12 Hardcore games like Ys I & II Chronicles+ that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

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We filtered the 48 games similar to Ys I & II Chronicles+ down to the 12 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Ys Origin and Fortune Summoners top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Ys I & II Chronicles+.

iRank78/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

The best hardcore games like Ys I & II Chronicles+

12 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Ys I & II Chronicles+. Each one has been evaluated across 13 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Ys: The Oath in FelghanaClosest overall match

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnimeExplorationLootTop-Down

Steam👍 94%· 2.1KRAWG👍 83%· 57MC73IGDB83· 2

Year 2005Dev XSEED GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with combat magic and visual third person, while skipping visual isometric

When redheaded thrill-seeker Adol Christin and his eternal blue-haired companion Dogi make an unannounced visit to Dogi's homeland of Felghana after an eight-year absence, it quickly becomes apparent that things have changed dramatically.

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals.

Released 16 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Progression100Combat72

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Steam GOG PS

#2Ys OriginClosest on combat

iRank83

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnimeExplorationLoot

Steam👍 93%· 3.6KRAWG👍 77%· 94MC76IGDB80· 10OC81· 64

Year 2006Dev DotEmu · XSEED GamesPlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: precision platforming and visual third person, while skipping visual isometric

700 years before the events of Ys I & II, the land of Ys was on the brink of destruction. Demons came in droves and forced the twin Goddesses who ruled the land to whisk their subjects away from the surface, into the safe embrace of the clouds. The demons were persistent, however, erecting a massive tower in pursuit.

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals.

Released 17 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Progression100

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasyExploration

Steam👍 85%· 879

Year 2012Dev Lizsoft · Carpe FulgurPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with precision platforming, Metroidvania exploration and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping loot and gear systems

Elemental Stones: stones imbued with the power of an Elemental Spirit, which grant the wielder of one the ability to control that element via 'magic'. In the country of Scotsholm, three centuries have passed since they were first created.

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals.

Released 23 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting100Progression70Tone59

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Steam

#4NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasyExploration

Steam👍 88%· 28KIGDB82· 12OC83· 135

Year 2021Dev Toylogic · Square EnixOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with shooter, strong narrative focus and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping loot and gear systems

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals and tone.

Released 32 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Game mode100Combat77Progression70Setting61Tone42

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnimeExploration

Steam👍 87%· 151KRAWG👍 86%· 2.2KMC86IGDB86· 24OC89· 157

Year 2017Dev Platinum Games · Square EnixPlaytime ~13hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration, while skipping loot and gear systems

NieR: Automata is an action RPG, a sequel to Nier and a spin-off to the Drakenguard series. The story is set in the middle of the war between humans and machines where you take on the role of an android warrior called 2B.

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals and tone.

Released 28 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Game mode100Combat73Progression73Setting61Tone45

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeIsometric

Steam👍 93%· 18KIGDB81· 8OC84· 71

Year 2018Dev Radical Fish Games · WhisperGamesOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, shooter and strong narrative focus, while skipping fantasy world

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: setting and visuals.

Released 29 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone67Visuals41Setting37

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Steam GOG Xbox

#7Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

iRank84

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyExploration

Steam👍 88%· 48KIGDB78· 21OC80· 104

Year 2013Dev CapcomOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: dark, oppressive atmosphere, strong narrative focus and open world exploration, while skipping setting anime

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals and setting.

Released 24 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Game mode85Combat68Tone51Progression43Setting37

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasy

Steam👍 83%· 61KIGDB73· 11OC75· 119

Year 2019Dev Shift · Bandai Namco EntertainmentOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings dark, oppressive atmosphere, post-apocalyptic world and horror setting, while skipping exploration and discovery

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: progression and visuals.

Released 30 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Tone79Setting73Game mode28Progression0

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Steam Xbox PS

#9Monster Hunter: World

iRank86

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyExploration

Steam👍 89%· 508KRAWG👍 75%· 1.6KMC89OC90· 189

Year 2018Dev CapcomPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus, open world exploration and co op, while skipping setting anime

Monster Hunter: World is the fifth game in the Japanese franchise Monster Hunter, which is about hunting giant beasts. It is set in a medieval fantasy setting, on a continent known as the New World that is being colonized by the humans from the Old World.

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals and game mode.

Released 29 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Tone83Setting60Progression44Game mode25

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasyExploration

Steam👍 81%· 18KIGDB81· 10OC79· 145

Year 2021Dev Bandai Namco Studios · Bandai Namco EntertainmentOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ If you enjoyed Ys I & II Chronicles+, expect deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics, turn-based strategy and open world exploration, while skipping loot and gear systems

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals and progression.

Released 32 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Combat100Game mode100Tone100Setting83Genre75Progression48

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Steam Xbox PS

#11Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

iRank66

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyCo-op

Steam👍 50%· 29KIGDB84· 6OC81· 153

Year 2023Dev Team NINJA · Koei Tecmo GamesOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: fighting mechanics, dark, oppressive atmosphere and strong narrative focus, while skipping setting anime

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: progression and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Released 34 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Tone65Setting46Game mode34Progression0

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Steam PS

#12Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

iRank78

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyMultiplayer

Steam👍 84%· 4.4KIGDB72· 8OC72· 132

Year 2022Dev Team NINJA · Square EnixOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: dark, oppressive atmosphere, strong narrative focus and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping setting anime

Where it drifts furthest from Ys I & II Chronicles+: visuals and game mode.

Released 33 years after Ys I & II Chronicles+.

Genre100Combat100Setting65Tone47Game mode25Visuals0

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Steam Epic PS

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