Best Turn-Based RPGs After Dragon Quest III HD-2D

If you just finished Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, your top pick for what to play next is Octopath Traveler II. It shares the same gorgeous HD-2D visual style, a job system that scratches the same class-changing itch, and a structure that lets you explore freely at your own pace—while adding deeper character stories and more tactical combat.

What to Look For

When choosing your next turn-based RPG after Dragon Quest III, focus on these criteria:

• Job/class system – DQIII’s vocation system is a core draw. Look for games with flexible class changes, skill learning, or sub-jobs.
• Exploration and world design – The remake’s overworld and dungeons reward curiosity. Seek games with hidden paths, optional bosses, and secrets.
• Turn-based combat depth – You want battles that require strategy, not just grinding. Look for unique mechanics like weakness systems, positioning, or break gauges.
• Story tone – DQIII is lighthearted with serious moments. If you want that balance, avoid grimdark narratives; if you want a change, darker stories are fine.
• Length and pacing – DQIII is roughly 30–50 hours. Decide if you want something shorter, longer, or similar.
• Modern quality-of-life – Auto-save, fast travel, adjustable encounter rates, and clear quest logs matter after playing the remake.

Octopath Traveler II

Strengths: The HD-2D art style is nearly identical to DQIII’s remake, so it feels like a natural visual continuation. The job system lets each character change classes and learn skills from eight base jobs plus four advanced ones, offering deep customization. Combat uses a break/shield system that rewards exploiting enemy weaknesses, and each character has a unique path action (like stealing or challenging) that affects how you interact with townsfolk.

Trade-offs: The story is more serious and character-driven, with eight separate narratives that don’t intertwine much until the end. The game is longer (60–80 hours) and the difficulty can spike if you don’t manage your party well.

Best for: Players who loved the HD-2D look and want a more mature, character-focused story with deep tactical combat.

Bravely Default II

Strengths: This is the closest modern game to DQIII’s job system. You have 24 jobs, each with its own abilities and passive skills, and you can mix a main job with a sub-job plus support abilities. The Brave/Default mechanic lets you bank turns or spend extra turns for powerful combos, adding a layer of strategy. The art style is bright and colorful, similar to DQIII’s tone.

Trade-offs: The story is generic and the characters are forgettable. The encounter rate is high, and grinding is almost mandatory for some boss fights. The job system requires careful planning to unlock advanced jobs, which can be overwhelming.

Best for: Players who want the pure job-system fantasy and don’t mind a weaker narrative.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Strengths: If you want more of the same world and tone, this is the obvious choice. It has a similar lighthearted adventure, charming characters, and a massive world to explore. The turn-based combat is classic with a few modern twists like pep powers and a skill tree per character. It’s polished, has a long story (70+ hours), and includes a 2D mode if you want a retro feel.

Trade-offs: There’s no job system; each character is fixed in their role. The game is very linear compared to DQIII’s open-ended structure. If you’ve already played it, this won’t offer much new.

Best for: Newcomers to the series who want a modern DQ experience with a strong story and no class customization.

Chained Echoes

Strengths: This indie gem is a love letter to 16-bit RPGs with a modern twist. The combat uses a unique overdrive/overheat system that rewards balancing your actions. There’s a job-like system where you learn skills from different “classes” as you progress, and you can equip them freely. The world is interconnected, and exploration is rewarding with hidden treasures and optional bosses. It’s also shorter (30–40 hours) and has a gripping story with political intrigue.

Trade-offs: The pixel art is not HD-2D; it’s more SNES-style. The difficulty is higher, and the story can be confusing at times. Some puzzles are obtuse.

Best for: Players who want a shorter, challenging RPG with a strong narrative and don’t mind retro graphics.

Sea of Stars

Strengths: This is a modern turn-based RPG with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. The combat has a timing-based damage boost (like Mario RPG) and a lock system that encourages using specific elements to break enemy attacks. The art is beautiful, and the world is full of secrets. It’s a more relaxed, whimsical adventure that still offers strategic depth.

Trade-offs: There’s no job system; characters have fixed roles. The story is simple and linear. The game is on the shorter side (25–35 hours).

Best for: Players who want a charming, accessible RPG with beautiful visuals and don’t need deep customization.

Persona 5 Royal

Strengths: If you want a drastic change, this is the best turn-based RPG of the last decade. The combat is stylish and deep, with a weakness system that rewards exploiting enemy affinities. The “confidant” system lets you build relationships that affect battle, and the social simulation adds a whole new layer. It’s a massive game (100+ hours) with a gripping story about rebellion.

Trade-offs: The tone is dark and mature, a stark contrast to DQIII. The game is very linear, with a calendar system that forces you to manage time. The high school setting might not appeal to everyone.

Best for: Players ready for a long, narrative-heavy RPG with deep combat and a modern setting.

How to Choose

Budget: All these games are full-priced (except Chained Echoes, which is cheaper). If you’re on a budget, Chained Echoes offers the best value per hour. Octopath Traveler II and Bravely Default II go on sale frequently.

Use case: If you want to stay in the HD-2D world, pick Octopath Traveler II. If you want the job system, Bravely Default II is your best bet. If you want a similar tone and story, Dragon Quest XI S. For a shorter, story-driven experience, Chained Echoes or Sea of Stars. For a completely different but excellent turn-based RPG, Persona 5 Royal.

Common trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is between story and gameplay. DQIII’s story is simple, so if you want more narrative, choose Octopath or Persona. If you want pure gameplay customization, Bravely Default II wins. Also consider length: if you have limited time, Sea of Stars or Chained Echoes are better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Octopath Traveler II better than the first?
A: Yes, it improves on almost everything: better pacing, more character interaction, and quality-of-life fixes. You don’t need to play the first to enjoy it.

Q: Can I play Dragon Quest XI S without playing the others?
A: Absolutely. It’s a standalone story with no connection to DQIII.

Q: Which game has the most similar job system to DQIII?
A: Bravely Default II is the closest, with a traditional job system. Octopath Traveler II also has a job system but with fewer jobs.

Q: Are any of these games on Game Pass or PS Plus?
A: Dragon Quest XI S is on Game Pass. Others may rotate in and out, so check current availability.

Q: I want a game that is not too long. Which one?
A: Sea of Stars (25–35 hours) or Chained Echoes (30–40 hours) are the shortest.

Q: Do any of these have a 2D mode like DQIII?
A: Dragon Quest XI S has a 2D mode. Others do not.

Bottom Line

If you want the closest experience to DQIII HD-2D in terms of visuals and job customization, go with Octopath Traveler II. If you’re willing to sacrifice story for a deeper job system, pick Bravely Default II. For a more modern DQ adventure with a stronger story, Dragon Quest XI S is the safe bet. For a shorter, cheaper, but excellent alternative, Chained Echoes is a hidden gem. And if you’re ready for a completely different but masterful turn-based RPG, Persona 5 Royal is unmatched. Your choice ultimately depends on how much time you have and whether you prioritize story, gameplay, or visual style.

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