15 JRPGs To Play If You Like Octopath Traveler 2 (2025)

The JRPG subgenre has seen a general and welcome resurgence in mainstream gaming and Square Enix's Octopath Traveler paved the way for the perfect marriage of the nostalgic 16-bit days with modern advancements. Octopath Traveler II has been similarly praised for improving the foundations of its predecessor.

Octopath Traveler 2 serves as a great jumping-on point for new genre fans and longtime veterans. Should players feel immersed in the HD-2D world of Octopath Traveler II, several other JRPG titles are worth looking into. These titles range from Square's Live A Live remake to all-time classics like Chrono Trigger.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on December 12, 2024: The Octopath Traveler series has become a modern retro hit, leading many to seek out games like Octopath Traveler. From classic RPGs to newer works and remakes, there are several must-play titles for those who liked the old-school-oriented games. This is only stronger with Octopath Traveler II having been out for a while now, so fans in need of games like Octopath Traveler II.

15 Final Fantasy IX Is Still a Fan-Favorite

Original Platform: Sony PlayStation

Several groups of fans will give different answers as to which is the best mainline Final Fantasy game, but Square Enix has undoubtedly been spoiled by the sheer quality of the franchise. For many, the excellent Final Fantasy IX is a major contender in that debate. Taking things back to a more old-school manner, FFIX departed from the modernized (and even futuristic) aesthetic of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII.

While the Final Fantasy franchise has moved on from pixel art graphics at this point in the mainline series, it retains all the grandiose high-fantasy storytelling and character drama one would want coming off of Octopath Traveler II. Final Fantasy IX doesn't feature the same narrative gimmicks. Still, it features a varied cast of characters with unique viewpoints on the overall story, all complemented by an easy-to-grasp turn-based combat system.

Final Fantasy 9

JRPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 81/100 Critics Recommend: 81%

Franchise

Final Fantasy

Platform(s)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS1, Android, iOS, PC

Released

July 7, 2000

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer

Engine

Unity

ESRB

T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

14 Chrono Trigger Is an Uncontested Classic

Original Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

The '90s was a golden era of JRPGs, with many games released on the likes of the Super Nintendo and original PlayStation that greatly influenced the subgenre. Square Enix was, to no surprise, a major driving force in this. As a result, the JRPG subgenre owes much of its perseverance to Chrono Trigger. It's not just a game like Octopath Traveler, but one of the finest titles of its time.

Like with Octopath, Chrono Trigger has a colorful cast of unique characters joining the protagonist's party to help keep the overarching story refreshing. It features an impressively anachronistic tale too, with the narrative taking the party of characters on an adventure that spans space and time. Even today, its accessible turn-based combat mechanics hold up just as well as its charming retro art style.

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger may be one of the oldest entries on this list however there is nothing outdated about this gaming experience. Chrono Trigger is developed by the same minds that brought us the famed Final Fantasy series. It’s no surprise that yet another RPG franchise of theirs would receive widespread acclaim. The game was first released on the SNES in 1995. Today the most accessible version of the game is the Nintendo DS port.

The gameplay contains standard RPG elements. A 2D world is navigated via a top down view of the map. If an enemy appears in the over world simply make contact to trigger a battle. The battling system uses hit points and stats to dictate the flow. If a character’s hit points reach zero they faint. If a member of your party faints the game must be restarted from a previous save point. This gives the game a high level of difficulty seeing as players must ensure that their party remains healthy throughout the journey. Players can equip items and accessories to increase stats. This leads to a simple battle system that players can easily grasp.

The three main attractions when it comes to Chrono Trigger are graphics, plot and sound. Upon release the graphics were praised for being way ahead of their time. Furthermore legendary Dragon Ball author Akira Toriyama heads the art and character design. His wonderfully iconic art style is brought to life with fantastic graphics. The plot includes time travel elements. Traditionally time travel is a red flag due to overly complex plot details. Thankfully this game keeps it relatively simple and uses time travel to enhance the highly original plot. Finally the music provided unprecedented levels of quality. Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda the Chrono Trigger soundtrack is believed to have changed the landscape of video game music for the better.

RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Platform(s)

SNES, PlayStation (Original), PC, Nintendo DS, Android, iOS

Released

March 11, 1995

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Multiplayer

Local Co-Op

Engine

Cocos Creator Engine

ESRB

T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

How Long To Beat

23 Hours

13 Dragon Quest IV: Chapters Of The Chosen Revolutionized the Series

Original Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System

Final Fantasy is undoubtedly the first property to come to most fans' minds when they think of Square Enix, but the classic Dragon Quest franchise has an equally historic place within the publisher and the subgenre's history. There are many excellent entries within this expansive series, but Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen might be the best fit for Octopath fans conceptually.

A classic JRPG, Dragon Quest IV was also regarded as a game-changer for the mainline series on the original Nintendo since it broke up the narrative structure into something new. Unlike its contemporaries, the game was split into five chapters (six as of the PS1 remake). The first four had the player alternate between different protagonists before they all came together to thwart the tyrannical villain. This makes it analogous to the stories in games like Octopath Traveler.

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is a classic RPG where players embark on a quest across multiple chapters, each focusing on different characters and their unique stories. Featuring turn-based combat, a rich narrative, and deep character development, the game offers a compelling adventure through a vibrant fantasy world.

JRPG

Systems

Franchise

Dragon Quest

Platform(s)

Nintendo Entertainment System, Android, iOS, Nintendo DS

Released

February 11, 1990

Developer

Enix, ArtePiazza, Square Enix, Spike Chunsoft, Cattle Call, Heartbeat

Publisher

Enix, ArtePiazza, Square Enix, Spike Chunsoft, Cattle Call, Heartbeat

Engine

unity

ESRB

t

How Long To Beat

40 hours

12 Final Fantasy VI Was the Best of the Classic Games

Original Platform: Nintendo Entertainment

In terms of Final Fantasy debates, Final Fantasy VI is another heavily lauded installment that belongs in the discussion of the best in the mainline series. The game remains a benchmark in the franchise and the genre as a whole. It earned acclaim through its presentation, gameplay, and deeply engrossing story about overcoming authoritarianism.

Final Fantasy VI presents one of the franchise's most visually stunning settings, combining elements of high fantasy with steampunk sci-fi inspired by the Second Industrial Revolution. It also features a stunning 14-character cast of playable heroes, who all feel like unique protagonists in their own right.

Final Fantasy VI

JRPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Franchise

Final Fantasy

Platform(s)

Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PlayStation (Original), Game Boy Advance, PC, Android, iOS

Released

April 2, 1994

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square

ESRB

Teen // Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity

How Long To Beat

34 hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

Playable

How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)

59.5 hours

11 Bravely Second: End Layer Continued the Quality of Its Predecessor

Original Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Bravely Default was already one of the modern JRPGs like Octopath Traveler, and just like the latter game, it was made with older fans in mind. The same was the case with Bravely Second: End Layer, which continued the same formula. To this end, it was a classic turn-based JRPG, with additions such as "chain battles" keeping the formula fresh.

Bravely Second is perfect for gamers wanting a classic experience, especially after Octopath Traveler. For this reason, it was heavily praised upon release and was seen as one of the best of many incredible 3DS RPGs. The only real drawback is that it was still fairly close to what made the previous game good, but given how good it was, this was a minor problem for an otherwise great game.

Bravely Second: End Layer

JRPG

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 83/100 Critics Recommend: 77%

Platform(s)

3DS

Released

April 15, 2016

Developer(s)

Silicon Studio

Publisher(s)

Nintendo, Square Enix

Engine

unity

ESRB

T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

10 Child of Light Is a 10-Year-Old Platforming RPG

Original Platform: Windows, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Wii U

Child of Light was a fairly experimental game from 2014 that made a major splash in the genre at the time. Combining platforming elements with concepts cribbed from the classic Final Fantasy games, it took aspects of turn-based games like Octopath Traveler and made them fresh again. This, when combined with an incredible art style, made for a game much different than other RPGs at the time.

When RPGs were largely beginning to shift to action-based mechanics, Child of Light stood out as a reminder of older elements. At the same time, it didn't squander its potential with mere nostalgia and instead pushed the envelope further in terms of what turn-based games could be like. Though the intended sequel was never made, the first and only game is a testament to the creativity and beauty seen in the genre.

Child of Light

A young girl named Aroura, is presumed dead in late 19th century Austria. She wakes up in the mysterious and dark land of Lemuria. Her only goal is to find her way back to her father, but she meets unexpected friends along the way.

RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 83/100 Critics Recommend: 80%

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch, Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia

Released

April 30, 2014

Developer(s)

Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer

Engine

UbiArt Framework

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

How Long To Beat

11 Hours

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

9 Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light Took Things Back to Basics

Original Platform: Nintendo DS

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Square Enix was about to embark upon a decade in which the Final Fantasy franchise constantly experimented and reinvented itself. At the same time, there was still a sense of respect for the series' roots, as seen in Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light. Intentionally made to homage to classic NES and SNES Final Fantasy games, the overlooked DS title is perfect for those looking for games like Octopath Traveler.

Sort of a Final Fantasy side story, The 4 Heroes of Light is simple in the best ways. Acting as JRPG comfort food, the game feels like a polished and streamlined take on the older games without feeling too old or cumbersome. While it was only one of several titles in the series on the Nintendo DS, it's also one of the best, and it later spawned Bravely Default as a spiritual successor.

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light

JRPG

Franchise

Final Fantasy

Platform(s)

Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS

Released

October 5, 2010

Developer

Matrix Software

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer

Engine

unreal engine

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language

How Long To Beat

33 Hours

8 Chrono Cross Deserves the Same Reverence as Its Predecessor

Original Platform: Sony PlayStation

Chrono Cross was the sequel to the acclaimed Chrono Cross, and it was very well-received in its own right. A beautiful RPG at a time when such games were increasingly common, Chrono Cross helped cement the PS1 as the home of great JRPGs. Unfortunately, it still didn't quite live up to the iconic nature of the first game, which made it relatively overlooked in comparison.

Despite its lack of similar reverence, Chrono Cross is a must-play for RPG lovers. One of the best parts of Chrono Cross is the subtly tragic storyline, which deals with the idea of parallel worlds. It was recently rereleased on modern consoles, so those who've only played the first or who want to find games like Octopath Traveler would do well to play the PS1 classic.

Chrono Cross

A 1999 JRPG developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. A remaster released in 2022 for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

JRPG

Systems

Platform(s)

PS1, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

Released

August 15, 2000

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square, Square Enix

ESRB

T For Teen due to Animated Violence, Mild Language

7 Persona 3 Reload Is the Best Version of the Game

Original Platform: Sony PlayStation 4, Sony PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 forever changed the Persona franchise, giving it a sort of bubble gum chic and setting the stage for its eclipsing the main series. For a long time, the game has been stuck on older consoles, but the recent Persona 3 Reload remade it from the ground up and provided the best version of the story yet. While its modern elements don't make it immediately comparable to games like Octopath Traveler, Persona 3 Reload is one of the best in its franchise and among the best modern JPRGs.

Like the games it inspired, Persona 3 and its recent remake combine RPG elements with those of a dating sim/social simulator. The music, art, and battle system are expressive and colorful, making for a game that refines the turn-based experience to a gleeful science. With the final DLC released for the game, now is the time to enjoy this epic and revolutionary game in its best form.

See Also

Octopath Traveler 2: Who To Start With

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Persona 3 Reload

Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour "hidden" between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever.

Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.

JRPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 88/100 Critics Recommend: 96%

Franchise

Persona

Platform(s)

PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5

Released

February 2, 2024

Developer(s)

P-Studio

Publisher(s)

Atlus

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

50 Hours

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

6 Chained Echoes Is a Recent RPG Hit

Original Platform: Linux, Mac, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation 4, Sony PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S

Outside of triple-A gaming publishers and developers, the subgenre has also been thriving in the indie scene. Some smaller studios have been putting their own spin on the nostalgic golden era of JRPGs. In that regard, Matthias Linda's Chained Echoes was a massive — and surprise — critical hit from what's now been a few years ago.

Chained Echoes is a love letter to the classic era of JRPGs, drawing from acclaimed titles like Suikoden and Final Fantasy. The game also features a narrative spanning multiple characters and a high fantasy setting, which should feel welcoming for Octopath fans. Even so, the game stands as a great achievement on its own terms, making strides in modernizing the subgenre's approach to turn-based combat.

Chained Echoes

Take up your sword, channel your magic, or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit SNES-style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits. Follow a group of heroes as they explore a land filled to the brim with charming characters, fantastic landscapes, and vicious foes. Can you bring peace to a continent where war has been waged for generations and betrayal lurks around every corner?

RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 90/100 Critics Recommend: 95%

Platform(s)

PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Released

December 8, 2022

Developer(s)

Matthias Linda

Publisher(s)

Deck13 Interactive

Engine

Unity

ESRB

M17+ For Mature 17+ Due To Sexual Themes, Strong Language

How Long To Beat

35 Hours

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

5 Bravely Default II Is Even Better Than the First

Original Platform: Nintendo Switch and Windows

The original Bravely Default for the Nintendo 3DS was a massive hit for the subgenre on the handheld. And while its sequel didn't achieve the same level of acclaim, Bravely Default II is a solid JRPG effort and the most accessible game in the series. Since the likes of Tomoya Asano — who headed the Octopath Traveler games — were behind the first game, some gameplay conventions should feel familiar.

While Bravely Default II focuses on a tighter roster of heroes, these four characters come together from different backgrounds to help Princess Gloria retrieve the four elemental crystals of her homeland. The narrative style should make players feel at home from Octopath Traveler II, and the turn-based combat system's focus on experimenting with Job features should feel equally similar.

Bravely Default 2

JRPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 78/100 Critics Recommend: 69%

Platform(s)

Switch, PC

Released

February 26, 2021

Developer

Claytechworks

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence

How Long To Beat

50 Hours

Metascore

83

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

$49 at Amazon

4 Live A Live Is Now Available for Modern Gamers to Enjoy

Original Platform: Super Famicom

While many JRPGs have been widely beloved and released globally, some never saw launches outside Japan. Live A Live for the Super Nintendo was one such game and the recent remake was a welcome JRPG hit for 2022. There are some expected key differences that make Live A Live distinct enough from Octopath Traveler II to stand on its own merits.

Conceptually, the two games are arguably the most similar. Live A Live is split among different protagonists from vastly different eras in time, ranging from the Clint Eastwood-style spaghetti western to 2001: A Space Odyssey-like sci-fi. This remake scratches a similar itch while standing apart as one of the more unique JRPGs currently available. In terms of games like Octopath Traveler, there's no better choice than the title that inspired it.

Live A Live

RPG

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 81/100 Critics Recommend: 88%

Platform(s)

SNES, Switch

Released

September 2, 1994

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

t

How Long To Beat

20 Hours

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

3 Triangle Strategy Is the JRPG Formula Perfected

Original Platform: Nintendo Switch, Windows, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro

Like with Live A Live, Square Enix's Triangle Strategy should be another topical experience after playing Octopath Traveler II. The game featured one of the same producers as the latter, keeping in line with the "HD-2D" graphical aesthetic.

However, Triangle Strategy takes place separately from the Octopath games, as well as being a tactical RPG. Nonetheless, the graphical style and turn-based combat should satisfy JRPG fans. It's debatably one of the best modern games in its particular niche, in addition to being an excellent strategy RPG to play on the Steam Deck.

9Images

9Images

Triangle Strategy

In a country that relies highly on trade integrity, Serenoa Wolffort, heir to the throne of House Wolffort, must make difficult decisions after a kingdom makes a surprise attack against his homeland of Glenbroke.

RPG

Tactical

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 83/100 Critics Recommend: 89%

Franchise

Triangle Strategy

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch, PC

Released

March 4, 2022

Developer(s)

Square Enix, Artdink

Publisher(s)

Square Enix, Nintendo

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

t

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

2 Wild Arms Is One of the Best Classic RPGs

Original Platform: Sony PlayStation

It's admittedly a rather niche entry compared to the triple-A counterparts of its time, but Wild Arms is a worthwhile cult-classic game. Somewhat similar to DQIV, Wild Arms is an older example of a narrative and gameplay structure reminiscent of what Octopath Traveler II does, but with a fun twist on the Western genre.

Wild Arms' has been made more accessible in the modern day through the upgraded PS Plus service on PS4 and PS5. This unique JRPG has players go through the prologue stories of each of its three protagonists. That should feel welcome for players, and the story eventually sees them come together to tackle a larger and more destructive threat.

Wild Arms

JRPG

OpenCritic Reviews

Platform(s)

PS1, PS4, PS5

Released

April 30, 1997

Developer(s)

Media Vision

Publisher(s)

Sony Computer Entertainment

Engine

Syrup Emulation Engine

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Animated Violence

How Long To Beat

30 Hours

1 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Is the Latest Dragon Quest Title

Original Platform: Nintendo 3DS and Sony PlayStation 4

The most recent mainline installment in the decades-old franchise, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a superb modern JRPG for newcomers and veterans alike. It may not have a narrative gimmick that more closely aligns with that of Octopath Traveler II like DQIV does, but its conventional genre tropes will be sure to satisfy.

What starts as an orphan learning the truth of his lineage spirals into a sweeping high-fantasy tale that reveals a greater role for him in the world's fate. How he meets the diverse cast of colorful supporting characters should appeal to those who enjoy Octopath's varied roster. Dragon Quest XI also features an optional 2D pixel art mode to play the game for those that appreciate the 16-bit aesthetic.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating: 92/100 Critics Recommend: 99%

Franchise

Dragon Quest

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

Released

September 27, 2019

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Nintendo, Square Enix

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

T For Teen // Crude Humor, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Mild Blood, Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

60 Hours

Nintendo Switch Release Date

September 27, 2019

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty