The PlayStation 3 felt like an experiment when it released. Touting it’s advanced cell-processing power, it proved to be technically capable of rivaling the Xbox 360 in most ways. However, some developers struggled with porting their games to the PS3’s unique architecture. Bugs and crashes were abundant in some titles. Despite that, the PlayStation 3 was an overall success. The console became host to a number of amazing titles, including some of the best roleplaying games ever made.
Today, used PS3 games are abundant and typically cheap… Mostly thanks to many of these titles being remastered or re-released at later points! The PS3 versions are a great way to catch up on some classic games in their original forms.
Also be sure to check out our overall best games ranking for PlayStation 3, which includes all genres. We also have rankings for the best PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 games!
So let’s get into it! These are the best PlayStation 3 RPG games of all time.
10. Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 is a first-person shooter RPG that takes place in the post-apocalyptic world of Pandora. Players assume the role of a vault hunter, embarking on a quest for treasure and revenge against the tyrannical Handsome Jack. They engage in fast-paced gunfights, collect an arsenal of unique weapons, and level up their character with skill points. The objective is to defeat Jack and save the world from his tyranny.
Borderlands 2 grabbed players with its addictive looting mechanics, witty writing, and cooperative multiplayer mode. Its seamless blend of FPS action and RPG progression, along with the humor-infused world and the thrill of finding powerful loot, made it a standout RPG experience on the PS3.
9. Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles is a unique blend of strategy and RPG elements set in a fictional war-torn Europe. Players command a squad of soldiers in turn-based battles, using tactical positioning, and making strategic decisions. The objective is to repel an invading empire and free their homeland.
Valkyria Chronicles drew players in with its watercolor art style, compelling narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Its engaging characters, strategic depth, and the fusion of tactical combat and RPG progression made it a standout RPG experience on the PS3.
8. Demon’s Souls
Now we’re getting into it, right? What kind of best Playstation 3 RPG games list would we be without some classic FromSoftware games. (Hint: This isn’t the only one featured).
Demon’s Souls is an action RPG known for its punishing difficulty and atmospheric world. Players explore the dark and interconnected kingdom of Boletaria, fighting challenging enemies and encountering formidable bosses. The objective is to defeat the demons that plague the land and restore order.
Demon’s Souls grabbed players with its sense of dread, rewarding combat mechanics, and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming its steep learning curve. Its intricate level design, deep RPG mechanics, and the sense of accomplishment that accompanies each hard-fought victory made it a standout title and a cult classic RPG experience on the PS3.
7. Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is a dark fantasy RPG that takes players on a journey through the kingdom of Ferelden. The world is plagued by war and political strife. Players create their own character and assemble a party of diverse companions. They engage in tactical combat encounters and make choices that impact the story. The objective is to unite the broken kingdom and combat an ancient evil known as the Blight.
Dragon Age: Origins drew in players with its deep and mature storytelling, complex characters, and the ability to shape the narrative through choices and alliances. Its tactical combat, expansive lore, and the sense of being part of an epic fantasy adventure made it a standout RPG on the PS3.
6. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a collaboration between renowned game developer Level-5 and Studio Ghibli. They truly brought to life a charming and enchanting RPG adventure. Players follow the story of Oliver, a young boy who embarks on a quest in a magical world to save his mother. They engage in turn-based battles, capture and train familiars, and unravel a heartwarming tale. The objective is to defeat the evil White Witch and bring peace to the world.
Ni no Kuni captivated players with its beautiful visuals, delightful characters, and a touching narrative reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s animated films. Its blend of traditional RPG mechanics, a captivating world, and the collaboration with a renowned animation studio made it a standout RPG on the PS3.
5. Fallout 3
Fallout 3 is an open-world post-apocalyptic RPG that thrusts players into the desolate wasteland of Washington, D.C. Players assume the role of a survivor emerging from an underground vault, venturing into a dangerous world filled with mutated creatures, factions, and moral choices. The objective is to uncover the truth about the player character’s past and shape the future of the wasteland.
Fallout 3 captivated players with its immersive world, morally ambiguous choices, and deep role-playing mechanics. Its vast open-world exploration, branching narrative, and the freedom to forge their own path in a grim and hostile environment made it an unforgettable RPG experience on the PS3.
It’s also worth mentioning that Fallout: New Vegas, which was built on the same engine, took Fallout’s storytelling elements to new heights. While we feel that FO3 is a better game in whole, there’s no denying that New Vegas deserves to be part of the conversation.
4. Persona 5
Persona 5 is a stylish and vibrant RPG that combines dungeon-crawling gameplay with social simulation elements. Players assume the role of a high school student who discovers the power to enter an alternate dimension known as the Metaverse. They form relationships, attend classes, and engage in turn-based battles against supernatural entities. The objective is to balance daily life with the exploration of dungeons and the pursuit of justice.
Persona 5 is easily one of the best Playstation 3 RPG games. It captivated players with its stylish art direction, engaging characters, and the fusion of social interactions and RPG combat. Its deep storytelling, addictive gameplay loop, and the ability to form meaningful connections with the game’s cast made it a beloved RPG experience on the PS3.
3. Dark Souls
Dark Souls is a challenging action RPG that throws players into a dark and unforgiving world filled with formidable enemies and treacherous environments. Players must navigate through intricately designed levels, battle powerful bosses, and uncover the deep lore of the world. The objective is to conquer the land of Lordran and overcome the brutal difficulty.
Dark Souls captivated players with its atmospheric world, rewarding combat mechanics, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Its intricate level design, deep RPG mechanics, and the satisfaction of mastering its demanding gameplay made it a standout title and a favorite among RPG enthusiasts on the PS3.
2. Mass Effect Trilogy
The Mass Effect trilogy offers an epic sci-fi RPG experience that spans across three games. Players assume the role of Commander Shepard, a human Spectre tasked with saving the galaxy from a devastating threat known as the Reapers. The objective is to assemble a diverse team, engage in tactical combat encounters, and make impactful choices that shape the story and relationships.
The Mass Effect trilogy captivated players with its rich world-building, memorable characters, and branching narratives. Its deep moral choices, intricate dialogue system, and the sense of being part of an epic space opera made it a standout RPG experience on the PS3.
Despite the controversy over the ending of the third installment, it’s hard to find a better bargain for the sheer amount of storytelling and character building you get. Mass Effect was truly a game changing franchise.
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Are you surprised at our #1 pick for the best Playstation 3 RPG game? The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a massive open-world RPG that immerses players in the vast land of Skyrim. Players create their own character (with an impressive amount of customization) and embark on a personal quest, navigating treacherous landscapes, engaging in thrilling combat, and unraveling an intricate web of political intrigue.
Skyrim truly is what you make it. Want to play through the main storyline? Go for it, it’s fantastic. Want to avoid the main storyline and roleplay as a master thief, assassin, or mage? You can do that to. Despite the lack of mods on the PS3 version, vanilla Skyrim is still an amazing game to play.
The overall objective is to shape the fate of Skyrim and confront the ancient dragon Alduin. Skyrim captivated players with its expansive world, rich lore, and the freedom to carve their own path through the game. Its deep character customization, immersive storytelling, and the sheer scale of its world made it an instant classic and a beloved RPG experience on the PS3.
