The Top 20 BEST JRPGs of the 2020s! (So Far...)

I know it only FEELS like it's been 10 years since 2020, but let's take a look at the top 20 JRPGs to have come out in the 2020s so far! If young Branden had known the sheer volume and quality of RPGs that would be coming out regularly in the future, I think he would have peed his pants. Um, not that he ever would have REALLY done that.

Anyway! These are, in my opinion, the best games to have hit store shelves in the last several years. But let me know what games YOU would rank among the best for this new decade we're in down in the comments!

Please don't forget to like the video, and if you aren't already subscribed, would you consider it? Thanks!!

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Here are some links to purchase the items from the video! NOTE: Some links are referral links, and I may receive a small commission if you purchase an item using my referral link at no extra cost to you.

Threads/Instagram: brandenjohnson

00:00 Intro
01:47 Octopath Traveler 2
03:07 Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition
04:12 Honkai: Star Rail
05:29 Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition
07:10 Bravely Default 2
08:22 Tales of Arise
09:28 Persona 5 Royal
10:54 Live A Live
12:02 Persona 5 Strikers
13:09 Trails from Zero
13:58 Trails to Azure
14:56 Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
16:07 Super Mario RPG
17:32 Final Fantasy XVI
19:12 Trails of Cold Steel IV
20:34 Blue Reflection Second Light
22:07 Final Fantasy VII Remake
23:53 Xenoblade Chronicles 3
25:22 Omori
26:48 Harvestella
29:17 Outro

[izala]

Thank you for the video! Harvestella being in this video at all completely made my day. This game ended up being the biggest surprise for me in years, and in the best possible way. It makes me sad that so many people will sleep on this game due to the presentation and marketing, they're missing a really great story and characters. I loved everything about my experience with the game, absolutely deserves it's spot on this list. Guess I finally need to start the Trails series, though...

[thatguy]

this is a very good video
Chained Echoes + Sea of Stars

[dominoscr]

I really like the writing and pacing of this video. It’s evident how much work went into it and I appreciate it!

[TLDW_Tutorials]

Just wanted to give you a shoutout on your awesome channel. I'm a gamer of your generation and honestly, I'm only subscribed to maybe 3 gaming channels, of which yours is one. Love the authenticity and style of your videos. Thanks for all you do!

[bozodluffy]

Videos like these are why I love your videos! I have both Harvestella and Blue Reflection on my backlog, but now I think I need to bump them up in priority! Also, you got me to look at the trails series and that is also in my backlog. Basically, you’re fueling my love of this genre so thank you

[jamesmorrisey]

Really enjoyed this list! I for sure need to play Blue Reflection and Harvestella now. I like that you rank by the experience and vibe you got from the games not common consensus. Thanks for the Video!

[chuckhaynes]

A few that I loved that didnt make the list:

Yakuza like a dragon: I love the realistic semi retro artstyle of Yakuza. In fact, theres a pattern of games I like now, many 3d RPGs, except the ones im about to mention...look the same to me, anime art, for decades wasnt "all big eyes" it has variety.

Shin Megami Tensei V: I love SMT, and its primarily for the art and style of the games. Honestly, im in a minority, but I havent liked Persona so much since both persona 2's...though the games are good...I miss the feel of 1 and both 2's. SMT III was reworked recently as well

Chained Echoes: someone likes the old games and I can see why. Im not sure what was lost when everything went 3d, but Chained Echoes brought it back...just like Azure and Zero trails (which are actually old) did.

I need to grab Sea of Stars and hopefully Eiyuden Chronicles soon. Looks to be a good decade coming for Jrpg fans...Honestly any kind of rpg fan

[saesang]

Dude I love the passion, we’re around the same age so I can really relate. FF16 and FF7 remake have really re-awoken my love for JRPGs. The quality and care that go into these just absolutely blew me away. I never thought I could feel the same feeling I got when I played the original FF7, but I couldn’t put these games down. Octopath 2 and xenoblade 3 were fantastic as well.

[Dncemnky]

Happy to see BRSL on this list! I picked it up on sale summer 2022 and did not expect the emotional gut punch it provided. This led me down the Gust and Atelier rabbit hole. I only have 3 modern Atelier games left to play before I'm all caught up (Totori, Meruru, Lulua)

After all the raving of niche JRPG YT channels, finally got Harvesetella this past amazon sale. I'm only a few hours in and really enjoying the simple, chill gameplay. Trying to manage my expectations now I know its on JtGs GOAT list 😂

[vegetathousand]

This vid made me realize the only game from 2023 I played this year was Trails into Reverie 😶. 3 rpgs that weren't on this list that I enjoyed from 2020 onward are Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Monster Hunter Stories 2, and SMT V. Also, you'll single handedly get me to buy and play Harvestella eventually, maybe next year.

[BigBossCQCLegend]

My Honorable Mentions: Unicorn Overlord, Sea of Stars, Chained of Echoes, Super Mario RPG, Triangle Strategy

My Top 5:
5. FF7 ReBirth
4. Persona 3 Reload
3. XenoBlade Chronicles Definitive Edition
2. XenoBlade Chronicles 3 with Future Redeemed
1. Persona 5 Royal

[marcusblack]

Some amazing games in this list for sure and fair few I need to try sometime. Great list

[jumaanecabrera]

Such a heartfelt top 20 list! Well delivered too! Thx bro!

[Anatrok]

Just commenting for the algorithm.

Harvestella was dope, love your taste in games

[RwnEsper]

Good stuff, I love lists like this!

Not gonna lie, MiHoYo is really impressing me over the last few years.

Gatcha mechanics aren't my FAVORITE things in gaming, but they are still preferable to loot boxes in AAA games, and the production values are outstanding.

Still hoping to play Genshin Impact on the Switch (2?) someday...

It has been mentioned elsewhere in the comments, but I'd add SMT5 to this list; I had some problems with the story and chracters, but playing it is pure, turn-based bliss.

Man, I remember seeing the reveal trailer for FF7 Remake - rarely have I been so hyped, and FF7 isn't even in my top 3 FFs. Someday, I'll get a PS5 so I can play the whole thing.

[Spare_Ombres]

Hey Brandon, great list! Love you quote that you say it does not mater if Harvestella doesn't have the highest polygon count or best shape, I so agree with that, that the graphic do not make the game great, it's nice to see, but all other thing are far more important to me! As for my top game from 2020+, let see, did love Monster Hunter Rise and is expension Sunbreak, also did like a lot the remake of Langrisser 1 and 2. Fire Emblem three houses was quite great, did love the story very much, even if I did like like the school part that much, the rest of it was so good, need to play engage! I need to play ton of games from your list too, like Harvestella, all Persona, Xenoblade or Trails of games... yeah have so many good game to go! lol I know I will like Octopath traveler 2, but the first one still one of my favorite, but like the new Zelda, I try to keep them for later, because I am sure I will have ton of fun with them, yeah I am weird lol

[femtrooper]

Phenomenal list! I swear I gotta play an Ys game soon. I’ll probably start with 8 on PS5 but Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is hopefully my next JRPG!!!

[tufrabza]

Fingers crossed that 2024... or 2025 gives us a Harvestella 2 with a bigger budget and a little more polish. I'm ready, they've shown they can make a new ip, now give me MORE!

[qualitea_individual]

This is such a great video and list! I think I’m FINALLY going to start Harvestella for the holidays and I’m pumped to finally get into it!! But man, we have had so many great RPGs already, it makes me super excited for the years to come!

[eliasisthegreatest]

This passed year I really loved Trails to Azure and Star Ocean Second Story R.