Summary
- PS5 offers a wide range of games with fantastic stories, from shooters to RPGs, catering to different preferences.
- Finding games with strong narratives can be challenging, but these titles provide great stories across genres and playtimes.
- Each game mentioned, like Persona 3 Reload and The Medium, offers unique gameplay and captivating storylines that are worth experiencing.
There are quite a number of fantastic games with brilliant stories on the PS5 system. Ranging from third-person shooters to RPGs, there is something for everyone - especially those looking for a game with an in-depth story to get hooked on.
However, while not everyone looks for a strong narrative in their games, for those who do, it can be difficult to find something that sticks with you. These games all provide you with a great story across various genres and differ widely in playtime. Here are some of the best PlayStation 5 games with astounding storylines.
Updated March 28 2025, by Jerel Levy: We've added another great PS5 game with an intriguing storyline to the list. Visions of Mana makes its way to one of the best storyline games available on the console, and it's standing alongside some seriously great company. Check out the PS5 games you should be playing if you're a fan of stellar storylines.
29 Visions Of Mana
A Great Introduction
Visions of Mana
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 77/100 Critics Rec: 71%
- Released
- August 29, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Ouka Studios, Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Mana Series
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
If you've never played a game from the Mana series, Visions of Mana is a great place to start. With fun (yet stereotypical) characters, a somewhat predictable story, and a unique art style, the game was a surprise hit when it launched. Don't misunderstand; a predictable story can still be a great one.
This game subverts expectations, creating a situation in which these bright and wide-eyed characters have to deal with some very adult themes. Learn their stories and watch their decisions as life and death truly create some sticky situations for each of them.
28 Neva
A Story Told In A Single Word
- Released
- October 15, 2024
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nomada Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Devolver Digital
- Engine
- Unity
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Platformer, Puzzle
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 5 GB (approx)
A beautiful story told in a single word and gorgeous art, Neva is a special game that tells a story in a unique way. Without giving too much away, this platforming title is one that has art that will take your breath away, and while the game is relatively short, the story told will resonate with you long after you've finished playing the game.
While not the usual expectation of how stories are told, Neva is special enough to deserve your time if you're looking for an emotional storytelling experience.
27 Baldur's Gate 3
Create Your Own Dungeons & Dragons Adventure
Baldur's Gate 3
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96/100 Critics Rec: 96%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full
- Cross Save
- Full cross-platform progression.
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- August 3, 2023
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 7, 2023
- PS5 Release Date
- September 6, 2023
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- How Long To Beat
- 73 hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- Metascore
- 96
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Somehow, we've missed adding Baldur's Gate 3 this whole time. The ultimate make-your-own adventure on PS5, this one-of-a-kind game won Game of the Year for a reason. Every run-through is unique; no one will have the same playthrough as the next person. Couple this with an intriguing story where dialogue and choices truly matter, party members you can recruit or completely ignore, or even kill, who will leave based on your decisions.
Couple all of this with a compelling storyline affected by your decisions, and you've got a hilariously good time while trying to save yourself, your party, and eventually the world. You get to create your own character, helping fully immerse yourself in the story and your decision-making, and you can even play multiplayer, so it's a story you can experience with friends.
26 Metaphor: ReFantazio
Unlike Anything You've Played Before
Metaphor: ReFantazio
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93/100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- October 11, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Studio Zero
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- Engine
- GFD
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
WHERE TO PLAY
- PC Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 65 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 81.15 GB
- How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)
- 104 hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Saying the story in Metaphor: ReFantazio is unlike anything you've played before isn't as much of a stretch as you might assume. On the surface, you might dismiss it as another predictable Atlus turn-based title; however, once you get to know the characters and the underlying narrative, you'll see how this story is truly life-changing.
With a message that resonates past the game itself and side missions with characters so enthralling you'll fall in love with them, Metaphor ReFantazio is one of those games you cannot miss.
25 Still Wakes The Deep
A Short Thriller Worth Every Moment
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 70%
- Released
- June 18, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Use of Tobacco, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- The Chinese Room
- Publisher(s)
- Secret Mode
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Enjoy what feels like a mixture of some classic video games and unique horror that delves deep into the characters involved. Still Wakes The Deep delves into characters in a way that will fully engross you, helping you to feel connected with the world, with impeccable voice acting that draws you further into the atmosphere.
If you're a fan of character-driven stories or want a bit of horror in a compact package worth every penny, give Still Wakes The Deep a try. Our reviewer, Joe Parlock, likens it to Amnesia, Alien: Isolation, Uncharted, and Left 4 Dead. It's an intriguing tale that's got a great story for a horror title.
24 Dragon's Dogma 2
Rise To Your Destiny
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 30 Hours
- Metascore
- 88
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Dragon's Dogma 2 proves the value in a sequel. Expanding on everything from the original game but taking it all to unprecedented levels, you and your pawns will have as much fun exploring the world as you do with the combat and unique class vocations.
What really shines, though, are the unique NPCs, side quests, and a story that'll leave you wanting more. You'll have unexpected twists to contend with as you mull over the nature of your pawns and their morality. The late-game reveals and surprising NPC interactions that have some of the most ridiculously fun outcomes make the game truly feel alive, adding to its epic narrative.
23 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
A Genre Defining Adventure
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- PC Release Date
- January 23, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 29, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 49 hours
- Metascore
- 93
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
When you think of games with a sensational story you won't be able to get out of your head after completing them, you will probably think of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for years to come. With improved gameplay and a story with twists and turns that even players of the original game won't see coming, Rebirth is a master class in video game storytelling and character development.
Fleshing out iconic characters, competing in tons of mini-games, and watching a classic story unfold in a familiar yet new way all culminate in one of the best stories you can play on the PlayStation 5.
22 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Ichiban Makes New Friends On A New Adventure
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90/100 Critics Rec: 96%
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- How Long To Beat
- 60 Hours
- Metascore
- 93
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Ichiban Kasuga is almost too good to be true. As far as protagonists go, you won't find anyone more pure than this loveable guy, and his adventures always find him making new friends and proving what it means to be a good person. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes Ichiban and friends on a journey of even bigger proportions, this time leaving Japan altogether as he takes a trip to Hawaii. New friends, new relationships, new problems, and familiar faces make this game's story one of a kind.
With tons of side content and mini-games that are well worth your time investment, Infinite Wealth will have something for everyone to enjoy. Still, with everything you can do, the story here is just as engaging as our introduction to Ichiban Kasuga in Like A Dragon.
21 Unicorn Overlord
Simple Yet Satisfying
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88/100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- March 8, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Vanillaware
- Engine
- unity
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Games don't need to tell epic tales to have a good story. Sometimes, something easy and fun to get into, surface-level but entertaining, is enough to be a good story. Predictable though it may be, Unicorn Overlord is a great example of a good story that still simple and easy to follow. Join Alain and his ever growing band of resistance fighters in the Liberation Army to save the nations from being destroyed by Galerius.
Aside from the main story, there are sidequests where you learn about even more characters and even party conversations between your recruits that are well worth seeing as you invest in this band of heroes. It doesn't hurt that the gameplay is excellent as well.
20 Persona 3 Reload
Revisit A Classic Persona Title
Persona 3 Reload
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- February 2, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17 / Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Persona
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 65 hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Originally launched in 2006, Persona 3 is more of a niche favorite in the Persona series. While Persona 4 and Persona 5 usually get all the praise, the re-emergence of Persona 3 in Persona 3 Reload brings several updates to bring the older title up to date with the likes of the Persona 5 style and setup. With gorgeous graphics, a unique way of calling Persona forth, and a story that starts off slow but builds to an intriguing climax, it's well worth your time.
Coupled with the fact the game is finally available on modern consoles for actually being able to play, and with three different versions of the game available, you'll notice several upgrades that show how much time and effort went into Reload. As usual, you'll take on the role of a protagonist you name as they transfer to a new high school, encounter strange occurrences as soon as they arrive, and uncover the story and mystery behind the events on Tatsumi Port Island.