Bravely Default 2 is the latest entry in Square Enix’s JRPG series that hearkens back to classic, turn-based RPGs, with a plot that involves crystals, saving the world, and a variety of jobs for players to grind, as well as skills to unlock and play around with.
With a unique combat system and a fun story, fans might be wondering where to look next to get their old-school style JRPG fix, or just for a game with similar beats. Fortunately, there are plenty of titles that provide the same sort of fun as Bravely Default 2.
10 Bravely Default And Bravely Second
The games that started it all, both Bravely Default and Bravely Second are available on the Nintendo 3DS. Bravely Second is a direct sequel to Bravely Default, and not only are both games excellent, but they also hold up quite well after all these years.
In these games, players can expect more of the same excellent, turn-based gameplay that persists throughout Bravely Default 2. There are a variety of jobs to learn, unlock, and mix and match with, and a story full of charming characters and a unique world to explore.
9 Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler was developed by the same team behind Bravely Default 2, so it should come as no surprise that it offers the same sort of satisfying, turn-based gameplay. However, Octopath Traveler puts a spin on the usual formula used in these sorts of games: players gather the eight main party members and each character has their own story campaign.
Octopath provides JRPG fans with many different stories to play through, and the battle system uses a gameplay mechanic that involves exploiting weapon and elemental weaknesses above all else, which spices up the gameplay. There are also many jobs to unlock for your characters, offering endless customization.
8 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The latest entry in the Fire Emblem series, this meaty game may appeal to fans of Bravely Default 2 because of how massive it is. The game’s story involves a charming and unique cast of characters and a plot of war and fantasy.
Players can recruit units and change their classes, letting you change your healer into a knight if you really want to. You can also progress along class upgrade paths, making your mages stronger than before. There’s a lot of managing and strategy involved for fans of that sort of experience.
7 Dragon Quest XI
Considered by fans and newcomers alike to be the best Dragon Quest installment yet, Dragon Quest XI lets you go on a massive adventure to save the world. The art and music are both charming and stellar, in ways similar to the Bravely Default series.
The story and gameplay of Dragon Quest XI also make for a great time, drawing you into the game’s world and keeping you hooked with hundreds of hours’ worth of enjoyable and meaty turn-based JRPG combat. Dragon Quest XI takes the beloved concept of turn-based combat and refreshes it for a more modern style while still staying true to its roots.
6 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
The Xenoblade series has had a long history, but with the release of Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii, RPG fans were introduced to a unique world with fresh combat. If you enjoyed Bravely Default 2 for its unique combat, then you’ll probably love Xenoblade Chronicles’ combat, too.
The game features an unforgettable story, highlighted by a cast of equally unforgettable characters in beautiful environments that are very immersive. Once you enter the world of this game, it’ll be hard to get out. In fact, you just won’t want to.
5 Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XII recently received a remaster in the form of Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age. This game features a job system and a unique, spectacular story, making it an excellent choice for Bravely Default fans.
Thanks to the release of a remaster, the game is a lot more accessible now than it used to be. Originally released on the PlayStation 2, The Zodiac Age is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and other current-generation systems. This makes it a lot easier to get ahold of, so you can jump right in and start customizing your job combinations immediately.
4 Child of Light
A beautiful game released by Ubisoft, Child of Light lets players play as a princess and her group of friends through a mysterious, magical world. The art style is beautiful and painterly, similar to the beautiful backdrops of Bravely Default’s many locations.
The writing is also splendid and a joy to experience. The entirety of Child of Light is written in rhyme, making the story whimsical and fun without sacrificing its many emotional and mysterious moments. The combat in this game also offers a co-op twist, making it a fun game for two players as well.
3 The World Ends With You: Final Remix
Originally released on the Nintendo DS and then remastered and remade on mobile, The World Ends With You: Final Remix is the definitive version of the game, available on the Nintendo Switch. The game boasts a unique and trendy art style, with a soundtrack you won’t soon forget.
Beneath the game’s style and coolness, however, is a deep and moving story about how each of us sees the world and builds our experiences within it. Naturally, the game also features a unique combat system involving special skills activated using in-game pins.
2 Valkyria Chronicles 4
The Valkyria Chronicles series features turn-based, tactical gameplay in a setting that combines wartime combat and drama with a beautiful anime art style. If you’re looking for a gripping tale that’s filled with unique characters, it may be worth giving Valkyria Chronicles 4 a try.
The gameplay of Valkyria Chronicles 4 itself can be described as a combination of real-time action combat and tactical role-playing. Players move characters across battle maps and engage the enemy, working out both their strategy skills and reflexes as they play. It’s a blend of game styles that you won’t find elsewhere, which should appeal to fans of novel combat, such as the combat in Bravely Default 2.
1 Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy V can be considered the roots that formed Bravely Default as a franchise. Complete with a fantastic musical score, a story involving world-changing crystals, and a loving cast, Final Fantasy V offers everything that Bravely Default fans love.
One of the highlights of Final Fantasy V is its expansive job system, featuring everything from the typical classes such as Black Mage, to more unique classes such as Beastmaster and Chemist. Though none of these will be new to fans of Bravely Default, fans can appreciate their origins in this game.
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