5 JRPGs That Will Actually Make You Cry

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Let’s be real, there are tons of JRPGs out there, but the ones that actually make you feel something, the ones that make you cry? Those are special. It’s hard for any game to be truly emotional – just like with movies or books – but JRPGs really have to go the extra mile. Luckily, a few have totally nailed it, seriously getting to me and leaving a lasting impact. I still think about the really sad parts of those games, and honestly, sometimes I even let myself feel a little down just to replay those moments in my head.

If you’re new to JRPGs or just finished a particularly emotional one, you might be searching for more games like it. The best JRPGs don’t rely on cheap sadness; they earn their emotional impact. They feature memorable characters, fantastic music, and lengthy, cinematic cutscenes that fully draw you into the story. These games are guaranteed to make you cry, and they’re absolutely worth playing for a powerful emotional experience and a truly exceptional gaming adventure.

5. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The Yakuza series is famous for its dramatic scenes and moving stories, but Yakuza: Like a Dragon is particularly emotional. While maintaining the series’ signature high-quality cutscenes, this seventh installment fully embraces its JRPG elements, delivering a truly impactful and tear-jerking finale – and making every moment leading up to it deeply affecting.

With its fresh, standalone story, Like a Dragon might be the best Yakuza game yet. While it includes a few nods to past titles, you don’t need to have played any of the previous games to enjoy this fantastic turn-based JRPG and its incredibly emotional moments. You can jump right into Yakuza 7 and experience everything it has to offer.

4. NieR: Automata

The soundtrack to NieR: Automata – especially the Japanese version of “Weight of the World” – is incredibly moving and likely to evoke strong emotions. This game is a deeply emotional experience, balancing sadness with moments of true happiness. Exploring its stunningly beautiful yet melancholic world, completing all the main endings, and following the story of 2B and 9S to its conclusion is a uniquely cozy and captivating experience. It’s a game and story unlike any other, beautifully layered and complex.

I won’t give away any spoilers, as that would ruin the emotional impact of the game. But I can say that NieR: Automata is absolutely worth the effort of unlocking all its endings, even if it takes dozens of hours and involves revisiting locations in new ways. There’s a reason it’s considered one of the best JRPGs ever made, and if you haven’t played it yet, I strongly recommend you do. You won’t regret it.

3. Persona 3

I’ve always struggled to fully get into the Persona series. I think maybe I’ve grown out of the high school settings, or perhaps the way the stories unfold in separate parts just doesn’t quite click with me. Whatever it is, Persona and I haven’t always seen eye to eye. But my sibling always raved about Persona 3 and how powerfully emotional the ending was, so I decided to give it another shot. I recently finished Persona 3: Reload, and I have to admit, they were right – it’s a really great game.

Persona 3 is a deeply emotional game filled with dark and mature themes. It’s a story that will make you think, and likely feel a range of intense emotions. What truly stands out is how it balances these heavier moments with genuine heart and lightheartedness. You’ll become very attached to the characters, flaws and all, and you might even find yourself wishing the story didn’t end. While it isn’t my personal favorite JRPG, Persona 3 is incredibly powerful and moving – it definitely brought a tear to my eye.

2. Final Fantasy X

The Final Fantasy series is considered one of the best JRPG franchises for good reason. Games like Final Fantasy X are key to its lasting success and the incredible legacy it’s built. Honestly, almost any Final Fantasy title could have been included on this list – it was nearly all Final Fantasy games! – but X particularly stood out to me as a deeply emotional and moving experience. While Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy IX are sure to bring a tear to your eye, Final Fantasy X is a game that will truly make you weep.

Even with its imperfections, Final Fantasy X is still a really fun game and worth playing for its story. The characters, like Tidus and his companions, are a standout part – they’re both funny and deal with serious issues in a compelling way. Their journey, which takes around 50 hours to complete, is memorable and will likely stay with you long after you finish. While the Blitzball side game isn’t great, it’s a minor drawback considering how beautiful and impactful the main story is.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

I used to be someone who rarely cried. A few things got to me – like Matthew McConaughey’s emotional performance in Interstellar and the movie E.T. when I was a kid – but generally, I didn’t cry much. That all changed with Xenoblade Chronicles 2. It’s the most emotionally impactful JRPG I’ve ever played, filled with incredibly sad, heartwarming, and uplifting scenes. Be warned: you’ll probably go through a lot of tissues before the game ends!

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a truly exceptional JRPG, boasting a stunning soundtrack (especially the track “Drifting Soul”), beautiful anime-style cutscenes, and a remarkably well-written story. It’s considered one of the best narratives in the genre, and it’s powerfully emotional throughout – not just at the ending. The game earns its emotional impact by carefully building up every moment and delivering them with skill. If you’re looking for a single, deeply moving JRPG experience, Monolith Soft’s masterpiece is the one to choose. It’s my personal favorite for this reason, and I won’t soon forget its most impactful story moments.

What JRPGs have brought tears to your eyes? Share your experiences and discuss them with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-27 16:14