10 Most Addictive PS5 JRPGs

The PlayStation 5 has a ton of JRPGs to dive into. However, not all of them offer an experience that is addictive and downright difficult to put down.

When it comes to being an addictive JRPG, you need to have content that is exciting to engage with, doesn’t seem like filler, and is simply a fun time. Additionally, the systems, such as combat and progression, should not be tedious, preventing you from walking away from the game altogether.

If you are looking for your next JRPG adventure that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, this list is for you. Here are the 10 most addicting JRPGs on the PlayStation 5 console.

10 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

So Many Activities

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is the second entry in the remake trilogy, and it offers an incredibly addictive experience. Not only is the story so well-written that you can’t help but keep playing for hours on end to see where it goes, but it also has an excessive amount of side content and a combat system that will keep you hooked. With open areas packed to the brim with fun activities, it’s hard to put the controller down once you begin.

There are towers to unlock, minibosses to defeat, side quests with meaningful rewards, and tons and tons of minigames to engage with. Seriously, there are so many minigames in this game that it almost feels as if you’re going to a carnival when playing. And the good news is that nothing ever really feels like filler; it's just there for you to have a fun and addictive experience.

9 The Legends of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

An Addicting Combat System

The Legends of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is one of the most addicting JRPGs on the PlayStation 5 due to its incredible combat and progression systems. The game encourages constant progression through character customization, equipment upgrades, and strategic party building. Combat features a mix of turn-based and real-time action, and having to constantly switch between the two makes for an experience that is tough to walk away from.

It’s also really addicting due to the way it decides to tell its story, especially for longtime fans of the series. Trails Beyond the Horizon is the satisfying conclusion of the Calvard Arc, a long-running piece of the Trails' overall story, so you’ll get to see a lot of returning faces appear as you progress. The relationship building that is reminiscent of Persona, the gameplay loop of completing dungeons and leveling up, and the dramatic story make this game hard to put down.

8 Metaphor ReFantazio

A Robust Job System

Metaphor ReFantazio is the newest IP from critically acclaimed developer, Atlus. Mostly known for its Persona and Shin Megami series, the developer putting out an original IP was a gamble. However, it turns out there was nothing to worry about, as Metaphor ReFantazio turned out to be one of the best games they’ve ever created. This is largely due to the principles it follows from its other series, but also the new mechanics introduced.

While similar to the Persona system from the Persona series, Metaphor ReFantazio introduced a whole new job system that acts a bit differently. These jobs allow players to turn their characters essentially into Mages, Warriors, Healers, etc., and upgrade them until they reach their full potential, encouraging experimentation with party compositions. Add on the fact that it features a fast-paced combat system with a focus on squad synergy, and you have a game that is simply hard to walk away from. Plus, it has the classic relationship system, which we all have come to know and love from Atlus’ other games.

7 Persona 5 Royal

The Best Persona to Date

Speaking of Atlus, this addictive games list would not be complete if we didn’t include a Persona game. While Persona 3 Reload was a fantastic remake of the classic, the most addicting entry on the PlayStation 5 is Persona 5 Royal. The reason this is true is because every single gameplay system feeds into another and benefits you in some way.

For example, spending time with your allies unlocks power abilities and strengthens the power of your Personas, helping with exploration, combat, and opening up new possibilities. Additionally, the relationships and time management system is very addictive, as you are constantly strategizing how to spend your day. The way you decide to spend your day determines whether you’ll improve a skill, enhance a relationship, and even open up possible side quests. Since it's constantly rewarding you for your choices, the gameplay loop never gets old.

6 Tales of Arise

This Game Has It All

Tales of Arise is an addictive experience simply due to its fast-paced, flashy combat system. At each combat encounter, players are encouraged to master powerful combos through a diverse array of character abilities, providing a satisfying loop that doesn't grow stale. As you progress your characters, you'll unlock new Artes, skills, and equipment constantly, allowing for deep customization and the ability to experiment. This not only makes a first playthrough exciting, but also increases the amount of replayability the game has for a second playthrough.

Besides a stellar combat and progression system, the game also offers a story that is very interesting to follow. You'll get to watch each of the main characters evolve and grow, eventually reaching an incredibly satisfying climax that'll make you happy you stuck it out to the end. Also, exploration is fantastic in Tales of Arise, as you'll be able to discover hidden items, optional bosses, side quests, and necessary materials for crafting. The game is all about rewarding the player, and it does a great job at that.

5 Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

A Comedy-Filled JRPG

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is addicting because it offers an incredible amount of variety, even more than the most popular JRPGs out there. One moment you're progressing through an emotional main story, and the next you are completing mini-games or helping strangers through humorous side quests. This constant variety prevents gameplay from becoming repetitive, as you'll always find something to do. The game actually gets better the further you get into it.

The turn-based combat system rewards experimentation with different jobs, unique abilities, and party compositions, while character progression feels meaningful because new skills and equipment noticeably improve performance. The cast of characters is another major strength, providing heartfelt drama, comedy-filled moments, and voice acting that will keep you interested until the credits roll.

4 Visions of Mana

A Cozy Experience

Visions of Mana is an addicting JRPG mainly due to it falling under the "cozy" category. There's something very relaxing about this game, mainly because it's not very challenging and everything is pretty streamlined compared to other games on this list. However, due to its relaxing nature, players can spend many hours in its world without ever feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. That alone makes it a difficult game to put down.

With an accessible combat system, collectibles and secrets to uncover, and a beautiful world to explore, you really can't go wrong with Visions of Mana. While the progression system isn't anything fancy and complex, the game still does do a good job at rewarding the player with new classes and abilities to test out and providing equipment upgrades to increase the character's overall potential in combat. If you're looking for a game that allows you to kick back and have a cozy experience, Visions of Mana is the right choice for you.

3 Scarlet Nexus

Fast-Paced Combat With Depth

One of the most underrated games on this list is Scarlet Nexus, and I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t received the attention that it deserves. It’s not talked about enough, and in fact, it took me years to even learn this was a game by Bandai Namco. After discovering it and spending upwards of 50 hours with it, I can confidently say that it’s a worthy journey with plenty of addictive elements.

Scarlet Nexus has one of the best combat systems in the action JRPG genre, putting a heavy focus on psychokinetic powers to throw cars, debris, and environmental objects at enemies. The special powers combined with the fast-paced action of melee attacks create a combat loop that is as addicting as it is fun. Character progression is constantly introducing new abilities, allowing for experimentation, build crafting, and a surprisingly good amount of depth.

2 Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

A Beautiful Remake of a Classic

Square Enix has been on a roll lately with the HD-2D games. With the recent announcement of Final Fantasy Resonance, its hit Octopath Traveler series, and the remakes of Dragon Quest 1 through 3, it feels like there are too many HD-2D games to count. However, I say keep them coming, as each of these games is absolutely fantastic. In terms of being the most addictive out of those titles, I’d give Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake the grand prize.

Exploration in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is one of its greatest strengths, with an expansive map that is filled with secrets to discover. Players will spend their time constantly discovering new towns, dungeons, valuable treasures, and optional bosses that offer an exciting challenge. Not only is the sense of discovery very rewarding, but the gameplay loop of upgrading equipment, leveling characters, and experiencing deep storytelling make this one of the best Dragon Quest games.

1 Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Monster Hunter Never Felt So Satisfying

The Monster Hunter series is best known for its mainline entries, such as Monster Hunter World and Wilds, which offer great real-time action. However, its Monster Hunter Stories series offers traditional turn-based combat mixed with monster collecting, similar to the Pokémon games. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection improves upon everything from the first two games, making it the most addictive entry to date.

Exploring the open world to find different monsters, which the game refers to as “Monsties,” raising them, and then using their abilities to your benefit never gets old. The game encourages the player to seek out these Monsties and then use them for exploration or battle scenarios. This leads to optimizing the perfect party composition to give you the best advantage in and outside of combat, creating a gameplay loop that is super rewarding. While doing this, the player is constantly rewarded with leveling up their characters and Monsties, earning valuable rewards, ensuring that time invested always feels meaningful.