Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is an incredible game filled with compelling characters, exciting boss fights, and eye-catching locations. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t last forever.

You get to a point where you’ve beaten the main story and all the optional content, meaning there is nothing left to do. Therefore, you perhaps need to move on to another game. Thankfully, there are a whole bunch of exceptional turn-based RPGs out there that could perhaps fill the void that Expedition 33 has left. The following collection contains a range of different ones, including some of the best the genre has to offer.

Baldur’s Gate 3

The story of Baldur’s Gate 3 is that your character and several others have been implanted with tadpoles, meaning you will all become monsters if you don’t manage to get them out in time. So, you team up with some of those other victims and go on an adventure to figure out how to remove the tadpoles. That is the basic premise, but it’s a long game, and there are plenty of twists and turns on the journey.

The story, writing, and characters are exceptional and on a similar level to what Expedition 33 provides. This game’s form of turn-based combat is a bit different, though. Moving around, using the environment, and strategizing are very important in this one.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

Tonally, it would be hard to find a turn-based RPG that is more different from Expedition 33 than South Park: The Fractured But Whole. After all, this is based on the South Park TV show and shares the same writers. So, it’s very crass and hilarious. Plus, it’s very silly, as shown by the narrative, which is supposed to be about kids doing a bit of live-action roleplay, but quickly evolves into something ridiculous.

The turn-based combat uses a grid system, where you can move around the grid to get yourself in the best position. Also, like in Clair Obscur Expedition 33, you sometimes have QTEs to hit when you attack. Other than those things, the combat is quite simple, but it remains interesting throughout due to your characters’ clever and often humorous abilities.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

In Marvel’s Midnight Suns, the world is under threat from an evil and powerful being named Lilith. Even the Avengers and various other Marvel heroes can’t stop her alone. So, they revive Hunter, Lilth’s powerful offspring, who has battled the villain before.

Outside of missions, you get to wander around home base, building up your relationships with the Marvel heroes. During missions, you engage in some very enjoyable turn-based battles. The combat system is unique because it incorporates a card mechanic. At the start of a battle, you draw a hand of cards. Each one contains an action or attack for you to do. This adds an element of luck to proceedings, as you have to hope to draw good cards. However, it also means every battle is somewhat different, keeping things fresh throughout.

Final Fantasy 10

Final Fantasy 10 offers a classic FF tale where a group of adventurers go on a journey to defeat a dangerous foe. While the basic premise isn’t incredibly original, there is a lot to love about this tale, particularly the characters and the relationships they share, some of which are very well-written.

As for the combat, the Final Fantasy series has had many battle systems, and this one is among the best. It isn’t the most original, as it’s a standard turn-based affair where you have unlimited time to choose what you’re going to do. While it might lack originality, it’s a system that works well. Not being under time pressure, which is rare for a Final Fantasy game, allows you to be more strategic and really select your actions carefully.

Super Mario RPG

Mario has had many great spin-off games, so, of course, the Little Red Plumber has featured in some RPGs. One such example is the remake of Super Mario RPG. In this game, Mario and his allies must take on a group called the Smithy Gang, who want to rule the world.

Gameplay-wise, this means you need to do plenty of exploration and participate in some turn-based fighting. As with Expedition 33, the game’s combat system includes some QTEs, which can make your actions more effective if you time them correctly. The battle system is simple but entertaining.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio is set in a fictional realm where the King is dead, and the Prince is cursed. So, they’re holding a Royal Tournament to crown a new ruler. Your protagonist joins the competition and attempts to find a cure for the Prince’s curse. The game incorporates both real-time and turn-based combat. When out in the field, you can engage enemies in real-time combat. However, when things get serious, the battles are turn-based.

The presentation of these fights may seem familiar, as they look like the battles you see in Expedition 33. They’re equally fantastic, too. Where Metaphor: ReFantazio’s battles stand out is the inclusion of archetypes, which are creatures that are tied to your characters and have special abilities. These are vital in combat.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The Like A Dragon series used to exclusively feature action-adventure beat ‘em ups. Yakuza: Like A Dragon changed things, though. This is a turn-based RPG, which introduces a new protagonist to the series called Ichiban. He is a guy who is betrayed by his boss. So, he sets out to discover why and perhaps gets some revenge in the process. Along the way, he teams up with some other interesting characters, forming a ragtag party together.

As the Like A Dragon games are wild and weird, so is the turn-based combat. Your party members can unleash some very unusual and sometimes silly attacks. This is to the game’s benefit as it helps it differentiate itself from other turn-based RPGs. The silliness doesn’t stop there, as there are also some very strange sub-stories and interactions during the game, but this should be expected of this iconic series.

Persona 5: Royal

The story of Persona 5 Royal revolves around a group of teenagers who are able to enter a special realm. Within this realm, they can set foot in the subconscious of evil adults and force them to change their ways. In these subconsciouses, you walk around, loot things, and get into battles.

The combat is a lot of fun. It mainly revolves around Personas, which are spirit-like creatures assigned to each of your party members. You can use their special abilities in battle. There is also a neat baton pass feature where you can quickly switch between characters to continue your assault on an enemy. When you’re not roaming around a special realm, you’re living the life of a teenager, as there is also a life simulation element to this incredible game.