10 Hard to Beat PS5 JRPGs

Since PS5 is one of the most popular platforms in the world, it is one of the best places where you can find plenty of great JRPGs. Most of those will be challenging and will make you work hard to beat them, but then again, that’s why you’re here anyway, right? The sense of accomplishment that comes from finally overcoming their difficult obstacles is part of what makes them so memorable.

Keep in mind that the games on this list aren’t the ones you can play with little focus while scrolling on your phone. They will require 110% of your attention and skill, and will punish anyone who isn’t ready to give them your best because they are among the hardest PS5 JRPGs to beat.

10

The Last Residue was Recycled

Get Ready for the New

The Last Remnant Remastered can feel really punishing because of the unique approach its developers took in making the game. For example, instead of controlling individual characters, you control units called Unions, and during a turn-based battle, you issue general commands about attacking, healing, or something else. Unit formation and behavior also play an important role in this game, which is why I suddenly thought, “Am I playing a JRPG or Rome: Total War?”

Another thing that makes your journey more difficult is the way enemies scale. Their power increases as your Battle Rank increases, and that rank depends on how many enemies you have fought. This means that if you mindlessly grind and farm all the weak opponents, like you would in most RPGs, you will actually make future encounters difficult. In addition, late game bosses and rare monsters will always want you to plan carefully, prepare your build, and not waste your resources.

9

Star Ocean: Super Power

Fighting Looks Easy Until It’s Not At All

Star Ocean: Divine Force is a JRPG that throws you into fast-paced real-time battles that are controllable at first. However, you will soon find that the difficulties are over. One of the things you’ll want to use to keep up is the DUMA system, which allows you to fly and close the gap between you and the opponent. Using it at the right time will also allow you to turn on Blindside or cancel enemy attacks, and in the later stages of the game, this will be a must-have as enemies will be able to one-shot or kill you quickly.

If these casual encounters aren’t enough for you, you’ll want to try the Universe and Chaos difficulties as well as the optional bosses in Den’mohr Delve and The Gauntlet. This is where the game really shows its teeth, so you’ll need a well-constructed party, clever role-setting, and good acting.

8

Valkyrie Elysium

Go In With The Wrong Setup, And You’ll Suffer For It

When you play Valkyrie Elysium, you will experience smoother and faster gameplay than others on this list. However, enemies can surprise you with their tactics and pile on you, especially on Valkyrie difficulty, which gives the game a very tough challenge. Learning how to best use Einherjar summons and the Divine Art system is a must if you don’t want the fight to drag on and get frustrated.

I would also say that Seraphic Gate can bring you more challenge after completing the main story, but you will need to upgrade Einhejar with each encounter, upgrade weapons, and perfect attacking combos. Doing less will get you into big trouble.

7

Ys X: The Nordics

One Mistake in a Boss Fight and You Start Over

As with many other Ys games, Ys X: Nordics will give you that thrill of fast, furious, and instant combat. But don’t forget that it also brings a good punishment system, because defense is as important as attack in this game. Bosses will have patterns to learn, but reacting to them in real time will take a lot of skill, so be prepared to die a few times before you get that defensive muscle memory.

Managing duo mode, where you control both characters at the same time, can be challenging but often necessary to dish out maximum damage. The difficulty of Nightmare and Inferno offers a real fight for those who want it, especially since this often underrated game will not hold your hand throughout the story.

Weekly Plans Are More Important Than You Think

When you play Metaphor: ReFantazio, you will be tied to a strict in-game calendar that limits what you can do, making every decision you make very important. Actions such as fighting in dungeons, talking to different NPCs, approaching followers, or doing the Colosseum challenge all compete for the limited time you have, and if you plan it badly, it can negatively affect your performance in response-based challenge battles.

Late game will also be a tough nut to crack, with certain enemies dealing high damage, while other bosses will have an insta-kill mechanic. But no matter how hard it is, Metaphor: ReFantazio will force you to think, to plan all the time, and if you are not strong enough, even if you farm some XP.

5

SaGa Emerald Beyond

Every Battle Feels Like a Puzzle

SaGa Emerald Beyond will not attack you with enemies beyond your control, but with a complex combat system that you need to learn over time. Your battles revolve around controlling turns, distracting enemies, and triggering the powerful United Attack mechanic (powerful combo strikes). I learned the hard way that one mistake in setting your timeline can cost you a battle you could easily win.

Adding another layer of difficulty to this game is its multiplayer structure, creating a choose-your-own-adventure JRPG where you need to think about your decisions. Some plots are harder to beat than others, so you could end up hitting a wall if you’re not prepared.

4

Final Fantasy XVI

The Game Lets You Feel Powerful, Then Flip The Switch

At first glance, Final Fantasy XVI is more of an amazing, shiny game than a serious game. However, that is only true until you finish the main story and stand in front of Final Fantasy mode and Ultimaniac mode, where the enemies become more powerful, and dodging and timing your skills become a necessity.

Ultimaniac mode is designed for those, unlike me, who like to take on big challenges and struggle along the way. It limits you to Arcade mode, which means that every death resets the entire system, while only allowing you to use a few pots in each stage.

3

Like a dragon: Ishin!

Prepare for Critical Battles

Like a dragon: Ishin! it has a few complex things to put in front of you. The game is long with complex combat systems that you need to master, which can take a lot of time and brain power. The game allows you to play four different combat modes (Brawler, Swordsman, Gunman, and Wild Dancer), which you will need to switch between and adapt to each battle.

Additionally, the late game will unlock the Trooper Card system, which gives you a second roster of characters that can help you with things like special effects or buffs. This will be necessary in late-game boss battles, as simple button mashing or luck won’t cut it. However, building a large deck here can and will take time. Trust me.

2

Tactics Ogre: Reborn

A Tricky Game With No Room For Tricks

Tactics Ogre: Reborn has many secrets that can punish you if you don’t fully understand them. For example, high ground is important and will give a huge advantage to both melee and ranged units, so you don’t want to have your units there for too long. The game has ways to help you correct mistakes, such as the CHARIOT System that allows you to reverse curves, but sadly, this won’t help you much if your overall strategy and preparation is bad.

If you’re looking for a serious challenge, the battles of the latest games and the Palace of the Dead will really test your intellectual skills. To defeat them, you’ll need well-crafted class units, carefully selected equipment, and a perfectly coordinated party composition.

1

Person 5 Royal

Options, Options, Options

In Persona 5 Royal, the greatest difficulty does not come from the enemies (although they can be difficult too), but from the limited time you have to plan and build your character and skills. The game features a calendar system where every day is important, so you’ll have to balance things between exploring dungeons, working part-time, and communicating with your Confidants, who can give you more skills and expand your Persona Fusion system. The night-to-night cycle of the calendar even helped make it one of the best single-player games out there.

Combat in the game is built around hunting down enemies’ weaknesses, and hitting them successfully will give you one chance. This is an important technique that can make or break your fight, especially since enemies can do the same to you and wipe you out in an instant. Having said that, certain bosses will make your gameplay a living hell with their powerful attacks that can only be resisted by certain traits and human abilities.