Games Like The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Civil war has broken out across Erebonia. After his narrow escape from Trista, Rean will take up his sword again on a journey with his Divine Knight, Valimar, in search of his friends from Class VII and a way to end the conflict before its price becomes far too dear...

Why similar: JRPG 37.3%, Turn-Based 16%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%, Anime 10.9%, RPG 8%

Why You'll Like It: This direct sequel continues the narrative and character arcs established in the first game with refined combat mechanics.

Experience an epic story developed across three titles, and crafted for new and old fans alike. Also includes an interactive introduction to catch up new players to the ongoing story so anyone can dive right in to the world of Trails of Cold Steel.

Why similar: JRPG 31.9%, RPG 17.7%, Turn-Based 15.9%, Great Soundtrack 11.6%, Anime 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It expands the scope of the Erebonian arc by introducing a new generation of students and deeper political intrigue.

The long awaited finale to the epic engulfing a continent comes to a head in the final chapter of the Trails of Cold Steel saga!

Why similar: JRPG 31.2%, Turn-Based 16.2%, RPG 14.9%, Great Soundtrack 12.2%, Anime 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title serves as the epic conclusion to the Erebonian saga, bringing together characters from across the entire series.

Hailed as one of the largest, longest and most meticulously detailed turn-based JRPG series of all time, this first chapter in the ongoing Trails saga sets the stage for what's quickly become Ys developer Nihon Falcom's most popular and best-selling franchise in their entire 30+ year history.

Why similar: JRPG 43.5%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Turn-Based 13%, Anime 10%, Story Rich 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the foundational entry of the series, offering the same world-building depth and charm that defined the Trails franchise.

Don the mask and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they stage grand heists, infiltrate the minds of the corrupt, and make them change their ways!

Why similar: JRPG 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 18.7%, Anime 11.7%, Turn-Based Combat 10.8%, Story Rich 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Like Cold Steel, this game masterfully blends high-school life simulation with deep turn-based combat and a strong focus on social bonds.

Picking up shortly after The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, Estelle travels across Liberl in search of Joshua. The journey involves more than seeking loved ones, however, as the Bracer Guild also tasks her with unraveling the mysteries behind the newly unveiled Society of Ouroboros.

Why similar: JRPG 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Turn-Based 10%, Anime 9.3%, Story Rich 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a direct continuation of the first game's story, deepening the emotional stakes and character development.

A coming of age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders.

Why similar: JRPG 39.1%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Anime 11.5%, Turn-Based Combat 9.2%, Story Rich 8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a similar emphasis on building relationships with a close-knit group of friends while navigating a supernatural mystery.

When Lloyd Bannings is assigned to Crossbell's Special Support Section, he and his new teammates must prove themselves as they fight to overcome the injustice of a city gripped by corruption.

Why similar: JRPG 39.2%, Great Soundtrack 13.8%, Anime 12.7%, Turn-Based Combat 12.3%, RPG 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: This entry shifts the focus to the Crossbell arc, maintaining the series' signature political storytelling and tactical combat.

The Special Support Section is back with more members and more cases to solve! How will this rag-tag group deal with the oncoming threats to Crossbell’s political stability while maintaining their team’s foundation?

Why similar: JRPG 42.7%, RPG 13%, Anime 12.7%, Turn-Based Combat 11.7%, Story Rich 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It concludes the Crossbell arc with high-stakes narrative payoffs that are essential for understanding the broader world of the series.

Dive into the Dark Hour and awaken the depths of your heart. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.

Why similar: JRPG 41.4%, Great Soundtrack 15.3%, Anime 13.3%, RPG 8.6%, Turn-Based Combat 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This remake shares the core loop of balancing daily school life with challenging dungeon exploration and character-driven drama.

Three different legends are about to unfold! Determine the fates of Rean Schwarzer, Lloyd Bannings, and the mysterious “C” in this climactic chapter of The Legend of Heroes series.

Why similar: JRPG 40.9%, RPG 15.1%, Anime 13.9%, Turn-Based Combat 10.5%, Story Rich 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title acts as a bridge between story arcs, featuring a massive cast and a unique multi-perspective narrative structure.

The spriggan known as Van Arkride, an underground professional, accepts any job, acting as detective, negotiator, or bounty hunter. Dive into the Trails series' latest chapter with intense combat, beautiful visuals, and a new alignment system in Calvard!

Why similar: JRPG 53.5%, Anime 17.5%, RPG 16.4%, Fantasy 3.9%, Adventure 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: This entry introduces a new setting and a more mature tone while retaining the series' hallmark world-building and tactical depth.

300 years of tyranny. A mysterious mask. Lost pain and memories. Wield the Blazing Sword and join a mysterious, untouchable girl to fight your oppressors. Experience a tale of liberation, featuring characters with next-gen graphical expressiveness!

Why similar: JRPG 46.7%, Anime 21%, RPG 11.7%, Story Rich 8.5%, Romance 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a modern, high-fidelity anime aesthetic paired with a character-focused story and engaging real-time combat.

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tales of Vesperia and the return of this fan-favorite with the Definitive Edition!

Why similar: JRPG 52.4%, Anime 15.6%, RPG 12.2%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, Story Rich 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This classic JRPG features a memorable ensemble cast and a sprawling adventure that resonates with fans of traditional anime-style storytelling.

This game is a brand-new entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series, the first installment of which was initially released in 2018 and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

Why similar: JRPG 34.7%, Turn-Based 25.4%, RPG 10%, Turn-Based Combat 7.4%, Story Rich 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: The game excels in its turn-based combat system and offers multiple interconnected character stories that reward deep investment.

Tokyo Xanadu eX+; a massive action RPG from the masters of the genre, Nihon Falcom! When high school student Kou Tokisaka encounters the nightmare realm known as the Eclipse, his world is forever changed.

Why similar: JRPG 55.7%, Great Soundtrack 14.9%, Anime 14.3%, RPG 9.5%, Story Rich 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same studio as Trails, it shares a similar school-setting structure combined with action-RPG mechanics.

The Definitive Edition includes the critically acclaimed DRAGON QUEST XI, plus additional scenarios, orchestral soundtrack, 2D mode and more! Whether you are a longtime fan or a new adventurer, this is the ultimate DQXI experience.

Why similar: JRPG 50.2%, Turn-Based Combat 15.2%, RPG 11%, Story Rich 9.3%, Anime 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, traditional turn-based experience with a charming cast and a classic hero's journey narrative.

Take up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits.

Why similar: JRPG 36.5%, Turn-Based 25.7%, RPG 16.5%, Turn-Based Combat 8.5%, Story Rich 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A love letter to classic 16-bit JRPGs, it features a sophisticated turn-based combat system and a gripping, mature narrative.

Half a year after Trails in the Sky SC, Father Kevin Graham takes on a routine mission on behalf of the Septian Church. He and his partner are then plunged into a realm that follows an unnaturally strict set of rules and is as intent to open old wounds as it is to keep them behind closed doors.

Why similar: JRPG 35.4%, Great Soundtrack 17.7%, Turn-Based 15.2%, Anime 9.5%, RPG 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This entry serves as a deep dive into the lore and character backstories of the Sky arc, perfect for fans of the series' world-building.

Ys returns with a brand new adventure for the first time in 8 years! Adol awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other shipwrecked passengers he rescues form a village to challenge fearsome beasts and mysterious ruins on the isolated island.

Why similar: JRPG 45.7%, Great Soundtrack 15.6%, RPG 15.3%, Anime 13.4%, Story Rich 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: While more action-oriented, it shares the same high-quality world-building and character-driven focus found in other Nihon Falcom titles.

Choose between Yuito and Kasane, elite psionics each armed with a talent in psychokinesis and their own reason to fight. Complete both of their stories to unlock all the mysteries of a Brain Punk future caught between technology and psychic abilities.

Why similar: JRPG 52.1%, Anime 25.9%, RPG 14.3%, Fantasy 2.9%, Adventure 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a strong anime aesthetic and a complex sci-fi narrative centered on a group of gifted individuals working together.

Return to the Calvard Republic and unravel the mystery of the crimson beast! One day, a shocking series of murders set the wheels of fate into motion once again. Chaos looming on the horizon, the spriggan Van Arkride receives an unexpected visitor. Who is behind the murders, and what is their goal?

Why similar: JRPG 51.5%, Anime 18.1%, RPG 15.7%, Fantasy 4.4%, Party-Based RPG 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: It continues the story of the Calvard arc, further developing the complex political landscape and character relationships introduced in the previous game.

In a world torn by war and political skirmishes, accept the burden of the Shepherd and fight human darkness to protect your world from Malevolence and reunite humans and Seraphim.

Why similar: JRPG 50.1%, Anime 16.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, RPG 9.4%, Story Rich 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a grand fantasy adventure with a strong emphasis on the bond between the protagonist and his companions.

In the face of certain death, we rise. Team up and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare in CODE VEIN.

Why similar: JRPG 53.6%, Anime 30.7%, RPG 12%, Singleplayer 2.2%, Adventure 1%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a dark, anime-inspired world with a heavy emphasis on character customization and companion-based storytelling.

Join the young king Evan as he sets out on an epic quest to found a new kingdom and, with the help of some new friends, unite his world, saving its people from a terrible evil.

Why similar: JRPG 45.2%, Anime 16%, RPG 14.1%, Great Soundtrack 8.8%, Story Rich 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It combines charming anime visuals with a kingdom-building mechanic that provides a similar sense of progression and responsibility.

The future of an entire continent is at stake in this milestone entry in the Trails series! Explore the vast Calvard Republic with three different protagonists, nurture connections, and master powerful skills in both real-time and turn-based battles as you uncover the secrets at the core of Zemuria!

Why similar: JRPG 50.7%, Anime 15.6%, RPG 15.3%, Story Rich 4.1%, Turn-Based Combat 3.9%

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter reimagines the first chapter of a beloved series, infusing it with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay. Join Estelle and Joshua, partners bound by fate, as they unravel dark conspiracies threatening the peace of the Liberl Kingdom.

Why similar: JRPG 47.3%, Turn-Based Combat 13.7%, RPG 11.1%, Story Rich 9.5%, Anime 7.8%

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster celebrates two of the most cherished and beloved entries to the world-renowned franchise, completely remastered in gorgeous High Definition & now available on PC / Windows!

Why similar: JRPG 37.6%, Great Soundtrack 15.8%, Turn-Based Combat 10.8%, Turn-Based 9.3%, Story Rich 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This classic features a highly strategic turn-based combat system and a deeply emotional story that remains a benchmark for the genre.

Long ago, a war raged between two powerful deities. Each was sealed away, their weapons scattered throughout the world. Our hero in this RPG, Fang, happens upon one such weapon and now he alone must choose which deity will awaken again!

Why similar: JRPG 36.4%, Anime 17.1%, Turn-Based 13.3%, RPG 9.3%, Turn-Based Combat 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a lighthearted yet engaging anime-style RPG experience with multiple branching paths and character-focused events.

Square Enix and Tri-Ace present the latest title in the Star Ocean RPG series.

Why similar: JRPG 50.1%, Anime 14.2%, RPG 14.2%, Story Rich 11%, Fantasy 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a blend of sci-fi and fantasy with a large cast of characters and a focus on exploration and combat.

Explore a supernatural RPG with stylish summoners and dark dangers lurking under the neon lights of a cyberpunk Japan. It is up to Ringo, an agent of Aion, to save the world from apocalypse.

Why similar: JRPG 46%, RPG 13.4%, Turn-Based Combat 12.9%, Anime 10.7%, Story Rich 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a stylish, modern JRPG experience with a focus on team dynamics and supernatural investigation.

The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki role-playing game series is highly acclaimed by gamers all over the world for its elaborate character portrayals and epic storyline. The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki and The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki II have sold over 1 million copies in total.

Why similar: JRPG 43.4%, RPG 16.5%, Turn-Based Combat 13.7%, Story Rich 11.1%, Anime 9%

The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki is finally coming to Steam®! The sprawling Republic of Calvard is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom brought on by post-war reparations. Here is the beginning of a new "Trails (story)".

Why similar: JRPG 41.6%, Anime 13.3%, RPG 11.7%, Turn-Based Combat 9%, Romance 5.9%

Experience the first “modern-era” Ys game, now off the small screen for its worldwide PC debut! Features a full party system, dozens of unique combat skills, and a massive overworld to explore. Uncover the secret of the Five Great Dragons, and help Adol Christin save the day once again!

Why similar: JRPG 46.3%, Great Soundtrack 21.8%, RPG 18.4%, Anime 11.3%, Adventure 0.9%

Long ago, the Vile God and the Goddess waged war with each other. Equally matched, they were sealed away in another world… Now a lazy young man named Fang somehow finds himself a key part of this war he’d really rather not deal with, but fate beckons in this uncommon RPG!

Why similar: JRPG 43.5%, Anime 19.8%, Turn-Based 11.7%, RPG 9.5%, Great Soundtrack 7.4%

A new entry in the “Bravely" series! Four new Heroes of Light emerge in a new world and story!

Why similar: JRPG 46.6%, Turn-Based Combat 13.8%, RPG 12.4%, Story Rich 7.4%, Great Soundtrack 5.2%

The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki role-playing game series is highly acclaimed by gamers all over the world for its elaborate character portrayals and epic storyline. The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki and The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki II have sold over 1 million copies in total.

Why similar: JRPG 42.4%, RPG 14.9%, Turn-Based Combat 13.1%, Story Rich 10.6%, Anime 8.7%

The empires of Zemuria have narrowly managed to escape the Great Twilight, a curse that threatened to end the world, thanks to the valiant efforts of those known as heroes. This has resulted in a ripple effect of events that hurtles the series toward its thrilling conclusion.

Why similar: JRPG 38.2%, Turn-Based 16.8%, RPG 12.7%, Anime 12.5%, Turn-Based Combat 7.8%

The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki III, which takes place in the Erebonian Empire after the end of the civil war, is now available for PC!

Why similar: JRPG 45.6%, RPG 17.5%, Turn-Based Combat 14.6%, Story Rich 11%, Romance 3%

Witness the sins spun by jet-black and crimson-- The Kiseki saga is finally here! Kuro no Kiseki II is loaded with unique content, including a variety of new challenges throughout the Republic of Calvard.

Why similar: JRPG 42.3%, Anime 13.1%, RPG 12.2%, Turn-Based Combat 7.8%, Turn-Based 6%

Eight travelers. Eight adventures. Eight roles to play. Embark on an epic journey across the vast and wondrous world of Orsterra and discover the captivating stories of each of the eight travelers.

Why similar: JRPG 37.7%, Turn-Based 21.5%, RPG 10.2%, Great Soundtrack 10%, Turn-Based Combat 8.1%

Set in the autonomous region of Crossbell, the epic RPG Ao no Kiseki: Kai, which tells the story of the Special Support Section, is now available on Steam! The Steam version features 60 fps support + high definition picture & sound for an enhanced gameplay experience!

Why similar: JRPG 49.8%, RPG 21.4%, Turn-Based Combat 14.4%, Story Rich 12.1%, Singleplayer 2.3%

FIRST TIME ON STEAM – Based on the PlayStation®3 port of the original GameCube game, this RPG classic is finally available for PC.

Why similar: JRPG 49.2%, Anime 13.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, RPG 10.2%, Story Rich 8%

Set in the autonomous region of Crossbell, the epic RPG Zero no Kiseki: Kai, which tells the story of the Special Support Section, is now available on Steam! The Steam version features 60 fps support + high definition picture & sound for an enhanced gameplay experience!

Why similar: JRPG 48.4%, RPG 22.9%, Turn-Based Combat 14.3%, Story Rich 12%, Singleplayer 2.3%

World-famous red-haired adventurer Adol Christin awakens in the unfamiliar land of Celceta, remembering nothing more than his name. Join Adol and his new friends as he embarks on an adventure to map the wilderness and reclaim his memories in this beloved action RPG from Nihon Falcom.

Why similar: JRPG 43.8%, RPG 22%, Great Soundtrack 19%, Anime 13.3%, Singleplayer 1.1%

While imprisoned in Balduq, Adol is cursed and becomes a Monstrum. With his newfound powers, he must stop the Grimwald Nox from consuming the city.

Why similar: JRPG 54%, Great Soundtrack 12%, Story Rich 10.8%, RPG 10.2%, Anime 8.6%

The latest installment in the popular story-driven Kiseki RPG series is here! The 20th-anniversary title, The Legend of Heroes: Kai no Kiseki -Farewell, O Zemuria-, where the epic story of the continent of Zemuria takes a dramatic turn, is now available on Steam®!

Why similar: JRPG 47.8%, RPG 14.5%, Anime 13.3%, Turn-Based 9%, Romance 5.9%

Players embark on a journey of self-discovery as they assume the role of Velvet, a young woman whose once kind demeanor has been replaced and overcome with a festering anger and hatred after a traumatic experience three years prior to the events within Tales of Berseria.

Why similar: JRPG 47.5%, Anime 21.9%, RPG 9.8%, Story Rich 7.7%, Great Soundtrack 7.5%

Trials of Mana is a modern revival of the 3rd game in the seminal Mana series. The game, originally released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 3, has been fully rebuilt from the ground up in 3D.

Why similar: JRPG 38.7%, RPG 32.4%, Anime 13.2%, Great Soundtrack 7.3%, Story Rich 3.5%

THE LEGEND OF HEROES: SEN NO KISEKI IV -THE END OF SAGA, the final chapter of the story-driven RPG series SEN NO KISEKI, is finally here!

Why similar: JRPG 47.8%, RPG 20.4%, Turn-Based Combat 13.3%, Story Rich 10.9%, Anime 5.5%

It's time for classmating! Monsters have invaded the world of Aterra, and only a few special individuals, imbued with the power of the Star God, are equipped to fight it. Combine your Star power to make magical Star Children to boost up your forces in battle!

Why similar: JRPG 47.3%, Anime 25.1%, RPG 16.5%, Dungeon Crawler 4%, Dating Sim 3.7%

Mobius. An idyllic world that lets people forget about the pain and problems of reality. Created by a sentient vocaloid program, μ (Mu), reality and fantasy have become blurred, allowing people to relive their high school years in bliss -- but just how real is a virtual happiness?

Why similar: JRPG 35.3%, Great Soundtrack 17.6%, Turn-Based 15.4%, Anime 13.8%, RPG 11.3%

Grandia II is back and better than ever! The classic Japanese RPG returns with enhanced visuals, new difficulty level, and features both keyboard and gamepad support!

Why similar: JRPG 45.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.1%, RPG 11.2%, Turn-Based 7.4%, Story Rich 6.2%

Inspired by the timeless classic Chrono Trigger, I am Setsuna is a great homage to the JRPG masterpieces of yesteryear. Journey with Setsuna as she prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice and save the people of her land.

Why similar: JRPG 46.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.1%, RPG 10.9%, Turn-Based Combat 10%, Anime 9%

The perfect mix of action, exploration and story with screen-filling bosses, unique platforming elements, and innovative puzzles.

Why similar: JRPG 44%, Great Soundtrack 26.7%, RPG 11.6%, Anime 10.5%, Dungeon Crawler 1.8%

The definitive edition of the Atelier "Mysterious" series at a new price, with brand new content and various DLCs! "Atelier Sophie" is the 1st instalment: a chance encounter between Sophie and a sentient book Plachta takes them on an adventure to recover Plachta's memories.

Why similar: JRPG 39.7%, Anime 12.7%, Turn-Based 12%, RPG 12%, Great Soundtrack 8.3%

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kiseki series, a story-driven RPG that began in 2004, the landmark first installment, The Legend of Heroes: Sora no Kiseki FC (First Chapter), is receiving a full remake!

Why similar: JRPG 45.5%, RPG 13.2%, Anime 12.8%, Turn-Based 8.6%, Romance 5.9%