The PlayStation 4 was a home for RPG lovers, a console where storytelling, world-building, and deep character progression thrived. As the gaming landscape shifted with the rise of live-service titles and battle royales, the PS4 remained a haven for those of us who craved immersive narratives, strategic combat, and the heart-wrenching choices only an RPG can provide.
Looking back, it’s hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia for the unforgettable adventures we embarked on during the PS4’s heyday. Some games refined the genre’s best elements, while others shattered conventions to create something new. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and rank the best RPGs the PlayStation 4 had to offer—titles that still hold up today and remain must-plays for any RPG fan.
10. Nier: Automata – The Existential Masterpiece
PlatinumGames and Yoko Taro delivered an RPG experience like no other with Nier: Automata. A melancholic journey through a desolate world, it combined high-speed action combat with deep, philosophical storytelling. The game’s multiple endings, each revealing new layers to its tragic narrative, made it a title that demanded multiple playthroughs. Even today, its haunting soundtrack and thought-provoking themes make it an essential experience.
9. Final Fantasy XV – A Brotherhood-Fueled Road Trip
When Final Fantasy XV launched, it was met with mixed reactions. But over time, fans came to appreciate its tale of brotherhood, loss, and duty. The open world of Eos was breathtaking, and the action-based combat system set a new standard for future Final Fantasy titles. Though imperfect, the bond between Noctis and his friends made this adventure unforgettable.
8. Tales of Berseria – A Story of Revenge and Redemption
The Tales series has always been a fan favorite, but Berseria stood out with its darker themes and morally complex protagonist, Velvet Crowe. Her journey of revenge, fueled by raw emotion, gave the game an intensity rarely seen in the series. The fast-paced combat and engaging character interactions made it one of the best action-JRPGs on the PS4.
7. Persona 5 Royal – The Ultimate High School Fantasy
A stylish, turn-based masterpiece, Persona 5 Royal refined and expanded upon an already stellar RPG. The Phantom Thieves’ battle against corrupt adults resonated deeply, and the game’s daily life mechanics, dungeon-crawling, and social interactions created an addictive gameplay loop. Even years later, its striking visual style and unforgettable soundtrack remain unmatched.
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – A High Fantasy Triumph
Few RPGs have achieved the level of storytelling, world-building, and character depth that The Witcher 3 delivered. Geralt of Rivia’s journey across the war-torn lands of the Continent felt alive in a way few open-world games ever have. With its rich side quests, complex moral choices, and outstanding expansions, The Witcher 3 still sets the gold standard for Western RPGs.
5. Dark Souls III – A Beautifully Brutal Farewell
The final entry in the Dark Souls series refined the franchise’s formula, delivering breathtaking environments, methodical combat, and unforgettable boss battles. The interconnected world design and deep lore made exploration a joy, even if it often ended in death. Few RPGs test a player’s patience and skill as much as Dark Souls III, and its influence can still be felt in modern gaming.
4. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age – A Love Letter to Classic RPGs
This game felt like a warm embrace for longtime RPG fans. Dragon Quest XI didn’t reinvent the wheel, but its charming characters, vibrant world, and finely tuned turn-based combat reminded us why the genre remains timeless. With its blend of nostalgia and modern polish, it stands tall as one of the best traditional RPGs of its generation.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn – A Mesmerizing Blend of Sci-Fi and Fantasy
While not a traditional RPG, Horizon Zero Dawn seamlessly wove RPG mechanics into its open-world action framework. Aloy’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures was as awe-inspiring as it was emotionally gripping. The world-building, character development, and strategic combat ensure it remains a must-play RPG experience even today.
2. Bloodborne – The Gothic Nightmare We Couldn’t Wake From
FromSoftware’s Bloodborne is more than a game—it’s an experience. This Lovecraftian nightmare traded Dark Souls’ slow, methodical combat for relentless aggression. The city of Yharnam dripped with atmosphere, its interconnected world design rewarding fearless exploration. Even after all these years, Bloodborne’s haunting visuals, brutal difficulty, and cryptic storytelling make it one of the greatest RPGs ever crafted.
1. Persona 5 Royal – The Definitive RPG Experience on PS4
Yes, Persona 5 Royal gets another mention, but for good reason—it is, hands down, the best RPG experience on the PS4. It takes everything that made the base game incredible and enhances it with new characters, improved mechanics, and an expanded story. The turn-based combat is some of the best the genre has ever seen, and the game’s themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and the power of friendship make it a narrative masterpiece. There’s a reason Persona 5 still stands tall in RPG discussions today.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 4’s RPG catalog was nothing short of legendary. Whether you preferred the deep, philosophical questions posed by Nier: Automata, the high-octane difficulty of Bloodborne, or the heartfelt camaraderie of Final Fantasy XV, there was something for everyone. These games not only defined a console generation but also helped shape the future of the RPG genre itself.
Even as we step into the next generation, these PS4 RPGs remain timeless—classics that continue to inspire, challenge, and move us. So, if you haven’t yet experienced these masterpieces, now is the perfect time to dive back in and relive the magic of RPG storytelling at its finest.
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