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Want to know what the best JRPGs on Steam are? Check out these great choices. PC gaming is a big business that doesn’t look like it will slow down any time soon, and it’s easy to see why. Because of how powerful these machines are and how most people prefer to play games on a platform they’re already familiar with, most console-only franchises that have stayed on exclusive platforms for a long time are quickly realizing how valuable the PC is as a platform.
Most JRPG games are turn-based role-playing games made in Japan, but most people forget that ARPGs and hack-and-slash games are also JRPGs as long as they were made in Japan. This list will also have popular ARPGs that you can play on your PC, and there are a lot of classics that you have to try.
Best JRPGs on Steam Comparison Table
| Game Title | Genre | Mode | Prices | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls | Action role-playing | Single player | $19.99 | Download Link |
| Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade | Action role-playing | Single player | $69.99 | |
| Bravely Default 2 | Role-playing | Single player | $59.99 | Download Link |
| Resonance Of Fate | Role-playing | Single player | $24.99 | Download Link |
| Octopath Traveler | Role-playing | Single player | $59.99 | Download Link |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | Action role-playing | Single player | $59.99 | Download Link |
| Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy | Role-playing | Single player | $59.99 | Download Link |
| Dragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition | Role-playing | Single player | $39.99 | Download Link |
Dark Souls
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: AMD A8 3870 3.6 GHz or Intel Core i3 2100 3.1GHz | Processor: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz or AMD Ryzen 7 1700X 3.4GHz |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 465 or ATI Radeon TM HD 6870 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or ATI Radeon TM R9 390 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
Listen. Since FromSoftware is a Japanese company and Dark Souls is an RPG, that makes it a JRPG. Even though it doesn’t have the turn-based battle system that we usually see in JRPGs, it’s still a good game. The popularity of Dark Souls, a game that is known for being hard but also very rewarding, has led to a new type of game called a “Soulslike.”
Dark Souls is the game for you if you like detailed item descriptions, a dark setting, and the chance to get involved with some deep lore. This game that changes the world is hard to get through and requires patience and determination, but it will be worth it when you look back on it.
The Good
- Gameplay that is both hard and fun
- Story and world-building are both interesting.
- Impressive level design
- Graphics and sound that create an atmosphere
The Bad
- Some players may not want to play if there is a steep learning curve.
- Some players may be annoyed by how hard the game is.
- Multiplayer games online can be hit or miss.
Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 10 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon R9 280 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
Many people say that Final Fantasy 7, or JRPGs in general, is what got them interested in Final Fantasy. It’s a great game, but the early PS1 graphics, which were very good for their time, look funny and cute to people today. In a way, they do look like block people.
So, Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade is for you if you’ve always wanted to play through the story of this classic mega-hit but have been put off by the graphics. It’s not only stunningly beautiful and has great character designs, but it’s also just… fun.
The Good
- Beautiful pictures and great visual effects
- Characters that stand out in the story.
- New combat system with a good mix of real-time and turn-based parts
- Fun mini-games and side quests
The Bad
- Some fans may not like how the original story has been changed.
- The game has different parts, which may make some players feel like they don’t fit together
Bravely Default 2
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 10 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: AMD A9-9820 or Intel Core i3-4160 | Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-7600K |
| Memory: 6 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon R7 260X | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
Bravely Default is a great JRPG series that goes back to the old-school roots of the genre without giving up any of the new ideas that have come along since then. Even though the title isn’t accurate, the end result is a JRPG that is wonderfully different and interesting.
When Bravely Default 2 came out on Steam, it made a lot of fans very happy. This game is better in every way than the one that came before it. It has a great combat system that is easy to learn and lets players slowly learn all of its complexities.
The Good
- Traditional turn-based battles with a modern twist
- environments and character designs that look great
- Characters who stand out and have special skills
- There are a lot of side quests and extra things to do.
The Bad
- Some people might think the game moves too slowly.
- The plot is a little formulaic and easy to guess.
- Some may find the difficulty level too high or too low
Resonance Of Fate
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: Intel Core i3 2100 3.1GHz or AMD A8 3870 3.6GHz | Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X |
| Memory: 2 GB RAM | Memory: 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or AMD Radeon HD 5770 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| DirectX: Version 9.0c | DirectX: Version 9.0c |
Resonance of Fate is one of the most underrated JRPGs on this list. It’s a shame that more people don’t know about this great game. Even though the way the game looks might be a bit boring, the game’s great combat system and strange story will keep players very interested.
The battle system in Resonance of Fate is pretty hard, and players need to be very smart about how they plan their moves. If the player hasn’t mastered the game’s combat system and learned its subtleties, the harder battles can be very hard.
The Good
- Gunplay and RPG mechanics are mixed in a unique and stylish way.
- Complex, strategic battles that require a lot of skill
- Post-apocalyptic setting is interesting, and the characters are easy to remember.
- Weapons and gear that can be changed in many ways
The Bad
- Some players may not want to play because it is hard to learn.
- Storyline can be hard to understand and follow.
- Some people may find the gameplay boring or grindy.
Octopath Traveler
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: AMD FX-4350 or Intel Core i3-6100 | Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or Intel Core i5-7600K |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 M370X or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 580 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
As the name of the game suggests, it tells the stories of eight main characters from different backgrounds. In Octopath Traveler, you’ll follow the stories of characters like a thief who gets caught up in a dangerous plot, a huntress who’s looking for her lost master, and a knight who became a mercenary.
It’s like games like Tales of Arise because it has a large and varied cast. You’ll go to a lot of different realms and dungeons and fight a lot of different enemies. The turn-based combat system is similar to older games, but it has been tweaked a bit. For instance, you can use stamina to make your blows more powerful.
The Good
- The hand-painted pictures are beautiful, and the music is very interesting.
- A different way to tell a story, with eight different character paths that can cross.
The Bad
- Some people might think the character designs and dialogue are boring or predictable.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 10 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-8350 | Processor: Intel Core i7-6700 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 12 |
The Yakuza series has both serious and funny stories with a wide range of themes. It lets you fight, but it also lets you do other things and play minigames. All of these elements are in the most recent game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which makes it one of the best JRPGs on Steam.
But, unlike the other entries, it has a battle system where you take turns. It tells the story of a new main character, so it’s a good place to start for people who have never played the series before. And references and easter eggs will make old fans of the series happy.
The Good
- With a turn-based system, this is a fresh and new take on the Yakuza games.
- A story with a deep plot and memorable characters
- Modern Japan is shown in a beautiful and detailed way.
The Bad
- Fans of the series might be disappointed that the fights aren’t like they usually are.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 8.1/10 64-bit | OS: Windows 8.1/10 64-bit |
| Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-6300 | Processor: Intel Core i7-6700 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
The Atelier series from Koei Tecmo and Gust has been making relaxing turn-based RPGs for a long time, but the most recent games are amazing for newcomers because they improve the quality of life, improve the graphics, and keep the series’ signature charm.
Even though the name has a number in it, Atelier Ryza 2 is a great way to start the series. Atelier Ryza 2 is a must-have for fans of the genre because it has a great mix of crafting, gathering, turn-based combat, and exploring. If you want the best performance and look, the PC version is also the best way to play this.
The Good
- The art is beautiful and colorful, and the character designs are cute.
- Alchemy is a fun and addicting way to make items and tools.
- Storyline is interesting, and the characters are likeable.
The Bad
- The game can move slowly at times, with lots of time spent exploring and talking.
- Some players might find the battle system too simple or not deep enough.
Dragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 SP1/8.1/10 64-bit | OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor: AMD A4-5300 or Intel Core i5-6600K | Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 1700 or Intel Core i7-7700K |
| Memory: 4 GB RAM | Memory: 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 or AMD Radeon HD 7770 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 |
| DirectX: Version 11 | DirectX: Version 11 |
Dragon Quest XI came out on PS4 and PC in North America, but the Nintendo Switch version, called Dragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition, added a lot of new content and improvements. Dragon Quest XI S came out a year later on PS4, Xbox, and Steam, so more people could play the best version of Dragon Quest XI S.
Even though it doesn’t look as good as the PC version, Dragon Quest XI S is a must-play for anyone who wants a traditional turn-based game with modern conveniences. Dragon Quest was the first JRPG, and its newest game shows that it can change with the times while staying true to its roots. Valve has also checked that Dragon Quest XI S is real on Steam Deck.
The Good
- Classic role-playing game gameplay with a modern twist
- The pictures and music are beautiful and lively.
- Storyline is interesting and characters are well-developed.
- Huge world to explore with lots of side quests and secrets to find.
The Bad
- The game’s story and gameplay can sometimes feel like they’ve been done before.
FAQs
What is the best JRPG on PC?
- Genshin Impact.
- Persona 4 Golden.
- Final Fantasy XV.
- Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered.
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
- Octopath Traveler.
- Chrono Trigger.
- Grandia HD Remastered.
What is considered the best JRPG of all time?
If you didn’t agree with us that Chrono Trigger is the best JRPG ever made, you probably think that title belongs to Final Fantasy VII.
Why are JRPGs so addictive?
So, they are great. JRPGs are better than any other type of video game at playing with your emotions and making you feel like you’re fighting your way through big adventures. Most of the time, they are about stories and exploring. They sometimes tell big, broad stories about angry gods and bad empires.
What is the oldest JRPG?
Dragon Slayer, which came out in 1984 from Nihon Falcom, is a historically important game that helped build the Japanese role-playing game industry. It was a dungeon crawler where you could hack and slash in real time. It is thought to be the first action role-playing game.