Best Short RPGs That Are Worth Playing

RPGs are known for their long runtimes, but in this guide, I will showcase the best short RPGs worth playing.

RPGs can cover many genres, with interesting characters, gameplay mechanics, and ways to interact with the world, but most people don’t have the time to complete the over 70-hour runtimes.

Let’s dive into these short games you can try if you love RPGs.

Pokemon Franchise

As a Nintendo fan, when it comes to RPGs there is no way I wouldn’t mention Pokemon.

The Pokemon franchise has a variety of games, and even though they may be lacking in story, they have an excellent gameplay loop that can be enjoyed by a variety of ages.

They have a usual runtime of around 30 hours and can be enjoyed casually without having to worry about the difficulty. You can also create a unique team each time you play the game and always pick your favorites.

Since we are talking about Pokemon and the second-generation remakes are the best, check out our guide on the best team for Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Child of Light

Child of Light is a coming-of-age story of the protagonist of the game Aurora.

The game takes you on a journey against the Queen of the Night, who has stolen the sun, the moon, and the stars.

With stunning visuals like exploring a painting, a variety of puzzles, and an Active-Time battle system it takes about 11 hours to complete.

Fire Emblem Franchise

Another excellent Nintendo RPG series of games spanning many different consoles.

Most games have an excellent story to follow, interesting characters that get deeper when you unlock their supports, and an engaging turn-based battle system.

No matter which game in the series you pick up you will find an excellent medieval fantasy experience. If you have Nintendo’s inline service I would suggest starting with Fire Emblem for the GBA.

Each game has almost the same gameplay core while offering refreshing changes to the turn-based system making the different entries connected and unique at the same time.

If you are planning to start with the Nintendo Switch releases, check out our reclassing guide on when to change class in Fire Emblem Engage.

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is an RPG that withstands the test of time again and again.

Release originally back in 1995, it has shown what an RPG is truly capable of, and how a story can be complex, with many different outcomes, yet complete even if you don’t get everything.

Being able to pick between an Active or a Wait battle system, and a lot of combo moves, no matter which party system you end up using, you will always have a way to build on your party members.

With a unique art style, and visual themes depending on where you are in the story, it is a treat through and through.

Undertale

Undertale upon its release took the world by storm.

With exceptional storytelling, and the impact of knowing that you can’t take back your decision allows Undertake to craft a unique story.

Couple the amazing story with unique visuals, and an amazing soundtrack and Undertale will have you hooked.

Even in battle be careful of how you choose to proceed. Though the game’s reputation precedes it, you will definitely enjoy playing it for yourself.

Transistor

Transistor is a sci-fi-themed action RPG from the creators of Bastion.

It offers a hand-painted art style while the music dynamically changes with what is happening to the screen. Transistor’s story explores a sci-fi narrative combining elements of revenge and mystery.

Taking the isometric perspective from Bastion, Transistor plays similarly at first until players are introduced to Turn, this game’s battle system.

Turn allows players to play in a limited turn-based fashion while exploring a different venue of skill expression. At the same time, if it’s not something you enjoy you can simply turn it off.

Final Thoughts

With so many different RPGs there are many stories to discover. Even if their runtime may not be as long as other RPGs, their stories are definitely worth experiencing.

If you want to try out a different kind of game, check out our guide on which Faction you should join and why in The Last Epoch.

With the best short RPGs that are worth playing showcased, you may have found your next game to play in your downtime. Let us know in the comments down below what short RPGs you enjoy playing.

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Nikiforos

Nikiforos has been a fan of Nintendo from a very young age and writing allows him to share his vast knowledge with others.

With thousands of hours played on Nintendo systems since the original Gameboy, Nikiforos is happy to share his endless passion for Nintendo franchises and everything he can get his hands on.