Best RPGs On PS Plus Extra & Premium

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 RPGs on PS Plus Extra, along with a few genre classics that are available as part of the Premium tier.

As not everything is included with a PS Plus Extra subscription, each entry states whether the game is part of that tier. If it exists, a game’s Amazon listing page has been included in case someone prefers to pick up a physical copy.

Each game’s average length is based on their main story average on HowLongToBeat.

Disco Elysium – The Final Cut

Metascore: 89

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.

Sea Of Stars

Metascore: 87

Garnering near-universal praise, Sea of Stars is a throwback to yesteryear’s JRPGs that can stand alongside the genre’s greatest all-time offerings. Launching directly on PS Plus Extra, Sabotage Studio’s title follows a duo of heroes as they go on an adventure within their island, which proves to be far bigger and more diverse than initially might seem apparent. Naturally, they make a few friends along the way who are more than happy to fight alongside them, and they will need all the help they can get.

Even though 16-bit pixel graphics games have been done to death, particularly when it comes to RPGs, Sea of Stars nevertheless manages to impress with its art style and visuals. Sabotage’s indie project might not have realistic AAA graphics, but it is still one of 2023’s most gorgeous releases. The turn-based combat system is fine-tuned to encourage fast and strategic play, and it goes out of its way to ensure that every character feels important.

Scarlet Nexus

Metascore: 80

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.

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 RPGs.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Metascore: 84

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.

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

Metascore: 78

Capcom confirmed that Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be debuting on March 22, 2023, on the PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. Although not as well known as Dark Souls or Elder Scrolls, this action RPG property nevertheless has a loud and passionate fanbase that never stopped hoping that a sequel could eventually become a reality. While it ended up taking more than a decade, the previews have been encouraging, and there is hope it will not only live up to expectations but even exceed them.

For complete newcomers who are unfamiliar with Capcom’s franchise, they should try out Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen while it is available on PS Plus Extra. Except for perhaps the PC version, the PS4 remaster is probably the best way to experience this modern cult classic, and many of its ideas will likely be explored further in the upcoming sequel. Now, the game is rough around the edges and has a fairly weak opening few hours, so expectations should be tempered slightly to avoid disappointment. The story is nothing more than fine, and the open-world can be frustrating until players reach the first major city.

For all its flaws, Dragon’s Dogma generally improves as the campaign progresses, and the game really hits its stride once players start to come to grips with the combat system. The latter has a lot of depth and flexibility, which also means it comes with a pretty steep learning curve. The same can be said for the world’s approachability, which can seem unforgiving at the start but becomes quite easy later on.

Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Metascore: 91

While Final Fantasy is better known in North America, Dragon Quest is undoubtedly the king of RPGs in Japan. After a long stretch away from Western home consoles, the franchise made its international comeback with Dragon Quest 11, a glorious throwback to early JRPGs that proves the formula is not broken.

Dragon Quest 11 S adds a handful of quality-of-life improvements to the base game, along with a few neat additions such as a 16-bit mode. Offering a lengthy campaign, beautiful visuals, endearing characters, and straightforward but enjoyable turn-based combat, this Square Enix project might be the best JRPG on PS Plus Extra.

Rune Factory 4 Special

Metascore: 74

Rune Factory has been around since 2006, and while there have been a couple of misses, its games have generally delivered the goods. Rune Factory 4 originally debuted in 2012 and, along with its immediate predecessor, is considered to be the best entry in the franchise; the modern Special iteration just improves upon an already winning formula, offering things like heightened visuals and a new difficulty mode. For the uninitiated, Rune Factory 4 is a farming simulator and dungeon-crawling RPG. Like most other projects in the series, the game tries to be a jack-of-all-trades by ensuring players can take part in a lot of diverse activities, even if some of them are not particularly deep.

Rune Factory 4 Special is simply a well-rounded experience. The farming, while not as deep as, for instance, Stardew Valley, is relaxing and does not take up too much time. Along with just being generally fun, the dungeons are challenging enough to require players to dive into the game’s crafting system as they will need to be constantly improving their weapons and armor. The protagonist can and should mingle with NPCs since Rune Factory 4‘s social aspect is among its strongest elements, and dates are also on the cards.

Rune Factory Oceans is available on PS Plus Premium.

Trials Of Mana

Metascore: 76

A remake of 1995’s Trials of Mana, Xeen’s 2020 game is quite faithful to the original both in terms of gameplay and story progression. An argument could be made that this iteration is just a 3D rendition of Trials of Mana; consequently, as the 1995 title is hailed as a classic, the modern version is also pretty great.

Players get to pick three characters from six protagonists, all of which come with unique backstories and development. Trials of Mana utilizes a real-time combat system that starts shallow but blossoms nicely as the campaign progresses. Actually, that is something that extends to the entire game, as the campaign picks up considerable steam during its second half.

Bloodborne

Metascore: 92

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.

Demon’s Souls is available on PS Plus Premium, while its remake is also on PS Plus Extra.

The Legend Of Dragoon

Metascore: 74

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.

Neo: The World Ends With You

Metascore: 80

The long-awaited sequel to 2007’s The World Ends with You retains its predecessor’s brilliant storytelling, presentation, and music. Cast as Rindo, players find themselves dragged into another Reapers’ Game, which means they will be fighting for their literal lives.

This process involves exploring every nook and cranny of Shibuya, which serves as the story’s main hub. Along the way, Rindo will pick up pins that serve as skills, which level up when they are used. Neo has a robust story with well-written characters and even a couple of effective twists.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Metascore: 86

Sega’s Yakuza franchise had always incorporated some RPG mechanics, but Like a Dragon embraced that genre like never before. In many ways, the game served as a new beginning for the long-running series, introducing a new protagonist and main location along with completely different combat.

The latter should hit home for old-school JRPG fans since Like a Dragon essentially adopts Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy‘s turn-based battle systems. Obviously, the game adds its own twists, but the fundamentals are clearly inspired by those legendary properties. As fun as battles are, Like a Dragon would not be a proper Yakuza game if it lacked an engrossing narrative filled with lovable characters, shocking reveals, and emotional depth. The story delivers on all of these fronts, while the title’s side quests provide a nice change of pace and tone.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…

Metascore: 83

Although Drakengard and 2010’s NieR garnered a cult following, this universe really exploded in popularity with the release of NieR: Automata. The latter proved to be such a resounding success, Square Enix opted to remaster its loosely-tied predecessor, focusing on the PS3 and Japanese version called NieR Replicant. Although this features a different protagonist than the 2010 Western release, Replicant still, for the most part, delivers the same experience, and it is an easy recommendation for fans of Automata.

Newcomers should be aware that NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…‘s combat system is not quite as satisfying as Automata‘s. That said, they are both RPGs that feature fast-paced hack and slash action, so they are not worlds apart either. Replicant‘s action is just considerably more straightforward, and it can get repetitive after a while.

Ultimately, a NieR game’s selling point is its storytelling, and Replicant knocks it out of the park in this area. A slow-burner at first, the campaign eventually evolves into something truly special as it explores mature themes alongside a healthy dose of weirdness.

Dark Cloud 2

Metascore: 87

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.

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.

Dark Cloud is also available on PS Plus Premium.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

Metascore: 79

South Park: The Stick of Truth and The Fractured but Whole are both on PS Plus Premium and Extra, and any fan of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s series owes it to themselves to play through these RPGs. Although not too far removed from its predecessor, the sequel fine-tunes just enough aspects to be a clear improvement.

The Fractured but Whole is a parody of superheroes, particularly their domination of the film industry. The grid-based combat system is solid, while the game looks exactly like the show. Hopefully, there will be future South Park games.

Star Ocean: The Divine Force

Metascore: 69

Star Ocean is an important name in the action JRPG sphere, but the franchise’s post-Till the End of Time releases have been difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. The Last Hope‘s great combat and solid story are undermined by some truly awful characters, while Integrity and Faithlessness only has passable gameplay going for it. For a while, the series seemed to be slipping downstream with nothing going for it outside the occasional decent port or remaster; however, The Divine Force was a step in the right direction.

Now, to be clear, the game is far from perfect and suffers from balancing issues, a meandering story, and forgettable (but inoffensive) characters. However, The Divine Force‘s positives are strong enough to make up for its weaknesses, resulting in an experience that is arguably more than the sum of its parts. Any Star Ocean project needs to nail its combat to be deemed a worthy entry in the franchise, and the 2022 release gets this aspect right. The gameplay is flashy, satisfying, and surprisingly deep, although the latter only really becomes apparent on the higher difficulty levels. While the areas can get a bit repetitive, the actual exploration is handled well thanks to the introduction of the DUMA mechanic.

PS Plus Extra has two Star Ocean games: Integrity and Faithlessness and The Divine Force. Newcomers might be tempted to start with the former since it came out first, but they should – without question – pick the latter. The games have nothing to do with each other, so there is no point in sitting through the below-average experience to get to the above-average one.

Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition

Metascore: 76

Obsidian is responsible for some of the best RPGs of the last two decades. While most of the studio’s projects are not on PS Plus, Pillars of Eternity 2 has somehow made the cut, which is surprising since the developer is owned by Microsoft. This isometric RPG has all the Obsidian trademarks: fantastic writing, gripping quests, and an immersive world that rewards exploration. Deadfire shakes things up by opting to tell a pirate-themed tale; in fact, the title is a direct reference to the game’s setting, an archipelago that can only be traversed via ship.

The main quest involves the awakening of a destructive god, leading to the player being sent on a mission to imprison the deity before they destroy everything. On the surface, this story is quite basic, but it goes to some unexpected places and builds momentum quite nicely. However, Deadfire shines the brightest when focusing on its world-building and secondary content. This universe is populated with colorful and nuanced NPCs with their own allegiances and secrets. They help make this expansive journey an unforgettable one.

Metascore: 94

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 in 2022, 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.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited and Skyrim are also available on PS Plus Premium and Extra.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Metascore: 89

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.

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.

The following Final Fantasy games are also on PS Plus Premium and Extra:

• Final Fantasy 7
• Final Fantasy 7 Remake (PS4)
• Final Fantasy 8 Remastered
• Final Fantasy 9
• Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster
• Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age
• Final Fantasy 15: Royal Edition
• Final Fantasy Type-0 HD

Disgaea 5: Alliance Of Vengeance

Metascore: 80

RPGs come in many styles and flavors, and the same holds true for JRPGs. Ranging from old-school turn-based classics to fast-paced action epics, PS Plus Extra and Premium highlight the genre’s diversity. Compared to other classifications, tactical JRPGs are less common since they are a bit more niche. That said, PS Plus covers this area with Disgaea.

Disgaea 5 is the franchise’s crown jewel in terms of gameplay. While the story is nothing to write home about, the fifth entry has by far the best gameplay in the franchise, and that includes Disgaea 6. The grid-based combat is accessible but also deep, mainly due to the game’s awesome class system.

PS Plus Premium has the following Disgaea games:

• Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
• Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten
• Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness

Wild Arms 3

Metascore: 78

Even though the selection isn’t extensive, PS Plus Premium’s Classics Catalog has a number of old favorites from across PlayStation’s history. Wild Arms and Wild Arms 3 are both available as part of the subscription, and these JRPGs are considered classics for a reason. The original entry in the franchise has aged pretty well and is likely to hit the mark for fans of PS1-era RPGs; however, Wild Arms 3 is arguably the superior game of the two.

Visually and narratively, Media.Vision’s title is just as impressive nowadays as it was in the early 2000s. While conventional in many ways, the combat system is great for the most part and requires enough strategic thought to remain engaging throughout the majority of the campaign.

Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana

Metascore: 85

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.

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.

Ys 9: Monstrum Nox is also available on PS Plus Premium and Extra.

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Metascore: 72

Originally released during the PS3 era, Kingdoms of Amalur fell into obscurity due to a complicated behind-the-scenes situation, before making a resurgence through the Re-Reckoning remaster. The game is fondly remembered for its action combat system, which takes a few pages from the hack and slash genre. Players are encouraged to experiment with weapon types, and they are showered in loot.

Although its story is nothing special, Amalur‘s Faelands is a vibrant world that is fun to explore. The game’s age does show in places, but the gameplay is still enjoyable enough to justify a recommendation.

Children Of Morta

Metascore: 80

Children of Morta might not have the name-recognition of some other RPGs on PS Plus, but the game scratches an itch that very few titles reach for. The roguelike casts players as the Bergson family, who are tasked with fighting their way through Mount Morta as it has become corrupted. Initially, two characters will be playable, but more family members are unlocked as the campaign progresses. While the levels are randomly generated and defeat sends players back to the family’s base, the story does develop in between runs, so a loss does not result in a full restart.

Children of Morta is a fun single-player experience that has a surprisingly effective storyline, at least for a roguelike. However, the game is at its best when played in co-op since this takes advantage of the roster’s complementary traits. As each character plays differently, players are granted a wide range of options as they experiment to find the party setup that works best for them.

Moonlighter

Metascore: 81

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.

Child Of Light

Metascore: 82

Every once in a while, Ubisoft develops a game that makes people question “wait, is that really by Ubisoft?”. Child of Light might be the best example of this phenomenon. A turn-based RPG that incorporates platforming sections, this title is imaginative, endearing, and does not overstay its welcome.

As Aurora, players traverse the kingdom of Lemuria in order to defeat the Queen of the Night. Along the way, she meets a few quirky heroes who join her team, helping her fight off a colorful range of enemies. Child of Light is one of those PS Plus RPGs that can paint a permanent smile on a player’s face.

Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, & Fallout 4

Metascore: 87 (Fallout 4)

The Fallout series has fallen slightly from its high graces following the release of Fallout 76, but the sheer quality of past titles in the franchise is the reason Fallout fans are holding out. The Fallout games from the early 2010s don’t look great compared to today’s graphics, but no one is going to deny that both Fallout 3 and New Vegas are deeper, more complicated games that give players tons of freedom to change the world as they see fit.

Fallout 4 is considered by fans to be a worthy addition to the franchise, though it wasn’t received as well on launch as it followed the huge critical success of New Vegas.

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