7 best turn-based RPGs to play in 2024
Turn-based RPGs have seen a major boost lately. From beloved franchises getting updates like Baldur’s Gate 3 to incoming rising stars like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the genre keeps growing stronger. Even with flashy new AAA action games being regularly released, there’s something special about the classic gameplay of taking your time to strategize each move that keeps us coming back.
We highlight seven turn-based RPGs to play in 2024 for your playlist and discuss why these titles still deliver the goods.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer.
Baldur's Gate 3, Persona 5 Royal, and 5 other best turn-based RPGs to play in 2024
1) Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the all-time hit turn-based RPGs, bagging multiple Game of the Year awards like GJA 2023, BAFTA, and The Game Awards. This third major lineup of the Baldur's Gate series is a popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system set in Forgotten Realms in 1492 DR. You can create your very own character or one of the six in-game origin characters—like Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Astarion, and others.
With the addition of single-player and co-op modes, this title by Larian Studios offers narratives and deep storytelling, making it a must-play for 2024.
2) Persona 5 Royal
Developed by Atlus, this game is the sixth installment in the Persona series and is one of the finest turn-based RPGs. The game inspired several spin-offs, manga series, and anime adaptations, and the series's protagonist, Joker (Ren Amamiya), was featured in the crossover fighting game "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate."
The story follows a second-year high school student who gains special powers and forms a group (Phantom Thieves of Hearts) that battles corrupt adults in the Metaverse.
Despite being a 2019 release, Persona 5 Royal remains a must-try owing to its visuals, thrilling storyline, and catchy soundtrack. It is one of the biggest sellers in the series, with over 3.3 million units sold.
3) Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Infinite Wealth by Sega is the ninth main entry as well as the fastest-selling game in the Yakuza series, with over a million copies in the first week. Gameplay-wise, you'll play both as Ichiban and Kiryu, navigating areas like Yokohama's Isezaki Ijincho and Honolulu City, along with the good ol' Kamurochō. Ichiban is on a quest to find his mother, while Kiryu faces his battle with cancer.
This game builds on the turn-based combat system of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, making it a standout among the top turn-based RPGs.
4) Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a great add-on to one of the best isometric turn-based RPGs. Set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K, it lets you control a party of six characters—Marazhai Aezyrraesh, Argenta, Heinrix van Calox, etc.—including your own Rogue Trader, hailing from the Von Valancius dynasty.
The game features turn-based combat and focuses on realm-building, where your choices shape your space empire. You’ll navigate ground battles, engage in social interactions, and even dive into space combat. There's also a co-op multiplayer mode for PC gamers.
Whether you’re new to or a veteran of the Warhammer universe, Rogue Trader by Owlcat Games promises a thrilling adventure.
5) Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Marking the 11th iteration in the classic Dragon Quest franchise, Echoes of an Elusive Age is one of the most loved turn-based RPGs on the list. The game takes place in Erdrea, where you play as the Luminary, a hero tasked with saving the world from darkness by battling monsters like Metal Slime and Drackolyte. It also introduces a free-form camera like in Dragon Quest X, which gives you a 360 view.
Echoes of an Elusive Age was originally intended to be an open-world game, but the developers had to alter this plan to meet the storyline they wanted to tell. To make the franchise closer to the West, they added voiced English dialogue, 4K resolution, and a longer storyline.
6) Divinity: Original Sin 2
Original Sin 2, the sequel to the 2014 hit "Divinity," is one of the finest turn-based RPGs from Larian Studios. In this title, you take on the role of the "Godwoken," a powerful sorcerer in the world of Rivellon who wields a kind of magic known as "Source" to fight back against the Voidwoken monsters. Your choices can also shape the story while playing solo or multiplayer.
This game raised around $2 million to kickstart the campaign, which attained critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over a million copies in just two months. It even snagged the BAFTA for Best Multiplayer Game in 2018.
7) Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a 2023 RPG from Sabotage Studio, set thousands of years before its predecessor, The Messenger. Players are cast in two roles—Valere and Zale, who battle against an evil alchemist (Resh'an) with sun and moon powers. It's a mix between puzzle games and turn-based combat, and up to six playable characters can be controlled.
The title has some resemblance to the lost classics of the Super Nintendo era, as it has updated JRPG mechanics that come together perfectly with good visuals, a solid soundtrack, and great nods to older games like Chrono Trigger. Anyone looking for one of the best nostalgic turn-based RPGs in 2024 should try this one.