Get Started...
Android
iOS
Mac
Switch
Switch 2
PC
PS4
PS5
Xbox One
Xbox X|S
Please enter a valid email address
Please choose a platform
:
How does your child play this? Alone, with friends, with family? How did they discover it and what kept them coming back for more?
:
To verify your input please enter your email to create an account.
Email:
Play Overview
Bravely Default (2012) is a role-playing battle game where you play four heroes on a quest to recover elemental crystals and restore balance to a crumbling realm. You explore a fantasy world, battling foes in strategic turn-based encounters and take on a mix of job roles to develop your character as you advance the story. It stands out not only for its complex character development but also for its unusual repeating structure that eats up playtime and subverts player expectations.
As you explore, you can be ambushed by standard enemies or confront bosses in battle, fighting with anywhere from all four to just one of your party members. On your turn, you select your character’s actions and watch them play out before your opponent responds on their turn. The twist is that you can play Default, which reduces incoming damage and accumulates battle points, or Brave, which spends those points to act multiple times in one move. In this way, you can plan explosive attacks at the risk of lowering your guard or bide your time to survive another round.
As you progress, you visit towns and villages where you can buy enhanced weapons, armour and potions to boost your odds in battle. You also unlock jobs for your party members, which give them unique abilities, such as being able to heal allies. You learn to combine each hero’s job with the Brave and Default system for the most powerful synergies.
Later in the game, things shift as the story loops back on itself, and you must repeat events multiple times in alternate worlds. In this way, and with other fourth wall-breaking elements like communicating to the player through system notes, it subverts the typical fantasy story with a critique of blind faith in missions and heroes.
The result is an anime-style game with nuanced combat and an intentionally abrasive approach to storytelling and advancement. In battle, you have to consider every factor, from enemy strength to available moves and the number of allies. Off the battlefield, the game depends on your willingness to go in circles in service of critical thinking about cultural and gaming conventions.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Bravely Default 6 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 5 weeks ago.
As you explore, you can be ambushed by standard enemies or confront bosses in battle, fighting with anywhere from all four to just one of your party members. On your turn, you select your character’s actions and watch them play out before your opponent responds on their turn. The twist is that you can play Default, which reduces incoming damage and accumulates battle points, or Brave, which spends those points to act multiple times in one move. In this way, you can plan explosive attacks at the risk of lowering your guard or bide your time to survive another round.
As you progress, you visit towns and villages where you can buy enhanced weapons, armour and potions to boost your odds in battle. You also unlock jobs for your party members, which give them unique abilities, such as being able to heal allies. You learn to combine each hero’s job with the Brave and Default system for the most powerful synergies.
Later in the game, things shift as the story loops back on itself, and you must repeat events multiple times in alternate worlds. In this way, and with other fourth wall-breaking elements like communicating to the player through system notes, it subverts the typical fantasy story with a critique of blind faith in missions and heroes.
The result is an anime-style game with nuanced combat and an intentionally abrasive approach to storytelling and advancement. In battle, you have to consider every factor, from enemy strength to available moves and the number of allies. Off the battlefield, the game depends on your willingness to go in circles in service of critical thinking about cultural and gaming conventions.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Bravely Default 6 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 5 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Bravely Default. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 58 hours and 80 and a half hours to complete. If you want to see everything, it could take over 180 hours.
Benefits
Age Ratings
Content Rating
In the US, ESRB state: Players use weapon attacks and abilities that are depicted with light effects, slashing sounds, and mild explosions; more elaborate attacks (e.g., summoning spells) are depicted with short animated sequences. A handful of scenes depict instances of blood: a blood-like effect as a monster is slashed across the stomach; bloodstains on an enemy's sword. During the course of the game, the dialogue contains references to suggestive material (e.g., “I would be happily obliged to make space in my own bed for you,” “At this rate I shall be compelled to clasp you to my breast, and plant a kiss upon your lips”). The game includes occasional references to wine and beer usage; a barkeeper and patrons are depicted drunk in several text/dialogue interactions.
The game shifts between lighthearted banter and existential horror, sometimes within minutes. This tonal friction is unsettling, but thematically purposeful—it reflects the hidden darkness behind familiar fantasy stories.
Skill Level
12+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. Comprehension is required to develop effective strategies. Resilience is helpful when losing, as it is a challenging game. That said, you can choose easier difficulty modes to make it more accessible for younger players. You can also turn off the sometimes frustrating random battle encounters, so you choose when to enter battle.
Costs
Bravely Default usually costs £33.99.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo 2DS|3DS) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
You can purchase Sleep Points, which let you make special moves in battle, however, these can also be obtained in-game for free.
There are a number of games in the main series:
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo 2DS|3DS) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
Bravely Default
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
You can purchase Sleep Points, which let you make special moves in battle, however, these can also be obtained in-game for free.
There are a number of games in the main series:
- Bravely Default (2012) – 3DS
- Bravely Second: End Layer (2015) – 3DS
- Bravely Default II (2021) – Switch, PC
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 11/10/2012, updated in 2025
Out Now: 3DS and 2DS and Switch 2
Skill Rating: 12+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Adventure, Battle, Narrative, Role-Play (Brain Game, Simulation and Traversal)
Accessibility: 0 features documented
Components: 2D Overhead, Cartoon, Day and Night, Open World and Weather
 |
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
© 2025 Family Gaming Database