5 Best Turn-Based RPGs You’ll Love Playing in 2025
Turn-based RPGs are a foundation of not just the larger RPG genre but of the video game industry as a whole. In the Japanese market, turn-based games have been one of the most popular genres in the region. Large-scale games such as Final Fantasy brought this popularity to other regions, especially North America, which lasted for over a decade. However, their appeal in modern gaming had seemed to dim, and fewer and fewer were appearing in mainstream popularity. Recently, though, that has again shifted, as both turn-based games and JRPGs are receiving critical acclaim across the world in 2025.
Turn-Based RPGs Surge In Popularity In 2025
Turn-based RPGs have been booming in global popularity over the last several years. Not only have they gained mass appeal, but they have also grown in critical ratings as well. In 2024, Metaphor: Refantazio won countless awards and was in contention for game of the year. In 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is in the running for the same thing. Gaming giants like Square Enix and Atlus Games have been releasing remakes or remasters of iconic turn-based classics such as Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Persona, and Shin Megami Tensei. Sega has shifted one of its most popular JRPG franchises, Yakuza/Like a Dragon, from action to turn-based.
Fans who love turn-based RPGs are spoiled for selection these days. Whether new to the genre or a fan since the 80s, it can be hard to know which ones are the best to choose from. So, here is my list of the 5 best turn-based role-playing games you can get your hands on in 2025!
5. Sea of Stars (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch)
Sea of Stars is an indie game inspired by the classic turn-based RPGs from back in the SNES era. Players can immediately see the Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Chrono Trigger inspirations, while the game still stands on its own in the modern landscape as well. The combat is well executed, and the storyline is both meaningful and just a tad bit wild, making for a fully entertaining experience. Best of all, the game recently got another DLC, which is just as wild and enjoyable as the rest of the game has been thus far. If you have not played yet, I highly encourage it!
4. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series)
The entire Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is a collection of masterpieces, if I am being honest. However, starting with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the mainline series made a bold shift from action combat to turn-based combat, and the risk paid off brilliantly. The second turn-based RPG of the franchise, Infinite Wealth, tracks the story of Ichiban and his friends once again. With polished combat and the trademark balance of powerful and emotional storylines, with over-the-top comedic antics and a slew of side questions and absurd mini-games to try, this game has to be put on the list of phenomenal turn-based games.
3. Octopath Traveler II (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series,
Nintendo Switch)
Octopath Traveler was meant to be a small, side project game from Square Enix meant to tide over some of the loud turn-based RPG fans who were yelling for more entries in the genre. Instead, it blew up in popularity, earning a mobile game and a sequel. Octopath Traveler took everything that made the original enjoyable and cranked it up, with much smoother combat, better storylines, and beautiful HD 2D graphic style, all while maintaining the original premise of eight heroes crossing paths within their own storylines. This gem may have started an entirely new franchise for the JRPG behemoth.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series)
Where Clair Obscur and Metaphor tried to win game of the year, Baldur’s Gate 3 did win in 2023, and rightfully so. The game was a near-unanimous pick across all platforms. Unlike other entries on the list, Baldur’s Gate 3 utilizes a turn-based tactical approach. This turn-based RPG is meant to simulate Dungeons and Dragons, and boy, did Larian Studios nail it. Combat is among the best in modern gaming, with the richness of storyline, customizability, and freedom of choice in a class entirely its own. The world is your oyster, and you can play on your own terms, with every playthrough a complete joy.
Persona 5 Royal (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
The game that arguably redifined the popularity of turn-based RPGs, especially JRPGs, in North America, has to slot in at number one. Persona has been popular in Japan for years, but the upgraded Royal version of 5 kicked off an entirely new storm for the industry. The balance of brilliant combat gameplay, engrossing storyline, dynamic characters, strategy balance, and creative anime art style pieces together to be the best turn-based RPG you can get your hands on today. Best of all, more of the Persona series is being remastered or remade soon, for even more enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
These five titles made the top of the charts, but there are so many other games that could have popped up on the list as well. Dragon Quest XI is one of the most popular entries in the series. Triangle Strategy brought great tactical gameplay with brilliant moral dilemmas. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a modern masterpiece of blending combat, storyline, and a modern approach to turn-based gameplay. Metaphor: Refantazio has possibly the best turn-based combat out there right now. Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles has yet to be released, but it is the pinnacle of the tactical genre. Super Mario RPG is one of the greatest all-time classics, remade in 2024.
Clearly, turn-based RPGs are back, and back in a big way. There is no shortage to choose from, so just sit back, enjoy the ride, and let nostalgia flood back in to 2025.
