Extremely Difficult JRPGs For New Players

Key Takeaways

• Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne is one of the hardest games in the series, requiring good strategy and monster selection for boss battles.
• Resonance of Fate punishes players for mistakes in combat, requiring preservation of Bezels and strategic planning.
• Final Fantasy 4 (DS Remake) is a challenging game with tough bosses, necessitating leveling up and using status effects for success.

A lot of people would agree that the vast majority of JRPGs aren’t all that challenging, with up-to-date equipment and high levels being more than enough to let players breeze through an epic story at their own pace. This is why some gamers love JRPGs that don’t shy away from being as difficult as possible.

However, new players who want to jump into a challenging JRPG from the get-go should think twice about this decision. These particular games pull no punches and can make new players dislike the genre before they even get into it.

8 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne

One Of The Hardest Games In A Series Known For Its Challenge

The Shin Megami Tensei series is known for featuring some of the hardest video games ever made, and Nocturne is no exception. Players must use the best monsters possible for each boss so that they can capitalize on mistakes without being punished for not being prepared.

Usually, a loss is required for players to understand what they did wrong, compelling them to recruit the right monsters before attempting this encounter again. The Advantage system ensures that players will have a great time trying to optimize their attacks without leaving any room for error.

7 Resonance Of Fate

A Single Mistake Can Lead To The Party Being Wiped Out

The drab grays and weird aesthetic of Resonance of Fate may make it a hard game to get into for many fans, but those who bite the bullet will be treated to a stylish JRPG with amazing combat and a unique world. This combat system can be tough to get into, however, and it punishes players for making mistakes.

Getting too aggressive in combat will leave party members defenseless, unable to land proper hits as they shiver in fear. It’s important to preserve Bezels and prevent characters from falling into critical condition, which can take a while to get used to for those who are used to unleashing powerful attacks without fear of any consequences in other JRPGs.

6 Final Fantasy 4 (DS Remake)

A Ridiculously Hard Remake Of A Classic Final Fantasy Game

Final Fantasy 4 is one of the most impressive games in the series, allowing gamers to experience a story-driven masterpiece that uses common tropes and elements from the series in a masterful manner. The DS remake was a great way for newcomers to check out this amazing title, but these gamers had no idea just how hard this Final Fantasy game was.

Bosses could be a nightmare to deal with, and players who weren’t leveling up their party would be decimated by these powerful foes in no time. It was important to exploit status effects, keep high-level equipment handy, and level up as much as possible to make story progression less of a chore to deal with.

5 Etrian Odyssey 5: Beyond The Myth

A Beloved Game In A Dungeon Crawling Series That’s Infamous For Its Difficulty

The Etrian Odyssey games are beloved by many as gameplay-first JRPGs with an emphasis on challenging battles and dungeon crawling. However, beginners should give these games a wide berth until they have a good grasp of the mechanics, even if the title they want to check out is the best game in the series.

Etrian Odyssey 5 features the most polished battle system in the series, with many loving the idea of experimenting with multiple classes to see what’s the best fit for them. Conquering the Yggdrasil Tree is no mean feat, but those who weather the early storm and understand how this game works can have a great time blasting through the floors and figuring out strategies to deal with most foes.

4 Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Battles Can Be A Nightmare To Deal With For Players

There’s no denying that Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is one of the most beautiful JRPGs that players can get their hands on. However, any beginner enticed by this title’s graphics will be singing a different tune when they try to understand the complex battle system.

Battles are action-packed and require a lot of thinking, with players having to move at a breakneck pace while also keeping track of their skills and abilities. This can be overwhelming after a point and something that beginners may want to avoid before they acquire a deeper understanding of the mechanics governing most JRPGs.

3 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky SC

The Game Wastes No Time In Throwing Players Into The Action

The Legend of Heroes is a series where a character’s Quartz allocation and equipment matter more than their levels, and nowhere is this more true than in Trails in the Sky SC. The game features a brutal prologue that can be a nightmare to get through for players who feel like they were up to the task after finishing the first title.

While it won’t take too long for players to learn the ropes, beginners should take their time in the prologue and come to grips with the increased difficulty before moving on. It’s a trial by fire that ensures only the hardiest of gamers will make progress and participate in a wealth of challenging battles that are to come.

2 The Last Remnant

Features Massive-Scale Battles That Can Be Hard To Master

The Last Remnant was meant to usher in the dawn of a new franchise for Square Enix on the latest hardware. Instead, tough gameplay and some graphical issues at launch prevented this title from reaching the heights it was destined for.

The large-scale battles in The Last Remnant were ambitious, but this led to most regular fights taking way longer than intended. Players need to be patient to understand how the combat works before jumping into a tough encounter, which is why this game can be hard to enjoy for JRPG newcomers.

1 Arc Rise Fantasia

Boasts Some Of The Most Challenging Boss Fights In JRPG History

While Arc Rise Fantasia can be a bit too generic, the Trinity Battle System more than made up for it, providing engaging combat that never overstayed its welcome. However, beginners who feel like they’re understanding how these systems work will be in for a rude awakening when they encounter a boss.

These climactic encounters in Arc Rise Fantasia are no joke and will beat players mercilessly until they adopt a strategy that can work against the mighty foes. It may be too much for beginners, especially since the rest of the package doesn’t make any new strides in the genre.