Ultimate Action JRPG Co-op Guide 2026 (Best Games)
What are the best action JRPGs with multiplayer features? The top action JRPGs for playing with friends include Sea of Stars (with its new 3-player co-op), Granblue Fantasy: Relink (4-player online quests), Dragon’s Crown Pro (4-player local/online), and classic titles like Secret of Mana that pioneered co-op JRPG gameplay.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about action JRPGs with multiplayer features from hundreds of hours playing these games with friends, including setup guides, cross-platform compatibility details, and the latest 2026 updates that have transformed the co-op landscape. Whether you’re looking for multiplayer PS5 games or comprehensive games to play with friends, this guide covers the essential action JRPG experiences.
| Game Feature | What You’ll Learn | Player Count |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Co-op Releases | 2024-2025 multiplayer JRPGs | 2-4 Players |
| Setup Guides | Quick connection methods | Local & Online |
| Cross-Platform Details | Platform compatibility info | Various |
Top Action JRPGs for Multiplayer Gaming in 2026
After testing dozens of JRPGs with my gaming group over the years, I’ve found that the best multiplayer experiences come from games that balance story progression with cooperative gameplay. The landscape has changed dramatically in March 2026, with major titles either adding or removing multiplayer features in surprising ways.
Sea of Stars – The Game-Changing Co-op Update
Sea of Stars completely transformed its multiplayer offering with the Dawn of Equinox update in November 2024. I was honestly shocked when Sabotage Studio announced they were adding 3-player local co-op to what was originally a single-player experience. Having played through the entire campaign both solo and with friends, I can confirm this update elevates the game to must-play status for co-op JRPG fans.
The co-op implementation in Sea of Stars is brilliant. Players can drop in and out seamlessly, with the second and third players controlling party members during exploration and combat. The new Co-op Timed Hits mechanic adds a layer of coordination that makes battles feel fresh even on repeat playthroughs. What impressed me most is how the difficulty scales properly – playing with friends doesn’t make the game trivially easy.
Setup Instructions: Starting co-op in Sea of Stars is refreshingly simple. From the main menu, select your save file and enable local co-op. Additional controllers can join immediately, no progression requirements needed. The game supports up to three players locally on all platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
The upcoming Throes of the Watchmaker DLC (Spring 2025) will also support the co-op features, extending the multiplayer experience even further. With over 5 million players already, finding friends to play with shouldn’t be an issue.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – The Online Co-op Powerhouse
Granblue Fantasy: Relink arrived in 2024 as one of the most polished online co-op experiences I’ve encountered in a JRPG. While the story mode remains single-player only (a disappointment, I’ll admit), the Quest Counter provides endless multiplayer content for up to 4 players online.
I’ve spent over 100 hours in Relink’s multiplayer, and the quest variety keeps things engaging. From boss raids to material gathering missions, each quest type requires different strategies and team compositions. The communication system deserves special mention – even without voice chat, the sticker and emote system works perfectly for coordination. The Link Attacks and Chain Burst mechanics create spectacular moments when your team syncs up properly.
Platform Requirements: PC players on Steam can jump straight into online play, but PlayStation users need an active PlayStation Plus subscription. There’s no cross-platform support, which fragmented my friend group initially. We all ended up on PC for the smoother matchmaking and no subscription fees.
Getting Started: After completing the prologue (roughly 2-3 hours), you’ll unlock the Quest Counter in Folca. From there, you can either create a room with a code for friends or use matchmaking for random players. I recommend starting with easier quests to learn the multiplayer mechanics before tackling the extreme difficulty content.
Dragon’s Crown Pro – The Cross-Generation Champion
Dragon’s Crown Pro remains my go-to recommendation for games to play with friends who appreciate traditional 2D action RPGs. What sets it apart in 2026 is the remarkable cross-play support between PS3, PS4, and PS Vita – a feature that’s still rare in modern gaming.
The game supports 4-player co-op both locally and online, though you’ll need to invest 4-5 hours in single-player before unlocking online features. This initially frustrated our group, but the payoff is worth it. The combat depth reveals itself in multiplayer, with each of the six classes offering distinct playstyles that complement each other beautifully.
I’ve completed the game with every class, and the Dwarf-Elf-Wizard-Amazon combination remains unbeatable for tackling the hardest dungeons. The drop-in/drop-out system works flawlessly – perfect for those gaming sessions where friends have varying schedules.
Pro Tip: The Storyteller Voice Pack DLC comes included with the Pro version and adds significant atmosphere to multiplayer sessions. The narrator’s commentary during chaotic 4-player battles never gets old.
Classic Co-op JRPGs That Still Hold Up
Secret of Mana – The Pioneer That Started It All
Secret of Mana deserves recognition as the grandfather of co-op JRPGs. Originally released for the SNES, it’s now widely available through the Collection of Mana on modern platforms. I still remember the first time I played this with two friends back in the day – it was revolutionary to have three players adventuring together in a JRPG.
The modern Collection of Mana version maintains the original’s 3-player local co-op perfectly. Players control Randi, Primm, and Popoi as they journey to restore the Mana Sword. The real-time combat system holds up surprisingly well, and the ring menu system prevents the inventory management from becoming chaotic with multiple players.
Setup Note: On the original SNES, you needed the Super Multitap accessory for three players. Modern versions handle this through standard additional controllers. The drop-in/drop-out feature means friends can join your adventure at any point, taking control of the AI companions.
Tales Series – The Complicated Relationship with Co-op
The Tales series has a frustrating relationship with multiplayer that perfectly exemplifies the current state of JRPG co-op. Older titles like Tales of Symphonia offered full campaign co-op during battles, letting friends control party members in combat. I spent countless hours playing Symphonia with my brother, each of us mastering different characters’ combos.
Tales of Berseria maintained this tradition with battle-only co-op, which worked well enough. However, Tales of Arise completely removed multiplayer features, focusing instead on AI-controlled Boost Strikes. Producer Yusuke Tomizawa confirmed this was intentional to enhance story and character interactions, but the community backlash was immediate and justified.
The silver lining? Dedicated modders have created an unofficial multiplayer mod for Tales of Arise on PC. While I haven’t tested it extensively, the community reports it works reasonably well for those desperate to play the latest Tales game cooperatively.
Platform-Exclusive and Limited Co-op Options 2026
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox – PC’s Hidden Gem
Here’s something most guides miss: Ys IX has a PC-exclusive co-op feature that transforms the experience. The drop-in/drop-out multiplayer lets a second player control party members during exploration and combat. I discovered this accidentally when my friend grabbed a controller during my playthrough, and suddenly we were both controlling characters.
The implementation isn’t perfect – camera issues during platforming sections can be frustrating when two players are moving in different directions. However, for combat and general exploration, it works surprisingly well. The Monstrum abilities add a unique twist to co-op gameplay that you won’t find in other JRPGs.
Phantasy Star Online Series – The MMO Alternative
While technically an MMO, Phantasy Star Online deserves mention for JRPG fans seeking multiplayer experiences. The original supported 12 players and created a template that influenced countless action RPGs. Modern entries like Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis continue this legacy with massive multiplayer support and cross-platform compatibility between PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
I’ve played PSO2 since its Western launch, and the ability to tackle urgent quests with 11 other players creates epic moments you can’t experience in traditional co-op JRPGs. The action combat system feels more like a character action game than a typical MMO, making it perfect for action JRPG enthusiasts.
Setting Up Multiplayer: A Practical Guide
Local Co-op Configuration
Setting up local co-op has become significantly easier in 2026. Most modern JRPGs with local multiplayer support standard plug-and-play for additional controllers. Here’s my tested setup process:
For Console Gaming: Simply connect additional controllers before launching the game. Games like Sea of Stars and Secret of Mana will automatically detect them. Enable co-op from the game’s menu, and additional players can join by pressing a button during gameplay.
For PC Gaming: Steam’s controller configuration makes this painless. I use a mix of Xbox and PlayStation controllers without issues. For games that don’t natively support multiple controllers, Steam’s Remote Play Together feature can simulate local co-op over the internet – I’ve used this successfully for older Tales games.
Online Multiplayer Requirements
Online multiplayer in JRPGs often comes with platform-specific requirements that can catch you off guard:
PlayStation: PlayStation Plus subscription required for most online features. Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Dragon’s Crown Pro both need active subscriptions. The exception is free-to-play games like Phantasy Star Online 2.
Xbox: Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate needed for online play. The good news is many JRPGs are included in Game Pass, making this a solid value.
PC/Steam: Generally no additional subscriptions required. This is why my group primarily games on PC now – the lack of subscription fees for online play makes coordinating sessions easier.
Nintendo Switch: Nintendo Switch Online required for online multiplayer. The family plan option makes this affordable when split among friends.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: The Current State
Cross-platform play remains frustratingly rare in action JRPGs. Unlike Monster Hunter Stories 2’s lack of cross-platform support, some games are making progress, but we’re far from the seamless ecosystem that competitive multiplayer games enjoy.
Dragon’s Crown Pro offers the best cross-generation play, supporting PS3, PS4, and Vita simultaneously. This is exceptional for a game released years ago and shows what’s technically possible. Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis provides true cross-platform play across all major platforms, proving it’s feasible for action JRPGs.
The frustrating reality is that most JRPG developers prioritize platform exclusivity over player convenience. Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s lack of cross-platform support split our friend group, forcing everyone to choose the same platform. In 2026, this feels archaic when games like Fortnite and Minecraft offer seamless cross-platform experiences.
For more comprehensive information about cross-platform gaming options, check out our guide to the best cross-platform games available in 2026.
Community Mods and Unofficial Solutions
The JRPG community’s dedication to multiplayer has produced impressive unofficial solutions. The Tales of Arise multiplayer mod stands as the most ambitious example, adding co-op to a game explicitly designed without it. While these mods require technical knowledge to install, they demonstrate the demand for multiplayer JRPGs.
I’ve also experimented with Parsec and Steam Remote Play for games without native online multiplayer. These streaming solutions work surprisingly well for turn-based or slower-paced JRPGs, though action-heavy games can suffer from input lag. For Secret of Mana or similar classics, this approach opens up online play where none existed before.
The Future of Multiplayer JRPGs
The landscape for multiplayer JRPGs in 2026 presents both exciting opportunities and disappointing setbacks. Sea of Stars proved that post-launch multiplayer additions can revitalize games and expand their audience. The success of this update might encourage other developers to consider similar additions.
However, the Tales of Arise situation reveals a concerning trend where major franchises abandon their multiplayer heritage for “artistic vision.” This disconnect between developer intentions and player desires suggests the genre is at a crossroads.
Looking ahead to late 2026 and beyond, several promising titles are on the horizon. The Throes of the Watchmaker DLC for Sea of Stars will expand co-op content, and rumors suggest more classic JRPGs might receive the collection treatment with multiplayer intact.
Tips for Maximizing Your Co-op JRPG Experience
After years of coordinating JRPG sessions with friends, I’ve learned several strategies to enhance the multiplayer experience:
Character Specialization: In games like Dragon’s Crown Pro or Granblue Fantasy: Relink, have each player master different characters. This creates better team synergy and keeps subsequent playthroughs fresh.
Communication Setup: Even for games with good in-game communication (like Granblue’s sticker system), I recommend Discord or party chat for complex encounters. The ability to coordinate strategies in real-time dramatically improves success rates in difficult content.
Progress Synchronization: For games with progression requirements (like Dragon’s Crown Pro’s online unlock), coordinate your single-player progress. Nothing kills momentum like one player being hours behind in unlocks.
Platform Decisions: Before committing to a platform, verify everyone’s subscription status and preferences. We learned this the hard way with Granblue Fantasy: Relink when half our group bought it on PlayStation and half on PC.
Expanding Your Multiplayer Gaming Library
While action JRPGs with multiplayer features remain relatively niche, the broader multiplayer gaming landscape offers plenty of alternatives. If you’re looking to expand beyond JRPGs, consider exploring our comprehensive guide to the best multiplayer games of all time, which includes various genres that might appeal to JRPG fans.
For console-specific recommendations, our best multiplayer PS5 games guide covers excellent co-op experiences across different genres, including several action RPGs that might scratch that JRPG itch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which action JRPG has the best online multiplayer in 2026?
Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers the most polished online multiplayer experience with its 4-player quest system, excellent matchmaking, and robust communication tools. While the story remains single-player, the endless quest content and regular updates make it the best choice for dedicated online co-op.
Can you play JRPGs cooperatively on the same screen?
Yes, several JRPGs support same-screen local co-op. Sea of Stars (3 players), Secret of Mana (3 players), and Dragon’s Crown Pro (4 players) all offer excellent couch co-op experiences. These games handle screen sharing intelligently, keeping all players visible during exploration and combat.
Why don’t more modern JRPGs include multiplayer features?
Developers often cite narrative focus and development complexity as reasons for excluding multiplayer. Tales of Arise’s producer specifically mentioned wanting to enhance story and character interactions without multiplayer constraints. However, the success of games like Sea of Stars’ co-op update suggests this might be changing.
Are there any upcoming JRPGs with confirmed multiplayer?
The Throes of the Watchmaker DLC for Sea of Stars (Spring 2025) will include full co-op support. Additionally, several indie JRPGs in development have announced multiplayer features, though release dates remain uncertain. The success of recent co-op implementations might encourage more developers to include these features.
Do you need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live for local co-op?
No, local co-op never requires online subscriptions. You only need PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live Gold, or Nintendo Switch Online for online multiplayer features. This makes local co-op the most accessible option for multiplayer JRPG gaming.
Final Thoughts on Multiplayer Action JRPGs
The action JRPG multiplayer scene in 2026 offers more variety than ever, despite some disappointing omissions from major franchises. From Sea of Stars’ revolutionary post-launch co-op addition to Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s polished online experience, there’s something for every type of multiplayer preference.
My personal recommendation? Start with Sea of Stars if you want local co-op storytelling, dive into Granblue Fantasy: Relink for online quest grinding, and keep Dragon’s Crown Pro in your library for when you want that classic beat-em-up JRPG fusion. The key is finding the right game for your group’s preferences and platform availability.
The future of multiplayer JRPGs remains uncertain, but the passionate community and successful recent implementations give me hope. Whether through official updates, dedicated mods, or new releases, JRPG fans who want to adventure together have more options than ever – you just need to know where to look and how to set them up properly.
Remember that the multiplayer gaming landscape is constantly evolving. Keep checking our cross-platform gaming guides for the latest updates on compatibility and new releases that might support the co-op JRPG experiences you’re seeking.