9 Best Couples In JRPGs With Epic Love Stories

Despite usually featuring epic storylines that escalate to moments where protagonists must face gods to save humanity, JRPGs also create room to explore romance while developing their narrative. In fact, many of the best love stories ever made for video games appeared in this genre, showing characters who learn to care for each other in tough situations and draw motivation from these feelings.

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Among these stories, there are the best JRPG couples. Although some narratives lean toward over-the-top elements, much like anime, these characters have such strong chemistry together that they can captivate players, making the challenges they overcome for each other a vital part of the narrative.

9

Serenoa And Frederica (Triangle Strategy)

Couple Starts With An Arranged Marriage

Systems

Released

March 4, 2022

ESRB

t

Although the initial premise of Serenoa and Frederica’s relationship in Triangle Strategy is not the most romantic – they are brought together by a political marriage designed to strengthen alliances between two kingdoms – it is the way their bond grows throughout the narrative that makes them one of the best JRPG couples.

It is a mature romance, where both enter the story aware they are pawns in a political arrangement. Their feelings evolve over the course of various chapters. Furthermore, if players always stand behind Frederica’s ideals, an ending is possible where Serenoa supports his partner in a revolution in Roselle.

8

Sora And Kairi (Kingdom Hearts Franchise)

Romance That Unfolds Across Several Games

Released

January 25, 2019

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence

From the first moment in Kingdom Hearts, when Kairi suggests that Sora leave Destiny Island with her, it was clear these two characters were meant to stay together. Their bond develops gradually across the trilogy, with the pair separated by different events.

Another scene that shows their connection, tying the games together, is in the original Kingdom Hearts, where there is a drawing of Sora and Kairi sharing a Paopu Fruit, said to link two people’s destinies. This becomes reality only in the third game, making them one of the most iconic couples in the genre.

7

Squall And Rinoa (Final Fantasy 8)

Both Characters Have Contrasting Personalities

Released

February 11, 1999

ESRB

T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Squall and Rinoa stand out as one of the best couples ever created for JRPGs because the subplot of Final Fantasy 8 centers on their emotional growth during the narrative, particularly with Squall, who begins the game as a solitary and isolated figure, while Rinoa is introduced as a more outgoing character.

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Their relationship develops organically throughout the journey, despite not beginning in a natural manner. Several moments in the story contribute to making their relationship feel genuine, such as the dance at the ball and the subtle interactions during missions, all of which work effectively to deepen their bond.

6

Yuri And Alice (Shadow Hearts)

One Of The Most Tragic JRPG Couples

Systems

Released

December 12, 2001

ESRB

m

The romance between Yuri and Alice in the Shadow Hearts series is well-written from the start of the first game, though they form one of the most tragic JRPG couples. Their story shows real growth while they are together.

As revealed by Shadow Hearts: Covenant, the official ending has Alice dying in the first game, giving a sad conclusion to their romance. However, Yuri’s grief is explored in the sequel, adding a level of depth not often seen in other JRPGs. Fortunately, there is a happier ending in the continuation, where the two reunite.

5

2B And 9S (NieR: Automata)

They Are One Of The Most Complex JRPG Couples

Released

March 7, 2017

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence

Marked by a deep and tragic bond, 2B and 9S in NieR: Automata stand as one of the best JRPG couples. Both were artificially created and, in theory, should lack emotions. Yet their interactions show strong, real feelings that two androids should not possess.

9S displays affection for 2B, while she hides hers, since she must eliminate him if necessary. This creates a painful romance, defined by heartbreaking separations and tense reunions. Even without full memories, 9S clings to 2B, fueling a cycle of grief and fixation. The game addresses themes such as fate, free will, and humanity, making them one of the most unforgettable JRPG couples.

4

Zidane And Garnet (Final Fantasy 9)

Characters Experience Major Growth In This JRPG

Released

July 7, 2000

ESRB

T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language

Over its many titles, Final Fantasy has often focused on romance, leading to several iconic couples for players. One example is Zidane and Garnet, the main protagonists of Final Fantasy 9, whose initial meeting is unusual – he aims to kidnap her, yet she willingly goes along.

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A key element in their romance, and one that makes them one of the best couples in JRPGs, is that their relationship is not flawless. They disagree on various subjects during the story, but it rarely keeps them apart. This is one of Final Fantasy 9’s strengths, contributing to its success among players.

3

Noah And Mio (Xenoblade Chronicles 3)

Romance Between The Two Is One Of The Central Themes

The third entry in the successful JRPG franchise, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 from MONOLITHSOFT has players control main characters Noah and Mio, as well as a party of their friends as they journey across the open world of Aionios in search for the truth behind a raging war. In true RPG fashion, each character has a class with strengths and weaknesses.

Systems

Released

July 29, 2022

ESRB

T For Teen due to Language, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence

For those who prefer a more tragic story with open endings, the romance of Noah and Mio in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 makes them one of the most distinctive JRPG couples. Beyond the exploration and grand plot of the Nintendo Switch title, their relationship is a crucial element of the narrative.

Additionally, while themes of love and romance are common in other games of the franchise, the developers of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 managed to achieve a more nuanced development. Their relationship builds naturally over the course of the narrative and is interspersed with tragic moments that resonate with the overall tone of the title.

2

Alphen And Shionne (Tales Of Arise)

Both Characters Have Great Chemistry In This JRPG

Released

September 10, 2021

ESRB

T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Tales of Arise tells one of the most unique love stories in the series, largely thanks to the appeal of Alphen and Shionne, its main protagonists. The circumstances of their first meeting make their bond more moving: she bears a curse that harms anyone who touches her, while he is unable to feel pain due to a mysterious condition.

This means Alphen is the only person Shionne can touch, creating an instant link between them. As the plot continues, their romance is tested, particularly once he regains the ability to feel pain, making any physical contact with his beloved agonizing. This puts them among the most heartfelt and well-developed couples in a JRPG.

1

Tidus And Yuna (Final Fantasy 10)

One Of The Best Couples In Final Fantasy And Also In JRPGs

Systems

Released

December 17, 2001

ESRB

T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence

When Final Fantasy 10 launched, it impressed not only with its visuals but also its well-structured story, especially regarding the romance between Tidus and Yuna. The game features several tender scenes that highlight their affection, resonating with players who enjoy such themes in games.

However, despite the beauty of their relationship, it can also be viewed as tragic; near the end of Final Fantasy 10, the couple is separated when Tidus vanishes from Spira following Sin’s defeat. Later, in the direct sequel, one of the best couples in JRPGs finds a way to be reunited, as Yuna embarks on a quest to find him.

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