The best anime games often pull inspiration from a wide variety of other subgenres and niches, usually focusing on RPG mechanics and memorable characters. Some might feature beloved faces from existing franchises, while others may conjure up their own unique worlds and characters.
To help you add to your library, we’ve handpicked the top 10 best anime video games on the market, including everything from Switch titles to PC gems.
Key Takeaways
- If you have a favorite anime, chances are that there’s an anime game with your favorite characters to add to your library.
- The term ‘best anime video games’ isn’t one-size-fits-all. Anime games are usually multi-genre experiences with strong stories and memorable characters.
- Some anime games can feature heavy topics or themes, so it’s best to double-check their content warnings before picking them up.
- Anime titles can be enjoyed on everything from PCs and Nintendo Switch to mobile devices and the Xbox Series X.
- While it’s not a necessity for the genre, some of the best anime games of all time have developed cult followings thanks to their Gacha mechanics.
10 Best Anime Games to Play in 2024
10. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
The remaster of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is breathtaking. Source: Steam.
Highlights: JRPG adventure with beautiful, Ghibli-esque graphics
Developer: Level 5 Inc., QLOC
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Availability & Cost: $49.99 on PlayStation; $49.99 on Xbox; $49.99 on Steam; $49.99 on Nintendo eShop
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, you can’t skip this. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a delightful experience that meshes classic fairytale motifs with unique fantasy RPG elements.
While the story is an obvious draw, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has plenty to offer in terms of combat, too. It mixes turn-based combat features with real-time mechanics, creating a unique gameplay style that’s well worth experiencing.
If you’re a fantasy RPG fan who wants a game without many heavy themes, this is a must-have for your digital library. While it’s available on consoles and plays well on them, we consider Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch to be one of the best anime games on Steam for its dazzling visuals.
9. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Arguably one of the most immersive and memorable Dragon Quest games. Source: Steam.
Highlights: Immersive, story-rich JRPG
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Availability & Cost: $39.99 on PlayStation; $39.99 on Xbox; $39,99 on Steam; $59.99 on Nintendo eShop
The Dragon Quest franchise is packed with incredible titles, but this iteration of Dragon Quest XI is arguably one of its best offerings. Complete with strategic, turn-based combat, a magical story, and a party-based RPG system, DQXI is a joy.
Featuring a world on the brink of destruction, an ominous prophecy, and a roster of interesting characters, this Dragon Quest title is a perfect pick for any diehard fantasy fans. It offers bags of customization options for players, too, meaning you can fit the game to your preferences. It’s one of the best anime RPG games you can play in 2024.
8. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Highlights: 2.5D fighter with iconic artwork
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Availability & Cost: $59.99 on PlayStation; $59.99 on Xbox; $59.99 via Steam; $59.99 on Nintendo eShop
If you’re a dedicated anime fan, chances are that you’ve heard of Dragon Ball FighterZ. Since its release in 2018, this game has retained a cult following of fans – and it’s easy to see why people love it so much. It’s easily one of the best anime fighting games available in 2024.
With incredible artwork and punchy gameplay, this is an exceptional fighter to sink some hours into. It’s not as complex as some mainstream fighting games, so it’s a great pick for newer fans of the button-mashing genre.
7. Doki Doki Literature Club
Highlights: Horror visual novel with dating simulator elements
Developer: Team Salvato
Publisher: Team Salvato
Availability: Free on Steam; $14.99 on PlayStation; $14.99 on Xbox; $14.99 on Nintendo eShop
Don’t be swayed by the seemingly cute aesthetic of Doki Doki Literature Club – it’s dark, depressing, and quite unsettling. It’s one of the best anime games on PC for horror fans and best played going in as blind as possible.
That being said, it’s a must-play visual novel for anime fans who can stomach psychological horror and upsetting themes. The story centers around a literature club (unsurprisingly) and the main character’s interactions with Sayori, Natsuki, Yuri, and Monika.
This game isn’t what it appears at first glance, which is why it did the rounds in the YouTube horror scene when it first came out. On top of this, it’s free.
6. Persona 3 Reload
Highlights: Unforgettable JRPG with a dark, compelling story
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Sega
Availability: $69.99 on PlayStation; $69.99 on Xbox; $69.99 on Steam; $19.99 on Nintendo eShop (Persona 3 Portable)
Persona is an impressive franchise that’s worth playing in its entirety if you have the time and resources. If you want to jump into one of the best anime RPG games, then Persona 3 Reload doesn’t disappoint.
It’s a party-based JRPG that places an equal emphasis on its mysterious story, memorable characters, and strategic combat. With smooth graphics and over 60 hours of game time to chew on – or close to 100 if you’re a completionist – there’s a lot to love with this entry.
Read our full Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis review for more information.
5. Honkai: Star Rail
Highlights: Strategic RPG with a Gacha system
Developer: miHoYo
Publisher: miHoYo
Availability: Free on Epic Games; Free on PlayStation
Alongside Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail is a Gacha-centric RPG with a vibrant roster of characters and an intriguing turn-based style of play. It’s aesthetically stunning with a celestial theme. It’s easily one of the best turn-based anime games on the market, rivaling even what the best JRPGs can offer.
With plenty of in-game events and an incredibly dedicated community, Honkai: Star Rail is a brilliant game to dive into as an anime lover. While some elements are paid, you can have plenty of fun with Honkai: Star Rail as a free-to-play gamer, so it’s worth taking it for a spin.
We recommend checking out the best Honkai: Star Rail codes to get ahead, and our dedicated feature will help you learn all about the Honkai: Star Rail 2.5 update.
4. WitchSpring R
Highlights: Story-rich RPG with turn-based combat and puzzles
Developer: Kimiwalks
Publisher: Kimiwalks
Availability & Cost: $39.99 on PlayStation; $39.99 on Steam; $39.99 on Nintendo eShop
If you’re hoping to stock your library with the best anime games on Switch, you can’t leave WitchSpring R off your list. It’s deeply immersive and has a fantastic story, along with a rich turn-based combat system.
This game follows the story of a young witch named Pieberry as she attempts to find out why she was abandoned in the woods. It manages to be whimsical and charming while covering some upsetting and dark themes.
The combat is detailed and strategic, with some boss fights that’ll test even the most experienced of turn-based RPG lovers. There’s a creature-catcher element to explore, with various familiars that offer unique powers and abilities. WitchSpring R is part of a wider franchise, but it’s a perfect standalone game, too.
3. Genshin Impact
Highlights: Free-to-play, open-world multiplayer RPG
Developer: miHoYo
Publisher: miHoYo
Availability: Free on Epic Games; Free on PlayStation; Free on App Store; Free on Google Play
While there are paid elements to Genshin Impact, it’s largely considered to be one of the best free anime games thanks to its wide variety of characters, mesmerizing story, and immersive gameplay style.
It’s a vast open-world RPG that can be enjoyed solo or with friends. The combat is particularly fun, emphasizing switching characters and using intricate elemental abilities. For more, read the list of the best Genshin Impact characters, and check out what’s new in the Genshin Impact 5.0 update.
2. Pokemon Legends Arceus
Highlights: Immersive creature-catcher RPG
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Availability & Cost: $59.99 on Nintendo eShop
Pokémon Legends Arceus is one of the best Pokémon games in history.
Despite it being a few years old at the time of writing this article, fans are still flocking to it, eagerly awaiting the next entry in the Legends line with Pokémon Legends Z-A.
This creature-catcher RPG offers a fresh take on the typical Pokémon experience, making the Pocket Monsters feel genuinely threatening and telling an engaging – if slightly out there – story that’ll have you hooked until the end.
With time travel, giant boss Pokémon, and a smartphone gifted to you by god themself, PLA is a magical addition to the beloved franchise. It’s among the best anime games on Switch for good reason; a perfect starting point for the franchise as well.
1. Final Fantasy XIV Online
Highlights: Legendary fantasy MMORPG with PvP and PvE
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Availability: $9.99 on Steam (Starter Edition); $19.99 on PlayStation; $19.99 on Xbox
Final Fantasy XIV Online is one of the most popular games in the franchise, offering a mass multiplayer take on the classic RPG format. It’s visually striking and undeniably one of the best anime games with character creators to help you bring your digital self to life.
One of the best things about Final Fantasy XIV Online is its bustling community. The content varies drastically from challenging dungeons and raids, to mass-scale PvP and intricate quests, so you’ll never run out of things to do. It’s the best anime MMO you can play and a must-play for anyone interested in the genre.
More of the Best Anime Games to Play in 2024
A bite-sized take on the ever-popular trading card game with an addictive gameplay loop that’ll keep you coming back for more. It’s not as complex as the full TCG, but it still offers plenty of challenges and rewards. Cost: Free
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, tactical RPG, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an essential game to add to your library. The story is engaging and the roster of characters is incredibly memorable.
A masterclass in combining a rich, dystopian story with punchy and challenging combat. With a stellar soundtrack and meticulously crafted world, NieR: Automata is a one-of-a-kind experience. Cost: $39.99.
An incredible power fantasy JRPG, Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance is a must-play for fans of celestial and demonic themes. Cost: $59.99
One part visual novel and one part RPG, Digimon Survive is one of the most compelling Digimon video games ever made. Cost: $49.99
The Bottom Line
The sheer variety that anime fans have to pick from when shopping for anime games in 2024 is remarkable.
While some of the best anime games on Steam and similar platforms might seem hard to get into as a gamer who doesn’t usually watch anime, they’re worth giving a chance. Some of the entries in this list have dazzled the gaming community with their intricate mechanics and captivating stories, and others are simply the perfect companion to a memorable show.
FAQs
What is the best anime-based game?
What is the most bought anime game?
What are the big three anime games?
Are any anime games co-op?
What developers make anime games?
What is the most popular anime game ever made?
References
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered (Playstation)
- Buy Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch™ Remastered | Xbox (Xbox)
- Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch™ Remastered on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
- DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (Playstation)
- Buy DRAGON QUEST® XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ – Definitive Edition | Xbox (Xbox)
- DRAGON QUEST® XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ – Definitive Edition on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- DRAGON QUEST® XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
- DRAGON BALL FighterZ PS4 & PS5 (Playstation)
- Buy DRAGON BALL FighterZ (Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) | Xbox (Xbox)
- DRAGON BALL FighterZ on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
- Doki Doki Literature Club! on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (Store.playstation)
- Buy Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! | Xbox (Xbox)
- Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
- Persona 3 Reload PS4 & PS5 (Store.playstation)
- Buy Persona 3 Reload | Xbox (Xbox)
- Persona 3 Reload on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Persona 3 Portable for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
- Honkai: Star Rail | Download and Play for Free – Epic Games Store (Store.epicgames)
- Honkai: Star Rail – PS5 Games | PlayStation (UK) (Playstation)
- WitchSpring R (Store.playstation)
- WitchSpring R on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- WitchSpring R for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site (Nintendo)
- Genshin Impact | Download and Play for Free – Epic Games Store (Store.epicgames)
- Genshin Impact – PS4 & PS5 games | PlayStation (UK) (Playstation)
- Genshin Impact: Natlan Launch on the App Store (Apps.apple)
- Genshin Impact: Natlan Launch – Apps on Google Play (Play.google)
- Pokémon™ Legends: Arceus– Official Site (Nintendo)
- FINAL FANTASY XIV Online on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Final Fantasy XIV Online – PS4 & PS5 Games | PlayStation (US) (Playstation)
- FINAL FANTASY XIV Online | Xbox (Xbox)
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Save 60% on NieR:Automata™ on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on Steam (Store.steampowered)
- Digimon Survive on Steam (Store.steampowered)