For those who crave the strategic depth and intense immersion that only turn-based RPGs can offer, 2023 has already brought a wealth of new releases to satisfy your every need. From classic tactical RPGs to innovative new takes on the genre, the latest offerings provide a wealth of gameplay experiences that will captivate players of all types.
Whether you prefer to explore richly detailed worlds or engage in fierce, tactical battles, the turn-based genre has something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top 10 turn-based RPGs and JRPGs released in 2023 so far. So, get ready to dive into some of the year’s most thrilling and immersive gameplay experiences!
One Piece Odyssey
In this brand-new RPG, players will get to join the legendary Straw Hat Crew on a fantastic journey across the treacherous seas of the New World. Cast away on a mysterious island and separated from crewmates, players will have to navigate through the lush jungle and treacherous terrain, fighting off dangerous beasts and hostile enemies along the way.
As players explore this enchanted island, they’ll discover new powers and abilities, customize their characters with unique equipment and upgrades, and uncover the secrets of the island and its ancient inhabitants. And when they finally reunite the crew, they’ll face even greater challenges as they continue their quest to become the greatest pirate of all time! One Piece Odyssey is available on Pc, Playstation 4, Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
8-Bit Adventures 2
In the sequel to the popular 8-Bit Adventures game, 8-Bit Adventures 2 takes players on a feel-good adventure filled with love, laughs, and drama, but also dealing with dark stuff while wanting to leave players feeling uplifted. The game is focused on telling an engaging story while ensuring players are always doing something fun and meaningful, without any random battles or mandatory grinding.
Players can explore an expansive world map filled with secrets and optional locations, both on-foot and via Airship, and engage in turn-based JRPG battles with depth and strategy, inspired by classic games like Final Fantasy X, Chrono Trigger, and Mother 3.
8-Bit Adventures 2 features a lovable cast of seven playable characters who form relationships, make mistakes, and struggle with their past while working to save the world and overcome their demons. Available on PC via Steam.
SpellForce: Conquest of Eo
SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is a turn-based strategy role-playing game where the player takes on the role of an heir to a mysterious wizard’s tower on a quest to become the most powerful mage in the land. The player must study spells, summon minions, train warriors, and engage in tactical combat to explore and control the Realm of Eo. They must face powerful foes, including rival mages and their armies, to expand their domain and control sources of Allfire.
With over 60 spells and 100 different troops to choose from, the player can become a Necromancer, Alchemist, or Artificer and leave their mark on the world by befriending cities, harvesting resources, and uncovering arcane knowledge. The game features procedurally generated campaigns with over 600 different adventures and the ability to expand and improve the wizard’s tower with new rooms. On PC via Steam.
Redemption Reapers
The world is in chaos as the Mort armies descend, leaving a trail of destruction and death. Amidst the despair, a small group of mercenaries known as the Ashen Hawk Brigade fights back against the overwhelming might of the Mort. Players take on the role of the Brigade’s leader in this dark fantasy simulation game, Redemption Reapers.
With limited resources, tactical expertise, and a team of five unique members with their own weapons and skills, players must conquer fierce battles and coordinate attacks to defeat the Mort. Set in a dark medieval world, the game offers a rich storyline with fully voiced cutscenes and conversations, allowing players to learn more about the Brigade members and their past experiences. Redemption Reapers is available on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation 4.
Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler returns with a brand-new entry in the series set in the land of Solistia, divided by the sea into two continents. Eight travelers from different regions embark on their own journey for their own reasons, with each possessing unique talents to aid players on their adventure.
Octopath Traveler 2 features HD-2D graphics, a fusion of retro pixel art and 3DCG, and familiar mechanics from the original game such as the Break and Boost system. Players can toggle between day and night with the push of a button to transform towns and enable different Path Actions. Additionally, a new type of tale featuring two travelers with unique latent powers has been added. Canoe and sail the sea on a large vessel to explore every corner of the realm. Available on PC via Steam, Switch, Playstation 4 & Playstation 5.
Phantom Brigade
Phantom Brigade is a tactical RPG that combines real-time and turn-based gameplay, with a unique timeline-based command system. As the last squad of surviving mech pilots, players lead the Phantom Brigade through a desperate campaign to retake their war-torn homeland.
With a variety of missions, players must make high-level tactical decisions on the world map, manage their mobile base, and engage in tactical combat. The game offers a rich customization system, with a wide range of weapons, equipment, and cosmetic options, and every square meter of each battle map is destructible. Phantom Brigade is also highly moddable, allowing players to mix things up and create their own modded masterpiece. On PC via Epic Games Store and Steam.
The Last Spell
In The Last Spell, players defend the last bastion of humanity against hordes of mutants using a combination of magic and brute force. The game is a turn-based tactical RPG with roguelite elements, and players must carefully manage their resources and build defenses during the day, then fight off waves of enemies at night.
The game features a wide range of items, skills, perks, and the ability to build custom classes. The enemies have strengths and weaknesses, and each map ends with an epic boss battle. Players must protect the Magic Circle at all costs, or humanity is doomed. The Last Spell is designed to be challenging, with procedurally generated elements and unlockables to keep players engaged. On PC via Steam.
Mato Anomalies
Mato Anomalies is a turn-based RPG that takes place in a neo-futuristic version of a bygone oriental city called Mato. The game follows the Dual Protagonists, Doe and Gram, as they investigate strange happenings and demonic abominations that threaten the city’s existence. Players can gather intel and knowledge to unravel the mystery behind Mato by talking to NPCs, taking on missions, and visiting shops to pinpoint Rifts, portals to the demonic creatures. Along the way, players can team up with unlikely companions and gain their trust through conversation and shared experiences.
The game provides a unique and challenging battle experience highlighted by shared health across all team members, gear matrix, and dual-talent system. Players will need to develop a unique combat strategy to succeed. As players explore Mato, they will discover Rifts that act as portals into a place beyond space and time, filled with powerful enemies. Insidious factions are involved in the dark fate befalling Mato, and the heroes must find out what is going on before they themselves fall victim to despair and corruption. On PC via Steam, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
Atelier Ryza 3 begins when a group of islands known as Kark Isles appears near the protagonist Ryza’s hometown. In order to save their home from this perceived threat, Ryza and her friends set out to investigate the isles and discover ruins with a giant gate. A strange voice tells Ryza to reach the “Code of the Universe.” This leads to a great adventure revolving around a Key and the roots of alchemy.
Atelier Ryza 3 features a vast open field with multiple maps connected seamlessly. Players can explore a living world with greater freedom. There are 11 party members, including characters from previous games and new ones essential to the story. The new “Key” system is at the heart of the game, with keys having different types and effects that can be used in exploration, synthesis, and combat. Players must use them wisely to enjoy a smoother experience on PC via Steam, Playstation 4, Playstation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Wartales
Wartales is an open-world RPG where players lead a group of mercenaries in a medieval universe searching for wealth. The game is set in a world ravaged by destitution and greed, where honor is almost forgotten. The goal is to survive and thrive by any means necessary, and players must recruit new companions with unique skills and specializations to accomplish this.
The game features an intuitive RPG progression and crafting system, turn-based tactical combat, and the ability to play with up to 4 players and explore the vast open world, collect bounties, and take on contracts while building camaraderie with their companions around a campfire. Wartales was released a few days ago now on Pc via Steam; follow the link for our detailed review.
