Best Turn-Based RPGs With Unique Class Gameplay

Turn-based RPGs are a classic genre that captivates players with the strategy and planning required in each battle. One of the most striking elements of these games is the diversity of classes, each with unique abilities and styles, allowing players to explore different tactical approaches and immerse themselves in dynamic combat full of possibilities.

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The best turn-based RPGs with distinct classes are those that offer unique experiences with each available option. This means that every class should significantly contribute to combat, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations and strategies. As a result, each turn carries weight and importance, making every choice crucial for the player’s progress and success.

10

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Players Can Customize Characters With Different Classes

Systems

Released

July 26, 2019

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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Fire Emblem: Three Houses features a class system that offers a wide range of options, allowing players to customize their characters as they see fit for the game’s future battles. The classes are unique and possess distinct abilities, encouraging a balance among the available options to cover various disadvantages of enemy troops.

However, this extensive customization may slightly diminish the uniqueness of each character compared to previous games. Nevertheless, the classes maintain distinctive personalities, with well-defined strengths and limitations, clarifying what each can or cannot do and preserving the game’s strategic balance.

The Archetypes System Provides Great Variety To The JRPG

One of the main mechanics of Metaphor: ReFantazio is the Archetypes system, which offers players a high level of customization for each character. Functioning like classes, they differ from the Persona series, where only the protagonist could change their specialization, while companions remained fixed. Here, all group members can be customized.

This flexibility adds variety to combat, as each Archetype has strengths, weaknesses, and unique mechanics that players must effectively utilize when facing enemies. For example, the Merchant consumes the group’s money when activating their abilities, while the Gunner needs to stay back to use their attacks effectively.

8

Darkest Dungeon

A Hardcore Turn-Based RPG With Unique Classes

Darkest Dungeon features some of the toughest combat among turn-based RPGs ever produced, largely due to its unique approach to stress mechanics and resource management. Thus, each battle challenges players not only to face powerful enemies but also to manage the long-term effects of these confrontations.

Additionally, with 14 class options available in the game, players must use them intelligently, as each hero has specific roles in combat. Therefore, the selection and synergy between classes are essential for success, as the unpredictable environment and adverse conditions make each exploration a tense and engaging experience.

7

Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous

Some Classes Are Better When This RPG Is Played In Turn-Based

Based on the first edition of Pathfinder, Wrath of the Righteous offers a wide range of options to customize characters by combining classes, races, abilities, and feats to create unique choices. The game allows players to switch between real-time combat and turn-based mode, with the latter being ideal for classes that require strategic planning, such as mages and alchemists.

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In turn-based mode, players can better manage complex abilities, such as spellcasting or specific combos, without the pressure of time. For those seeking a turn-based RPG with distinct gameplay styles and deep customization, Wrath of the Righteous is an excellent choice, standing out for its flexibility and the richness of options that make each character truly unique.

6

Solasta: Crown Of The Magister

Turn-Based RPG Focused On Party Building

• Developer: Tactical Adventures
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, GeForce Now, Xbox Series X e Series S, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
• Release: May 27, 2021
• Genre: RPG

Solasta: Crown of The Magister is a turn-based RPG that shares the same rules as Dungeons & Dragons, providing players with a selection of unique classes to build their characters. In fact, the game places significant emphasis on them, as overcoming the game’s various challenges requires building balanced groups.

Thus, the game offers 12 available classes, along with subclasses, each providing its own gameplay mechanics. Players can choose more combat-focused options, such as the Barbarian, or play as Rogues, which have a more stealthy mechanic, but all possess qualities that contribute to the group’s dynamics.

5

Octopath Traveler 2

Talents And Path Actions Make The Characters Unique

Although each job in Octopath Traveler 2 has mechanics that make them unique and functions completely differently from one another, the game remains a turn-based RPG that goes beyond this aspect. This is because each character has their own Talents and Path Actions that offer unique abilities and differentiate the gameplay.

The game also tweaks the traditional JRPG job system, allowing each of the eight available characters to have a main class that cannot be changed but opens up the possibility for a secondary option, slightly increasing customization. Thus, even though the classes are unique, players can still slightly personalize them.

4

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Larian Studios Added Great Variety To Its Turn-Based RPG

By blending tactical elements with traditional turn-based RPG mechanics, Larian Studios successfully delivers in Divinity: Original Sin 2 a considerable number of classes available to players, each with unique gameplay. Combined with the variety of options the game offers, especially in combat and build customization, it becomes extremely well-crafted.

This diversity encourages players to explore various combinations and strategies, ensuring that each playthrough is unique. Additionally, classes can be shaped through a complex skill system, making them flexible and adaptable to different gameplay styles, solidifying the game as one of the best turn-based RPGs in the genre.

3

Dragon Quest 7

One Of The Best Class Systems In Turn-Based RPG

Systems

Released

August 26, 2000

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

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Since their introduction in Dragon Quest 3, class mechanics have become a hallmark of the series, present in almost all subsequent releases. However, the franchise game that best executed these gameplay fundamentals was Dragon Quest 7, offering players significant variety when customizing their parties.

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The game features a wide range of classes for a turn-based RPG, each offering unique mechanics. Additionally, there are some intermediate options that require the character to master two basic options before unlocking them, such as the Paladin, which requires Martial Artist and Priest to become available, adding considerable variety to the gameplay.

2

Final Fantasy Tactics

One Of The Best Job Systems Ever Produced In The Franchise

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Final Fantasy Tactics

Systems

Released

June 20, 1997

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square
, Sony Computer Entertainment

Being a series of games also known for its complex job system, Final Fantasy Tactics was the franchise game that best utilized these mechanics, creating truly unique classes for a turn-based RPG. Thus, while engaging in tactical battles against opponents, players need to maximize each job’s potential to increase their chances of success.

Moreover, while many of the options available in Final Fantasy Tactics have mechanics that are easier to grasp during combat, some are more complex, such as the Calculator/Arithmetician. This job uses mathematical calculations to determine the range and effect of its abilities, requiring players to have considerable knowledge to utilize them effectively.

1

Baldur’s Gate 3

Each Available Class Offers Unique Gameplay For Players

Based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a wide variety of classes for players to customize not only the protagonist but also the potential companions that can join along the journey. The best part is that these options have unique gameplay, allowing players to create characters with distinct combinations.

Even though some classes are similar in concept, such as the Wizard and Sorcerer, the game manages to differentiate them so they aren’t too alike. Thus, despite both options being similar, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a turn-based RPG that differentiates them through unique abilities, like Metamagic, which allows the Sorcerer to customize certain spells.

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