Best JRPGs For Slow Exploration, Ranked

In most games, players want to explore a world as quickly as possible to reach the end of a dungeon or find a critical NPC in a town. JRPGs are no exception here, especially since players would jump at any excuse to slash their runtime in these lengthy titles considerably.

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10 Best JRPGs For Fast-Paced Gameplay, Ranked

From Granblue Fantasy: Relink to Nier: Automata, these JRPGs deliver fast-paced combat and thrilling action for fans of frenetic gameplay.

However, some JRPGs reward players for taking their time to explore the world. This can be in the form of meaningful character interactions, valuable secrets, or hidden content that is more fleshed out than most people would assume.

8

The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel

As One Would Expect From A Trails Game, Exploration Is Slow But Engaging In Its Own Way

The Legend of Heroes series is full of games that progress at a very slow pace. This may frustrate players who just want to blaze through the world at their own pace, but games like Trails of Cold Steel reward players for taking their time to explore Thors Military Academy and the many cities they visit during their missions.

Most NPCs have personal stories and struggles that can be tracked if players talk to them regularly. Along with this, there are several secrets and optional side quests that players can complete if they take the time to explore, especially in Thors Military Academy where Rean can help numerous students with their problems.

7

Dragon Quest 11

Players Are Encouraged To Uncover Side Content And Secret As They Complete Both Main And Optional Quests

Given that Dragon Quest 11 is one of the most accessible games in the series, it’s easy to see why some players relish the idea of moving quickly from one place to another if they want to make quick progress in the story. However, the Luminary can also move through areas meticulously to uncover unique content, fun combat encounters, side activities, and everything in between.

The game does have some difficulty spikes from time to time, and players who put in the effort to level up the Luminary will be rewarded with better gear and higher levels to deal with these tougher threats. This is especially important for players who are interested in the post-game content, which is quite meaty.

6

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Another Yakuza Game Comes Equipped With An Open-World Brimming With Detail That Players Will Love

Given the success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, it’s easy to see why RGG Studio stuck with their turn-based combat for another entry in the series. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth lets players explore Hawaii, further both Kiryu and Ichiban’s stories as they deal with their issues.

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8 Best JRPGs Set In High Fantasy Worlds, Ranked

With tons to discover from magic to mythical monsters, it’s easy to see why these high fantasy worlds in JRPGs are so popular.

With a greater understanding of the combat system coupled with its fair share of interesting jobs, it’s easy to see why uncovering every bit of side content isn’t critical to deal with the many threats in Infinite Wealth. However, players who put in the work to complete substories, battle Sujimon, and deck out Dondoko Island will acquire a ton of meaningful rewards to make their trek through the game easier than ever before.

5

The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky

Players Will Love The Charm Exuding From This Game, Especially If They Explore Everything

Systems

Released

June 24, 2004

Developer(s)

Nihon Falcom

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The first chapter of Trails in the Sky is a cozy game where Estelle and Joshua embark on a grand adventure. As one would expect from a title in The Legend of Heroes series, Trails in the Sky features a ton of neat touches that make slow-paced exploration quite rewarding.

Players can find some tantalizing rewards that make their journey through the game easier in the form of valuable equipment or Orbments. Given how challenging this title can get at times, it’s easy to see why players will appreciate the bonuses they enjoy if they are meticulous about their exploration.

4

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The Detail Present In Most Yakuza Games Meshes Well With A JRPG

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is one of the greatest games in the series, introducing a brand new protagonist in a story that can be surprisingly emotional. It can also be deceptively hard, with one particularly hard fight in the game giving players nightmares to this day.

This is why slowly exploring the world to find items, substories, and side content is so important. Farming money with the business side activity, exploring the game’s optional dungeons, and leveling up the best jobs can all be achieved by just taking the time to explore the world and uncovering the wealth of content in Isezaki Ijincho.

3

Final Fantasy 12

The Detailed Zones Are Jam-Packed With Content And Interesting Moments

One of the most beautiful and ambitious Final Fantasy games ever made, a lot of people loved the twelfth mainline entry despite the wealth of changes it brought to the table. The focus on side quests and hunts is more prevalent than ever before, compelling players to explore the deepest reaches of the world to take out tough enemies and find valuable treasure.

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These JRPG titles took certain risks in different ways; however, these risks turned out to be worthwhile.

Given how challenging this title can get, it’s easy to see why exploring the world and uncovering everything there is to find is so important to enhance a player’s experience. Final Fantasy 12 is a gem of a title that rewards curiosity and is a deeply rewarding game for players who like exploring wide spaces and fighting as many enemies as possible along the way.

2

Golden Sun

Players Should Explore The World To Find More Djinns And Other Hidden Content

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Golden Sun

Systems

Released

November 12, 2001

Golden Sun is one of the most unique JRPGs players can get their hands on. Instead of a regular job system, players can mix and match different Djinn to unlock various jobs. While some of these magical creatures can be found on the beaten path, others require some searching for players to reap their benefits.

The open world itself houses some of these Djinn that can be hard to find, compelling players to take their time and explore every inch of the world to find these creatures. Exploration in Golden Sun also uncovers secrets and lets players find some optional dungeons, which enhances the experience of playing this game in the eyes of many.

1

Persona 5 Royal

Both The Palaces And Tokyo Feel Great To Explore, Encouraging Players To Take Their Time

Persona 5 Royal is one of the best games in the series, personalizing the game’s dungeons to ensure that players don’t have to deal with procedural environments anymore barring Mementos. This means that exploring both Tokyo and every Mind Palace is more rewarding than ever before.

Persona 5 Royal takes things a step further by adding more activities in the real world while expanding the Mind Palaces. Uncovering secrets and locating Will Seeds in each dungeon is quite rewarding and makes it easier for players to complete a dungeon with the additional SP boost.

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6 Best PS1 JRPGs That Are Not Part Of A Franchise

Sony’s first console had a lot of one-off JRPGs that went nowhere. Despite the lack of a larger franchise, they still made waves.