Tales of Arise is a story-led action RPG whose strongest review themes are its character cast, visual presentation, and increasingly engaging combat. Critics were broadly positive, though not unanimous: Metacritic showed an 87 critic Metascore from 76 reviews when accessed October 8, 2026. Whether to buy the base game or a version with Beyond the Dawn depends on whether you want the original journey alone or its substantial post-ending continuation.
What reviewers say about Tales of Arise
The review picture is favorable, with praise centered on the adventure’s presentation, characters, story, and combat. Push Square’s review, reproduced by Metacritic and dated September 8, 2021, called it “one of the strongest, most cohesive Tales games to date,” praising its landscapes, character moments, and combat that grows more engaging as the party develops.
That enthusiasm is not universal. GameSpot reviewer Heidi Kemps rated the game 7/10. In a summary reproduced by Metacritic and dated September 8, 2021, GameSpot described a very good RPG with beautiful visuals, a wonderful cast, and engaging combat, but said its flaws and “odious DLC” were difficult to ignore. The contrast is useful: the game’s central appeal is clear, but its story and add-on content will not work equally well for every player.
Metacritic’s original-game page showed an 87 critic Metascore based on 76 reviews and an 8.2 user score based on 1,168 ratings when accessed October 8, 2026. Both totals can change as reviews and ratings are added; treat them as a dated snapshot, not a guarantee that you will enjoy the game.
#1 Best Overall
- White Owl Plush Hootle
- PS5 Video Game Edition
- Artbook artprints stickers video game accessories included
What kind of game is it?
Bandai Namco describes Tales of Arise as a dynamic action RPG, a new chapter in the Tales series with a new cast, updated combat, and classic series mechanics. The publisher also highlights its fantasy setting and visuals made with animation by Ufotable. GameSpot lists its genres as action and role-playing. The game originally released September 10, 2021, according to GameSpot and Metacritic.
The appeal is a blend of active combat and a character-focused JRPG journey rather than one isolated feature. The cited reviews point to story and party dynamics alongside the action, while their different verdicts show why readers who prioritize combat, narrative, or downloadable content may weigh the same game differently.
Rank #2
![Tales of Arise [Korean Edition] for PS5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WI8CpYmNL._SL160_.jpg)
- 100% Official, Genuine Product. This is Korean Version released by SIEK. Region Free title so you can play it on your system.
- Let's learn Korean while playing masterpiece games! Korean Edition supports Korean subtitles.
- Experience the next chapter in the Tales of series, brought to life in stunning HD powered by Unreal Engine 4
- Dynamic Action RPG featuring an updated battle system that retains classic Tales of gameplay
- Rich story featuring a vibrant world and new cast of characters High quality animation created by ufotable
What does Beyond the Dawn add?
Beyond the Dawn continues the story one year after the base-game ending. Bandai Namco says it provides around 20 hours of content, including a new scenario involving Alphen’s party and Nazamil, plus quests, dungeons, and bosses. The publisher also lists six additional costumes, travel support items, and silver weapon variants. The roughly 20-hour figure is the publisher’s estimate, not a measured playtime for every player.
Because this expansion takes place after the original ending, it is a continuation rather than a replacement for the base game. If you want to experience its new story, plan on having the base game as well.
Rank #3
- A world of nature drawn with the “Atmospheric Shader” - We are introducing a new graphics shader, inspired by anime and watercolor painting. Characters with attractive designs travel among backgrounds filled with beautiful and delicate visuals
- Explore a world that feels alive - Explore the world of Dahna, where a mix of unique, natural environments change in appearance based on the time of day. Climb over the rocky terrain, swim in rivers, gather around the campfire, cook food, head to the next town, defeat the master of an alien planet, and liberate the people!
- Stylish action and battles - Through the new system “Boost Strike”, you can now chain combos of powerful attacks together with your party members. Chain Artes, Boost Attacks, and Boost Strike combos to take down your enemies!
- Experience the story of the divided Renan and Dahnan people - The protagonists who will determine the fate of these two worlds are Alphen and Shionne. They will overcome hardships and grow together with their unique group of friends. Gorgeous animation by ufotable is inserted at key points in the story, adding more colour to our protagonists’ journey
Which edition should you buy?
| Option | What it includes | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Base game | Tales of Arise; Beyond the Dawn is not included unless the store listing says otherwise. | Players who want the original story and can decide about the expansion later. |
| Standalone Beyond the Dawn | The expansion; the base game is required to play it. | Players who already own the base game and want the post-ending content. |
| Beyond the Dawn Premium Edition | The publisher’s listed contents include both Tales of Arise and the expansion, along with additional packs. | New buyers who want the base game and expansion together, subject to checking the exact storefront listing. |
Bandai Namco warns that edition content may also be sold separately and advises buyers to avoid purchasing the same content twice. Store names and included packs can vary by platform or region, so check the exact product page before checkout.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms are available?
Bandai Namco’s official platform list includes Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC/Steam. The publisher announced the Nintendo Switch 2 edition as available on May 22, 2026. That announcement establishes availability, but the sources here do not establish Switch 2 frame rate, resolution, or performance relative to other platforms; choose based on your preferred platform and verify the edition’s contents in its storefront.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- White Owl Plush Hootle
- PS4 Video Game Edition
- Artbook artprints stickers video game accessories included
Who is likely to enjoy it?
- Consider it if you want an action-oriented JRPG with a substantial story, party characters, and combat that reviewers describe as engaging.
- Read the criticism closely if you are sensitive to flaws in pacing or presentation, or dislike expansion content that feels like an awkward extra; GameSpot’s review specifically flags flaws and DLC.
- Choose the base game if you want to try the original journey before committing to the expansion.
- Choose a bundle only if you have confirmed that it includes both the base game and Beyond the Dawn for your platform, and that you do not already own either component.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
