Ranking The 21 Best Offline PS4 Games (2023)

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.

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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 PS4. This list ranks some of the best experiences on Sony's last-gen machine.

Updated May 27, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn: The PlayStation 4 may be taking a back step to its successor, the PlayStation 5, but there is still life in the machine. The PS4 is still selling, thanks to its reasonable price and a vast library of games covering several genres, from wrestling to roleplaying. Moreover, the PS4 has games still capable of jaw-dropping graphics and performance. So fans unable or unwilling to jump to the next-gen, this list is updated to include more excellent offline PS4 games.

21 Like A Dragon: Ishin

• Released: 2023
• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotaku studio
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

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 that 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. Itis 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

• Released: 2015
• Developer: FromSoft
• Platform: PS4

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

• Released: 2017 and 2021
• Developer: Cavia, Toylogic, and PlatinmumGames
• Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One

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 helping 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

• Released: 2020
• Developer: Square Enix
• Platform: PC, PS4, and PS5

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 tell a new story taking it 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

• Released: 2022
• Developer: Guerilla Games
• Platform: PS4 and PS5

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

• Released: 2021
• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

After a long break, the Tales series returned with one of their best games to date in Tales of Arise. It has a huge 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,

15 Days Gone

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• Released: 2019
• Developer: Bend Studio
• Platform: PC and PS4

Even though it is far from a perfect experience, Days Gone is still a polished and enjoyable open-world action adventure with a compelling narrative. Days Gone encourages players to be creative in combat when taking on large numbers of enemies on screen at once, setting up traps, and even leading hordes of zombies into enemy camps.

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Days Gone has a dynamic world with fights and situations that compare toHorizon Zero Dawn, with a similar approach to tackling the horde of enemies, stealth, and gathering pieces of information that develop the storyline.

14 The Tomb Raider Trilogy

• Released: 2013, 2015, and 2018
• Developer: Crytal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal
• Platform: Linux, macOS, PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One

As a single-player experience, the Tomb Raider Trilogy is one of the best available on the PlayStation 4 or any other platform. This new trilogy acts as a prequel and a soft reboot that works as an origins story for Lara Croft.

Each game shows her development as a survivalist, warrior, and of course, the tomb-raiding archaeologist she is best known for. The visuals are stunning, with large maps to explore, and each game has some of the best stealth mechanics in the action-adventure genre. All three games have been released as part of a single collection.

13 Tales Of Berseria

• Released: 2017
• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Platform: PC, PS3, and PS4

Released for Western territories in 2017, Tales of Berseria is an action JRPG with an epic storyline and a much darker narrative than its predecessors. It is considered a prequel to Tales of Zesteria, but like all mothership Tales games, it is a game that can be played on its own.

Berseria is a much darker game than its predecessors, and its main cast characters are bubbly or typical anime heroes. They are a complicated cast on a quest for vengeance. Berseria’s protagonist Velvet and antagonist Artorius are two of the best in the series. The game is packed with hours of content and has a gripping story from start to finish.

12 Red Dead Redemption 2

• Released: 2018
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Platform: PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One

Released in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 is by far one of the most epic experiences of any generation. Like its predecessor, RDR2 is set during the American Wild West, but it puts players in the shoes of an outlaw named Arthur Morgan as its primary protagonist.

As a prequel set several years before the first Red Dead Redemption, gamers will occasionally step into the shoes of a young John Marston. The map in RDR2 is one of the most immersive open-world experiences ever created, and the visuals truly feel next-gen. The incredible attention to detail put into every town is astonishing and captures the gritty and grimy towns in shows like Hell on Wheels and Deadwood.

11 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

• Released: 2017
• Developer: Capcom
• Platform: Amazon Luna, PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard stepped back into its survival horror roots, deviating from the action focus of Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 5. It was a favorable return for the franchise after its predecessors lost focus on its horror elements in favor of action.

There is a lack of a multiplayer mode in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, but the focus on single-player scares and a gripping narrative paid off. The plantation setting is rural, giving players a dreaded feeling of isolation as they progress. Playing as Ethan Winters, players must save Mia and escape a family of cannibals.

10 What Remains Of Edith Finch

• Released: 2017
• Developer: Giant Sparrow
• Platform: iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

This first-person adventure game has a significant focus on exploration. What Remains of Edith Finch stands out for its compelling narrative and praiseworthy presentation. This game won awards for Best Narrative at the Game Developers Choice Awards and The Game Awards.

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The story centers on the titular Edith as she sets out to uncover a curse surrounding her family. It is a slow burn, but the mysterious adventure game is intriguing from start to finish. What Remains of Edith Finch is a must-play offline game.

9 Spider-Man

• Released: 2018
• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Platform: PC, PS4, and PS5

Marvel's Spider-Man reintroduced Spidey in a way fans never dreamed possible. The game captures the essence of New York City, focusing on the Manhattan borough. Moreover, the game offers numerous Spider-Man outfits, including one designed specifically for the game.

Spider-Man was launched on the PS5, and thanks to the upgrade in visuals and a boost in FPS, it is one of the best titles across two generations. It is no slouch on the PS4 and stands tall as one of the best superhero games ever. The open world is arguably the best depiction of New York in a video game. There is so much going on in and around the city, with citizens going about their daily lives.

8 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

• Released: 2016
• Developer: Naughty Dog
• Platform: PC, PS4, and PS5

In the library of first-party PlayStation games, few hold a candle to Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. This story-intensive adventure contains third-person gameplay. Nathan Drake is a loveable scoundrel that falls between Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, who intended to stay in retirement.

The stakes are raised when Nathan's brother and long-time friend arrive on the scene. This addition to the Uncharted series incorporates open-world elements with lore to discover. The lengthy campaign Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is like playing through a Summer blockbuster with a decent plot.

7 Horizon Zero Dawn

• Released: 2017
• Developer: Guerilla Games
• Platform: PC and PS4

The story of Horizon Zero Dawn follows Aloy, a hunter caught amid a war between humans and machines. The game is set in the future, but humanity has been pushed to the brink of an apocalypse, where the people have regressed to a tribal state.

For the most part, humans and machines co-exist peacefully. However, they have steadily become more aggressive as viral-like corruption spreads. This is an open-world RPG that needs to be played!

6 Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

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• Released: 2020
• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Platform: PC, PS4, and PS5

Released on PS4 and the PS5 in time for Christmas 2020, Marvel’s Miles Morales is a breathtaking experience on both systems. It is a shorter game than its predecessor but is a more refined and focused experience.

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Miles Morales benefits from not bombarding the player with endless side quests and missions. There is less padding with repetitive and tedious side quests, just a driven and focused gameplay experience that feels cinematic, epic, and fun.

5 Ghost Of Tsushima

• Released: 2020
• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Platform: PS4 and PS5

From the developer of the Infamous series comes an exhilarating action-adventure game, Ghost of Tsushima. It plays differently from games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, as there is a focus on action and exploration over RPG mechanics.

However, Ghost of Tsushima has a lot of lore and engaging characters to interact with help build a believable and beautiful world. Ghost of Tsushima is set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan and tells an inspiring story of how the people on the little island fought back. The duels and combat are some of the best in any generation, rivaling titles like Nioh and Sekiro for swordplay. Whether played on the PS4 or the PS5, the visuals are awe-inspiring.

4 Persona 5 Royal

• Released: 2016
• Developer: Atlus
• Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Despite the overwhelming presence of JRPGs, Persona 5 Royal manages to stay relevant. It stands out with its generously long story that never seems to grow monotonous. The Royal version includes extra story elements, quality-of-life improvements, new gameplay mechanics, and more.

In addition, Persona 5 Royal adds a new semester to the original and new characters and confidants. It also adds the Thieves Den, the protagonist's palace or base for personal use. The Thieves Den does not play a part in the story, but small nuances like this make Persona 5 Royal unforgettable.

3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Released: 2015
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

The enchanting world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will keep players engaged in its content for hours on end. To put things into perspective, completing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt under a completion run takes approximately 172 hours, according to howlongtobeat.com. The main story alone is over 50 hours!

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Players play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer for hire. His identity and purpose set the plot in motion as Geralt struggles to defeat the Wild Hunt and find his missing daughter, Ciri. The Witcher 3 offers fans longevity and replayability for one of the best and most immersive worlds in gaming.

2 The Last Of Us Part 2

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• Released: 2020 and 2022
• Developer: Naughty Dog
• Platform: PS4 and PS5

For several years, the original Last of Us was considered one of the best exclusives on the PS3 and the PS4. This time, The Last of Us Part 2 steals the show as one of the most cinematic games on the system. Come for the stealth-based action gameplay, but stay for The Last of Us Part 2's riveting story. The story is emotional but not overly depressing. The Last of Us Part 2 is a long game that can take 25 hours or more for completists. This is one of the best (if not the best) games the PlayStation 4 offers. Moreover, it still looks better than several current-generation titles on the PS5.

To bring the experience closer to the sequel, the first title was remade from the ground up for the PS5. So players can experience, The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2 back to back with stunning visuals in a boxset-like experience. Unfortunately, the remake is PS5 only. The Last of Us was also adapted into a successful HBO television series starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.