Not all role playing games offer character classes but the hallmark feature of the genre holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts. And luckily, with the modern homogenization of games across all systems, a gaming PC isn’t the only place to enjoy a meaty RPG with the feature.
Consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, and certainly the Switch sooner or later, now offer a great selection of RPG’s with character classes, to the point where some players may feel inundated with sheer volume of choice.
In this article we’ll talk about the 5 best PS4 RPG’s with character classes so that you can get started on your next grand, fantastical adventure ASAP.
Bloodborne
This lovecraftian, Victorian era action RPG is lauded by critics and players alike as not only one of the best PS4 exclusives, but one of the best games of the generation thus far.
Bloodborne is from the creators of Demon Souls and the Dark Souls series, From Software, and right from the start its apparent that its a much different beast in regards to speed than prior entries.
Although the gameplay is quicker, cornerstone features such as brutal difficulty, a punishing progression system, and high stakes, adrenaline spiking boss bottles remain intact.
There are 9 classes, or origins, to choose from at the start of the game, and they will each impact what type of playstyle you will be best suited for differently.
Although not regarded as difficult as past Souls games, Bloodborne is a great pick for players looking for a challenge, epic boss battles, a unique atmosphere, and a flavor of cosmic horror not found in many video games.
It truly is one of the best games on the PS4, all genres included, and it can be bought for a budget price these days. Also be sure to check out Dark Souls 2 and Dark Souls 3 if this style of game is up your alley.
Skyrim
Skyrim is the blockbuster open world fantasy RPG, from industry veterans Bethesda, that has pretty much set the bar for the amount of different versions released.
At this point there are about 7 different versions of the game with the latest versions of the game coming to the Playstation VR and Nintendo Switch.
But each version sells, and sells incredibly well, because Skyrim is a game that is absolutely adored by casual and hardcore gamers alike. It was the first fantasy role playing game to truly penetrate the mainstream market and shake it for all of its worth.
There are a total of 10 different character classes/races in Skyrim, each offering their own unique set of stats, strengths, and weaknesses.
By this point in time you have probably heard of Skyrim or at the very least, The Elder Scrolls series, but if you haven’t, know that this game is ripe for the picking for those who enjoy fantasy RPG’s with vast open world exploration.
And the upside of being a 6 year old game remastered for the PS4 is the fact that this particular version includes all of the downloadable content released for Skyrim. There are literally hundreds of hours of gameplay to be had with this multi generational RPG.
Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition
Diablo 3 is a quintessential time waster in the best way possible. This is an isometric loot based ARPG at its core, and so its no surprise that it’s the type of game the facilitates a “one more game” mentality.
Each of the different classes in Diablo 3, of which there are 7, has their own set of unique abilities that are unlocked through leveling, and further refined as endgame closes in. The loot that you find, especially during endgame play, will serve to enhance specific abilities as well as the interplay between multiple abilities.
The ultimate goal, if you really want to dive in head first, is to exploit the meta game for all it’s worth by chasing specific builds for each class.
Diablo 3 is one of the best games on the PS4 simply because its one that can be both relaxing and hardcore for those that want to nerd out. You can chase loot by yourself and have an incredibly satisfying time, or you can play with friends either online or locally with couch coop.
The recent addition of seasons and the necromancer of Diablo days past makes this an even more compelling class based ARPG. Pick this up if you dig ARPG’s, loot, endless replay value, and a highly satisfying gameplay loop.
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
Pillars of Eternity is an RPG that draws inspiration from classic RPG’s such as Baldur’s Gate and imposes what made classic CRPG’s adored by players on the modern era.
Traditionally, CRPG’s have been released on the PC and within the last few years the substantial, isometric affairs have seen a comeback on the platform. But as far as consoles were concerned, the comeback was never seen – that is up until recently.
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition takes what was once though impossible, porting a game literally developed around mouse and keyboard controls, and delivers a rich experience on consoles without a hitch.
There are 11 character classes in total in Pillars of Eternity and, true to the roots of the CRPG genre, each delivers a different taste at true roleplaying.
Whichever class you roll with, the game is filled to the brim with opportunities for decision making – decisions that can alter the game itself.
Pick up Pillars of Eternity if you’re nostalgic for old school RPG’s (or want to explore the genre for the first time), value player choice in RPG’s, like the idea of rolling with a party, and are fine with an isometric camera.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a high fantasy, party based RPG from developer Bioware, creators of the space opera series Mass Effect.
And just like the Mass Effect series, Inquisition offers up the chance at hammed up character romance. And it wouldn’t be a modern Bioware RPG without some dairy based sensuality, would it?
There are 3 classes to choose from in Dragon Age’s third installment – mage, rogue, and warrior. Adding breadth to these 3 class choices, there are also 3 sub-class options for each.
Upon choosing your class you will venture off into a pseudo open world, meaning that the game instances numerous different areas or hubs to explore.
Truthfully, there is still a lot to explore, conquer, and loot even though Inquisition isn’t a traditional seamless open world game. And there are 8 main hub areas in total, each offering a unique visual palette.
Dragon Age: Inquisition allows you to overcome monsters and beasts by using either real time or tactical combat, the latter giving way to the ability of temporarily freezing time. And yes, you will encounter monolithic dragons as the name of the series implies.
Some have described the sum of the experience as a sort of single player MMORPG, mainly due to how the questing is handled and the fact that you’ll be roaming the varied locales with a party.
Inquisition is a great pick for players that want a class based RPG which offers beautiful visuals, partying up with interesting characters, and a slightly less traditional take on open world design by modern standards.
Don’t see a game the you place as one of the best RPG’s on PS4 with character classes? Let us know in the comments below.
Lover of games, tech, nature, and strange electronic music. Shaped by Sega, PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox – platform agnostic ever since. Currently overwhelmed by choice on my Xbox Series X thanks to Game Pass.