As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4
- Best budget: Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition for PlayStation 4
- Best premium: Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4
- Best for co-op shooting: Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5
- Mass Effect: Andromeda is the playable pick; Anthem’s online servers shut down on January 12, 2026.
- Mass Effect: Andromeda delivers solo exploration and optional four-player multiplayer on PlayStation 4.
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles three single-player campaigns for players who want more story.
- Compare platform, multiplayer support and included content before choosing a Black Friday 2026 game.
Anthem vs Mass Effect: Andromeda is a very different buying decision for Black Friday 2026 than it was when both games were active. Anthem’s servers shut down on January 12, 2026, so the online-dependent game is no longer playable. Mass Effect: Andromeda remains the straightforward choice for a sci-fi action RPG you can play today.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around the real choice: Andromeda or another story-driven game with similar exploration, combat or co-op. You’ll find seven game picks, platform details and a quick buying checklist. Here's the bottom line: prioritize games with playable campaigns and multiplayer features that still fit your setup.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s core genre, story focus and action-RPG features.
- Checked platform and edition details so the pick fits a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 setup.
- Prioritized playable campaigns and clearly described co-op or multiplayer features.
- Included Anthem as a comparison reference, with its server shutdown stated plainly.
- Selected options for different preferences, from narrative-first adventures to squad-based combat.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Campaign or content count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Arts Anthem Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 | Collectors | PlayStation 4 | 4-player design; servers shut down | 1 online-dependent game |
| Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 | Sci-fi exploration | PlayStation 4 | 1-player story; 4-player multiplayer | 1 campaign |
| Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4 | Story-first RPG fans | PlayStation 4 | 1 player | 3 campaigns |
| Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition for PlayStation 4 | Fantasy party RPG fans | PlayStation 4 | 4-character party | 1 campaign plus add-on content |
| Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5 | Co-op action | PlayStation 5 | 3-player co-op | 4 character classes |
| Bungie Destiny 2: The Final Shape for PlayStation 5 | Online fireteams | PlayStation 5 | 3-player activities | 1 expansion |
| 2K Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5 | Loot-focused co-op | PlayStation 5 | Up to 4 players | 4 playable Vault Hunters |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Electronic Arts Anthem Standard Edition for PlayStation 4
The Electronic Arts Anthem Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best archival pick for collectors who want a physical record of BioWare’s four-player shooter. The Electronic Arts Anthem Standard Edition for PlayStation 4's online-dependent gameplay is unavailable after the January 12, 2026 server shutdown.
Best for: Collectors and game-history fans
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Squad size
- Up to 4 players
- Online requirement
- Online service required
- Distinctive flying-suit concept
- Four-player squad design
- Useful reference point for the comparison
- No longer playable after server shutdown
- Not a practical gameplay purchase
Is Electronic Arts Anthem Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Electronic Arts Anthem Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 is worth considering only as a collectible. Anthem’s servers shut down on January 12, 2026, ending access to its online-dependent gameplay, so choose another game for an experience you can play.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2 · Top pick
Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4
The Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best pick for solo sci-fi exploration with optional squad multiplayer. The game supports up to 4 players in multiplayer while keeping its main campaign story-focused.
Best for: Sci-fi explorers and RPG newcomers
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Campaign
- 1-player story
- Multiplayer squad
- Up to 4 players
- Playable single-player campaign
- Exploration across multiple worlds
- Optional squad-based multiplayer
- Not the original trilogy’s story
- Multiplayer requires an online connection
Is Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 is worth buying for players who want an accessible sci-fi action RPG with a complete solo campaign. The four-player multiplayer adds a separate squad mode for players who want online combat.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4
The Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best story-first pick for players who want the original trilogy in one collection. The edition includes 3 single-player games, making it the strongest choice for a long narrative journey.
Best for: Players who want a complete sci-fi saga
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Included games
- 3
- Campaign focus
- Single-player
- Three connected campaigns
- Strong character and squad focus
- One collection for the trilogy
- A longer commitment than Andromeda
- No multiplayer mode
Is Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4 is worth buying for players who value story continuity and squad relationships. The collection includes 3 single-player campaigns, offering a substantial narrative alternative to the exploration-focused Mass Effect: Andromeda.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition for PlayStation 4
The Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best pick for fantasy fans who want a large party-based RPG. The game’s 4-player party lets players shape exploration and battles through companion choices.
Best for: Fantasy RPG and party-building fans
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Party size
- Up to 4 characters
- Genre
- Single-player action RPG
- Companion-driven adventures
- Fantasy setting with broad exploration
- Game of the Year edition includes add-on content
- Fantasy rather than science fiction
- Party management adds complexity
Is Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Electronic Arts Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition for PlayStation 4 is worth buying if you want BioWare-style companions and choices in a fantasy world. The four-character party offers a different combat rhythm from the sci-fi gunplay in Andromeda.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5
The Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best pick for players who want fast third-person combat and co-op. The game supports squads of up to 3 players, with four character classes built around distinct combat abilities.
Best for: Co-op action-RPG squads
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Co-op squad
- Up to 3 players
- Character classes
- 4
- Aggressive, ability-driven combat
- Three-player co-op
- Worldslayer content included in this edition
- Less focused on dialogue choices
- Co-op is best with a regular squad
Is Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for action-RPG fans who want a focused three-player co-op experience. Four classes create different combat roles, while the Worldslayer Edition packages its named expansion content with the game.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Bungie Destiny 2: The Final Shape for PlayStation 5
The Bungie Destiny 2: The Final Shape for PlayStation 5 is the best pick for players who want ongoing sci-fi shooting and coordinated fireteams. The Bungie Destiny 2: The Final Shape for PlayStation 5's three-player activity structure suits small squads, while the expansion adds a major story chapter to Destiny 2.
Best for: Sci-fi shooter fans with a fireteam
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Fireteam size
- Up to 3 players for many activities
- Genre
- Online sci-fi shooter
- Strong cooperative shooting
- Story content for Destiny 2 players
- Works well with a regular fireteam
- Requires online access
- Expansion content requires Destiny 2
Is Bungie Destiny 2: The Final Shape for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Bungie Destiny 2: The Final Shape for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for existing Destiny 2 players who want a major sci-fi story chapter and group activities. The expansion suits three-player fireteams, but buyers need the base game and an online connection.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
2K Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5
The 2K Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best pick for players who want colorful shooting, loot and drop-in co-op. The game features 4 playable Vault Hunters, giving a squad several distinct approaches to combat.
Best for: Loot-focused co-op players
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Playable Vault Hunters
- 4
- Co-op
- Up to 4 players
- Four distinct character options
- Co-op campaign play
- Ultimate Edition bundles substantial add-on content
- Comedy-forward tone differs from Mass Effect
- Loot volume can feel busy
Is 2K Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
2K Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for players who want a colorful four-player shooter with character builds and loot. The Ultimate Edition bundles add-on content, giving co-op groups more to play beyond the main campaign.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which game wins Anthem vs Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2026?
Mass Effect: Andromeda is the better playable buy in 2026, while Anthem is now a collector item rather than an active game. Anthem depended on online servers, and service ended on January 12, 2026. A physical copy does not restore access to its core gameplay.
Mass Effect: Andromeda keeps its single-player campaign available and also offers multiplayer for squads of up to 4. The two games once shared a sci-fi action focus, but Andromeda’s campaign and exploration make it the clear choice for players shopping for something to play. Anthem suits game-history collections, not a gaming-night plan.
What is the biggest difference between Anthem and Mass Effect: Andromeda?
Anthem centers on online squad combat for up to 4 players, while Mass Effect: Andromeda pairs a solo story with optional four-player multiplayer. Server access changes the buying decision: Anthem’s gameplay ended with its servers, but Andromeda’s campaign remains playable.
The games also handle progression differently. Anthem emphasized flying combat suits and repeatable missions. Andromeda emphasizes exploration, character choices and a story about a human expedition. Players looking for a complete game experience should choose Andromeda or another active campaign from the product list.
Is Mass Effect: Andromeda still worth playing in 2026?
Mass Effect: Andromeda is worth playing in 2026 for players who want a self-contained sci-fi campaign with exploration, combat and optional multiplayer. The main story does not require Anthem’s former online service, so the campaign remains the practical pick between these two games.
The Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 suits players who own a compatible PlayStation console and want a character-led action RPG. Multiplayer adds a separate four-player option. Choose Mass Effect Legendary Edition instead when the priority is the original trilogy and its connected story.
Which games feel similar to Anthem or Mass Effect: Andromeda?
Outriders and Destiny 2: The Final Shape are the closest picks here for players chasing sci-fi combat with a squad. Outriders supports three-player co-op, while many Destiny 2 activities use three-player fireteams. Both prioritize action over Andromeda-style exploration and dialogue choices.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the stronger match for Andromeda’s characters and narrative choices. Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition fits players who want four-player shooting and loot. Dragon Age: Inquisition changes the setting to fantasy but keeps party building and companion relationships in focus.
What should you check before buying a Black Friday 2026 RPG?
Check the exact platform, edition and online requirements before choosing a game. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 editions are not interchangeable in every case, and online-focused games need a working service. Anthem is the essential warning: its servers shut down before Black Friday 2026.
Next, match the game to your play style. Pick a solo campaign for a reliable story experience, or choose a co-op game when friends are ready to join. Edition names also matter: Game of the Year and Ultimate editions bundle extra content, while an expansion such as The Final Shape requires Destiny 2.
Buying Guide
Choose a platform you already own
Match the product name to your console before checkout. PlayStation 4 editions suit PS4 owners, while PlayStation 5 editions target PS5 players. Check the publisher’s compatibility information for any cross-generation support.
Separate solo stories from online games
A single-player campaign offers a clear path through the game without a regular squad. Online games need a working connection, and some features rely on active servers. Anthem’s shutdown shows why that detail matters.
Pick a squad size that fits your group
Outriders supports up to 3 co-op players, while Borderlands 3 supports up to 4. Check player limits and online requirements before choosing a game for a regular group.
Compare editions by included content
Legendary, Game of the Year and Ultimate editions can bundle additional content. Read the edition description and confirm which campaign, expansion or add-on content is included before deciding.
Match the game to your preferred pace
Choose Mass Effect for story and exploration, Outriders for ability-driven co-op, or Borderlands for loot and energetic shooting. Genre fit matters more than a familiar title when building a Black Friday shortlist.
FAQ
Is Anthem playable in 2026?
Anthem is not playable after its online servers shut down on January 12, 2026. The game’s core experience depended on those servers, so buying a disc does not provide a working campaign. Treat Anthem as a collectible, not a playable Black Friday game.
Is Mass Effect: Andromeda better than Anthem?
Mass Effect: Andromeda is the better choice for anyone looking for a playable game in 2026. Andromeda has a single-player campaign and optional multiplayer, while Anthem’s servers shut down. The games differ in story style, but server status makes the buying decision clear.
Can you play Mass Effect: Andromeda solo?
Yes. Mass Effect: Andromeda includes a single-player campaign focused on exploration, combat and its story. Multiplayer is a separate option for groups of up to 4 players. Solo players can focus on the campaign without needing a squad for the main story.
How many players can play Anthem?
Anthem was designed around squads of up to 4 players. However, Anthem’s servers shut down on January 12, 2026, so that multiplayer design is no longer accessible. The player count describes the original game, not a playable mode in 2026.
Which game is best for co-op after Anthem?
Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5 is a strong replacement for three-player sci-fi co-op. 2K Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5 suits groups of up to 4 who prefer loot-driven shooting. Check that every player has a compatible platform.
What should I buy instead of Anthem?
Choose Electronic Arts Mass Effect: Andromeda Standard Edition for PlayStation 4 for a sci-fi campaign with exploration. Choose Square Enix Outriders Worldslayer Edition for PlayStation 5 for co-op combat, or Electronic Arts Mass Effect Legendary Edition for PlayStation 4 for three story campaigns.