Dive into some of the best that the world of turn-based RPGs has to offer after Expedition 33 by giving these five immaculate titles a shot.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s brilliance has players finally putting aside their disdain for turn-based RPGs and realising that their contempt has held them from tapping into beautiful experiences. Combined with real-time elements, and with an insanely passionate team of developers behind, it was bound to be a success from the beginning.

If you’ve completed the highly acclaimed title and are itching to play similar games like it, here are five RPGs that’ll scratch the itch. While they may not be the same as Expedition 33, they’re amazing experiences that you should try if you loved the game.

Lost Odyssey

Experience Kaim’s journey | Image Credit: Microsoft Game Studios

Lost Odyssey checks off all its turn-based boxes gracefully as it features a combat system similar to Expedition 33 and some of the Final Fantasy titles, as players unleash melee attacks, exceptional abilities, and spells in combat to defeat monsters.

While the game doesn’t have real-time elements, it features somewhat of a somewhat quick-time mechanic in the form of the “Aim Ring System” using upgradable rings. This allows players to deal greater damage to monsters by lining up and intersecting two rings appearing on the screen by timing their button release.

So, wait no more as it’s time to get lost in the world of Lost Odyssey and get your turn-based RPG skills up.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

A new kind of Yakuza | Image Credit: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

The Yakuza series’ transition into turn-based combat began with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the eighth mainline title in the series. Ditching the traditional Yakuza beat ’em up combat system, Like a Dragon sailed the forbidden seas: it featured a turn-based combat system.

Being a departure from a traditional Yakuza title, this turn-based RPG features real-time elements as well, just like Expedition 33. Party members can use interactables from their surroundings to deal damage to enemies, an aspect that is interwoven from previous titles to fit the turn-based combat system.

Additionally, party members in Yakuza: Like a Dragon can call upon assists to strengthen your team and deal more damage, a feature that is also present in Expedition 33.

Final Fantasy X

Embrace your Final Fantasy with Tidus | Image Credit: Square Enix

Final Fantasy’s venture into a more traditional turn-based system resulted in Final Fantasy X, as it introduced the Conditional Turn-Based Battle (CTB) system, replacing the Active Time Battle (ATB) system featured in the series’ previous titles.

The CTB system works similarly to a usual turn-based system, and you can control three characters in battle, with the option of swapping them out for a character that’s not a part of your active party.

The similarities between both titles outshine the differences, which is why you should give Final Fantasy X a shot. It won’t disappoint you in the slightest, and a remaster is also available for purchase if you want to get that extra kick out of it.

Persona 5 Royal

Bring out your inner Persona | Image Credit: ATLUS

When speaking of turn-based RPGs, the Persona series comes to mind without question. Atlus’ genre-defining series has worn the turn-based crown for the longest time, with Persona 5 Royal being called one of the best games ever made by critics and players alike.

Much like Expedition 33, the game uses a turn-based combat system, and battles can be initiated when faced with an enemy. Here, the Personas come into play as they take form as the main character’s (Joker) manifestation of inner psyche, to launch special attacks.

Additionally, both games have a beautiful and visually appealing art direction that stands out from other similar titles and is bound to hook you the moment you start playing.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

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Metaphor: ReFantazio is another one of Atlus’ turn-based RPGs, and it’s similar to the Persona games in more ways than one. But the major difference arises in the game’s combat system, as it combines a traditional turn-based system with real-time elements, akin to Expedition 33.

Real-time combat elements such as initiating battles, quick-time events, and switching Archetypes/skills mid-battle are something that are featured in both Metaphor: ReFantazio and Expedition 33. If you’re not sure about purchasing the game, give it a try when it comes to Xbox Game Pass later this week.

So, have you played any of the turn-based RPGs listed above? Or is Expedition 33 your first expedition into the world of turn-based RPGs? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.