Square Enix is a master at creatingRPGs, each of which has a unique open world, a varied cast of characters and new combat systems that keep things interesting. The developer has decades of history of making video games, with their first game, Dragon Warrior, landing way back in 1986, and while there have been disappointing releases as well, they are few and far between.
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Throughout these years, they have created a bunch of different franchises, most of which are RPGs, and these are the ten best games by Square Enix. Note that since there are so many games by Square Enix in nearly every franchise, we’ll mention only one game from each franchise that we consider to be the best.
10Life is Strange
When a Butterfly Flaps its Wings, a Storm Begins
Life is Strange
Some stories rely on high-stakes action and grand battles, butLife Is Strangeproved that deeply personal choices can be just as powerful. Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix, this episodic adventure follows Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. What starts as a seemingly innocent ability quickly spirals into a heavy tale of friendship, trauma and the consequences of altering fate.
Unlike other Square Enix’s best-selling games, which often feature fantasy and RPG elements, Life Is Strange is entirely grounded in reality, aside from Max’s powers. Conversations and choices shape the story, leading to different outcomes and altering relationships. The hand-painted aesthetic and indie-folk soundtrack only adds to the emotional weight of Max’s journey, making it a standout in Square Enix’s critically-acclaimed games lineup. The game recently received a sequel, but many fans still prefer the first due to its better pacing and character lineup.
9Rise of the Tomb Raider
Climbing to the Peak of Action-Adventure Excellence
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Reinventing a legend is no easy task, yet the Tomb Raider reboot in 2013 accomplished exactly that. Following the success of this reboot, its sequel,Rise of the Tomb Raider, further refined the original’s formula with larger environments, deeper survival mechanics and a story that saw Lara Croft evolving from a reluctant survivor into the legendary adventurer she was always meant to be.
The game set itself apart from its predecessor by introducing semi-open worldhubs filled with secrets, optional tombs and side quests, expanding exploration far beyond the main story. Combat felt more fluid than ever, offering a mix of stealth and high-intensity firefights. With breathtaking set pieces, Rise of the Tomb Raider further cemented Lara’s place among Square Enix’s greatest games, standing tall as one of the best modern action-adventure titles.
8Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
The Role-Playing Crossover That No One Saw Coming
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Few collaborations in gaming history have been as surprising and successful as Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Developed by Squaresoft before its merger with Enix, this unexpected fusion of Mario and traditional RPG mechanics delivered turn-based combat, an engaging story, and some of the most memorable characters in the plumber’s history, including Geno, a fan-favorite who still hasn’t made his way back into mainstream Mario titles.
What made Super Mario RPG truly special was how it blended Square Enix’s most popular game design philosophy with Nintendo’s lighthearted world. Timed hits added an extra layer of depth to battles, while the isometric perspective and pre-rendered visuals pushed the SNES hardware to its limits. Though later Mario RPGs followed, none have quite recaptured the same magic that this 16-bit classic delivered.
7Nier: Automata
Glory to Mankind
NieR: Automata
IfNier: Automataproved anything, it’s that Yoko Taro is a mastermind of subverting player expectations. What initially seems like a straightforwardaction RPGabout androids fighting machines quickly transforms into an existential crisis, unraveling layers of meaning across multiple playthroughs.
The combat, handled by Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames, delivers lightning-fast action with a seamless mix of melee and bullet-hell mechanics. But what sets Nier: Automata apart is the way the story deconstructs traditional RPG narratives, forcing players to confront moral dilemmas and philosophical themes. Tied together with Keiichi Okabe’s hauntingly-beautiful soundtrack, Nier: Automata is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
6Secret of Mana
A Timeless Classic that Redefined Action RPGs
Secret of Mana
Before action RPGs became a standard,Secret of Manashowed the world what was possible. Released in 1993, its real-time combat system set it apart from turn-based RPGs of the era, allowing players to engage in fast-paced battles with a unique ring menu system that kept things fluid and strategic.
What makes Secret of Mana stand out among Square Enix’s greatest games isn’t just its gameplay, but itscooperative multiplayer, an unusual feature for RPGs at the time. Up to three players could join forces, making the adventure even more engaging. With its lush pixel art, an unforgettable soundtrack and a story that perfectly balances lighthearted adventure with emotional depth, Secret of Mana remains a defining title in Square Enix’s most popular games lineup.
5Kingdom Hearts 2
A Sequel that Proved Lightning Could Strike Twice
Kingdom Hearts 2
Among all entries in the Kingdom Hearts series,Kingdom Hearts 2stands as the one that refined everything the first game introduced while pushing the action RPG mechanics to new heights. Sora’s combat style was faster, more fluid and bolstered by Drive Forms that let him temporarily gain new abilities, adding variety and depth to battles.
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The world design expanded significantly, featuring larger, more dynamic Disney-inspired levels that felt alive. But where Kingdom Hearts 2 truly shined was its story. It dove deeper into the lore of Organization XIII and the conflict between light and darkness, solidifying itself as a turning point in the series. Even years later, it’s still considered the high point of the Kingdom Hearts series and a masterpiece among Square Enix’s best-selling games.
4Octopath Traveler
Reviving the 16-Bit JRPG Spirit in a Modern Era
Octopath Traveler
In a time when pixel art RPGs were a rarity in AAA gaming,Octopath Traveleremerged as a love letter to the golden age of Square Enix’s most popular games. Using the stunning HD-2D art style, it combined nostalgic aesthetics with modern lighting and depth-of-field effects to create something truly unique.
But beyond its visual appeal, Octopath Traveler offered one of the deepest turn-based combat systems in recent years, with the Break and Boost system adding layers of strategy to every encounter. Its eight-character story structure divided opinions, but for fans of classic RPGs, it felt like a return to the era of Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 6 while still standing as its own experience.
3Chrono Trigger
A Timeless Masterpiece That Still Sets the Standard
Chrono Trigger
If the discussion is about the best RPGs ever made,Chrono Triggerwill always be near the top of the list. A collaboration between Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest designer Yuji Horii and Akira Toriyama, the mind behind Dragon Ball, this 1995 classic is a perfect storm of talent.
The time-traveling narrative lets players explore different eras, each intricately connected, resulting in multiple endings depending on player choices. Combat felt ahead of its time, with a seamless blend of turn-based mechanics and positioning-based strategies. Decades later, no RPG fan’s collection is complete without experiencing this iconic Square Enix game.
2Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age
The Definitive Dragon Quest Experience
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Every game in the Dragon Quest series carries the heart and soul of classic JRPGs, butDragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age perfected the formula. Featuring a vast, explorable world, a lovable cast and refined turn-based combat, it showcased everything that makes Square Enix’s greatest games so beloved.
The game paid homage to its roots while modernizing its presentation with stunning visuals and a fully-orchestrated soundtrack. The definitive edition even introduced a 2D mode, letting players relive the experience in classic 16-bit style, further cementing Dragon Quest 11 as one of the best Square Enix games.
1Final Fantasy 6
The Best Final Fantasy That Isn’t VII
Final Fantasy 6
Final Fantasy6 has no single protagonist. Its ensemble cast each brings their own struggles and triumphs, forming a deep, character-driven narrative. The game broke boundaries in storytelling, featuring one of gaming’s most memorable villains, Kefka, who actually succeeds in destroying the world halfway through the game.
Its turn-based combat introduced the highly flexible Magicite system, allowing for deep customization. The opera scene, the devastating World of Ruin twist and a soundtrack filled with unforgettable themes make Final Fantasy 6 the pinnacle of the series and the magnum opus of Square Enix.
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