The role-playing element in video games is often complemented bya sprawling open-world mapand landscape that gives the game a rich yet underlying detail of fully immersing yourself in its world, gameplay, and inhabitants.
While that element has often made the game a juggernaut in the industry, as seen withThe Witcher 3andElden Ring, there’s understandably an entirely different mass of those who prefer theirRPG titles with a bit of a straightforward directionwithout the need for a gigantic map to explore.
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So I invite you to join me today as we discuss thebest RPG video games that aren’t open-world and mainly rely on a smaller setting or a completely linear approach to their gameplay design, and they’re just as worth your time as the open-world juggernauts.
10Bravely Default
The Best from the 3DS Library
Bravely Default
For all the JRPG buffs out there or people looking for their next fill in this genre,Bravely Defaultis an excellent game, heralded asthe most well-received title on the Nintendo 3DS console since its release, witha linear main story pattern that you can cozy up to and binge.
It has engaging turn-based combat that loops around the Brave/Default system. You can consume and perform actions at the cost of Brave Points or enter the Default state to replenish BP while reducing enemy attack damage. It sounds simple, but it slowly evolves to add a strategic layer to the gameplay.
However, the most intriguing aspect is that the game doesn’t feature a traditional open world like most JRPG titles. Instead, it leans intoa tightly paced world design with a bunch of towns and villages to explore alongside your usual main dungeons and overworld locations.
I found the storytelling and characters more prominent in this game than in the appraised sequel. If you can spare the minor gameplay hindrances that the sequel ultimately fixes, then Bravely Default surely deserves a chunk of your attention.
9Scarlet Nexus
Brain Punk Action Extravaganza
Scarlet Nexus
I’ll be upfront:Scarlet Nexusmay look like any of yourtypical anime-style games today, which are sort of a mixed bag.However, what it does well to entice you, which got me (and plenty of others) hooked on it, was its hyper-engaging combat and linear progression.
Instead of ageneric hack-and-slash formula, Scarlet Nexus focuses on a highly customizable combat design with its own unique gimmicks while retaining the essentials—in-depth combos, fast-paced battles, and the addition of characters' SAS abilities.
Plus, alongside the main trait where you’re able to play through the perspectives of two protagonists—Yuito and Kasane,the game utilizes interconnected zones and a hub-world design so that there’s less filler and more action,at least when you’re not actively doing the story elements or talking to the game’s central NPCs.
8Pokémon Platinum
The Series' Evolution
Pokémon Platinum
While I was brainstorming this list, Pokémon Platinum instantly came to mind because, besides the linear world design,this game was truly the franchise’s evolution that propelled it to greater heights, especially considering this was done on the Nintendo DS’s hardware.
Not only was this game the most intriguing title in the series from the inclusion of Team Galactic at the forefront of your journey, but the introduction of the Distortion World allowed for some downright wondrous moments where it blended 3d details with the 2D art style.
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Moreover, with exploration being a key focus,the entire region of Sinnoh was interwoven with carefully designed shortcuts and packed with secrets that made you want to return later in the adventure.
It proved a glorious sight for the fans since it cemented this Pokémon title miles ahead of its predecessors.
7Fire Emblem: Three Houses
A Strategy RPG For Everyone
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
I’m not a huge fan of thestrategy sub-genre in RPG video games, but as someone who addictively played throughFire Emblem: Three Houseson the Nintendo Switch, this game is a rare exception and one of the best non-open-world RPG titles.
The game’sgrid-based tactical battlesare the most complex aspect, since you must train your units, manage their kits before battle, and assign them their main jobs. Plus, with how prolonged these battles can go on,you can save a bookmark between your turns and jump right back to where you left off.
Thegame’s life-sim portion allows you to do several different activities at the Monastery—your main hub map to explore outside battles, from fishing and gardening todeepening your social linkswith the students from the three main factions and forging bonds with them.
So, suppose you fancy a strategic game that isn’t too hardcore unless you make it out to be, or an RPG that emphasizes a tightly packed narrative thanks to its excellent pacing, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is calling your name.
6Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
A Long Time Ago
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
For any of the Star Wars connoisseurs, you’d be surprised to learn howKnights of the Republic (KOTOR)was my gateway into the franchise, because I hadn’t seen any prior movies or anything related to Star Wars, and boy, was it the perfect entry point.
Unlike modern Star Wars games like Jedi Survivor, which have gigantic open-world maps to explore,KOTOR focuses on a similar approach seen in the Mass Effect titles—exploration on hub-based maps of iconic planets from the series, like Tatooine, Kashyyyk, and Manaan.
However, I also understand thatthe gameplay hasn’t aged well,but if you can bear that and use some modifications like the Console Commands, you’ll be on your way to experiencing one of the greatest plot twists in the video game industry.
5Disco Elysium
Martinaise’s Finest Pair of Detectives
Disco Elysium
On rare occasions, open-world games benefit from a vast map of different sub-regions and cultures, allowing for a rich world-building aspect. ButDisco Elysiummanages to do just that with itsminuscule map of the Martinaise district, the main setting for you to unravel its dark and poetic mystery tale.
Besides brainstorming through your skillset of choices and the evolving Thoughts Cabinet,a significant portion of your time is spent deciphering the melancholic underbelly of Martinaiseengaging with its denizens.
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Although Martinaise’s overall scale may feel short-liveddepending on how you do your first playthrough,the game heavily incentivises you to explore every nook, cranny, and alleyway of the districtbecause it’s a miniature powerhouse that allows you to explore a greater layer of its profound writing.
4Monster Hunter Rise
Tons of Content & Replayability
Monster Hunter Rise
While I was tempted to include the latest Wilds, I chose to mentionMonster Hunter Riseinstead due toits segmented map design and arcadey quest design, allowing you to progress quickly through most of the game, at least until your first Rampage quest bogs it down a notch.
Although I was least pleased chowing through this game with my friends compared to Wilds and World, the Wirebug system deserves some appreciation for making combat and overall quest exploration fast-paced. Some may love or dislike this aspect, and I am in the latter here solely because I prefer World’s grounded combat.
Plus, with the Sunbreak expansion in the mix, you’re looking at a game that’s sure togive you countless hours of playtime, and the neat part is howit has the perfect balance between challenge and accessibility, making it only second to Wilds for new players.
3Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Way Down in Midgar
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Final Fantasy 7 Remakewas one of the first additions to the remake trilogy, which eventually got an updated PS5/PC version called Intergrade. Before the game went full-blown open-world in Rebirth, the first entry was primarily set in Midgar, making it the perfect entry point for newcomers and an ideal linear RPG title.
Each of the various subsections of the city, from the Slums to Aerith’s humble abode, and even the fabulous Wall Market, is beautifully reimagined from the ground up here, with the convenience of Chocobo Carriages to allow for fast travel between each segmented map.
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Although some might arguethey dislike the padding of the story and the pace-breaking loading screens hidden in wall crawlspaces, the game is arguably a delight with its characters, who are the story’s heart. With how charming and expressive they feel in Rebirth, it’s a no-brainer to pick that game up once you’re done with Remake.
Long Live the 1980s
Yakuza 0kick-started the rollercoaster lives of Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima. It has grown into a fan favorite while also being the most common entry point for newcomers. Thanks to its dual setting yet coherently detailed story, it’s also the most linear game in the series.
The classic Kamurucho and Sotenbori maps may feel open-world at first glance, but once you look atgames like LAD Infinite Wealthor even the latest Pirate Yakuza, this game feels likethe most straightforward and casual-friendly Yakuza titlein the series before Kiwami.
The game is dirt-cheap on sale, and with its jam-packed content —addictive mini-games, in-depth fighting styles, a diverse and banger soundtrack, and, the cherry on top, one of the best dual-protagonist intertwining stories. If you haven’t played Yakuza 0 game, you’re doing a disservice to yourself.
1Persona 3 Reload
Full Moon, Full Life
Persona 3 Reload
Stylistically, Persona may not be your cup of tea, or even that turn-based combat might be understandably a turn-off. Still, if given the proper attention and commitment, then thePersona games are easily one of the best RPG gamesto leisurely play at your own pace that aren’t open-world.
I specifically chosePersona 3 Reloaddue toits singular setting in the oceanic Tatsumi Port Island, which isn’t too large in scope, unlike Persona 5’s modern-day Tokyo. Plus, the game handles its story progression leniently with the Full Moon Boss Battles and managing the Tartarus dungeon on the side.
Its strongest elements are the characters, who slowly flesh out via their social links, andthe writing is by far one of the most mature yet equally emotional pieces of narrative in the JRPG landscape—the post-game depression from that true ending hits incredibly hard even if you’ve played the original game.
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