Best PS Plus RPGs

Rising out of PS Now’s ashes, Sony’s new PlayStation Plus rolled out in 2022, and it has been a reasonable success by all accounts. Split into three tiers, the service’s Extra and Premium subscriptions grant users access to hundreds of games covering a wide spectrum of genres. Yearning for a fright? PS Plus has plenty of horror delights. Want to play with a friend? Local co-op options are not lacking.

Unsurprisingly, role-playing games are not an exception, and that includes Western and Japanese projects. PS Plus has action, turn-based, shooter, open-world, and tactical RPGs, so there should be something for just about everyone. As the service’s library is so vast, here is a rundown of the best PS Plus RPGs, along with a few genre classics that are available as part of the Premium tier.

Updated December 17, 2024 by Mark Sammut:PS Plus Extra and Premium’s December 2024 lineup does not include RPGs; however, the Essential tier’s selection has one game that fits the genre.

1 Temtem (December 2024 PS Plus Essential Lineup)

Got To Tem ‘Em All

As there will almost certainly never be a Pokemon game on a PlayStation console, creature-collection fans will need to look elsewhere to get their fill. The ecosystem has a couple of alternatives, such as various Digimon titles, but few releases are as unmistakably inspired by Game Freak’s behemoth as Temtem. Crema’s project garnered quite a lot of excitement and attention when it entered early access in 2020, paving the way for a full debut in 2022. Since then, the game has faded slightly from the public consciousness, despite being an MMO that emphasizes continuous online play to an extent.

While it might no longer be the hot new RPG on the market, Temtem is still a pretty easy recommendation for anyone craving a challenging game that follows and tweaks the Pokemon formula. Players can collect, train, and evolve Tems, building a team capable of taking on the Dojo Masters. The latter pack quite a sturdy punch, demanding players have optimized teams that complement each other and target the opponent’s weaknesses. The game even has a substantial endgame. The turn-based combat system shakes things up by focusing specifically on dual matches, which adds a significant wrinkle to team structure and synergy.

Temtem has issues like any RPG out there, but it is a visually impressive and mechanically deep take on a concept that has been crying out for innovation.

2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Best Open-World RPG On PS Plus

CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 was one of the biggest and most important RPGs of the 2010s, and its brilliance has not faded at all over the last 10 years.

Bringing to a close Geralt’s final run as the main protagonist, the 2015 game is the definition of a dark fantasy epic, delivering immersive storytelling that translates into a living and breathing world. Although the main story is well-told and engaging, The Witcher 3 shines in its secondary content, particularly its side quests and activities like Gwent. The former arguably still represents the peak in both the open-world and RPG genres, while the latter is just a fun and deep mini-game that can take hours of a player’s life.

At this point, The Witcher 3‘s legacy is set in stone and there is nothing new that can be said to convince a newcomer to give it a try. Ultimately, the game is not perfect: the combat is polarizing, Geralt’s horse can be unwieldy, and the main villains are somewhat underwhelming. However, as a full package, The Witcher 3‘s ambition shines through its impressive world, fully realized characters, and robust range of monster designs.

3 Bloodborne

The Best Soulslike Action RPG On PS Plus

Bloodborne is a dark fantasy RPG inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Bram Stoker, and other classical horror authors of the early 20th century. It is developed by FromSoftware, the same studio behind the Dark Souls franchise and Elden Ring. Bloodborne was released as a PlayStation exclusive, though, and is included with PS Plus Premium and Extra. It’s one of the most challenging RPGs ever made, and its uniquely disturbing visuals paired with incredibly fine-tuned gameplay make it a classic every PlayStation owner should try at some point.

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Now, Bloodborne is very much a Soulslike, which is basically a separate genre by this point. However, the vast majority of these releases are, ultimately, action RPGs that combine build variety, customization, deep progression systems, and loot. Compared to Dark Souls, Bloodborne does not emphasize weapon drops all that much, instead opting for a smaller pool of viable options that each have multiple forms and play very differently from each other.

More importantly, this Victorian Gothic masterpiece delivers an immersive setting, challenging but fair combat, epic boss fights, and fantastic lore (that can be ignored if a player simply does not care).

4 Disco Elysium – The Final Cut

A Dialogue-Driven Murder Mystery With Great Writing

Disco Elysium is unlike pretty much any other PS Plus RPG, and this uniqueness might put off some people if they go in completely blind. However, the latter will result in a better experience since this is one adventure that should not be spoiled as much as possible. Basically, ZA/UM created a game that revolves heavily around dialogue, which acts as a replacement for a combat system.

Players will spend most of their playthrough reading text or listening to the (well-done) voice acting, to the point that Disco Elysium can feel like a visual novel at times. Throughout these sections, players will regularly have to make choices that impact not only the overall story but also the protagonist’s personality and ideology.

Shows Its Age And Class

The Elder Scrolls series has remained somewhat stagnant since the release of The Elder Scrolls Online almost eight years ago. Fans hold out for the eventual sequel to Skyrim, though, thanks to the everlasting playability of the Elder Scrolls franchise. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the game that popularized The Elder Scrolls series before Skyrim made it a household name.

While the graphics may feel dated nowadays, Oblivion‘s story, gameplay, and overall atmosphere are still as impressive as they were on release. The music of the game is regularly praised as the best in the series, and the environments of Cyrodiil are as lush as they are teeming with secrets. If someone has only ever played Skyrim, they will like its predecessor too.

6 Tales Of Arise/Vesperia

Two Fantastic Action JRPG That Are Both Good Entry Points Into The Franchise

• 	Tales of Arise	Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
  PS Plus Availability	Extra & Premium	Premium
  Platform(s)	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One	Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One
  Released	2021-09-10	2019-01-11
  Developer(s)	Bandai Namco Studios	Namco Tales Studio
  How Long To Beat	40 Hours	45 Hours

Even if it does not have Final Fantasy‘s name recognition, Tales is a huge deal in the Japanese RPG world, particularly when it comes to real-time combat. Except for maybe Star Ocean, Bandai Namco’s series is the definitive action JRPG franchise, a reputation forged from decades of solid releases. While everyone has their favorites (Tales of Graces f and Abyss are fantastic in certain areas), Symphonia, Vesperia, and Arise represent Tales‘ peak(s), and they are quite different experiences in their own right. Fortunately, all three titles are available on PS Plus Premium, with Arise also being part of the Extra tier. Although probably the most “classic” entry in the series, Symphonia shows its age in many places, and the remastered version barely tries to remedy that. Just to be clear, the game is still worth playing, but someone’s mileage will likely vary.

Despite originally launching in 2008, Vesperia is far more accessible in this day and age, and the Definitive Edition lives up to its title. This project came out at a time when the franchise was transitioning to a full 3D battle system, and while simple compared to subsequent entries, Vesperia‘s combat is still fun for the most part. The story is slow to get going but transforms into something fantastic once it picks up momentum.

Finally, there is Tales of Arise, the most modern release in the series (not counting remasters). Complete newcomers who are not sure which game to start with should pick Arise as it is the most well-rounded option on PS Plus, delivering good combat, visuals, characters, and storytelling. That said, Arise does not support co-op, which is otherwise considered a staple of the franchise. Therefore, Symphonia and Vesperia would be better options for a group of players.

7 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

A Revamped PS1 JRPG Classic

Systems

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PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

Released

June 10, 2021

How Long To Beat

33 Hours

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Pros

• Great Real-Time Combat That Incorporates Some Turn-Based Elements
• Although Slow At Times, Story Is Quite Good
• Expansion Is Worth Playing

Cons

• Side Quests Are Forgettable

Final Fantasy 7 was a landmark release for the RPG genre, and the 1997 game holds up after all these years. That classic is without question one of the best JRPGs on PS Plus, however, the same claim can also be made regarding its remake. Square Enix has opted to retell this iconic story through a modern lens, one that provides a lot more than just a graphical upgrade. Utilizing an action-based battle system with a couple of turn-based options, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade delivers fast-paced and addictive combat across a plethora of playable characters.

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Intergrade is the PS5 version that includes Yuffie’s “Intermission” DLC, and it is a substantial addition that features unique bosses and mechanics. The PS4 vanilla version of the game is also on PS Plus Premium and Extra, so a subscriber does not need Sony’s latest console to play this title. As Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second part of the remake initiative, is on the way, this is the perfect time for newcomers to jump into the first game.

8 Scarlet Nexus

Really Solid Action JRPG With Dual Protagonists

Scarlet Nexus was a pleasant surprise as the JRPG genre does not frequently produce new IPs with relatively big budgets, particularly ones that garner a positive reception. Bandai’s game takes place in an alternate reality where empowered humans are tasked with fighting off threats known as the Others. Players can pick from two protagonists, both of whom have different combat styles and storylines. While there is a fair amount of overlap, two playthroughs are required to experience the full story.

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The action JRPG plays out like a hack and slash game akin to something like the Tales series, although players cannot swap between their party members. The combat system is fast-paced, flashy, and surprisingly deep, even if it takes a while to unveil all of its mechanics. Narratively, Scarlet Nexus is also a success, and the game leaves enough room for a potential sequel. While it might not have the name recognition of Final Fantasy or Elder Scrolls, Scarlet Nexus is one of the best PS Plus Extra JRPGs.

9 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Combines RPG, Stealth, And FPS Elements Really Well

Deus Ex is among the most important RPG franchises of all time, largely thanks to the brilliant original game that helped set the standard for immersive sims. The sequels are all over the place in terms of quality, but Human Revolution and Mankind Divided are at least good enough to proudly carry the license’s name. The latter finds Adam Jensen infiltrating a secret organization responsible for a string of terrorist attacks. Narratively, Mankind Divided hits the mark and delivers a captivating tale with interesting and relevant themes.

Deux Ex is synonymous with player choice, something reflected by the 2016 release. Adam can approach scenarios in a variety of ways; players can opt for stealth or blast every enemy in sight. Although the game does somewhat advise players to try and keep a low profile, it does not significantly punish those who prefer to treat the campaign like a first-person shooter. Choices also impact the progression of missions, which means players will want to at least play through the story twice to get the full experience.

10 Remnant 2

Co-Op Action RPG With Soulslike Elements

PS Plus RPGs received a decent boost in July 2024 thanks to the arrival of Crisis Core – Final Fantasy 7 – Reunion, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Mount & Blade 2, Jeanne d’Arc, and Summoner. All those titles are worth playing depending on someone’s preferences, but the month’s biggest addition was undoubtedly Remnant 2, Gunfire’s 2023 entry in the Soulslike subgenre. While these types of games are almost regarded as separate entities from RPGs, they are still ultimately part of the genre and include nearly all the fundamentals associated with it. Remnant 2 offers a range of classes (aka Archetypes), build variety, quests, exploration, fairly deep lore, and a serviceable story to follow. Anyone familiar with Remnant: From the Ashes should know what to expect from the sequel, albeit with most of its ideas expanded and improved.

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Focusing on third-person shooter gunplay and mostly limiting melee to a secondary option, Remnant 2 grants players quite a few options in how they want to approach the action. While initially only presenting a few Archetypes, new ones are unlocked throughout the campaign, and they all have different perks, skills, and traits that set them apart. Beyond this element, equipment like mods and mutators provide quite a bit of flexibility, and the same can be said for weapons (although they are not extremely plentiful or frequent drops). As a single-player experience, Remnant 2 gets the job done; however, the game is clearly designed with co-op in mind.

11 The Legend Of Dragoon

A PS1 Cult Classic That Is Now Accessible To PS Plus Premium Subscribers

Systems

PS Plus Availability

Premium

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Released

June 14, 2000

How Long To Beat

50 Hours

Pros

• PS1 Classic
• Ambitious Story
• Gameplay Has Aged Reasonably Well

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A cult PS1 classic, The Legend of Dragoon debuted late in the console’s lifespan, limiting its reach and potential. Nowadays, this JRPG is rather difficult to find, especially since the project was never ported to any other systems. Consequently, its addition to PS Plus Premium is a big deal since it marks the first time in a long while that this fan-favorite is widely accessible.

The Legend of Dragoon is similar to other 3D JRPGs released during the late-’90s such as Square’s Final Fantasy entries. The game features turn-based combat, random enemy encounters, and a lengthy storyline. Although not far removed from its contemporaries, Legend of Dragoon introduced a range of unique ideas, including input prompts during battle.

12 Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Parkour, Zombies, And Level Up

Dying Light 2 has quite a mixed reputation, most of which can be traced back to its buggy launch. Since then, Techland has released a lot of updates that provide a far smoother experience; while not 100% perfect, it is nowadays in a much better state. Important as they are, the technical aspects ultimately do not determine whether a game is actually fun or not, and Dying Light 2 has always been pretty entertaining.

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An open-world romp set during a zombie apocalypse, the game is largely beloved for its gameplay, specifically free-running. Building on the ideas of its predecessor, the sequel really emphasizes its parkour, encouraging players to be constantly on the move as they explore Villedor during both the day and night. The story is nothing to write home about, and neither is the protagonist, but the minute-to-minute gameplay routine more than makes up for it.

So, none of that stuff has anything to do with the RPG genre. Dying Light 2 is one of those releases that features RPG elements but is not necessarily defined by them. Players level up, equip class-specific weapons and armor, unlock and improve their abilities, complete missions and side quests, and even make the occasional decision that impacts the world and the story’s ending. The game has more than enough ingredients to qualify as an RPG, but the combat and movement are by fair its best features.

13 Dark Cloud 2

Fantastic PS2 JRPG With Endless Charm

Dark Cloud 2

Systems

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PS Plus Availability

Premium

Released

February 17, 2003

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Developer(s)

Level-5

How Long To Beat

50 Hours

Pros

• Weapon-Based Progression System
• Good Blend Of Dungeon-Crawling And Village Maintenance

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A PlayStation 2 classic, Dark Cloud 2 is a charming JRPG that has aged beautifully over the last two decades. As Max and Monica, players explore dungeons in search of items that allow them and their village to grow. Rather than leveling up the protagonists, Dark Cloud 2 ties progression to weapons; the more a sword or gun is used, the stronger it becomes.

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Level-5’s portfolio is filled with great JRPGs, but even in that competitive scene, Dark Cloud 2 still manages to stand out as being something extra special. This PS2 title is one of the best RPGs on PS Plus, and nostalgia has nothing to do with it.

14 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

When It Comes To Action RPG Combat, Ys 8 Is Among The Very Best

Nihon Falcom’s Ys has been a staple of the action JRPG scene for decades, particularly on PCs. Although not the first entry to garner attention in Western countries, Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana helped expand the franchise’s visibility since it features graphics that did not look as dated as its predecessors’ visuals. More importantly, the action JRPG has a fast-paced and awesome combat system that is accessible but also hides a fair amount of depth.

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Set on a reasonably sized island filled with monsters to slay and discoveries to be made, Lacrimosa of Dana strikes a healthy balance of battles, character-building, and exploration. One of the most fun JRPGs on PS Plus Premium and Extra, Ys 8 should not be missed.

15 Moonlighter

Relaxing Shop Management With A Side Of Intense Dungeon Crawling

Role-playing titles can be stressful, both in terms of their narratives and gameplay. For people who want something a touch more relaxing and laid-back, Moonlighter is a valid option. The game is split into two sections: shop management and dungeon crawling. The latter serves as a way to acquire resources and loot that can be invested in the former.

This loop is addictive and rewarding, while still offering enough of a challenge to test players. Moonlighter‘s pixel art style is gorgeous, and the visuals really bring to life the game’s setting and the monsters that populate its dungeon.

16 Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, & Fallout 4

Three Distinct Games That Shine In Different Areas

• 	Fallout 4	Fallout 3	Fallout: New Vegas
  PS Plus Availability	Extra & Premium	Premium	Premium
  Platform(s)	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One	PS3, Xbox 360, PC	PS3, Xbox 360, PC
  Released	2015-11-10	2008-10-28	2010-10-19
  Developer(s)	Bethesda	Bethesda Game Studios	Obsidian Entertainment
  How Long To Beat	27 Hours	23 Hours	28 Hours

PS Plus has all the 3D Fallout games, including Fallout 76 for those craving a multiplayer experience. Focusing on the main single-player entries, all three RPGs have their positives that make them worthwhile. Now, Extra tier subscribers just have Fallout 4, so they don’t have much of an option. While somewhat divisive due to its restrictive RPG and dialogue mechanics, the 2015 sequel is arguably the most enjoyable from a minute-to-minute perspective, providing relatively decent gunplay and gameplay compared to its predecessors.

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The most iconic entry in the franchise, Fallout 3 is an accessible but still deep RPG with a good story and a great sandbox that encourages and rewards exploration. Finally, New Vegas is arguably the best all-around Fallout game, and it has aged well as long as new players are prepared for a few bugs and rough moments. In terms of pure role-playing, New Vegas is a masterpiece.

17 Cat Quest 1 & 2

• 	Cat Quest	Cat Quest II
  PS Plus Availability	Extra & Premium	Extra & Premium
  Platform(s)	Switch, PS4, PC, iOS, Android	Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, iOS, Xbox One
  Released	2017-08-08	2019-09-24
  Developer(s)	The Gentlebros	The Gentlebros
  How Long To Beat	6 Hours	8 Hours

Most PS Plus RPGs are long and epic journeys that can take months to complete, and they are great. That said, exceptions exist, and Cat Quest might be the best. Sony’s service has the first two entries in the series, which are very similar while still containing a few twists that set them apart from each other. Newcomers might be tempted to jump directly into the sequel to just go with the most recent option, which would be fine since neither game is so story-heavy that a lack of content would be an issue; however, doing this would mean missing out on a cute and fun action RPG. More importantly, it is very possible to complete both games in less than 20 hours, so there is no reason to skip an entry.

Played from an isometric perspective, Cat Quest streamlines the action RPG/dungeon-crawler formula to create an accessible but still reasonably challenging experience. The combat is simple but satisfying, while the progression and customization systems provide just enough options to warrant trying out different builds. Both titles are set in delightful open-worlds that manage to feel expansive despite their relatively small sizes. While the first game is single-player only, the sequel integrates co-op directly into the story through the usage of two protagonists who are forced to work together.