JRPGs have been around for a long time. When a genre survives for so long and is beloved by so many players worldwide despite being decades old, it’s a clear sign that there’s something special to it. Whether it’sturn-based, strategic game mechanics, character upgrading options, or intricate mission design, there’s always something fun to experience. It should be noted that, while games likeMonster HunterandDark Soulshave a few traits that could make them pass off as JRPGs, they’re not generally considered so, as they lack a few other features to properly fall into that category.
One of the best features a JRPG, or any other game genre can offer, is the possibility to play with friends locally or online. There’s just something special about working together with other people to achieve common goals while exploring a fictional world. Here are some ofthe best JRPGs for 4-player co-op, ranked.
White Knight Chroniclesis set in the middle of a long war between two kingdoms. When a celebration hosted by the king of Balandor is sabotaged by the Magi in an effort to steal an ancient weapon of great power known as theWhite Knight.In an attempt to save the princess of Balandor,Leonard,the game’s main character, releases the power of the White Knight.
This game combines turn-based combat with what could be considered real-time combat. It also allows for character, combos, and skill customization, which isa classic feature in the JRPG genre.White Knight Chroniclesallows up to 16 players to log into a lobby, where they can later form parties of 4 players to go on different missions.
Millions of players worldwide love theFinal Fantasyfranchise, as it has spawned multiple games across several platforms, many animated movies, and a ton of collectibles for die-hard fans. While not a part of the main series,Final Fantasy Crystal Chroniclesis a great spin-off that marked thereturn of the franchise to a Nintendo consolesince Final Fantasy VI.
As it happens in many otherFinal Fantasygames, players can take on the role of various characters to explore the world the game is set in. One of the main elements of this game are theMyrrh trees,which are magical and must be found by players as they traverse through the wilderness. Unlike other games in the franchise, this title uses a real-time-based combat mechanic, which is quite refreshing.
Taking place in the fictional world ofSylvarant, the game follows the story of the main character,Lloyd Irving,as he sets out on a journey to save the world from an unknown threat. Consisting of three major areas and an overworld field map,Tales of Symphoniawill have players explore dungeons, caves, and towns in Lloyd’s quest to prevent the destruction ofTethe’allaand everyone he loves along with it.
When the game was first released, many critics saidthe game’s combat systemfelt a little simplistic and clunky, but still enjoyable, as the game mechanics gave it some depth. In 2023, exactly 20 years after the original version was released, Bandai gave players the remastered version, which allows up to 4 players in local Co-op mode.
Set in a world where a race of angels calledCelestiansare the guardians of the realm of mortals,Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skiesfollows the story of the main character, simply known as “The Hero/Heroine”. Faced with the opposition of theGittish Empire, an evil organization thought to be long forgotten, The Hero/Heroine will set out on a journey to gather the last pieces of benevolence to grow Fyggs, a fruit necessary for Celestians to gain access to theRealm of the Almighty.
The game allows players to customize and create the characters in their party, a feature that wasn’t present in previous installments of the franchise. While in battle, the game alternates between first and third-person views, allowing for a wider perspective during combat. Players can enjoy Co-op with up to 3 other people, which adds to the experience and makes everything more fun.
