the Battle Arena and Battle Dome.

The game world is extremely diverse, offering freedom of exploration, you can also unlock new Pokémon and train them according to your own strategy.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

In this exciting game, Mario takes part in turn-based battles for the first time, going on a mission to save the Mushroom Kingdom from danger. He’s doing it with help of his friends that he meets along the journey, such as Mallow or Geno.

The game offers the classic elements known from the Mario series, such as collecting money or races, but also introduces new skills. At first only Mario takes part in the battles, but over time more characters join the team. Each of them has their own unique skills that can be crucial in battles.

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