5 best turn-based RPGs that you should try out in 2025

Turn-based RPGs have contributed a lot to the video game industry, and many incredible IPs have built upon the fundamentals of this category. As the genre keeps moving forward and hosting new titles, there are many amazing games players can enjoy to understand the history of the category and its evolution over time.

This article lists the best turn-based RPGs players can try out in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions. The entries are arranged in no particular order.

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5 amazing turn-based RPGs to play in 2025

1) Persona 5 Royal

A still from Persona 5 Royal (Image via SEGA)

The Persona series has been a JRPG darling since its inception. While it started as a spin-off, it quickly waltzed ahead of its godfather, the Megami Tensei franchise. Persona 5 Royal is its latest mainline entry. Gamers play the role of a 14-year-old boy who, with his allies, seeks to save Tokyo from ruin by the numerous corrupt individuals who use their power for selfish motives.

The game is divided between two elements. One is balancing the character's social life where players must complete various tasks in a day-by-day calendar and increase their bond with their allies. The other is a dungeon crawling experience, where players must progress through various palaces in the metaverse and combat different shadows to move forward in the various arcs of the game.

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2) Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

A still from Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake (Image via Square Enix)

For those wanting to play one of the best retro turn-based RPGs in an updated form, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is the way to go. The game is an amazing visual reimagining of the original Dragon Quest 3, that focuses on the son of an accomplished hero as he takes on his father's quest to eradicate the world of the villainous Archfiend, Baramos.

The game takes the Octopath Traveller approach to its visual treatment, juxtaposing 16-bit character sprites on polygonal 3D environments with high-definition effects to create a unique visual identity. The remake also updates the original's simple yet effective party-composition-based combat system by adding various features such as the ability to speed up battles.

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3) Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

A still from Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Image via SEGA)

After Yakuza 7 pulled off an incredible endeavor of shifting the franchise's gears to turn-based combat, players were excited for the follow-up to one of the best turn-based RPGs in recent times; fortunately, Infinite Wealth did not disappoint. The eighth entry in the franchise sees the protagonist Ichiban Kasuga and series mainstay Kiryu Kazuma, as they try to find Kasuga's birth mother in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The game adapts the JRPG formula with the Yakuza spice, where seemingly normal attacks have fantastical animations because Kasuga imagines himself as a Dragon Quest hero. Infinite Wealth offers a great tense narrative mixed with some wacky and humorous undertones that the series is known for.

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4) Super Mario RPG Remake

A still from Super Mario RPG Remake (Image via Nintendo)

Players wanting to experience turn-based RPGs but with the whimsical nature of Nintendo's Mario IP, can try out the Super Mario RPG Remake. The game, originally developed by Square, focuses on Mario and his gang as they try to repair the Star Road and defeat the troublemaking Smithy Gang. The original title was remade with a stunning visual overhaul to the graphics department.

The gameplay involves exploring the world of Mario and fighting against the various monsters and bosses. The game features a simple yet excellent combat system with some QTE elements, where the player can choose two of the four playable companions to accompany Mario in his fights.

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5) Baldur's Gate 3

A still from Baldur's Gate 3 (Image via Larian Studios)

For players wanting expansive RPGs that provide tons of content to blast through with a deep, complex, and satisfying turn-based combat system, they cannot go wrong with the GOTY-winning title, Baldur's Gate 3. The game focuses on the customizable protagonist who wakes up with a mind-flayer parasite infecting his brain and hence must find a cure before it completely consumes him.

Combat in Baldur's Gate 3 is vast, deep, and dynamic, with some immersive sim elements. This allows one to approach the various challenges in the game in any way they want, encouraging player creativity. They can use various attacks, defenses, buffs, debuffs, and other strategies to deal with their enemies in the game.

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And that wraps the list exploring 5 incredible turn-based RPGs that you should play in 2025.