The 10 Best Turn-Based RPGs You Must Play in 2025

Turn-based RPGs (role-playing games) offer a unique blend of strategic combat and story development. Unlike fast-paced action adventures, these games let you carefully plan your moves, exploit enemy weaknesses, and enjoy a story while you’re at it.

From games with classic pixel art styles to modern masterpieces, the world of turn-based RPGs offers something for every type of gamer. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 turn-based RPGs for 2025 — each game has unique RPG elements along with a captivating story that will leave a lasting impression. 

We compiled our list by considering gameplay features, critic ratings, and audience research, utilizing our expertise to bring you accurate and helpful information.

The Best Turn-Based RPGs at a Glance

The only issue with turn-based RPGs is that there aren’t enough of them. It’s easy to find first-person shooters or horror zombie games, but the classic style of turn-based games is a rare sight. Here’s the nitty-gritty of this genre and the games you need to try.

Games	Best for	Platforms
Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark	Fans of tactical RPGs, strategy games, deep character customization, and challenging combat	Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, PC, Linux
Baldur’s Gate III	Fans of strategic turn-based combat with tactical depth, cooperative RPG with a heavy story focus	PlayStation, PC, Xbox
The Banner Saga 3	Fans of tactical RPGs, narrative-driven games, Viking mythology, and emotionally impactful stories	Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Metaphor: ReFantazio	Gamers who love emotional storytelling, unique art styles, challenging combat, and fans of JRPGs	PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Fallout 2	Fans of immersive open-world exploration with branching narratives and choice-driven consequences	PC (originally), PlayStation, Xbox
Persona 5	Gamers who enjoy stylish JRPG with a modern twist	PS3, PS4 (originally), PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Sea of Stars	Those who enjoy classic RPGs, pixel art, and turn-based combat twist	PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Octopath Traveler 2	Gamers who enjoy deep character development and exploring interwoven narratives	Nintendo Switch, PC
Valkyria Chronicles 4	Gamers who love strategy games, anime art styles, and emotionally driven narratives	PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox
Wasteland 3	Fans of post-apocalyptic settings, tactical combat, mature themes, and dark humor	PC, PlayStation, Xbox

1. Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark

Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is a captivating tactical RPG that blends classic strategy elements with modern RPG depth. The game boasts a rich and engaging story through stunning hand-drawn 2D graphics and an atmospheric soundtrack. 

The core gameplay revolves around tactical turn-based combat. You’ll need to carefully consider unit placement, utilize terrain to your advantage, and strategically exploit enemy weaknesses to emerge victorious. The game has extensive replayability because you can experiment with numerous classes, skills, and equipment options to unlock and master. 

Fell Seal can be difficult at times, but it offers a rewarding experience for fans of tactical turn-based RPGs. If you’re a fan of games like Final Fantasy Tactics, this game is right up your alley.

2. Baldur’s Gate III

Baldur’s Gate III is a worthy successor to the revered Baldur’s Gate series, and it’s no small feat for it to capture the series’ focus on storytelling and story-driven progress, intense combat, and demand for well-thought-out strategy. It’s not just a nostalgia trip though; Baldur’s Gate III injects fresh ideas into the formula, making it a must-play for both fans and newcomers to the genre.

This was one of the most anticipated games of 2023 before it came out. Everyone knew that Larian Studios was amazing at tackling turn-based mechanics, as evident from previous titles like Divinity 2. The excitement was mainly over adapting the classic D&D setting and lore for a turn-based game. Choose your RPG classes, races, and abilities for an unforgettable adventure. If you’re a fan of tabletop RPGs, Baldur’s Gate will have everything you could want.

3. The Banner Saga 3

This is the third and final game in this Viking-inspired trilogy, concluding with an emotionally resonant narrative. It’s a tactical RPG that masterfully blends challenging turn-based combat with deep strategic choices that can have lasting consequences. With an evocative soundtrack and compelling story that delves into themes of survival, loss, and difficult decisions, it’s a game fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.

The game’s primary focus is on player choice, and it extends far beyond combat. Each choice can impact your caravan and the overall narrative, giving weight to each decision you make. The Banner Saga 3’s powerful and moving experience will stay with you long after you finish it — a must-play for anyone seeking a narrative-driven and emotionally impactful gaming experience.

4. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a captivating JRPG that blends turn-based combat with a unique and deeply emotional storyline. This game takes players on a poignant journey through a world on the brink of collapse. It provides a thought-provoking experience and innovative mechanics that encourage experimentation and critical thinking.

The game’s visually stunning world has a distinctive art style that blends 2D and 3D elements. Its characters are richly developed, and their stories are woven into the overarching narrative in a meaningful way. Metaphor: ReFantazio tackles mature themes but manages to do it with sensitivity and grace, making it a game you’ll never forget.

5. Fallout 2

Fallout 2 plunges you into a darkly humorous post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear war. You take on the role of the Vault Dweller’s grandchild, tasked with saving your struggling desert village by finding a mysterious device called the Garden of Eden Creation Kit (GECK).

The journey is fraught with danger, with raiders, mutants, and rival factions vying for power in the wasteland. Fallout 2 offers a unique blend of exploration, turn-based combat, and quirky dialogue choices that can drastically alter the course of the story.

Anyone who has played the games or seen the show knows that the world in which Fallout takes place is very dark. The humorous undertone does a great job of making that world seem less bleak, giving it a sense of normalcy within the horror.

6. Persona 5

Persona 5 injects a fresh dose of style into the turn-based RPG genre. This critically acclaimed JRPG throws you into the alternate reality of a Tokyo high school student by day and a phantom thief by night.  

By wielding Personas, manifestations of rebellion based on mythology, you battle corrupt adults and challenge the oppressive systems they uphold. Persona 5 seamlessly blends stylish turn-based combat with social simulation elements, where you build relationships with confidantes and navigate the complexities of social life.

Granted, the game paints a funny scenario that I’m sure rebellious teenagers in Tokyo daydream about, but it remains a very creative take on the turn-based mechanic. Its blend of elegant combat and social sim mechanics works well with time management and calendar systems. Its unique aesthetic combining anime and graphic design puts Persona 5 on the list of examples to measure up to both on gameplay and art levels.

7. Sea of Stars

Fans of classic turn-based RPGs are sure to feel some nostalgia as they embrace the charm of Sea of Stars. The game has an incredible soundtrack, gorgeous 2D animation, and an engaging combat system. It seamlessly blends turn-based strategy with real-time action elements and has a heartwarming and humorous story. 

The world within the game has vibrant environments to explore and interesting characters that bring the world to life through engaging encounters. This game is a labor of love from the developers that offers a great experience to longtime fans of the genre and newcomers alike. From the pixel art to the carefully crafted soundtrack, you can tell the developers paid attention to detail in all aspects of the game.

8. Octopath Traveler 2

Octopath Traveler II, a new turn-based RPG and follow-up to the popular original, boasts a stunning HD-2D art style that blends pixel art with 3D environments. Each of the eight protagonists possesses their own storyline and motivations, offering a decent bit of narrative experiences to explore.  

The innovative turn-based combat system allows you to break enemy defenses and unleash powerful attacks, while the Path Actions mechanic lets you interact with the world and NPCs in unique ways based on your chosen character.

9. Valkyria Chronicles 4

The fourth installment of Valkyria Chronicles blends tactical RPG combat with an engaging story set during the devastating Second Europan War. This game follows a new cast of characters as they fight for freedom against oppressive imperial forces. It has a beautifully hand-drawn watercolor aesthetic that gives the world a remarkable look as you deal with themes of war and loss. 

The game’s unique Battle of Live Tactical Zones (BLiTZ) combat system combines real-time strategy with turn-based elements. The combat experience is the true highlight of the game, as it gives players a dynamic and engaging experience. Valkyria Chronicles 4 is extremely polished and delivers a strategic depth that’s satisfying for gamers who enjoy a challenge.

10. Wasteland 3

This post-apocalyptic RPG delivers a gritty and morally ambiguous experience. Developed by inXile Entertainment, the game throws players into a bleak and unforgiving world where survival is paramount. The game features branching storylines, where each decision impacts the narrative and fate of the characters. Fans of this game love the sharp and witty dialogue that has a splash of dark humor to contrast the harsh realities of the game’s world.

Wasteland 3’s turn-based combat is tactical and challenging, requiring careful planning and strategic resource management. As you play, you’ll explore the frozen wastelands of Colorado and may even recognize some of the state’s distinct locations. This game offers challenging and rewarding gameplay — perfect for those who enjoy deep, tactical combat.

How To Choose the Best Turn-Based RPG

While the turn-based genre is a highly underused and underappreciated kind of gaming that doesn’t get nearly as many new titles a year as it should, there are many fantastic turn-based RPGs to choose from, and picking the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Here are some key criteria to consider:

• Gameplay mechanics: Do you crave strategic, complex combat that requires careful planning, or are you looking for something more streamlined and accessible? Some RPGs emphasize character customization and party building, while others offer unique mechanics like deck building or monster collecting.
• Story quality: Are you drawn to epic adventures with memorable characters, or do you prefer a quirky, humorous narrative? Turn-based RPGs excel at weaving intricate stories, and some even allow your choices to shape the world around you.
• Character development: Do you enjoy putting together the build for a powerful warrior or a cunning mage, or would you rather explore a pre-defined character with a unique backstory? Many RPGs offer deep character customization options, letting you tailor your playstyle and abilities with ability scores and perks.
• Replayability: Do you want a single, unforgettable experience, or are you looking for a game you can revisit and discover new things each time? Some RPGs offer branching narratives and high difficulty, encouraging multiple playthroughs.

Ultimately, a good turn-based RPG is the one that scratches every itch for you. This list provides a diverse range of titles, so a unique RPG is waiting to be explored, whether you crave classic adventures, strategic depth, or innovative mechanics.

These games excel at creating a captivating blend of strategy, character growth, and storytelling. The turn-based structure allows for thoughtful decision-making and tactical execution in combat, while the emphasis on character development lets you forge a connection with your party and their journey. This unique combination is what makes turn-based RPGs such a rewarding and immersive genre. Are you on the hunt for an unforgettable gaming experience? Check out even more incredible RPG games that will introduce you to new worlds and stories to explore.

Turn-Based RPG FAQ

Since the turn-based element is specifically a game mechanic, there are a lot of games that span different genres and themes while still maintaining that element. If you’re curious about what makes a turn-based RPG tick, here are the most commonly asked questions on the topic:

What Is a Turn-Based RPG? 

Turn-based RPG is a type of game in which actions are taken one turn at a time, giving each player and each character in the game the time to act independently of the others. For these games, time is stretched so that every character can make a move in their own time, similar to chess.

What Is the Hardest Turn-Based RPG?

There’s some debate around the hardest turn-based RPGs since “hard” is subjective, but games like Octopath Traveler, The 7th Saga, and Breath of Fire II are known for being more difficult than others.

What RPG Has The Best Turn-Based Combat?

RPGs like Final Fantasy VII, Baldur’s Gate III, and Fallout 2 have unique turn-based combat. It all depends on the gamer’s preference. For example, Baldur’s Gate III incorporates a fantasy combat style, while Fallout 2 has a post-apocalyptic level of realism, making its combat completely different.

Is Baldur’s Gate Turn-Based? 

Yes, Baldur’s Gate III is a turn-based RPG, one of the most anticipated games of its genre and type in 2023. It incorporates fantasy elements such as magic, melee combat, and D&D-inspired lore.