Never before has one of my lists packed this many AAA RPGs all at once. Anyone who’s been following me knows these pages are usually dominated by indie games, but today, aside from a few titles that brush up against that category, we’ve got a lot to dig into, and I really wanted to share it.
Even outside the US, we know that the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, and the day of deals from just about every retailer on the planet.
Good old Steam is no exception, and they’ve already got their Black Friday discounts in place. There are some great turn-based games on sale this year, including some of the best titles of the decade so far!
You don’t need to wait until Friday to take advantage of these deals; the sooner you get the games, the sooner you can start playing.
Methaphor: ReFantazio
- Developer: Atlus
- Release Date: 10 October 2024
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Steam Page
Easy for me to kick off this list with one of the greatest RPGs of all time, and one of the most recent. If you’re a Persona fan (and if you’re here at TBL, you probably are) you won’t want to miss this masterpiece by the creators of Persona 3, 4, and 5.
Metaphor: ReFantazio has the style and depth that Atlus has become famous for, and it’s a fantasy JRPG masterpiece that earned a massive number of awards and perfect review scores last year.
If you still haven’t had a chance to try Metaphor, Steam’s Black Friday sale is a great opportunity. Normally a hefty $69.99, it’s available for 50% off until 4 December, letting you get a full-length RPG adventure for $34.99. It’s also playable on Steam Deck!
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Release Date: 8 May 2018
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation
- Steam Page
People might say that Baldur’s Gate 3 revived the isometric CRPG genre, but real fans know that it never went anywhere to begin with. A perfect example is Obsidian’s seafaring adventure Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, which challenges you to pursue a god across the ocean with your crew.
Like any great RPG, Deadfire offers loads to do over multiple playthroughs, so it’s great value even at its regular price of $39.99.
Right now, though, it’s 75% off on Steam, letting you get this swashbuckling epic for just $9.99. If you want to really dive into all that the game has to offer, the Obsidian Edition – which includes all of the DLC plus some extra bonuses – is just $14.99 until the sale ends on 2 December.
Octopath Traveler I & II
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 7 June, 2019 / 24 February, 2023
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android
- Steam Page
Octopath Traveler and its sequel capture the magic of ‘90s JRPGs with the beauty of Square Enix’s recent HD-2D remakes, but make no mistake – these are original games, born of the 21st century. Both titles have earned praise and fans for their story and gameplay, fusing classic styles with modern quality-of-life.
If you miss the golden age of RPGs, Octopath Traveler I and II will take you on a brand-new journey, giving you all the nostalgia you’re looking for along the way without the clunky old mechanics that we tend to forget.
Each game is normally $59.99, but both are 60% off on Steam until 2 December, taking their prices down to a much more affordable $23.99 each. You can save a little extra by getting them both as a bundle for just $44.62.
Persona 5 Royal
- Developer: Atlus
- Release Date: 21 October 2022
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Persona is one of the most beloved JRPG franchises out there, and Persona 5 is arguably the best in the series. It’s got action, drama, and charm, all with a signature style that’s instantly recognizable. Throw in a memorable cast of characters and a thrilling story, and it’s easy to see why this game is such a winner.
The Royal Edition is the definitive version of P5, and until 4 December you can get it for just $20.99 on Steam.
That’s 65% off its regular price of $59.99. If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in some anime hijinx, you can get the Persona Collection Bundle, scoring Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable as well for a total price of just $44.62, but with the somewhat recent release of Persona 3 Reload you might want to consider springing for the full remake instead.
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 12 May 2016
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, iOS
- Steam Page
Final Fantasy X is one of the most impactful, emotionally gripping JRPGs of all time, and its sequel (while a bit weird) offers fantastic turn-based combat and a look at life after saving the world that you don’t often see in games.
Both are still well worth playing, even all these years later, and the HD Remaster is the best way to do so. Both games are available as a single item on Steam; normally $39.99, it’s discounted 60% to $11.99 until 2 December, letting you embark on Yuna’s journey for the first time or the tenth.
Miasma Chronicles
- Developer: The Bearded Ladies
- Release Date: 23 May 2023
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
- Steam Page
It’s so easy to get caught up in the gameplay minutiae of tactical RPGs that you can forget they’re often stunning works of art in their own right.
Miasma Chronicles, from the creators of Mutant Year Zero, is one such game. Journeying across a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious Miasma, you’ll uncover the secrets of the disaster and your own destiny.
Miasma Chronicles is a treat for players who like grid-based battles, and at 70% off on Steam, it’s very affordable right now. You can take advantage of the deal until 4 December, getting the game for $10.49 rather than its usual price of $34.99. It’s also offered as part of several bundles, letting you fill out your collection with other games including the aforementioned Mutant Year Zero.
Dragon Quest XI S
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 4 December 2020
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
If Persona is the face of new-school JRPGs, Dragon Quest is undeniably the face of old-school. The games that started it all are still going strong, and the eleventh installment is just as epic and charming as its predecessors.
You can even switch to 2D graphics and play the entire game in gloriously retro style, if you choose!
Clocking in at over 100 hours worth of content, Dragon Quest XI S is well worth its normal price of $39.99, but you can get it for half price on Steam until 2 December. $19.99 for one of the biggest and brightest RPGs of the decade is a great deal in our books!
TemTem
- Developer: Crema
- Release Date: 6 September 2022
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Temtem is like if Pokemon was an MMO, but it deserves a lot more than that simple comparison. With its own distinct aesthetics and roster of trainable monsters, and its ever-growing world to explore, Temtem deserves to be seen as its own entity, even if its inspirations are obvious.
Like most MMOs, Temtem‘s player base has cooled off a bit in the years since launch, but there’s always room for more!
That’s especially true right now, as it’s discounted by a massive 80% on Steam, letting you get this $44.99 game for just $8.99. You’ll need to hurry, though, as unlike many of the other deals on this list, Temtem‘s sale only lasts until 26 November.
Bravely Default II
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 2 September 2021
- Platforms: PC, Switch
- Steam Page
Bravely Default is an excellent RPG series all-around, with compelling turn-based battles and a deep Job System inspired by classic Final Fantasy.
While Bravely Second was a direct sequel to the events of the original game, Bravely Default II begins a new tale in a new world, making it a great place to start if you haven’t played the first games.
While Bravely Default II certainly has the content to justify its regular $59.99 price tag, getting it on sale is always better. Until 2 December, you can get it on Steam for 60% off, knocking the price down to a much more palatable $23.99.
Wasteland 3 Collection
- Developer: InXile Entertainment
- Release Date: 27 August 2020
- Platforms: PC (including Linux), Mac, PlayStation
- Steam Page
CRPGs don’t all have to be swords, magic, and fantasy. If you long for the days of classic Fallout, then Wasteland‘s post-apocalyptic battlefields and immersive story could be just what you need.
Your decisions will shape the face of Colorado and its warring factions, and you’ll need all your tactical prowess to survive Wasteland 3‘s battles with high-tech foes.
Normally $39.99, Wasteland 3 is 70% off on Steam until 2 December, letting you get it for just $11.99. There are some pretty enticing bundles for it as well, including the Colorado Collection, which includes the game and all DLC for just $15.21 during the sale period, and the Wasteland Series Bundle, which is all of the above plus the first two games for a total of $25.08.
Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack
- Developer: Koei Tecmo
- Release Date: 14 January 2020
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch
- Steam Page
The Atelier series is very popular with JRPG fans for its fascinating stories, lovely anime aesthetics, and deep gameplay. It’s a big franchise divided into several smaller, self-contained series, so there are plenty of jumping-on points for new players.
The so-called “Dusk Trilogy,” consisting of Atelier Ayesha, Atelier Escha & Logy, and Atelier Shallie, is one such group of games.
All three games in the Dusk Trilogy are individually 60% off on Steam until 1 December, making them available for $15.99 each instead of their usual $39.99. The Deluxe Pack, though, includes all three games for $45.57 – a small savings for buying them all together, but a savings nonetheless.
The Bard’s Tale Trilogy
- Developer: Krome Studios, InXile Entertainment
- Release Date: 14 August 2018
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox
- Steam Page
The Bard’s Tale games are true classics, icons of old-school RPG gaming in every sense. If you want to know what PC gaming was like in the days of floppy disks, look no further than the remastered Bard’s Tale Trilogy.
With updated graphics and (optional) quality-of-life improvements, you can experience the games as you remember them or as they really were.
The Trilogy contains The Bard’s Tale 1, 2, and 3 all as a single item, and until 2 December it’s 80% off! Considering that it usually runs only $14.99, that puts it at $2.99 – just a dollar a game.
Gloomhaven
- Developer: Flaming Fowl Studios, Saber Interactive
- Release Date: 20 October 2021
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Playing tabletop games in-person is great, but Gloomhaven and its massive box of components can be a tricky proposition.
The digital version has all the tactical challenges of the physical game, plus exciting visuals to really bring you into its dark-fantasy world. It’s a great option to play with friends over the holidays.
Gloomhaven usually sells on Steam for $34.99, but until 3 December it’s discounted 65% the platform for a sale price of $12.24. It’s also part of several bundles focused on multiplayer digital board games, including sequel Frosthaven and newcomer Sunderfolk.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
- Developer: Atlus
- Release Date: 13 June 2024
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
Persona’s older sibling, Shin Megami Tensei, is known for being dark and difficult. If you’re looking for an RPG to test your skills, SMT5 has dangerous bosses in spades to challenge you. It’s also a hauntingly beautiful tale of the ongoing war between gods and demons, with humanity trapped in the middle.
Not only is there a free demo available on Steam, but Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is 60% off until 4 December.
It’s usually $59.99, so this sale is a great opportunity to start on a massive RPG journey for just $23.99. You can also get the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes perks and unlockable characters, for an extra $4, and get all of SMT5‘s DLC for just $9.74.
Fallout Collection
- Developer: Interplay
- Release Date: 30 September 1997
- Platforms: PC
- Steam Page
Once upon a time, Fallout was an RPG. Not just any RPG, either, in the late ’90s, it helped define what an RPG could be. Its open world, array of player choices, and post-apocalyptic setting made it an instant classic, and you can still play the influential originals on Steam today.
The Fallout Collection, which includes the original two games plus Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, is 75% off until 2 December, putting it at just $4.99 rather than its usual $19.99.
You can also get the games individually at $2.49 each (also 75% off their list price), but for just five bucks, why not spring for all three?
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel I & II
- Developer: Nihon Falcom
- Release Date: 2 August 2017
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Android
- Steam Page
Like Atelier, The Legend of Heroes franchise is a sprawling JRPG series with a dedicated fanbase. While all of the games in Nihon Falcom’s massive saga take place in the same world, each sub-series tells a different story, giving different perspectives on the ever-expanding history and lore.
The Trails series is one of the better-known entries in the growing chronology, and the first two Trails of Cold Steel games are half-off on Steam until 27 November.
They’re each $39.99 normally, so getting them both for $19.99 essentially lets you get two for the price of one. There is also some cosmetic DLC available for each game if you like, all of which is also discounted during the sale period.
XCOM Ultimate Collection Bundle
- Developer: Firaxis
- Release Date: 8 October 2012
- Platforms: PC (including Linux), Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, iOS
- Steam Page
XCOM and its sequel are some of the greatest turn-based tactical games ever made, to the point where they’re still yet to be topped and fans are hungry for any news at all of a possible third game.
The challenging tale of resisting an alien invasion with only a small squad of elite soldiers belongs in every turn-based lover’s collection.
While it’s not a Black Friday sale per se, you can save money on the complete set of both games if you buy them all in one bundle. That’s both full games with all their DLC for 34% off their total price. Admittedly, $148.39 is still a pretty high price tag, but if you’re planning to get them all anyway and can do so all at once, the Ultimate Collection bundle is a good way to save a bunch of money doing so.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 11 November 2022
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch
- Steam Page
Everyone knew about Final Fantasy Tactics when it launched on the PlayStation, but only the hardcore TRPG fans knew Tactics Ogre.
It had a similar isometric, grid-based battle system, complete with unforgiving combat and a gripping story, so if you liked the original FFT, you’re sure to enjoy the recent remake, Tactics Ogre Reborn.
Tactics Ogre Reborn normally sells for $49.99, but until 2 December, Steam has it discounted 60%, bringing it to just $19.99. There is also a Digital Platinum edition available for $23.99 during the sale period, which includes the game’s soaring soundtrack.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
- Developer: Rabbit & Bear Studios
- Release Date: 23 April 2024
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Steam Page
From Kickstarter darling to modern classic, Eiyuiden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes has had a long journey. That journey has been worth it, as it’s given us a stunning 2.5D epic with an enormous cast and unforgettable story.
If you haven’t had the chance to try Eiyuden Chronicle yet, the Standard Edition is discounted 70% on Steam until 4 December, bringing its $49.99 price tag down to $14.99.
That deal doesn’t extend to the Digital Deluxe Edition, though, so if you have your heart set on extra goodies, you’ll have to either pay full price or wait for a better sale, which frankly doesn’t seem likely in the near future.
Brigandine The Legend of Runersia
- Developer: Happinet
- Release Date: 11 May 2022
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch
- Steam Page
Finally, we have Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia, which revives the classic monster-summoning strategy series. Taking command of one of six kingdoms, you’ll command your powerful Knights and Monsters to outmaneuver your opponents and enforce your will over the continent.
Brigandine is a deep game with lots of replay value thanks to its multiple factions, so getting it at half off is a great deal. Steam has its list price of $39.99 slashed to $19.99 all the way until 6 December, giving you a few extra days to get this very pretty strategy title for your collection.
I think there’s really a lot to consider, even if we’re talking about games that most fans of the genre probably already have in their library. Still, there’s always that one title that felt a bit out of reach because of its price. In any case, let me know what you think about the new Reddit channel. Ciao
