In yesteryear, mostJRPGswere turn-based, with trailblazers likeDragon QuestandFinal Fantasyleading the charge—and no, it wasn’t due to hardware limitations.
At the time, JRPGs were simpler than their Western counterparts, lacking extensive narrative choices, deep character customization, or sky-high difficulty.
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The JRPG is in the midst of making its big come back to the front of the mainstream and a big reason why is the appearance of the HD/2D remakes.
Even so, it’s tough to recommend classic JRPGs to beginners. Many miss basic quality-of-life features that modern players expect or are just outright grindfests.
That’s why, if you want to delve into turn-based JRPGs, we’re here to show you the friendliest ones for beginners and prepare you to get hooked for life.
10Chrono Trigger
No Time Like The Present
Chrono Trigger
Let’s get this one out of the way early so we can focus on other, more modern JRPGs. It’d be remiss of me to leaveChrono Triggeroff the list. It’s a masterpiece of the genre and must be experienced by everyone, beginners and experts alike.
Chrono Triggeris sublime. It has an impeccable narrative, excellent characters, a time-travel theme that’s surprisingly free of plot holes, and welcoming combat for newcomers.
The battle system uses the ATB (Active Time Battle) introduced inFinal Fantasy IV, which some might argue isn’t bona fide turn-based. Still, it’s engaging enough.
The combat is straightforward yet dynamic, with some abilities hitting specific areas depending on enemy positions if they’re not constantly shuffling around. Plus, there are Double and Triple Techs, which combine characters' skills into powerful moves.
TheJRPG progressionis straightforward, relying only on experience and tech points for leveling. While the narrative opens up in the final act, it’s mainly linear, making it easy for newcomers to follow.
Chrono Trigger is a game anyone can complete with ease. That is, assuming they don’t get stuck on the nonsense clock puzzle at The End of Time.
9One Piece Odyssey
Simple Like Luffy
One Piece Odyssey
To be brutally honest, I’m not a huge fan ofOne Piece Odyssey. I love the anime, but the game rehashes arcs too much to pad its story.
However, it excels as a beginner-friendly turn-based JRPG.One Piece Odyssey’s combatuses a rock-paper-scissors mechanic, where certain types trump others. The interface constantly highlights advantageous moves, making it foolproof.
Characters are divided into groups, which affects area attacks, close-range, and long-range strikes. It’s a system anyone can master within a few hours.
Exploration and progression are also incredibly simple, perfect for beginners. The only downside? It might not appeal to you if you’re not aOne Piecefan.
8Chained Echoes
Love Letter To Retro JRPGs
Chained Echoes
Chained Echoesis a passion project by solo developer Matthias Linda. It pays homage to 90s JRPGs, and the result is phenomenal. True to its retro inspirations, it features turn-based combat with a twist: the Overdrive Bar.
In battle, every action raises a gauge displayed at the top of the screen. The bar has three zones: yellow, a neutral stance; green, which increases damage dealt and reduces damage taken; and red, which has the opposite effect.
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To lower the Overdrive Bar, you must use specific skills indicated on the bar, adding a layer of strategy that keeps you on your toes. However, even if you ignore the mechanic and let the bar go red, you can still win fights, makingChained Echoesforgiving for newcomers.
The game also boasts a gripping narrative centered on reincarnation and mystery, distinct characters, and exploration tied to a progression system that modern RPGs could learn from.
7Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
Six JRPGs In One
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
TheFinal Fantasy Pixel Remastercollection is a goldmine of turn-based JRPGs for beginners. That’s it. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
Jokes aside, this compilation is arguably the best way to explore JRPGs. It offers a crash course in the genre’s history without skimping on modern quality-of-life features.
You can start withFinal Fantasy I, a barebones experience content-wise but incredibly inviting for first-timers, and work your way toFinal Fantasy VI, one of the greatest JRPGs of all time.
ThePixel Remasterversions include helpful features like experience boosts, increased gold acquisition, and faster gameplay, making it easier to overcome challenges while immersing yourself in theFinal Fantasyfranchise’s rich lore.
I could also mentionDragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, another modernized classic JRPG by Square Enix. However, it’s pretty challenging and not the best pick for beginners. That said, the latest mainline entry in the series would be more suitable for newcomers.
6Dragon Quest XI
Meet The Luminary
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
Speaking of the latest mainlineDragon Quest, let me introduceDragon Quest XI, a title that’s been re-released in countless versions for various platforms, including the Nintendo 3DS.
Dragon Quest XIis widely regarded as thebestDragon Questto date. It sticks to the franchise’s tried-and-true formula while introducing several welcome modern conveniences.
Enemies appear on the map, the interface includes markers to guide players, campsites are scattered across the region for some breathing room, and adjustable difficulty levels make it accessible to players of all skill levels.
The game retains the series' colorful and lighthearted tone while presenting one of the best casts of characters the franchise has ever seen. Sylvando, in particular, is undoubtedly one of themost memorable party members in JRPGs.
Dragon Quest XI is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more modern JRPG with 3D graphics. It’s also a great entry point to understanding the franchise’s nuances. And if you like it, you may jump straight to theDragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
5Final Fantasy X
Listen To His Story
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
While I still recommend theFinal Fantasy Pixel Remastercollection for JRPG beginners, I understand pixel art might not be everyone’s cup of tea. For those players, I suggestFinal Fantasy X.
This entry ditched the ATB system in favor of CTB, or Conditional Turn-Based Battle. Characters take turns, and the player can see the order of everyone involved in the fight.
The conditional aspect comes into play because each ability has a specific weight. Using weaker, quicker abilities lets the character’s turn come back faster, while powerful, heavier skills take longer to recharge.
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Modern games like Sea of Stars and Chained Echoes are keeping the spirit of pixelated JRPGs alive and well.
Buffs and debuffs are vital inFinal Fantasy X. A well-placed Haste can allow speedy characters like Rikku to act repeatedly. This dynamic makesFinal Fantasy X’scombat one of the franchise’s best.
Beyond the battle system,Final Fantasy Xfeatures one of the series' most beloved stories, revolving around themes of understanding, sacrifice, and love.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remasterversion includes bothFinal Fantasy Xand its less-loved sequel,Final Fantasy X-2, and is available on various modern platforms.
4Super Mario RPG
Mario Levels Up
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPGwas born from the collaboration between Squaresoft and Nintendo, placing one of gaming’s most iconic characters in an unforgettable adventure.
This relatively short JRPG is brimming with features that appeal to genre newcomers. Playing as Mario and his pals should already hint at how approachable the game is.
And where there’s Mario, there’s jumping.Super Mario RPGis packed with puzzles and fun exploration, taking full advantage of Mario’s iconic leaping ability.
Turn-based combat is simple but has a twist: timed inputs. Pressing a button at the right moment during an attack or defense boosts damage dealt or reduces damage taken.
Super Mario RPG has a few difficulty spikes but nothing that will ruin your experience. You’ll already be a pro at the game when you face these tougher boss fights. Plus, there’s a remake on the Switch.
3Sea of Stars
Chrono Trigger Without Time Travel
Sea of Stars
The modern iteration ofChrono Triggercould not be left out, especially considering how elegantlySea of Starscombines simplicity and charm.
Sabotage Studio’s debut RPG ticks all the nostalgia boxes while offering a joyful narrative, a beginner-friendly tone, and a combat system that’s easy to learn and rewarding to master.
The turn-based combat introduces a locks system. When an enemy prepares an attack, players can disrupt it by hitting them with specific elements. This encourages switching between characters and their unique skills.
It’s as if the developers packed a cozy Sunday morning feeling into a game.Sea of Starsis refreshingly delightful, visually stunning, and won’t overwhelm you during your adventure.
Sea of Starsis a must-playnot just for turn-based JRPG fans but for anyone who loves video games in general.
2Atelier Sophie
Crafting Your Way To Victory
Atelier Sophie: Alchemist of the Mysterious Book
TheAtelierseries is one of thelongest-running JRPG franchisesin the industry, and it has maintained its cozy, beginner-friendly charm since its inception.
I listedAtelier Sophie, but truthfully, you could start with almost any game in the series—even the spinoffs. The latest trilogy,Atelier Ryza, leans towards real-time combat but is also very accessible.
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InAtelier, players usually take on the role of an alchemist. Crafting is the franchise’s heart, so expect to gather tons of resources and create new items constantly. The best part? You don’t need to be a genius to grasp the system.
Combat is equally approachable, featuring a turn-based system that displays the turn order. Some skills affect specific areas, depending on enemy proximity.
Atelier Marie Remakewas released recently, revisiting the first game in the series. While the original had a time-limit mechanic, the remake addresses it, making it more welcoming.
Gotta Play ‘Em All
Pokemon Scarlet
No one can go wrong withPokemon. It may not have been the first turn-based JRPG, but it’s undoubtedly the biggest and most successful one today.
Game Freak has evolved the formula with each new installment while keeping the classic turn-based combat that pits one Pokemon against another, with some exceptions.
Most battles are one-on-one, making mostPokemongames a delight for beginners. It’s also easy to identify eachPokemon type’s weaknessesand strategize accordingly.
Newer entries feature open worlds with visible Pokemon on the map, allowing you to prepare for battles. Older titles, despite having random encounters, only trigger fights in tall grass.
Even losing inPokemonis forgiving. You simply return to the Pokemon Center with all your pocket monsters healed and ready to tackle any challenge again. Truly a beginner’s wonder.
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