I believe turn-based RPGs are some of the world’s most underrated and competitive games. Such games take real-time critical thinking, strategy, and execution. You never know the next move; you must plan and react according to the situation.
Turn-based RPG games take real-time gaming intelligence. So, if you want to put your thinking, strategy-building, and execution skills to the test, then you should definitely try such games.
But where to find the best turn-based RPG game? Well, you are in luck because we have come up with a post of the best turn-based RPG games that will take you to the majestic gaming world. Here, you’ll pave your way in epic quests and battles.
A few sentences won’t be able to define the purpose of turn-based RPG games. So, let’s decode it and take a look at…
What are turn-based RPGs?
Well, those who have dived deep into this genre know that the game gets more critical and challenging with time. But for those who are new to this genre, let me tell you that, basically, you’ve to make your move and then wait for the opponent to make their move.
If I have to simplify it, I would love to give an iconic example of Chess where you have to react and present the opponent with your best moves, combinations, and strategies possible after their turn is over.
Just like different chess pieces with various movements, you have to choose your in-game characters and utilize their powers in the best way possible. At the end of the day, our goal is to come out victorious.
In order to come out victorious, you have to go into the depth of strategy making and make some last-moment decisions that can change the direction of the wind (aka outcome of the game)
So, let’s take a look at:
The Strategic Depth and Decision-Making in Turn-Based RPGs
First things first, the strategy involved in turn-based RPGs requires proper resource management and skills utilization. Every in-game character has their unique ability and powers. So you just can’t go all guns blazing at the beginning; it is important to keep track of the resources.
These resources will come in handy when it’s time to recharge your powers or restore your health. The second pointer here is keeping track of the opponent you are facing. You should know about their strength and weaknesses. You must understand how to counter their abilities and when to attack them with the best moves when it’s needed.
I can understand the environment around this post in moving towards a very serious note. But now the time has come to take a look at the games that we have created a lot of hype around.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger will take you to the world of old-school games with the pixel environment. One thing that the GenZs miss is the fun of 2-D games and the challenges that lie within. So for them, here’s a remark: the visuals might seem less pleasing, but the challenges and difficulties are way more than the modern game.
So, the plot of the games revolves around a group of heroes. Your task is to assemble a team of heroes with unique skill sets, and you’ll embark on a journey where your aim is to save a planet’s future and make history once again.
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Chrono Trigger | 1,529 Reviews | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The best part is the plot building, and as the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself traveling through worlds where the thing you do in the past will change the future of the game, aka the fate of the world. Throughout your expedition, you will counter multiple enemies, and that’s when your powers and decision-making skills are tested.
Developer: Square
Publisher: Square
Release date: March 11, 1995 (Japan), August 22, 1995 (North America)
Darkest Dungeon
Just by reading the name, you can understand that Darkest Dungeon is not a type of game that takes place in a very pleasing environment. The game is filled with scary and mysterious characters and antagonists.
The monsters will not be your only enemy. Stress, paranoia, masochism, fear, irrationality, and a variety of other oddities with gameplay-relevant consequences are also your enemies. Therefore, this game is undoubtedly inappropriate for those who are timid.
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Darkest Dungeon: Collector's Edition Console - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon |
Each piece of story and action takes place in a cinematic tone. Each frame contains action and information. So, when a lot of thing is going around the darkest dungeon, you have to keep yourself in control cause you never know what’s about to come or what decisions you have to make.
Developer: Red Hook Studios
Publisher: Red Hook Studios
Release date: January 19, 2016
Divinity: Original Sin II
Time to enter the world of elves, witches, mystic characters, and monsters. Divinity: Original Sin II takes you into this world with a lot of adventures and challenges. The first thing that I like about this game is that you can design your main character, which makes the game more engaging and fun.
So the game begins with the training of the main character, where you defeat a dragon to get draconic powers. But, as you progress through the game and attain different powers, it will also erase the memories of your training. Furthermore, you’ll also recall the memories as you progress.
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Divinity Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition (PS4) | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Without dropping any spoiler, I would say that there will be some decisions that you have to make in-game that will take a lot of willpower. You will experience it once you play the game. However, the story will go in a linear manner, but through time, you’ll get chances to upgrade and enhance the skills and powers of your character. This is also one of the best AA games available today, so make sure you don’t miss out on it!
Developer: Larian Studios
Publisher: DTP Entertainment
Release date: November 20, 2009
Fallout 2
We have seen fantasy worlds; it’s time that we take a look at the post-nuclear apocalypse world. So, Fallout 2 will take you to a post-nuclear role-playing game. One of the best things about this game is that your every decision matters.
Moreover, every single step that you take counts. Every single person or creature you interact with or encounter matters. At first, you’ll make mistakes, but as you get to know the enemies and environment, you’ll get better.
Remember, you are living in a post-apocalyptic world where no one is trustworthy. Even an NPC can backstab or loot you, so be aware of who to trust and make your decisions wisely.
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Fallout 2 PC | $16.03 | Buy on Amazon |
Traveling to the ruins of California, the player encounters a wide range of people, including the Brotherhood of Steel, a group of technologically sophisticated knights, and the New California Republic, a growing democracy. The player character must choose which party to join, and eventually, they must choose what happens to the wasteland.
Developer: Black Isle Studios
Publisher: Interplay Entertainment
Release date: September 30, 1998 (PC)
Final Fantasy IX
Square Enix is known for presenting games that are beyond imagination, breaking all the barriers. Final Fantasy series is one of the most successful gaming franchises, which is widely acclaimed worldwide. And if you are a fan of amine-style action, then I have good news: Final Fantasy IX is made for you.
The cinematics and the music are just mesmerizing and entertaining. Once you get a hold of the game, it’s hard to get off your screen. The planet of Gaia, which is made up of various continents, is the setting for Final Fantasy IX’s storyline.
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Zidane Tribal, the player’s character, is a robber who belongs to the Tantalus crew of pirates. Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII of Alexandria is to be abducted, but Zidane quickly discovers that she is not who she claims to be.
Developer: Squaresoft
Publisher: Square Enix
Release date: July 7, 2000
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Mario is a character that has made a significant place in the hearts of the gaming community. No matter if you are an old-school gamer or a GenZ, we all know about Mario and his adventures. A huge credit goes to the developer to bring masterpiece games from time to time. Keeping the OG character alive.
Once again, we get to take the role of the red-capped plumber in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle in order to save the Mushroom Kingdom. Throughout your journey; you are joined by Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi. They all are powered by the Rabbids’s characters.
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Mario + Rabbids for Nintendo Switch |
$24.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
You, along with your friends, will go on an epic journey full of colors and actions. You’ll travel and explore 4 different worlds, each with its unique challenges and enemies.
As we already know, it’s a turn-based game. To fight their enemies, Mario and his friends will use never-before-seen weapons. This is also one of the best Nintendo Switch Mario games, if you’re a proud owner of the console!
Developer: Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft Paris
Publisher: Nintendo
Release date: August 29, 2017
Persona Series
So first, let me tell you what Persona means in this game. “Persona” describes the other “you” that exists inside of you—a different “you” that manifests as powerful, legendary deities and monsters.
Persona is a popular role-playing game series set in modern-day Japan that is praised for its narrative approach that confronts common aspects like building friendships and romantic relationships as well as supernatural and paranormal topics, including debunking enigmatic tales and numerous urban legends.
The series often tells the tale of a group of youngsters who learn how to wield Personas, documenting the development of their relationships and inner selves as they overcome several challenges.
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Persona 5 Royal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | 4,372 Reviews |
$29.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
The game was such a big hit that the developers have expanded its reach in recent years by being adapted to animated TV shows, animated movies, music performances, theatrical stages, and manga.
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Square Enix
Release date: September 20, 1996 (First release)
South Park: The Stick of Truth
South Park: The Stick of Truth is inspired by the classic American T.V. series South Park. The fans won’t leave a chance to get their hands on the game as it will keep you engaged and entertained the way it used to do as a series.
So, there’s this new person in South Park who gets sucked into this wild fantasy world where everyone’s fighting each other. There are humans, elves, and all sorts of groups to choose from. But they’ve gotta watch out for aliens, Nazi zombies, and pesky gnomes along the way.
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South Park: The Stick of Truth - Xbox One Standard Edition | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Sounds like a wild ride! In the end, can they defeat the evil, and what is the significance of the stick of truth? In order to know, you have to play the game, unleash your power on evil, and save South Park.
Developers: Obsidian Entertainment
Publishers: Ubisoft
Release date: March 4, 2014
XCOM 2
Do aliens exist or not? Well, this is a debatable topic. When it comes to the XCOM 2 world, they do exist. And their existence in the game is very dangerous for you. XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown and is set 20 years after the events of that game.
So, if you haven’t played the first part yet, let me walk you through the plot. It’s all about leading a group of rebels to take down the aliens who have taken over Earth. It’s a pretty intense game, but definitely worth checking out if you’re into that kind of thing.
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XCOM 2 Collection - PlayStation 4 | 299 Reviews | $20.95 | Buy on Amazon |
So, do you have what it takes to save humanity? So, it is time to come up with the not-so-friendly extraterrestrial neighbors. Oh, and you can’t really afford to miss this game as it’s one of the best PS4 strategy games around.
Developers: Firaxis Games
Publishers: 2K Games
Release date: February 5, 2016
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is bought to you by SEGA, and we all know if SEGA brings you a game, it has to be a masterpiece. The plot is simple: The protagonist is sent to prison for 18 years for a crime he never committed.
So, after coming out of the prison, he found out that no one came to get him, and his clan was destroyed. Now, his sole purpose is to uncover the truth and get revenge. Umm, when am I getting a deja vu while writing the plot of the game? Well, if you do, then you know.
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Yakuza: Like a Dragon Day Ichi Steelbook Edition (PS4) |
$28.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
The game is packed with wild action sequences and an engaging storyline filled with some bada** characters. Moreover, the graphics are next-level, so it’s worth giving a shot.
Developers: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publishers: SEGA
Release date: November 10, 2020
Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3 is a very well-designed game; the developers didn’t leave any stone unturned to bring one of the best gaming experiences to the players. Here, the game and the story shift based on the choice that you make, and things can go against you based on one bad decision.
In this game, you can choose six Rangers and give them special perks and abilities. There are also lots of different weapons and gear you can use to make your characters even stronger.
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Wasteland 3 - Xbox One |
$19.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
If you’re into turn-based tactics and post-apocalyptic RPGs, you should definitely check out this game. It’s got a really cool story, and it’s challenging but super rewarding. I highly recommend it!
Developers: inXile Entertainment
Publishers: Deep Silver
Release date: August 28, 2020
Author’s Verdict
Turn-based RPG game is not a pastime game genre. Here, you have to make tactics and every decision matters. So, as you finish the games on this list, you might feel that your IQ has increased. Well, I cannot guarantee you that but yeah, you will have a really good time.
So, till the time you will be busy playing these games. I’ll take my turn to bring new games and topics to your screens.
Next, check out our selection of the best sci-fi RPGs if you’re into science fiction and RPGs (which you are, since you’re here)!
