The JRPG genre is pretty stacked, having some of the best games ever made. Within this genre, games are either turn-based or real time combat, but they are rarely both. However, there are a handful of games that have figured out unique ways to blend real time and turn-based combat into one adventure, making for some unforgettable moments.

Including both real time and turn-based combat into one game is no easy feat, as they are essentially completely different from one another and don’t feel remotely similar. Turn-based is when you select abilities and actions from a menu while the enemy waits for you to do so, and real time is attacking enemies who are also attacking you in fast-paced action. They are completely different.

Surprisingly, there are some games that managed to make it work and combine the two combat systems for exciting action that requires strategy. Here are the six best JRPGs with both real time and turn-based combat.

6

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Wait Mode Adds Turn-Based

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age features a unique fusion of real time and turn-based combat. Similar to the Final Fantasy VII Remakes, FF12 combat is primarily in real time, but abilities and other actions can be selected from a turn-based style menu. While selecting actions in FF12 doesn’t completely stop the combat by default, the game does offer a “Wait” mode, which allows you to completely pause the game when selecting your next move. This essentially turns the game into a blend of real time, where you position yourself on the field to avoid danger and attack, and turn-based when selecting abilities, healing, etc.

I highly suggest playing Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age with the Wait mode active, especially if this is your first time playing. The game is no cakewalk, and it can become overwhelming, so the ability to pause when selecting actions gives you more time to think and strategize in the heat of battle. The game also offers the unique Gambit System, which essentially helps players perform better during real time combat. The Gambit System makes each party member automatically complete an action if certain conditions are met. For example, if your character reaches below 30 percent health, then they will automatically use a potion.

5

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Dragon’s Resurgence

The main form of combat in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is turn based, but players can access real time combat once they reach Chapter 8. Reaching this point in the game will unlock a Brawler-like mode, called “Dragon’s Resurgence”, which allows Kiryu to fight in real time instead of turn-based. When activating Dragon’s Resurgence, a large meter appears at the top of the screen that slowly starts depleting. Players can remain fighting in real time for as long as it takes for the meter to reach zero.

Even after unlocking real time combat, you won’t be using it too much, and it isn’t as important compared to the other games on this list. However, it’s nice to have it as an option as it helps keep combat fresh, which is important in a game that is extremely lengthy like Infinite Wealth. Being able to break from the turn-based combat and switch to real time to unleash a series of fist attacks on groups of enemies is very satisfying and makes you feel like an unstoppable beast. I just wish Dragon’s Resurgence lasted longer as it only lasts about 20.

4

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Seamless Transition

Out of all the games on this list, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter probably features the most seamless blend of real time and turn-based combat. Players will engage in real-time combat primarily during dungeon and field exploration, but can switch to turn based in an instant with the press of a button. It’s important to switch between the two, especially after stunning enemies in real time combat, as it leads to maximized damage output and taking advantage away from your opponent. While this combination of both combat types is crucial in dungeons, boss fights are only completed in turn-based fashion.

The greatest part about the combat in Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is that both real time and turn-based are complex, incredibly fun to learn, and feel completely different than one another. In other words, players are essentially getting two completely different combat systems in one game, making this remake well worth its price point. This isn’t the only Trails game to blend two combat systems in such a seamless way, either. The recent Trails Beyond the Horizon did a fantastic job at it as well, so I recommend checking that out too.

Quick and Easy Grinding

Metaphor ReFantazio is Atlus’ newest IP, and unlike the Persona series, it includes both real time and turn-based combat. While most of your playthrough will be played turn-based, especially against major bosses and elite enemies, players have the opportunity to fight weaker enemies with real-time action. While the real time combat is fairly simple, only consisting of standard attacks, it is a great way to grind for experience points and quickly acquire tons of items from defeated enemies. This system made grinding feel less like a chore and more exciting.

Also, considering that the turn-based combat of Metaphor: ReFantazio requires a ton of skill and strategy, having a change of pace for smaller enemies is refreshing and prevents the game from becoming stale or too frustrating. The worst part about the Persona series was having to fight every single battle in turn-based, especially when it’s against an easy enemy that you know won’t reward much XP or valuable items. This simple change in Metaphor: ReFantazio is the sole reason why I like it a bit more than other Atlus games.

2

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Active Time Battle

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth primarily uses real time combat, but it also features a form of turn-based through its unique ATB system. ATB, otherwise known as Active Time Battle, utilizes a gauge that fills up when attacking enemies in real time. Once the gauge is filled, the ATB menu allows players to slow down time in combat to select specific abilities, skills, items, etc. While this isn’t necessarily considered turn-based in the traditional sense, it definitely still feels like it as you’ll constantly be opening the action menu to select your next move. It requires a ton of strategy and is incredibly satisfying to master.

For players who feel that Rebirth didn’t have enough turn-based mechanics, you can select the classic mode difficulty, which automates the real time action. This makes it so players don’t have to manually attack to fill up the ATB gauge, and instead, the computer does it for you. This will make the combat feel even more turn-based, as all you need to focus on is opening the ATB menu and selecting the attack you want to execute. All in all, the combat system in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the perfect blend of real time and turn-based, making it one of the best JRPGs to date.

1

Grandia HD Remaster

Such a Classic

While players may think that combining real time and turn-based combat systems is a modern idea, there are actually some classics out there that adopted the idea. For example, the PlayStation 1 hit, Grandia, found a way to make it happen. Grandia has a unique blend of real time and turn-based combat through its IP Bar mechanic, otherwise known as Initiative Point Bar.

The way this system works is all character icons appear in a line on the bottom right side of the screen with the words “COM” and “ACT.” When a character icon reaches COM, the game pauses and you select an action. Once you select an action for a character, such as ability, attack, etc., they then have a waiting period until their icon reaches ACT, which will then execute the action you selected.

This happens in real time for all party members and enemies too. In other words, all characters are moving around the battlefield simultaneously, completing actions once their icon reaches the end of the IP Bar. So, instead of selecting an action during a turn and executing it immediately like traditional turn-based games, there’s a real time element to it all. This unique system makes combat encounters more cinematic, as there is more movement happening on the battlefield as everyone is completing an action back to back.