Top 10 Absurdly Long JRPGs That Are Actually Worth Playing
JRPGs have a reputation for being long — like “you’ll finish this sometime in the next presidential administration” long — but some of them earn every hour. These are the games that swallow your weekends, derail your sleep schedule, and make you say, “Okay, one more quest,” even though the sun is rising and your responsibilities are quietly judging you.
Here are 10 ridiculously long JRPGs that are absolutely worth the time sink.
1. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal isn’t just long — it’s a lifestyle. You’re juggling school, friendships, dungeon crawling, and the occasional metaphysical heist. The story is massive, the characters are unforgettable, and the soundtrack will live in your head rent‑free forever. If you’re going to lose 120+ hours to something, it might as well be this.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Monolith Soft looked at the concept of “too big” and said, “No such thing.” Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is sprawling in every direction — story, world, combat, emotional trauma. You’ll spend 100 hours exploring, another 20 crying, and the rest wondering how this series keeps getting away with being this good.
3. Trails of Cold Steel IV
If you’ve played the Trails series, you already know: these games are long enough to qualify as a part‑time job. Cold Steel IV is the grand finale of a saga that spans multiple arcs, continents, and emotional breakdowns. It’s dense, dramatic, and absolutely worth the 100+ hour commitment.
4. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest XI is comfort food in JRPG form — warm, familiar, and shockingly huge. Just when you think you’re done, the game politely informs you that you are, in fact, not even close. The post‑game alone is longer than some full JRPGs. But it’s charming, polished, and endlessly satisfying.
5. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XII is the slow burn of the franchise — political intrigue, massive hunts, and a world that feels alive in a way few JRPGs manage. The Zodiac Age version adds even more depth, meaning your playtime will balloon faster than Vaan’s ego. It’s worth every hour.
6. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
SMT V is the JRPG equivalent of being thrown into a demon‑infested desert with nothing but spite and a sword. It’s long, brutal, and deeply strategic. The new Vengeance content adds even more hours to a game that already demanded a serious time investment. If you like challenge, this is your marathon.
7. Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise is one of the most polished entries in the series, and it’s not shy about its length. Between the main story, the skits, the side quests, and the optional bosses that exist solely to ruin your confidence, you’re looking at 70–100 hours easily. But the payoff is worth it.
8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yes, it’s technically a JRPG. Yes, it’s long. And yes, it’s absolutely worth every chaotic minute. Like a Dragon blends heartfelt storytelling with absurd humor, turn‑based combat, and side content that will derail your progress in the best possible way. You’ll lose hours to karaoke alone.
9. Octopath Traveler (I, II, and 0)
Octopath Traveler is a great series as a whole, but II is gorgeous, massive, and unapologetically old‑school. Eight protagonists, eight storylines, and a world that begs to be explored. It’s the kind of game where you look up after a “quick session” and realize you’ve been playing for six hours and haven’t even finished one character arc.
10. Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload takes a beloved classic and gives it the modern treatment it always deserved. It’s stylish, emotional, and long enough to make you question your life choices — in a good way. The social sim + dungeon grind loop is dangerously addictive, and the story hits harder than you expect.
Why These JRPGs Are Worth the Time Sink
JRPGs aren’t just games — they’re commitments. They’re worlds you live in, characters you grow attached to, and stories that stick with you long after the credits roll. These ten titles justify their length with depth, heart, and the kind of emotional payoff you can’t get from a 10‑hour campaign.
If you’re going to lose a chunk of your life to a game, make it one of these.
