As a prominent player in the gaming industry, Microsoft primarily directs its efforts towards Western game developers, shaping its consoles and services, such as Game Pass, with a focus on this audience. Consequently, this results in a greater prevalence of games and genres that resonate with Western players.
However, it’s essential to note that Microsoft also recognizes the value of global contributions, including those from renowned Japanese developers. While the selection of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) on Game Pass may not be as extensive as found on other platforms, there are still notable titles to explore.
Game Pass would not fulfill its potential without striving to cater to a wide array of gaming genres. Therefore, with a bit of exploration, players can uncover some fantastic JRPGs to indulge in their nostalgia and passion for this beloved genre.
This article aims to highlight a range of JRPGs available on Game Pass, showcasing both those developed in Japan and others from different regions. After all, a game does not need to originate in Japan to embody the essence of a JRPG. Below are our top recommendations.
Note: This list was compiled in May 2025 and may change over time.
8 Persona 3 Reload
A Modern Classic with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Among the contemporary giants in JRPGs, few franchises are as distinguished as Persona, known for its rich storytelling and engaging gameplay. While Game Pass previously showcased Persona 5 Royal, which has since been removed, gamers can still enjoy another excellent title: Persona 3 Reload.
This fully remade edition of the classic 2006 PS2 game invites players into the story of high school students who, at midnight, venture into the mysterious Dark Hour. Armed with Personas, they confront enigmatic Shadows and unravel the mysteries surrounding a colossal tower that seemingly emerges nightly from their school.
Persona 3 Reload not only revisits the original narrative but also includes numerous quality-of-life upgrades, new mechanics, and visually enhanced character models and music, all while maintaining the series’ trademark style and dynamic, rhythmical turn-based combat.
7 Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
Aggressively French, Positively Brilliant
It’s crucial to recognize that a JRPG’s origin does not need to be Japan; it’s about the right combination of setting and gameplay mechanics. Take, for instance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which hails from France yet embodies the quintessential JRPG spirit.
Set in the enchanting realm of Lumiere, where a colossal Paintress paints numbers that cause people of that age to vanish, the game follows Expedition 33’s attempts to confront this ongoing tragedy. The environments in Clair Obscur are artistically stunning, featuring unique regions from expansive floral fields to vast, dried lakebeds.
The turn-based combat is engaging and requires precise timing for dodging and parrying, thereby cultivating a fast-paced battle experience that keeps players on their toes.
6 Sea of Stars
A Little Bit of Everything
Many indie developers have drawn inspiration from JRPGs of their youth, resulting in fascinating hybrid titles that blend gameplay styles and design principles. A prime example is Sea of Stars.
In this adventure, two magical knights set out to thwart an ancient alchemist and their grotesque minions. Joined by a childhood friend, they embark on a journey reminiscent of classic tales like Chrono Trigger.
Sea of Stars integrates a combat system inspired by Chrono Trigger, featuring semi-real-time mechanics, requiring players to pay close attention to character positioning while incorporating timing-based inputs for enhancing attacks and dodging.
5 Trials of Mana
A Blast from the Past
The Mana series, which began as a spin-off of Final Fantasy, has garnered a loyal following through its classic entries. The third game, Trials of Mana, was previously only available in Japan but enjoyed a resurgence with a full 3D remake and an international release on Game Pass.
Players can select a protagonist and two companions, gradually uncovering their narratives as they traverse diverse landscapes. This remake boasts stunning 3D graphics that breathe new life into the beloved character sprites.
Combat employs a real-time system that revolves around light and heavy attacks, allowing for easy class customization to develop a preferred party configuration.
4 Octopath Traveler 2
Eight Stories, All Bangers
Square Enix’s groundbreaking “HD-2D”style, which combines traditional 2D sprites with intricate 3D environments, brilliantly showcases its potential in the Octopath Traveler series.
Octopath Traveler 2 features eight distinct protagonists, each with unique abilities and backgrounds from various regions. Players can start with one hero and gradually recruit others, embarking through diverse quests that span multiple locations.
The turn-based combat mechanics focus on strategic timing and ability management, allowing players to maximize their combat effectiveness by combining skills and using various classes to create the ideal party setup.
3 Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
I Was a Teenage President
JRPGs are known for their ability to present fantastical tales, even those that defy logic. Take Ni No Kuni 2, for example, which starts with a US president facing a missile attack before being magically transported into a whimsical world as a teenager.
The game follows Roland, the reincarnated president, alongside Prince Evan, as they seek to reclaim their kingdom and unify the world. Combat occurs in distinct arenas where you can engage in battle or summon creatures to aid you.
Beyond combat, players will delve into kingdom management, addressing the needs of their populace and establishing trade routes.
2 Cassette Beasts
Pokémon Fusion, Basically
As the Pokémon franchise continues to thrive, it is easy to forget its roots in JRPG mechanics. While Pokémon titles are notably absent on Game Pass, indie developers have crafted their own takes on creature-collecting games, exemplified by Cassette Beasts.
Players are transported to a mysterious island filled with strange creatures and fellow castaways. Utilizing a tape deck, they can merge with these creatures, effectively taking on their attributes and abilities as they uncover the island’s secrets.
Similar to Pokémon, Cassette Beasts has a typing system that dictates combat advantages and challenges, allowing for exciting battles that encourage strategy and creativity.
1 Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
That’s a Whole Lotta Heroes
While many esteemed JRPG franchises have faded over time, some of their legacies endure in new forms.Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes pays homage to the classic Suikoden series, bringing players into a vibrant fantasy world filled with diverse races and cultures.
In this crowdfunded title, players take on the role of Nowa, a protagonist who must gather an extraordinary army of over 100 heroes to combat an encroaching evil empire. This task involves exploring the world to recruit allies while engaging in strategic combat that requires players to choose their party composition wisely.
The interactions among different characters impact gameplay dynamics, as some possess unique abilities that can lead to devastating team attacks against adversaries.
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