Bravely Default review

Bravely Default is the 3DS's strongest classic-style RPG. Nintendo's page tells of a Great Chasm that tears the world of Luxendarc apart and darkens its four elemental crystals; Agnès, vestal of the Wind Crystal, and Tiz, sole survivor of Norende Village, set out to restore them. Battles are turn-based, but the Brave and Default system lets you store turns or spend several at once, and the Bravely Second system can freeze time. Nintendo calls the battles instantly accessible. A demo with a side story once let players carry items into the main game, but the 3DS eShop stopped selling content on March 27, 2023. It is single player and rated PEGI 12. DKOldies lists a used cartridge at $49.99 before sales. It ranks ninth because it demands a long time commitment and has a learning curve.

Who it is for

Fans of classic turn-based Japanese RPGs

Price

Used 3DS cartridge from $49.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $49.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Brave and Default system lets you bank turns or act several times in one turn
• Bravely Second system can freeze time in battle
• Story about Agnès and Tiz restoring the four elemental crystals
• Turn-based battles described by Nintendo as instantly accessible
• Demo with a side story that carries items into the full game

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Brave and Default adds strategy to standard turn-based combat
• Strength: Single player, so the 2024 online shutdown does not affect the main game
• Strength: $49.99 used is fair for a long RPG
• Weakness: Long RPG that needs many hours
• Weakness: Rated PEGI 12
• Weakness: The eShop demo can no longer be downloaded after the 3DS eShop closed in March 2023

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Square-Enix / Silicon Studio
• EU release: December 6, 2013
• Players: 1
• Age rating: PEGI 12

Where it ranks

Bravely Default is No. 9 in our Best 3DS Games of All Time verdict.