The Top 20 Story Games on PlayStation – Must PLAY

Story games, defined as games that emphasize narrative and character development over gameplay mechanics, have become increasingly popular on Playstation consoles. With rich storylines, dimensional characters, and immersive worlds to explore, story games provide an engaging single-player experience that many gamers enjoy. If you’re looking for a break from competitive multiplayer or action-packed games, check out these top 20 story games available on Playstation.

Story games come in many genres, from action-adventure to RPG to interactive drama. Some of the most well-received story games blend elements from multiple genres into a narrative-focused experience. The benefits of playing story games include improved problem-solving skills, empathy, and immersion in new worlds different than our own. With so many high-quality story games available on Playstation, there’s something to match every gamer’s interests.

#1 The Last of Us

Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombie-like creatures, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie as they travel across a ravaged America. With its emotionally gripping storytelling and stealth survival gameplay, this action-adventure title is regarded as one of the best games on Playstation. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is the heart of the game, showing both characters grow throughout their harrowing journey.

#2 God of War

The 2018 God of War reboot shifts the focus to an older, wiser Kratos living in ancient Norway with his young son Atreus. Their quest to spread Faye’s ashes becomes an epic that explores Norse mythology while highlighting the father-son dynamic. God of War seamlessly blends its gameplay and narrative into an impactful story about parenthood and redemption.

#3 Uncharted 4

Uncharted 4 concludes the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake with this globetrotting action saga. Nate is pulled out of retirement for one last job, putting his marital relationship with Elena on the line. Cinematic set pieces and entertaining characters round out Naughty Dog’s masterful send-off to Nathan Drake in this must-play PS4 exclusive.

#4 Horizon Zero Dawn

One of the PS4’s most original titles, Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where nature has reclaimed the Earth and massive robotic animals dominate the landscape. As hunter Aloy, you unravel the mysteries of this setting while taking down mechanized beasts with your bow and spear. Horizon tells an intriguing sci-fi story that leaves you eager to learn more about its world.

#5 Marvel’s Spider-Man

Marvel’s Spider-Man excels at making you feel like the friendly neighborhood web-slinger. Swinging through an open-world Manhattan as Spidey is thrilling, and the story brings fan-favorite characters like Mary Jane Watson and Miles Morales into the mix while introducing an engaging new villain in Mr. Negative. The superhero gameplay and cinematic story combine for an authentic and heartfelt Spidey adventure.

#6 Red Dead Redemption 2

A prequel to Red Dead Redemption, this Western epic follows outlaw Arthur Morgan across an expansive open world. With strong character development and impactful moral choices, Red Dead Redemption 2’s redemption tale earns its place among gaming’s best narratives. The engaging story spans an incredible 60+ hours of cowboy gameplay and cinematic story missions.

#7 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 perfects monster hunter Geralt of Rivia’s grim adventure across the war-torn Northern Kingdoms. Each side quest tells a compelling short story of its own, while the Bloody Baron main storyline presents an intricate moral dilemma. With so much quality content, it’s easy to spend 100+ hours immersed in this dark fantasy world.

#8 Final Fantasy VII Remake

A reimagining of the 1997 classic, Final Fantasy VII Remake retells the story of Cloud, Aerith, and their struggle against corporate overlord Shinra. This version expands the Midgar section into a full 40-hour episodic game with immersive real-time combat and gorgeous modern graphics. Final Fantasy VII Remake is a must-play for fans of lush RPG storylines.

#9 Ghost of Tsushima

Transporting players to feudal Japan, Ghost of Tsushima follows samurai Jin Sakai as he becomes a new kind of warrior to liberate his home island from Mongol invaders. Ghost’s remarkable photo-realistic graphics and meditative wanders through peaceful bamboo forests contrast with bloody katana duels against skilled foes. Its epic story and cinematic style make it one of PS4’s most enveloping narratives.

#10 Death Stranding

Death Stranding comes from the creative mind of Hideo Kojima. As courier Sam Bridges, you traverse a fractured future America to reconnect isolated cities and prevent mass extinction. Carrying important cargo while navigating rough terrain makes for engaging gameplay, and the surreal story provides plenty of Kojima’s signature enigmatic storytelling.

#11 Detroit: Become Human

This cinematic sci-fi experience puts you in control of multiple androids during pivotal events in near-future Detroit. Detroit: Become Human seamlessly blends interactive storytelling with moral dilemmas, as choices shape your personal story arc with huge implications for the fate of Detroit’s inhabitants. With its engrossing narrative branching, Detroit is a game that encourages replays to experience new outcomes.

#12 Heavy Rain

Investigating the mysterious Origami Killer who kidnaps young boys during heavy rainfall is the premise for this PS3/PS4 interactive drama. Tension runs high as you control four different characters working to track down the serial killer and rescue the latest victim. With its intense storytelling focused entirely on player choices, Heavy Rain is an immersive psychological thriller.

#13 Until Dawn

Until Dawn is a narrative horror game set in an isolated mountain retreat. Play as each of the eight young adult characters trying to survive overnight as they are stalked by a deadly threat. Your choices determine who lives and dies in this chilling tribute to classic slasher films. With its butterfly effect system and jump scares, Until Dawn is ideal for teen scary movie fans.

#14 Life Is Strange

This episodic graphic adventure follows Max, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. Life Is Strange uses Max’s time manipulation ability as the basis for clever puzzles and ethical dilemmas. With its nostalgic Pacific Northwest setting and relatable teenage characters, the game’s intimate coming-of-age story lingers with you long after its stunning finale.

#15 Firewatch

Firewatch is an indie first-person adventure starring Henry, a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness fleeing personal tragedy. After strange events begin happening around his post, Henry investigates the mysteries with the help of his supervisor Delilah, communicating solely by walkie-talkie. Firewatch captures the serene solitude of the outdoors while crafting an intriguing character study.

#16 What Remains of Edith Finch

A highlighted walking simulator, What Remains of Edith Finch has you control different family members of the Finch lineage across a haunting vignette of tales. Each mini story evolves into a shocking demise that provides insights into the family’s supposed curse. As the introspective Edith, you explore the massive Finch house learning the truth about your relatives’ deaths in this unique narrative puzzle.

#17 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

An independent AA game, Hellblade follows Celtic warrior Senua as she journeys to Helheim by herself to rescue her lover’s soul from the goddess Hela. Created with extensive research into psychosis, Hellblade delivers a profound portrayal of mental illness through Senua’s fractured psyche and dark visions that blur fantasy and reality. This psychological thriller sits among the medium’s most evocative explorations of mental health.

#18 Oxenfree

Oxenfree stars a group of teens who accidentally open a ghostly rift while partying on an abandoned island. The supernatural events force relationships to fracture as the friends attempt to escape the island safely. Oxenfree’s clever banter and multiple ending paths make it a compelling coming-of-age ghost story with believable characters.

#19 Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture

One of PS4’s most poetic adventures, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture immerses you in an English village where everyone has mysteriously vanished. The evocative soundtrack, detailed environments, and haunting atmosphere work in tandem to unravel what transpired, weaving an emotionally stirring science fiction story. Wandering this abandoned rural community is an artistically touching interactive experience.

#20 ABZÛ

Inspired by diving, ABZÛ lets you explore the majestic ruins of an ancient underwater civilization. ABZÛ’s vibrant seascapes and marine life evoke wonder and tranquility as you restore power to lost mechanisms. Though light on story, the game’s wordless narrative transports players into relaxing aquatic domains brimming with secrets to uncover.

Conclusion

This selection of 20 narrative-driven games just skims the surface of the many stellar story games available across PlayStation consoles. Whether you prefer heart-pounding action, moody horror, or imaginative adventures, Playstation’s library offers engrossing stories for every gamer. Story games provide great value, with emotionally resonant experiences that stick with you longer after the credits roll compared to multiplayer titles. With unforgettable characters, impactful life lessons, and worlds that come alive, Playstation’s story games enable you to go on deep interactive journeys impossible in other mediums.

FAQ

What are some good Playstation story games for beginners?

Some solid story game options for beginners include The Last of Us, Marvel’s Spider-Man, God of War, Uncharted 4, Detroit: Become Human, Life Is Strange, and Hellblade. These have easy to grasp gameplay with gripping narratives that ease new players into story games.

What genre of story game is best on Playstation?

Playstation has stellar story games across genres. But PlayStation exclusives like The Last of Us, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima really showcase the storytelling potential of cinematic action-adventure games. PlayStation’s legacy is in immersive cinematic gaming experiences.

Do you need Playstation Plus to play story games?

PlayStation Plus is not required to enjoy single-player story games on PS4 or PS5. You only need a Plus subscription for online multiplayer functionality. So story games that are purely single-player can be played and completed offline with just a PlayStation Network account.