What are the best PS4 RPGs? Well, PlayStation 4 is home to a vast library of RPG games. From MMOs and open-world epics to niche Japanese RPGs (or JRPGs) and traditional text-filled adventures, there's something for just about everyone. It's an expansive genre where East meets West, and we see multiple versions of similar formulas. However, as with anything, some titles are better than others, so we've rounded up what we think are the best PS4 RPGs.
While you'll find all the best PS4 RPGs on this list, you might also be interested in the best PS4 open world games and the best PS4 single-player history games. We also have a complete list of the best PS4 games if you're not worried about the genre.
Best PS4 RPGs
Below is a list of the best PS4 RPGs. Whether it's JRPGs or open world WRPGs, these are our favorites on Sony's console. You can check out another list of free PS4 games.
30. Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV has proven to be somewhat divisive, but it's a unique title that blazes its own path in today's RPG landscape. Built on the idea of a bro-tastic road trip, its premise makes for a wholly enjoyable journey, even if it misses out on its opportunity to tell a more engaging story. It's full of secrets and weirdness, and its mix of realism and fantasy really sets it apart from most other games on this list. It's not exactly a classic, but it's still a very good moment.
29. Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remastered
A defining moment for RPGs in the PS2 era, Final Fantasy X is packed with emotion and memorable characters. Its somewhat traditional gameplay has stood the test of time, and going against the many open world RPGs of today, its linear approach is actually quite refreshing, especially as it allows the story and cast to advance to the forefront of the experience. The divisive but still fun Final Fantasy X-2 is just the icing on the cake here.
28. The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
Set aside several months of your life, because you're going to need a lot of free time to cover The Elder Scrolls Online's unbelievably gigantic map. One of the best MMORPGs on PS4, Tamriel Unlimited continues to grow in size and scope thanks to unwavering support from the developer. With or without friends, there's a seemingly endless amount of adventure on offer here, and there's no mandatory subscription fee either.
27. Nioh 2
Nioh 2 sometimes feels like a massive expansion to the first game rather than a full-fledged sequel, but that doesn't stop this intense action RPG from reaching new heights. Its skillful combat system is the star of the show, boasting an impressive amount of depth when you really delve into its many weapon types and all of its dedicated skill trees. Plus, the grind for loot is devilishly addictive, and the great level design will keep you coming back again and again. Seriously sharp Team Ninja stuff.
26. Dragon’s Crown Pro
Incredible artwork, an impressive soundtrack and an extremely addictive gameplay loop make Dragon's Crown Pro a must for anyone looking to grind. Superbly polished, this Vanillaware RPG is a glorious loot-infused throwback to the best side-scrolling side beats. What's more, up to four player co-op means you can team up with friends – both online and offline – whenever you want.
25. NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata pays off in many ways. Yoko Taro's Android-based adaptation of Hamlet might feel like an anime story for the first 20 hours or so, but keep going and you'll be rewarded with one of the richest narratives in games today. This character action title delights in subverting your expectations, and builds to a mind-blowing climax that will leave your jaw on the floor.
24. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
Beautiful to look at, Odin Sphere: Lefithrasir is a top-notch action RPG. He's bursting at the seams with the character, and his beautifully told story is straight out of a bedtime book — except most books never looked so good. Skillful controls, some brilliant boss fights, and a lush world ensure this forgotten remake sits near the top of the pile when it comes to PS4 RPGs.
23. The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is a master class in roleplaying game design. Veteran studio Obsidian has delivered a fantastical sci-fi adventure that channels Fallout: New Vegas and Mass Effect with an even greater emphasis on player choice. Brilliantly witty writing, great characters and energetic combat combine to make this a memorable journey through the seemingly doomed space colony of Halcyon. If you're looking for pure RPG excellence, few games on this list can compare to The Outer Worlds.
22. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Doubling down on the RPG elements that were introduced in Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a more immersive open-world adventure thanks to things like branching dialogue options and lots of lovely items. The combat system is also refined, a more in-depth skill tree lets you fully customize your playstyle, and a variety of mythical boss battles keep things spicy. One of Ubisoft's best.
21. Fallout 4
While Fallout 4 eschews its RPG roots a little more than we'd like, it still offers a fantastic tour of a post-apocalyptic world. Significantly improved shooting mechanics and a variety of possible playstyles can keep this journey fresh for an extended period of time – and the new crafting and settlement systems only add to that. Their selection of DLC isn't the best Bethesda has ever created, but put it all together and you've got an adventure full of ghouls to munch on.
20Dragon Age: Inquisition
BioWare may have lost its edge in recent years, but Dragon Age: Inquisition is still one of the best Western RPGs for PS4. Its main draw is its large cast of characters, each of them bringing something different to the table. Sprinkle a healthy portion of player choice on top of solid writing and you've got a fantasy adventure that's begging for your input as the Inquisition tries to make its mark on the land of Thedas.
19. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III
The third installment in the Trails of Cold Steel series, Trails of Cold Steel III requires prior knowledge of the first two games to be fully enjoyed, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best Japanese RPGs for PS4. Protagonist Rean Schwarzer, now an instructor at a newly built military academy, forges new bonds with an all-new Class VII as he and his students travel across the Erebonian Empire. With a skillful pace, the game balances quieter moments with the bombastic action of the anime and a highly rewarding battle system. The result is an expansive and immersive JRPG that fans of the genre simply shouldn't miss.
18. Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition
Refining the tone of its writing and delivering a much better-paced story, Divinity: Original Sin II is a huge improvement on an already excellent RPG experience. Character creation is significantly in-depth and each action throughout your adventure further defines your hero. As far as player choice goes, the Larian sequel is one of the best titles on PS4, and the many paths you can take make it a brilliantly replayable package.
17. Final Fantasy VII Remake
Square Enix really did this. In fact, he remade Final Fantasy VII, and the result isn't a complete disaster. In fact, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a fantastic action RPG. It might not cover the entire story of the original, but it greatly expands on the characters, themes, and plot points included in the Midgar arc. Its most notable achievement is exceptional combat, which combines real-time movement and action with time-pause command menus. It feels like the evolution of Final Fantasy's classic Active Time Battle system, and it's amazing. What a time to be alive.
Check out our Final Fantasy VII Remake review.
16. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A completely different take on gameplay, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a turn-based RPG that draws heavily on names like Dragon Quest. For the first time in the SEGA main series, Kazuma Kiryu is stripped of his roles as a protagonist, replaced by the extremely endearing Ichiban Kasuga and his group of wacky characters. While the adventure still has story ties to previous entries, Like a Dragon is something of a renaissance – and it's fantastic fun.
15. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition
Originally a technical mess on PS3, Skyrim returns to PlayStation Nation with the remastered and reworked Special Edition on PS4. Featuring mod support and all original downloadable game content, this is the ultimate way to experience one of Bethesda's best titles on a Sony system. Incredibly detailed and memorable, the land of Skyrim is still there with the biggest open worlds video games have to offer. Bugs and minor performance issues are the only things preventing this re-release. Other than that, it's a timeless adventure.
14. Judgment
A spin-off of sorts from the Yakuza, Judgment embraces the same general gameplay structure as the crime-ridden SEGA series, but adds a delightful detective flair to the proceedings. Playing as gruff private detective Takayuki Yagami, you chase clues (sometimes literally), examine evidence and question suspects. With an engaging story and an excellent cast of characters, Judgment is yet another win for Yakuza Studio, and its fully autonomous narrative acts as a perfect jumping off point for those interested in the franchise.
13. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
One of the best action RPGs of modern times, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is better than ever on PS4, where its next-gen framerate issues are put to the test. Subtle storytelling combines with a dark fantasy world to create a captivating experience, and the combat is still miles ahead of almost anything in the genre. A game that deserves far more praise than many are prepared to give.
12. Yakuza: Kiwami 2
The PS2-era story of Yakuza: Kiwami 2 might not be on the same level as the masterful tale of Yakuza 6, but it's still incredibly dramatic, and the game itself is absolutely filled with brilliant distractions. Kiwami 2 is the most content-rich Yakuza title on PS4, constantly tempting you to lose yourself in its neon-lit world for hours on end. Additionally, the Dragon Engine has been further refined with this edition, making it the best looking title in the series so far.
11. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
One of the PS2 swansongs, Final Fantasy XII is lovingly remastered as The Zodiac Age on PS4. A fantastic adventure from start to finish, it's one of the best entries in Square's series - and that says a lot. Its combat system might take some getting used to, but the depth that's on offer here - in part due to a brilliant work system - is something few other Final Fantasy titles can match.
10. Horizon: Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games' first attempt at the open-world RPG has left veterans of the genre looking lost. While it may lack imagination in some areas of its design, Horizon: Zero Dawn executes its ideas so flawlessly that it can be forgiven for not reinventing the post-post-apocalyptic wheel. Aloy's adventure is full of mystery, spanning current tribal climate politics to the fall of humanity as we know it. A compact narrative is strung together by combat befitting a third-person action game, and it's all wrapped up with a presentation so polished it resembles a more linear release.
9. Dark Souls III
The Software's punitive format may have been outdated by the time Dark Souls III was deployed, but even with three entries, the studio's dominance over high-end design remains as strong as ever. The final installment in the trilogy, this super-polished action RPG boasts the same stunning artistry and deliberate combat as its predecessors, but it's the abundance of fanservice that will most please those who have prayed at the altar of the sun since the series' very beginning.
8. Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn
As far as PS4 MMOs go, nothing matches the elegance and polish of Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn. With a lush world, top-notch gameplay and an impressive soundtrack, it's a massive RPG where you can get lost for days on end, with or without friends by your side.
7. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition
When it comes to endless character progression and loot, nothing compares to Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition. An action RPG that offers what in theory is an infinite amount of things to do, it's a blast whether you're playing with friends or fighting the demon hordes alone. Extremely polished and intuitive, it's arguably one of the most compact titles on the PS4.
6. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
It took an entire generation to actually happen, but Mass Effect Legendary Edition finally gives us what we've always wanted: a remastered collection of the original Mass Effect trilogy. Commander Shepard's sci-fi adventures still hold up, with a cast of excellent characters carrying three entire games of memorable quests. Legendary Edition does a great job of bringing the necessary finish to the first Mass Effect, while also adding a welcome glow to its sequels. An absolute must for anyone who wants to get involved in a space adventure.
5.Bloodborne
Bloodborne's twisted take on the tales of Cthulhu is guaranteed to be one of the most iconic outputs of the PS4 generation, pitching seamless combat against a vast gothic backdrop. The cobblestone streets of Yharnam are a character unto themselves, as the Victorian districts bend and overlap, and provide the framework for some of the best battles you'll find in any format. A tour-de-force in both art direction and game design, this is one of Sony's most exciting new series.
4. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Monster Hunter is back on home consoles and it's totally glorious. Monster Hunter: World takes the series' incredibly addictive gameplay loop and packs it into a deeply polished, in-depth action RPG. When you're not watching in awe as two massive monsters clash over territory, you're busy tracking beasts and getting stuck in the game's satisfyingly heavy combat system. Add some super-rewarding co-op missions to the mix and you've got a title that never ceases to be conquered, especially now that the Iceborne expansion revitalizes the entire experience and caps it off with a great endgame.
3. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Possibly the best Dragon Quest title ever made, Dragon Quest XI is pretty much the series at its peak – and Dragon Quest XI S, complete with additional story elements and all sorts of other improvements, is the best way to experience it. The sense of adventure is incredible, but it's the characters that steal the show. This is the deepest Dragon Quest party ever, and their personalities shine through. It is also a very beautiful game, with many beautiful landscapes to explore. Superbly crafted, witty and incredibly charming, it's the best traditional JRPG experience on PS4 by far.
2. Person 5 Royal
The best Japanese RPG for PS4 just got better with Persona 5 Royal. Persona 5 was already a masterpiece, but this greatly improved and significantly expanded re-release is basically Persona perfection. Balancing elements of everyday life simulation with amazing turn-based combat and lots of cool dungeon movement, it's a truly immaculate title. Brilliantly cohesive, refined and possibly the most stylish game out there.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game every RPG will be measured against - and we don't think it will be beaten for long. Using its vast open world as a shockingly well-realized setting, rather than a map that houses a tedious amount of objective markers, CD Projekt Red's masterpiece is killer and unfilled. Side quests are just as elaborate as the main story, and your choices can have serious consequences along the way. Add two expansions better than most full games and you have the complete RPG package.
What do you think are the best PS4 RPGs? Missing your favorite or do you agree with this list? Level up in the comments below and check out our guide to the best PS4 games.
See also other lists:
- best ps2 games
- best ps5 games
- free android games
