10. Final Fantasy VII (PS4)

Final Fantasy VII (PS4)
Final Fantasy VII (PS4)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 5th Dec 2015 (USA) / 5th Dec 2015 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

The game that made Final Fantasy the juggernaut property that it is today, Final Fantasy VII is still the most popular and most revered instalment in Square's series. Now, let's be real for a just a minute: there are parts of Final Fantasy VII that have not aged well. The visuals are all over the place and the controls are wonky, but it's a classic RPG that's still fit to burst with charm and quality. Its battle and materia systems are timeless, and its cast of characters is outstanding. There's a reason why Square Enix is still milking Final Fantasy VII nearly 25 years after its original release.

9. Stardew Valley (PS4)

Stardew Valley (PS4)
Stardew Valley (PS4)
Publisher: Chucklefish / Developer: ConcernedApe
Release Date: 13th Dec 2016 (USA) / 14th Dec 2016 (UK/EU)

If you're in the market for some peace and relaxation, Stardew Valley is well worth a look. A pixelated sandbox that lets you play at your own pace, you're left to revitalise the family farm, interact with a cast of cheery characters, and explore your new home. It's a laid back life sim that's perfect for some stress-free PS4 sessions. A dedicated multiplayer update even allows you to sow the seeds of friendship and farm it up together.

8. Yakuza 0 (PS4)

Yakuza 0 (PS4)
Yakuza 0 (PS4)
Publisher: SEGA / Developer: Yakuza Studio
Release Date: 24th Jan 2017 (USA) / 24th Jan 2017 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

Yakuza 0 is largely regarded as one of the best games in SEGA's crime drama franchise. It takes place in 1980s Japan during the country's economic boom, and the vibes help set it apart from its brethren. The story steals the show, though — a brilliantly twisty tale that involves both series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, before the latter became known as the Mad Dog. Packed with fantastic minigames, crazy side quests, and amazing boss fighters, Yakuza 0 is an absolute gem.

7. Bloodborne (PS4)

Bloodborne (PS4)
Bloodborne (PS4)
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Developer: FromSoftware
Release Date: 24th Mar 2015 (USA) / 27th Mar 2015 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

The spiritual successor to FromSoftware's supremely popular Dark Souls property, Bloodborne fuses the lip-smackingly satisfying combat of its predecessors with a frighteningly fast pace, resulting in the most intense action on the PS4. Harrowing Lovecraftian-like fiends and larger-than-life bosses vie for the attention of your Saw Blade, as the dingy districts of Yharnam intertwine. A steep difficulty curve can make this occasionally putrid escapade appear off-putting, but soldier through the skin and sinew and you'll find a bloodbath worth submerging in.

6. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4)

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4)
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 4th Dec 2020 (USA) / 4th Dec 2020 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

The definitive version of an already outstanding Japanese RPG, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a gigantic and endlessly charming adventure. It retains the series' classic JRPG roots — turn based combat included — but a heavier emphasis on storytelling through a fantastic cast of characters elevates the experience significantly. One of the greatest Dragon Quest games yet — and that's saying a lot.

5. Persona 5 Royal (PS4)

Persona 5 Royal (PS4)
Persona 5 Royal (PS4)
Publisher: Atlus / Developer: Atlus Persona Team
Release Date: 31st Mar 2020 (USA) / 31st Mar 2020 (UK/EU)

The best Japanese RPG on PS4 just got even better with Persona 5 Royal. The original Persona 5 was already a masterpiece for many, but this greatly enhanced and significantly expanded re-release is basically Persona perfection. Balancing elements of everyday life simulation with amazing turn based combat and a lot of cool dungeon crawling, it's a truly immaculate title. Brilliantly cohesive, refined, and quite possibly the most stylish game in existence.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4)
Publisher: Bandai Namco / Developer: CD Projekt Red
Release Date: 19th May 2015 (USA) / 19th May 2015 (UK/EU)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game that every RPG will be measured against going forward - and we don't think that it'll be beaten for quite some time to come. Using its vast open world as shockingly well realised set dressing rather than a map that houses a tedious amount of objective markers, CD Projekt Red's masterpiece is all killer and no filler. Side quests are just as fleshed out as the main story, and your choices can have severe consequences throughout. Add in two expansions that are better than most full games, and you have the complete RPG package.

3. Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PS4)

Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PS4)
Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PS4)
Publisher: Electronic Arts / Developer: BioWare
Release Date: 14th May 2021 (USA) / 14th May 2021 (UK/EU)
Available On:

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 escapades still hold up, with a cast of excellent characters carrying a three whole games' worth of memorable missions. Legendary Edition does a great job of bringing some much needed polish to the first Mass Effect, while also adding a welcome sheen to its sequels. An absolute must for anyone who's looking to become absorbed in a spacefaring adventure.

2. Trails to Azure (PS4)

Trails to Azure (PS4)
Trails to Azure (PS4)
Publisher: NIS America / Developer: Nihon Falcom
Release Date: 14th Mar 2023 (USA) / 17th Mar 2023 (UK/EU)

With the story and characters of the Crossbell saga already established in the first game, Trails to Azure is free to turn the tension up to 11, resulting in one of Falcom's most engrossing RPGs. At times, it's a thrill ride in terms of pacing, as Lloyd Bannings and the gang fight against seemingly insurmountable odds for the sake of their beloved city and its people. Packed with memorable moments and great character development, Azure should be considered a genre classic.

1. Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PS4)

Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster (PS4)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 19th Apr 2023 (USA) / 19th Apr 2023 (UK/EU)

A true, unmistakable classic, Final Fantasy VI set the bar for the series going forward. It was, of course, followed by the staggering success of Final Fantasy VII, but even today, VI remains an example of Final Fantasy at its absolute best. Its characters are still brilliant, its storytelling is still masterful, and from a gameplay perspective, there's so much to admire. While VI isn't as strongly associated with PlayStation as its successors, it'll always demand respect.


What do you think are the best RPGs on PS4? Is your favourite missing? Do you agree with this list? Remember to rate your favourite games yourself, and then level up in the comments below.