When it comes to JRPGs, few titles hold as much weight as Dragon Quest. The latest entry in the series is one of, if not the best, entry in a legendary gaming franchise. It's highly regarded as one of the best JRPGs of the past decade as it provides a gameplay experience that both veterans and newcomers will enjoy.
RELATED: Facts Casual Fans Never Knew About Dragon Quest
It's rare to find a game that captures the same feeling that a classic Dragon Quest game can, especially these days. Dragon Quest 11 has lively characters, classic turn-based fun, and a beautiful world rendered with some gorgeous graphics. Although difficult, it's certainly not impossible to find games that have the same appeal.
Updated October 28, 2022 by Jacqueline Zalace: We've added even more games that are similar to Dragon Quest 11, allowing you to continue playing to your heart's content.
17 Dark Cloud 2 (Dark Chronicle)
Dark Cloud 2, or Dark Chronicle in some regions, is the follow-up to the cult classic, world-building RPG, Dark Cloud. Dark Cloud 2 features a spunky protagonist named Max who finds himself in a situation where he must now save his town and the surrounding kingdom following a nefarious plan that has been put in motion by Flotsam.
Dark Cloud 2 is a highly vibrant and lighthearted RPG that features enjoyable action combat, a deep crafting system, and the return of the beloved world-building aspects of the first game. All of this is tied together nicely with good character arcs (especially with Max and Monica), a truly interesting fantasy world to explore, and plenty of humorous moments to bring a smile to your face.
16 Kingdom Hearts 1 And 2
The Kingdom Hearts series likely needs no introduction as it has been around since the very early 2000s. This Final Fantasy and Disney combo stars Sora, Donald, and Goofy as they work tirelessly to stop the Heartless from encroaching upon their world. Of course, in true Kingdom Hearts fashion, this succinct setup barely scratches the surface of the franchises' intricate and often bonkers lore.
While any of the entries could have been included here, it's the original Kingdom Hearts as well as Kingdom Hearts 2 that need to be experienced. These pure and wholesome action RPGs are downright magical, transporting players to some of the very best, classic Disney-themed locations. Plus, the ability to level up Sora, Donald, and Goofy, along with obtaining new keyblades make Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2 truly memorable RPGs.
15 Ni No Kuni 1 And 2
Ni no Kuni's art style is the same as most Studio Ghibli films, capturing the same charm and aesthetic that long-time fans will appreciate. The cel-shaded art style with the child-like sense of wonder and charm will appeal to those who liked the visuals and feel of Dragon Quest 11.
Dragon Quest can get a lot darker at times but overall, the tone is pretty similar. The gameplay isn't exactly a love letter to Dragon Quest, but it has a lot of features that fans of traditional JRPGs will enjoy.
14 Dragon Quest Builders 2
If you finished Dragon Quest 11 and want something a bit more casual, in a similar setting, with the same art style, and tons of customization options, then there might be just the thing for you in Dragon Quest Builders 2. In this game, you create your own builder and go around solving all of the world's problems — one fight and one building at a time.
RELATED: Dragon Quest Builders 2: Beginner Tips To Get You Started
You can build structures, farm, battle mobs, and form bonds with NPCs as you go through the story of Builders 2. You could easily sink a hundred hours into the game, with loads of customization options and plenty of things to figure out, like which recipes give you the best buffs. If you want to, you could even bring a friend along.
13 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky
The Legend of Heroes franchise has multiple series and games that JRPG fans will enjoy. Trails in the Sky provides an easy entry into the franchise, with a more streamlined approach toward combat that's beginner-friendly, for anyone who might not be heavily into JRPGs.
Although combat is a bit simple, the game more than makes up for it with interesting characters, creative side quests, and a light-hearted tone as you advance through the story. It's a classic that's worth checking out and could be your gateway into one of the most successful JRPG franchises.
12 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
It's not Dragon Quest 12, but it is Dragon Quest for adults. Yakuza: Like A Dragon is the newest installment in the action crime drama but with a new twist. Instead of sticking with the traditional real-time action, it picks up a turn-based approach.
RELATED: Every Mainline Yakuza Game, Ranked
Like A Dragon is an easy entry point into the franchise. Sure, it has some references to previous titles, but nothing too major. Plus, the game has plenty of Dragon Quest references in-store with a series super-fan as its main character. Enjoy the story, play through the turn-based battles, or get lost for hours playing the multitude of minigames.
11 Radiant Historia
Radiant Historia isn't quite as popular as Dragon Quest 11, nor is it as polished or as grand in scale. However, it's a fresh and innovative RPG that combines turn-based battles with a grid system to add strategic depth. Veteran RPG fans will enjoy it for its unique spin on the genre, while newcomers won't be frightened by the mechanics.
With a time travel mechanic allowing for immense player freedom and replayability, you could sink hours into just exploring different combinations and outcomes. The change system allows you to sync character actions however you please and provides some challenge as you try to find the middle ground between the best attack combination and attacking the right enemies on the grid. From the story to the combat, you're in control.
10 Tales Of Berseria
Alternatively, any Tales Of game could be a good choice for you. However, Berseria is a solid choice for how it handles combat. It lends itself to more aggressive combat styles and more freedom with movement. The entire series has the Linear Motion Battle System, but Berseria opens it up to new heights.
RELATED: Every Tales Of Game Ranked, Based On Their Metacritic Score
Older Tales Of games didn't age too badly. Although they're certainly still playable, Berseria being a modern title will appeal to newcomers. It doesn't have as much exploration or as grandiose of a world as Dragon Quest 11, but its story goes in a direction that you might enjoy.
9 Persona 5: Royal
Persona 5 is very different from Dragon Quest in tone and minute-by-minute gameplay. However, it's worth checking out for its take on turn-based combat and beloved story. If you want to venture out into other JRPGs, you can't go wrong with Persona 5.
The Royal edition adds content to base Persona 5, adding new minigames, quality of life improvements, and an entirely new segment of the story. Not only do you have some excellent turn-based combat, but you also get an amazing bonding system to get to know each character in the setting. It is a lot darker, though.
8 Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is another JRPG made by Square Enix, with a fantastic art style that the Dragon Quest 3 remake is going to adopt. Off of visuals alone, this game is worth experiencing. However, it also comes with a unique gimmick that adds some depth and replayability.
RELATED: Square Enix's Best JRPGs (That Are Not Final Fantasy)
Octopath Traveler balances the story for eight protagonists as you advance through the game. You pick and choose which characters' stories you're most interested in and go along at your own pace. The ATB battle system and depth with party formation allow for strategic fun that keeps you on your toes.
7 Final Fantasy 10
You know about Final Fantasy, so let's cut to the chase. Final Fantasy 10's turn-based combat is going to deliver almost as well as any other. It's a bit old but modern enough for you to get easily acclimated. It has some cheesy scenes and aesthetic choices that result from being an early 2000's RPG, but that's part of the charm.
It's cinematic, has lovable characters, and includes a story that stands the test of time. It starts slow but sucks you into one of the best gaming experiences in the genre. The puzzles aren't the best but the experience is more than worth it.
6 Xenoblade Chronicles Series
Xenoblade Chronicles is a series composed of several games set in a sci-fi fantasy universe. These games have a classic JRPG feel, along with a wide cast of characters, each of which have their own unique personality.
The most recent title, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, was released in July of 2022, and once again, brings us to the fantasy world. All games in the series have incredibly interesting lore, as well as hundreds of side quests that you can complete. The first game in the series has over 400 side quests, in addition to DLC which adds even more content.
5 Grandia 1 and 2
Grandia 1 and 2 are older games, released in 1997 and 2000. The first Grandia game was released on the Sega Saturn; if you don't have this console, don't worry! You can purchase a bundle of both games on the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to play this JRPG classic.
While the first Dragon Quest game predates Grandia 1 by a little over ten years, they both have the classic RPG vibe. In 2009, an MMORPG spin-off was even released based on the game's world. Unfortunately, this game has now been shut down, but the legacy of Grandia remains.
4 Bravely Default 1 And 2
Up next, we have Bravely Default. There are two games in this series, and both were heavily influenced by Dragon Quest games (as well as Higurashi When They Cry). Even the music played in the games is meant to give off a similar feel to Dragon Quest.
Bravely Default 1 and 2 are developed by Square Enix, and have ties to the Final Fantasy series as well. Many of the jobs are the same as classic Final Fantasy jobs. Overall, if you like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, then you should definitely give Bravely Default 1 and 2 a try.
3 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is another game that needs no introduction. Like Dragon Quest 11, this is the newest entry in a long-running series. This new entry brings you to Garreg Mach Monastery, where you can pick a 'house' to teach at the Officers Academy.
Related: Fire Emblem: Three Houses - The Real History Behind The Church Of Seiros
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a combination of Dragon Quest and Persona 5. You will need to use strategy and engage in battle with your party, but you can also invite students to enjoy tea with you.
2 Shin Megami Tensei 5
If you liked our recommendation to play Persona 5, then you may like Shin Megami Tensei as well. Persona 5 mixed the JPRG feel with slice-of-life gameplay, but Shin Megami Tenshi 5 strips that away.
The Persona series is actually a spin-off from Shin Megami Tensei! Because of this, a lot of mechanics are very similar.
In this newest addition to the Shin Megami Tensei series, you collect demons, who become your 'party'. The game feels distinctly different from Dragon Quest 11, but definitely has classic RPG elements that will draw any Dragon Quest fan in.
1 Dragon Quest 8
Of course, if you want to play something like Dragon Quest 11... How about you play some other Dragon Quest games? It seems like a no-brainer, but where do you start? Do you go back to the first one? Not a bad decision. If you don't like how outdated they might be or how simple the first two games are, you might want to skip around.
Dragon Quest 8 is a game that you cannot go wrong with if you loved Dragon Quest 11. It's considered one of the best in the series and it's not too hard to see why. The combat, exploration, and characters are all incredibly rewarding. It's a fun time and one of the most similar entries in the franchise to 11.
Next:
