The Steam Deck is a great platform for JRPG, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to destination for fans of this classic genre. On Steam Deck, you can find many of the iconic titles from the 90s, such as Final Fantasy VII Remake, Elden Ring, and The Legend of Heroes. There are also more modern JRPGs such as the Tales series, Ys IX Monstrum Nox, and Persona 5 Royal.

All these games offer a unique story and engaging gameplay, making them the perfect way to spend an afternoon. With a variety of titles available, there is something for everyone on Steam Deck. Here are the best JRPG on Steam Deck in no particular order.

Enjoy JRPG Deals to play on your Steam Deck: 2Game Summer Sale 2023Fanatical Red Hot Sale 2023Steam Summer Sale 2023 PlayAsia Summer Sale 2023 Green Man Gaming Sizzling Sale 2023

What are the best JRPG on Steam Deck?

Tales of Arise Best JRPG on Steam Deck

Editor’s Choice

Gameplay ★★★★★
Story ★★★★★
Art ★★★★★

Elden Ring Second Best JRPG on Steam Deck

2nd Best Choice

Gameplay ★★★★★
Story ★★★★☆
Art ★★★★★

The Legend of Heroes Third Best JRPG on Steam Deck

3rd Best Choice

Gameplay ★★★★☆
Story ★★★☆☆
Art ★★★★☆

1. Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise is a role-playing game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It was released in September 2021 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

In Tales of Arise, players take on the role of two characters, Alphen and Shionne, who are from different worlds that are locked in a never-ending cycle of conflict. As they journey together, they must overcome their own personal demons and unravel the mysteries of their past in order to bring about a change in the world.

Tales of Arise features a real-time combat system that allows players to use a variety of special moves and abilities to battle against enemies. The game also includes a character progression system, in which players can customize their characters and unlock new abilities as they progress through the game.

As a game released in 2021, Tales of Arise enjoys a decent performance on Steam Deck which is why it is listed here as one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

2. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco. It was released in February 2022 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

In Elden Ring, players take on the role of a maiden-less Tarnished, a silent protagonist (like in the all-time classic Chrono Trigger) who is looking for the Elden Ring in the Lands Between. During their journey, they will encounter various enemies and travel in a vast open world full of traps and wonders. The world was imagined by acclaimed writer, author, and novelist George R.R. Martin (A Song of Fire and Ice, Game of Thrones).

Elden Ring plays like the Dark Souls series or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice also developed by FromSoftware. It features the same unforgiving difficulty and for the first time a jump button. Players can not only interact with each other with messages (that are sometimes lies) but they can also invade one another and fight to the death to get numerous items. 

It performs incredibly well on the Steam Deck making one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck right now. 

best JRPG on Steam Deck

3. The Legend of Heroes Series

The Legend of Heroes is a series of role-playing games developed by Nihon Falcom and published by various companies. The series has a long and storied history, with the first game in the series, Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes, being released in 1989.

The Legend of Heroes games are known for their deep and complex storylines, engaging gameplay, and richly detailed worlds. The games often follow the stories of various characters as they embark on epic quests and uncover the secrets of the world around them.

The series is divided into several subseries, including the Trails series, which consists of games such as The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III.

The Legend of Heroes is a highly respected and beloved RPG series that is known for its engaging stories, compelling characters, and immersive gameplay.

Each and every one of the games of the series performs superbly on the Steam Deck making them ideal JRPGs on Steam Deck at the moment.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

4. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. It was released in July 2017 for the PlayStation 4 and PC, and later released for the Nintendo Switch in September 2018.

In Dragon Quest XI, players take on the role of a young hero who sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about his past and save the world from darkness. Along the way, the hero is accompanied by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.

Dragon Quest XI features a turn-based combat system in which players must strategically choose their actions and abilities to defeat enemies. The game also includes an open-world environment that players can explore, as well as a variety of side quests and mini-games.

Dragon Quest XI is a highly popular and successful RPG that has received critical acclaim for its immersive story, engaging gameplay, and charming characters.

If you like beautiful worlds, great storytelling and excellent combats, you’ll be happy to know that you can enjoy Dragon Quest XI on the go on Steam Deck as it performs great with 60fps making it one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck.

best switch jrpgs on switch

5. Ys IX Monstrum Nox

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a action role-playing game developed by Nihon Falcom and published by NIS America. It was released in February 2021 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

In Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, players take on the role of Adol Christin, a red-headed adventurer who becomes stranded in the city of Balduq and is transformed into a Monstrum, a being with supernatural powers. Along with his fellow Monstrums, Adol must uncover the mystery of the city and the cursed tower that stands within it.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox features a fast-paced combat system that allows players to use a variety of weapons and abilities to battle against enemies. The game also includes a variety of side quests and mini-games, as well as a character progression system that allows players to unlock new abilities and skills.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a highly regarded action RPG that offers an engaging story, fast-paced gameplay, and memorable characters. It’s a great game to play on the Steam Deck and is one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck now.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

6. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is a role-playing game developed by P-Studio and published by Atlus. It was released in Japan in October 2019 and worldwide in March 2020. The PC version as well as the Nintendo Switch and Xbox versions came out in October 2022.

Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced version of the original Persona 5 game and includes new content and features. In the game, players take on the role of a high school student who is given the power to enter the Metaverse, a realm of people’s subconscious minds. As a member of the Phantom Thieves, the player must explore the Metaverse and use their abilities to change the hearts of corrupt individuals and bring about justice.

Persona 5 Royal features a turn-based combat system in which players must strategically choose their actions and abilities to defeat enemies. The game also includes a social simulation element, in which players must manage their time and relationships with other characters.

Persona 5 Royal is a highly polished and expanded version of the original Persona 5 game, and offers a fresh and engaging experience for both new and returning players. It’s also a great game to play on Steam Deck to enjoy the visuals and gameplay. One of the best JRPG on Steam Deck with no doubt.

persona 5 royal

7. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. It was released in April 2020 for the PlayStation 4 and 2022 on Steam.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a reimagining of the original Final Fantasy VII game, which was released in 1997 for the PlayStation. It follows the story of Cloud Strife, a mercenary who becomes involved in a conflict to save the world from the corrupt Shinra Corporation and the powerful being known as Sephiroth. It takes some liberty compared to the original game and players who are curious about Zack Fair may be in for a big surprise when you know the ending of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.

Final Fantasy VII Remake features a hybrid combat system that combines elements of real-time action with turn-based gameplay. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to battle against enemies, and can also use a variety of character abilities to support their allies in battle.

The game also includes a variety of mini-games and side quests, as well as an upgraded version of the materia system from the original game, which allows players to customize their characters and abilities.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a highly anticipated and successful reimagining of the classic RPG, and has received critical acclaim for its updated gameplay, stunning graphics, and immersive story. Even if it’s a highly demanding game, it performs quite well on the Steam Deck and is very impressive making it one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

8. Tactics Ogre: Reborn

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a tactical role-playing game developed by Quest and published by Square Enix. It was originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995, and was later rereleased for the PlayStation Portable in 2010 as Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. Tactics Ogre: Reborn is the last iteration and is a remastered release of the PSP game with no additional content.

In Tactics Ogre: Reborn, players take on the role of Denim Powell, the leader of a group of mercenaries who are caught in the middle of a war between various factions. The game features a turn-based combat system in which players must strategically position their units and use their abilities to defeat enemies on a grid-based battlefield.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is known for its complex and branching storyline, which allows players to make choices that affect the course of the story and the relationships between characters. The game also features a deep character customization system, in which players can choose from a variety of classes and skills to build their party.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a highly regarded and influential tactical RPG that is known for its challenging gameplay and immersive story. Although it is a remaster, it’s not a very highly demanding game technically speaking so you will not be surprised to learn that the performance and battery life are quite good on Steam Deck making it one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck for strategists and tacticians out there.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

9. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is a role-playing game developed and published by Square. It was originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995, and was later rereleased for various platforms, including the PC, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, and mobile devices.

In Chrono Trigger, players take on the role of Crono, a young hero who is transported through time after a mysterious event. Along with his friends, Crono must travel through different time periods and save the world from an impending disaster.

Chrono Trigger features a turn-based combat system in which players must strategically choose their actions and abilities to defeat enemies. The game also includes a variety of mini-games and side quests, as well as multiple endings depending on the player’s choices.

Chrono Trigger is a highly regarded and influential JRPG that is known for its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay. As a 2D only game it is perfect for the Steam Deck and you’ll be able to play for hours without charging. It’s not only one of the best JRPGs of all time, it’s also among the best JRPG on Steam Deck.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

10. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega. It is the 7th episode in the Yakuza Series and the first not to feature Kazuma Kiryu as the main protagonist but another brilliant protagonist. It was released in January 2020 for the PlayStation 4, and later released for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in November 2020.

In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, players take on the role of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking member of the Tojo Clan who is betrayed by his superiors and left for dead. As he sets out on a quest for revenge, Ichiban must navigate the treacherous world of the Japanese criminal underworld and build a new life for himself.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon features a turn-based combat system in which players must strategically choose their actions and abilities to defeat enemies. The game also includes an open-world environment that players can explore, as well as a variety of side quests and mini-games.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a highly regarded RPG that is known for its immersive story, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. It also performs admirably on Steam Deck thanks to a great work of optimization on the developers’ part making it one of the best JRPG on Steam Deck.

best JRPG on Steam Deck

Honorable mentions (but not the best JRPG on Steam Deck)

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links to our partner. When you make a purchase or sign up for a service through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships are vital to us, helping to sustain our website and allowing us to continue bringing you quality content. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding in this regard.