Best Action JRPGs for the PlayStation 5

Key Takeaways

• Action JRPGs vary in gameplay but focus on strategic attacks over button-mashing.
• Visuals enhance the gameplay experience in titles like Visions of Mana.
• Tales of Arise stands out with top-tier character development, lore, combat, and art style.

Action JRPGs come in many different forms, and can each feel wildly different from one another. One of the main elements of an action RPG is that players don’t feel completely overwhelmed to the point they start button-mashing in a panic. Players develop a flow of when to strike, when to reposition, and when to initiate special actions.

Many action JRPGs have been ported over to the PlayStation 5, but this list is going to focus on action RPGs that were released for the PS5 rather than older titles along the lines of Rogue Galaxy, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, and even Kingdom Hearts 3.

10 Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

For Fans of 2D RPGs

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising might be one of the most unique-feeling Action JRPGs on this list. The game adopts a 2D side scrolling model but keeps the ability to swap between party members mid-fight.

Some players might think this makes it more like a platformer or metroidvania game, but the focus is more on players repositioning themselves without the need for split-second reactions. The 2D stylings make exploration feel a lot easier, as there is no beaten path to stray from.

9 Visions of Mana

A Classic Series Returns

The Mana series has seen numerous releases throughout the years. However, the 2024 release of Visions of Mana is seen as the first mainline entry since the 2006 title, Dawn of Mana — that is an 18-year gap. The game is visually beautiful. Combat is fluid and fun, and there are tons of activities to do in the game.

While it doesn’t break into high ranking reviews like some of the other entries, it is still a title that Action JRPG fans will have a blast playing. Players that have a long wait until the next AJRPG on their list should definitely check out this title to hold them over.

8 Scarlet Nexus

Stylish Urban Fantasy

Scarlet Nexus is not for everyone, at least not at first. Fans of Action JRPGs owe it to themselves to at least try out this peculiar title, as it will give them a warped urban fantasy world setting, highly reactive fast-paced combat, and intricate party dynamics.

The game features 2 main protagonists, each with a story to play through. It has a very lore-dense story that can be overwhelming for newcomers but will be welcomed by season RPG veterans of lengthy stories.

7 Fate/Samurai Remnant

Mystic Fantasy Set in the Edo Period

It’s not an easy task to try to explain Fate/Samurai Remnant. The game’s story is set in the same universe as Fate/Stay Night, and has gameplay that takes inspiration from classic Musou-style games such as Dynasty Warriors and Sengoku Basara.

There is a lot to take in for the title, both in terms of the game world’s lore and the complex mechanics. Boss battles can be incredibly vexing, and players may find themselves needing to take breaks between play sessions to regain their composure.

6 Ys 10: Nordics

An Anime Viking Adventure

Ys is a long-running franchise that has changed its gameplay between mainline entries since the first title. Ys 10: Nordics is not the first in the franchise to adopt the modern Action JRPG model, but it is the most polished among them.

Players can pile onto a target with lots of flashy attacks that send both players and enemies into the air and crashing back down. This makes combat a very engaging affair with a lot of weight when landing heavy attacks. While still a great game, it would have done well to incorporate co-op elements like some of the past Ys titles.

5 Granblue Fantasy: Relink

A Mobile Game Designed For Major Platforms

Granblue Fantasy: Relink does an amazing job of providing fun, action-packed combat to go alongside its compelling story — which is filled with a cast of likable characters. Each of these characters has a distinctive feel, and players can find the party composition that they enjoy the most without feeling weighed down by needing certain roles.

There are plenty of vibrant and beautiful worlds to explore, which follow an almost episodic feeling. Chapters don’t overstay their welcome and like to give players a feel-good moment to provide a rewarding feeling before transitioning into the next one.

4 Dragon’s Dogma 2

One of the Most Western JRPGs Around

Dragon’s Dogma 2 really captures the feeling of being a western fantasy RPG world while still meeting all the criteria to be labeled as an Action JRPG — with the main 2 being that it was made by a Japanese developer, and makes use of a party. Players will create their playable character, but also have some Pawns to back them up. Each of these characters will make use of classes playing specific roles.

Having dedicated roles in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an important feature to focus on. There should always be at least one tank to soak up the aggro. This allows the more glassy characters to focus on dealing out as much damage as possible so that the entire team can outlast and overcome their enemies.

3 Star Ocean The Second Story R

Sprites and Dioramas At Their Best

A lot of games try to look graphically impressive with very smooth, detailed character models utilizing the latest in gaming technology. They then pair this with ever evolving particle effects that can blow players away with just how good they look. Star Ocean The Second Story R shows that games don’t need to go this far, with so many different kinds of art styles all interwoven.

The character models make use of a pixelated esthetic, but are incredibly detailed and unique. The world contrasts this by not being pixelated at all, and uses diorama camera angles that can convey everything they need to show players. Lastly, the GUI of fights blends all manner of neon, arcade text for numbers, and stylized words popping into view. This game is like none other on the PS5, and one all Action JRPG fans should try out.

2 Tales of Arise

A Top Notch Anime Styled Action JRPG

Comparing Tales of Arise to all the other games on this list, along with Action JRPGs from previous generations of consoles, might make it seem like it doesn’t have something to make it stand out like others. However, the decades of titles under its belt show, as this is a shining example of what a top-class action JRPG should be. To put it simply, the game does not fall short in any category.

A memorable cast of enjoyable characters, an extremely lore-heavy world to fall in love with, combat that feels fluid and not too fast-paced, and it has an incredibly beautiful comic book style art direction. Few games reach as high a level of quality and polish as Tales of Arise.

1 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

A Franchise Within A Franchise

Just as Star Ocean The Second Story R does not rely on the latest in gaming innovations and technology, the Final Fantasy games continue to embrace these elements. Final Fantasy 7 Remake was released on the PlayStation 4, but would later re-release on the PS5 with additional story DLC. This game would get several interlinking games, including a direct sequel and a prequel titled Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion. This makes the entire project arguably the most demanding and ambitious action RPG project to date.

Rebirth tells a portion of the original Final Fantasy 7’s story, following directly after the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Players who played through Remake will find additional characters to join their playable party in Rebirth, and discover a wide range of new features to enjoy. This is truly the apex of action JRPG titles on the PS5.