The 10 Best Turn-Based RPGs You Must Play in 2024

Turn-based RPGs (roleplaying games) offer a unique blend of strategic combat and story development. As a genre, turn-based games are less about the high adrenaline of live combat and more about strategic decision-making and risking your playthrough on a gamble that might not even work.

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. They masterfully inject RPG elements for story and context while letting the turn-based mechanics slow gameplay down long enough for you to enjoy it. While there are quite a few titles out there, only a few stand out. These are the 10 best turn-based RPGs you absolutely should play in 2024.

The Best Turn-Based RPGs

1. Final Fantasy VII

2. Baldur’s Gate III  

3. Pokémon Red/Blue

4. Chrono Trigger

5. Fallout 2

6. Persona 5

7. Divinity: Original Sin 2

8. Octopath Traveler 2

9. Undertale

10. Slay the Spire

1. Final Fantasy VII

• Genre: JRPG (Japanese role-playing game)
• Release date: 1997
• Platforms: PlayStation (originally), PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile
• Gameplay features: Turn-based combat with Materia customization system for spells and abilities, exploration of a vast world, mini games
• Developer: Square Enix
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Fans of classic JRPGs, turn-based combat with strategic depth, memorable characters, and story

Few titles hold a loftier place in the RPG hall of fame than Final Fantasy VII. Released in 1997, this epic adventure propelled the genre into the mainstream with its captivating story, stunning visuals (for the time), and innovative turn-based combat. The game remains an example of how influential a video game can be. Its story, aesthetic, and characters are well remembered, keeping this title a true classic that has persevered since its release.

2. Baldur’s Gate III

• Genre: RPG
• Release date: 2023
• Platforms: PC (early access)
• Gameplay features: Enhanced turn-based combat with environmental interactions and focus on character positioning, deep character creation with origin stories, cooperative play
• Developer: Larian Studios
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Those who prefer deep character customization and branching narratives in RPGs, strategic turn-based combat with tactical depth, a cooperative RPG experience

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. Pokémon Red/Blue

• Genre: JRPG
• Release date: 1996
• Platforms: Game Boy (originally), Nintendo 3DS, Switch
• Gameplay features: Turn-based combat, exploration of a vast region, collecting all 151 Pokémon
• Developer: Nintendo
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Casual gamers and children who want a classic JRPG experience with easy-to-learn mechanics

Those of us who were fortunate enough to remember these games will also remember that they were so good that they became a cornerstone of the gaming world. Pokémon Red and Blue are the iconic Game Boy RPGs that introduced monster-collecting gameplay back in 1996 and have become a global phenomenon.

Players embark on a journey to become a Pokémon Master, capturing, training, and battling a variety of fantastical creatures. The simple yet addictive turn-based combat, exploration, and collection mechanics continue to captivate players today on modern iterations like Pokémon Shield.

While turn-based RPGs are often centered around story-driven events and progression, this game is a perfect choice for those who admire the genre but still want a more casual approach to gaming — one where the story and progression are less of a focus compared to the “collector” gameplay, where you collect and gather items or goals for the ultimate personal collection.

4. Chrono Trigger

• Genres: JRPG, time travel RPG
• Release date: 1995
• Platforms: SNES (originally), Nintendo DS, PC, mobile
• Gameplay features: Turn-based, time-travel, multi-ending storyline
• Developer: Square Enix
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Gamers who appreciate intricate narratives with branching paths and replay value

Chrono Trigger, a timeless classic developed by the "Dream Team" of JRPG creators (Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yuji Horii, and Akira Toriyama, titans of the industry who worked on timeless games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, and cartoons such as the Dragon Ball franchise), is recognized for its innovative gameplay and captivating story. It transcends the genre by weaving time-travel mechanics into the narrative, allowing you to explore different eras across history, from the prehistoric past to a distant future.

Your choices ripple through time, impacting the world and offering multiple endings to discover. The time-travel mechanics are especially impressive, adding a touch of mystery and putting multiple endings within reach. This makes Chrono Trigger fun to replay time and time again.

5. Fallout 2

• Genre: Post-apocalyptic RPG
• Release date: 1998
• Platforms: PC (originally), PlayStation, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Dark humor and mature themes, open-world exploration with branching narratives and choice-driven consequences
• Developer: Black Isle Studios
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Gamers who enjoy a fun take on a post-apocalyptic setting with an open world to explore

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

• Genre: JRPG
• Release date: 2016
• Platforms: PS3, PS4 (originally), PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: A unique combat system with strategic depth and character customization
• Developer: P Studio, Atlus
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Gamers who enjoy a light-hearted theme and setting for their turn-based RPG

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. Divinity: Original Sin 2

• Genre: Open-world RPG
• Release date: 2017
• Platforms: PC (originally), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Rich world reactivity to player choices, deep character customization with unique origin stories, cooperative play option for up to four players, environmental puzzles integrated into combat
• Developer: Larian Studios
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Fans of open-world exploration with impactful decisions and a rich storyline

Divinity: Original Sin 2 carves its own path in the turn-based RPG landscape. For a long time, Divinity was the modern masterpiece of turn-based games. With an entire world and story for you to experience, the stage is set for all the choices, pathways, and moral problems you might run into.

Explore a vast open world, experience deep character customization, and assemble a party of up to three companions for cooperative gameplay. Divinity will test your team-building ability and punish you for any mistakes.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a masterclass in turn-based combat, with environmental elements that can be manipulated to your advantage and tactical depth that will challenge your strategic thinking. This is the type of game that makes you feel like your choices matter. Just like Baldur’s Gate III, there are a lot of ways to play this game, making it a highly replayable title.

8. Octopath Traveler 2

• Genre: JRPG
• Release date: 2023
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC 
• Gameplay features: Character-based story, day and night cycles, HD-2D graphics 
• Developer: Square Enix
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Those who value stunning visuals and innovative art styles

Octopath Traveler 2, a 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. Undertale

• Genre: Indie RPG
• Release date: 2015
• Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Linux, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Turn-based combat with a unique "bullet hell" dodging mechanic, Non-violent options, multiple endings
• Developer: Toby Fox
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Gamers who appreciate quirky humor and unconventional RPG experiences

Undertale defies conventional RPG expectations with its charming pixel art style, quirky humor, and emphasis on player choice. This indie darling goes beyond traditional combat mechanics, offering the option to befriend monsters through nonviolent means.  

Your choices throughout the game have real consequences, impacting the narrative and characters in surprising ways. Undertale's emotional storytelling and innovative mechanics garnered a passionate fanbase and solidified its place as a landmark indie game.

10. Slay the Spire

• Genre: Deck-building roguelike RPG
• Release date: 2017
• Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile
• Gameplay features: Deck building, strategy, synergy, card acquisition and collection, enemy variety, multiple characters and unlockables
• Developer: Mega Crit
• Payment model: Single purchase
• Best for: Fans of card battle games and turn-based combat that’s more focused on collecting items than following a story

Ascend a treacherous spire teeming with monsters in Slay the Spire, a unique blend of deck-building and roguelike RPG elements. Craft a powerful deck of cards as you battle your way up, strategically selecting cards that enhance your attacks, defenses, and abilities. The game is indeed a turn-based RPG but stands out from the rest in its card-based nature.

Slay the Spire offers a captivating loop of dungeon crawling, deck optimization, and boss conquering. Since every playthrough offers a different set of challenges and card combinations, you'll constantly be refining your strategy and deck-building skills.

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, the games you need to try, and why.

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, the best 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?

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 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.