The Best RPGs
Sometimes there's nothing better than a good ol' RPG. PlayStation has some great RPGs for all kinds of players. Do you want something set in the far corners of the galaxy as humanity attempts to colonize faraway planets? Maybe something a bit more fantastical with magic and monsters? Or maybe you just want a slice of historical fiction? You'll find what you're looking for on PS4.
The Outer Worlds
Obsidian Entertainment, the developers behind Fallout: New Vegas, knows how to make an impeccable RPG. Sure, it's a little rough around the edges and wonky, but it makes up for that with so much character. That's why many see The Outer Worlds as a sort of spiritual successor, too, in terms of role-playing mechanics and design. Instead of the post-apocalypse, we're taken to the outer reaches of the galaxy where corporations have set up shop.
There's a unique brand of dark, sardonic humor here mixed with some genuine lightheartedness. It's something of a necessity when you're parodying the capitalist hell we currently live in. The Outer Worlds gives players an unprecedented amount of freedom to do whatever they'd like, even going so far as allowing them to kill anyone and everyone in the game, broken quests be damned.
The Outer Worlds
Escape from our real-world capitalist hellscape into a fictional capitalist hellscape! When Earth tries to colonize faraway planets, you can guess how well that goes. All hail our corporate overlords!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the hit video game based on a hit book that also inspired a hit Netflix series (that's a lot of hits!). The Witcher 3 was ahead of its time for the sheer depth of its world and quests, leagues above what many other games offer even today. If there was ever a bar for open-world RPGs, The Witcher 3 broke it and set it for years to come.
As Geralt of Rivia, the iconic Witcher, you'll go on a quest around the Continent, crossing paths with monsters, elves, dwarves, sorcerers, and more. It's up to you to find Ciri, the child of the prophecy, and stop the Wild Hunt from using her power for their own gain. However, you'll need to make some friends and get help along the way. Will you get the good ending? The bad one? The choices you make factor into almost everything.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Play the hit game based on a book that was turned into a hit Netflix series. The Witcher 3 is widely regarded as one of the best fantasy RPGs ever made, and for good reason. The characters, story, and gameplay are all phenomenal.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is a classic that's been released, re-released, and re-re-released on just about every platform imaginable besides a toaster. So it's no wonder that not one but two remastered editions made came way to PS4 (and yes, to PS5 as well). But, no matter what you think of Bethesda, you have to admit it knows how to make an addicting open-world game.
You can sink hundreds upon hundreds of hours into Skyrim and not even finish the main campaign. It's just that big and that good — even the glitches are charming in their own way. Plus, there are dragons and werewolves and vampires and just about every cool fantastical creature you can think of. Except for frost trolls. Screw those things.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is available on just about every platform imaginable. Just watch out for all of those frost trolls. And frostbite spiders. And dragons. You know what, just stay clear of everything that moves.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Origins showed what Assassin's Creed could be if Ubisoft dipped into toes into RPG territory, and Odyssey was the successor to that experiment — a full-blown RPG with dialogue choices, branching quests, and different endings. Odyssey became the template for what the future of the Assassin's Creed series will be, and we'll get to see that come to fruition in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
Odyssey takes place in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War (431 BCE). You play as a descendant of King Leonidas, the legendary Spartan who led 300 to battle against the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae. Aside from providing a fun little history lesson, you'll also uncover the mysteries and secrets behind the First Civilization, a powerful and technologically advanced society that was wiped out millennia ago.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed takes us back to ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Fight mythical monsters and armed guards as you uncover the truth behind the war and your family lineage.
Divinity: Original Sin II
This might just be as close to D&D The Video Game as you'll get. Larian Studios takes us to the world of Rivellon, where we take on the mantle of a Godwoken, meant to stop the threats of the Void from devastating the lands. If you're into high fantasy, you'll definitely want to check out Divinity: Original Sin II.
Combat is turn-based, dialogue choices are meaningful, and you have complete control over how you spec your characters and what they do in the world. There's even a multiplayer mode so you can play with friends and bring those D&D sessions online. The isometric viewpoint may turn some people off, but it's well worth it to give it a try. You might just find your new favorite RPG.
Divinity: Original Sin II
Have you ever wondered, "what if Dungeons & Dragons was a video game?" Well, this is it. Divinity: Original Sin II is D&D for a modern audience and takes role-playing back to its roots.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Fans have been asking for Final Fantasy 7 Remake for nearly two decades, and Square Enix finally answered their prayers in 2020. This is about as comprehensive as a remake can get, completely overhauling just about every aspect of the 1997 original from its gameplay to the graphics — even the story received some new beats to keep fans on their toes. Though it was only part one of the remake, it sets the standard for a good remake.
Following the story of Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy 7 isn't directly connected to most other games in the series. Square Enix instead opts for them to contain their own isolated narrative. When the Shinra corporation starts to mine the planet's spiritual energy to power Midgar, a group of eco-terrorists known as Avalanche sets out to stop them.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Setting the bar high for any future remakes, Final Fantasy 7 is a spectacular adventure from start to finish. Though this is only part one of that story, it's still one of the very best titles you can play on PS4.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft saw what worked with Origins and Odyssey and doubled down on creating an Assassin's Creed RPG. Though it doesn't have as many endings as Odyssey, Valhalla still puts player choice at the forefront of the experience. In addition to some fantastic combat, there are plenty of mini-games for players to partake in as well, including flyting, fishing, and drinking. So if you're not into the story, there are still plenty of activities to do.
When Norway becomes inhospitable for Eivor's clan, you'll venture to the lands of England to find a new home. King Alfred doesn't take too kindly to those we view as savage invaders, though, and you'll soon be fighting for the future of your people. This being Assassin's Creed, you'll, of course, find yourself embroiled in the Assassin/Templar conflict that's been brewing over the centuries.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Live out your Viking fantasies and plunder the riches of England while setting up a new home for your clan. Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes the best elements of the series and combines them for a wonderful experience.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact unexpectedly took the world by storm, and there's been no slowing down the momentum for this action RPG. Not only is it free-to-play, making it accessible to more players, but it's also just a hell of a lot of fun to play. The world of Teyvat and its seven nations is gorgeous, and even though there are only a few that are explorable at the moment, each inspired by real locations like Germany, Japan, and China, there's plenty more content on the way.
Though its story is far from complete, it begins with a pair of siblings being transported to a new world and separated by an unknown god. It's up to you to figure out exactly what happened and hopefully reconnect with your twin. Genshin Impact is full of mystery and wonder, and you'll fall in love with its cast of characters the longer you play.
Genshin Impact
Build up your team and take on the world of Genshin Impact, fighting fantastical monsters and exploring the ever-expanding world of Teyvat. Genshin Impact is free-to-play on PS4, but you can purchase microtransactions if you wish.
