Best RPGs On PS Plus Extra & Premium | Games Rants
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Best RPGs On PS Plus Extra & Premium | Games Rants

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.


Sea Of Stars

sea of stars-2

Platform

PS5, PS4

Developer

Sabotage Studio

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

20 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based RPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

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

Scarlet Nexus protagonists and supporting cast

Platform

PS5, PS4

Developer

Bandai Namco Studios, Tose

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

25 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS5

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.

RELATED: Best Combat Systems In JRPGs, Ranked

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

Screenshot from Deus Ex Mankind Divided showing Adam Jensen hiding from a patrolling enemy.

Platform

PS4

Developer

Eidos Montreal

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

16 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action, Shooter, Stealth

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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 Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Dragon Quest 11 S

Platform

PS4

Developer

Square Enix

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

58 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

RELATED: Best PS5 Games On PlayStation Plus Premium & Extra

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

Rune Factory 4 Special battle

Platform

PS4

Developer

Neverland, Marvelous

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

39 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG, Simulation

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

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

Duran in Trials of Mana

Platform

PS4

Developer

Xeen

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

21 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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

bloodborne ps4 hunter

Platform

PS4

Developer

FromSoftware

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

35 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action, Horror

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4 (Game of the Year Edition)

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 recently-released Elden Ring.

RELATED: Creepiest Towns In Horror Games

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

the legend of dragoon trophy support

Platform

PS1

Developer

Japan Studio

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

50 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

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

Rindo from Neo: The World Ends With You

Platform

PS4

Developer

Square Enix, h.a.n.d.

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

40 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

PS Plus’ March 2023 lineup had quite a few exciting games, including the Day One release of Tchia. Immortals Fenyx Rising, Street Fighter 5, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Rage 2, are all fairly big deals, even if most of those titles have been out for a couple of years. In terms of JRPGs, the month brought two Square Enix projects to PS Plus Extra. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a great spin-off that started out on the PSP; however, Neo: The World Ends with You is the headline act for the genre.

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

Ichiban Kasuga & Companions From Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Platform

PS5, PS4

Developer

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

45 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based RPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS5

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.

Dark Cloud 2

Max from Dark Cloud 2

Platform

PS4

Developer

Level-5

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

50 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

Amazon Listing Page

PS2 (Renewed)

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.

RELATED: The Best PS2 Games On PlayStation Plus Premium

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

The Player character, Cartman, and friends with costumes in South Park The Fractured But Whole

Platform

PS4

Developer

Ubisoft San Francisco, South Park Digital Studios

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

18 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

Haven

Male Yu and Female Kay battling against a monster

Platform

PS5, PS4

Developer

The Game Bakers

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

12 Hours

Type Of RPG

Survival

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS5

Haven is an RPG that supports co-op, although it is possible to play the game in single-player. The story revolves around Yu and Kay, an already-established couple who have been traveling the universe in search of a place to call home. While they seem to find the ideal planet for them, their new habitat is not that welcoming to newcomers, and they will need to work together if they want to set up roots.

Haven sets itself apart by heavily focusing on the dynamic between its leads. Yu and Kay are not simply gender-swapped characters, but fully fleshed-out individuals with their own personalities and gameplay uses. Outside of combat, which happens fairly frequently, players will spend most of their time clearing up the world and acquiring resources. As such, this PS Plus RPG is ideal for people who want a more laid-back experience.

Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition

Pillars of Eternity 2 Deadfire ps4

Platform

PS4

Developer

Obsidian Entertainment

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

50 Hours

Type Of RPG

Isometric RPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

RELATED: Pillars Of Eternity 2: Every Sidekick & Where To Find Them

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.

Rogue Galaxy

Rogue Galaxy

Platform

PS4

Developer

Level-5, SCE Japan Studio

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

40 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

PS Plus Premium loves a Level-5 PS2 classic, and while not as well-known as Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy is arguably just as brilliant as any of those games. This planet-jumping sci-fi epic dropped late in the PS2’s lifespan, and it shows through the game’s impressive visuals. Rogue Galaxy is not just pretty either, as the JRPG is built upon a deep real-time combat system that punishes button-mashers.

Narratively, there is a lot to love here, even if the story hits a few worn-out cliches. Similar to the gameplay, Rogue Galaxy weaves an ambitious tale that steadily expands its scope throughout the lengthy campaign. PS Plus Premium should be used to preserve games that might otherwise be difficult to come by, and this PS2 JRPG fits the bill perfectly.

Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard

Vikings – Wolves of Midgard

Platform

PS4

Developer

Games Farm

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

18 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action RPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard is an isometric action RPG revolving around Norse mythology. Cast as a Viking or Shieldmaiden, players are put in charge of a village and spend their time going on missions to expand their control over the land. Generally, the gameplay loop amounts to “kill everything, everywhere,” but Wolves of Midgard at least makes this repetitive process fun.

With decent customization, responsive controls, and a solid loot system, Wolves of Midgard gets most of the basics right. While it does not reinvent the wheel or introduce many unique ideas to the action RPG formula, this game is a knowledgeable student of Diablo‘s school of hack and slash role-playing mayhem.

Elder Scrolls Oblivion Imperial City

Platform

PS3

Developer

Bethesda Game Studios

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

28 Hours

Type Of RPG

Open-World

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

Amazon Listing Page

PS4 (Game of the Year Edition)

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.

Undertale

Frisk standing in the library with other friends

Platform

PS4

Developer

Toby Fox

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

8 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

In the world of indie RPGs, very few games are as influential or respected as Undertale. Starting out as a cult masterpiece before growing into a pop culture phenomenon, the 2015 release is rightfully hailed for its nuanced writing that cleverly subverts popular gaming tropes, all the while still delivering a satisfying adventure for anyone craving a more conventional RPG experience. Harboring back to the genre’s classic SNES and Game Boy days, Undertale succeeds as both a love letter to gaming’s yesteryear and a modern experiment that seeks to push the industry in a new direction.

Universal praise can lead to unreasonable expectations that result in disappointment, and Undertale‘s reputation certainly precedes it; however, the game should be regarded as a must-play for anyone remotely interested in RPGs. Despite its fame and popularity, Undertale should still be able to surprise people who have never tried it before.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

intergrade yuffie

Platform

PS5

Developer

Square Enix

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

40 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

RELATED: Character Stories That Need To Be Expanded On In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

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

Nioh

nioh 1 game

Platform

PS4

Developer

Team Ninja

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

35 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS5 (The Nioh Collection)

Nioh is a dark fantasy RPG that takes inspiration from Sengoku-era Japan, an era of Samurai, in creating a visually satisfying and patience-challenging world. It blends reality and fantasy to the point that the line between actual historical fact and mythological inspiration becomes blurred.

It’s not an easy game, though, and many fans have compared it to games like Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. If comparisons are to be made, Nioh is like a more colorful, more mystical Sekiro with slightly easier gameplay but a much more comprehensive narrative.

Disgaea 5: Alliance Of Vengeance

Disgaea 5 Alliance of Vengeance

Platform

PS4

Developer

Nippon Ichi Software

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

40 Hours

Type Of RPG

Tactical JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

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

Spellforce 3: Reforced

spellforce 3 reforced ps5

Platform

PS5, PS4

Developer

Grimlore Games

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

30 Hours

Type Of RPG

RTS

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

Spellforce 3 spent roughly 5 years as a PC exclusive before making its way to consoles in the form of Reforced, a remastered and updated version. The franchise’s first foray into home console gaming is something of a mixed bag, although it does offer a unique flavor that few other PS Plus RPGs provide. Spellforce 3 combines isometric role-playing action with real-time strategy elements, a blend that works fine but does not necessarily bring out the best in either genre.

Basically, players spend the majority of their time exploring the world, completing quests, collecting loot, and leveling up their characters. Spellforce 3 handles all these RPG staples well enough, even if they might not blow away veterans of the genre. Occasionally, the game becomes an RTS where players have to build a base and army to take on their foes. Again, this is not done terribly, but it is a fairly rudimentary interpretation of this sort of gameplay. Still, Reforced is overall a decent experience.

The Ascent

A player shooting at enemies in The Ascent

Platform

PS5, PS4

Developer

Neon Giant

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

12 Hours

Type Of RPG

Open-World Twin-Stick Shooter

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS5

Launching as an Xbox exclusive, The Ascent eventually made its way to the PlayStation ecosystem with a few tweaks and improvements. Neon Giant’s cyberpunk twin-stick shooter was decent out of the gate, but it had a few shortcomings that hurt the overall experience. While still far from perfect, The Ascent is now at a place where it is easy to recommend to fans of isometric shooters, RPGs, or the cyberpunk aesthetic. Veles is a big tower that splits its residents by their social structure, confining the folks labeled as “indents” to the bottom of the ladder where they are treated as little more than slaves by corporations.

RELATED: Beginner Tips For The Ascent You Need To Know

Tasked with taking on operations by an organization that cannot care less whether they survive or not, players will engage in constant life-or-death struggles as they explore a gorgeously realized cyberpunk metropolis. The Ascent‘s visuals are frankly stunning, and they do a fantastic job of creating an immersive universe. Gameplay-wise, Neon Giant’s title plays out like a conventional twin-stick shooter, albeit one that has a relatively robust selection of weapons and abilities. The RPG elements largely take the form of loadouts and upgradable stats, and while not especially deep, they do grant players some freedom in how they approach scenarios or build their characters.

Conan Exiles

dragonbone shield in conan exiles

Platform

PS4

Developer

Funcom

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

33 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action, Survival, Online

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

Conan Exiles is a survival game with RPG elements sprinkled in, so that should be taken into account before anyone jumps into Funcom’s title. That said, one of the project’s strongest aspects is its flexibility. Conan Exiles grants players a decent amount of freedom in how they would like to spend their time. While the core loop revolves around basic survival mechanics and base building, someone could opt to treat the package as more of a traditional open-world RPG.

Exploration is a fairly big part of Conan Exiles‘ appeal, and players can even follow a serviceable story if they prefer to have some direction. Survivors gain experience as usual, and the game introduces a degree of customization in its progression system.

Wild Arms 3

Fighting a battle in Wild Arms 3

Platform

PS4

Developer

Media.Vision

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

29 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

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

Ys 8 Lacrimosa of DANA fight

Platform

PS4

Developer

Nihon Falcom

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

38 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

RELATED: Games To Play If You Liked Ys 9: Monstrum Nox

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

Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning poster

Platform

PS4

Developer

Kaiko

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

24 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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

Children Of Morta Yajouj’Majouj In Trial 9

Platform

PS4

Developer

Dead Mage

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

14 Hours

Type Of RPG

Roguelike

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

RELATED: Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Games On PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium

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

Fighting a boss in Moonlighter

Platform

PS4

Developer

Digital Sun

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

14 Hours

Type Of RPG

Action

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

PS4

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.

Elex & Elex 2

Elex 1 game

Platform

  • PS4 (Elex)
  • PS5, PS4 (Elex 2)

Developer

Piranha Bytes

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

  • 28 Hours (Elex)
  • 35 Hours (Elex 2)

Type Of RPG

Action

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

Amazon Listing Page

Piranha Bytes is known for ambitious open-world RPGs that might lack a touch of polish. The studio rose to prominence with the Gothic trilogy, and many would argue the second entry in that series represents Piranha at its best. Since then, the developer has generally endeavored to recapture that magic, a journey that has produced its share of ups and downs. If nothing else, both Elex games are quintessential Piranha Bytes experiences, which means they are the definition of niche.

The science-fantasy series takes place on an alien planet that was left in ruin following a catastrophe. Since then, society has been divided into three factions, all of which players can join. Even though Elex 2 has superior combat, its predecessor’s story and exploration are more consistently enjoyable. Neither title is perfect, but they are among the more unique RPGs on PS Plus.

Child Of Light

Aurora in Child Of Light

Platform

PS4

Developer

Ubisoft Montreal

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

12 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based RPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

Yes

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.

RELATED: Best Western RPGs That Ape Final Fantasy’s Turn-Based Combat

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

fallout new vegas intro

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. If Fallout 76 or Fallout Shelter are the only games you’ve experienced in this franchise, you’re missing out on some of the best storytelling, environments, and combat systems of the 2010s.

Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist Of Arland

Atelier Rorona Plus The Alchemist Of Arland

Platform

PS3

Developer

Gust

Approximate Game Length (Main Story)

25 Hours

Type Of RPG

Turn-Based JRPG

Available With PS Plus Extra

No

Amazon Listing Page

PS3

PS Plus Premium subscribers have access to five Atelier games, all of which have their positives. For the uninitiated, this JRPG franchise revolves around alchemy and promotes a laid-back tone and pacing, a welcome departure from the world-saving epics that dominate the genre.

Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland serves as a decent entry point into the license as it features a strong narrative that has a higher sense of urgency than most other entries. That said, it is still representative of the overall franchise, so people who enjoy this game are likely to appreciate the other titles on PS Plus Premium. As the combat is turn-based, Atelier Rorona Plus is an ideal pick for Premium’s Cloud Streaming.

The following Atelier games are also on PS Plus Premium:

  • Atelier Meruru – The Alchemist of Arland 3
  • Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk
  • Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
  • Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea

MORE: The Best Games On PS Plus Premium

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