Updated on April 20, 2020
The following is a list of the best JRPGs PS4 has to offer. Rest assured that Persona 5, Nier, and many Final Fantasy games are all on here. Read on for our best JRPGs on PS4.
Best PS4 JRPGs
1. Shenmue III
Your mileage will definitely vary with this one, depending on how much you’re willing to put up with. Shenmue III is a direct follow-up to the two original Sega Dreamcast games, and is a straight continuation of Ryo’s story from Shenmue II. It definitely feels a little dated for a modern audience, but its charm is undeniable.
2. Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 may very well be considered the Dark Souls series at its finest. Providing closure for all the questions raised in prior entries while delivering on a formula that challenges you but never makes things feel unfair, the game is a true embodiment of an excellent action JRPG.
3. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
The Shakespearean-tongued Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is much more charming than its vibrant visuals suggest. Chaining combos in the air makes for a compelling gameplay experience not typically found in other JRPGs, and unique skill trees for each character add a level of complexity that you wouldn’t have otherwise thought could be in such a pretty game.
4. NioH
NioH is a JRPG made in the vein of the Dark Souls series that possesses enough style of its own to set itself apart and exclusive to the PS4. The super smooth and varied gameplay keeps the player constantly on their toes, plus there’s so much content here to keep one playing for days on end.
5. Bloodborne
Bloodborne is not only one of the best JRPGs on the PS4, but also one of the best games on the system in general. The Lovecraft-inspired city of Yharnam will enthrall you with its dark and brooding atmosphere while introducing challenging gameplay mechanics that very much live up to the game’s Souls heritage.
6. NieR: Automata
The resplendent symphony that is NieR: Automata will resonate with you well after the credits roll after one of the game’s many endings. An emotional and well-written tale accompanies innovative gameplay mechanics that will make you wonder why more people haven’t played this JRPG achievement.
7. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance
Disgaea 5 hearkens back to the early days of JRPGs where intricate yet fundamental gameplay mechanics like character stats, equipment attributes, and class abilities weren’t eschewed for the sake of accessibility. Don’t let Disgaea 5’s cute anime aesthetic fool you into thinking it’ll go easy on you.
8. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 allows you to live out the perfect high school fantasy you always dreamed about – so long as that fantasy involved talking cats and highly fashionable attire. This PS4 exclusive JRPG nails the concept of immersing the player into the lives of the characters onscreen, reveling in all the excitement and boredom of teenage life.
Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced version of the game, adding 30 hours of new content, along with gameplay improvements, dungeon expansions, and two new Confidants.
9. Nioh 2
With Nioh 2, it’s like Team Ninja listened to almost every single piece of criticism fans had with the original, then made a game that addressed all of them.
Nioh 2 is basically Nioh, but way better. You now have a proper character creator, much livelier characters, and a way more interesting story that delves deeper into the game’s supernatural roots. The combat has been improved upon as well, and the game features a handful of new weapons on top of the original three.
10. Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV is a fantastic JRPG and a quality bro-trip all in one. A huge, sprawling world is home to fast-paced and challenging combat, indicating that behind all that glitz and glam lies a deep layer of strategy. The Final Fantasy series returns to form in its fifteenth main iteration, and we’re glad it’s made a comeback.
11. Tales of Berseria
Tales of Berseria introduces a dark, somber tale to the long-standing Tales series. Despite its edgy look, the game features a personable cast of characters that you’ll grow with as the lengthy JRPG unfolds. A deep and rewarding combat system and fun minigames accompany the story, making for quite a memorable and fleshed out experience.
12. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is the best way to experience each PS2 era JRPG. Enhanced art and music, tons of extra in-game content, and a very convenient price tag make this one great bargain, especially if you’ve never had the chance to play either game before. You really need to fix that, by the way, as there’s a reason why so many Final Fantasy fans argue that Final Fantasy X is the best entry in the series to date.
13. Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth offers a surprising amount of depth for a JRPG revolving around the premise of digital monsters. Tons of Digimon to collect and an engrossing story will keep you occupied for days on end, especially if you’ve got a Vita.
14. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age improves upon the foundation laid down by the original Final Fantasy XII and listens to long-time fans to deliver on what they wanted to see after playing the JRPG the first time. The result is a title with impressive visual and audio upgrades and a Fast Forward button, just in case you don’t want to read absolutely everything.
15. Valkyria Chronicles Remastered
Valkyria Chronicles Remastered succeeds in introducing a profoundly rich tactical gameplay formula that rewards careful planning and forethought. Seeing as how it includes all of the DLC content released post original launch, you’ll be exercising your brain quite a lot with this one.
16. Final Fantasy XIV Online
If there were ever an example of a MMO JRPG being brought back from the dead, Final Fantasy XIV Online. At first unsuccessful, the game has since blossomed into a community of millions. With Stormblood out now, there’s perhaps been no better time to check out Final Fantasy XIV Online than right now.
17. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a title that isn’t afraid to push the envelope when it comes to introducing new challenges. That isn’t to say that the combat doesn’t feel fresh and rewarding, as this JRPG’s mechanics become something akin to an instinct the more you play the game.
18. Valkyria Chronicles 4
After a few questionable detours on the PSP and into the action-RPG genre, Valkyria Chronicles 4 returns the series to its strategy roots and is a return to form for the franchise.
19. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX bundles together the Final Mix versions of Kingdom Hearts 1, 2, and Birth By Sleep and includes the likes of Re: Chain of Memories and the HD cinematic versions of 358/2 Days and Re: Coded all in one convenient package. If there were any place to discover what exactly all the Kingdom Hearts hype is about, look no further than here.
20. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
No matter if it’s a new way to build your base or an introduction to a new gameplay mechanic, Lacrimosa of DANA consistently rewards the player with skill and stat upgrades that make you feel like every minute you spend in the game is worthwhile.
21. World of Final Fantasy
World of Final Fantasy serves as a gateway for newcomers to the franchise to learn about what exactly Final Fantasy is. Featuring cameos from series darlings like Cloud and Lightning, this JRPG includes a surprisingly complex stacking system that’s nothing short of innovative for the series.
22. Megadimension Neptunia VII
Perhaps the best aspect Megadimension Neptunia VII lies in its characters, who constantly make you laugh with allusions to the gaming industry as it is today. It helps that the game’s combo-driven battle system is a ton of fun, too, especially with a slew of special attacks available for use.
23. Fairy Fencer F – Advent Dark Force
Fairy Fencer F’s protagonist is a lazy dude who loves to eat. Yet when things go awry one day, he’s force to spring into action and become the hero he never wanted to be. The game is one big throwback to traditional turn-based mechanics and can be quite daunting when players are forced to strategize how to win over their opponents.
24. Toukiden 2
Toukiden 2 provides a whole lot of monster hunting depth without forcing you to make the necessary preparations beforehand. This action JRPG offers players a rewarding battle system that will constantly keep them on their toes with every new demon introduced.
25. Monster Hunter World
Monster Hunter World succeeds in being accessible to a wide range of people out there, regardless of whether or not they’ve played an entry in the franchise beforehand. It offers players versatility in that they’re free to choose the best way to take on missions and enemy monsters.