What Makes a JRPG "Most Anticipated" in 2027?
We believe the 2027 JRPG release calendar has the potential to be the most important in recent history. We countdown 10 releases based on estimated release dates, the importance the series have in relation to the JRPG genre, and the editorial conviction fueled by playing almost all JRPGs in existence.
When it comes to ranking these games, we consider 4 main things: confirmation status, the size of the fanbase for the franchise, development momentum by the studio, and our own enthusiasm based on the trailer, interviews, and overall development of the game. For games that have been announced and confirmed, we indicate this as such, and for games that are still in the rumor stage, we indicate this with unconfirmed.
This countdown is for cross platform JRPGs that will come out (or we hope will come out) in 2027. For a broader overview of the genre, check out best RPGs of all time. We countdown from 10 to 1 and save the best for last. Last updated on 2026-05-20 it is planned to be updated again in the last quarter to move confirmed games to the front and remove games that are confirmed to not release.
#10 — Sea of Stars 2 (Rumored/Unconfirmed)
While there hasn't been an official announcement from Sabotage Studios about their next game, we know the first Sea of Stars sold over six million copies and the studio has been hinting at an expanded story content. The game blended pixel art that was once compared to late 80's and early 90's Square Enix games, and was super stunning, and it also included combat like in Chrono Trigger. Looking at the development timeline, a sequel is set to release in 2027, and with Sabotage's history of indie excellence with The Messenger and Sea of Stars, we are certain that this game will not be an exception. There is no official trailer or anything along those lines, just some patterns and rumors, which is why we have this at ten.
#9 — SaGa Emerald Beyond II (Rumored/Unconfirmed)
The SaGa series by Square Enix doesn’t get nearly the marketing budget that Final Fantasy gets, but it's evolved with it's fans over the last fifty years. SaGa Emerald Beyond was released in 2024 with positive reviews that praised its multi-protagonist story system and combinatorial system. Other SaGa games typically get sequels within two to three years of their initial release, and Emerald Beyond producer Akitoshi Kawazu has expressed interest in other stories within that universe. Though no announcements have been made, a release in 2027 would be on schedule.
#8 — Octopath Traveler III (Rumored/Unconfirmed)
Octopath Traveler II did a lot to reshape Western perceptions of turn-based JRPGs. It's selling well, the same engine is being used for the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and a number of other projects at Square Enix. The series has a cycle of about three years between entries, and so that puts Octopath Traveler III at 2027. JRPG project lead Masashi Takahashi is quoted saying the team is “considering” it, which in developer-speak means active talks about it.
#7 — Ys XI (Likely/Pattern-Based)
The Ys series by Nihon Falcom has a predictable schedule of 2-3 years between new releases. With Ys X: Nordics shipping this year and the expansion Nordics: Lacrimosa set for 2025, Ys XI will fall right on 2027. President of Falcom, Toshihiro Kondo, confirmed at Bitsummit 2024 that there are multiple new projects being developed. This includes a new title featuring Adol Christin, one of the longest standing protagonists in video game history. The series also continues to achieve 80-85 ratings on review aggregator sites for its action combat.
#6 — Tales of (Next Mainline Entry)
Tales of Arise was one of the biggest commercial hits of the 2020s for the Tales series and sold over three million copies. It also revived commercial momentum for the franchise. Producer Yusuke Tomizawa said the next main line Tales game is in the works with an emphasis on modernizing the series' combat systems. The franchise tends to have four to five year gaps between major installments, so the next game will likely be released in 2026-2027. While no subtitle has been released, job postings show that Bandai Namco is aiming for 2027 reveal trailers at the earliest.
#5 — Project Re Fantasy (Confirmed/Announced)
The high-fantasy JRPG from Studio Zero was revealed in 2017, with very little information coming out after that time period. In 2023, director Katsura Hashino (of the Persona 3, 4, and 5 franchises) provided a development update. The team focused on the development of Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024) but Re Fantasy is still being worked on. The 2027 release window is consistent with how Atlus rotates their studios. Since this is Hashino's first new IP outside of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, this has become one of the most exciting original JRPG announcements in a long time.
#4 — Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate (Confirmed/Announced)
Square Enix has been developing Dragon Quest XII for a long time and just opened recruiting for the project. They've been developing the game for a long time and opened recruiting for the project. A leaked internal document states the game will release in 2027. Yuji Horii, creator of the series, expressed that the new entry will have a darker tone compared to Dragon Quest XI. He stated it will have a more mature narrative due to the demographic of the target audience being older. The subtitle “The Flames of Fate” was announced in 2021 alongside the confirmation of Unreal Engine 5 being utilized for development in 2023. Dragon Quest XI sold over six million copies, and regardless of when it releases, DQ XII will have a top five JRPG launch event.
#3 — The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak III (Confirmed/Announced)
Nihon Falcom's Trails series has had almost yearly releases in Japan, with Daybreak III coming out in Japan in late 2026. Because Western localizations come out 12-18 months after the initial Japanese release, Daybreak III will be released in the West sometime in 2027. The Trails series has one of the most complex narrative universes in the history of JRPGs, with over a dozen titles and hundreds of characters. With Daybreak III, we will see the continuation of Van Arkride's story in the Calvard Republic, and as per the leaks, we will get more options for combat customization and multi-party battles.
#2 — Persona 6 (Rumored/Unconfirmed)
Ever since Persona 5 Royal finished its sales cycle, the most rumored Persona game in the last three years has been Persona 6. With Atlus being quiet, the entire industry expects a teaser/reveal to come soon. They've also been posting job listings that reference a “next-gen Persona project.” Recently, series director Katsura Hashino has shifted to Project Re Fantasy while Persona 5 director Naoya Maeda is rumored to be directing Persona 6. A 2027 release is consistent with the series' pattern of 6-7 year release gaps. The first teaser for Persona 6 is expected to drop in late 2026. Until then, fans will have to continue waiting.
#1 — Final Fantasy VII Part 3 (Confirmed/Announced)
Square Enix revealed the release of Final Fantasy VII Part 3 for 2027. Producer Yoshinori Kitase confirmed this news in several interviews. Final Fantasy VII Part 3 is an extension to the series which will allow players to address the Whispers, the fate of Aerith, and the diverge storylines from the original 1997 timeline. The Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy has set the industry standard for AAA JRPG productions. The series blends real-time action combat with the classic ATB (Active Time Battle) system that allows for tactical gameplay. Rebirth was able to offer an open-world experience at the Gold Saucer which provides more game content than other complete JRPGs. Therefore, Part 3 will be the largest single final fantasy ever created. With respect to the franchise, every Final Fantasy ranked exemplifies the legacy this game has to build on.
FAQ — Common Questions About 2027 JRPGs
There are three additional names we want to recognize before getting to our top 10 JRPGs. The long awaited release of Bravely Default III has been confirmed by leaks referring to Square Enix internal discussions about its development. BRavely Default III will continue to expand on Bravely Default II's expansive job system. The remasters of Suikoden I and II are being released in 2025. Additional Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes sequels have been hinted to be in production by 505 Games. Granblue Fantasy: Relink 2 was confirmed by Cygames, but due to their inconsistent track record of releasing sequels it's looking more likely for 2028 rather than 2027. Cygames will likely not release it until 2028.
What other big JRPG will be released in 2027?
The confirmed JRPG releases of 2027 include Final Fantasy VII Part 3, Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, Atlus' Project Re Fantasy, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak III (during the Western release), and most probably Ys XI by Nihon Falcom. Rumored but highly likely JRPGs include Persona 6, Octopath Traveler III, the next mainline Tales of, and SaGa Emerald Beyond II.
When will Persona 6 come out?
As of May 2026, there is no official release date or announcement for Persona 6. Given the recruitment posts by Atlus and recent patterns of series cadence, it is reasonable to pinpoint a late 2027 release. The trailer reveal will likely drop in late 2026 or early 2027. Persona 5 was released in 2016 and has an eight year gap, aligning with series tradition for mainline entries.
Is Final Fantasy 7 Part 3 the last game in the trilogy?
Yes, Final Fantasy VII Part 3 is the final installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. Producer Yoshinori Kitase has mentioned that this game will tackle the storylines from Remake and Rebirth, and answer questions about the Whispers, the original timeline divergence, and the fate of Aerith. Square Enix has not announced any new FF7-universe projects besides Part 3.
Which 2027 JRPG should I play first?
Considering accessibility and series approachability, Project Re Fantasy is where we recommend starting if you want a brand-new IP with no required backstory. For newcomers to the series, you can expect classic JRPG mechanics and seamless turn-based combat in Dragon Quest XII. To follow the storyline in Final Fantasy VII Part 3, you are required to play Remake (2020) and Rebirth (2024) first.
Methodology and Sources
The editorial team at Icicle Disaster, after analyzing the official communications from Square Enix, Atlus, Bandai Namco, Falcom, and Sabotage Studio, industry interviews, and confirmed leaks, created this ranking. For games that are rumored, the predicted release windows are based on a combination of developer cadence, recruitment posts, and patents, if applicable. Games that have only had brief mentions or are based on social media speculation have been excluded. For our more extensive coverage of cross-platform franchises, we recommend best Square Enix JRPGs, best Atlus games ranked, every Persona game ranked, best Falcom games ranked, and all 2024 JRPG release dates for context on how the most recent calendars compared. This list will be updated in Q4 2026 when more confirmed releases and 2027 reveals become available.