{"id":98293,"date":"2025-04-04T20:32:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T20:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/?p=98293"},"modified":"2025-04-04T20:32:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T20:32:20","slug":"jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/","title":{"rendered":"JRPGs are Having a Moment, Here&#8217;s Where to Start"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >\u062c\u062f\u0648\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062d\u062a\u0648\u064a\u0627\u062a<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/#Summary\" title=\"Summary\">Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/#Start_With_Chrono_Trigger\" title=\"Start With Chrono Trigger\">Start With Chrono Trigger<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/#Consider_Trying_These_Mega_Franchises_First\" title=\"Consider Trying These Mega Franchises First\">Consider Trying These Mega Franchises First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/#Other_Great_Starting_Points\" title=\"Other Great Starting Points\">Other Great Starting Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/#Alternatively_Start_With_the_Remastered_Classics\" title=\"Alternatively, Start With the Remastered Classics\">Alternatively, Start With the Remastered Classics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/#Theres_No_%E2%80%9CWrong%E2%80%9D_Starting_Place\" title=\"There\u2019s No &#8220;Wrong&#8221; Starting Place\">There\u2019s No &#8220;Wrong&#8221; Starting Place<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<section class=\"emaki-custom-block emaki-custom-key-points\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div class=\"emaki-custom key-points\" id=\"custom_block_0\">\n<h3 class=\"title icon i-list\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"custom_block-content key-points\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n                                        <em>Chrono Trigger<\/em> is arguably the best entry point to JRPGs with captivating story, characters, and gameplay in a package that won&#8217;t overwhelm.\n                        <\/li>\n<li>\n                                        Larger franchises like <em>Dragon Quest<\/em>, <em>Persona<\/em> and <em>Final Fantasy<\/em> are well known for a reason and all offer great jumping-on points.\n                        <\/li>\n<li>\n                                        Modern options like <em>Xenoblade Chronicles<\/em>, <em>Fire Emblem<\/em>, or <em>Nier: Automata<\/em> offer unique experiences and modern sensibilities.\n                        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- Not injecting Ads due to No-Ads mode. --><\/p>\n<p>Japanese roleplaying games, or JRPGs for short, are experiencing a second golden age. It&#8217;s the perfect time to give this storied genre a try, especially if you haven&#8217;t dipped your toes in before. If you don\u2019t know which quest to take on first, I have you covered with this nifty guide.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Not injecting Ads due to No-Ads mode. --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"start-with-chrono-trigger\">\n                        Start With <em>Chrono Trigger<\/em><br \/>\n               <\/h2>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Crono, Frog, and Lucca face off against Magus in his castle in Chrono Trigger.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Square Enix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>While it feels counter-intuitive to recommend starting out with a 30-year-old game, there\u2019s simply no better entry point to JRPGs than <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/613830\/CHRONO_TRIGGER\/\"><em>Chrono Trigger<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a game that has everything: an easily digestible and emotionally riveting story, an unbeatable cast, awe-inspiring locales, and a soundtrack that\u2019s nothing short of perfect. It\u2019s also the best depiction of the late Akira Toriyama\u2019s art style in the 2D era, so <em>Dragon Ball<\/em> fans are in for a real treat.<\/p>\n<p><em>Chrono Trigger<\/em> is also breezy and beginner-friendly. Its breakneck pacing means you\u2019re never left lingering or grinding, and the run time comes in at an approachable 25 hours. It helps that battles play out seamlessly on the map rather than through random encounters, and many can be skipped altogether. Also, the largely linear character and equipment progression helps teach first-timers JRPG basics before letting them express themselves in the end game.<\/p>\n<p>The catch is that Square Enix <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/gamerant.com\/chrono-trigger-square-enix-remaster-now-good-why\/\">hasn\u2019t ported the game to any current or last-gen consoles<\/a> despite constant fan demand. The best option at present is the great PC port featuring the updated script from the 2008 Nintendo DS re-release. You can also play it on your phone or through emulation, if you\u2019re inclined towards either.<\/p>\n<p>But if you\u2019re only willing or able to play on modern consoles, <em>Chrono Trigger<\/em> isn\u2019t on the menu, to the great shame of its publisher. Maybe this being <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gematsu.com\/2025\/03\/chrono-trigger-celebrates-30th-anniversary-various-projects-beyond-the-game-world-planned\">the game&#8217;s 30th anniversary<\/a> will change things. (Side note: avoid the PlayStation 1 port as it&#8217;s laden with long load times.)<\/p>\n<p><em>Chrono Trigger<\/em> was the game that hooked me on the genre over two decades ago when all I knew was <em>Pok\u00e9mon<\/em>, and I\u2019m shocked at how fresh it feels every time I bi-annually replay it. I feel confident in saying it\u2019ll be a similar eye-opener for others, and even if you don\u2019t play it first, it should be on your must-play list.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card screen tag   small  no-badge  \" data-show-streamrentbuy-links=\"false\" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"28d4-45ae-98555ad73d55\">\n<div class=\"w-img \">\n<div class=\"body-img portrait \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  img-article-square\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"mixcollage-04-dec-2024-08-59-am-5763.jpg\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_696_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_696_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tChrono Trigger<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"consider-trying-these-mega-franchises-first\">\n                        Consider Trying These Mega Franchises First<br \/>\n               <\/h2>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Luminary hero from Dragon Quest XI wielding a fire sword in an attack pose.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_812_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_812_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Square Enix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Despite my top recommendation hailing from 1995, most players will probably feel more comfortable starting with modern games before digging into older titles that tend to be more obtuse and abstract.<\/p>\n<p>JRPG franchises are <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/gamerant.com\/best-rpg-series-with-anthology-games\/\">often anthologies<\/a>, meaning each entry is a self-contained story that shares motifs and iconography rather than continuity and universes. You can therefore jump in wherever you please, which is part of what makes <em>Final Fantasy<\/em>,<em> Dragon Quest<\/em>, and<em> Persona<\/em> perfect starting points.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a classic turn-based RPG, <em><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1295510\/DRAGON_QUEST_XI_S_Echoes_of_an_Elusive_Age__Definitive_Edition\/\">Dragon Quest XI<\/a> <\/em>is the most authentic contemporary take on the formula. Your party members (one of the best squads since <em>Chrono Trigger<\/em>) have huge move lists to build strategies from, there\u2019s an expansive world map to traverse, and towns are littered with flavorful NPCs to speak to. It does all this with extreme attention to detail and storytelling that revels in the fun of its crude whimsy before it rips out your heart multiple times over. It\u2019s the game that made <em>Dragon Quest<\/em> a hit in the West for a reason.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card screen tag   small  no-badge  \" data-show-streamrentbuy-links=\"false\" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"07af-4d6b-9e609f3280db\">\n<div class=\"w-img \">\n<div class=\"body-img portrait \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  img-article-square\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"1056\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dragon Quest XI North American key art.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_691_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_691_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=792%2C1056&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tDragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1687950\/Persona_5_Royal\/\"><em>Persona 5 Royal<\/em><\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/2161700\/Persona_3_Reload\/\"><em>Persona 3 Reload<\/em><\/a> are both excellent entry points if you\u2019re looking for an anime social simulator alongside bouts of snappy turn-based combat. These games see you living out roughly a year of a transfer student\u2019s life day-by-day, balancing their school life and demon-thrashing duties. The art direction and music is so stylish that it puts the likes of Paris Fashion Week to shame. If this all sounds good, but you don\u2019t know where to start, here&#8217;s a cheat sheet: go for <em>Persona 5 Royal<\/em> if you love city living and <em>Persona 3 Reload<\/em> if you want darker overtones or a shorter playtime.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/2679460\/Metaphor_ReFantazio\/\"><em>Metaphor: ReFantazio<\/em><\/a>\u2014the <em>Persona <\/em>team\u2019s most recent game\u2014is a political thriller built upon a streamlined version of the <em>Persona <\/em>calendar formula. It was a big winner at game award shows last year for its narrative chops and deep combat systems, though by that very same mark I feel it\u2019s better experienced once you\u2019ve come to grips with the ins and outs of JRPG strategies like buffing, debuffing, status effects, and character building. The game is pretty tough to overcome without utilizing all its systems.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card screen tag   small  no-badge  \" data-show-streamrentbuy-links=\"false\" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"f53e-4597-b88bd414689c\">\n<div class=\"w-img \">\n<div class=\"body-img portrait \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  img-article-square\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"mixcollage-18-nov-2024-02-25-pm-97.jpg\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_461_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_461_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tPersona 5 Royal<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Final Fantasy<\/em> is a tougher franchise to tackle in a guide like this, given just how many directions it&#8217;s taken in the past few years alone. On the one hand, the <em>P<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/bundle\/21478\/FINAL_FANTASY_IVI_Bundle\/\">ixel Remaster<\/a> <\/em>series features excellent remasters of the first six games, though despite many quality-of-life options they still show their age. They\u2019re individually cheap though, so if you want to try your hand at <em>Final Fantasy IV <\/em>or <em>VI<\/em>, that\u2019s the best way to do so.<\/p>\n<p>I absolutely adore <em><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1462040\/FINAL_FANTASY_VII_REMAKE_INTERGRADE\/\">Final Fantasy VII Remake<\/a> <\/em>and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/2909400\/FINAL_FANTASY_VII_REBIRTH\/\"><em>Rebirth<\/em><\/a>, and their hybrid of action and menu-based combat is perhaps the greatest innovation in modern JRPGs. At the same time, their approach to narrative is greatly enhanced by an understanding of the original game. The final part of the trilogy is a few years off, so you have plenty of time to circle back to these alongside a playthrough of <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/39140\/FINAL_FANTASY_VII\/\"><em>Final Fantasy VII<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Another avenue to join the <em>Final Fantasy<\/em> fandom is through <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finalfantasyxiv.com\"><em>Final Fantasy XIV<\/em><\/a>, a massively popular MMO now five expansions deep. Committing to an MMO takes a lot of time and requires a monthly subscription, though you can play the base game for free to see if you like it. It\u2019s not the best gateway to the genre of JRPGs, but if you get invested, it may be the only one you need.<\/p>\n<p>Also, consider that you may want a special mouse if you&#8217;re going to play <em>Final Fantasy XIV <\/em>on PC (trust me, it&#8217;s a true game-changer).<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card  article article-card small  no-badge  active-content                      \" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"3bf7-475f-8dfa7891547c\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<div class=\"w-img \">\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  img-featured-4-pin-single-size-featured-secondary\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An Argonian holding fire in her hand near a city in Elder Scrolls Online.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_780_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_780_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C799&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>                    <span data-field=\"label\" class=\"article-card-label\">Related<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-content regular article-block\">\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t\tYou Can Play These 7 MMOs Solo<\/p>\n<\/h5>\n<p class=\"display-card-excerpt\">Be an online introvert.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"other-great-starting-points\">\n                        Other Great Starting Points<br \/>\n               <\/h2>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Xenoblade Chronicles 3 key art.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_91_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_91_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Nintendo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There are countless other modern starting points as well, offering different flavors of gameplay. Here\u2019s a smattering of those options.<\/p>\n<p>If you own a Nintendo Switch, the <em>Xenoblade Chronicles<\/em> series is available in its entirety on the platform. Their MMO-styled combat is generally easy to pick up yet has an endlessly high skill ceiling. I\u2019d say the original <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/xenoblade-chronicles-definitive-edition-switch\/\"><em>Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition<\/em><\/a> is the most approachable of these, though you can also start with <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/xenoblade-chronicles-2-switch\/\"><em>Xenoblade Chronicles 2<\/em><\/a> and circle back to the first entry after, if you prefer (just be ready for quickly overwhelming mechanics).<\/p>\n<p>If you want the best characters, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/xenoblade-chronicles-3-switch\/\"><em>Xenoblade Chronicles 3<\/em><\/a> has you covered, though that game relies heavily on an understanding of both previous games. Alternatively, the recently released <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/xenoblade-chronicles-x-definitive-edition-switch\/\"><em>Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition<\/em><\/a> stands entirely on its own and gives you mechs to pilot around its open world.<\/p>\n<p>Another Nintendo staple worth investing in is <em>Fire Emblem<\/em>, a turn-based strategy franchise worthy of the number of roster slots it\u2019s earned in <em>Super Smash Bros<\/em>. You may be typing an angry retort already, but I think you\u2019ll agree once you experience the social simulation and class customization of <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/fire-emblem-three-houses-switch\/?srsltid=AfmBOoo-HFv9RjGv3jk6YFgdd-wfeELGj4T6WMbFespYZdZMBZKx4Er0\"><em>Fire Emblem: Three Houses<\/em><\/a>, or the expansive gameplay mechanics that make <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/fire-emblem-engage-switch\/\"><em>Fire Emblem: Engage<\/em><\/a> so, well, engaging. It\u2019s also been long enough since that entry that another is likely on the near horizon, perhaps alongside the Switch 2.<\/p>\n<p>If action and anime are your cup of tea, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/524220\/NieRAutomata\/\"><em>NieR: Automata<\/em><\/a> is for you. It\u2019s a great middle ground between skill-based execution and stat modification. The flashy combos and iconic character designs are all wallpaper for creator Yoko Taro\u2019s bonkers mind-trickery, though. There\u2019s no other story in gaming told quite like this, save for its predecessors. If you end up loving <em>Automata<\/em>, try out its remastered prequel <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1113560\/NieR_Replicant_ver122474487139\/\"><em>NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139\u2026<\/em><\/a> (yes, that\u2019s really the title), which swaps out a post-apocalyptic science fiction setting for something a little more fantasy&#8230; kind of.<\/p>\n<p>Indie developers\u2014usually based outside Japan\u2014have picked up a lot of the slack in pushing the genre forward as well. <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/391540\/Undertale\/\"><em>Undertale<\/em><\/a> is the best known of these, with creator Toby Fox masterfully deconstructing JRPGs to ask questions about the player\u2019s morality. There\u2019s also <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1150690\/OMORI\/\"><em>Omori<\/em><\/a>, a gut-wrenching tale that dives deep into themes of mental health, including <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rpgfan.com\/feature\/what-omori-teaches-us-about-mental-illness\/\">how it frames traditional turn-based combat mechanics<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you want a JRPG that plays things straighter and without the emotional baggage, <em><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1244090\/Sea_of_Stars\/\">Sea of Stars<\/a> <\/em>and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1229240\/Chained_Echoes\/\"><em>Chained Echoes<\/em><\/a> are worth a look, though I would recommend <em>Chrono Trigger<\/em> as a better starting point (both take heavy inspiration from it).<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"alternatively-start-with-the-remastered-classics\">\n                        Alternatively, Start With the Remastered Classics<br \/>\n               <\/h2>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The hero and his party in an Egyptian-themed palace in Dragon Quest 3.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_663_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_663_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=600%2C337&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Square Enix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I\u2019ve largely kept this list to newer games, but there\u2019s also merit in dipping your toes right into the classics. There\u2019s a seemingly endless stream of remasters and remakes of 1990s golden era JRPGs. These could be obscure games that never made it to the West like <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/2014380\/LIVE_A_LIVE\/\"><em>LIVE A LIVE<\/em><\/a>, revivals of long-dead franchises like <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/1932640\/Suikoden_III_HD_Remaster_Gate_Rune_and_Dunan_Unification_Wars\/\"><em>Suikoden<\/em><\/a>, or meticulous recreations of stone-cold classics like <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/app\/2701660\/DRAGON_QUEST_III_HD2D_Remake\/\"><em>Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Part of why there\u2019s never been a better time to get into JRPGs is because modern hardware\u2014especially the Nintendo Switch\u2014has accrued a vast library of re-releases. Strong sales mean this trend shows no signs of stopping, as evidenced by every Nintendo Direct being filled to the brim with returning heroes.<\/p>\n<p>Re-releases tend to come packed with quality-of-life improvements, orchestrated soundtracks, and visual changes (though these can sometimes miss the mark). This helps make them more palatable to today\u2019s gamers. Many come in franchise bundles, too, sweetening the deal. Alternatively, you can always emulate games to play them in their original form without shelling out for pricey physical copies.<\/p>\n<p>If there was one specific \u201890s classic I\u2019d recommend to newcomers outside of <em>Chrono Trigger<\/em>, it\u2019s <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/super-mario-rpg-switch\/?srsltid=AfmBOopwP5aOSN5Dit2LEBm1Xay14kptQk0NoESwTszbb4y6Qu7segyT\"><em>Super Mario RPG<\/em><\/a>. It\u2019s specifically built to simplify JRPG mechanics down to a level that anyone can play, yet it\u2019s not so easy as to be patronizing. The recent one-for-one remake for the Switch is a beauty as well. Some would probably point you towards <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nintendo.com\/us\/store\/products\/paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-switch\/\"><em>Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door<\/em><\/a> instead, and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rpgfan.com\/review\/paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-2\/\">I concur it\u2019s a fantastic game<\/a>, but <em>Super Mario RPG<\/em> is more digestible and, if it matters, family-friendly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card screen tag   small  no-badge  \" data-show-streamrentbuy-links=\"false\" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"5455-4da8-88624b56a4af\">\n<div class=\"w-img \">\n<div class=\"body-img portrait \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  img-article-square\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"super-mario-rpg-switch.jpg\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_263_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_263_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1000%2C1500&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tSuper Mario RPG<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/h5>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"there-rsquo-s-no-quot-wrong-quot-starting-place\">\n                        There\u2019s No &#8220;Wrong&#8221; Starting Place<br \/>\n               <\/h2>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\">\n<figure>\n<p>                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Aerith, Tifa, Yuffie, and Cloud from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth approaching the Gold Saucer.\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_905_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798739_905_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"height:auto;max-width:100%\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"body-img-caption\">Square Enix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There simply isn&#8217;t the space in this article to highlight every great JRPG series, and frankly, I\u2019ve probably already overwhelmed you with options. The truth is that there\u2019s no inherently wrong starting point. If there\u2019s a JRPG that piques your interest, that\u2019s the one to go with.<\/p>\n<p>The JRPG genre casts a pretty wide net that ranges from strict turn-taking to hardcore action, and everything in-between. There\u2019s something for everyone, and the real quest is finding which styles suit you.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary Chrono Trigger is arguably the best entry point to JRPGs with captivating story, characters, and gameplay in a package that won&#8217;t overwhelm. Larger franchises like Dragon Quest, Persona and Final Fantasy are well known for a reason and all offer great jumping-on points. Modern options like Xenoblade Chronicles, Fire Emblem, or Nier: Automata offer &#8230; <a title=\"JRPGs are Having a Moment, Here&#8217;s Where to Start\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/jrpgs-are-having-a-moment-heres-where-to-start\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about JRPGs are Having a Moment, Here&#8217;s Where to Start\">\u0625\u0642\u0631\u0623 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0632\u064a\u062f<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":98294,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[1082,82],"class_list":["post-98293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-video-games","tag-playstation-5","tag-video-games"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1743798740_JRPGs-are-Having-a-Moment-Heres-Where-to-Start.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98293"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98293\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98295,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98293\/revisions\/98295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodwriterz.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}