We already published the list of best 3DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best 3DS RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the 3DS definitely has a great library of RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the 3DS and RPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions
- Release Data: Alphadream Corporation/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is a classic, and this new version is arguably the definitive version.
Yes, Bowser’s Minions is a harmless but shallow add-on, but the Superstars are the real attraction.
And after experimentation and not-always-popular approaches in the 3DS era of games, this takes us back to the IP’s roots.
#24. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
- Release Data: Atlus, 2018
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
From its demon collecting to its sci-fi South Pole setting, Strange Journey Redux is a fantastically engrossing adventure, and an excellent reason to get lost in your 3DS once again.
Redux adds in enough new content to make a replay worth your time, along with tweaks to help let newcomers in on one of Shin Megami Tensei’s best kept secrets.
#23. Etrian Odyssey Nexus
- Release Data: Atlus, 2019
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
Staggering amounts of character customization, a beautifully arranged soundtrack, dozens of hours of content, and excellent usage of stereoscopic 3D all combine to make this the definitive Etrian Odyssey experience.
This is one of the deepest and most involved RPGs you’re likely to find on the 3DS, and it stands as a compelling reason to dust off your 3DS.
#22. Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
- Release Data: ArtePiazza/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
An island-hopping adventure spanning space and time, Dragon Quest VII is a JRPG masterpiece.
If you played the PlayStation version back in the day, this is as perfect a remake as you could ask for, with beautiful 3D graphics, a smartly streamlined opening, and lots of welcome quality-of-life updates.
This is an absolute pleasure, and a must-play for RPG fans.
#21. Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
As usual, you’re a youth on a quest to catch all the pokemon in order to be the best trainer.
Along the way, you challenge trainers from different gyms to get their badge while trying to save the region from team Aqua that tried to flood the region.
Overall, a great upgrade to the series.
#20. Pokemon Ultra Moon
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
The story is set in an alternate version of the original Pokémon Sun and Moon.
There are some other changes like the introduction of actual pokemon gym instead of the island trial, extra locations like Pikachu Valley where you can travel, parallel dimensions where you can explore pocket dimensions, and so much more.
#19. Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight
- Release Data: Atlus, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
Both a wonderful upgrade to the original Etrian Odyssey 2 and an impressive improvement on Etrian Odyssey Untold, Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight is a dungeon-crawling delight.
With satisfying combat, endless customization, and beautiful labyrinths that are as fun to map out as they are to explore, this is a joyously engrossing adventure.
#18. Bravely Second: End Layer
- Release Data: Silicon Studio/Square Enix, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As a sequel, Bravely Second: End Layer does everything right.
It improves on its predecessor in nearly every way, shakes things up enough to still be exciting for players who may have recently poured sixty hours into the first game, and offers a meaningful chance to reconnect with beloved characters.
Even better, it’s a nearly-perfect JRPG in its own right.
#17. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey
- Release Data: Alphadream Corporation/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey stands as a well-made remake of a game that was excellent to begin with, polishing up the original in small ways and adding some extra content that meaningfully establishes its own identity.
If you’ve ever been a fan of the Mario & Luigi series, do yourself a favor and pick this game up.
#16. Pokemon Omega Ruby
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Overall, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire seem very similar to Pokémon X & Y, as you might expect, but the story and the environments you encounter feel very fresh and unique.
In the end, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are a must-buy for any Poké-fan, even if you already own X or Y.
#15. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
- Release Data: Atlus, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
If you’re a Persona fan, you’ll get a huge kick out of seeing your old Gekkoukan and Yasogami classmates in an all-new adventure, and Etrian Odyssey fans open to a change will love it — this is the story-driven experiment of Etrian Odyssey Untold taken to the next level, with a stylistic overhaul to match.
#14. Shin Megami Tensei IV
- Release Data: Atlus, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shin Megami Tensei IV has it all: an exciting story with multiple paths and memorable characters, fun and engaging combat, and a whole heap of style.
Any RPG fan up for a dark adventure will have a blast here since you don’t need any background in the MegaTen series to enjoy it.
#13. Pokemon Ultra Sun
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Taking the original games and bombarding them with a whole host of crazy ideas, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon have achieved their goal of becoming the definitive versions of the series’ final generation on the 3DS.
These games have managed to make the region of Alola feel even more alive that it did before – and that’s quite the achievement.
#12. Bravely Default
- Release Data: Silicon Studio/Square Enix, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Bravely Default claims its rightful place as a giant in the JRPG genre that will surely be remembered as a classic in years to come.
Any 3DS owner with even a fleeting interest in role-playing games and a desire to get lost in an incredible, engaging adventure would be doing themselves a huge favor by picking up Bravely Default.
#11. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
- Release Data: Atlus, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As an RPG sequel, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is just about perfect.
It lets players revisit a familiar world from a new perspective, keeps what made the original so special, and adds in several small but significant mechanical improvements that make for a smoother, better game throughout.
#10. Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan
- Release Data: Atlus, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
It’s still an old-school experience at heart, and players put off by serious difficulty, grinding, or the lack of a character-driven narrative won’t find what they’re looking for here, but the addition of a Casual mode means anyone taken in by the enchanting road to Yggdrasil will be able to enjoy it at their own pace.
#9. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
- Release Data: Cygames/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Dragon Quest VIII is something special. It tells a lovely story with memorable characters in a captivatingly colorful style, features fun combat and a beautiful world to explore, and — most importantly — sparks a true sense of adventure and wonder throughout.
This isn’t just one of the best RPGs on the 3DS, it’s one of the best RPGs full stop.
#8. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
- Release Data: Atlus, 2018
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This RPG smartly uses time-travel to expand its exploration and offer player choice.
As you explore, you’ll battle monsters in turn-based combat, solve puzzles, and level up your character and party.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll jump between different timelines, collecting items and completing quests.
Fans of expansive role-playing games and fantasy worlds will greatly enjoy this journey through time.
#7. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Release Data: Monster Games Inc./Nintendo, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This game stands out by encouraging players to explore vast lands, collecting items and completing a variety of quests.
You can build your relationship by using characters during battle and giving them gifts, strengthening their abilities.
The story is a good mix of mystery and action, with memorable characters and poignant emotional moments.
#6. Monster Hunter Generations
- Release Data: Capcom, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Monster Hunter series has always been known for its high barrier of entry and steep learning curve.
However, Generations gives the player a ton of choices, allowing them to use a variety of weapons that each feel different.
This version even gives you the ability to play as a new feline class, utilizing unique abilities and skills.
#5. Pokemon X
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
This generation of Pokemon introduced a bunch of new features, such as group battles, multiple gym leader battles, and more.
The biggest change in this generation is in the visuals department, as this is the first Pokemon game to feature fully 3D graphics.
#4. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Release Data: Capcom, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Although the gameplay is similar to other Monster Hunter titles, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate puts a larger emphasis on story and characters.
It’s also the first handheld game in the franchise to feature full online multiplayer functionality, as well as improved character movement.
#3. Pokemon Moon
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
The seventh generation of Pokemon changed the formula and telling a more cohesive and linear story.
Players assume the role of the new kid, who has just moved to the tropical island region of Alola.
The game is also tied to your local time, becoming night time during the real-life day; hence the name Pokemon Moon.
#2. Pokemon Y
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are very similar, but Y takes the advantage due to its better version-specific Pokemon to capture.
The story varies between the two games, as each features a different legendary Pokemon as well, which makes an impact on the narrative.
#1. Pokemon Sun
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Trainer
Like Pokemon Moon, Sun takes place in the colorful island region of Alola.
The game is connected to your local timer, meaning it will appear as day or night to match with your real-life location.
This version contains some exclusive Pokemon like Vulpix and Turtonator, one of which can evolve into the fan favorite Ninetails.
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See also: Best Wii Games & Best Wii U Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which 3DS RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!