Summary
- JRPG beginners prefer action combat over turn-based loops for immersive gameplay.
- Final Fantasy 16, Tales of Arise, and Yakuza 0 are perfect for action JRPG newcomers.
- These titles offer easy-to-understand combat, engaging stories, and accessible gameplay.
Most JRPGs feature turn-based combat loops that promote tactical thinking instead of action combat. There's nothing wrong with this approach, but some players would prefer to let loose and enjoy some great action-packed battles in certain JRPGs.
Players unfamiliar with the JRPG genre who have more experience with real-time combat loops will find the following titles to be perfect for them. They do a great job of immersing players in a captivating experience with fun gameplay, without making things too challenging.
8 Best Turn-Based JRPGs For Beginners, Ranked
Explore the best turn-based JRPGs for beginners, featuring accessible mechanics, memorable characters, and engaging storylines.
Final Fantasy 16
The Combat Is Surprisingly Easy For Beginners To Handle
Final Fantasy 16
- Released
- June 22, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Fans of Game of Thrones will vibe with what Final Fantasy 16 aims to accomplish in the early going. While the story may fall apart in the latter stages, the combat remains flashy enough and gives players many tricks to play around with.
Clive will acquire the powers of other Dominants and use them to great effect against their foes. It ensures that combat remains fresh for the long haul without getting too challenging, which is a huge reason why players will find Final Fantasy 16 easy to get into.
Tales Of Arise
One Of The Best Entries In The Series
Tales of Arise
- Released
- September 10, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Tales of Arise is the perfect game for players who want to get into this historic action JRPG series. The presentation and combat of this game are top-notch and make it perfect for newcomers to the Tales series.
The combat may get repetitive in the latter stages, but most players will be invested enough to stick with this game for the long haul. The traditional trappings of this JRPG will mean that newcomers to the genre will be compelled to try out more games if the story structure and tropes resonate with them.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
A Charming Story & Simple Combat
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
- Released
- January 22, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Players who love Studio Ghibli love what Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has to offer. The game's cel-shaded art style and compelling story ensure that fans will be invested in Oliver's quest to revive his mother.
8 PlayStation Games With The Best Turn-Based Combat, Ranked
These iconic PlayStation games feature some of the most enjoyable turn-based combat styles.
As one would expect, the emotional tale will strike a chord with players, and the combat is easy to understand as players power through this title. While battles may get somewhat repetitive after a point, the rest of Wrath of the White Witch's package is so tantalizing that players will forgive it for this one fault.
The World Ends With You
An Accessible Combat Style
The World Ends With You
- Released
- July 27, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Players who still have a DS on them should check out The World Ends With You on this platform, since it's the optimal way to play this stylish action JRPG. Neku must participate in a twisted game full of death and betrayal while trying to uncover segments of his past.
The game's modern setting and stylish presentation ensure that fans will have a great time with this title. The Switch port is worth checking out as well, although it lacks the innovative dual-screen combat that made the original such a blast to play.
Dragon's Dogma 2
The Combat Is Flashy & Appealing
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
While Dragon's Dogma 2 wasn't a huge improvement over its predecessor, this isn't something that newcomers to action JRPGs will care about. This is the perfect entry point into this wonderful series with amazing combat that proves, once again, why Capcom is the master of integrating excellent combat systems in their video games.
The Vocation system starts out fairly simple, allowing players to get a grasp of the basics in no time. Eventually, they will be salivating at the thought of trying out more advanced Vocations as they figure out the perfect job for their ever-evolving play style.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
An Updated Version Of The Best Final Fantasy Spin-off
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
- Released
- December 13, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Players who want to emotionally wreck themselves (and enjoy an excellent remake of a classic JRPG spinoff in the process) will have a great time with Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion. It makes the combat more action-packed, which is perfect for modern fans who are getting into the Final Fantasy series after the bulk of their modern titles have clearly tried to attract a new audience.
Every Mainline Dragon Quest Game, Ranked
There have been many mainline titles in the Dragon Quest series throughout the years though some stand out above the rest.
It helps that Zack Fair is a great protagonist, even if long-time fans will lament the loss of the previous voice actor. Again, this is not something beginners will care about, especially since the great story and fun combat ensure that they'll have no problems getting into this wonderful title.
Kingdom Hearts 2
One Of The Most Popular PS2 Games
Kingdom Hearts 2
- Released
- March 28, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Mild Blood, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
Kingdom Hearts 2 is one of the best video games ever made, and even the somewhat dated nature of the combat doesn't stop it from being an easy action JRPG to get into. Combining existing Disney worlds with original characters by Square Enix makes for a crossover that shouldn't have worked, but ends up being surprisingly tantalizing.
Players will love engaging with the game's wild story and fun boss fights, which were legendary back in the day. Even now, players who don't mind a slower combat pace compared to most modern action titles will love what Kingdom Hearts 2 brings to the table.
Yakuza 0
The Perfect Entry Point To A Beloved Series
Yakuza 0
- Released
- January 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Yakuza 0 was made specifically to make it easy for beginners to get into this series. Players who refuse to call this a JRPG are kidding themselves, since it shares a lot of the DNA that makes other games in the genre so notable.
Both Kiryu and Majima have compelling stories that fans will have a great time with. Players can take a break from the seriousness of the main narrative with hilarious substories and side content that make it clear why fans love what Yakuza 0 brings to the table.
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