Extremely difficult JRPGs for new players

Key recommendations

• Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne is one of the hardest games in the series, requiring good strategy and monster selection for boss fights.
• Resonance of Fate punishes players for mistakes in combat, requiring frame-keeping and strategic planning.
• Final Fantasy 4 (DS Remake) is a challenging game with tough bosses that require you to level up and use status effects for success.

Many people would agree that the vast majority of JRPGs aren't all that challenging, with cutting-edge gear and high levels more than enough to allow players to breeze through an epic story at their own pace. This is why some players love JRPGs that don't shy away from being as difficult as possible.

However, new players looking to jump into a challenging JRPG right from the start should think twice about that decision. These particular games pull no punches and can make new players dislike the genre before they get into it.

8 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturnal

One of the hardest games in a series known for its challenge

The Shin Megami Tensei the series is known for featuring some of the most difficult video games ever made and nocturne is not an exception. Players must use the best possible monsters for each boss so they can capitalize on mistakes without being punished for being unprepared.

It usually takes a loss for players to realize what they did wrong, forcing them to recruit the right monsters before trying this encounter again. The Advantage system ensures that players will have a blast trying to optimize their attacks without leaving room for error.

7 Resonance of Destiny

A single mistake can result in party deletion

Dull grits and weird aesthetics a The resonance of destiny may make it a difficult game to get into for many fans, but those who bite the bullet will be treated to a stylish JRPG with amazing combat and a unique world. However, this battle system can be hard to get into and punishes players for making mistakes.

Getting too aggressive in combat will leave party members defenseless, unable to land proper hits as they tremble in fear. It's important to keep Bezels and prevent characters from going into critical condition, which can take some getting used to for those who are used to unleashing powerful attacks without fear of any consequences in other JRPGs.

6 Final Fantasy 4 (DS Remake)

A ridiculously hard remake of a classic Final Fantasy game

Final Fantasy 4 is one of the most impressive games in the series, allowing players to experience a story-driven masterpiece that uses tropes and common elements from the series in a masterful manner. The DS remake was a great way for newcomers to check out this amazing title, but these players had no idea how hard Final Fantasy the game was

Bosses could be a nightmare to deal with, and players who didn't level up their party would be decimated by these powerful enemies in no time. It was important to exploit status effects, keep high-level gear handy, and level up as much as possible to make story progression less of a chore.

5 Etrian Odyssey 5: Beyond the Myth

A beloved game in a Dungeon Crawling series that is infamous for its difficulty

The The Etrian Odyssey the games are loved by many as JRPGs with an emphasis on challenging battles and dungeon crawls. However, beginners should give these games a wide shot until they have a good grasp of the mechanics, even if the title they want to check out is the best game in the series.

Etrian Odyssey 5 features the most refined battle system in the series, with many loving the idea of ​​experimenting with multiple classes to see which one suits them best. Conquering the Yggdrasil tree is no mean feat, but those who weather the early storm and understand how this game works can have a lot of fun blasting floors and finding strategies to deal with most enemies.

4 Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Battles can be a nightmare for players to face

There's no denying that Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is one of the most beautiful JRPGs players can get their hands on. However, any newbie enticed by this title's graphics will be singing a different tune when trying to understand the complex combat system.

Battles are action-packed and require a lot of thinking, with players having to move at a breakneck pace while keeping track of their skills and abilities. This can be overwhelming after a point, and something beginners might want to avoid before gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanics that govern most JRPGs.

3 Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

The game wastes no time throwing players into the action

The legend of heroes is a series where a character's Quartz allocation and gear matters more than their levels, and nowhere is this more true than in Trails in the sky SC. The game features a brutal prologue that can be a nightmare to get through for players who feel like they've had their fill after completing the first title.

While it won't take too long for players to learn the ropes, beginners should take their time in the prologue and experience the increased difficulty before moving on. It's a trial by fire that ensures only the most hardened players will progress and participate in plenty of challenging battles to come.

2 The Last Remnant

It features massive scale battles that can be difficult to master

The Last Remnant was meant to usher in a new franchise for Square Enix on the latest hardware. Instead, rough gameplay and some graphical issues at launch kept this title from reaching the heights it was intended for.

The large-scale battles of The Last Remnant were ambitious, but this resulted in most regular battles taking much longer than intended. Players need to be patient to understand how combat works before jumping into a tough encounter, which is why this game can be difficult for JRPG newcomers to enjoy.

1 Arc Rise Fantasia

It boasts some of the most challenging boss fights in JRPG history

while Arc Rise Fantasia may be a bit too generic, Trinity's combat system more than made up for it by offering engaging combat that never felt stale. However, beginners who feel they understand how these systems work will be in for a rude awakening when they encounter a boss.

These climatic meetings in Arc Rise Fantasia they are no joke and will beat players mercilessly until they adopt a strategy that can work against powerful enemies. It may be too much for beginners, especially since the rest of the pack doesn't make any new advancements in the genre.