Best Turn-Based JRPGs With Deep Character Customization, Ranked

JRPGs are extremely versatile, as they offer players tons of things to do and magical worlds to explore. While some titles have anti-heroes as protagonists, others keep the lines between good and evil very clear-cut. In any case, JRPGs are always very entertaining and typically span decades in a franchise.

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Some JRPGs do not focus as much on their story as they do on their game mechanics and the likable characters that players can use. The former typically feature tons of character customization options, which puts control in players’ hands. Here are some of the best JRPGs with deep character customization.

6

Disgaea 5: Alliance Of Darkness

Character Customization Isn’t As Deep, But It Still Feels Complete

Form an alliance and get revenge, in the latest SRPG in the Disgaea franchise. Killia, a loner, is drawn into forming a rebel army with a group of Overlords to oppose Demon Emperor Void Dark, and prevent him from taking over all of the Netherworlds.

Systems

Released

October 6, 2015

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes

• The game features a more serious tone than its predecessors
• Killia is the main protagonist of the story

The Disgaea franchise has been around for more than two decades at the time of writing this article, which goes to show just how popular and beloved it is in the gaming community. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance focuses mainly on Killia, the protagonist, and touches on concepts of revenge that make it feel more serious than other installments in the franchise.

This title allows players to customize their character to a satisfying level. However, it doesn’t have the most complex or deep customization system on the list, which is why it’s at the top. In later installments, such as Disgaea 7, there are many upgrades that players can take advantage of to make their playthrough more interesting.

5

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

The Addition Of Chain Crafts Revamps The Experience

• Platform(s): GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, PSP, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, Android
• Released: March 9, 2006
• Developer(s): Nihon Falcom
• Genre(s): JRPG
• Good character customization options
• Chain crafts are a great way to deal with enemies

Released in 2006, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC is a great installment in a much greater franchise. The game is set directly after the events of Legends of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, picking up on the story that was left by its predecessor.

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While the game plays quite similarly to its predecessor, it also has new features and the most welcome addition of chain crafts, which are moves that involve up to four members of players’ parties attacking simultaneously. The character customization options are all there, and while they’re not outstanding, they offer just about enough to keep players invested.

4

Etrian Odyssey Nexus

A Great Dungeon Crawler With Good RPG Elements

The final Etrian installment on Nintendo 3DS.
With more classes, characters, gameplay systems, and labyrinths than any other game in the series, Etrian Odyssey Nexus is the ultimate dungeon-crawling adventure.
Create and customize characters from 19 playable classes, then take on the dangerous creatures of Lemuria’s labyrinths with your perfect party! With the ability to swap between four difficulty settings, auto-mapping settings, and a grand standalone story, series newcomers and experienced veterans alike are welcome.

Systems

Released

February 5, 2019

ESRB

t

• The last installment in its franchise to be released on the Nintendo 3DS
• A dungeon crawler with tons of customization options

Etrian Odyssey Nexus is very special, not only because it’s a dungeon-crawler JRPG, but also because it was the sixth and final main installment in its franchise to be released on the Nintendo 3DS.

This title features a very complex and complete character customization system that allows players to change just about every aspect of their character to have a more immersive experience. On top of this, the turn-based combat mechanics are excellent, and demand that players plan their every move carefully in order to emerge victorious from any encounter. Etrian Odyssey Nexus should, without a doubt, be one of the JRPGs that should be ported over to the Nintendo Switch 2.

3

Octopath Traveler 2

A Solid Sequel To An Outstanding Game

The story takes place in Solistia, a land comprising an eastern and western continent divided by the sea.

It is a bustling era, wherein large vessels navigate busy sea routes and the power of steam gives birth to new technologies.

Some people thrill to glamorous stars of the stage and industry, while others are brought to tears by war, plague, and poverty.

In this faraway realm, eight travelers hailing from different regions venture forth for their own reasons. Step into their shoes and explore the land as you see fit, using their unique talents to aid you along your journey.

Embark on an adventure all your own.

Released

February 24, 2023

ESRB

Rated T for Teen for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco.

• Great side quests and main narrative
• The game focuses on eight different characters, each with their own purpose

Octopath Traveler 2 is one of the best JRPGs of the last 10 years, as it not only features a very complete class system but also allows players to have full control over their characters and their evolution throughout the game.

Similarly to its predecessor, Octopath Traveler 2 allows players to control eight separate characters, each with their own purpose, as they explore the world. On top of this, the game features several great side quests and also has a compelling narrative that is both immersive and interesting.

2

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Skies

An Action-Packed Story That Is Complemented By The Game Mechanics Present

In Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, players begin their adventure as a city guardian who is sent to retrieve a sacred tree’s fruits, which have the power to grant wishes. Players travel the world, conquer fearsome monsters and unravel an epic storyline. During their journey, players will encounter mighty opponents in fast-paced battles, and also interact with a colorful cast of characters. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies contains special modes that let players share their adventure with others, allowing up to four players to team up via a local wireless connection and experience the fun of tackling challenging monsters and dungeons cooperatively with their own characters. Players can even leave the game active in their backpacks, pockets or purses and still interact with other players via an interactive “Tag Mode.” Information about players’ characters can be wirelessly transmitted to others, and treasure maps and customized greetings can be exchanged automatically by players who come within range of one another when their games are set to Tag Mode. Players looking to enjoy a variety of different game activities can take on special side quests. Some of these quests will be earned by progressing through the game, while additional quests will be made available for free download for players with broadband Internet access after the game launches, providing hours of additional content for virtual adventurers to enjoy either on their own or with friends. Some downloadable quests will continue the main storyline of the game, while others offer standalone missions.

Systems

Released

July 15, 2009

ESRB

t

• The action is split between the Nintendo DS’ two screens
• One of the best mainline Dragon Quest games out there

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies follows the story of the protagonist, who is a member of an angelic race after a disaster in their home scatters magical fruits all over the mortal realm.

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Like other Nintendo DS titles, Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies splits the action between the two screens that are part of the handheld console to provide a more complete experience. The character customization options are all there, and leave nothing to be desired for players who want to have full control over the character they’ll be exploring the mortal realm with. While this title isn’t the best when comparing every mainline Dragon Quest game, it does stand in a great position and can be ranked within the top 5 to date.

1

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Excellent Combat System And Great Character Customization

War is coming to the continent of Fódlan. Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros, which hosts the prestigious Officer’s Academy within its headquarters. You are invited to teach one of its three mighty houses, each comprised of students brimming with personality and represented by a royal from one of three territories. As their professor, you must lead your students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome. Which house, and which path, will you choose?

Systems

Released

July 26, 2019

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence

• Byleth can either be male or female depending on players’ preferences
• Players can change their characters’ class

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an absolute masterpiece. The game focuses on Byleth, a mercenary-turned-teacher, who is tasked with instructing students at a prestigious military academy.

While this game does not have as many character customization options as other titles per se, it does allow players to change their characters’ classes and pick their outfits with a ton of freedom. This, along with the excellent turn-based combat system and the outstanding and immersive narrative, makes for a great game that is still played by many today. Naturally, the more players progress, the harder the game will get, so they’ll want to do some research on the best classes to use for the endgame.

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