One of the most important aspects of a story-focused game like a Japanese RPG is giving players a fully realized and developed world to explore and feel like they are a part of. Like a story-driven novel, world-building and lore is a huge part of making everything look and feel believable. Not only is the game responsible for guiding the player through its world it needs to give the player lots of opportunities to gain knowledge through experiences via participation in the storytelling or actively seek it out for themselves.

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Many great games provide players with snippets of information scattered throughout towns, universities, dungeons, items, and the various NPCs found throughout their adventures, leaving it to the player to piece together the stakes of the quest and world-changing events that affect the characters in the story. This list explores some of the best JRPGS with the deepest lore.

Updated on June 11, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn: Many elements of JRPGs fans love involve character development, involved storylines, and the worlds. The world-building and lore draw players in and make them want to explore it, find everything then miss it when the story ends. Having a believable world makes players care about the characters that inhabit it and the events that surround it. Lore and history give the feeling that a world feels lived in, and even the NPCs can make the player care by raising the stakes even more. This list is updated to include more JRPGs with incredible world-building and lore.

21 Xenoblade Chronicles Trilogy

Xenoblade Chronicles Shulk and party members
  • Released: 2010, 2017,2019, and 2022
  • Developer: Monolith Soft
  • Platform: 3DS, Switch, and Wii.

The first Xenoblade Chronicles launched on the Wii in 2010, but JRPG fans looking for the best experience should start with Xenoblade Chronicles The Definitive Edition on the Switch. All three games feature different characters and can be played separately. However, the expanded stories from the DLC, Future Connected, Torna - The Golden Country, and Future Redeemed tie everything together, making the Xenoblade universe more worthwhile playing as a trilogy.

There is a ton of history and lore waiting to be discovered in each game. There are hundreds of hours of gameplay to experience and beautiful character development. JRPG fans should not pass up the opportunity to play one of the best in a generation.

20 Tactics Ogre Reborn

A typical battle in Tactics Ogre Reborn where the main character prepares an attack.
  • Released: 1995, 2010 and 2022
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Platform: PC, PSP, PS4, PS5, and Switch

Tactics Ogre Reborn is a remake of Tactics Ogre: Let It Cling Together that launched on the PSP in 2010. It is a tactical turn-based RPG with a deep narrative, a vast script, and terrific character development. The world and its lore are some of the most in-depth in the genre, conveying a sense of culture among the locations the player visits.

Taking inspiration from Medieval and Roman history for the setting, the developers also included modern-day conflicts - at the time - like the Yugoslav Wars and other atrocities prominent in the news. Sadly, many of these inspirations are just as poignant now as they were in 1995. Branching player decisions in Tactics Ogre change the storyline and are rarely black and white. The game sets the scene with its spectacular lore and world-building. As a result, the choices hit harder, but the experience is fantastic.

19 Elden Ring

elden ring celebrants
  • Released: 2022
  • Developer: FromSoftware
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Elden Ring is the latest entry in FromSoft's Soulsborne franchise. As with its predecessors, it has a unique, dark, and weird world packed with lore for the player to discover. Elden Ring has a vast open world that is layered and explorable, with seemingly endless dungeons and secrets to uncover.

The developers at FromSoft are experts in allowing players to discover as little or as much of the world as they want. The world of Elden Ring and its characters was written by George R.R. Martin - the author behind A Song of Ice and Fire novels.

18 Triangle Strategy

A scene featuring characters from Triangle Strategy
  • Released: 2022
  • Developer: Square Enix and Artdink
  • Platform: Switch

Taking inspiration from Tactical RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre, and Vandal Hearts, Triangle Strategy is a deep game with a ton of lore for players to discover. There is an extensive script to follow with lots of reading to the point where it resembles a visual novel.

Thankfully, Traingle Stategy is a sprawling epic that hooks players with a timeline that spans generations and multiple protagonists. Furthermore, Triangle Strategy features four possible endings for the player to discover. Like Tactics Ogre, the stakes are high, and making difficult decisions can impact the storyline and how the characters react.

17 Tales Of Arise

tales-of-arise-cast-together
  • Released: 2021
  • Developer: Bandai Namco Studio
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

The Tales series is reputedly a whimsical and light JRPG series. While that is true to some extent, the worlds these games take place are always fully fleshed out. The character-driven stories have always driven the narratives. Several titles in the Tales games deal with oppression, elitism, and political divides.

Tales of Arise is no different in this regard. It features a stunning world to explore, with in-depth history and conflict waiting to be discovered. Each town and city has a story to tell and lore that builds toward its overall story arc. Furthermore, Tales of Arise is one of the most polished and entertaining entries in the Tales franchise.

16 Final Fantasy 7 – The Compilation

Final fantasy VII
  • Released: 1997
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Platform: Android, iOS, PC, Switch, and Xbox One

First released in 1997 for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 7 became a worldwide phenomenon and arguably the most popular and mainstream Japanese RPG ever. The popularity leads to Square-Enix expanding the Final Fantasy 7 universe with a remake, prequels, side stories, a film, and a canonical reference in Final Fantasy 10. Even on its own, the original game was packed with excellent world-building and various sources to flesh out the world of FF7.

Even the ensemble cast of characters does a great job of adding weight and history to the world around them. Characters like RED XIII and Aerith are great examples of this due to their strong connections to the past, helping shape the mythology. As a result, players gain a better understanding of the events unfolding around them. The world of Final Fantasy 7 was expanded further with the remake allowing the universe to take a new direction as fans await the launch of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth.

15 The Dark Souls Trilogy

Dark Souls 2 Bosses Feature Header Image
  • Released: 2011
  • Developer: FromSoftware
  • Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One

When Dark Souls was released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011, it - along with its predecessor, Demon’s Souls - introduced gamers to a more cerebral and elusive style of environmental storytelling. Players must uncover the world and history for themselves as it is packed with many details that can be pieced together.

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The strange NPCs the player will encounter all have their quirks and history that can be discovered if one looks hard enough. Even many of the most powerful weapons and items have their own tragic story to tell.

14 Tales Of Zesteria & Tales Of Berseria

Tales of Zesteria and Tales of Berseria Protagonists
  • Released: 2015 And 2017
  • Developer: Bandai Namco
  • Platform: PC and PS4

Tales of Zesteria was the first entry in the series to launch on the PS4. Despite not being universally loved by fans, there is a world with lots of lore to discover if one delves deep enough. Taking inspiration from the King Arthur legends with characters Arthur, the Lady in Lake, and more making an appearance.

The follow-up, Tales of Berseria, is canonically a prequel with events that tie into Zesteria. It is a vast improvement over its predecessor, with better gameplay elements and more fleshed-out characters. Moreover, the excellent story adds more depth and lore to the history and universe.

13 Lost Odyssey

Lost Odyssey has a deep story
  • Released: 2008
  • Developer: Mistwalker and Feelplus
  • Platform: Xbox 360

Released on the Xbox 360 in 2008, Lost Odyssey is a turn-based RPG developed by the creator of the Final Fantasy series Hironobu Sakaguchi at his studio Mistwalker. It featured a combat system worked on by many of the same team that created the Shadow Hearts series and featured a soundtrack from the legendary Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu.

However, what makes Lost Odyssey stand out from the crowd of JRPGs is its rich and deep story. The approach to world-building, providing depth and backstory to the immortal Kaim -the lead protagonist - is unique and compelling in equal measure. To unlock the secrets of his past players must find memories in the form of short stories written by Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu.

12 The Nier And Drakengard Series

Nier Automata promo art
  • Released: Drakengard 2003 and Nier 2010
  • Developer: Cavia, Toylogic, and PlatinumGames
  • Platform: PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One

When Nier: Automata was released in 2017, it put the Nier franchise on the map, and after releasing one of the most memorable JRPGs ever made, fans wanted more. Automata was preceded by several titles that are based in the same universe.

The Drakengard trilogy released on the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation 3 predate the events of the Nier series. The original Nier was released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Even though its story and soundtrack were well-received by fans, the mechanics came under fire from critics. Thankfully, a remastered version of Nier launched in 2021 with improved visuals and mechanics. The series features multiple endings, giving the player deeper insight into the world.

11 The Final Fantasy 13 – Fabula Nova Crystalis

Final Fantasy XIII-2
  • Released: 2010
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Platform: PC, PS3, and Xbox 350

Final Fantasy 13 may be one of the most controversial entries in the mainline series. It is one of the most linear, with players forced to effectively run in a straight line initiating fights and watching cutscenes until they reach the area known as Gran Pulse.

Players willing to scratch beneath the surface will find exceptionally complex and in-depth lore that spans millions of years across several games. In addition to the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy, the mythos expands to Final Fantasy Type-0, and there are still significant allusions in Final Fantasy 15 which began life as an FF13 spin-off.

10 The Yakuza Series

Yakuza Kiwami Kiryu
  • Released: 2006
  • Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
  • Platform: PC, PS2, Ps3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

The Yakuza series is an action - and now turn-based - RPG and crime thriller series that retains many of the same significant elements seen in a JRPG but replaces traditional turn-based combat with almost Streets of Rage-like arcade beat-em-up mechanics.

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The storytelling in Yakuza's crime drama has enough depth to rival The Godfather films and the world-building that makes it unique. The developers have created excellent characters with backstories and locations – based on real-life – and the alleyways come to life with their own stories. The mainline series spans eight episodes from Yakuza 0 to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Judgement also takes place on the same city streets. It has one of the best-developed worlds ever created.

9 Final Fantasy - Ivalice Alliance

Final Fantasy Tactics
  • Released: 1997
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Platform: PC, PS1, PS2, PS4, PSP, Switch, and Xbox One

The Ivalice Alliance series was co-created by famed Japanese videogame designers Yasumi Matsuno and Hiroyuki Ito. The series includes Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy: Tactics Advance, Final Fantasy 12, Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings, Final Fantasy Tactics A2, and Crystal Defenders. The most prominent in the series are the original Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story, and the Final Fantasy 12 series.

There is an almost indescribable amount of lore and history to discover in the world of Ivalice. Matsuno and Ito’s medieval-inspired universe borrows heavily from historical accounts of the War of the Roses for War of the Lions and incorporates elements of the Star Wars saga for FF12. The connections between each game are more allusions and references, but the sheer depth in each title is staggering.

8 Ar Tonelico – The EXA PICO Universe

Ar Tonelico
  • Released: 2006
  • Developer: Gust and Banpresto
  • Platform: PS2, PS3, and PS Vita

The first Ar Tonelico was released in 2006 for the PlayStation and received two sequels, and its universe, called the EXA PICO Universe, expanded into the Ar Nosurge series. The history, mythology, and coded language featured in the songs make up one of the deepest videogame universes ever created.

The expansive world-building, character development, and multiverses are some of the most in-depth ever seen in any format. Even the song magic in Ar Tonelico - which essentially holds the universe together - has its code for players to learn and get to grips with as the stories progress.

7 The Ys Series

ys 9 monstrum nox Nihon Falcom playstation 4 ps4
  • Released: 1987
  • Developer: Falcom
  • Platform: Android, DS, 3DS, NES, PC, PS2, Sega Genesis/Megadrive, Sega Master System, Sega Saturn, SNES, Stadia, Switch, TurboGrafx-CD, and Xbox One

The Ys series initially launched in 1987, and with several remakes, remasters, spin-offs, a prequel, and nine games under its belt, it has established itself as one of the most in-depth JRPG series ever. Each game has contributed to building and creating an impressive universe that keeps bringing JRPG fans back over again.

Despite the longevity of the series, each game in the Ys series is welcoming for newcomers. They are all designed to play like an individual game that focuses on different adventures surrounding its iconic red-haired hero Adol and his friends. Interestingly, the Ys franchise is loosely based on the mythical city of the same name that was swallowed by the ocean near the coast of France.

6 The Persona Series

Persona 3 put the series on the map
  • Released: 1996
  • Developer: Atlus
  • Platform: PC, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, and Switch

The Persona series may have begun as a spin-off from the Shin Megami Tensei series, but it is arguably the most mainstream and popular entry in the SMT universe. This is thanks to its social mechanics and relationship building which integrates into the storylines and the combat system.

Each game in the series (which began in 1996 with Revelations: Persona) is a singular entity with incredibly well-developed worlds. The series found its feet with the massively popular Persona 3, and the series has been on a roll ever since. The Persona games feature recurring themes, locations, characters, and allusions to their predecessors, building up to a larger universe.

5 Shin Megami Tensei

Shin Megami Tensei 3 5
  • Released: 1987
  • Developer: Atlus
  • Platform: 3DS, Android, iOS, Gameboy, Game Gear, PC, PC Engine, PS1, PS2, P34, PSP, PS Vita, Sega Genesis/Megadrive, Sega Saturn, SNES, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

As big as the world of Persona has become, each entry in the popular JRPG series is part of one larger universe called the Shin Megami Tensei series. The mainline series began with Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei on the NES and the PC.

The sequels that followed over the years continue, with Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne still highly regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs ever. The series quickly birthed several spin-off series that remain connected to the larger SMT universe, like Digital Devil Saga, Devil Survivor, Devil Summoner, and of course, the Persona series.

4 The Xenosaga Trilogy

Kos-Mos in Xenosaga
  • Released: 2002
  • Developer: Monolith Soft
  • Platform: PS2

All three Xenosaga games were released on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, 2005, and 2006 respectively. The games were initially planned to be a six-part story, but the developers at Monolith Soft were forced to make Xenosaga 3 a massive finale instead.

Despite the challenges, the Xenosaga trilogy is one of the most in-depth videogame series ever created. It incorporated the use of biblical mythology and combined that with the philosophical teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche and Carl Jung to create its universe. There is much to absorb and learn to fully understand and grasp the Xenosaga series that fans have painstakingly translated into the Japan-only Perfect Guide for newer players to get to grips with.

3 Xenogears

Xenogears art featuring Fei Fong Wong
  • Released: 1998
  • Developer: Monolith Soft
  • Platform: PS1

Released in 1998 for the PlayStation, Xenogears was the first game in the Xeno Metaseries developed by Monolith Soft. Other entries in the series include the Xenosaga trilogy and the Nintendo-exclusive Xenoblade series. Xenogears, however, is arguably their most ambitious effort to date.

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Even though Xenogears struggled with budget and time constraints, the story and the universe it is built upon is one of the most in-depth, complex, and imaginative ever seen on a gaming medium. Xenogears is a game that demands multiple playthroughs because even though it seems convoluted at first, it is far from it. After at least the first playthrough, it is worth seeking out the fan-translated Xenogears Perfect Works guide to understand how deep and layered the universe is.

2 The Suikoden Series

game art from Suikoden 2
  • Released: 1995
  • Developer: Konami
  • Platform: DS, PS1, and PS2

The Suikoden series began in 1995 on the PlayStation. It is loosely based on the 14th-century Chinese novel Outlaws of the Marsh. Its sequel Suikoden 2, is still fondly regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever. There are five mainline entries and two spin-off games that helped expand the Suikoden interdimensional universe and lore.

The world of Suikoden takes place in several independent states that continued to expand and build upon what already felt like a massive gaming world. Suikoden’s geographical and political landscape is just as important as the characters that live on it. The developers have gone to a lot of trouble to create a world with distinct cultures, history, and ideals that bring its universe to life. An HD remaster of the first two games in the series is set to launch in 2023.