Role-playing games (RPGs) have long been a favorite genre for PlayStation players, offering immersive worlds, intricate stories, and character development that make players feel deeply connected to the game’s universe. From fantasy epics to futuristic dystopias, PlayStation’s RPG library is vast and varied, providing experiences that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re seeking an open-world adventure, tactical combat, or a compelling narrative, there’s an RPG on PlayStation that will draw you in and keep you hooked for hours. Here’s a look at some of the best RPGs available on the platform.
One of the most critically acclaimed RPGs of the last decade is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015), developed by CD Projekt Red. This massive open-world RPG follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with extraordinary abilities, as he seeks to find his adopted cendanabet daughter and stop the apocalyptic Wild Hunt. What sets The Witcher 3 apart is its vast, detailed world filled with intricate side quests, morally complex decisions, and a deeply immersive story. Players can engage in swordplay, magic, and alchemy, all while exploring vast landscapes, from dark forests to war-torn villages. The game’s narrative depth, emotional weight, and attention to detail make it a standout RPG, and it has received numerous Game of the Year awards for its quality and impact on the genre.
Another RPG that deserves recognition is Persona 5 Royal (2020), an enhanced version of the already phenomenal Persona 5 (2016). Developed by Atlus, Persona 5 Royal is a turn-based RPG that combines traditional dungeon-crawling with life simulation mechanics. Players control a group of high school students who are also Phantom Thieves, using their personas to enter the Metaverse, a world where distorted versions of people’s desires reside. The game’s stylish visuals, fantastic soundtrack, and deep character relationships make it a standout title in the RPG genre. The addition of new characters, areas, and story content in Persona 5 Royal only adds to the brilliance of the original, making it one of the most unforgettable RPG experiences on PlayStation.
If you’re more interested in tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) for the PlayStation and Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) on the Nintendo Switch might be familiar, but PlayStation owners can find similar experiences in titles like Tactics Ogre: Reborn (2022). This tactical RPG takes place in a medieval fantasy world where players control a group of warriors, navigating political intrigue, war, and personal conflict. Its deep combat mechanics, involving grid-based movement and unit positioning, provide a level of strategy and complexity that is immensely satisfying. The game’s branching narrative ensures that player choices have significant consequences, making it a highly replayable title.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) is a full remake of the classic Final Fantasy VII (1997), one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. The game offers both a nostalgic return to the story of Cloud Strife and his companions as they battle the evil corporation Shinra, but it also reinvents the original with updated combat mechanics and enhanced visuals. While it retains the emotional depth and complexity of the original’s story, the remake adds a more action-oriented combat system that blends real-time action with strategic pauses for spellcasting and item use. The game’s stunning visuals, memorable characters, and epic boss battles make it a must-play for both newcomers to the franchise and long-time fans of the original.
For those who prefer a more sci-fi RPG experience, Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021) is an outstanding choice. This remastered edition of the original Mass Effect trilogy brings Commander Shepard’s space-faring adventures to life with improved graphics and enhanced gameplay. The Mass Effect series is known for its deep narrative choices, where the player’s decisions have a lasting impact on the story and the relationships with various alien species. The series combines exploration, third-person shooting, and tactical decision-making with a story that blends politics, war, and the fate of the galaxy. With the Legendary Edition, you get all three games with their DLC content, making it the ultimate way to experience this iconic RPG series on PlayStation.
For a more unique and personal RPG experience, Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) is an open-world action RPG that blends post-apocalyptic themes with a primal, nature-filled world. Players control Aloy, a young hunter who explores a world overrun by robotic creatures. The game’s combat system is built around using a variety of weapons and tactics to take down enemies, including stealth, traps, and ranged weapons. The world-building in Horizon Zero Dawn is particularly impressive, offering a rich story set in a future where humanity has disappeared, and machines rule the land. Aloy’s journey to uncover the truth about her past and the history of the world is gripping, with a narrative that combines mystery, action, and exploration.