Best JRPGs With Very Little Backtracking, Ranked

Players hate backtracking in the majority of video games they play, even if it may be a necessary evil to pad out the runtime. Even the most beautiful environments can become stale after a point if players cross these locations way too many times.

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This is especially true in JRPGs, where a bunch of sidequests and secrets involve a fair bit of exploration backtracking. This is why players will love the games in this genre that respect a player’s time and don’t make them explore the same areas over and over again until they lose their impact.

8

Final Fantasy 6

The Fact That The Entire World Changes In A Flash Shows That Backtracking Isn’t A Priority

Released

October 11, 1994

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity

Developer(s)

Square Enix, Square

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Final Fantasy 6 is one of the greatest video games ever made that fans still can’t get enough of. The game’s intense pacing and some gutsy decisions have led to its universal appeal, ensuring that players don’t have to backtrack at any point in the game unless they want to find a few secrets.

The World of Balance is discarded after a point in a risky move as players embark on another adventure in a new, ruined world to help the heroes reunite and take out Kefka once and for all. Aside from helping Gau learn Rages or filling out the dances that Mog can learn, there’s no reason to backtrack and visit older areas, which is something that Final Fantasy fans will appreciate.

7

I Am Setsuna

A Fairly Linear JRPG That Doesn’t Give Players Too Many Reasons To Revisit Areas

Released

February 18, 2016

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Tokyo RPG Factory

A beautiful and short JRPG that serves as an ode to Chrono Trigger, players will love I am Setsuna as long as they don’t mind the game’s obvious inspirations, with Final Fantasy 10 being an easy mention here. The snow-covered world and melancholic story enhance the title’s mature storytelling.

Players will love ensuring Setsuna’s safety every step of the way before eventually deciding to fight back against fate. Aside from fighting the game’s superboss, there’s no reason to backtrack and visit environments that players have already visited previously.

6

Final Fantasy 13

The Linearity Of This JRPG Is Infamous

Released

March 9, 2010

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Square Enix

OpenCritic Rating

Weak

One of the most divisive JRPGs of all time, fans still can’t make up their mind when it comes to Final Fantasy 13. While the game’s visuals are off the charts, the experimental gameplay splits fans down the middle, and the game’s focus on linearity can get under a player’s skin.

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It’s not until players reach Gran Pulse that the world opens up somewhat and players can explore. This is the only time when they’ll need to backtrack in what is otherwise an oppressively linear experience.

5

Lost Odyssey

The Game Focuses On Telling A Well-Paced Story Instead Of Prioritizing Exploration

Systems

Released

February 12, 2008

ESRB

T // Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence

Lost Odyssey decided to place a major emphasis on telling a riveting, well-paced story that dealt with the idea of becoming immortal and outgrowing friends and lovers. This means that exploration took a backseat, letting players enjoy a linear adventure where backtracking went against the game’s approach.

In fact, the game actively prevents players from grinding by reducing any XP rewards after a point. Players must follow the intended path as quickly as possible to not bog down the pacing, making for a linear JRPG that many fans enjoy for its strengths.

4

Parasite Eve

A Short And Sweet JRPG With Excellent Pacing And Little To No Backtracking

Systems

Released

September 9, 1998

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Animated Violence, Mature Sexual Themes

Developer(s)

Square

Unlike the many JRPGs that released on the PS1 back in the day, Parasite Eve aimed for a short and riveting experience with barely any avenues for exploration. Players explore various areas in New York City as they hunt Eve down, with the climax arriving in no time.

Even the Chrysler Building, an additional dungeon accessible in New Game+, doesn’t encourage backtracking as players are focused on crossing every floor before reaching the game’s superboss. This makes it clear why Parasite Eve is praised by the masses as an incredible and unique JRPG that more fans need to check out.

3

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Strategy JRPGs Usually Don’t Feature Backtracking, And This Game Is No Exception

Systems

Released

July 26, 2019

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Unlike traditional Japanese role-playing games, strategy JRPGs follow a mission-based structure with little to no avenues for exploration. Every stage is a one-and-done affair that can’t be accessed after the mission is completed.

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Most Fire Emblem games fit this bill, and Three Houses is no exception. It’s one of the most accessible and beloved strategy JRPGs that takes players on a wild ride where they can enjoy an epic story that shows the series at its very best.

2

Triangle Strategy

There’s Little To No Exploration Involved In This Strategy JRPG

Systems

Released

March 4, 2022

ESRB

t

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Triangle Strategy is a surprisingly great tactical JRPG that shouldn’t be judged by its trivial name. The game’s beautiful HD-2D visuals are a joy to witness as players are whisked away on an epic adventure.

Despite some cutscenes overstaying their welcome, Triangle Strategy‘s story is epic and exactly what fans want from a strategy JRPG. There’s no backtracking involved in this game as players move from one mission to the next as the conflict between the three countries of the continent features many twists and turns.

1

Final Fantasy Tactics

Arguably The Best Final Fantasy Spinoff Of All Time With A Mission-Based Structure

Systems

Released

June 20, 1997

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Square

Many fans consider Final Fantasy Tactics to be the best spinoff title in this series, which is hefty praise given the quality of other spinoff Final Fantasy games. Most players were introduced to the world of Ivalice in this hard yet rewarding title where players controlled Ramza Beoulve and his allies in an adventure for the ages.

The mission-based structure is prevalent here, although players are encouraged to grind from time to time if they want to make the most of the job system and surpass some of the game’s biggest difficulty spikes. Still, this doesn’t involve any backtracking, ensuring that players are taken on a ride that never lets up.

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