RPGs that only become great after 20 hours

Some games start incredibly well, e.g Final Fantasy Tactics or Baldur's Gate 3. There's no denying that the story and gameplay of these two RPGs will draw players in immediately. Sometimes, even though the game is fun, it takes a little longer to get going.

There may be hidden mechanics that will fundamentally change the gameplay, or perhaps a shift in the way new characters are viewed. Final Fantasy 13 is an older example, while Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a more recent example. Why do these games take forever to launch and what other games are on the list?

Final Fantasy 13

How to get to Archylte Steppe

Final Fantasy 13 is unlike most records in Final Fantasy series for many reasons. First of all, the gang is constantly split into pairs, sometimes into trios, and things always change as the story unfolds. Dungeons are also typically very linear, with side paths to get to hidden chests very easily.

Finally, players will be allowed to create the group they wish, as well as explore a large open area called the Archylte Steppe. There are rare monsters to take down, hard-to-find gear, and quests that reflect more typical Final Fantasy adventure. Linearity isn't necessarily a bad thing, nor is the constant switching of sides because it fits the story. Still, Final Fantasy 13 improves dramatically in Archylte Steppe, leading to dozens of hours of extra content right before the finale.

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Unlocking the Skell

Xenoblade Chronicles X is an anomaly within Xenoblade Chronicles series when players create a character that is also voiceless. Combat and exploration are very much in line with the reference points of the games, except for two key differences. The story is laid back compared to the highly charged numbered titles, and there are some incredibly fun mechanics that can be unlocked in about twenty hours, depending.

Skell is what this world calls mech, and once players unlock their license, a whole other world is basically opened up to them. Skeles can be used in combat, they can be flown, and they can even be driven because they can transform. The MMO style combat is great, but Skells are definitely the reason to buy and try them out Xenoblade Chronicles X above all other items. If players are big fans of mechs, so be it.

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined

Getting Alltrades Abbey

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is the latest Dragon Quest game to get the remake treatment. Like most entries it has a slow start and this has not been fixed in this version. For about the first third of the game, players will fight their turn-based battles like a normal RPG with characters leveling up and learning skills.

Around twenty hours or earlier, depending on whether players are using the easier difficulty, they will arrive at a place known as Alltrades Abbey. Here, every character in Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined may take a class called Profession, such as a warrior or a mage. This completely changes the gameplay, which is cool and weird considering how deep players have to go to unlock it. Knowing this ahead of time can prevent players from grinding too hard or doing too many side quests beforehand. Best to get to Alltrades Abbey first and then branch out.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

A journey through the Hinterlands

Like most BioWare games, the meat of Dragon Age: Inquisition is in the sweet middle. Players start with a modest fortress, but the further they advance, the more options are unlocked on the war table. The more companions they unlock, and talking to and possibly romancing party members is just as fun as the action combat.

First main area Dragon Age: Inquisition is The Hinterlands and players can trick themselves into doing every single task imaginable there. Not knowing there's so much more to see could lead to a bit of burnout before the game really gets going. The Hinterlands is like a good demo part of the game, along with a few other areas, but once players get enough hours, they start to feel like the resistance general they're roleplaying as.

Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends Of The Titan

Flying to new countries

Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan is another example of an RPG that differs from most other entries. Players usually form their party in a HUB town and then head into a seemingly endless dungeon where they escape to heal and buy better gear before returning. In this first entry for the 3DS, the entire world is a series of interconnected dungeons. Players can complete them and then leave the world map in their airship to go to a new dungeon, or in some cases, a different entrance to the same dungeon.

The world map also has its own dangers as there are many super bosses hiding here. Players will certainly hit the world map in less than twenty hours, but the game won't feel quite complete until players find their rhythm between dungeon crawling, exploration, and combat. It's a challenging turn-based RPG that requires grinding, the best gear, and smart strategies to survive. Like a Soulslike game, Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan is incredibly rewarding beyond challenging.

Resonance of fate

Find out Gunkata

Resonance of fate is an RPG set with three party members at the start: Zephyr, Vashyron, and Leanne. All three are essentially bounty hunters who do odd jobs around town to work their way up the ranks of society. The story is a bit episodic and the gang is similar to the team on board Bebop in Cowboy Bebopone of the best anime shows ever. The more they play, the more players will get used to their antics, however bizarre these characters may seem at first.

Rather than partying, the real challenge here is combat. Battles are turn-based, with each character having multiple weapon-based options during their turn. A quick shot will provide less damage and a more accurate hit, while going for something complicated requires following lines to make sure the movement trajectory isn't interrupted before the weapon can fire. Resonance of fate is one of the most complex RPGs of all time, and it's a lot to ask players to fight for twenty hours just to get to the good stuff. That said, there is no other turn-based RPG like it.