7 Best JRPGs for Newcomers to Play

There are hundreds of great JRPGs out there, many feel too advanced or too niche for newcomers to dive into and aren’t the best choices for someone new to the genre. However, there are plenty that can fit the bill of an easy starting point for newcomers.

Sometimes JRPGs can feel alienating to players who don’t understand them. I understand that, I personally want my JRPGs to play like Excel Spreadsheets. However, a good JRPG for a new player would be one with a more modern system and less menu management.

We’re also looking for modern gameplay amenities, so games with tons of random encounters and outdated systems won’t be on this list. However, once you’re more seasoned definitely don’t let those mechanics scare you away from some great games later.

We’re gonna look at a few JRPGs that are easily available today that you could start your JRPG journey with. While we’re not locking down an age range, many of these could also work as a kids first JRPG.

Super Mario RPG

Starting off strong with a great JRPG that sounds fake if you’re not aware of it. Yes, Mario stars in a JRPG and it’s actually great. It brings to the table that accessibility that Mario is known. However, it also highlights strategic elements and character customization that fans love about JRPGs.

It’s a great balance and ends up making the whole game feel very user friendly. I’d recommend this especially if you’re looking for Switch JRPGs.

You can find it on the Switch for $59.99 on Amazon.

Any Pokémon Game

One of my very first JRPG experiences was Pokémon Blue for the Gameboy. It taught me how to read. So obviously, I think the original Pokémon games are among the best of all time. Although, those games are basically held together with string and tape. (seriously, check out a Pokémon Gen 1 speed run sometime. It’s nuts how easily you can break those games.)

However, any Pokémon game is going to give you a fun experience. Just grab whatever one is easily accessible for you. The games can be as simple as collecting your team and exploring or they can be the most in-depth number crunching experience of your life. It all depends on how you like to play.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the most recent entries, and they’re on the Switch for $59.99 on Amazon for each.

Final Fantasy XVI

Who says a game has to be simple for it to be newbie friendly? Final Fantasy XVI has a complex narrative and in-depth world begging to be explored. However, you don’t need to be a JRPG aficionado to enjoy it. Final Fantasy XVI also offers one of the more accessible combat systems in the series and is a change from some of the turn-based far of other potential entries.

However, a few other Final Fantasy titles, such as FFX and FFIX, could be good candidates as well.

You can find FFXVI on the PS5 for $49.99 on Amazon.

Dragon Quest XI

This is the game you get if you had AI describe an ideal JRPG experience. It has all the classic tropes, the cast of characters, the combat system. It is likely one of the most straighforward JRPG experiences you can get. And I mean that in the best way.

If you get into Dragon Quest and enjoy it, then all the other games that play with JRPG elements are going to shine more too. It’s like eating a pepperoni pizza before going wild and trying new flavors. But again, nothing wrong with a nice pepperoni pizza.

DQXI is on the Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC for about $29.99 on Amazon.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Maybe you want to play JRPGs but the settings and characters throw you off? Well, maybe try Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Despite the series roots as a more action-oriented game, the shift into a turn-based game with Like a Dragon was welcomed by fans and newcomers.

The story is over the top, the setting is fun to explore and most importantly the combat is exceptional. I bet a lot of people played this one not even knowing they were getting a JRPG experience.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC for as low as $14.99 on Amazon, depending on platform.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

The Ys series is known for two things: Fast combat and great soundtracks. I’ve included it here as it’s another example of a great experience that isn’t turn-based. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana has tons of content and a great combat system that’s easy to pick up.

A fun cast of characters round out the experience. And, as mentioned before, that soundtrack is going to really sell the whole experience for you.

Ys VII can be found on the Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC for typically around $50 on Amazon.

Tales of Berseria

For me the Tales series is in my top five JRPG franchises. Almost every time they put out a new game it’s an instant classic. Tales of Berseria was one such smash. It’s got such a unique world and the combat is near perfected.

Tales of Berseria has an amazing cast of characters and a great story. It’s easy to hop into but will be hard to put down once you start going. It’s not just a great JRPG for newcomers, it’s one of the best in the last several years.

You can find Tales of Berseria on the PS4 and PC for around $23 on Amazon.

Altogether, this list should cover a wide range of gameplay styles, complexity and tone for anyone looking to pick up JRPGs. Sound off in the comments below what JRPGs got you started with the genre.