Best Action JRPGs From The 2010s, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Action JRPGs gained popularity in the 2000s with engaging stories and improved combat mechanics.
• Tales of Xillia showcases fast-paced combat and engaging storytelling, worthy of a remaster.
• Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana offers addictive combat and compelling storytelling for an excellent gaming experience.

Like many genres in the video game industry, the RPG is not a singular style of game, as multiple styles of sub-genres have emerged since its inception. Thanks to the rise of franchises like Ys and Xenoblade, action JRPGs have become one of the industry’s most popular subgenres.

Whether they are driven by the style and design sensibilities of traditional turn-based JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest or drawing more from a Western influence, action JRPGs have carved out a large place in the industry that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. These titles have combined excellent combat with engaging tales of heroism and war, building on the past while having a keen eye on the future of the RPG.

8 Tales Of Xillia

One Of The Franchise’s Best Efforts

Debuting in 1995 on the SNES, the Tales franchise has become one of the most prominent forces in the action JRPG world. And in 2013, Namco Bandai produced what is still a contender for the best in the franchise with Tales of Xillia.

Following the adventures of Jude Mathis and Milla Maxwell as they attempt to escape capture from a group known as the Chimeriad, Tales of Xillia features the franchise’s trademark action combat that relies on fast-paced, high-energy battles. The 3D battle windows are spacious and open, and switching party members mid-battle feels excellent. Tales of Xillia is worthy of a remaster, which Bandai has been doing with the franchise lately, but it is sadly still stuck on the PS3 and not available on modern hardware.

7 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

An Impressive Entry In A Long-Running Franchise

Ys is one of the standard-bearers for the action JRPG, debuting in 1987 and having continued releases ever since. For the franchise’s eighth mainline entry in 2016, Nihon Falcom continues the ongoing tale of Adol Christin, the protagonist of the Ys series since its inception.

Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana takes place on the Isle of Seiren, where Adol begins gathering a party of adventurers in order to escape after being shipwrecked. Party members feel varied and unique, and being able to switch between them on the fly during battles is outstanding. Ys 8 was one of 2016’s best games, featuring satisfying and addictive combat, as well as one of the franchise’s most compelling stories.

6 The Last Story

A Unique Action JRPG From The Creator Of Final Fantasy

Along with Xenoblade Chronicles and Pandora’s Tower, The Last Story was part of Operation Rainfall, a multi-year campaign designed to bring the games to North America. It was worth the effort, as The Last Story proved itself to be one of the finest action JRPGs that gamers could find on the Nintendo Wii. Developed by Mistwalker, it was directed by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, who wanted to deviate from the turn-based affairs that had defined his career in the years prior.

With The Last Story, Mistwalker focused on a combat system that combined stealth and tactical elements. It feels wonderfully unique, as using cover to perform sneak attacks feels excellent, while engaging in combat full-force is also fantastic. Its unique battles blend well with Sakaguchi’s trademark storytelling, and The Last Story is one of the Wii’s most fascinating RPGs.

5 Kingdom Hearts 3

The Epic Conclusion To The Dark Seeker Saga

Since its debut on the PS2 in 2002, Kingdom Hearts, this outlandish fusion of Disney and Square-Enix properties has maintained a huge following and is one of the most popular games in the industry. So, when Kingdom Hearts 3 was deemed by series director Tetsuya Nomura as the end to the current story arc, known as the Dark Seeker Saga, it became one of the most important action JRPGs of the decade.

Kingdom Hearts 3 continues the story of Sora and his ongoing conflict with Xehanort and the imminent Keyblade War, functioning as an emotional climax to this long-running franchise. The combat in Kingdom Hearts 3 is Square at its best, with actions that feature outstanding feedback. Swinging the Keyblade with Sora has never felt better. Old Disney worlds like Olympus and the 100 Acre Wood return, while new lands from the likes of Toy Story and Frozen make their debut.

4 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

An Incredible Collaboration Between Level 5 And Studio Ghibil

A joint venture between Level 5 and the legendary Studio Ghibli, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch took strong influence from the likes of Pokemon and Digimon. Players could gather a band of adorable little monsters to fight on their behalf. It is a wonderful title, one that somehow feels nostalgic even though it’s less than twenty years old.

Gathering monsters, known as Familiars, is a treat and utilizing their unique skills in battles is fantastic. Combat unfolds in an open 3D area, where players can control either the human characters or Familiars, issuing commands and special attacks. Ni No Kuni also features classic JRPG traditions of yore, including a gorgeous world map and air travel.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles X

One Of The Wii U’s Best Games

Developed for the Wii U over the course of four years, Xenoblade Chronicles X was announced at the end of Nintendo Direct in 2013, and promised to be one of the console’s largest projects. MonolithSoft finally launched the game in 2015. It was worth the wait, taking the Wii U to its limits and getting the most possible out of the machine.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is set on the world of Mira, following humanity’s harrowing steps into the great unknown during a fight for survival. The expansive world is filled with towering monsters and a sense of scale that feels unmatched even today, punctuated with the series’ trademark MMO-style combat. The chaotic real-time action combat is an absolute delight, and the characters are some of the best that Monolith has ever crafted. A high definition remaster was recently announced for the Nintendo Switch for a 2025 launch.

2 Nier: Automata

Post-Apocalyptic Action JRPG With Fluid Combat

Directed by the eccentric Yoko Taro, Nier: Automata is a spin-off of the Drakengard franchise, set in the post-apocalyptic future of that series. Following the exploits of android 2B across a ravaged wasteland, Nier: Automata features spectacular combat and some of the finest writing seen in the industry.

The combat is furious and addictive, as 2B is a joy to control, and weapon feedback feels perfect. In addition to the melee combat, Nier: Automata often tasks the player with conquering more retro-style sections influenced by shoot ’em ups and side-scrollers. It is an excellent experience, one that is currently available on all modern hardware.

1 Xenoblade Chronicles

A Sprawling Adventure Of A Wii RPG

After finally launching in the West due to the success of Operation Rainfall, Xenoblade Chronicles was hailed as one of the Wii’s most impressive games. And with good reason, as this mammoth action JRPG garnered a massive following and has become one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises.

Xenoblade Chronicles is set on the backs of two titans, the Bionis and the Mechonis, following the exploits of Shulk and his friends as he attempts to understand the true nature of a prophetic blade known as the Monado. Combat is highly engaging, as it uses elements of MMO input and character selection, allowing party members to use powerful special attacks known as Arts. These require a cool down, challenging players to use them wisely. It is impressive to see a game developed with the limited hardware of the Wii showcase massive worlds, as the sprawling fields are filled with optional quests and activities. Xenoblade Chronicles was remastered for the Nintendo Switch in 2020, and is absolutely worth playing today for its scope, combat, and rich characters.