Summary
- Turn-based combat games are making a comeback, delighting fans with accessible yet engaging gameplay.
- Marvel's Midnight Suns impressed with tactical combat, compensating for weaker writing.
- Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth refines job system and combat, appealing to players seeking turn-based excellence.
The PlayStation 5 has slowly but surely amassed a library of amazing games that are breathtaking to play. From video games that push the boundaries of graphical prowess to quirky titles with unique gameplay loops, the PS5 has it all and then some.
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One thing fans have noticed in this generation is that turn-based combat games are finally making a comeback. This is a source of joy for many fans who felt that this genre was being left in the dust by modern developers who prioritized real-time combat loops over everything else.
8 Marvel's Midnight Suns
Firaxis' Tactical Turn-Based Combat Is More Accessible Than Ever Before
Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Released
- December 2, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
It's a shame that Marvel's Midnight Suns didn't sell too many units. The writing of this game was on the weaker side, but the amazing tactical combat more than made up for it.
Given how much people love the XCOM series, it's easy to see why Marvel's Midnight Suns was expected to excel in this regard. The deck-building component adds a refreshing bit of strategy to the combat that is accessible enough for fans to enjoy, especially if they felt that the XCOM games were a bit too hard.
7 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The Job System And Combat Is More Refined, As Compared To The Previous Mainline Entry
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Released
- January 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a major genre shift for the series, and Infinite Wealth continues this new turn-based tradition. There are more jobs for players to mess around with, and combat mechanics have been tightened just enough to alleviate some of the frustration that could arise from enemy positioning.
All these changes help Infinite Wealth stand out as a PS5 game with excellent turn-based combat. It helps that the story expands Ichiban's likable character while also giving some closure to Kiryu at the tail end of his journey as a yakuza veteran.
6 Persona 3 Reload
The Narrative May Take A While To Get Going, But The Updated Combat System Keeps Players Engaged
Persona 3 Reload
- Released
- February 2, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, RPG, Life Simulation, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Persona 3 Reload is an excellent remake that lets fans enjoy a modernized version of the title that helped this SMT spinoff series become Atlus' most popular IP. Tartarus' random floors feel just varied enough for exploration to not feel like a slog, with the additional bells and whistles addressing some of the biggest criticisms from the original title.
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The stylish interface and faster combat pace all contribute to helping Persona 3 Reload stand out as one of the best turn-based RPGs fans can get their hands on for the PS5. The story takes a while to get serious but will leave fans emotionally devastated, given the amount of time they've spent with a lovable cast of characters.
5 Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance
The Patented SMT Combat Is Hard Yet Rewarding
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
- Released
- June 14, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Atlus
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus, SEGA
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is one of the best JRPGs that is as challenging as they come. The SMT series is known for its high difficulty, and such is the case with the fifth mainline entry.
However, it's also one of the more accessible entries in the series that slowly introduces its gameplay systems, with Atlus deeming this game fit for an updated Vengeance release that allowed PS5 players to get their hands on this incredible turn-based JRPG. Amassing an army of demons and laying waste to the enemies in the player's path will never not be engaging.
4 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
An Amazing Turn-Based RPG That Came Out Of Nowhere And Wowed Players
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Kepler Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game that came out of nowhere and established itself as one of the best turn-based RPGs of all time. The game combines real-time inputs with turn-based combat to reward both reactive and tactical play.
The unique world focuses on the journey of an expedition group hoping to take out the Paintress, a supernatural being that has, once a year, erased people above a certain age, with every year counting down. Expedition 33's excellent storytelling and rewarding combat make it one of the best PS5 games players can get their hands on.
3 Metaphor: ReFantazio
A High Fantasy JRPG By Atlus That Features A Fun Combat System That Rewards Forethought
Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Released
- October 11, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Studio Zero
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Atlus surprised everyone with their work on a new IP set in a high fantasy world. Metaphor: ReFantazio manages to feel like an old-school JRPG that's not bogged down by most typical fantasy tropes.
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The combat rewards forethought as players do everything in their power to stack up as many extra turns as possible. Getting the jump on enemies and smashing them to bits never fails to be engaging and is a huge part of what makes Metaphor: ReFantazio so special.
2 Octopath Traveler 2
The Flashy Turn-Based Combat Is Bigger And Better In Every Way
Octopath Traveler 2
- Released
- February 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Acquire
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Octopath Traveler 2 is a massive improvement over its predecessor and one of the best turn-based JRPGs ever made. The narrative structure for every protagonist doesn't feel too similar, the combat is vastly improved, and exploration is more rewarding than ever.
The amazing boss battles, fantastic music, and beautiful HD-2D visuals combine to make Octopath Traveler 2 a feast for JRPG fans. Players looking for an old-school game in the genre will love this polished and beautiful title that will keep them busy for hours on end.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
One Of The Greatest Modern RPGs With Riveting Turn-Based Combat
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the greatest video games ever made, wowing fans with its amazing role-playing goodness, lovable characters, and an outstanding tactical turn-based combat system. There's a reason why fans can't stop going gaga over this Western RPG.
Larian Studios somehow managed to make a worthy successor to one of the greatest role-playing franchises of all time. The sheer number of ways a player's journey can diverge based on their actions is incredible and a huge part of what makes Baldur's Gate 3 so special.
