Summary
The Atelier games, developed by the Japanese studio Gust, are JRPGs that have been around for over 25 years, starting with Atelier Marie: The Alchemist of Salburg in 1997. Each game centers on an alchemist character and their journey of growth, discovery, friendship, and achieving a goal through alchemy.
Alchemy is the main gameplay mechanic, and the games are character-driven, with older titles often featuring time limits. While they include battles and drama, the tone isgenerally optimistic, calm, and cute. The difficulty level is usually low, and the games featureanime-style visuals. In this list, we’ve rounded up the best Atelier games for you to enjoy.
As one of the strongest examples of the Atelier series' modern evolution, Atelier Ryza 2 builds on the success of Ryza’s first adventure by going bigger, deeper, and just a bit more sparkly. Set a few years later, our favorite alchemist is summoned to the royal capital, Ashra-am Baird—because obviously, nothing ever happens in her hometown.
There, she sets out to uncover ancient ruins and the mystery of Fi, a ridiculously cute, totally-not-suspicious creature. The alchemy system is more flexible, exploration is now way more interactive (yes, you may swim), and combat has leveled up too. It’s a love letter to longtime fans but also perfectly welcoming for newcomers who just want to blow stuff up with potions.
This is the game that kicked off the Dusk sub-series of Atelier — and it’s basically sadness meets sunshine in the best way possible. Atelier Ayesha sets the tone with a more emotional and introspective story, where lonely herbalist Ayesha Altugle discovers her long-lost sister Nio might still be alive. Naturally, the only solution is… alchemy!
It’s a journey of self-discovery, ghost-chasing, and potion-brewing, all wrapped in a beautifully melancholic atmosphere. Unlike other Atelier games full of cheerful group hugs, this one is more ‘solo existential field trip.’ It trades in bright energy for heartfelt depth, and yes — the vibes are immaculate, and a little poetic.
As the second entry in the Arland trilogy, Atelier Totori takes the classic Atelier formula and gives it a heartfelt twist—because nothing says ‘alchemy’ like mommy issues. Totori, a sweet young alchemist from a sleepy fishing village, sets out to become a real adventurer and figure out what happened to her long-lost mom, a famous explorer who kinda forgot to come back.
Along the way, she brews potions, fights monsters, and earns her Adventurer License like it’s magical Girl Scouts. The game encourages exploration more than any other in Arland, and while it looks all pastel and cute, there’s emotional depth beneath the fluff—like a cupcake filled with existential jelly.
This game is the grand finale of the Mysterious trilogy and easily the most colorful and creatively unhinged of the bunch. Atelier Lydie & Suelle stars twin sisters running a not-so-successful alchemy atelier in the capital, Merveille—until they stumble upon a magical painting in their basement (because of course they do).
Suddenly, they’re jumping into painted worlds, gathering rare materials, and trying to impress royalty. With its dual protagonists, the game delivers twice the sibling banter, heartfelt moments, and accidental explosions. It’s like stepping into a pastel dream powered by glitter and questionable science. Easily the most ‘anime’ of the series, it’s a sugary JRPG treat with extra sparkles.
Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book kicks off the Mysterious trilogy and modernizes the series in the process. Sophie Neuenmuller, a young and somewhat clumsy alchemist from a small village, finds an old book from her grandmother—only to discover it talks (because why not?). Turns out, the book is a mysterious, memory-lost entity named Plachta.
Sophie’s goal? Use alchemy to restore Plachta’s memories and maybe turn her back into a human. The game’s new, free-form synthesis system lets you get creative with ingredients—like crafting a potion with a dash of chaos. It’s the perfect gateway to the series, with a deep emotional bond between Sophie and Plachta that gives it all the feels.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is the game that shook the beakers and put the Atelier series on the mainstream map. With upgraded visuals, streamlined systems, and the now-iconic Ryza (yes, the internet knows), this entry kicked off the modern era of the franchise.
Ryza starts off as a bored farm girl on Kurken Island, but after sneaking off with her friends and discovering alchemy, she basically says, “Time to be the main character.” It’s perfect for beginners, packed with youthful energy, adventure, and enough glowing plants to make any fantasy botanist weep with joy. Also, shout-out to that stunning sunset lighting—it’s practically emotional.
Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea is the grand finale of the Dusk trilogy, where theworld may be dry and dying, but hope still manages to sneak in (like sand in your shoes). It introduces a dual protagonist system—Shallistera and Shallotte—so you can pick your alchemist flavor: serious savior or bubbly dreamer.
The story shifts based on your choice, making replaying feel like a remix. Set in a drought-stricken world where water is rare and drama is plentiful, it balances melancholy with heartwarming character growth. The Life Task system lets you play at your own pace. Basically, it’s the perfect cocktail of desert gloom and alchemical charm.
This game is a heartwarming sequel to the beloved Arland trilogy and mixes cozy nostalgia with modern flair—like your grandma picking up a smartphone. You play as Lulua, the cheerful daughter of former heroine Rorona, who stumbles upon a mysterious book full of cryptic prophecies… that only she can read, of course.
While deciphering the book’s riddles, she tries to follow in her famous mom’s footsteps but ends up discovering her own sparkly path. Familiar faces return, but now through the lens of a new generation. With its sweet tone, charming puzzles, and magical mom-daughter legacy, Atelier Lulua is the warm hug every Arland fan (and newcomer) deserves.
As the second entry in the Dusk trilogy, Atelier Escha & Logy adds a fresh twist of melancholia, bureaucracy, and magical chemistry to the series. The world is falling apart (literally), resources are vanishing, and ancient tech is basically just expensive furniture now.
Enter Escha, the cheerful country alchemist, and Logy, the logical city boy with a science degree and zero patience for whimsy. Depending on who you choose, you’ll get different story beats—but either way, you’ll be tasked with investigating flying ruins and helping out the locals. With a structured mission system and six-character battles, it’s strategic, story-rich, and weirdly cozy for a dying world. Science and magic? Yes, please.
This game marks the peak of the Atelier series—both thematically and technically, it’s the most mature entry in the entire universe. Atelier Ryza 3 wraps up Ryza’s story with a bang: bigger maps, deeper systems, and more heartfelt character development than ever before. When mysterious islands suddenly pop up near Kurken Island (rude, really), Ryza and her friends set off to investigate.
With returning favorites and some fresh faces, the game balances end-of-the-world tension with a strong sense of hope. For the first time, the world feels truly open and seamless. The new Key System adds spicy layers to alchemy and combat. Also, Ryza and the gang are finally adults—yes, feelings intensify accordingly.
