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 PS5 has seen incredible games, from huge titles like Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok, to indie hits like Hades, and fantastic remakes. There are likely even more great games than the 25 we’ve picked, but here are the ones we think everyone should experience.

We chose these games based on how good they are, and also on how much of an impact they’ve had on the PS5. We included remakes to introduce them to new players, though their ranking might differ from other lists because they didn’t necessarily generate the same buzz as their original releases. But enough from us – you’ve probably already jumped to 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, concluding the epic Light and Darkness storyline. The expansion features a new campaign and the Prismatic subclass system, which lets players combine Light and Darkness abilities for even more powerful gameplay in this already popular online shooter.

We loved The Final Shape because it brought together everything Destiny had been building for ten years into a really satisfying and focused campaign. The new abilities are great, the missions are unforgettable, and the post-campaign content keeps players engaged together – it’s a perfect ending to the story Bungie started with the first game.

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 revolves around fighting your way through constantly shifting levels filled with monsters and powerful bosses. Luckily, the Olympian gods will lend you their powers to help! Even when you’re defeated, you don’t start from scratch – you’ll keep the knowledge, improvements, and story details you’ve gained to aid your next attempt.

Hades is a fantastic game because of its quick, satisfying battles, clever writing, and beautiful art. Even when you lose, you’ll uncover more of the story, which makes each attempt feel worthwhile. It’s a roguelike that stays exciting and new, even after many failed runs – and you’ll definitely experience a lot of those!

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, and becomes entangled in a larger struggle that will determine the fate of the land. The game features epic battles against massive, god-like creatures called Eikons, offering some of the most visually stunning combat the Final Fantasy series has ever seen.

Final Fantasy XVI revitalizes the series with exciting, fast-paced combat inspired by games like Devil May Cry, moving away from traditional turn-based battles. It’s a great entry point for new players while still offering the epic, cinematic experience long-time fans love – including dramatic political twists and massive battles between powerful beings. The story centers on Clive, giving this darker, more action-packed installment a strong focus and continuing the recent success of the Final Fantasy franchise.

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 carrying important supplies across challenging environments. This time, the journey takes you through Mexico and Australia, featuring tougher weather, more dangerous enemies, and new equipment to help you navigate the difficult paths. Like before, careful planning is key – you’ll need to manage your cargo, choose the best routes, and decide when to confront threats or sneak past them.

As a fan, what I love about this game is how it makes just *getting* somewhere so gripping. It’s always been about planning your route, checking for danger, and hoping you can actually make it across those landscapes. But the sequel ramps that up even more! The enemies are tougher, you’ve got cool new gear, and the environments are huge and really push your limits. It’s a weird, stressful experience, but honestly, that’s what makes it so special – it’s unlike anything else out there.

21. Street Fighter 6

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

As a longtime Street Fighter fan, I’m really excited about Street Fighter 6! It’s got all the awesome head-to-head fighting the series is known for, but they’ve added a cool new World Tour mode where you actually *create* your own fighter and travel around the world battling different opponents. The biggest change, though, is this new ‘Drive’ system. It’s basically one energy bar you use for everything – blocking, powering up attacks, and pulling off crazy combos. It makes every fight super strategic because you’re constantly thinking about whether to go all-out with a big move or save your energy for defense. It really adds a whole new layer to the gameplay!

We love this game because the battles are quick, exciting, and accessible to everyone. New players can perform amazing moves right away with the simple Modern controls, while experienced players can dig into the more complex Drive system. The character roster 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 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. You can collect cars and drive them through diverse landscapes like deserts, volcanoes, jungles, and even tropical storms. The game features not just regular races, but also exciting challenges like stunts, speed traps, drifting, and cross-country adventures that really test your cars and your driving skills.

For years, this game has been a favorite on Xbox, and now PlayStation players can experience the fun! Driving feels fantastic – it’s realistic for racing enthusiasts but still easy and enjoyable for everyone. With so many different things to do, each time you play feels fresh, from racing jets to simply exploring the open road. Many now consider this the best racing game on PlayStation, surpassing even 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 devastating the land and killing animals. Along the way, she’ll face off against warring tribes – some of whom have learned to control machines – and uncover dangerous secrets from the past that could jeopardize the future.

Horizon Forbidden West builds on the success of Horizon 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 are strategic, requiring players to exploit weaknesses and use the environment to their advantage. New tools like the diving mask, grappling hook, and glider make exploring the vast and beautiful world – which includes sunken cities and towering volcanoes – a joy. Aloy’s popularity even extended beyond the Horizon series, with appearances in games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, demonstrating how much this sequel boosted her recognition.

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 centers on a high school student named Hinako as a horrifying fungal outbreak takes over her town. Unlike other games in the series, guns aren’t available, so you must use makeshift weapons that break down with use, making every attack a risky decision as the infection worsens.

What makes it great: Silent Hill f stands out by moving the action to rural Japan, embracing local legends and a uniquely unsettling atmosphere instead of retreading familiar ground. The game’s horror focuses on a creepy, spreading fungal growth, creating a different kind of tension than the series’ typical fog and decay. Plus, weak weapons make even small fights stressful. With a story crafted by Ryukishi07, known for his disturbing visual novels, the psychological horror is particularly strong. It’s just as good as the Silent Hill 2 remake.

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 surprising event. Fueled by a desire for revenge, Ellie fights against both infected creatures and a dangerous 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 original’s simpler narrative. Personally, I prefer the first game. However, even with a few flaws, The Last of Us Part II is a captivating experience. It features excellent stealth and combat mechanics, and its story stays with you long after you finish playing. This remastered version improves the game with faster loading, better graphics, and a fantastic new mode called No Return, making it the definitive way to play.

16. Split Fiction

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

Split Fiction is a game where two writers, Mio and Zoe, find themselves inside a device that merges their stories. This creates a strange mix of science fiction and fantasy, and players must work together to overcome platforming challenges and puzzles. Each player has special abilities that only work when combined with their partner, so teamwork is key.

Split Fiction is a remarkably creative co-op game, reminiscent of It Takes Two. Each level introduces a new and exciting mechanic – you might be reversing time or changing gravity – and success depends on perfect teamwork. The ‘Side Stories’ add even more variety with unique challenges, ensuring the gameplay stays fresh. If you enjoy playing co-op games with a friend, either on the same couch or online, Split Fiction brilliantly demonstrates what two players can accomplish when they work together.

15. Grand Theft Auto V

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

Okay, so GTA V originally came out way back in 2013, and it’s been on a ton of consoles since then. Now it’s finally on PS5 and looks amazing! You get to play as three totally different guys – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – and their lives all cross paths as they pull off bigger and bigger heists all over Los Santos and the surrounding areas. It’s a wild ride!

Even after ten years, the world of Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto V remains incredibly detailed and immersive. The game’s story is engaging thanks to the ability to play as three different characters, and the heist missions are still among Rockstar’s best. This PS5 version doesn’t drastically change the game like the addition of GTA Online did for the PS4, but it offers noticeable improvements with better graphics, quicker loading, and a smoother experience overall. If you haven’t played it yet, it’s a remarkably detailed, expansive, and vibrant open-world game.

14. Ghost of Yotei

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

Ghost of Yōtei puts you in the role of Atsu, a warrior on a quest to avenge her family, who were killed sixteen years prior by the Yōtei Six. The game takes place in feudal Japan’s wilderness, and features a mix of stealth, fighting, and exploration as Atsu pursues her revenge.

Ghost of Yotei builds on the strengths of Tsushima, offering a more challenging experience with tougher fights and a bleak setting. The story of Atsu’s revenge feels personal, and the game introduces new stealth mechanics and quicker, more lethal combat, giving players diverse ways to tackle each situation. It remains an exciting, visually stunning, and satisfying game, whether you prefer sneaking or direct combat.

13. Persona 5 Royal

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

This game follows a high school student who secretly acts as a Phantom Thief. They lead a team of teenagers through a mysterious world to change the hearts of dishonest adults. Players will juggle exploring dangerous areas, keeping up with schoolwork, and developing relationships with their team.

Okay, as a huge fan, let me tell you why Persona 5 is so amazing. It’s got this really cool battle system that’s turn-based but super stylish, and it’s combined with managing your time and building relationships – it just *feels* good to make progress in all areas. The game looks incredible, with a really unique art style, and the music is fantastic – seriously, the jazz soundtrack is a highlight! Even though it’s a long game – like, 100 hours long – the story keeps moving at a good pace, so it never feels boring. They recently released a version for PS5 which looks and runs even better, but honestly, if you already played it on PS4, it’s probably not worth double-dipping. But if you haven’t experienced it yet and you’ve got the time, trust me, you absolutely should!

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 title that launched the popular ‘Souls-like’ genre – which includes games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. The game takes place in the shattered kingdom of Boletaria, overrun by demons. Players will need to explore interconnected areas, learn challenging combat, and collect souls while constantly facing the risk of dying.

We love this remake because it’s more than just a visual upgrade. Released over ten years after the original, Bluepoint Games’ version of this FromSoftware classic feels truly special – even compared to other remakes. It looks and plays beautifully on the PS5, but importantly, it doesn’t make the game any easier, maintaining the challenging and tense atmosphere that fans love. Added features like Fractured World mode and improvements to the inventory system offer something new without changing what made the original so great.

11. Cyberpunk 2077

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

Cyberpunk 2077 tells the story of V, a mercenary in the dangerous city of Night City. After a job gone wrong, V finds themself linked to a digital ghost, and what started as a simple task quickly becomes a struggle for control, their own identity, and simply staying alive in a city controlled by powerful corporations.

After a difficult start, this game has become the role-playing experience it was meant to be, particularly on PS5 with the Phantom Liberty expansion. The city of Night City is incredibly detailed, dangerous, and captivating, filled with surprisingly impactful stories. It’s a sleek, visually impressive game, and now delivers the level of 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

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues the story started in the popular 2020 game, Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The original Remake only covered the city of Midgar, but Rebirth expands the adventure as Cloud and his friends – Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII – venture out into the larger world of Gaia to chase after Sephiroth. He’s planning to connect with the planet’s energy source and change everything. The game features familiar places like Junon, Cosmo Canyon, and the Gold Saucer, but the story takes some surprising twists that will even keep fans who played the original game guessing.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth builds on the success of the Remake by expanding the world beyond Midgar with the same care and creativity. It beautifully recreates familiar places with incredible detail and introduces exciting new features, like team-up abilities, that make combat dynamic and engaging. By honoring the original game while adding fresh ideas, Rebirth delivers a truly grand and unforgettable experience on the PS5.

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 to face the end of the world. Players will experience intense, visually stunning battles against gods and monsters, solve challenging puzzles, and explore diverse environments – from icy landscapes to volcanic depths – all while witnessing the evolving relationship between a father and son.

Santa Monica Studio improved on their already excellent 2018 game with more refined fighting, a wider range of enemies, and a more expansive world. Combat is both impactful and visually stunning, but what truly sets Ragnarok apart is its ability to blend epic mythological storytelling with deeply personal character interactions. From intense battles against Thor to quiet, reflective moments around a campfire, it’s a remarkably polished and emotionally resonant experience, making it a true blockbuster for the PlayStation 5.

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

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

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lets you play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, working together to defend New York City from dangerous new villains. The city is overrun by Kraven’s hunters, and the arrival of Venom pushes the Spider-Men to their limits. With fast-paced web-swinging, stealthy maneuvers, and epic boss fights, the game explores the challenges and responsibilities of being Spider-Man.

Spider-Man 2 is Insomniac Games at their best. The fighting is more refined, the action sequences are grander, and Peter Parker’s symbiote powers add a powerful new dimension to his abilities. Playing as Miles Morales offers a fresh and dynamic combat style, and the thrill of swinging through a beautifully rendered New York City is consistently exciting. Combining impressive visuals and a compelling story, Spider-Man 2 truly captures the essence of being a superhero on PlayStation 5.

7. Astro Bot

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

Astro’s spaceship has crashed, and his crew is lost throughout the galaxy! As the player, you’ll embark on a journey to find them in what many consider the best platformer on PlayStation 5. Each level features a unique world brimming with challenges, hidden secrets, and fun surprises for the little robot to discover.

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 celebration of PlayStation’s past – levels are inspired by classic games, and you’ll spot familiar characters hidden throughout. It’s a creative and heartwarming adventure where even finding collectibles feels like a trip 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

Okay, so if you haven’t heard of The Last of Us yet, where have you been?! Basically, it’s set twenty years after a really nasty fungus wipes out most of civilization. The story follows Joel, a tough guy who smuggles things, and he gets the job of escorting Ellie, a teen who seems immune to the infection, across what’s left of the United States. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B, though. Watching Joel and Ellie connect and build a relationship is a huge part of it, alongside some seriously intense fights against the infected – it’s a wild ride!

The Last of Us is a gripping game that combines intense action with a surprisingly emotional story. At its heart is the powerful relationship between Joel and Ellie, brought to life by fantastic acting and a remarkably realistic world. This PS5 remake primarily 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 new players to discover why this game is considered a PlayStation classic and a significant cultural moment – and a wonderful revisit for longtime fans.

5. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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

Okay, so I’m playing this game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and it’s seriously wild. The whole thing takes place in this beautifully painted, but totally bizarre version of France. Basically, there’s this person called The Paintress who does something every year that makes people of a certain age just… disappear. I’m part of the 33rd group sent to figure out what’s going on and stop her. It’s a lot of traveling through really strange places, fighting some seriously creepy monsters, and trying to finally put an end to this whole messed up cycle.

Clair Obscur quickly became one of the best RPGs ever made when it launched in 2025, surprising many PlayStation fans. While most games on this list are well-known titles, Clair Obscur stood out as a fresh and unexpected hit. Its unique combat system blends strategic turn-based commands with fast-paced, real-time actions, and its beautiful, painted art style makes the game visually stunning. The compelling story and memorable characters create a truly classic experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

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 updates and re-releases over the years. You take on the role of Leon S. Kennedy, who is sent to a remote part of Spain to save the President’s daughter from a dangerous cult. The mission quickly becomes much more than a simple rescue, turning into a struggle to survive as you navigate decaying villages, fight off hordes of infected people, and uncover terrifying experiments hidden in the darkness.

Resident Evil 4 first came out in 2005 and has been re-released on many systems since, but this remake is truly special. The original game revolutionized the survival horror genre with its innovative camera angle and dramatic action sequences. Now, Capcom has brought this classic to the PS5 with incredible graphics, improved controls, and more intelligent enemies, making every fight intense. You’ll need to fortify defenses, skillfully block attacks, and carefully manage your resources just to survive. It’s a fresh take on a beloved classic, 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

Okay, so I’m playing this updated version of The Witcher 3, the one that first came out on PS4 in 2015. You play as Geralt, a monster hunter, and the main story is about finding his adopted daughter, Ciri. She’s got some pretty special powers and a lot of people are after her. But honestly, it’s not just about that main quest. I’m spending ages hunting monsters, getting tangled up in kingdom politics, and making choices that actually matter. Seriously, I’ve lost hours just wandering around and even more playing Gwent, the card game within the game. It’s a huge world and the side stuff is just as fun as the main story!

The Witcher 3 was already a legendary role-playing game, and this PS5 version maintains that status while making it even better. It features stunning 4K graphics, runs more smoothly, and includes all previously released downloadable content, like the highly-praised ‘Blood and Wine’ expansion and a new quest based on the Netflix series. While the main story is fantastic, it’s the memorable side quests – ranging from heartbreaking to hilarious – that truly bring the game’s world to life. Even after almost ten years, 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

As a huge fan, I can tell you Baldur’s Gate 3 completely brought back this amazing RPG series that started with Dungeons & Dragons – and it’s become a massive hit! You create your own character, but things quickly go wrong when you get infected with a weird parasite. From there, you’re on a huge – seriously, over 100 hours long! – adventure to find a cure before it takes over. You’ll be fighting enemies in really tactical, turn-based battles, meeting and teaming up with awesome companions, exploring a massive world, and making choices that genuinely feel impactful – sometimes it feels like the roll of a dice can decide everything!

Baldur’s Gate 3 took the gaming world by storm, becoming a massive hit and revitalizing the beloved Dungeons & Dragons series. What makes it special is how much freedom it gives you – every quest, conversation, and fight can play out in countless ways, creating a truly personal experience. The turn-based combat is incredibly creative, allowing for strategic maneuvers like pushing enemies off cliffs or using environmental effects to your advantage. With its many branching paths and storylines, you can easily spend hundreds of hours playing and still find new surprises.

1. Elden Ring

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

Okay, so this game, Elden Ring, is seriously huge. It’s made by the people who basically invented the ‘tough but fair’ style of gameplay, and this time they’ve really outdone themselves. They even got George R.R. Martin – yeah, *that* George R.R. Martin from Game of Thrones – to help build the world and story. You play as this warrior, a ‘Tarnished,’ and your job is to take down these powerful demigods and figure out what happened to this broken, amazing world. Honestly, the bosses are incredible, and the story is so deep, I can already tell I’m going to be lost in this game for a *long* time.

Elden Ring feels like the peak of everything FromSoftware has achieved with its games since Demon’s Souls. It delivers the challenging combat and memorable enemies fans expect, but in a massive world full of threats and secrets. The game constantly surprises you with its challenging monsters, diverse character builds, and intriguing story. It’s easier to get into than previous Souls games, but still offers a huge amount of content that will keep you playing for a long time. We believe it’s not only the best game on PS5, but the best game ever made.

2025-10-10 18:57