The Ultimate Guide to the Best RPGs on 3DS

Title: The Ultimate Guide to the Best RPGs on 3DS

Description: Dive into the definitive list of the best RPGs on 3DS! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to Nintendo’s beloved handheld, this guide covers the absolute must-play role-playing games. From epic JRPGs and strategic masterpieces to charming adventures, discover top-rated recommendations that solidify the 3DS’s legacy as an RPG powerhouse. Find your next immersive journey here.

Introduction: The 3DS – A Haven for Role-Playing Greatness

The Nintendo 3DS, with its glasses-free 3D, dual screens, and impressive portability, carved out a unique niche in the handheld gaming landscape. While it hosted a diverse range of genres, it truly shone as a bastion for Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Much like the PS Vita attracted gamers seeking deep, narrative-driven experiences, the 3DS became a go-to console for players looking for the best RPGs on 3DS. Its library is vast, brimming with original titles, stellar remakes, and ports that delighted fans for years.

If you’re holding onto your 3DS or recently acquired one, you’re likely wondering where to start with its treasure trove of role-playing adventures. The sheer volume can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to cut through the noise, presenting a curated list of top-rated, critically acclaimed, and fan-favourite RPGs that represent the pinnacle of the genre on the system.

We’ll explore why these titles stand out, covering various subgenres like traditional JRPGs, Strategy RPGs (SRPGs), Action RPGs (ARPGs), and dungeon crawlers. Consider this your essential roadmap to discovering the best RPGs on 3DS.

Exploring the Cream of the Crop: Unmissable and Best RPGs on 3DS

The 3DS library offers something for nearly every type of RPG fan. Let’s dive into the titles that consistently rank among the system’s finest, offering unforgettable experiences.

1. Fire Emblem: Awakening – The Game That Revitalized a Franchise

• Genre: Strategy RPG (SRPG)

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: Often credited with saving the Fire Emblem series from potential obscurity outside Japan, Awakening is a masterclass in SRPG design. It perfectly blends deep tactical combat on grid-based maps with compelling characters and relationship-building mechanics (the Support and Pairing Up systems). The story is engaging, the presentation is slick, and importantly, it introduced accessibility options like “Casual Mode” (removing permadeath), which welcomed newcomers without alienating veterans who preferred the classic, high-stakes challenge.

• Its phenomenal success paved the way for future entries and cemented its place as an essential 3DS title. The combination of strategy, character development, and replayability makes it a standout.

2. Bravely Default – A Modern Ode to Classic JRPGs

• Genre: JRPG

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: For players yearning for the golden age of Final Fantasy, Bravely Default felt like a dream come true. Developed by Silicon Studio and published by Square Enix, it features beautiful, hand-drawn-style backgrounds, a memorable soundtrack, and a fantastic Job System reminiscent of Final Fantasy V. Its key innovation lies in the “Brave” and “Default” combat mechanics. Players can “Default” to defend and bank turns (Brave Points or BP), then unleash multiple actions in a single turn using “Brave.” This adds a significant layer of risk-reward strategy to battles. While its later chapters face criticism for repetition, the core gameplay, charming world, and innovative combat system make it an unforgettable and one of the best RPGs on 3DS. Its sequel, Bravely Second: End Layer, is also highly recommended for fans of the original.

3. Shin Megami Tensei IV – Dark, Mature, and Challenging

• Genre: JRPG

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: Atlus’s Shin Megami Tensei series is known for its mature themes, challenging gameplay, and demon-fusing mechanics, and SMT IV delivers on all fronts. Set in the contrasting worlds of the medieval Eastern Kingdom of Mikado and a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, players take on the role of a Samurai tasked with hunting demons. The game features the series’ staple Press Turn battle system, rewarding exploitation of enemy weaknesses. Demon negotiation and fusion are core pillars, allowing you to build a powerful party of demonic allies.

• It’s a demanding game with a branching narrative based on player choices (Law, Chaos, Neutral paths) and a unique, often bleak atmosphere. For those seeking a deep, complex, and thought-provoking RPG experience, SMT IV is undoubtedly one of the best RPGs on 3DS. Its direct sequel, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, builds upon its foundation and is also worth checking out.

4. Pokémon X and Y / Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire / Sun and Moon

• Genre: JRPG

• Why they are among the Best RPGs on 3DS: It’s impossible to talk about Nintendo handhelds without mentioning Pokémon. The 3DS hosted several mainline entries, each pushing the series forward:

  • Pokémon X and Y: Introduced the series to full 3D environments and models, added the Fairy type, and brought Mega Evolutions, offering a fresh visual style and new strategic layers. The Kalos region was vibrant and fun to explore.

  • Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (ORAS): Fantastic remakes of the Game Boy Advance classics. They incorporated the advancements from X/Y (like Mega Evolution) while adding new features like Soaring, allowing players to fly freely over the Hoenn region. These are often considered definitive versions of the Gen 3 games.

  • Pokémon Sun and Moon (and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon): Set in the tropical Alola region, these games shook up the formula by replacing traditional Gyms with Island Trials. They introduced Z-Moves and regional variants of existing Pokémon. The Ultra versions expanded the story and added more content.
    Each set offers hundreds of hours of creature collecting, battling, and exploring, making them staples and undeniably some of the best RPGs on 3DS for players of all ages.

5. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate – The Pinnacle of Portable Monster Slaying

• Genre: Action RPG (ARPG)

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: While technically an Action RPG, the depth of customization, gear grinding, and strategic preparation involved gives Monster Hunter a strong RPG feel. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is often lauded as one of the best entries in the entire franchise, especially on handhelds. It introduced enhanced verticality in combat, allowing hunters to mount monsters for devastating attacks. The sheer variety of monsters, weapons, and armour sets provides incredible depth and replayability. It boasts a robust single-player campaign and, crucially, excellent online multiplayer functionality, allowing players to team up for challenging hunts.

• The learning curve can be steep, but mastering its intricate combat is immensely rewarding. Its depth and cooperative fun make it a titan among the best RPGs on 3DS. Monster Hunter Generations (and its expanded Generations Ultimate version on Switch, though the base game is on 3DS) offers a ‘greatest hits’ approach with different hunting styles but MH4U arguably provides a more cohesive core experience.

6. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D – An Epic Adventure in Your Pocket (New 3DS Exclusive)

• Genre: JRPG / Action RPG Hybrid

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: This is a crucial one, but with a caveat: Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is only playable on New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo 2DS XL models due to its demanding technical requirements. Originally a Wii masterpiece, this port impressively squeezed a massive open-world RPG onto the handheld. Players explore the colossal bodies of two frozen titans, engaging in real-time combat with MMO-like auto-attacks and special “Arts.”

• The story is grand in scope, the world is breathtaking (even on the smaller screen), and the soundtrack is phenomenal. The ability to see glimpses of the future (“Visions”) adds a unique tactical layer to battles. While the visuals are understandably downgraded from the Wii (and later Switch remaster), the core experience remains intact, offering an epic journey unlike almost anything else on the system. Its ambition and quality easily place it among the best RPGs on 3DS for those with compatible hardware.

7. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King – A Classic Reborn

• Genre: JRPG

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: A masterful port of the beloved PlayStation 2 classic, Dragon Quest VIII on 3DS is arguably the definitive version for many. It retains the charming cel-shaded visuals (by Level-5 with Akira Toriyama’s iconic art style), the traditional turn-based combat, and the sprawling, heartwarming adventure. The 3DS version adds significant quality-of-life improvements, such as visible enemy encounters (no more random battles!), a speed-up option for combat, new playable characters (Red and Morrie), additional story content, and a fully orchestrated soundtrack option (in the Japanese version, though patches exist for Western versions).

• It’s a quintessential JRPG experience – grand adventure, quirky characters, strategic battles, and a world begging to be explored. Its polish and charm make it one of the absolute best RPGs on 3DS. Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past was also remade for the 3DS and is another excellent, albeit incredibly lengthy, traditional JRPG.

8. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team – Whimsical Charm and Inventive Gameplay

• Genre: JRPG

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: The Mario & Luigi series has consistently delivered high-quality, humorous RPGs, and Dream Team is a standout entry on the 3DS. Set on the mysterious Pi’illo Island, the game blends exploration in the real world with adventures inside Luigi’s dreams. The dream world gameplay cleverly utilizes the 3DS’s features, allowing players to interact with the sleeping Luigi on the touch screen to affect the environment and assist Mario.

• Combat remains turn-based but requires timed button presses for attacks and defense, keeping players engaged. The writing is witty, the visuals are colourful and expressive, and the gameplay loop is consistently inventive. While some found the tutorials lengthy, the overall package is polished, charming, and incredibly fun, securing its spot among the best RPGs on 3DS. Other great entries on the system include Paper Jam and the remakes Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions and Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey.

9. Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan – Masterful Dungeon Crawling

• Genre: Dungeon Crawler RPG

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: The Etrian Odyssey series is synonymous with hardcore, first-person dungeon crawling, and Etrian Odyssey IV is often considered one of the most accessible yet deeply satisfying entries. Players create and customize a guild of adventurers, exploring vast labyrinths floor by floor. The defining feature is map-making: players use the bottom touch screen to draw their own maps as they explore, marking paths, hazards, and points of interest. Combat is turn-based and highly strategic, demanding careful party composition and skill synergy. 

• EOIV introduced navigable overworld sections explored via skyship and slightly eased the difficulty curve compared to earlier titles, making it a good starting point. Its demanding nature, rewarding exploration, and deep customization make it a jewel for dungeon crawler fans and one of the best RPGs on 3DS. Several other Etrian Odyssey games grace the 3DS (including remakes Untold 1 & 2, V, and the culmination Nexus), all offering excellent experiences.

10. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology – Time-Traveling Brilliance Enhanced

• Genre: JRPG

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: Originally a cult classic on the Nintendo DS, Radiant Historia received an enhanced port for the 3DS with Perfect Chronology. This version adds voice acting, new story content, updated visuals, and gameplay refinements. The game’s unique hook is its time-travel mechanic. Players navigate branching timelines, making choices that impact events and unlock new paths. Combat takes place on a grid, where manipulating enemy positions is key to maximizing damage with combo attacks.

• The story is mature and compelling, exploring themes of war, fate, and consequence. Perfect Chronology offers different modes, allowing players to experience the original DS story or dive straight into the expanded content. Its intricate narrative, strategic combat, and polished presentation make it a must-play and one of the best RPGs on 3DS.

11. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – Action RPG Perfection

• Genre: Action RPG / Adventure

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: While often categorized primarily as an Adventure game, A Link Between Worlds has strong Action RPG elements – exploration, dungeon crawling, item-based progression, and combat – that warrant its inclusion on lists like this, much like its SNES inspiration, A Link to the Past. Set in the same world but generations later, it introduces the brilliant mechanic of Link being able to merge into walls as a 2D painting, leading to ingenious environmental puzzles and exploration opportunities.

• The game broke linearity by allowing players to rent or buy most key dungeon items early on, letting them tackle dungeons in almost any order. With smooth performance, clever design, and nostalgic charm, it’s not just one of the best Zelda games but also stands tall as one of the overall best RPGs on 3DS for those who enjoy action-oriented experiences.

12. Fantasy Life – Charmingly Addictive Life Simulation RPG

• Genre: RPG / Life Simulation

• Why it’s one of the Best RPGs on 3DS: Developed by Level-5, Fantasy Life offers a unique blend of traditional RPG elements (combat, exploration, quests) and deep life simulation mechanics. Players choose from 12 different “Lives” (jobs) ranging from combat roles like Paladin and Mercenary to gathering roles like Miner and Woodcutter, and crafting roles like Blacksmith and Tailor. The key is that you can switch between these Lives freely, levelling them up independently.

• The world is charming, the gameplay loop of questing, gathering, crafting, and fighting is incredibly addictive, and there’s a huge amount of content, especially with the “Origin Island” DLC (highly recommended). Its relaxed pace and broad appeal make it one of the most endearing and best RPGs on 3DS.

Other Contenders for the Best RPGs on 3DS

The 3DS library is so rich that many other fantastic RPGs deserve mention:

• Stella Glow: A colourful SRPG with musical elements and strong character interactions.

• Ever Oasis: An Action RPG combining dungeon crawling with town-building and management.

• SMT: Devil Survivor Overclocked / Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker: Enhanced ports of DS SRPG/JRPG hybrids with dark themes and strategic depth.

• Rune Factory 4: A delightful mix of farming simulation, social interaction, dungeon crawling, and action combat.

Why Was the 3DS Such a Powerhouse for RPGs?

Several factors contributed to the 3DS becoming a haven for the best RPGs on 3DS:

1. Strong Japanese Developer Support: Many prolific RPG developers in Japan heavily supported the 3DS throughout its lifespan, leading to a constant stream of high-quality JRPGs, SRPGs, and dungeon crawlers.

2. Lower Development Costs (Compared to Consoles): Developing for the 3DS was generally less resource-intensive than for home consoles, allowing mid-tier developers and more niche titles to flourish.

3. Dual Screens and Touch Functionality: Developers creatively used the second screen and touch controls for maps (Etrian Odyssey), menus, special abilities (Mario & Luigi), or unique gameplay mechanics.

4. Portability: The inherent nature of a handheld made it perfect for the often lengthy playtime associated with RPGs, allowing players to chip away at epic quests anywhere.

5. Long Lifespan and Backwards Compatibility: The 3DS enjoyed a long market presence and could play original Nintendo DS RPGs, further bolstering its library.

Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits with the Best RPGs on 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS stands as a monumental system in the history of handheld gaming, particularly for fans of role-playing games. Its library is packed with quality, diversity, and countless hours of immersive gameplay. From reviving legendary franchises like Fire Emblem to hosting definitive versions of classics like Dragon Quest VIII, and introducing modern masterpieces like Bravely Default and Shin Megami Tensei IV, the console delivered time and time again.

This guide has highlighted some of the absolute best RPGs on 3DS, titles that represent the peak of what the system offered. Whether you crave deep strategy, classic turn-based combat, action-packed monster slaying, challenging dungeon crawls, or charming life simulations, there’s an outstanding RPG waiting for you on this remarkable handheld. The legacy of the 3DS is deeply intertwined with its incredible role-playing library, ensuring that these games will be cherished and revisited for years to come. So charge up your system, browse the eShop (while you still can access purchased games!) or hunt down physical copies, and embark on an unforgettable journey with the best RPGs on 3DS.