Top 20 Turn-Based RPGs Of All Time And Recommendations

As a lifelong gamer, I've spent countless hours exploring the rich worlds and engaging stories that turn-based RPGs offer. The strategic depth, character customization, and compelling narratives have always drawn me in, making this genre my absolute favorite. Over the years, I've played a vast array of turn-based RPGs, and today, I want to share my personal top 20. This list is a reflection of my own experiences and preferences, and I'm eager to hear what your favorite turn-based RPGs are in the comments below!

What Makes a Great Turn-Based RPG?

Before diving into my list, let's briefly discuss what qualities make a turn-based RPG truly exceptional. For me, it's a combination of factors that come together to create a memorable and engaging experience. The narrative is paramount; a captivating story with well-developed characters and meaningful choices is crucial. Gameplay mechanics play a huge role, the combat system must be strategic and rewarding, offering a variety of options and character builds. Progression systems should feel meaningful, allowing players to customize their characters and develop unique strategies. The world itself should be immersive and engaging, filled with interesting locations to explore and secrets to discover. Finally, the overall polish and presentation, including the graphics, music, and user interface, contribute significantly to the overall experience.

Ultimately, a great turn-based RPG is one that you can lose yourself in for hours, one that stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a game that you revisit time and again, eager to experience the story and gameplay once more. It's this magic, this ability to transport players to another world, that defines the best turn-based RPGs.

My Top 20 Turn-Based RPGs

So, without further ado, here are my top 20 favorite turn-based RPGs of all time, in no particular order:

1. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece of the genre, and it's easy to see why it consistently tops lists of the best RPGs ever made. The time-traveling story is incredibly engaging, with a cast of memorable characters and a branching narrative that encourages multiple playthroughs. The combat system is innovative and fast-paced, featuring combination attacks and strategic positioning. What truly sets Chrono Trigger apart is its impeccable pacing, charming art style, and unforgettable soundtrack. From the moment you begin your journey with Chrono and his friends, you're drawn into a world filled with wonder and adventure. The game's story is a masterclass in narrative design, seamlessly weaving together different time periods and character arcs. The characters themselves are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique motivations and backstories. This makes the relationships between the party members feel genuine and adds emotional weight to the story. Gameplay is another area where Chrono Trigger excels. The battle system is both intuitive and strategic, allowing for a wide range of tactical options. The combination attacks, where two or more characters team up to unleash devastating abilities, are a particular highlight, adding a layer of excitement and strategy to every encounter. Moreover, the absence of random encounters keeps the game moving at a brisk pace, ensuring that there's always something interesting happening. The world of Chrono Trigger is vibrant and full of secrets, and exploring every nook and cranny is a rewarding experience. The different time periods are beautifully realized, each with its own unique atmosphere and inhabitants. The soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, is simply iconic, perfectly capturing the mood of each scene and location. Overall, Chrono Trigger is a timeless classic that every RPG fan should experience.

2. Final Fantasy VI (III)

Final Fantasy VI, known as Final Fantasy III in its initial North American release, is a monumental achievement in storytelling and character development. The sprawling narrative, featuring a large cast of diverse characters, tackles mature themes with surprising depth. The Magitek armor battles are a highlight, and the game's villain, Kefka Palazzo, is one of the most memorable antagonists in RPG history. The game's story is a sweeping epic that explores themes of war, loss, and redemption. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique backstories, motivations, and struggles. The relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. Kefka Palazzo, the game's main antagonist, is a truly terrifying and unforgettable villain. His nihilistic worldview and chaotic actions make him a constant threat, and his presence looms large over the entire game. The combat system in Final Fantasy VI is a refined version of the Active Time Battle system, offering a satisfying blend of strategy and action. The Espers, magical creatures that can be equipped to characters to grant them new abilities, add another layer of customization and depth to the gameplay. The world of Final Fantasy VI is vast and varied, filled with memorable locations to explore. From the bustling cities to the desolate wastelands, each area is beautifully realized and contributes to the game's overall atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is another masterpiece, perfectly capturing the mood of each scene and character. Overall, Final Fantasy VI is a landmark RPG that continues to be celebrated for its story, characters, and gameplay.

3. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is a stylish and captivating RPG that seamlessly blends dungeon crawling with social simulation. The game's vibrant art style, catchy music, and engaging story create an unforgettable experience. The Phantom Thieves, a group of high school students who fight against corrupt adults, are a compelling cast of characters, and the game's themes of rebellion and justice resonate deeply. Persona 5 Royal takes the core gameplay of the original Persona 5 and expands upon it in meaningful ways, adding new characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. The result is a truly definitive version of an already excellent game. The story of Persona 5 Royal revolves around the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group of high school students who use their Persona abilities to change the hearts of corrupt adults. The game's themes of rebellion, justice, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in are timely and resonate deeply with players. The characters in Persona 5 Royal are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and motivations. The relationships between the characters are central to the game's narrative and gameplay, as building social links with your confidants unlocks new abilities and story content. The gameplay in Persona 5 Royal is a unique blend of dungeon crawling and social simulation. During the day, you'll attend school, hang out with friends, and work part-time jobs. At night, you'll infiltrate the Metaverse, a realm born from the distorted desires of people's hearts, and battle Shadows using your Personas. The combat system is strategic and rewarding, requiring you to exploit enemy weaknesses and build your party's strength. The world of Persona 5 Royal is stylish and vibrant, with a distinct art style that perfectly captures the game's tone and themes. The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is incredibly catchy and memorable, adding to the game's overall atmosphere. Overall, Persona 5 Royal is a must-play RPG for fans of the genre. Its stylish presentation, engaging story, and addictive gameplay make it a truly unforgettable experience.

4. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a masterclass in RPG design, offering unparalleled freedom and player agency. The game's deep combat system, intricate world, and compelling story create a truly immersive experience. The ability to play as a variety of characters, each with their own unique backstory and abilities, adds to the game's replayability. Divinity: Original Sin 2 sets a new standard for player choice and consequence in RPGs. The game's world is incredibly reactive to your actions, and the decisions you make have a significant impact on the story and the characters around you. The story of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is set in the world of Rivellon, a land scarred by war and magic. You play as one of several characters known as Godwoken, individuals with the potential to ascend to divinity. The game's narrative is complex and multifaceted, with a wide range of branching storylines and side quests to explore. The characters in Divinity: Original Sin 2 are incredibly well-written and memorable. Each character has their own unique personality, motivations, and backstory, and the relationships between them are complex and engaging. The combat system in Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the deepest and most strategic in the genre. The game features a turn-based system that emphasizes tactical positioning, elemental interactions, and creative use of abilities. The environment itself can be used to your advantage in combat, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. The world of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is vast and detailed, filled with secrets to discover and challenges to overcome. The game's art style is beautiful and evocative, and the soundtrack is equally impressive. Overall, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a must-play RPG for fans of the genre. Its unparalleled freedom, deep combat system, and compelling story make it a truly unforgettable experience.

5. Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler is a visually stunning RPG that pays homage to the 16-bit classics while introducing its own unique mechanics. The game's eight interconnected stories, each following a different protagonist, create a rich and varied narrative. The combat system is strategic and rewarding, and the game's gorgeous pixel art style is a delight to behold. Octopath Traveler's unique structure, with its eight distinct protagonists, allows for a wide range of storytelling possibilities. Each character has their own unique motivations, goals, and abilities, and their stories intertwine in unexpected ways. The game's narrative is episodic in nature, with each character's chapter unfolding independently of the others. However, as you progress through the game, you'll begin to see connections between the characters and their stories, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. The combat system in Octopath Traveler is a blend of classic turn-based mechanics and modern innovations. The game features a Boost Point system that allows you to empower your attacks and abilities, adding a layer of strategy to each battle. The Break system, which allows you to weaken enemies by exploiting their vulnerabilities, is another key element of the gameplay. The world of Octopath Traveler is beautifully realized in a stunning pixel art style. The game's environments are detailed and evocative, and the character sprites are charming and expressive. The soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Nishiki, is another highlight, perfectly capturing the mood of each scene and location. Overall, Octopath Traveler is a must-play RPG for fans of classic JRPGs. Its unique structure, strategic combat system, and gorgeous art style make it a truly memorable experience.

6. Final Fantasy Tactics

7. Xenoblade Chronicles

8. Disco Elysium

9. Pillars of Eternity

10. Wasteland 3

11. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky

12. South Park: The Stick of Truth

13. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

14. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

15. EarthBound

16. Shin Megami Tensei V

17. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

18. Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling

19. Cosmic Star Heroine

20. Sea of Stars

What Are Your Favorite Turn-Based RPGs?

So, there you have it, my top 20 favorite turn-based RPGs of all time! This list is, of course, subjective, and I'm sure many of you have your own favorites. I'm eager to hear what games you would include in your top 20. What are the turn-based RPGs that have captivated you the most? What are the stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics that have resonated with you? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below! I'm always looking for new games to try, and I'm excited to discover some hidden gems based on your suggestions. Let's discuss the magic of turn-based RPGs and celebrate this incredible genre together!