Tales of Arise is a bold reimagining of the long-running Tales franchise, introducing a darker tone, modern combat systems, and a rich narrative that rivals the best RPGs on the market. Whether you’re completely new to the series or returning after a long break, Tales of Arise offers a fresh starting point with its own standalone story, new world, and a complete graphical and mechanical overhaul.
Before you jump into the lands of Dahna and Rena, here’s everything you need to know—from gameplay mechanics and combat strategy to lore, party dynamics, and what makes this entry special.
A New World, A Fresh Story
Unlike some other entries in the Tales franchise, Tales of Arise does not require prior knowledge of previous games. It introduces a completely new world with its own characters, lore, and political history. The setting revolves around two planets—Dahna and Rena. For centuries, Rena has ruled over Dahna, exploiting its resources and enslaving its people.
You play as Alphen, a Dahnan slave who cannot feel pain and has no memory of his past. His journey begins when he meets Shionne, a Renan noble cursed to harm anyone she touches. Together, they embark on a mission to overthrow the five Renan lords who govern Dahna. Along the way, they’re joined by other memorable characters like Rinwell, Law, Dohalim, and Kisara—each with their own backstories and motivations.
The story is emotional, political, and surprisingly mature, exploring themes like class division, cultural trauma, and rebellion. It builds momentum with each chapter, culminating in moments that feel earned and impactful.
Engaging and Fluid Combat System
Tales of Arise features a real-time combat system that focuses on speed, precision, and combo chaining. The game uses the signature Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS), but it’s faster and more modern than ever before.
Each character has their own unique fighting style. Alphen is a sword-based brawler who uses flaming attacks at the cost of his own health. Shionne specializes in ranged gunfire and healing artes. Rinwell is your traditional mage, Law excels at melee combos, Dohalim mixes spear attacks with support skills, and Kisara is a tank with a focus on defense.
Combat is flashy and strategic. You can freely switch between characters in battle, combine attacks with “Boost Strikes,” and counter enemies with well-timed dodges. Each enemy type requires different tactics—some are vulnerable to aerial combos, others to burst damage or ranged attacks. There’s a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, battles feel incredibly rewarding.
Skill Trees and Customization
Character growth in Tales of Arise is tied to Skill Panels rather than traditional level-based stat increases. Each character has multiple panels that unlock new abilities, passive bonuses, or artes (skills). These panels are often tied to story progression, side quests, or combat milestones, which encourages exploration and experimentation.
In addition to skill trees, equipment plays a big role. Crafting better weapons, equipping accessories, and using consumables strategically can give you a major edge—especially in boss fights. Cooking also returns as a core system, giving temporary buffs to your party depending on the meal and who prepares it.
Exploration and World Design
Tales of Arise shifts away from linear maps and introduces semi-open zones that are far more immersive than past entries. Each region of Dahna is visually distinct and filled with side quests, hidden items, crafting resources, and rare enemies. From the fiery wastes of Calaglia to the lush meadows of Elde Menancia, every area invites you to explore.
Fast travel makes returning to older locations easy, and many areas evolve based on story progression. Hidden owls, fishing spots, treasure chests, and mysterious sub-quests offer hours of extra content that expand the world beyond the main plot.
Skits and Character Development
One of the signature features of the Tales series is the inclusion of “skits”—optional dialogue scenes between characters that add personality, context, and depth. In Tales of Arise, skits are presented with comic book-style panels and are fully voiced. These moments help flesh out your party members and make them feel more like real people rather than just archetypes.
You’ll see characters argue, joke, reflect, and bond through the story and in battle. These interactions make the party feel dynamic and alive, and they’re a big part of what makes Tales of Arise so emotionally engaging.
Boss Fights and Difficulty Options
Bosses in Tales of Arise are tough but fair, designed to test your understanding of the game’s systems. Many of them have unique mechanics that require more than just brute force—some summon reinforcements, others use powerful AOE spells or change attack patterns mid-fight.
The game includes multiple difficulty levels, so you can tailor the challenge to your liking. On higher settings, resource management and perfect dodging become crucial, while easier modes let you enjoy the story without worrying too much about the gameplay curve.
Post-Game and Replay Value
After finishing the main story, there’s a significant amount of post-game content, including high-level bosses, hidden dungeons, and bonus fights that test your maxed-out party. There’s also New Game Plus, which lets you carry over your progress, skills, and items into a fresh playthrough. Optional bosses and new content added through updates and DLC keep the world alive even after the credits roll.
Costumes, extra skits, and challenge arenas offer replay value and allow you to continue developing your party with even more power and customization.
Tips for New Players
- Don’t neglect side quests – Many offer valuable rewards like new artes, gear upgrades, or extra skill panels.
- Switch characters often – Each party member offers a unique combat experience and strengths against different enemies.
- Practice dodging – A well-timed dodge triggers a slow-motion “Perfect Evade” and allows for strong counterattacks.
- Use Boost Attacks wisely – Save these special moves for breaking enemy armor or interrupting their powerful skills.
- Cook before boss fights – Temporary buffs can be the difference between victory and defeat in tougher battles.
Final Thoughts
Tales of Arise stands out as both a great entry in a long-running series and an accessible game for newcomers. With its emotionally complex story, fast-paced combat, and immersive world, it delivers a JRPG experience that feels fresh while honoring tradition. Whether you’re here for the rich character interactions, the satisfying gameplay loop, or the stunning visuals, Tales of Arise has something for every type of RPG fan.
If you're on the fence about diving into this epic, don’t be. It’s one of the most well-rounded and satisfying JRPGs released in recent years—and a perfect place to start if you’ve never touched the series before.
