10 Best turn-based RPGs to play in 2026

Edelgard pointing in a commanding stance in Fire Emblem: Three Houses — (Image credit: Nintendo)

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There has never been a better time to dive into the best turn-based RPGs. The sub-genre has seen a massive push into the mainstream recently, thanks to recent Game of the Year Award winners such as Baldur's Gate 3, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. As a long-time fan of turn-based titles, it's been amazing to see more people get aboard the tactical train.

However, new fans and veterans alike may be wondering: what are truly the best RPGs to play next? Well, that's where this list comes in handy. Below, I've rounded up the 10 greatest turn-based RPGs that are worth trying out in 2026, with the kind of vibe you expect from (you can find out more about that in our FAQ section). From underrated indie gems, JRPG classics, and modern masterpieces, no pixelated stone has been left unturned. There are plenty of upcoming RPGs still on their way, so this ranking may change in the future.

The best turn-based RPGs, starting with...

10. Wildermyth

In Wildermyth, an archer and a wizard fight against two creatures on a turn-based grid — (Image credit: World Walker Games LLC / WhisperGames)

Release date: June 15, 2021
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Quick Play

Wildermyth is an amazing indie game that really deserves more recognition in the turn-based space. At its core, it follows the typical table-top rules in terms of levelling and facing enemies, but it also brings some fresh mechanics to the genre that really makes it stand out from the rest of the pack. On your journey, every choice you make for your characters can influence various buffs during battle. For instance, if your lover is wounded, you'll react. Similarly if you have a rival, you'll try to match them all the time.

This character focused gameplay keeps turn-based combat unpredictable and also makes you very invested in all your party's relationships. Wildermyth is also one of the best multiplayer turn-based offerings that I've personally experienced thanks to this relationship focus. Time also moves fast here and you get to see your characters retire and forge legacies, which is really neat too.

9. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

In Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, protagonist Ichi and Kiryu fight alongside companions, taking to turns to land hits against enemies on a beach — (Image credit: Sega)

Release date: January 25, 2024
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Expect the Unexpected

While the beginning of the Yakuza franchise were beat-em up games, the Like a Dragon outings use turn-based combat, and the 2024 game, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, does it the best. Unlike the previous Like a Dragon game, Infinite Wealth's combat allows for better movement, tactical plays, and proximity based attacks. Honestly, it's a marvel how the turn-based combat can feel like a true brawl as you pummel thugs into the ground.

The game follows the story of Yakuza members Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu being thrown into a large conspiracy in Hawaii, where you get the best of both turn-based and beat'em worlds. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is also packed with some goofy and silly moments that really give this RPG personality. The main story itself is enthralling, but in our Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review, we also pointed out all the amazing side content such as Dondoko Island.

8. In Stars and Time

In Stars and Time shows the party in combat performing a combo move together in turn-based combat — (Image credit: Armor Game Studios)

Release date: November 20, 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch
Vibe: Chill Out

In Stars and Time starts with you setting out as the protagonist Siffrin to defeat the evil king, and…um…dying. A bit of a bummer, but don't worry, it turns out that you and your party of loveable companions are trapped in a time loop. I'm always a bit wary with this kind of set up, but In Stars and Time's time loop premise creates a really unique turn based experience since you are essentially playing the end of a grand adventure.

As you make your way through the evil king's castle, combat has a rock, paper, scissors-style weakness triangle. These encounters keep you on your toes, and Siffrin's time loop ability lets them keep all their EXP even if they die. However, their party doesn't, making everything feel a bit more tricky to manage. All in all, it's a unique experience, and with its charming art style and likable writing, In Stars and Time will keep you coming back for more.

7. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the party take on a Lancelier Alpha in turn-based combat — (Image credit: Kepler Interactive)

Release date: April 24, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best games of 2025, and truly is one of the most memorable turn-based RPGs I've ever played. Not only is its story grand and beautiful, but it also combines real-time combat mechanics with its turn-based formula for parrying and dodging attacks, which are not only uber satisfying, but also makes the game feel more alive with each enemy encounter.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's detailed and action-packed combat mechanics meshes perfectly with its high-stakes story. Set in a world where a villain known as the paintress causes people to disappear every year, you take on the role of the members of Expedition 33, whose mission is to stop her once and for all. In our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review, we point out how the game feels like a blend between Persona and Sekiro. It's a must-play, folks.

6. Octopath Traveller 0

In Octopath Traveler 0, the party fights a giant in turn-based combat during which the foe is struck by lightning and takes heavy damage — (Image credit: Square Enix)

Release date: December 4, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Chill Out

As we mentioned in our Octopath Traveller 0 review, this 2025 game is the "strongest entry in this retro-styled JRPG series yet" thanks to its sharpened focus on tactical gameplay. This is the prequel to the Octopath Traveller games, where instead of picking from a cast of pre-established characters you create your own hero, with their own backstory and class. After creating your hero you'll embark on adventures adapted from the free-to-play gacha game, Octopath Traveller: Champions of the Continent.

Basically, it's a classic revenge tale, and one where you'll recruit heroes, and engage in multiple enemy encounters. However, this time, battles can include up to eight party members, and they can be swapped out freely, creating more aggressive fights than past games. As you gather up boosts on the battlefield, damage can be pretty wild and very satisfying to dish out. Octopath Traveller 0 is bigger, it's better, and very much worth your attention.

5. Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition

In Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, three characters in the party fight a dragon — (Image credit: Square Enix)

Release date: September 27, 2019
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Vibe: Chill Out

Most of us already know that Dragon Quest 11 is one of the best JRPGs of all time, so of course it had to make my list of the greatest turn-based outings as well. While most of the games on this list offer some kind of new mechanic to the classic turn-based formula, Dragon Quest 11 is effective because of its simplicity.

You play as a hero who must defeat an ancient dark evil, classic fantasy stuff. Combat is basic party turn based battling, leveling up is linear, and there aren't many customization options available. It's essentially one of the purest takes in terms of JRPG conventions, and if you're after nostalgic combat, there's really no better option out there. It's simple, but done extremely well, and you'll sink hours into it in no time at all. If you still aren't convinced, check out our glowing Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition review for more information.

4. Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

In Pokemon LeafGreen, a trainer encounters a wild Snorlax — (Image credit: Nintendo)

Release date: February 27, 2026
Platforms: Switch, Switch 2
Vibe: Quick Play

No turn-based RPG list is complete without mentioning Game Freak's iconic creature collector franchise, Pokemon. And, Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen are brilliant remakes of the very first Pokemon games that started all our obsessions with these adorable battling partners. Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen entire DNA centers around turn-based mechanics. You play as a young Pokemon Trainer who sets out in the wild world in order to catch Pokemon and then form a team of them in order to win battles and make your way through the ranks.

The gameplay is very straightforward, but there's something addictive about trying to "catch them all" as well as memorizing what types of Pokemon are strongest against other types of Pokemon when planning your next gym battle. These remakes feel like a warm hug and are very easy to jump into for those of us with busy schedules. Not only are they some of the best Pokemon games around, but they were also recently ported for the Switch and Switch 2. So you can easily pick up and play them today!

3. Baldur's Gate 3

In Baldur's Gate 3 during turn-based combat, a druid using thorn whip on a greater zombie — (Image credit: Larian Studios)

Release date: August 3, 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven

Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece and also gives us the best replication of table-top combat currently out there. Using the same rules as Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, your abilities (based on your choice of class and leveling-up decisions) are incredibly detailed, and not only can be used to strike enemies directly, but also to tactically manipulate the environment around you.

Baldur's Gate 3 is set in the Forgotten Realms and its story is broken into three distinct (and massive) acts. Your experience of the journey involving Mind Flare antics and plenty of "world destroying" conflicts is really based on how you build your character and the choices you make with each encounter. Turn-based combat here is creative, can change at a dime and needs to be tactical. But it's also incredibly fun for both newbies and veterans alike. For more details, read our Baldur's Gate 3 review.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the students moved around a grid in turn-based combat — (Image credit: Nintendo)

Release date: July 26, 2019
Platform(s): Switch
Vibe: Story-driven

A lot of the turn-based outings on our list revolve around a single hero or party format. However, in Fire Emblem: Three Houses you're taking charge of full armies. It's a tactical game that also offers enough respite with engaging characters as you take on the role of a professor for one of the game's three main houses. In our Fire Emblem: Three Houses review, we mentioned how this formula makes for "a masterclass in emotionally gripping tactics".

The traditional weapon triangle isn't a focus, instead you'll train up units which will give you new moves to counter enemies, giving a deeper feeling of progression as you need to give your forces more attention. You're also going to need to pay attention to these mechanics as Fire Emblem: Three Houses can be challenging and ask you to rethink strategies. I loved the combat in this entry, and it, paired with the story and likable characters, has easily made it my top recommendation for RPG fans with a Nintendo Switch.

1. Persona 5 Royal

In Persona 5 Royal, Skull hits an enemy in turn-based combat — (Image credit: Sega)

Release date: October 31, 2019
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Expect the Unexpected

Honestly, I could have put most of Atlus's games on this list, but Persona 5 is still the best Persona game ever made, and also refines a lot of combat issues from past games. Here you play as a high schooler in Tokyo who is framed for assault and transfers schools. Over the new school year he, along with other characters, awakens special powers where they can dive into a new realm and steal the hearts of evil adults.

The combat revolves around dungeon crawling and using summoned Personas to perform special attacks. Social sim elements are interwoven into the game and relationship progression can unlock new abilities as well as Personas. You can get really tactical with these Persona's too, as there are a lot of options to combine and raise stats. Each dungeon feels unique and each enemy encounter is fun and never feels like a chore either. I really recommend playing this one and picking up the extended version of the game, Persona 5 Royal, since it's even more polished and adds more content. For more, read our Persona 5 review.

Best turn-based RPGs FAQs

How do we pick our entries for the best turn-based RPGs?

Every entry in our list of the best turn-based RPGs has been played by me and is then vetted by a few other genre experts on the team. We prioritize titles where we loved the turn-based mechanics, be that due to polish or innovation. We also always keep in mind that these recommendations are for gamers to play right now. So, while both new games and classics are considered, we are always measuring picks next to modern standards. So if some trailblazers are missing, it's likely due to the fact that they are pretty inaccessible today or just missed out compared to newer offerings.