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.

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.

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,

15 Days Gone

Excellent Open World Zombie Adventure

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.

Days Gone has a dynamic world with fights and situations that compare to Horizon 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

A Modernized Prequel Trilogy To The Icond Franchise

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 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

A Darker Spin On The Fantastic Tales JRPG Series

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. Velvet is among the best protagonists in the series, and Artorious shines as the villain. The game is packed with hours of content and has a gripping story from start to finish.

12 Red Dead Redemption 2

A Stunning Western-Themed Action Adventure

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

One Of The Scariest Entries In Resident Evil Franchise

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

A Mysterious Adventure With An Excellent Story

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.

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 Marvel's Spider-Man

One Of The Best Adaptations Of Spider-Man In Any Media Form

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

Excellent Globe-Trotting Adventure Game

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 who falls between Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, who intends 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

Incredible Visuals Backed Up By Stunning World Design

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

A Tighter And More Focused Superhero Experience

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.

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.