Best JRPGs That Emphasize Status Effects, Ranked

Most JRPGs feature incredible combat systems. Exploiting enemy weaknesses and making their party members stronger than ever before is a gameplay loop that never gets tiring, no matter how many times players experience these tactical combat systems for themselves.

The vast majority of JRPGs feature status effects that players can use to their advantage, adding to the depth of these combat systems. In some instances, status effects are downright necessary to obliterate enemies and make the most of a tactical combat system.

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8

Fantasian

A Simple, Effective Execution Of Status Effects

Systems

An underrated JRPG that is finally accessible on modern platforms, Fantasian seems by-the-numbers at first glance, but makes up for it with a unique combat system and beautiful visuals. The way it integrates status effects into battles is engaging, even if it lacks innovation.

Most enemies and bosses are susceptible to status effects, and players can figure out these weaknesses after analyzing an opponent. If a boss fight is giving players problems, exploiting their weaknesses to certain status effects is the way to go.

7

Dragon Quest 11

Status Effects Can Combine With Character Abilities

One of the most popular games in the series, Dragon Quest 11 was a huge success in the West and finally cemented the franchise’s popularity in overseas markets. The combat seemed simple enough at first glance, but boasted enough intricacies to make certain boss fights challenging.

If players don’t want to grind to get over certain difficult battles, then utilizing status effects like Sleep and Poison is the way to go. This strategy becomes more potent if players unlock one of Erik’s abilities. This ability lets him damage enemies inflicted with status ailments for 6X damage, turning him into one of the most broken party members in the game.

6

Pokemon Emerald

Makes It Easier To Capture Pokemon & Win Gym Battles

Pokemon Emerald

Systems

Every Pokemon game features a tactical turn-based combat system where exploiting weaknesses, and using status ailments is a must to secure victory. Paralyzing, poisoning, and inflicting sleep or confusion on enemy Pokemon is just one of the many ways players can make things easier for themselves in some of the hardest battles in Pokemon Emerald or any other title in this series.

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Along with this, players can make Pokemon catching easier if they use status ailments to debilitate these creatures. It becomes easier to bolster the player’s roster and utilize a team of the strongest Pokemon around in no time.

5

Final Fantasy 12

Most Bosses Are Susceptible To Status Effects

Final Fantasy 12 made many changes to the combat system, which can make its real-time battles complicated. However, players can enjoy an ace up their sleeve to make things easier for them, especially against challenging bosses.

Most powerful foes are weak to a certain status element, which players can exploit to make things easier for themselves. Players who get their hands on the Nihopalaoa accessory can use Remedy on a boss to inflict every status effect it’s not resistant to, turning most climactic battles into a breeze.

4

Persona 5

Certain Status Effects Leave Enemies Susceptible To Technical Attacks

Persona 5 made many changes to the series that turned it into one of Atlus’ most popular games. Players love the game’s eye-catching style coupled with small yet meaningful tweaks to the game’s combat.

Status effects are more viable than ever before, letting players score a Technical to knock enemies down and hit them with an All-Out Attack. Enemies set on fire can be hit with a wind-element attack to fan the flames, while frozen or sleeping enemies can be hit with a physical attack to hit for critical damage.

3

Final Fantasy 13

Status Effects Are Necessary To Take Out The Game’s Strongest Foes

Systems

Released

March 9, 2010

Developer(s)

Square Enix

OpenCritic Rating

Weak

Final Fantasy 13‘s combat system boasts way more depth than most people would assume. Auto-Attack won’t aid players for too long, punishing them for not making the most of Paradigm Shifts and unique attacks.

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A great way to make things easier for players in challenging boss fights is to use status effects, buffs, and debuffs to turn the tide of battle in the player’s favor. Players will realize how useful these status ailments can be, helping them secure victory against a challenging foe that has obliterated their party too many times.

2

Shin Megami Tensei 4

Status Effects Are Essential For Beating Certain Tough Bosses

Shin Megami Tensei IV

Systems

The mainline Shin Megami Tensei games are no joke in terms of difficulty, and the fourth numbered entry is no exception. Players can scrape by and come out victorious early on, only to be flattened by challenging boss fights that punish them for a lack of strategy.

This makes status ailments, buffs, and debuffs more important than ever. It ensures that bosses don’t hit too hard and can be debilitated long enough to affect their potency in combat, letting players inch closer toward victory.

1

Etrian Odyssey 5: Beyond The Myth

Status Effects Can Be The Difference Between Victory And Defeat

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth

Systems

Platform(s)

New Nintendo 3DS

Released

August 4, 2016

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

The Etrian Odyssey games are known for featuring some of the hardest dungeon-crawling turn-based combat players can get their hands on. The gameplay-first approach is something fans adore, although it does mandate that players alter their approach in combat to make things easier for themselves.

One of the best ways to take on challenging boss fights is to exploit their weakness to certain status ailments. This strategy is mandatory for battles where players are being flattened over and over again, finally giving them a chance after being on the receiving end of several humiliating defeats.

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