Summary
JRPGs are commonlyremembered for their epic narratives, memorable characters, and complex combat systems. However, not everything in a hero’s life revolves around battles. In many games of the genre, players have the opportunity to engage in non-combat activities that provide moments of relaxation and decompression, serving as an alternative for those who want to enjoy the game without engaging with the main plot.
In some cases, players might attend classes and form new friendships, while in others, they could challenge the region’s top anglers or take part in a thrilling kart race, showing that, with a bit of creativity, it’s possible to add diverse content to each game. As a result, there are manynon-combat activities in JRPGsfor players to enjoy.
The premise ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetis that players are given the opportunity to study at one of the best schools in thePokemonworld. To succeed, players must not only participate in Pokemon battles but also attend classes. These classes, divided into various subjects, challenge gamers to answer questions about Pokemon battles and the characteristics of different species.
Additionally, the game features a basic quest and event system that allows players to strengthen their bond withthe school’s teachers and staff, as well as the chance to enjoy picnics with their Pokemon.
Trails to Azureis thefifth game in theTrailsfranchiseand the second in theCrossbellduology. While it’s a fairly linear JRPG with a strong narrative focus, the game features an activity common in the series but taken to a deeper level.
InTrails to Azure, players can help save the Crossbell Fisherman’s Guild by challenging the Elite Four - an obvious nod toPokemon- composed of the region’s top anglers. What begins as a simple task develops into a side quest with its own progression, adding incredible content for players who wish to take a break from the main objectives.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideoutis one of many games in theAtelierseries that offer abundant side content to explore. While the game focuses on combat and the narrative of Ryza and her friends saving the world, its core premise revolves around gathering items and crafting new materials through alchemy.
In anyAteliergame, players can look forward todeeply engaging alchemy mechanics, crafting materials to aid in combat and improve the lives of those around them. In this way, for players who enjoy these alternative mechanics in games, the franchise does an excellent job for those who love to explore.
Rune Factoryis a series by Marvelous that began as a spin-off ofStory of Seasons. As a result, the game blends elements of a traditional JRPG, focusing on combat and story, providing activities like building friendships with the residents of a region.
Activities include farming, with planting and harvesting various crops depending on the season, taming monsters to collect resources like milk and eggs, fishing, mining, and crafting items that aid in exploration or serve as gifts for the inhabitants of the village of Rigbarth.
It’s fair to say thatFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthfeels like multiple games wrapped into one. In addition to its compelling combat and main story - marking the second installment of Square Enix’s ambitious reimagining of the beloved classic - the game offers awide variety of engaging mini-games.
These include the ever-popular Chocobo racing, a fast-paced minecart adventure, an arcade-style on-rails shooter, and Queen’s Blood, a strategic card game. Furthermore, the game implements dating simulation elements, enabling players to explore romances and unlock unique date scenarios with party members.
Fantasy Lifeis a gameoriginally released for the Nintendo 3DSthat shares a similar style to theRune Factoryfranchise, just with some new features that give the game its own personality. Players control a character who can choose from 12 different professions. Each choice changes the gameplay, offering combat-focused roles as well as non-combat classes like lumberjack, blacksmith, cook, or fisherman.
Every life has its own unique skills and quests, encouraging exploration and the development of multiple professions. Players can gather resources, craft items, and assist the village’s inhabitants while freely switching between activities, granting them great freedom over what they can do.
Yakuzais a franchise renowned for offering much more than combat, featuring various side activities that allow players to experience life in Japan’s regions. WithYakuza: Like a Dragon, which introduced more JRPG elements, the game stands out even further, blending genre mechanics withthe series' traditional humor.
Players can explore Yokohama and engage in mini-games such as karaoke, darts, classic arcades, kart racing, and even business management, where the goal is to turn a failing company into a profitable empire. As a result, players may find themselves spending more time on side activities than on the clashes between Japanese mafia clans.
Fire Emblem: Three Housesis a tactical JRPG set in the Garreg Mach Monastery, where three groups of students from different regions of the continent live and participate in school activities. In addition to its focus on combat and a twist-filled storyline, the game shines with its non-combat activities, such as group meals, fishing, event planning, and dating sim mechanics.
As the monastery’s new professor, players must build bonds with their students, guiding them in both battle proficiency and personal growth. Additionally,the game incorporates some time-management mechanics, requiring players to carefully select the activities they will undertake each day, as time is somewhat limited.
One of the first games that comes to mind when discussing Non-Combat Activities in JRPGs isPersona.Persona 5 Royaloffers an extensive range of activities. The game’s premise involves the player being part of a group that fights societal evils while leading a normal high school life and engaging in typical teenage activities.
Set over the course of a one-year calendar, the game provides various school and personal life activities,such as strengthening friendships, studying for exams, and much more. Many of these additional activities help the protagonist enhance their own Personas or those of their allies, granting more advantages during the dungeons in the main missions.
Metaphor: ReFantaziois developed by the same team behind thePersonaseries, meaning players can expect some similarities in balancing combat gameplay with non-combat activities, both of which are deeply intertwined narratively and mechanically.
Set in the kingdom of Euchronia after the king’s assassination, the game unfolds in a unique fantasy world where the protagonist strives to lift the prince’s curse. Along the way, players can engage in activities likebuilding trust with followers, participating in debates with various characters in the cities they visit, as well as other activities that complement the main story.
