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Top 25 best JRPGs for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

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Top 25 best JRPGs for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

Taking a turn for the better

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Updated on October 17, 2023 - swapped 4 games. Original list by Jon Mundy, updated by Ivan Spasojevic.


There are RPGs, and then there are JRPGs. Japan's take on the West-spawned genre is just as obsessed with hit points and deep fantasy lore, but it applies a unique swagger and sensibility to proceedings.

JRPGs routinely give you outlandish characters, often with spiky hair and amnesia, and perhaps even a ridiculously large sword.

OK, we're just describing Cloud from Final Fantasy VII. But we could also be talking about dozens of other JRPG heroes.

Alongside the seminal (and seemingly interminable) Final Fantasy franchise, several other JRPG IPs have left their mark. Dragon Quest is beloved by many, as are the SaGa and Monster Hunter games.

The great thing is that you can now play all of those big-hitting franchises right here on your iPhone or iPad. And there are a bunch of completely fresh JRPGs to discover too, both on Apple Arcade and the wider App Store.

We've had to leave a whole bunch of iOS JRPGs off the following list, so do let us know about your own personal favourites in the comments section below.

Click Here To View The List »

1
Final Fantasy IX

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PSP
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX

Often unfairly overlooked, Final Fantasy IX is right up there with Final Fantasy VII as one of the best 3D entries in the series. In fact, when you factor in the quality of this iOS port, it's probably even better.

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2
Dragon Quest VIII

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Is there a more joyful or beautifully animated JRPG on mobile than Dragon Quest VIII? If there is, we haven't seen it. This port is also notable for switching the orientation to portrait for easier play.

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3
Chrono Trigger

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger

One of the finest JRPGs ever made, with a dizzying time-traveling plot and excellent combat. Thanks to a recent upgrade, this is a much better port than it used to be.

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4
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition

Square Enix shook itself out of its port-heavy stupor for this ambitious project, which transplants the epic Final Fantasy XV console game to mobile with an all-new graphics engine and streamlined gameplay.

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5
KonoSuba: Fantastic Days

Developer: Nexon
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about KonoSuba: Fantastic Days
KonoSuba: Fantastic Days

Named as the #1 Comedy Anime JRPG on the App Store for a good reason! Lead the way with Megumin, Kazuma, Aqua and other memorable characters that were voiced by their anime actors. Nexon has really managed to create a memorable experience.

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6
Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Switch
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Battle Chasers: Nightwar

Battle Chasers isn't actually from Japan, but it's very much an ode to the golden era of JRPGS. It takes all the trappings of the JRPG, then strips out much of the repetitive fluff. Oh, and it looks gorgeous too.

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7
Bleach: Brave Souls

Publisher: KLab
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: 3D, Action
Find out more about Bleach: Brave Souls
Bleach: Brave Souls

We know that it's more of an action RPG than a JRPG, but we had to include Bleach: Brave Souls, based on one of the most popular anime and manga series ever! It has a great co-op system, so you can relieve the story with your buddies, and there is a great arena mode to test your skills against other players.

The Bleach: Brave Souls
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8
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PSP
Genre: Action, RPG
Find out more about Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is a port of one of Square Enix's stranger JRPGs, mixing side-scrolling gameplay with a fresh Norse mythology-inspired story.

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9
Fantasian

Available on: iOS + Apple Arcade
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Fantasian
Fantasian

A genuine and all-to-rare triple-A mobile JRPG original from Mistwalker, helmed by Final Fantasy legend Hironobu Sakaguchi. Fantasian is all the JRPG goodness you could want, but with a stunning hand-crafted world.

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10
Genshin Impact

Developer: Hoyoverse
Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: 3D, Action, Adventure
Find out more about Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact might be made by Chinese developer miHoYo, but its JRPG roots are on display for all to see. Mixing a rich Breath of the Wild-like world with modern gacha mechanics, it's easy to see why it's taken the world by storm.

We have a detailed Genshin Impact character guide for each one you decide to play. Don't miss out on it, it could make a difference between struggling and storming through the game. Of course, you should also redeem the codes for Genshin Impact and get some free goodies, just because you can!

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11
Fate/Grand Order

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Fate/Grand Order
Fate/Grand Order

A massive JRPG title with origins set in the anime and manga world, Fate/Grand Order is probably one of the best on the App Store at the moment. It builds upon the original story (if you already know it, you're in for a treat) and it doesn't fail to impress with its character development and player-driven progress. It's absolutely amazing! So amazing that we had to make a Fate Grand Order tier list. Don't worry, it's up to date, as we are constantly adding new characters.

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12
Guardian Tales

Publisher: Kakao Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Guardian Tales
Guardian Tales

With hints of classics like Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Tales of Destiny stirred amongst its gacha mechanics and modern humour, Guardian Tales gets the mix of old and new just right. We have created the Guardian Tales tier list where we have ranked every character available, but that's not all. There are also codes for Guardian Tales that we are featuring, and we have to brag a bit - they are being regularly updated, so you can check them at any time and they will both be fresh and relevant.

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13
Romancing SaGa 3

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + PS Vita + Switch
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Romancing SaGa 3
Romancing SaGa 3

Something of a lost classic, this 1995 SNES game had never been released in the West until now. Featuring eight selectable perspectives and classic turn-based combat, this new version adds a new dungeon to explore, new scenarios and a new game+ function.

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14
Another Eden

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Another Eden
Another Eden

Another Eden has considerable pedigree, coming as it does from JRPG legend Masato Kato (who wrote Chrono Trigger and Xenogears). It's a spiritual successor to the former, though it incorporates mobile-friendly Gacha mechanics.

If you want to try out the game, make sure to also check our Another Eden tier list so you'll know which characters to target!

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15
Monster Hunter Stories

Publisher: Capcom
Available on: iOS + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Monster Hunter Stories
Monster Hunter Stories

This 3DS port takes a cuter, more Pokemon-inflect angle than other MH games, but it remains the absorbing action RPG everyone seems to love right now.

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16
Disgaea 1 Complete

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG, Strategy
Find out more about Disgaea 1 Complete
Disgaea 1 Complete

A sharp remaster of one of the finest JRPGs of the PS2 era, Disgaea is a formidably deep isometric strategy experience with a quirky storyline. Featuring a nuanced isometric turn-based combat system and a wacky world where every new piece of equipment is a new battlefield, Disgaea is one of a kind.

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17
Secret of Mana

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Secret of Mana
Secret of Mana

Much beloved of the SNES generation, The Secret of Mana is a great little JRPG that bridges the gap between Dragon Quest and Zelda with its peppy real-time combat and verdant world.

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18
SaGa Frontier Remastered

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Find out more about SaGa Frontier Remastered
SaGa Frontier Remastered

OK, it's yet another Square Enix remaster, but SaGa Frontier Remastered is a generous director's cut of a decidedly niche entry into the JRPG pantheon.

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19
Final Fantasy VII

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android + 3DS
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII

One of the most beloved and downright popular JRPGs of all time, Final Fantasy VII continues to charm with its adorable characters and compelling plot. This isn't the best port, but the game's brilliance still shines through.

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20
Tower of Fantasy

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Action, RPG
Find out more about Tower of Fantasy
Tower of Fantasy

It is a cyberpunk open-world game with many unique anime characters, powerful weapons, and dangerous enemies. The game has high-quality graphics, therefore, you can enjoy beautiful fights and a lovely world full of adventures.

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21
Honkai: Star Rail

Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail is a fantastic JRPG and a great adventure game. It's one of the most modern-looking titles, with breathtaking animations and characters that you'll remember in a while, even when you stop playing it. Don't expect the Genshin Impact gameplay even though it was made by the same developer, this one is turn-based.

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22
Evertale

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Evertale
Evertale

Evertale is an old-school JRPG that will get you back in '90 when Chrono Trigger, FF and other similar games were first made. It even plays very similar to some of those colossal titles. You'll lead one character on the map and have a whole team in fights. The story isn't breathtaking, but it's decent enough to give it a go.

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23
Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch

Publisher: SoMoGa
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch
Lunar: Silver Star Story Touch

A bit of a lost '90s JRPG classic, this. LSSS is a charming, funny adventure with a fresh battle system and an hour of anime-like cutscenes.

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24
Fire Emblem: Heroes

Publisher: Nintendo
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Strategy
Find out more about Fire Emblem: Heroes
Fire Emblem: Heroes

A beautiful JRPG with gacha elements, FEH is one of those games that can win you over through its story alone, not to mention the superb gameplay. It's a fine addition to any fan of the genre's library, but it's also a game that will be difficult to put down. If you decide to check it out, don't forget to also take a look at our Fire Emblem: Heroes tier list to help you out.

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25
Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius

Publisher: Square Enix
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius
Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius

Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is one of the most interesting JRPGs from well-known developers for iOS devices. This fantastic universe is full of incredible events and amazing adventures. The atmosphere of the game is on point, as well as the soundtrack and graphics. And while you are here, make sure to check our list of the best tycoon games for iPhone and iPad.

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Ivan Spasojevic
Ivan Spasojevic
When I was 6 y/o, my gaming journey began on Amiga 600. That’s where the Worms, The Secret of Monkey Island, Lemmings and many other legendary games made their first appearance. People say: “you can’t find games like that anymore”, but I beg to differ. Anyway, you can still see the same passion and zoning out whenever I’m doing something I like, including my lifelong passion – gaming. I’m currently doing a different line of work, SEO Management and writing, but when the time allows I get into the games I love and spend some peaceful hours. If friends are playing with me, it’s even merrier.