Which 2026 JRPGs Should You Play?

2026 has already been a pretty good year for JRPGs, going as far back as January. While most of the year is still unknown, with major releases only appearing in July, it's safe to assume that many developers will be pushing release dates to the summer, or perhaps updates pushing games back, unfortunately.

So far, the following games that have come out, along with some new games and ports on the horizon, already make 2026 feel packed. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster made it to PC and Xbox consoles, while The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a fascinating upcoming action JRPG. What other games are out now and upcoming to look forward to? Let's find out.

Front Mission 3 Remake

Future tactics

Front mission 3 was originally released in 2000 for the PS1 in North America before being given a modern version Front Mission 3: Remake on Switch in 2025, although it's more of a remaster. Regardless of the semantics, it's now out on most major platforms, including PC, PlayStation and Xbox systems, so now is a good time to check out this impressive and challenging mech game.

Players will go through a series of linear missions, but have deep customization options when it comes to arming their mechs, called Wanzers, with the best parts and weapons to choose from. Being part of a small team, players must be careful with every decision they make on these grid-based maps, as victory always tastes sweeter after a particularly tough match.

Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

Monster-catching Reborn

Pokemon FireRed and Pokemon LeafGreen were both released in 2004 on the GBA and were remakes of the original Pokémon game. The games have now returned to Switch, but they can also be enjoyed on a Switch 2, and the timing is perfect as it's the franchise's 30th anniversary in 2026.

Players can find out what started the Pokémon phenomenon with a revamped art style and map as they explore Kanto and try to be the very best. Catch and battle Pokémon in tall grass, collect gym badges and aim for the top in any of these classic turn-based monster-catching RPG games.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

Finally leaving Nintendo

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy first released for 3DS in 2012 in Japan before its North American debut in 2014, followed by Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster 2025, which was a Switch 2 launch exclusive game. Finally, the game in all its versions is now playable on a non-Nintendo system, including PC and Xbox Series X/S.

Players travel around this Final Fantasy-inspired turn-based RPG world, complete with a job system for players to deeply customize their party of four characters. It's a light-hearted adventure that invokes old-school RPG design from the 80s and 90s while still feeling modern thanks to the stunning visual style and combat options.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection

Beyond the Battle Network

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection brings together the three core DS games in this Mega man RPG spinoff series, including multiple versions of each. The Mega Man Star Force franchise was a spiritual successor to Mega Man Battle Network game.

In each game, players find equipment that allows them to use different abilities in battle, a hybrid between action and turn-based combat systems. Battles are fought from an overhead third-person perspective, which makes them feel a bit more modern than that Mega Man Battle Network game. Whether gamers enjoy every game in the collection or just one, fans will have a blast with this one.

Ys Memoire: Revelations In Celceta

A Top-Down Adventure

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta was originally released as Ys: Memories of Celceta on PS Vita in 2013 for North American players, with this new version heading to the Switch in late April 2026. Like every entry in Yuck series, this game is an action JRPG starring series protagonist Adol Christin. Unlike many entries, however, this game has many other playable party members.

Players roam around maps while fighting monsters and traversing dungeons, without much variety beyond that. It was a simple game on the PS Vita, but also deeply satisfying, and the Switch version should be rewarding as well.

Tales Of Arise – Beyond The Dawn Edition

The Man in the Iron Mask

Tales of Arise was released for all major platforms, including PC, PlayStation and Xbox systems, in 2021, which seems puzzling in retrospect now, as there hasn't been a new Fairy tales of entry since then. Regardless, Switch 2 players will get their hands on the latest game this May with enhanced features and additional content in the Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn Edition.

The core gameplay will remain intact, with action fought with four party members at a time, which can be swapped between in the thick of it. By creating links, players can combine their powers to create devastating combos in flashy battles across a wide, colorful world of magic, making Tales of Arise one of the best entries in the series in ages.

The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

HD-2D Zelda

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is the next HD 2D experience coming from Square Enix. But instead of a turn-based game that Octopath Travelerthis will be an action adventure RPG with time travel elements.

Presented from a top-down perspective, players can travel around an overworld and through dungeons, battling enemies in real-time with a variety of weapons, tools and an elf companion. The game currently has a live demo on the Switch 2 for anyone curious to check it out, and it's currently slated for a mid-June release.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok

A Sky-Based Dungeon Crawler

Granblue Fantasy: Relink was originally released in 2024 for PC, PS4 and PS5, and this new version, Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarokcoming to Switch 2 in July. As Tales of Arise's expansion, this new version will have new gameplay tweaks and content, which will be a bonus for returning players and newbies alike.

The core game is an action JRPG with amazing anime-inspired visuals, frenetic action with lots of link-up abilities, and a cool design between the dungeons and the floating areas. Additionally, there is an online co-op mode to dive into that has separate dungeons, which will also be present in the Switch 2 version. This version will also have local co-op.

Echoes of Aincrad

An anime spinoff

Echoes of Aincrad takes place within Sword Art Online universe, which began as a Light Novel series before becoming a legendary anime. The plot of the first season involves players jumping into an MMO and getting stuck there for real. This game takes place before that event in the beta session, and then it will merge into the main story of being caught online.

Those who die in MMOs die in real life, so the stakes are high, although players who die within the framework of this video game are not doomed. Players can explore this high quality action RPG in July for systems like PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Decapolis

A detective RPG

Decapolis is being developed by Level-5, and there haven't been many updates for it in a while, which is strange since the company just had a big stream about its upcoming games. It's already been pushed several times, but right now the site still lists 2026 as its release window. Whether it makes the window or not, RPG fans know that Level-5 takes its time putting out memorable games.

This one has a big open city to explore as a detective. There are turn-based battles to fight, clues to find, and even disguises to wear, so hopefully this game will appear during Nintendo's next big live stream and stick to its 2026 release plans.