Best JRPGs You Need to Play This Winter

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When winter rolls around and I’m looking for something to play, I often crave a long, story-driven experience that feels comforting and familiar. While lots of games can offer that, I think JRPGs do it best.

JRPGs have a special quality – the music, art style, and epic stories often evoke a sense of nostalgia and a comforting feeling that I don’t get from other types of games.

We’re taking a look at some Japanese role-playing games that really capture the feeling of winter, with their stories, settings, and mood.

8. I am Setsuna

The Beginning of the New Era

I absolutely loved I am Setsuna. It might not be the best JRPG ever, but it’s a really moving experience, and for me, it kicked off this amazing new wave of JRPGs. It felt like a spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger, tapping into that same nostalgic feeling. The story is unique – you play as Setsuna, who’s destined to make a huge sacrifice to save everyone, and the entire game builds towards that moment. It’s a bit of a somber journey, but incredibly powerful.

The game takes place in a stunning but melancholic snow-covered world. You’ll journey through it with a team of companions. The battle system is very similar to the classic Chrono Trigger, which is a huge plus – it’s a timeless formula that feels fresh and engaging here, just with a new visual style.

This game features a beautiful soundtrack, lovely scenery, and a warm, inviting atmosphere – typical of snowy settings in Japanese role-playing games. With its snow and ice-covered world, it’s the ideal game to enjoy on a cold day.

7. Octopath Traveler 2

The Path is Filled with Snow

Octopath Traveler 2 is a standout JRPG from the last ten years, largely because it deliberately evokes the classic feel of older games. The winter landscapes are especially beautiful, capturing that nostalgic, old-school JRPG atmosphere in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Okay, so the game isn’t always snowy, but when it is, it looks absolutely gorgeous – seriously, some of the best visuals I’ve seen in this type of game. And when I’m not just enjoying the scenery, I’m diving into eight different stories, each with its own character and a really interesting backstory to uncover. It’s been super engaging so far!

Everything comes together beautifully in this game. With fantastic writing, incredible voice acting, and thrilling boss battles, it’s a perfect experience to enjoy with a warm drink like hot cocoa.

6. Valkyria Chronicles 4

The War in the Cold

Valkyria Chronicles 4 blends the drama of historical wars with an anime art style. The game stands out for its stunning snowy environments, particularly in the later stages, where beautiful graphics contrast with the grim realities of war.

The game is really fun to play, offering a wide variety of units and strategic options. It features memorable characters and a captivating story filled with both heartbreaking moments and unexpected surprises.

The game focuses heavily on fighting, but blends real-time action with turn-based strategy brilliantly. It challenges both your tactical thinking and your shooting skills. It’s a really enjoyable experience and the perfect game to play during the colder months.

5. Parasite Eve

Happy New Year

The game Parasite Eve begins on New Year’s Eve in New York City, and the story unfolds during a snowy, plague-filled winter. This setting is already quite compelling for a JRPG, but what really sets the game apart is its unique blend of Resident Evilstyle gameplay with traditional JRPG elements – a combination that Square was almost alone in trying during the mid-90s. As a result, Parasite Eve* remains a classic title even today.

The game has a really unsettling and cold vibe, with a spooky, quiet atmosphere that’s only interrupted by the sounds of the scary monsters. I specifically remember renting this from a video store during Christmas break in 1998, and even though it frightened me, it somehow felt perfect for the gloomy winter weather.

While the game’s controls feel a little outdated now, it remains incredibly influential, and the new ‘Parasite Mutant’ shows this type of game still resonates with players today.

4. Tales of Symphonia

Throwback Power

Tales of Symphonia is a beloved classic in the world of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). Beyond its compelling story, it’s known for its beautiful environments, especially its winter landscapes. The city of Flanoir is a standout, covered in snow and offering unique, cold-themed weapons and gear to discover.

While the game takes place in wintery settings, what really makes it special is the gameplay itself. The story starts simply, but quickly becomes captivating and original. It has a nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic Japanese role-playing games from the early 2000s, and it’s a fantastic game to lose yourself in during the colder months. Tales of Symphonia is an excellent choice for winter gaming.

3. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

The Journey of a Lifetime

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a truly memorable JRPG experience. It takes a little effort to fully understand the story, but once it clicks, you’re in for an amazing adventure filled with lovable characters, beautiful graphics, and a deep, satisfying battle system.

This book is ideal for winter reading because, at its heart, it’s a story about growing up – something comforting when you’re spending more time indoors. It’s a long read, but a captivating one that will carry you through the winter months and leave you feeling refreshed as spring arrives.

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And don’t forget the Torna – The Golden Country expansion! It’s so substantial, it feels like a completely separate game, and it wonderfully expands on the rich story and world already established in the main game.

2. Final Fantasy 8

College Kids Against the World

If you’re looking for a long and immersive JRPG to play this winter, Final Fantasy 8 is a great choice. It features a character bundled up for cold weather, beautiful scenery, and a fantastic snowy region. You’ll follow Squall, a military student, as he battles to stop a powerful, evil sorceress. While the basic story might seem simple, it quickly becomes much more complex and surprising.

This game features one of the most engaging groups of characters in JRPG history, and their witty, energetic dynamic feels fresh and avoids being overly cheesy – a surprisingly difficult accomplishment. Plus, the combat system is incredibly inventive, boasting exciting, interactive special attacks and some of the most impressive summons the series has ever seen.

I’m a big fan of stories that evoke a sense of nostalgia, and this one beautifully explores themes of growing up, forgotten memories, and the idea that we all have a path to follow. It’s easily one of the best Final Fantasy games ever made, and I’ll always be a passionate advocate for it.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Taking Down the Beautiful Ones

As a fan, I can honestly say Clair Obscur is one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever seen. It’s a true work of art! If you love winter landscapes, you’re in for a treat – the game has a whole map dedicated to them. There are even secret areas with tough, snow-themed enemies for those who want a real challenge. What really sets it apart is that it’s a newer game built in Unreal Engine 5, and it shows. The snowy mountains and valleys just pop off the screen, and you can almost feel the cold!

This game has a really strong nostalgic appeal, and I always feel it more strongly in the winter, whether I’m rewatching old shows or revisiting childhood games. Clair Obscur specifically reminds me of the best days of classic Japanese role-playing games. It features a compelling story, excellent writing, and what I think is the most engaging turn-based combat system ever created.

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2026-01-10 19:41