Best RPGs on PlayStation 5 (April 2023)

The competition between PlayStation and Xbox will always be based on the performance of their respective systems, as well as their roster of exclusives. However, you don't have to juggle between platforms when looking for an immersive and interactive title to play. Because the best role-playing games (RPGs) are up for grabs on both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Allowing you to concentrate on the story rather than which game your system supports. So, if you're curious to find out where you're next role-playing adventure on PlayStation 5 will take you, read on to find out.

5. Elden Ring

Surprise, surprise, FromSoftware, and Hidetaka Miyazaki have outdone themselves once again. This time with the helping hand of famed fantasy writer, George R. R. Martin, who had a part in comprising the world-building of the studio's latest entry, Elden Ring. That's right, the landslide 2022 Game of the Year winner (worthy contest God of War: Ragnarok) is an easy choice for one of the best RPGs on PlayStation 5. As a result, if you haven't quite come around to it yet, we highly recommend it – even if you're not a big fan of the dodge/parry souls-like combat.

We only recommend it initially, not to further beat to death what's been repeatedly dubbed the “best RPG game”, over and over. Although Elden Ring is more than deserving of that acclimation. Seriously, there's more story, lore, and mystery at your fingertips in this game than we think any gamer could possibly digest. So, consider it for your next RPG adventure on PlayStation 5, because it will not disappoint.

4. Cyberpunk 2077

CD Project Red's futuristic metropolis, Night City, is offering up one of the best RPGs on PlayStation 5, hands down. And it's come a long way from its buggy launch. Essentially, in Cyberpunk 2077, you're just a nameless face in an ever-growing cybercity. Or are you?

You start your playthrough as customizable protagonist V and can choose one of three life paths: Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo. Each one begins your narrative differently, but you have complete control over how it ends. Throughout the game, there is an extensive list of main and side missions that personalize your journey and ultimately result in one of the game's five endings.

What's more, there are numerous dialogue and character customization options. An overwhelming amount in fact. But still, the ability to genetically enhance your body with the use of “cyberware” remains the highlight of the futuristic action/adventure RPG. From giving your forearms a rocket launcher to giving your heart a second life. All in all, Cyberpunk 2077 explores all aspects of role-playing in what is without a doubt one of the best RPGs you can grab on PlayStation 5.

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

Despite being almost a decade old, Bethesda's Skyrim remains one of the best RPGs of all time. It is the epitome of a timeless classic. The best part, it just spruced its wings for PlayStation 5 with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition. Aside from benefiting from additional community-created mods, this essentially scaled the game to look and perform to the capabilities of PlayStation 5.

You start your role-playing journey by choosing between one of 10 races and customizing your character to your liking. From there, you're free to explore the open world of Tamriel, with the ultimate objective of fulfilling your legend as The Dragonborn, the single person prophesied to stop the world-eating dragon, Alduin. Quite an epic narrative to say the least. However, everyone's path is unique, from the kingdoms they support to the guilds they join and the quests they find themselves in. As a result, if you're searching for a good medieval fantasy, Skyrim is one of the best RPGs in the setting on PlayStation 5.

2. Hogwarts Legacy

The Harry Potter franchise was just begging for an RPG game cast in its setting. That's why when it was first announced in 2020 a game was in the works, fans couldn't hold back their excitement; we were all just hoping for a well-rounded title and not some money-grabbing piece of junk. Well, Avalanche Software didn't cheat us out, which we can thank in part for their numerous delays. Nonetheless, the wait was worth it, because when Hogwarts Legacy dropped in February of this year, it immediately soared to be one of the best RPGs on PlayStation 5.

As a student of Hogwarts, you get to choose which house you want to be a part of and whether you want to be a good or evil wizard of that house. As that's where the main RPG aspects come into play. However, it wouldn't be complete without Hogwarts itself bustling with mysteries and secrets to uncover. Oh, and don't forget the broom riding open-world exploration and spell-casting fun. Overall, Hogwarts Legacy's realm of witchcraft and wizardry is an expertly designed game and one of the newest RPGs worth checking out.

1. Disco Elysium – The Final Cut

The best way to put it is that, Disco Elysium is your favorite RPGs, favorite RPG. And its extensive list of awards is there to back that. In this isometric RPG, you play as a washed-up detective tasked with figuring out how a body ended up hanging from a tree. However, that is only the beginning of the lunacy, as the game's narrative unfolds in a million possible ways, and each step of the story is in your hands, and partly in the role of a couple of dice.

That's because Disco Elysium has no traditional combat system. Every action you make in the game is decided by the role of two dice. If you roll high enough, your action will be successful. Don't roll high enough and your decision won't go as planned. As a result, every “action-based” decision you make is subject to chance and will further influence the trajectory of your story. Furthermore, the game is highly dialogue-based, and each response you pick navigates your tale in a different direction.

Overall, Disco Elysium is a slow burn with a lot of decisions, all of which hold a lot of stake in how your story plays out. But if you want one of the best RPGs for the PlayStation 5 that will truly blow your expectations out of the water, then treat yourself to Disco Elysium – The Final Cut.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other RPGs on PlayStation 5 you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!