13 Hardcore games like Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim 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 50 games similar to Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim down to the 13 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Ys: The Oath in Felghana, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... and Ys Origin top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

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GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

The best hardcore games like Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim

13 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim. Each one has been evaluated across 10 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

SoloMeleeMagicHardcoreFantasyAnime

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 exploration and discovery, loot and gear systems and visual third person

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.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone100Setting100

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Steam GOG PS

#2NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeMagicHardcoreAnimeFantasy

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

Where it drifts furthest from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim: tone.

Released 18 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Setting58Tone43

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnime

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, exploration and discovery and loot and gear systems, while skipping combat magic

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.

Released 3 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Game mode100Tone100Setting100Combat73

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasy

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 combat magic

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.

Released 9 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Game mode100Setting100Combat70Tone60

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Steam

#5Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

iRank84

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeMagicHardcoreFantasy

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 VI: The Ark of Napishtim: setting.

Released 10 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Combat100Game mode85Tone52Setting28

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyAnime

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 combat magic

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 VI: The Ark of Napishtim: tone.

Released 14 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Game mode100Combat58Setting58Tone46

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeNarrative

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 combat magic

Where it drifts furthest from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim: setting.

Released 15 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Game mode100Tone68Combat65Setting43

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 combat magic

Where it drifts furthest from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim: game mode.

Released 16 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Tone80Combat74Setting71Game mode28

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreAnimeFantasy

Steam👍 81%· 18KIGDB81· 10OC79· 145

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

✓ If you enjoyed Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim, 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 combat magic

Released 18 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Game mode100Tone100Setting82Genre75Combat73

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Steam Xbox PS

#10Monster Hunter: World

iRank86

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreAction JRPG

SoloMeleeHardcoreFantasyCo-op

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 combat magic

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 VI: The Ark of Napishtim: game mode and setting.

Released 15 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Tone83Combat72Setting45Game mode25

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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 combat magic

Where it drifts furthest from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim: game mode and setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Released 20 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Combat74Tone65Setting37Game mode34

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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 combat magic

Where it drifts furthest from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim: game mode and tone.

Released 19 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Genre100Combat74Setting53Tone48Game mode25

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Steam Epic PS

#13Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreJRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based JRPG

SoloMeleeMagicHardcoreFantasy

Steam👍 95%· 266KRAWG👍 87%· 438IGDB87· 5OC92· 204

Year 2025Dev Sundial Interactive · Kepler InteractivePlaytime ~26hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim, expect deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings turn-based strategy, strong narrative focus and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping setting anime

Once a year, the Paintress wakes and paints upon her monolith. Paints her cursed number. And everyone of that age turns to smoke and fades away. Year by year, that number ticks down and more of us are erased. Tomorrow she’ll wake and paint “33.

Where it drifts furthest from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim: setting and tone.

Released 22 years after Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Game mode100Genre75Combat66Tone49Setting39

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Steam Epic Xbox

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