The best JRPGs that focus on dungeons

Key things

• Etrian Odyssey Nexus features complex dungeon crawling with multiple class options and strategic combat.
• Persona Q combines Persona characters in a dungeon crawling environment with unique abilities and great storytelling.
• Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux combines strong tactical combat with challenging dungeon exploration.

One of the best things about games JRPG and RPG genres is their versatility and the world of possibilities they offer. While some may focus solely on combat and action, others may go in a different direction and opt for mystery solving, exploration, and of course plenty of dungeon crawling that will have players spending hours trying to navigate dark places.

JRPGs and dungeons seem to go hand in hand as many titles feature this type of area, forcing players to think outside the box and work on their patience to slowly but surely find their way out of claustrophobic spaces. For gamers who like such titles, here are some of them the best JRPGs that focus on dungeons.

5 Etrian Odyssey Nexus

Great Dungeon Crawler that builds on its long-running series

• Complex party systems and a decent range of different classes
• The game innovates in several ways and retains several great aspects of its predecessors

It offers a complex dungeon crawling experience, Etrian Odyssey Nexus allows players to journey through a series of labyrinths and dungeons that present unique environmental hazards, plenty of enemies and puzzles to keep them busy for hours. The game also features complex party systems that allow players to choose from a wide variety of classes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Etrian Odyssey Nexus features turn-based combat that requires players to carefully plan their strategic moves to ensure victory and take as little damage as possible from their enemies. While the game significantly innovates and implements several elements of its own, it also retains various key aspects that made its predecessors successful, making this a perfect title for both newcomers and veterans of the franchise.

4 Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth

Dungeon crawl with great story and 3D stylized graphics

• Unique characters, each with different abilities
• The game features characters from Personality 3 and Personality 4

One of the biggest aspects Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinthlies in the fact that it combines characters from Personality 3 and Personality 4 and places them in the dungeon crawler environment. A combination of several traditional elements Persona tactical exploration franchise, the game has more than enough content to provide players with hours of fun. Each character has unique abilities that can benefit players depending on how and when they are used.

In addition to the various dungeons and areas to explore, the game also features great character interactions and dialogue that add another layer of complexity to the stories available, as well as stylized 3D graphics that help the narrative have a significantly stronger delivery.

3 Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux

Complex Dungeon Crawler requiring strong tactical skills

• A wide variety of enemies and branching paths
• Gathering and managing resources is key

Set in the depths of a dimensional anomaly in Antarctica known as the Schwarzwelt, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is undoubtedly one of the best dungeon crawling JRPGs due to its story and gameplay mechanics. Players take on the role of the protagonist (also known as Tadano Hitonari in Japan), who is tasked with exploring the mysterious Southern Empire. Each level of the game has dangerous enemies, treacherous traps and several branching paths that offer many challenges and several options to explore.

To add another layer of complexity to this title, there is a strong focus on strategic combat, resource gathering and management, and overall tactical planning that requires players to carefully consider every move they make. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux it will test players and give them a challenging experience that is challenging but also fair and fun.

2 Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & The Monster Seal

Amazing anime adventure with lots of dungeon crawling

• Great customization options and a complete class system
• Beautiful anime art style and overall lighthearted tone

It stands out thanks to its deep character customization options and complete class system, Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & The Monster Seal offers players several labyrinthine dungeon designs that never disappoint. As Fried Einhard, players will have to hunt down several monsters that have escaped and taken refuge in vast underground labyrinths. As players progress through the story and penetrate deeper into more complex dungeons, they will face increasingly difficult challenges and enemies that will test their patience and skills.

Due to the game's non-linear design, players can choose to avoid certain bosses and instead focus on treasure hunting if they wish. In addition to great game mechanics, Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & The Monster Seal it also features a beautiful anime art style with plenty of humor to help lighten the mood and give the game an overall light-hearted tone, though some serious moments will keep players on their toes.

1 Phantasy Star 4: End of the Millennium

A futuristic adventure to save the Algol solar system

• Lots of puzzle solutions to test players
• The game offers a combination of Sci-Fi and Fantasy elements

Like the last chapter in the main Fantasy star series, Phantasy Star 4: End of the Millennium offers a great dungeon-crawler experience that fans of the genre will surely love. Set in a future where the fictional Algol solar system is on the brink of destruction by the diabolical plans of Zia, the “Black Magician”, players will walk in the shoes of Chaz Ashley and his companions. The game offers a welcome change of pace when it comes to dungeon crawling thanks to its futuristic setting.

Players will have to explore different areas as they fight their way through hordes of dangerous enemies, environmental hazards and various puzzles designed to test their patience and problem-solving skills. A combination of science fiction and several fantasy elements, Phantasy Star 4: End of the Millennium is a timeless classic that every dungeon crawler lover should play at least once in their lifetime.