The most satisfying skill mastery systems in a JRPG

Key conclusions

• JRPGs explore fluid class systems that allow players to personalize their characters through skill mastery.
• Titles like Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake and Disgaea emphasize using skills across classes to advance.
• Games like Bravely Default 2 and Shin Megami Tensei 5 reward skill mastery with passives that carry over between classes.

Combat is a major part of many JRPGs, whether they are slow-paced, light-hearted games or heavy, tactical games. The main question that comes up in combat games is a difficult one – how does combat relate to progress? Every battle, from simple grunt encounters to epic boss fights, has to move the party forward in some way, push them forward, but is there a way to do that other than sticking to a linear level?

Many JRPGs are experimenting with a more fluid class style that brings with it ways to customize and share features. As JRPGs become more expansive and open-ended, the skill and class systems follow suit. Some titles allow players to retain some of their old abilities when switching to a new class, or reward players who focus on a specific skill set for a long period of time. These JRPGs handle skill mastery in many different ways, but each rewards the player who becomes proficient with them, or the class associated with them.

8 Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

Players can use skills and spells in different classes

Recently released Dragon Quest 3 the remake brought this game to life in gorgeous, iconic HD-2D style. Part of this revival is a new class that interacts with the game in new and interesting ways. However, among all classes, players have the option to personalize them through skill mastery.

Changing classes at a certain point in skill mastery allows players to transfer certain spells or skills from the old class to the new class, increasing their utility and rewarding those who researched the old class properly before moving on.

7 Disgaea

Mastery of skills and activities is vital to success

The first Disgaea the game is iconic for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the incredibly novel style of gameplay that has since featured in numerous sequels. Part of this gameplay is trying to be ridiculous, with stats that may be limited to five figures.

But getting your stats to the iconic 99999 isn't as simple as taking a break from the story to do a little work. Players need to master skills and classes, reach their highest potential point, and then start over with a new class, bringing with them increased stats based on how well they mastered all aspects of the old class.

6 Bravely Default 2

Passive skill acquisition is the main feature

Bravely Default 2 it's truly the ultimate experience for the unique battle system that Square Enix introduced back on the 3DS with the original title. Star mastery in this game is vital to progression as it gives players passives that can be carried over from one job to the next.

From the cunning player to the fearsome Hellblade, all of the unique and powerful classes available in this game have powerful passive skills that, once earned, can be used by that character in any of the other classes.

5 Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance

Great skill acquisition mechanic

Among some of the most challenging titles in the series, Revenge is a title to look out for if players are looking for a real challenge. Part of the thrill of this game, however, is overcoming this challenge with powerful skills.

Mastering and learning all the skills a demon can learn often allows them to learn other skills from a wider, random pool, which when synthesized with that demon's stats can lead to some incredibly powerful combos.

4 A legend of heritage

A game built around a unique skill mastery system

• Released (originally): January 22, 2015
• The developer: FuRyu, Cattle Call
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS

Unlike many of the titles on this list, mastery of skills in A legend of heritage is not an addition to the leveling system – it is there is leveling system. Instead of gaining experience to follow a linear path of stat boosts and move acquisitions, skills are leveled up using this title.

This means that a character who focuses on the bow will master it over time, learn more skills and abilities to use that weapon, and become more effective with it in general. It's basically the essence of this game, which emphasizes combat and exploration rather than story.

3 The alliance is alive

A game that differs from its predecessor

Made by the same people who did A legend of heritage, The alliance is alive was generally much more well-received and more similar to the full title. The unique elements of skill mastery are complemented here by specific character skills that the player can specialize in over time.

This game is quite difficult and those who lose at the last barrier face a bad ending, so it is important that players master their skills in time. Giving each character one or two weapons – or magical disciplines – to stick with means they'll have a variety of powerful skills to use against their enemies.

2 Saga novel 2

Iconic skill mastery system

Inspiring some of the titles on this list, Saga novel 2 this is one of the best games in the SaGa series and helped introduce a skill mastery system that replaces the traditional leveling mechanic.

Individual weapon skills increase with use, so players will need to take a more targeted approach to skilling and make sure each character fills a specific niche in the party, complete with a focus on weapons to ensure they get the most out of the game. skills that this game offers.

1 Dragon's dogma 2

Vocations reward skill mastery to a great degree

Master of vocations c Dragon's dogma 2 all function in uniquely specialized ways, and each provides a unique experience in how the world is explored. The Mysterious Trickster provides a completely different gaming experience to the greatsword-wielding Warrior or the agile Archer.

Similar to titles on this list, e.g Bravely Default 2mastering skills with certain professions in this game gives players powerful passive buffs that can be carried over with the character to any other profession, allowing them to synthesize passive and active skills in unique and creative ways.