The 11 Best JRPGs on PC in 2024

Can you believe we didn't have a definitive list of the best JRPGs on PC until now? Yeah, it's wild. Sure, we’ve dropped a few beginner recommendations in the past, and there are some JRPGs that sneak into our 50 best RPGs on PC list, but this time we’re going all-in. Here’s our carefully curated list of the best JRPGs you can play on PC this year, selected purely by our own impeccable tastes.

Now, our definition of JRPGs is pretty loose. You’ll find games on here that weren’t made in Japan, and others that stretch the genre’s conventions. JRPG as a term has always been a bit flexible, after all. And yes, we make the rules here, so we’re limiting it to one game per franchise. Sorry, Final Fantasy stans, you’re only getting one pick. Oh, and if your personal favorite didn't make the cut? Just assume it’s number 12. Feel free to vent your frustrations in the comments.

Without further ado, here are the best JRPGs on PC in 2024.

11. Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

You know how it goes. One minute you're cruising as the President of your country, and the next—BAM!—you're nuked into a parallel fantasy world where you inhabit the body of a young, regal version of yourself. Ni No Kuni II kicks off with this delightfully bizarre isekai premise, only to leave it behind for kingdom building. Part RPG, part city management, part real-time strategy, this game serves up a colorful mash-up of gameplay. The story may not stick with you, but the quirky Welsh and Geordie accents of its characters will.

10. Octopath Traveler 2

In Octopath Traveler 2, you’ll follow not one, but eight different storylines, each intertwining in a greater narrative. Start as a thief escaping their shadowy past, a dancer with dreams of stardom, or a Columbo-esque cleric uncovering a dark mystery. Its gorgeous 2D-HD visuals and top-tier battle mechanics make this a standout, even if its storytelling sometimes takes a backseat.

9. Tales of Arise

Like every Tales of game, Tales of Arise starts with a bit of a slow burn, introducing you to characters that seem, well, like dorks. But after a few hours, you realize—wait, I love these idiots. The story follows a cursed maiden with literal thorns and an amnesiac hero who can’t feel pain. It’s the series’ best-looking and best-playing entry to date, making it a great starting point for newcomers craving that signature anime absurdity.

8. Disgaea 5

Not too fussed about JRPG storytelling? Disgaea 5 is for you. This chaotic, tactical RPG is famous for its absurdly high level caps and its love of breaking its own rules. With a labyrinth of menus and sub-systems, Disgaea 5 invites you to grind characters to level 9999, only to reset them and start over for fun. It’s over-the-top, hilarious, and gloriously complex.

7. Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars is a loving homage to classic JRPGs, but with all the frustrating quirks removed. This pixel-art gem feels like a lost relic from the Chrono Trigger era, minus the grind and random battles. It’s frictionless, modern, and a beautiful journey for anyone wanting to revisit the golden age of the genre without giving up today’s quality-of-life improvements.

6. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

For JRPG fans who don’t mind taking things slow, Dragon Quest XI is a traditional, turn-based beast. It’s a massive, time-consuming journey that rewards those willing to sink in the hours. This stalwart of the JRPG genre has finally made its way to PC, and it’s a great choice for anyone seeking that nostalgic feeling of trekking across vast landscapes and tackling every side quest.

5. Undertale

Wait, Undertale on a JRPG list? Yep. While some might debate its inclusion, Undertale’s love letter to the genre is impossible to ignore. Its offbeat humor, emotional storytelling, and deep understanding of JRPG mechanics make it a standout. Whether you’re befriending—or fighting—its quirky characters, Undertale delivers a heartfelt, funny, and often surprising experience that transcends genres.

4. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is nothing short of legendary. It pioneered many JRPG staples—multiple endings, New Game+, and emotionally charged side quests. Even decades later, its time-traveling, world-saving adventure remains deeply influential. Whether you're revisiting it or diving in for the first time, Chrono Trigger offers a timeless journey through its intricately woven storylines and unforgettable music.

3. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Do we recommend the 1997 original, or the visually stunning 2020 remake? We’re going with the remake here. Final Fantasy VII Remake doesn’t just retell Cloud’s story—it builds on it in surprising ways, balancing nostalgia with new twists. It’s the perfect blend of old and new, inviting players to both relive and reimagine the classic tale.

2. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) made the leap from beat-‘em-up action to turn-based RPG with surprising success. In Infinite Wealth, you’ll continue Ichiban Kasuga’s quirky, heartfelt journey, but this time with even more ridiculous RPG mechanics. Whether you’re leveling up bizarre Pokémon-like creatures or getting catfished on dating apps, this absurd, Hawaii-set adventure keeps the laughs coming while delivering solid RPG combat.

1. Persona 5 Royal

Topping the list is Persona 5 Royal, the ultimate JRPG that mixes battling psychological manifestations of societal evils with the day-to-day life of a high schooler. You’ll go to class, hang out with friends, and fight monsters in mind-bending dungeons—all while managing your relationships and cramming for exams. It’s over 100 hours of stylish, turn-based JRPG goodness, blending slice-of-life sim with surreal, psychological battles.