Key Takeaways
- JRPGs can move away from traditional fantasy settings and focus on guns, like Valkyria Chronicles 4 and Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse.
- Games like Wild Arms blend post-apocalyptic storytelling with fantasy elements centered around a mystical artifact: guns.
- Resonance Fate offers a unique turn-based combat approach with modern firearms as the main focus, adding dynamism to combat.
JRPGs are a genre too broad and diverse to have many tropes that could define every game within them. At least not without the caveat that there are numerous titles that deviate from the given archetype. There are also a few exceptions to the core rules of the genre that helped it get its start in the '80s and '90s, such as the emphasis on long, expansive stories or complex party building. Many games in this genre are set in high fantasy worlds, but some are instead set in urban fantasy or science fiction worlds.

relevant
8 JRPGs where every class feels unique
The following JRPGs do an excellent job of making each class distinct.
There are plenty of JRPGs that escape any kind of box definition, but allow players to explore branching paths in mysterious worlds or discover secrets in environments unlike any other. Some games have moved away from the look of swords and spells in favor of still more… effective equipment. In these JRPGs, strength and magic may be good, and the power of friendship may be great, but in the end, it's the guns that will win.
8 Valkyria Chronicles 4
A war story of despair and struggle
Bringing back the first traditions and styles. Valkyria ChroniclesThis fourth installment in the series is a great way for new fans to engage with the world. Valkyria Chronicles Veterans of the series (ha) will be equally happy to have it back.
The game is a coming-of-age war story with a World War II aesthetic. Guns in this game are like swords, axes, and spears. Fire Emblem. There's a satisfying, tactile response to every attack that allows players to feel the weight of the gun they're currently using, or in some cases, the tank.
7 Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse
Attractive and gritty JRPG
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

- released
- September 20, 2016
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- huge
One of the most difficult games in the series Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse is an incredibly charming and gritty JRPG that forces players to make difficult decisions for survival without compromising on story or combat.
There is a mercenary culture in the world. revelation, This means guns are never in short supply. This isn't it plural Players have god-like powers. If Nanashi wants to live, he must pack his firepower and shoot the demon.

relevant
8 Best JRPGs to Keep You Busy for Months
Sometimes it can take months to properly complete a JRPG. For players who like that kind of thing, this JRPG is a perfect fit.
6 final fantasy 7
Great work of the series

- released
- February 29, 2024
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- huge
Perhaps most importantly final fantasy A widely known title and certainly one of the best in the series, few games have as amazing a world building and emotional narrative as this one. final fantasy 7.
The game has an incredibly unique 'industrial urban fantasy' setting, with Cloud running away swinging a giant sword, Vincent wielding a fast pistol, and Barrett with an entire gatling gun attached to his arm.
5 walkway in the sky
Monolithic JRPG title


- released
- June 24, 2004
- developer
- Nihon Falcom
The Nihon Falcom game library has some truly amazing titles, walkway in the sky The series is a fantastic introduction to the incredibly unique world of JRPGs and the stories they tell.
Each character in this title has a corresponding weapon type. Olivier uses lighter guns, but players can also use the Tita character, who wields a giant cannon-like tool in battle.
4 Wild Arms
JRPG classic with a focus on guns
Wild Arms

- released
- April 30, 1997
- developer
- media vision
- publisher
- sony computer entertainment
There is an incredibly interesting legend behind it. Wild Arms It's a series that helps set it apart from other JRPGs. Guns are treated as relics of a more violent and warlike era, and there is an almost mystical quality to them and their handling methods.
This is one of those rare but wonderful games that combines post-apocalyptic storytelling and fantasy elements in a fantastical way with the grim mission of restoring a world ravaged by centuries of war.
3 resonance fate
Sleek and sophisticated JRPG
A gem of the JRPG scene, resonance fate It features incredibly unique turn-based combat that allows for free-flowing combat and movement based on your character's turns, giving it a dynamism and elegance that matches well with the intense gunplay of this title.
Many of the JRPGs on this list supplement guns with other weapon types or magic, but if players are looking for a game where the only thing that matters is modern firearms, then this awesome title is just what they need.
2 live a live
A classic time-spanning marvel
Live a Live (2022)
- released
- April 27, 2023
- developer
- Historia, Square Enix
- publisher
- Square Enix, Nintendo
- Open Criticism Evaluation
- strong
The glorious HD-2D style is revealed in this time-spanning JRPG. Chrono TriggerIn , players will explore different worlds from different eras and piece together the unique stories of these characters.
The Wild West setting is built around pistols and gunplay, and is an integral part of the characters' combat experience when they are all together, both in the early parts of this section and throughout later times.
1 Xenosaga
An interesting sci-fi take on a JRPG
There aren't many JRPGs that do a great job of fitting a space opera story into compelling and engaging gameplay. Xenosaga is a somewhat obscure title these days, but an excellent space travel title nonetheless.
Players who want guns in the game are in luck. Laser pistols and rifles are some of the main weapon types that players can purchase and upgrade as they blast away hostile aliens.

more
8 Extremely Hard JRPGs for New Players
Not all JRPGs are easy to get started with. Here are some examples that beginners will find particularly difficult: