Time and time again, games have tried to move away from turn-based RPGs in favor of faster-paced real-time combat, where players don’t have to wait their turn. Yet, for some reason, most games that attempt to evolve beyond their turn-based roots sometimes face backlash from fans who grew up with it.
In this feature, let’s explore why turn-based combat will never die.
The Final Fantasy Case
The Final Fantasy series has been at the epicenter of turn-based combat. It popularized the format, even though Dragon Quest introduced it a year earlier.
For years, Final Fantasy adhered to this structure—until it began its gradual shift toward real-time combat. This evolution unfolded in real time, starting with Final Fantasy XII, continuing through XIII, and culminating in XV, where Noctis dashed and teleported across the battlefield.
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+ 3Yet, even as the series leans further into real-time mechanics—most notably in Final Fantasy XVI and the Final Fantasy VII Remakes—many players still yearn for the simplicity of classic turn-based combat. This is evident in ongoing discussions about the franchise, with some fans even hoping for a return to XIII’s battle system.
The Persona Games
Since its inception, the Persona series has remained steadfast in its use of turn-based combat. This system is not only more manageable than a hack-and-slash format, but it also accommodates the series’ core mechanic: summoning Personas in battle. Animating the attacks of over 100 different Personas in a real-time setting would be a herculean task—one that may be more of a financial limitation than a creative choice. Still, it’s clear that Persona thrives on its turn-based roots.
click to enlarge + 3Atlus has never wavered in its commitment to turn-based gameplay. While some argue that the system is outdated, Atlus continues to refine it, enhancing the experience with stylish UI, flashy attack animations, and unique mechanics that fit the tone of each Persona title.
You can see how Atlus and Studio Zero have mastered this approach in Metaphor: ReFantazio, where they seamlessly blend real-time and turn-based combat while staying true to what fans love. And they do it exceptionally well.
On Modern Games
Recently, more and more games have embraced turn-based combat, even with larger development budgets. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proudly incorporates a turn-based system, integrating quick-time events to keep players engaged. The game prioritizes immersion to such an extent that it even forgoes a minimap.
click to enlarge + 3Meanwhile, Sea of Stars, widely regarded as a love letter to classic JRPGs, offers its own twist on turn-based combat. Rather than merely replicating past titles, it introduces a pseudo-real-time element with quick-time mechanics, similar to Clair Obscur.
And Baldur's Gate 3? The many awards it already has right now proves that there's still people who love the turn-based approach as long as it has an engaging narrative and characters.
Clearly, a significant portion of players still prefer turn-based combat; many don't even see an issue with it. As a result, developers continue to embrace and innovate within this system—not out of necessity, but because they recognize its enduring appeal. Turn-based combat isn’t a relic of the past; it’s a deliberate design choice that continues to thrive.
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