Best Action Games for PS4 (2026) - Bloodborne, God of War & More
Best Action Adventure Games on PS4
The PS4 defined a generation of action adventure gaming. Titles like God of War Ragnarok, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Last of Us Remastered blend cinematic storytelling with responsive combat and open-world exploration in ways that set the standard for the genre.
What makes PS4 action adventures stand out is their commitment to narrative depth. These aren't just games with good combat — they're experiences where every encounter serves the story. Whether you're navigating the Norse realms as Kratos or surviving a post-pandemic America as Joel and Ellie, the PS4's best action adventure games deliver emotional weight alongside intense gameplay.
Challenging Combat and Soulslike Action on PS4
The PS4 is home to some of the most rewarding combat-focused action games ever made. Bloodborne remains a PlayStation exclusive and one of the highest-rated soulslike games of all time, offering aggressive, fast-paced combat set in a gothic horror world. Dark Souls III refined the series' signature challenge with tighter controls and memorable boss encounters.
These games reward patience, pattern recognition, and mastery. If you're looking for action games on PS4 that push back and demand skill, the soulslike titles on this list are essential picks.
Are PS4 Action Games Still Worth Playing?
The PS4 action game library holds up remarkably well. Many of these titles have received performance patches or PS5 upgrades, and all PS4 discs and digital purchases are playable on PS5 through backward compatibility. Games like Bloodborne, which remains a PS4 exclusive with no PC port, are still only available on PlayStation hardware.
Whether you're gaming on a PS4 or playing these titles on PS5, the core experiences — the storytelling, combat design, and world-building — remain as strong as ever. These are games built to last.
Featured Best action games ps4
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action RPG set in a dark fantasy universe based on Andrzej Sapkowski's novels. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, navigating a vast world filled with narrative-driven quests, combat, and exploration. The core loop blends story choices, character progression, and tactical combat against monsters and human foes. It is widely regarded for its depth, writing, and expansive world design.
Key Features
- Large open world with interconnected regions and side quests
- Choice-driven narrative with long-term consequences
- Deep RPG systems including skills, gear, and alchemy
- Real-time combat combining swordplay, magic, and preparation
- Expansive story expansions adding substantial content
Gameplay Video
The Witcher 3 NEXT-GEN - Before You Buy
The Last of Us™ Remastered
The Last of Us™ Remastered is an action-adventure game combining third-person combat, stealth, and narrative-driven exploration. Set in a post-pandemic United States, players follow Joel and Ellie as they navigate hostile environments and human threats. The core gameplay loop focuses on resource management, tense encounters, and story progression. The remastered edition enhances visuals and performance for modern consoles.
Key Features
- Story-focused campaign with strong character development
- Blend of stealth, gunplay, and close-quarters combat
- Atmospheric world-building and environmental storytelling
- Improved visuals and performance over the original release
- Includes single-player DLC and multiplayer mode
God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök is a third-person action-adventure game that continues Kratos and Atreus' journey through Norse mythology. The core gameplay loop blends cinematic storytelling, exploration of interconnected realms, puzzle-solving, and visceral melee combat. Players develop characters through gear upgrades and abilities while engaging in narrative-driven quests. The game is known for its production values, character focus, and refined combat systems.
Key Features
- Cinematic story centered on Kratos and Atreus
- Refined melee combat with weapons, abilities, and enemy variety
- Multiple Norse realms with exploration and optional content
- Strong character performances and narrative pacing
- Accessibility options and technical polish
Also in this series
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world action-adventure game set in a fictionalized late-1800s American frontier. Players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating a changing world while completing story missions, side activities, and exploration. The core gameplay loop combines narrative-driven quests, gunplay, horseback travel, and survival elements. The game is widely recognized for its detailed world, storytelling, and immersive systems.
Key Features
- Large, highly detailed open world with dynamic ecosystems
- Narrative-focused campaign centered on character development
- Blend of shooting, exploration, hunting, and survival mechanics
- Strong environmental storytelling and attention to realism
- Optional activities and side content integrated into the world
Gameplay Video
Red Dead Redemption 2 - Combat & Open World Free Roam Gameplay
Bloodborne™
Bloodborne is a third-person action RPG set in the gothic, nightmarish city of Yharnam, where players hunt grotesque creatures and unravel cryptic lore. The core gameplay loop emphasizes aggressive combat, exploration, and learning enemy patterns through repeated encounters. Progression is driven by character builds, weapon mastery, and environmental discovery. The game is widely known for its difficulty, atmosphere, and distinctive visual style.
Key Features
- Fast-paced, aggressive combat focused on risk and reward
- Gothic horror setting with dense environmental storytelling
- Deep weapon system with transformable arms
- Challenging enemy design and boss encounters
- Obscure narrative delivered through world design and item descriptions
Gameplay Video
Bloodborne (PS5) 4K HDR Gameplay
DARK SOULS™ III
DARK SOULS™ III is an action RPG set in a dark fantasy world facing the end of its age of fire. Players explore interconnected environments, engage in methodical combat, and progress through challenging encounters and boss fights. The core gameplay loop centers on exploration, combat mastery, and character progression through equipment and stat builds. It is known for its difficulty, atmospheric world design, and environmental storytelling.
Key Features
- Challenging combat focused on timing, positioning, and stamina management
- Interconnected world design with shortcuts and hidden areas
- Wide variety of weapons, builds, and playstyles
- Memorable boss encounters with distinct mechanics
- Dark fantasy atmosphere and minimalistic storytelling
Gameplay Video
Dark Souls III - strach ma wielkie oczy, czyli dlaczego Soulsy są łatwe
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best action games on PS4?
- The highest-rated action games on PS4 include critically acclaimed titles across open-world adventure, soulslike combat, and cinematic action. God of War Ragnarok, Bloodborne, and Red Dead Redemption 2 are among the most consistently recommended by both critics and players. Our list is ranked by combined ratings so you can find the best pick for your style.
- Can you still play PS4 action games on PS5?
- Yes — the PS5 is backwards compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games. Most major PS4 action games run on PS5, often with improved loading times and performance thanks to the PS5's hardware. Some titles have received free PS5 upgrades with enhanced graphics and 60fps modes.
- What is the best soulslike action game on PS4?
- Bloodborne is the most acclaimed PlayStation-exclusive soulslike and remains a top recommendation for PS4 players who enjoy challenging, skill-based combat. Dark Souls III is also available on PS4 and offers a similarly demanding experience. Both appear in our PS4 action games list.
- Are the best PS4 action games available on PS Plus?
- Several top-rated PS4 action games have rotated through PS Plus Essential monthly offerings or appear in the PS Plus Extra catalog. Check our PS Plus Extra games page to see which action titles are currently available with your subscription.
- Are PS4 action games good for beginners?
- PS4 action games cover a wide difficulty range. Open-world adventure games like Spider-Man and God of War offer adjustable difficulty settings suited to beginners. Soulslike games like Bloodborne are significantly more challenging and are best suited to players comfortable with demanding combat. Our list includes genre notes to help you choose the right entry point.