Top 15 RPG Games for the PS5: A Curation of Unmissable Experiences – Great

What are the best RPG games for PS5?

Role-playing games have been a staple of the video game industry since its inception, and the genre has attracted a huge number of fans.

However, not all RPGs on next-gen consoles are worth playing, which is why we’ve decided to create this list.

If you want the best role-playing experience possible, you’re in luck because we’ve rounded up the best ones available for the PS5.

 

The 15 Best PS5 RPG Games

To create this list in an unbiased way, we’ve listed each game based on the rating it has received from both critics and fans.

This has allowed us to find the greatest role-playing games on the PlayStation 5, so you can easily find your next favorite.

So, with that being said, here’s our list of the 15 best RPG games for PS5:

 

15. Judgment

A spin-off of the mainline Yakuza games, Judgement was first released in 2019 for the PS4 and has since been remastered for the PS5.

This game follows lawyer Takayuki Yagami, who turns into a detective in order to investigate a case involving a series of corpses that have had their eyes removed.

Taking place in the fictional Tokyo district of Kamurocho, players have to fight through yakuza thugs in order to progress.

However, aside from open combat, there are also stealth and chase sequences that help keep the game interesting.

There are also many side missions that players can undertake that can provide a break from the main storyline, as well as a few neat rewards.

Judgment received favorable reviews from critics upon its release, with its gameplay mechanics, in particular, being praised.

Its plot was also applauded, as was its new cast of characters, which many felt brought new life to the franchise.

Although the English lip-synch wasn’t as tight as the Japanese version, this was overall a minor complaint in an otherwise great RPG.

 

14. Ghost of Tsushima

Released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima is set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, and it gives players control of a samurai tasked with repelling them.

Although it is more of an action-adventure game, there are many RPG elements that make this game stand out.

As Jin, players must choose between following his code of honor or using dishonorable methods to fight the Mongols with minimal casualties.

Similarly, players can choose to engage in direct combat with foes or utilize stealth to become known as “the Ghost.”

This game also boasts a huge open-world environment that can be explored either on foot or by horseback, and fans have praised this game’s world design.

Although this game was first released for the PS4, it has since been re-released for the PS5 as the extended Director’s Cut, which comes with the Iki Island expansion.

Having been nominated for many awards and selling almost 10 million copies, this is one action role-playing game you can’t afford to miss.

 

13. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact came to the PS5 in 2021, and it gives players access to a huge anime-style open world called Teyvat.

In terms of gameplay, Genshin Impact uses an action-based battle system and character-switching.

While it is free-to-play, players can spend money to buy new characters and weapons that can be used throughout the game.

The story follows a character known as The Traveler, who gradually becomes involved in the affairs of the world’s various nations.

During its first year, this game brought in over $3 billion, the most of any video game, and as of 2022, this has jumped to $4 billion in revenue.

Genshin impact is also constantly receiving updates every six weeks, each of which adds never events, areas, and characters to the game.

If you haven’t yet played this game out for yourself, make sure to check out our Genshin Impact tier list, where we rank all the playable characters!

 

12. Scarlet Nexus

This action RPG was released in 2021, and it gives players control of either Kasane Randall or Yuito Sumeragi.

Both potential protagonists are members of the Other Suppression Force, which is tasked with defending New Himuka from a variety of creatures.

Although players can use short-range weapons, each character also has access to psychokinesis, which allows them to throw objects at enemies.

This power can be upgraded by using the brain map, this game’s version of a skill tree, to make it more powerful.

Scarlet Nexus has since become incredibly popular, even spawning its own anime series adaptation, which debuted in 2021.

As of 2022, it has reached 2 million active players, and it is definitely something to check out if you haven’t already.

 

11. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most anticipated PlayStation game releases, and it has since sold over 18 million copies.

While it was considered a buggy mess at launch, much of what held it back has since been fixed, and many fans are satisfied with how far its come.

In this game, players take control of a customizable character called V, who can acquire tons of unique skills as the game progresses.

However, the main story revolves around a cybernetic implant that is gradually overwriting their body and mind with the memories and personality of a dead celebrity.

There is a lot to do in Cyberpunk 2077, including dozens of side quests that can help V become more powerful.

Players can also make decisions that impact the outcome of the game, which provides a decent amount of replayability.

With many of the launch bugs having been solved, an expansion called Phantom Liberty is slated to be released in 2023.

What’s more, a sequel is already in development following the incredible success of the series’ anime adaptation.

 

10. Soul Hackers 2

This JRPG game is the fifth game in the Devil Summoner series, and it follows Ringo and Figue as agents of the AI Aion.

Gameplay takes place in various dungeon environments, with a turn-based combat system that can be quite challenging in certain sections.

The main story plays out as a series of 3D in-engine cutscenes and dialogue with 2D character portraits.

In order to make progress, players have to complete story-based quests, though there is also plenty of side content that can be used to earn items and money.

While the dungeons can feel a bit repetitive at times, there is also DLC that helps bring more variety to the game.

Overall, both critics and fans have given Soul Hackers 2 highly favorable reviews, with many crediting the gameplay mechanics and story for making it enjoyable.

As one of the best turn-based PS5 games, this is a great RPG that gives players a good story with tons of satisfying content.

 

9. Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn

This MMORPG is a reboot of the failed 2010 version of the game, and it definitely makes up for what its previous incarnation lacked.

Taking place in the fictional land of Eorzea five years after the events of the original 2010 game, A Realm Reborn gives players a chance to defend the world from a Garlean invasion.

Originally called Version 2.0, this game features a new game engine, better servers, improved gameplay, and a completely rewritten story.

Unlike the original game, critics have praised A Realm Reborn for its intuitive mechanics and steady level of progression.

As of 2021, there are 24 million registered players across all consoles, and it has steadily continued to become more popular.

While it does cost money to play, unlike the best free MMORPG games, there are also several expansions that make it a worthwhile investment.

Most recently, players were treated to the Endwalker DLC, which includes a new nation to explore, two new jobs, and new player characters.  

Now considered a fantastic Final Fantasy game, this MMORPG is certainly worth playing if you’re a fan of the series.

 

8. Tales of Arise

This action RPG is the seventeenth installment in the Tales series and the first to receive a simultaneous worldwide launch.

Tales of Arise follows a man and a woman from two opposing worlds as they try to stop the Renans’ oppression of the people of Dahna.

Like previous games in the series, it retains the basic Tales linear motion battle system, which has a large focus on countering and invading.

However, unlike many other games in the Tales franchise, Arise doesn’t feature multiplayer, since the developers chose to focus more on interactions between characters.

That said, the lack of multiplayer didn’t impact the game negatively, and both fans and critics reviewed it favorably.

It even won Best RPG at The Game Awards in 2021 and has since sold over 2 million units across the world.

Furthermore, a crossover with the anime Sword Art Online was created as DLC, adding Asuna and Kirito to the game.

 

7. Lost Judgment

A sequel to the first game on our list, Lost Judgment picks up where Judgement left off with private detective Takayuki Yagami.

In this game, players control Takayuki as he investigates a criminal accused of sexual harassment and murder.

During combat, players can switch between three different fighting styles, including Snake style for counterattacking, which was newly added to this game.

Like the previous title, Lost Judgement includes platforming, stealth, and chase sequences that keep the game diverse and engaging.

There are also numerous side quests and a school stories system where Takayuki can investigate and assist clubs and students.

Lost Judgement received praise for further developing Takayuki’s personality, as well as for balancing the game’s story between light and dark segments.

While some have criticized the linear combat system, it has overall become a must-play RPG for fans of the Yazkua series.

 

6. Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

This 2020 action RPG is one of the best Assassin’s Creed games of all time, and it is the twelfth major installment in the series.

Valhalla gives players control of Eivor, a Viking who sets out to England in order to build a new settlement.

However, this also thrusts players into the conflict between the Assassins and Templars, as well as the political tensions of Middle Age England.

This game includes a vast open world with hundreds of small quests to find dotted across the map, as well as a number of large and small DLC expansions.

Players can completely customize their playstyles with various weapons and skills while also making a few big decisions that impact the end of the game.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla received much praise from fans of the series and critics, especially in regard to its variety of gameplay and narrative choices.

Additionally, this game became the first ever to win a Grammy award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games, as the category was only just added in 2023.

 

5. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

This RPG is the first mainline game in the Yakuza series to be created with turn-based combat, and it is a change many fans have enjoyed.

Like a Dragon introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who goes undercover to discover why his previous boss betrayed him, something that earned him 18 years in prison.

Similar to other games in the series, there are numerous side quests that players can complete for rewards.

There are also side activities like karaoke and Dragon Kart, which add even more variety to the game overall.

However, the biggest change is the turn-based combat mechanics as opposed to the real-time combat system used in prior Yakuza games.

During combat, players can also use nearby items to attack enemies, a mechanic that is usually not seen in other turn-based titles.

Furthermore, there is a new game plus mode that is unlocked once players complete the game that provides more challenge through an additional difficulty setting.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is by far one of the best RPGs in terms of unique gameplay, and it is something that even those who haven’t played previous games can enjoy.

 

4. Final Fantasy VII Remake

The Final Fantasy VII Remake is easily one of the best PS5 RPG games, and it is the first in a planned trilogy.

Unlike the remake of Final Fantasy XIV, this game is a reboot of an already beloved game, but it managed to make it even better.

Set in the metropolis of Midgar, players control Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group Avalance in order to stop Shinra from draining the planet’s life essence.

Combat is fast-paced and makes use of real-time action mixed with strategic and role-playing elements.

Final Fantasy fans praised this game for expanding upon the original game and bringing more life to the main cast of characters.

The narrative was particularly applauded for fleshing out all of the characters and giving them their own unique arcs.

Suffice it to say, the Final Fantasy VII Remake has easily become one of the best PS5 RPG games and one that shouldn’t be passed up.

Even those who haven’t played any of the Final Fantasy series can find something to love in this amazing installment.

 

3. Horizon Forbidden West

Along with being one of the best PS5 third-person games, Horizon Forbidden West is also an exceptional RPG.

A sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, this game is set in a post-apocalyptic version of the Western United States following an extinction event caused by machines.

As Aloy, players can explore the huge open-world environment, completing quests and using a variety of ranged and melee weapons against mechanical creatures.

Horizon Forbidden West has been praised for its voice acting, visuals, gameplay, and technical advancements.

Some additions that have been included in this game include free-form climbing, underwater exploration, and tools like the Shieldwing glider.

Although Elden Ring overshadowed its release, Forbidden West still managed to earn the Best Game and Best Visual Art awards at the 2022 Star Awards.

While it was also nominated for Game of the Year at the Game Awards, it was beaten by, you guessed it, Elden Ring.

That said, this game is definitely worth playing as it is well-designed and absolutely gorgeous to explore.

 

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered

Taking our number two spot is the complete edition of The Witcher 3, which was originally released in 2015.

Not only does this game have one of the biggest open-world maps in video game history, but it has been completely remastered for next-gen consoles.

Although nothing has been changed story-wise, the re-release of this game comes with improved textures, graphics enhancements, and 60fps in 4k resolution.

More weather types have also been added, as have updated landscapes, enhanced character customization options, and updated lighting.

If that wasn’t enough, a few new side missions and quests have been added based on the Netflix adaptation of the Witcher, along with a new armor set.

With the remastered version of Wild Hunt, players can re-experience the thirty-six different endings in high definition with a new set of kickass gear.

 

1. Elden Ring

Of course, Elden Ring takes our number one spot, and we think everyone can agree it is by far the best RPG on the PS5 right now.

With worldbuilding provided by author George R. R. Martin and a huge open world map filled with unique creatures and locations, it’s really hard not to love this game.

Players can create their characters and explore six main areas to find hidden dungeons and useful items that can help them make progress.

However, the game itself is anything but linear, and how it moves forward is really up to whatever players choose to do.

Elden Ring has received critical acclaim for its open world, gameplay, and unique fantasy setting.

It has even managed to sell 20 million copies in only a year and win several highly sought-after Game of the Year accolades.

This game is seriously huge, and it even comes with a unique multiplayer system that allows players to be summoned for either co-op or PvP combat.

If you haven’t played this game yet, you are really missing out on one hell of an amazing experience.

 

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 15 best RPG games for the PS5, and hopefully, you’ve found a few new games to play!

While each of these games brings something unique to the genre, they all stand out for their engaging RPG mechanics.

Honestly, you really can’t go wrong playing any of these titles, but we highly recommend checking out Elden Ring if you haven’t already.

Here’s a quick recap of the 15 best RPG games for PS5:

1. Elden Ring
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered
3. Horizon Forbidden West
4. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
5. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
6. Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
7.  Lost Judgment
8. Tales of Arise
9. Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn
10. Soul Hackers 2
11. Cyberpunk 2077
12. Scarlet Nexus
13. Genshin Impact
14. Ghost of Tsushima
15. Judgment

What’s your favorite RPG for the PS5? Leave a comment below.