These are the 25 best PlayStation 5 games

The PlayStation 5 has quickly become home to a fantastic collection of games. Since its release in November 2020, Sony’s console has gained a reputation for having many critically acclaimed titles.

The PlayStation 5 has a fantastic library of games, from huge titles like Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok to indie hits like Hades, and impressive remakes. While there are likely even more great games than the 25 we’ve chosen, this list highlights the PS5 games everyone should experience.

We based our selections on both the quality of each game and its overall impact on the console. We’ve included remakes to welcome new players, but their ranking might differ from other lists because they may not have had the same initial impact. Now, let’s get straight to the games – we know you’re eager to see the list!

25. Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Release Date: June 4, 2024
Developer: Bungie
Genre: First-person shooter

Destiny 2: The Final Shape takes players to the Pale Heart for a final showdown with the Witness, wrapping up the long-running story of Light and Darkness. The expansion features a new campaign and a revolutionary new subclass system called Prismatic, letting you combine powers from both Light and Darkness. This builds on the already fantastic multiplayer action of Destiny 2, offering even more powerful abilities and customization.

We loved The Final Shape because it successfully brought together everything Destiny had been building for ten years into a focused and satisfying campaign. With its fresh abilities, unforgettable missions, and content designed for the player community, it’s a fantastic ending to the story Bungie started long ago.

24. Hades

Release Date: August 13, 2021
Developer: Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelike action role-playing game

You take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is trying to escape the Underworld and find his mother. The game centers around fighting your way through constantly shifting levels filled with monsters and powerful bosses. Luckily, the Olympian gods offer you abilities to help! Even when you’re defeated, you don’t start from scratch – you keep what you’ve learned, improve your abilities, and uncover more of the story with each attempt.

Hades is a fantastic game because it combines exciting, quick combat with a clever story and beautiful art. Even when you lose, you’ll uncover more of the story, making each attempt feel worthwhile. It’s a roguelike that stays interesting and new, even after many tries – and you’ll definitely be trying again and again!

23. Final Fantasy 16

Release Date: June 22, 2023
Developer: Square Enix
Genre: Action role-playing game

Final Fantasy XVI takes place in Valisthea, a world fractured by conflict and fueled by magical crystals. You’ll play as Clive Rosfield, who embarks on a journey of revenge after his brother is killed, a quest that soon becomes entangled in a battle for the future of the land. Throughout the game, you’ll face enormous, god-like creatures called Eikons and their powerful hosts in epic, visually stunning battles that are among the best the Final Fantasy series has ever offered.

Final Fantasy XVI revitalizes the series with exciting, fast-paced combat inspired by games like Devil May Cry, rather than typical turn-based RPGs. It’s a great starting point for new players while still offering the epic, visually stunning experience longtime fans love – think dramatic political twists and massive battles between god-like beings. The story, centered around Clive, is focused and engaging, continuing the strong momentum Final Fantasy has built in recent years.

22. Death Stranding 2

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Developer: Kojima Productions
Genre: Action Adventure

You play as Sam Porter Bridges, a delivery person tasked with transporting important items through challenging environments. This time, the game takes you to Mexico and Australia, featuring tougher weather, more dangerous enemies, and new equipment to help you navigate the difficult journeys. You’ll still need to carefully plan each step, managing your cargo, choosing the best routes, and deciding whether to confront threats or avoid them.

What makes this game great is the feeling of the journey itself – planning your path, being aware of your surroundings, and hoping you can successfully navigate challenging landscapes. The new version heightens that feeling with tougher enemies, improved equipment, and larger, more demanding environments that really push your limits. It’s a unique, intense, and memorable experience unlike anything else in gaming.

21. Street Fighter 6

Release Date: June 2, 2023
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Fighting game

Street Fighter 6 combines the traditional head-to-head fighting the series is known for with a brand-new adventure mode. In World Tour, you create a custom fighter and journey around the world to battle opponents. A key new feature is the Drive system – a single energy bar used to block attacks, strengthen your moves, or unleash powerful combos. This system adds a layer of strategy to every fight, as you’ll need to decide when to use your energy for offense and when to save it for defense.

We love this game because the fights are quick, exciting, and accessible to everyone. New players can perform amazing moves right away with the simplified controls, while experienced players can dive into a deeper, more complex system. The character lineup is fantastic, featuring both legendary fighters like Ryu and Chun-Li, and fresh faces like Kimberly, a ninja who uses spray paint, and Luke, a strong and powerful brawler.

20. Forza Horizon 5

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Developer: Playground Games
Genre: Racing

Forza Horizon 5 is an open-world racing game set in a huge version of Mexico. Players can collect cars and race across diverse landscapes like deserts, volcanoes, jungles, and during tropical storms. The game features more than just standard races, including challenges focused on stunts, speed, drifting, and long-distance cross-country driving – all designed to test the capabilities of each car.

As a racing game fan, I’ve been waiting for this for ages! It’s always been an Xbox favorite, and now PlayStation players finally get to experience the fun. Honestly, the cars feel amazing – super realistic for those who really know cars, but still easy and enjoyable for everyone. Plus, there’s so much to do! One minute you’re racing jets, the next you’re just enjoying a scenic drive – every time I play feels totally different. I think it’s safe to say this is now the best racing game on PlayStation, even better than Gran Turismo!

19. Horizon Forbidden West

Release Date: February 18, 2022
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Genre: Action adventure

In Horizon Forbidden West, Aloy ventures into a dangerous, new region to discover what’s causing a mysterious red blight that’s killing plants and animals. Her journey leads her into conflict with warring tribes – some of whom have learned to control machines – and reveals dangerous secrets from the past that could jeopardize the future.

Horizon Forbidden West builds on the success of Zero Dawn, solidifying Aloy as one of PlayStation’s biggest characters, alongside legends like Kratos and Nathan Drake. The game features even more impressive and dangerous machines, and battles require strategic thinking – finding weak points, setting traps, and quick reflexes. New tools like the diving mask, grappling hook, and glider make exploring the vast and beautiful world – including sunken cities and towering volcanoes – a real pleasure. Aloy’s popularity even extended beyond her own games, with appearances in titles like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, demonstrating just how much this sequel boosted her status.

18. Silent Hill f

Release Date: September 25, 2025
Developer: NeoBards Entertainment
Genre: Horror

Silent Hill f is a survival horror game set in 1960s Japan. The story follows Hinako, a high school student, as a terrifying fungal outbreak takes over her town. Unlike other games in the series, guns are unavailable, so you must use and maintain makeshift weapons that break down with use – every attack matters as the infection spreads.

Okay, so what I really love about this new Silent Hill is how it completely changes things up. Instead of the same old town, it’s set in rural Japan, and they’ve really leaned into local myths and a creepy atmosphere. The horror isn’t just fog and rust this time – it’s all about this unsettling fungal growth that just gets under your skin. Plus, weapons break easily, so even small fights are genuinely scary! The story’s being written by Ryukishi07, who’s known for making seriously disturbing visual novels, so expect a lot of psychological horror. Honestly, it feels just as good as the Silent Hill 2 remake – maybe even better!

17. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

Release Date: January 19, 2024
Developer: Naughty Dog
Genre: Horror

The Last of Us Part II continues Ellie’s journey years after the original game, starting with a truly shocking event. Fueled by a desire for revenge, Ellie fights against both the infected and a group led by Abby. This updated version for PS5 also lets you experience the story from Abby’s point of view.

The Last of Us Part II is a game that people have strong opinions about. While some think its ambitious story and difficult choices make it better than the first game, others prefer the simpler, more focused narrative of the original. Personally, I’m in the latter group. However, even with a few flaws, The Last of Us Part II is a truly captivating experience. The gameplay – especially the stealth and combat – is top-notch, and the story stays with you long after you finish playing. This remaster improves the game with quicker loading, better graphics, and the fantastic No Return mode, making it the best version available.

16. Split Fiction

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Genre: Co-op adventure

Okay, so Split Fiction is this really cool game where you play as two writers, Mio and Zoe, who somehow get pulled into a machine that merges their stories! It’s a wild mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and you’re constantly doing platforming and solving puzzles. The best part? Each character has powers that *only* work when you combine them, so you absolutely *have* to work together to get through it. It’s a really unique cooperative experience!

Split Fiction is a remarkably creative co-op game, reminiscent of the brilliance of It Takes Two. Each level introduces a completely new concept – you might be reversing time one minute and flipping gravity the next – and you can only succeed by working closely with your partner. The game’s Side Stories add even more variety and unexpected challenges. If you enjoy playing co-op games with a friend, either on the couch or online, Split Fiction is a fantastic example of how much fun two players can have when they team up.

15. Grand Theft Auto V

Release Date: March 15, 2022
Developer: Rockstar
Genre: Action adventure

Originally launched in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V has been released on three different generations of consoles and is now available on PS5 with its best graphics yet. The game lets you experience the lives of three unique criminals – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – as their paths cross during a series of increasingly daring robberies throughout the city of Los Santos and the nearby areas.

Even after ten years, Los Santos remains one of the most detailed and engaging open-world environments in gaming. The story is driven forward by the ability to play as three different characters, and the heist missions are still among Rockstar’s best. While the PS5 version doesn’t drastically change the game like the addition of GTA Online did on the PS4, it offers noticeable improvements with clearer graphics, quicker loading, and a smoother experience overall. If you haven’t played it yet, few open-world games offer this level of detail, scope, and character.

14. Ghost of Yotei

Release Date: October 2, 2025
Developer: Sucker Punch
Genre: Action Adventure

Ghost of Yōtei tells the story of Atsu, a skilled warrior on a quest to avenge her family. Sixteen years after a devastating attack, she travels across the rugged landscapes of feudal Japan (known as Ezo), using a combination of stealth, fighting skills, and exploration to find those responsible.

Ghost of Yotei builds on the strengths of Tsushima, offering a more challenging experience with tougher fights and a more unforgiving world. The story of Atsu’s revenge feels personal, and the game introduces new ways to sneak around and faster, more lethal combat. This creates a consistently exciting, visually stunning, and satisfying experience, whether you prefer stealth or direct combat.

13. Persona 5 Royal

Release Date: October 21, 2022
Developer: P-Studio
Genre: Role-playing game

Okay, so the game is all about playing as this high school kid who secretly leads a crew of thieves. But it’s not just about stealing! We’re actually going into this weird, supernatural world to try and change bad people for the better. It’s a total balancing act – I’ve gotta manage school, explore these crazy dungeons, and build relationships with my teammates. It’s seriously addictive!

Persona 5 is a fantastic game that blends stylish combat with managing your time and building relationships, making it consistently satisfying. It stands out with its unique visuals and jazzy music, and the story unfolds at a pace that keeps you engaged throughout its lengthy 100-hour adventure. This PS5 version, originally released on PS4 in 2019, offers improved graphics and performance, making it the best way to experience this modern classic. If you already own it on PS4, it’s probably not worth double-dipping, but if you haven’t played it yet and have the time, it’s a must-play.

12. Demon’s Souls Remake

Release Date: November 19, 2020
Developer: Bluepoint Games
Genre: Action role-playing game

Demon’s Souls is a complete rebuild of the classic 2009 PlayStation 3 game, and it’s the game that launched the popular “Souls-like” genre, including titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. Players are dropped into the shattered kingdom of Boletaria, filled with dangerous demons. You’ll need to carefully explore interconnected areas, learn challenging combat, and recover lost souls—all while trying not to die!

We love this remake because it truly elevates the original FromSoftware classic. Released over ten years later, it’s more impactful than many other remakes out there. It boasts stunning graphics and smoother controls, but crucially, it doesn’t make the game any easier – maintaining the intense, challenging experience that defines the Souls series. Additions like the Fractured World mode and improved inventory system offer new ways to play without changing what made the original so special.

11. Cyberpunk 2077

Release Date: February 15, 2022
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Genre: Action role-playing game

Okay, so Cyberpunk 2077 is about this character, V, who’s basically a mercenary trying to make a living in this crazy, futuristic city called Night City. Things go wrong on a job, and V ends up with a digital ghost living *inside* their head! It starts as just another gig, but quickly turns into a huge struggle for control of their own mind, figuring out who they even *are*, and just trying to survive in a city run by these massive, powerful corporations. It’s a wild ride!

We love this game because it’s been dramatically improved since its initial release, especially with the Phantom Liberty expansion for PS5. It’s finally become the immersive RPG it was meant to be. Night City feels incredibly alive, dangerous, and captivating, filled with surprisingly impactful stories. It’s a visually stunning and well-crafted game, delivering the quality players expect from the creators of The Witcher series, CD Projekt Red.

10. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Release Date: February 29, 2024
Developer: Square Enix
Genre: Action role-playing game

As a huge Final Fantasy fan, I was so excited for Rebirth! It continues the story that started with the amazing Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which only covered the city of Midgar. This time, Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII finally leave Midgar and venture out into the larger world to chase after Sephiroth. He’s up to his old tricks, trying to connect with the planet’s energy and basically rewrite everything! It’s awesome because they’re going to familiar places like Junon, Cosmo Canyon, and the Gold Saucer, but the story isn’t just a repeat of the original – it’s going in some really unexpected directions, even for someone like me who’s played the original game a bunch of times.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth builds on the success of the Remake, expanding the world beyond Midgar with the same care and attention to detail. It beautifully recreates familiar locations while adding exciting new features, like team-up abilities, that make combat dynamic and visually impressive. Rebirth successfully blends the beloved story of the original game with fresh ideas, creating a truly grand adventure for the PlayStation 5.

9. God of War Ragnarok

Release Date: November 9, 2022
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Genre: Action-adventure

God of War Ragnarök continues the story of Kratos and Atreus as they travel across the nine realms of Norse mythology, preparing for the end of the world. The game features intense and visually stunning battles against gods and monsters, along with puzzles and exploration of diverse environments – from icy landscapes to fiery depths. At its core, the game explores the complex relationship between a father and son.

Santa Monica Studio improved upon their already excellent 2018 game with more refined combat, a wider range of enemies, and a larger, more epic world. The battles are both impactful and visually stunning, but what truly sets Ragnarok apart is its ability to blend sweeping mythological storytelling with deeply personal character interactions. From intense fights with Thor to quiet, reflective moments around a campfire, this game offers a truly powerful and polished experience on PS5 – a true blockbuster that lives up to its godly inspiration.

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Release Date: October 20, 2023
Developer: Insomniac Games
Genre: Action-adventure

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 puts you in the roles of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they work to keep New York City safe from dangerous new villains. The city is overrun by Kraven’s hunters, and the arrival of Venom creates the Spider-Men’s biggest challenge yet. You’ll experience fast-paced web-swinging, stealthy attacks, and epic boss fights, all while exploring what it truly means to be Spider-Man.

Spider-Man 2 truly showcases what Insomniac does best. The fighting is more refined, the action sequences are grander, and Peter Parker’s new symbiote powers make him incredibly powerful. Playing as Miles Morales adds even more variety with his unique electric abilities, and swinging through a beautifully rendered New York City is always a thrill. It’s a fantastic superhero experience on the PS5, blending impressive visuals with a compelling story.

7. Astro Bot

Release Date: September 6, 2024
Developer: Team Asobi
Genre: Platformer

In this exciting PlayStation 5 platformer, Astro’s spaceship has crashed, and his robot crew is lost across the galaxy! You’ll play as Astro, journeying through vibrant worlds filled with challenges, hidden secrets, and fun surprises to find and rescue them all.

Astro Bot is a delightful game that brilliantly uses the PlayStation DualSense controller in innovative ways throughout each level. What truly sets it apart is its loving tribute to PlayStation’s past. Inspired by classic games and filled with appearances from memorable characters, it’s a charming and heartwarming adventure where even finding collectibles feels like a walk down memory lane. Finally, PlayStation has a standout platforming hero to rival Mario.

6. The Last of Us Part 1

Release Date: September 2, 2022
Developer: Naughty Dog
Genre: Action-adventure

Most people likely know The Last of Us by now, thanks to its remakes and popular TV show. It’s set twenty years after a devastating fungal pandemic destroys civilization. The story follows Joel, a tough survivor, who is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl who seems immune to the infection, across a ruined United States. Their journey is filled with both dangerous fights against infected creatures and the growing bond they form through heartfelt conversations.

The Last of Us is a compelling game because it combines thrilling, sometimes brutal action with a surprisingly personal and emotional story. At its heart is the developing bond between Joel and Ellie, brought to life by fantastic acting and a remarkably realistic world. This PS5 remake mainly enhances the game’s graphics, and that’s all it needs. With the recent TV show bringing the story to a wider audience, it’s a great time for newcomers to play this landmark PlayStation title – and for existing fans to remember why it’s so beloved.

5. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Release Date: April 24, 2025
Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Genre: Role-playing game

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game set in a bizarre, beautifully painted version of France. You play as one of a team of heroes attempting to stop The Paintress, a shadowy figure whose annual ritual makes people of a specific age disappear. As the 33rd expedition, you’ll explore odd landscapes, battle terrifying monsters, and try to end this cycle of disappearances for good.

Clair Obscur quickly became a standout RPG in 2025, surprising many PlayStation fans. While most games on this list are well-known titles, Clair Obscur emerged as a potential all-time great. Its unique combat system, blending turn-based strategy with real-time action, is both engaging and memorable. Combined with a beautiful, painted art style and a captivating story with compelling characters, it’s a modern classic that took everyone by surprise.

4. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Release Date: March 24, 2023
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Survival horror

Resident Evil 4 has been completely rebuilt for PS5 after numerous earlier versions. Players take on the role of Leon S. Kennedy, who is sent to rural Spain on a mission to save the President’s daughter from a dangerous cult. The rescue mission quickly becomes a fight for survival as Leon explores decaying villages, battles infected people, and faces horrifying creatures hidden in the darkness.

Resident Evil 4 first came out in 2005 and has been re-released on many consoles, but this remake is something special. The original game revolutionized the survival horror genre with its unique camera angle and exciting action sequences. Now, Capcom has brought this classic to PS5 with incredible graphics, improved controls, and enemies that are more intelligent and challenging. You’ll have to strategically defend yourself, using everything you can find to survive. It’s a fantastic reimagining of a true masterpiece, and remains one of the best games of all time.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition

Release Date: December 14, 2022
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Genre: Action role-playing game

This definitive version of the 2015 game puts you in the role of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter. He’s on a quest to find Ciri, his adopted daughter, who is being hunted for her unique abilities. Throughout the journey, you’ll battle creatures, become involved in the struggles between kingdoms, and make decisions that impact the lives of those around you. The game offers a vast world to explore, with plenty of side quests and activities – like playing the popular card game Gwent – alongside the main story.

The Witcher 3 was already a top-tier RPG, and this PS5 Complete Edition maintains its greatness while significantly improving the experience. It features stunning 4K graphics, a smoother frame rate, and includes all previously released downloadable content, including the highly praised Blood and Wine expansion and a new quest based on the Netflix series. While the main story is captivating, it’s the memorable side quests – ranging from heartbreaking to humorous to unexpected – that truly bring the game’s world to life. Even after almost a decade, this is the best way to play Geralt’s story.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Release Date: September 6, 2023
Developer: Larian Studios
Genre: Role-playing game

Baldur’s Gate 3 brought back a classic RPG series based on Dungeons & Dragons, and it quickly became incredibly popular. You create your own character who’s been infected by a mind-controlling parasite, and then embark on a massive, 100+ hour adventure to find a cure. Throughout the game, you’ll fight challenging battles using a turn-based system, team up with companions, explore huge areas, and make decisions that truly matter – even a single dice roll can change everything.

Honestly, I was blown away by Baldur’s Gate 3. No one really predicted it would become *this* huge, but it totally revived the Dungeons & Dragons series and became a massive RPG experience. What I love most is that every single thing you do – every quest, every conversation, every fight – can go in so many different directions. It truly feels like *my* adventure. The combat is so creative too! You can do things like push enemies off cliffs, set things on fire, or win with a lucky dice roll. Seriously, with all the choices and storylines, I can see myself playing this for hundreds of hours and *still* finding new stuff.

1. Elden Ring

Release Date: February 25, 2022
Developer: FromSoftware
Genre: Action role-playing game

Elden Ring is the most expansive game yet from the creators of the challenging ‘Souls-like’ genre. Legendary author George R.R. Martin (of *Game of Thrones* fame) helped craft its rich story and world. You play as a Tarnished warrior, exploring a massive, broken land to defeat powerful demigods and uncover its hidden lore. Expect breathtaking bosses and a deep, captivating mythology that will keep you playing for hundreds of hours.

Okay, so Elden Ring… wow. It feels like FromSoftware took everything they learned from Demon’s Souls and all their other games and just *nailed* it. You’ve got that same brutally challenging combat and those incredible, unforgettable boss fights, but this time it’s in a massive open world that’s just bursting with things to do and discover. I spent hours just learning how to beat different monsters, trying out crazy weapon builds, and trying to figure out the story – it’s constantly throwing new stuff at you. Honestly, it’s way easier to get into than other Souls games, but it’s so huge and replayable that I keep coming back for more. Seriously, it’s not just the best game on PlayStation 5, it’s the best game *ever*, in my opinion.

2025-10-10 19:27