At the recent G-Star 2025 conference in South Korea, Katsura Hashino, director of the acclaimed Metaphor: ReFantazio and the last three mainline entries in the Persona series, outlined his vision for the future of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). Hashino proposed a transformative shift he refers to as “JRPG 3.0,” marking a departure from traditional combat systems that have characterized the genre for decades.
Hashino asserts that the JRPG genre is currently in its 2.0 phase, which has been defined by a gradual evolution in design and mechanics. He believes that the genre’s future lies in a more profound shift, particularly in how combat is approached. While he did not specify exactly what “JRPG 3.0” will entail, he noted that the change is already evident in the evolving combat systems seen in recent titles.
One prominent example is Metaphor: ReFantazio, released in 2024, which introduced a hybrid combat system that deviates from the strictly turn-based mechanics found in previous Persona games, such as Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 Royal. In this new game, players experience a blend of active, real-time combat alongside the option to switch to turn-based mode, allowing for strategic depth. This innovation is significant, as it enhances player engagement while maintaining the tactical elements that fans appreciate.
Another notable title contributing to this shift is Nihon Falcom’s The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak, released two years prior to Metaphor. This game marked a departure from the longstanding turn-based tradition of the Trails series. Its hybrid combat system allows for seamless transitions between real-time and turn-based modes, a change that has since been incorporated into all subsequent entries, including remakes like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter.
While both games utilize hybrid combat, they differentiate themselves by reserving turn-based combat for critical story-driven encounters. Regular enemy battles can be fought in real-time, creating a sense of urgency and excitement, while significant narrative moments demand a more thoughtful, strategic approach through turn-based mechanics. This design philosophy emphasizes the importance of combat within the broader narrative, ensuring that players can fully engage with the story’s stakes when facing formidable foes.
The shift away from traditional turn-based combat has been a response to long-standing critiques regarding the slow pace and grind of many JRPGs. New titles are being crafted to provide more meaningful experiences, focusing on moments that matter in the overarching narrative rather than repetitive battles against low-level enemies. By allowing players to engage in faster-paced combat when appropriate, these games effectively highlight the importance of strategy during climactic encounters.
Other titles, such as Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, also showcase innovative approaches to combat. In Dragon Quest 7, players can choose to engage or avoid enemies on the field, while Monster Hunter Stories 3 allows players to expedite battles against previously defeated foes. These developments indicate a broader trend within the genre toward creating more dynamic and engaging combat experiences.
As the JRPG landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be embraced by more established studios or new entrants to the market. Last year’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which featured its own hybrid combat system, has already made waves in the industry.
The creative minds behind these titles are undoubtedly pushing the boundaries of what JRPGs can be. Observers will be keenly watching how these innovations shape the genre’s future and whether they signal the beginning of a significant cultural shift in one of the oldest forms of video gaming.
