Best JRPGs Without Turn-Based Combat

JRPGs are among the most beloved genres in the realm of gaming, especially popular in the 90s. This style of gameplay was home to major titles like Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Due to these successes, the genre became widely associated with turn-based combat.

However, despite this near-synonymous association with turn-based combat, many JRPGs on the market opt for different approaches, offering more intense, action-focused gameplay. Various franchises, including Final Fantasy, have changed their approach over time, releasing popular JRPGs without traditional turn-based combat. Additionally, many other titles shine by creating enjoyable experiences while straying from the genre's classic roots.

10 Scarlet Nexus

Lightweight Action Combat

Although developed by the same team behind Code Vein, Scarlet Nexus doesn't have much in common with the soulslike genre. Here, players will find faster and more action-focused combat, which stands out among JRPGs of this type. Besides being enjoyable, the characters have psychokinesis abilities, allowing players to interact with some objects in the environment.

For players expecting substantial content, Scarlet Nexus does a decent job by offering two campaigns, one for each of the protagonist siblings. While the adventures are similar in certain aspects, they also have fundamental differences that are needed to understand the entire narrative, making it an enjoyable experience, especially for JRPG fans tired of turn-based combat.

9 Ys: The Oath In Felghana

A High Point In Action JRPG Excellence

• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, PlayStation Portable
• Released: June 30, 2005
• Developer: Nihon Falcom
• Genre: RPG

The Ys franchise is known for its thrilling battles and refined combat mechanics. Ys: The Oath in Felghana stands out by moving away from traditional turn-based combat, offering a fast-paced and precise action experience. The gameplay is fluid, with Adol Christin facing hordes of enemies and challenging bosses in real-time battles.

Ys: The Oath in Felghana reimagines the 16-bit classic with fast-paced, hack-and-slash-style combat. The game emphasizes precise control and attack timing, with challenging boss battles that require player skill and strategy. Additionally, the game has plenty of content, including six difficulty levels, unlockable modes, and a vibrant soundtrack, being acclaimed as a masterpiece of the Ys series.

8 Tales Of Arise

A Franchise That Never Featured Turn-Based Combat

Despite not being as popular as other genre franchises, Tales has always had good JRPGs, delivering a consistent series of games to players. Another highlight of the series is that it has always had real-time combat, and in Tales of Arise, the fighting mechanics are better executed than in previous entries.

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This highlight also shines for players who enjoy creating combos, hitting enemies with a large sequence of attacks without giving them a chance to counter. The soundtrack, inspired by genres like rock, also combines well with the action gameplay, providing a sense of novelty for the franchise.

7 NEO: The World Ends With You

Excellent Combat And An Even Better Soundtrack

Being more of a reboot than a continuation of the first game, NEO: The World Ends With You is one of the most underrated JRPGs released by Square Enix. Mixing unique artistic direction with an engaging soundtrack, the game also stands out for its fun and chaotic combat.

In NEO: The World Ends With You, the player controls three characters simultaneously, each with specific abilities assigned to different control buttons. This approach recreates the original chaos from the Nintendo DS title, challenging players to manage multiple actions simultaneously without getting lost, creating one of the most unique JRPG experiences.

6 Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Inspired By Studio Ghibli's Art And Focuses On Real-Time Combat

Although it did not continue the partnership with Studio Ghibli as in the first game, Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom has an art direction that still bears much resemblance to the animations produced by them. Players can expect colorful worlds, well-animated characters, and adorable monsters in this title.

The combat, unlike its predecessor, is more focused on real-time battles and action moments, allowing players to move freely around the environment. Despite abandoning its roots, the changes were positive, offering fluid and diverse combat, especially considering the variety of enemies.

5 Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix

A Strange Mix With Enjoyable Combat

In Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix, Square Enix significantly improved the combat. Ground and aerial combos are more fluid, and boss battles are better balanced, allowing players to learn and adapt to attack patterns without excessive frustration during gameplay. Moreover, the experience became more satisfying by reducing the need for grinding.

The game also introduced several quality-of-life improvements, such as Drive Forms, Limit abilities, item shortcuts, and magic enhancements. Thanks to these changes, the experience became even more satisfying, serving as a good middle ground between the limitations of the first game and the excessive freedom of the third game in the main Kingdom Hearts trilogy.

4 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Complex Yet Enjoyable Combat

Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is notoriously complex, with many integrated systems working together. Although it can be difficult to understand initially, mastering mechanics like executing combos, identifying enemy weaknesses, and using the Party Gauge offers a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Patience in learning these details is rewarded with dynamic and enjoyable battles.

The DLC Torna: The Golden Country further enhanced these mechanics, refining the combat system and providing an even more balanced experience for players. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 also features a wide variety of Blades, allowing new strategy customization that ensures each journey is unique. These elements, combined with the game's depth, make it one of the richest and most rewarding JRPG experiences on the Nintendo Switch.

3 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

A Remake Of A Classic Turn-Based JRPG

The original version of Final Fantasy 7 was one of the best turn-based games released for the PlayStation 1. For years, fans demanded a remake, which is now being released as a trilogy. This new version not only expands the story but also introduces a new combat system, closer to that of an action JRPG.

Despite the changes, Square Enix modernized the franchise's formula while maintaining the essence of turn-based combat. The game allows players to switch between characters, strategizing to win battles in a fun and well-produced manner. This approach in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has undergone further improvements, providing players with an even better experience, merging the best of both worlds.

2 NieR: Automata

A Symphony Of Action And Philosophy

Developed by Platinum Games, NieR: Automata stands out by blending frenetic action with a deep and philosophical narrative. The game features intense and fluid combat, where players control androids battling hostile machines in a post-apocalyptic world.

The combat is agile and dynamic, with various weapons and abilities allowing players to create devastating combos. Besides melee fights, the game incorporates shoot 'em up elements, providing an engaging and unique experience. The game redefines what a JRPG can be, making it a recommended experience for all fans of the genre.

1 Dragon’s Dogma 2

The Perfect Definition Of Action JRPG

The Dragon's Dogma franchise holds a special place in JRPG fans' hearts. The second game in the series, released in 2024, perfected its predecessor's combat with dynamic and intense gameplay. Inspired by titles like Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus, Dragon's Dogma 2 challenges players to face giant enemies, climbing them to find better angles to attack, making each battle more enjoyable.

Under Hideaki Itsuno's leadership, Capcom's title offers epic combat where players' tactics matter more than reflexes, and Pawn customization adds an extra layer of fun. Although the variety of enemies might be limited, the overall experience is extremely satisfying and rewarding.

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