5 Best Action RPGs on PlayStation Plus (July 2022)

The way games are being consumed is changing with the rise of subscription services. Both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus off players a large catalog of games to download for free for an extra fee. These catalogs contain a large selection of genres, including action RPGs, a game type that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This genre marries the customization of RPGs with action-focused combat to keep players engaged. The titles below are all currently available to download through PlayStation Plus for free and are some of the most highly rated Action RPGs out there.

5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla follows in the footsteps of the games before it by introducing a huge open world. You once again are transported back in time to play through the life of an assassin. This time, you play as Eivor Varinsdottir as you lead the Vikings around you through battle. The game has skill trees that you can customize so that you can kill opponents how you like. Whether you like to play completely stealthy or with a bit of aggression, Valhalla can accommodate you. The game also keeps up with the over-arching story you experienced in the previous three titles and expands on the lore of the universe.

There is plenty of side content to do that is based on Viking lore. You can also follow the main story that has you going through several different periods of Evior's life. The game has strong post-game content in its DLC, which means that you can easily keep playing for dozens of hours. If you have played any recent games in the series, then Valhalla will feel familiar to you. Instead of the straightforward stories of the first few games, you can now experience a large open world teeming with life.

4. Bloodborne

Bloodborne is one of the best action RPGs on this list for those who want a challenge. This is a Souls game with a dark atmosphere that will put your gaming skills to the test. Every enemy is out to kill you, and you will need to carefully time your attacks to survive. The game has a deep RPG system and plenty of classes to choose to play as. This allows for multiple playthroughs of the content. In addition, the game has several different endings, and the choices you make will affect how things play out in the long term. If you want to experience everything that Bloodborne has to offer, you will need to sink over a hundred hours into the game.

Without spoiling too much, the story is dark and has large amounts of lore to uncover. The game really digs into its gothic themes and isn't afraid to tie together dark storylines to create a compelling narrative. Best of all, there is a multiplayer mode that you can use to summon other players to help you through the gruesomely hard fights.

3. Fallout 4

Fallout 4 has you leaving from another vault and entering what's left of Boston and its surrounding areas. The game has all the same enemies you've come to expect from the series, but the RPG elements have changed. The game features a much more streamlined gameplay system and the addition of settlements. These are bases that you can build and will need to protect from enemy attacks. The game is also unique, as the game starts before the Great War. You are but into a cryo chamber and awake hundred of years later after your son is taken away by a mysterious organization.

Like most games in the series, there is a large open world to explore. You can choose to follow the path of the main story or get sidetracked with side missions. There are also several different organizations to align with that will ultimately determine how the ending of the game plays out.

2. Final Fantasy 7 Remastered

Final Fantasy 7 has long been considered one of the best RPGs of all time. The remake uses action RPG combat that closely resembles newer Square Enix titles. This makes the game feel more modern while keeping classic systems in place. The story follows Cloud as he takes up a job to help sabotage a Mako reactor. Cloud finds himself having flashbacks of a mysterious man named Sephiroth and quickly gets involved with a terrorist group. After this, he starts to interact more with the classic cast of the game like Tifa, Aerith, and Barrett.

For players who have never experienced the classic, this is the perfect place to start. If you did play the old game, then you will notice several changes and improvements to the systems and story. All in all, this is a video game classic and a must-play for anyone who enjoys games.

1. Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition

Horizon Zero Dawn is a fantastic game that revolves around a young woman named Aloy. Aloy is an outcast who sets out to uncover the mystery of her past and the world around her. The world of Horizon is inhabited by robotic animals that Aloy must learn to fight and interact with. She also must deal with the various people around her and make her way through a world with limited technology. The game perfectly mixes the primitive status of humans with the technologically advanced machines and ruins situated around them.

There are plenty of side quests to take on to learn more about the world, and the story is extremely well thought out. The version available on PlayStation Plus also comes with the DLC, so you can spend dozens of hours playing through the game. Best of all, when you beat Horizon Zero Dawn, you can move on to its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West which builds upon all the great content that's established in the first game.

So, what’s your take on these action RPGs on PlayStation Plus? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.