The Best JRPGs That Let Players Change Characters' Classes

Class switching in JRPGs offers strategic depth that broadens character customization possibilitie s. By enabling adjustments to skills and roles, this mechanic elevates control over the development of each party member. The class system allows characters to adapt to different roles, creating dynamic experiences.

Iconic titles like Final Fantasy Tactics and Fire Emblem, although not considered pure JRPGs, share the same roots and elements of the genre. Class swapping in these games also stands out for the flexibility it offers, making them renowned for the ability to transform character progression into a crucial factor in combat strategies.

10 Fire Emblem Three Houses

Tactical JRPGs Often Provide A Wide Variety Of Classes

In Fire Emblem Three Houses, character classes can be changed, allowing exploration of a rich customization system. However, due to the game's time management mechanics, there isn't much freedom to experiment with all options, as time for training and lessons is limited.

Nevertheless, it's possible to create powerful builds by combining the right classes with suitable items. By focusing on specific skills and maximizing available resources, exceptionally strong characters can be developed who excel in combat.

9 Tactics Ogre Reborn

Certain Characters Have Access To Special Classes

The class-swapping mechanic is fundamental in JRPGs that aim to offer strategic depth. In Tactics Ogre Reborn, this functionality is expanded with a wide variety of classes, some exclusive to specific races like Lizardmen and Winged, adding an extra level of individuality to each character in the party.

Furthermore, despite some options being available only to characters of specific races, Tactics Ogre Reborn still offers a large selection of classes to choose from. Thus, it's possible to build varied teams also adapted to different playstyles.

8 Metaphor ReFantazio

A New Approach To Character Archetypes

Despite not having literal classes embedded in the game, Metaphor ReFantazio has set aside the demon summoning systems present in Persona and Shin Megami Tensei to introduce a new mechanic called Archetypes. Basically, they function as classes in a traditional RPG.

Thus, in this medieval fantasy JRPG, character classes can be changed by choosing a new Archetype, with various options available, and changing it affects attributes and skills. Moreover, this approach by Atlus in the game allows for more variety and versatility for characters, who can adapt to challenges more easily.

7 Octopath Traveler

Characters Have Subclasses In This JRPG

It's not just the graphics of Octopath Traveler that pay homage to classic JRPGs, other game mechanics were also designed to evoke nostalgia, such as the job system. Although each of the eight characters starts with a primary class, customization is possible later on.

After a certain point in the story, the protagonists can form hybrid classes by taking on jobs from one of the other characters, opening up new options for equipable items and new abilities to use. Besides these options, Octopath Traveler also has four secret jobs that offer even more power to the characters.

6 Final Fantasy Tactics

Complex And Incredible System For Changing Character Classes

Beyond the well-crafted tactical combats, another aspect that draws attention in Final Fantasy Tactics is the game's robust job system, allowing classes to be freely changed throughout the story. This enables customization of the party in different ways throughout the game, creating powerful characters.

Much of this is because, throughout the journey in Final Fantasy Tactics, abilities learned in one class are retained when changing to another, making interesting combinations possible. The game also features many professions already known to fans of the franchise, as well as adding some new ones that also became classics.

5 Bravely Default 2

New And Classic Final Fantasy Jobs

Longtime fans of Final Fantasy will find some job names in Bravely Default 2 familiar, but this is no coincidence, as both franchises are produced by Square Enix. However, in this game, each class is a specialist in what they do, which somewhat reduces their versatility.

Nevertheless, this JRPG still does a competent job of encouraging testing new classes on characters, mainly because the grinding required to reach advanced levels of each is not too high. Moreover, the abilities of many classes were shaped to fit well with each theme, providing more satisfaction in playing them.

4 Dragon Quest 9

Each Class Manages To Have A Unique Vibe

In Dragon Quest 9, the vocation system allows choosing among 12 distinct classes, six available initially and others unlocked through quests. Although abilities are not transferred between classes, which might seem like a wasted effort, this serves to make each class unique and encourage mastery of their specific characteristics.

Furthermore, the game restricts equipment based on class and not character, allowing more variety in the weapons equipped by each one. This approach makes each class have its own playstyle, rewarding those who invest time in exploring them and contributing to a diversified and engaging gaming experience.

3 Dragon's Dogma 2

Freedom To Change The Protagonist's Vocation

Although drawing more from European inspirations than Asian ones, Dragon's Dogma 2 has an incredible class system that allows changing the main character's vocation whenever at a Vocation Guild or Inn. In total, there are four basic options and six other advanced ones available in the game.

Moreover, the Main Pawns can also change vocation throughout the game, adapting like the Arisen to specific situations. However, unlike the main character who has free access to all advanced class options, pawns have some restrictions that limit their versatility somewhat, but without deeply affecting the outcomes.

2 Final Fantasy 5

A JRPG That Makes Changing Character Classes Fun

Final Fantasy 5 offers a job system that allows swapping character classes among 26 different options. Each job has unique abilities that can be learned and retained even after switching to another, encouraging experimentation and engaging character customization.

By combining abilities from various jobs, it's possible to create characters with exclusive capabilities that adapt to different playstyles. This freedom in changing character classes makes the journey through the game more dynamic and fun, maintaining interest throughout the adventure.

1 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The Definition Of Getting A Job In JRPGs

Being a satire of many JRPG clichés, Yakuza: Like a Dragon didn't overlook the fact that many games in the genre allow changing character classes, usually through a system called "Jobs." In the first chapter of Kasuga Ichiban's journey, this concept is taken quite literally.

So, while exploring the game's setting and story, to change character classes it's necessary to visit an employment agency to change the character's role in the team. Moreover, instead of choosing between classic options like mages, warriors, or ninjas, the options are contemporary, such as bodyguard, idol, or musician.

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By  Eduardo Ariedo