DnD players are usually a bit too in love with DnD for their own good, and I’m certainly included in that bunch. There are times when you simply cannot play real DnD, whether that be due to time restrictions or a person in your group is sick.
That’s when you play stuff that’s similar to DnD instead! Here are some of the best substitutes for DnD on Playstation, whether you’re playing on a PS5 or a PS4, we’ve got you covered.
The vast majority of PS4 games are playable on PS5 as well, so even if some of the games themselves are for PS4, you should be able to play them on PS5.
1. Sword Coast Legends
Sword Coast Legends takes place in the world of DnD. More specifically, it takes place in the Forgotten Realm (as many of the video game adaptions of DnD do).
It’s an ARPG (action roleplaying game), where you get to explore Faerûn with a DnD class of your choice. The game has mixed reviews: some really enjoy it, and some think it’s underwhelming in both presentation and gameplay.
I thought it was an alright game, especially as a temporary substitute for DnD. The game also lets you go into DM mode, where you can create your own campaign. Moreover, the game might be hard to find these days as it wasn’t that popular in the first place and it’s from 2015.
2. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is the latest Dragon Age title, but it stands out from the other Dragon Age games. It has different combat and an overall different feeling.
Some players really liked this fact, and some didn’t. If you haven’t played the previous Dragon Age games, you’re probably going to love this game. The Senior Writer of the game admitted that the game was heavily influenced by DnD, which is what made me try it out in the first place.
The game features some strong systems: for example, the companion system. You can talk to NPCs and include them in your party, and from there progress their various storylines.
The game also focuses a lot on your choices, featuring multiple endings. Dragon Age Inquisition also won Game of the Year 2014 at the Game Awards.
3. Divinity: Original Sin (1 & 2)
These are two of my favorite RPGs of all time, period. The games have a very strong narrative focus with a party mechanic and turn-based combat.
The first Divinity was a rare successful Kickstarter project success, and the second entry is arguably even better after obtaining a stronger budget.
It’s in my opinion a must-play for fans of DnD. The games don’t take any gameplay systems directly from DnD but are clearly inspired by it.
4. Torment: Tides of Numenera
This game is another solid entry. It’s a great narrative experience, although you don’t get to customize your character from the start.
Like many other games on this list, it features multiple endings and a big focus on making choices that matter. Torment: Tides of Numenera especially puts emphasis on moral dilemmas, which can be a fun challenge.
This game won “Best Roleplaying Game” at the Game Awards 2017. I strongly recommend it, however, keep in mind that it’s a single-player experience.
5. Disco Elysium
This is not really a fantasy game per se, but it has some very good RPG qualities that I think are both unique and great. In this game, you take the role of a detective in charge of solving a murder.
Like any good single-player RPG, the game features tons and tons of choices, twists and turns in the narrative, and multiple endings.
A cool aspect of the game is the fact that you can choose different personality traits to progress in the game, which will then affect dialogues and possible outcomes in scenarios. For example, you can choose to be a reckless drunk or a charismatic charmer.
6. Icewind Dale & Planescape: Torment
Icewind Dale and Planescape Torment are both included in the same package for PS4, and they’re both great games.
Both are directly connected to DnD: Icewind Dale is a physical location in the DnD universe, specifically in the Forgotten Realm, and Planescape: Torment takes place in the realm of Planescape, another DnD location.
Both are classic RPG experiences, featuring party mechanics, exploration, and character progression. Icewind Dale is more of a slugfest while Planescape: Torment is a more narrative experience. They’re both old games (1999 & 2000) but have been remastered for modern consoles.
7. Baldur’s Gate I & II
The legendary Baldur’s Gate games have been remastered and released for modern consoles as well, which is great for people who haven’t tried them previously.
Both Baldur’s Gate I & II are must-plays for any DnD fan, and they’re both included in the same package for modern platforms.
Baldur’s Gate takes place in the Forgotten Realms of DnD and is meant to be a digital representation of DnD itself.
The systems in Baldur’s Gate are based on the 2nd edition of DnD. DnD races, classes, spells, and more are all available in the games.
8. Pillars of Eternity I & II
Pillars of Eternity is a great single-player experience for fans of DnD. It’s a great take on the isometric RPG genre and it features a great story.
The game features a big focus on narrative, party mechanics, and real-time combat. It’s not a game that’s directly based on DnD as many other games on this list are, but it’s pretty close to DnD all things considered.
The game won Roleplaying Game of the Year at the Game Awards 2018.
9. Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights is another one of the direct adaptions of DnD into the videogame world. In fact, Neverwinter is a city in the Forgotten Realms of DnD.
The game is based on DnD 3.0 rules, which some players really like and some dislike. The execution is a bit janky but I think it’s a good game nonetheless.
You can also make your own campaigns in Neverwinter Nights to play with your friends. It’s like creating your own campaign in DnD! It’s an old game but has like many of the other old games on this list, been remade for modern systems.
10. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a science-fiction game, not really based on anything DnD related, but manages to be closer to actual DnD than games that try to be DnD.
It’s got turned-based, tactical combat, very solid character progression and customization, and a roll-based combat system that reminds me of DnD. Moreover, the storytelling is fantastic.
If you have played all the other games on this list, I’d give XCOM a go. Granted, if sci-fi isn’t your thing, then this game isn’t for you.