Best Offline PS4 Games

The offline world of video games can be more exciting than its online counterpart. Although there is fun to be had playing video games with friends, a solo adventure is ideal for escapists who want something out of the norm on the PlayStation 4.

The PS4 may be in its twilight years, but there has never been a better time to compile some of the best offline PS4 games on the console. Whether fans are after an action-adventure game, a knockout JRPG, or an immersive open-world game, offline games are abundant on the PlayStation 4. This list ranks some of the best experiences on Sony's last-gen machine.

Updated on January 17, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The PlayStation 5 is already a well-established console, and thanks to backward compatibility, fans can play most of the PlayStation 4's best games that don't require an internet connection. Moreover, some gamers haven't moved into the current generation and are just as happy to play the quality games for the PS4. This list is updated to include more offline single-player epics.

25 Dragon Age: Inquisition

An Epic Fantasy RPG With Memorable Characters

With The Witcher 3 and Baldur's Gate 3 still taking the top spot as the pinnacle of the RPG genre, it is easy to forget that Dragon Age: Inquisition deserves a mention among the greats. The dark fantasy is a perfect recommendation for fans of Game of Thrones, as it takes inspiration from the Song of Ice and Fire novels.

Dragon Age: Inquisition features returning characters from its predecessors, but fans shouldn't allow it to deter them from diving into the third mainline entry. The game does a good job guiding the created protagonist through its world history, the conflicts, and the relationships. Despite launching in 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition features stunning environments and cinematics to draw players in.

24 Mass Effect Trilogy

Incredible Space-Faring RPG For Science Fiction Fans

Despite Starfield's launch in 2023, the Mass Effect Trilogy is arguably the best space adventure RPG series available for fans of Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. Players take on the role of a created male or female character known as Commander Shepard. The narrative does an incredible job of building toward something bigger and more dangerous with intrigue, memorable characters, and superb world-building. Even the divisive Mass Effect: Andromeda is a worthwhile experience for science fiction fans, but it is the trilogy where BioWare's epic stands tall as one of the studio's best franchises.

23 Trails Of Cold Steel Series

Unrivaled Story Arch With Immense World-Building

The Trails of Cold Steel series is an epic four-part JRPG saga that PS4 players can dive into. It is part of the Legend of Heroes series and is set in the same universe as the Trails in the Sky trilogy and the Crossbell Saga - Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure. However, the scope and depth of the Cold Steel series means that players can enjoy and experience it without prior knowledge.

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Naturally, if players love the four-part saga, they should try and get their hands on the rest of the Legend of Heroes Trails series. Moreover, the Cold Steel and Crossbell arcs have an epilogue entry with Trails into Reverie. All episodes in the Trails series can be played on the PS4 except Trails in the Sky.

22 Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age

The Definitive Version Of The Classic JRPG

Before Final Fantasy 16 executed a medieval fantasy with outstanding voice acting, Final Fantasy 12 already entertained fans with its expansion to the Ivalice Alliance universe comprised of Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story. With Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age available on the PS4, JRPG fans get to experience the best version of this game. It features a reworked job system, a fast-forward mechanic, and HD graphics.

It's not as dark or as grim as Final Fantasy 16. The narrative has more in common with Star Wars, but FF12 is one of the best and most original entries in the Final Fantasy series, utilizing a stunning combat system that feels like a classic CRPG with a Final Fantasy flavor.

21 Like A Dragon: Ishin

Epic Samurai RPG Set In The Yakuza Universe

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a spin-off from the critically acclaimed Yakuza series. It is set in 1860s Japan, making it a perfect starting point for PS4 players who may feel intimidated by the modern-day saga that spans eight mainline games. Like A Dragon: Ishin is a standalone title, so no prior knowledge of the Yakuza series is required.

The Samurai RPG runs perfectly on the PS4 and is comparable to the next-gen versions. It is a massive game with lots of side content and fascinating characters to meet. The game's narrative balances comedy with heartfelt drama, with political intrigue, betrayals, and more.

20 Bloodborne

A Dark Lovecraft-Like Action RPG From The Creators Of Elden Ring

Still one of the best exclusives on the PS4, Bloodborne is a Lovecraftian action RPG from the creators of Dark Souls and Elden Ring. While all the Souls games have moments that can make players jump out of their seats, Bloodborne leans more into the horror genre with its terrifying atmosphere, sounds, and horror-based creatures.

Even after the epic Elden Ring launched, many fans consider Bloodborne the best title in FromSoft's library. It is a faster game than the Dark Souls trilogy, where the combat forces the player to dodge and counter instead of relying on shields.

19 Nier Automata And Replicant

Unique Action RPGs With A Stunning Soundtrack

The Nier games on consoles have two of the most in-depth narratives available. Players should start with the 2021 remaster Nier: Replicant, which features new story content connecting it to Nier Automata in more comprehensive and surprising ways. The combat is also improved with the Nier Automata's PlatinumGames providing developmental support to make it a smoother experience.

Nier Automata features some of the best combat seen in an RPG. It merges genres, fast-paced swordplay, and top-down shooter mechanics to complement a unique experience that all fans should try. Both titles have multiple endings to keep the player returning for more but never outstays its welcome. Nier Automata was adapted into a well-received anime series that fans should watch after completing the games.

18 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

A Stunning Remake That Takes The Story A New Direction

As one of the best big-budget JRPGs on the PS4, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a must-buy for gamers looking for great side content and a long story. Fans of the original game still have much to enjoy as the game finds a meaningful way to take the story in a new direction.

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The Final Fantasy 7 Remake is also one of the best-looking titles on the PS4 and still matches up well with the PS5 version. The combat system feels like a blend of old and new by modernizing the classic Final Fantasy fighting system with action-based mechanics.

17 Horizon Forbidden West

Incredible Post-Apocalyptic RPG That Pushes The PS4 To Its Limits

As one of the most visually stunning games on the PS5, Horizon Forbidden West is a treat for the eyes on the PS4. It is not just the technology that makes the game look so good. It is the art direction and the lighting that take it to the next level.

More importantly, the gameplay, story, and content are excellent and the perfect sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. The world is a pleasure to explore, and those looking for worthwhile side quests and great characters will love getting lost in Aloy's beautiful apocalyptic world.

16 Tales Of Arise

Terrific JRPG With Stunning Visuals And Outstanding Combat

After a long break, the Tales series returned with one of their best games to date in Tales of Arise. It has an epic story with great characters and one of the best combat systems in recent JRPGs.

Visually, Tales of Arise looks spectacular on any system thanks to its distinct and colorful art style. There are several side quests and character stories to discover. The epic monster hunts are rewarding for fans of the Monster Hunter genre. Moreover, fans can return to the world of Tales of Arise in its New Game Plus mode,