The 30 BEST PS5 Games

“Split Fiction” (2025)

The incredible team at Hazelight have done it again\! Following up on their excellent work in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Way Out, and It Takes Two, Split Fiction is another top-notch co-op only experience where gameplay variety is king. Stepping into the shoes of Mio and Zoe, the pair must venture through perilous worlds of their own creation. You see, Mio and Zoe are authors; albeit, with very different creative and professional goals in mind that lead them to Radar Publishing. Split Fiction truly excels with a staggering variety of gameplay scenarios and set pieces that constantly enthrall. Set in and around a plethora of highly inventive fantasy and sci-fi worlds, Split Fiction thrusts you and a pal into constantly changing fun adventures.

“Monster Hunter Wilds” (2025)

Wilds might be one of the most accessible Monster Hunter games out there but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stuffed full of fantastic content to engage with. It’s up to you to explore the Forbidden Lands as a renowned hunter in order to slay the many diverse monsters roaming the many biomes. Wilds doesn’t necessarily deviate from other Monster Hunter games but instead iterates and refines to make a well-rounded, enjoyable adventure with plenty of depth. Wilds opens things up a bit more for eager hunters with the ability to bring along more weapons, set up camps while exploring, and traverse the world more seamlessly. Wilds also uses the environment to give hunters an advantage and create more dynamic hunts & gameplay\! The feeling of tracking a big beastie, learning its habits and patterns, and eventually slay it to gather its parts to create new gear still makes for an enthralling experience from start to finish.

“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” (2024)

The Lost Crown might be one of the most underrated and overlooked games of the 2020s. This is a real shame since not only is it one of the best games in the venerable Prince of Persia series but it also happens to be a truly stellar Metroidvania. The Lost Crown sees Sargon explore the various biomes and regions of Mount Qaf in order to rescue Prince Ghassan. Of course, things don’t go smoothly and Sargon is thrust into a mind-bending journey for the ages. The way this game feels to play is utterly fantastic. Movement, platforming, and combat are all tight, fluid, and seamless, making exploration a true delight. Plus, there are myriad upgrades for Sargon, tons of secret areas, challenging puzzles, brutal platforming sections, and dazzling boss battles to take part in. All in all, it’s a wonderful game that shouldn’t be missed by Prince of Persia fans of Metroidvania fans.

“Dead Space Remake” (2023)

Did the OG 2008 Dead Space really need a remake? No. But, are we ever-so-glad that it did? Absolutely\! Isaac Clarke’s harrowing and ominous sci-fi horror outing through the bowels of the USG Ishimura has never been scarier. This remake feels and plays like a brand new experience, helping it to stand out from the original release. For the uninitiated, Dead Space thrusts you into the stomping boots of engineer Isaac Clarke as he embarks on a terrifying quest to uncover the dark secrets of the Marker while trying to quell the relentless hordes of Necromorphs. This remake is visceral (pun very much intended OG fans), horrifying, and incredibly fun to experience. Just be sure to bring along some extra underwear just in case. You’ve been warned\!

“Dragon Age: The Veilguard” (2024)

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a confounding game. Perhaps its biggest sore spot are the forced political agendas and ideologies that many gamers want to escape when playing a grand fantasy RPG. In this regard, the Veilguard's virtue signaling & cringey writing for certain characters can be quite off putting for many players. However, if (like me) you are somehow able to look past these abhorrent agendas then what you have is a truly excellent, enjoyable, and fun action RPG with some of the best real-time combat around, especially if you opt to be a mage. The game just feels good to play. Building out your own Rook is a real treat here, with plenty of customization both in terms of gear and skills. Exploring each new creative area is rewarding and engrossing, interspersed with plenty of good banter and chat between Rook and the various companions (except for Taash of course). It’s arguably a better game if you are unfamiliar with Dragon Age but even for fans of the series, there’s still a lot to love here; again, if you are willing to overlook the aforementioned woke/DEI slop.

“Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” (2025)

This game could just be titled ‘The Real Medieval Simulator’ and it would perfectly encapsulate what to expect from the follow-up to the beloved yet uber-janky first game. This time around, you once again step into the role of Henry of Skalitz as he attempts to make a name for himself in and around the Kingdom of Bohemia. Everything in this game takes effort and work; from the simplest of combat encounters and communications with locals to more challenging affairs like forming alliances. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 iterates and builds upon the first game fantastically. You are really able to shape Henry into the character of your choosing whether that happens to be a high and mighty noble or a humble peasant, or anything in between. This is a game that demands patience and skill if you hope to make it through one more day in medieval life.

“Black Myth: Wukong” (2024)

As sort of the antithesis to many modern video games forcing political agendas and ridiculous ideologies in their games (such as the aforementioned Veilguard, Avowed, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, and Fae Farm, to just name a few), Black Myth: Wukong comes along from developer Game Science to offer up a solid, pure video game experience, through and through, with no bullcrap. What a revelation, right?! Black Myth: Wukong is a deeply enjoyable and challenging action-adventure title that, while providing its own unique gameplay/narrative experience, still shares some similarities with Soulslike games, for better or worse. It’s a polished adventure brimming with over-the-top combat, brutal boss fights, engrossing exploration, excellent rewards, and stellar world design. If you want a PS5 game that provides pure adventure than Black Myth: Wukong might just be for you.

“Metaphor: ReFantazio” (2024)

Metaphor: ReFantazio is an outstanding JRPG that appeals to both newcomers to the genre and long-time fans, especially Persona fans. Set in the Kingdom of Euchronia, the game thrust players into a mysterious assassination plot filled with so many highs and lows that you will never get bored. Exploring this mirrored real world/medieval fantasy realm is so much fun, not least of all due to the flashy and frenetic turn-based combat and over-the-top storyline. The turn-based battles here are the star of the show, blending elements from the likes of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei games while adding in their own flair and panache to make each one a real blast. The unique twist here is that your protagonist and the various party members don various Archetypes to help up the ante in battle. Blending character-specific skills and abilities with Archetype elements makes Metaphor stand out from the pack. Oh, and don’t worry; there are still plenty of social sim aspects of this game that will keep you hooked and immersed all throughout its beefy runtime.

“Silent Hill 2” (2024)

Bloober Team truly knocked it out of the park with 2024’s Silent Hill 2 remake. It’s sort of a miracle just how good this remake is. It achieved the impossible by being distinct enough from the OG game where both can stand proudly side-by-side as two of the best horror games of all time. If for some reason you aren’t familiar with Silent Hill 2, you play as James Sunderland, a broken man who heads to the eponymous town in order to find his wife, Mary. Of course, saying more would be a disservice to anyone who hasn’t experienced the 2001 original or this fantastic 2024 remake. Bloober Team managed to keep the eerie, foreboding, and ominous mood of the original but infused just enough modernity to cast it alongside the likes of the Dead Space remake and the Resident Evil 4 remake. Yes, it’s that good\! Everything from the setting to the psychological horror to the character writing to the voice acting to the combat to the puzzles to the exploration is handled with beautiful care and craft.

“Astro Bot” (2024)

Long live the reign of 3D platformers! Team Asobi didn’t hold back punches when it came to crafting one of the very best 3D platformers of all time. Taking everything that worked well in previous Astro Bot games that ratcheting it all up to 100, 2024’s Astro Bot is a love letter to both the genre as a whole and to all things Sony PlayStation. This is just one of those games that keeps you similar the whole way through. Tackling the creative and inventive platformign stages, hoovering up the bevy of collectibles, and taking on the larger-than-life bosses is always thrilling. Astro Bot is overflowing with joy, style, and confidence; and it’s felt all throughout the entirety of the game, never letting up on pure platforming fun. Seriously, don’t miss this game; it’s an outstanding experience!

“Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” (2023)

Elegantly swinging from success to success, Insomniac’s Spider-Man games just keep on getting better with each new release. Taking everything that made the original 2018 game and Miles Morales so special, namely, terrific storytelling, in-depth character arcs, and pure fun escapism. Storywise, we get to see Peter Parker and Miles Morales sharing the screen as they seek to stop the relentless Kraven the Hunter as he and his goons stalk New York City. Adding to that is the Venom Symbiote and the narrative arc of Harry Osborn. The intertwining relationships makes for a captivating experience all throughout the game’s runtime. Plus, Spider-Man 2 might just be the most fun Platinum trophy to work towards and obtain.

“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” (2024)

For many Final Fantasy fans, the thought of topping the greatness of Final Fantasy 7 Remake seemed almost impossible. Then, Rebirth came along and upped the ante even more, making it one of the best in the entirety of the series’ history. As you might imagine, Rebirth picks up where Remake left off with Cloud and company exploring ‘the Planet’ as they seek to stop Shinra’s continued exploitation, while working to stop Sephiroth for good…hopefully. While open-world games might seem a dime a dozen, Rebirth instead focused on highly explorable open zones where you are drawn to every nook and cranny organically. And, when you do get into the throws of combat, you are greeted to some high-octane, in-your-face action-packed battles where elements of strategy and tactics can still come into play. Rebirth knows how to keep you hooked moment after moment. If for some reason you have already fully wrapped up Remake and Rebirth then it’s also worth checking out Final Fantasy 16 since that’s a highly commendable entry as well

“Baldur’s Gate 3” (2023)

What can be said about Baldur’s Gate 3 that hasn’t already been summed up before? This titanic, nuanced, and thought-provoking, player-agency-driven RPG might just be the pinnacle of gameplay variety and storytelling prowess from Larian Studios, who know a thing or two about crafting in-depth gaming experiences. One of the central reasons this game has truly become one of the best on PS5 is because it allows you to play and interact with its world and characters in every conceivable way. If you can think of a way forward, no matter how bonkers, the game likely lets you do just that. This nature stems from the game’s thoroughly incorporated Dungeons and Dragons elements; from nonlinear story beats, central characters possibly being killed off, the ubiquity of dice rolls, and the like. Baldur’s Gate 3 really allows you to create and shape your own story with your very own avatar, and for these reasons alone, deserves to be lauded.

“Hogwarts Legacy” (2023)

The sheer idea of existing in a fully realized Harry Potter universe truly felt like a pipedream for most fans, that is, until Hogwarts Legacy released. The attention to detail that went into creating Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, and the surrounding world captivated budding witch and wizards students immediately, with those feelings persisting all throughout the meaty experience.
Creating your very own witch or wizard and guiding them through the perils of being a new fifth-year student at the renowned Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is simply sublime. From the intricacies of the game’s quests to the meticulously designed nature of the world, Hogwarts Legacy is the epitome of magical greatness. And, that’s not even mentioning the frenetic spell-based combat, flying around the open world on your broom, exploring locales from the Harry Potter series, and managing your very own Room of Requirement. Simply put, Hogwarts Legacy is a must-play game on PS5.

“Elden Ring” (2022)

If you take the punishing brutality of the Soulsborne formula and throw them into a bubbling cauldron with an expansive open-world, plenty of player-agency, near endless hidden areas, and a bevy of unique weapons…well…you, of get the behemoth that is Elden Ring. Where many other Soulsborne games push you in a semi-linear fashion, Elden Ring instead lets you take a new direction, venture off elsewhere to try and forge ahead. It’s exactly this type of player freedom that gives Elden Ring its endless sense of playability, even with its steep difficulty. The fact that FromSoftware took this duality and made it work seamlessly in a lovingly crafted open world is downright commendable. Add in a nuanced and thought-provoking environmental story and world partly created by George R. R. Martin, and you get a game that is ready to pull you in and not let you go any time soon.

“Helldivers 2” (2024)

Helldivers 2 truly came out of nowhere and has achieved incredible success. It’s really no surprise seeing as developers Arrowhead Game Studios have managed to nail the very often despised live-service formula. It’s a deeply fun and engaging solo or co-op sci-fi shooter with intense battles, tongue-in-cheek humor, oodles of content, and so, so much more. If fun factor alone was the only parameter for a game’s success then Helldivers 2 would take the cake here. The sense of joy that comes from teaming up with some buddies, or heck, even some strangers online, is palpable to say the least. Sure, they might grief you with an uber-powerful weapon or stratagem, but it will at least always provide a good laugh or two as you get ready to hop back into the bug/alien-shooting goodness.

“Alan Wake 2” (2023)

It would be easy to quantify Alan Wake 2 as just another third-person survival horror game; however, to do so would be a great disservice to the experience. Per Remedy’s pedigree, Alan Wake 2 is a surreal nightmare. The juxtaposition of film-like live-action scenes and gameplay is something that Remedy consistently engages with. In the case of Alan Wake 2, these blended elements ensure the horror thriller experience as a whole is more than the sum of its parts, ensuring it appeals to fans of the first game as well as fresh faces to the series. This game thrusts you into the shoes of both Alan Wake and newcomer, Saga Anderson. Both characters lend themselves well to their respective parts of the game, namely, the dark place in Alan’s case, and the quote, unquote, real world of Saga’s. The tug-of-war as both characters experience the nightmare unfolding in front of them is captivating and thrilling and will ensure you are on the edge of your seat throughout the entirety of this unique horror game.

“Cyberpunk 2077” (2020)

At this point, it’s no surprise to say that Cyberpunk 2077 launched in a disastrous state, but thanks to a crazy amount of elbow grease, the game has finally lived up to the promised hype.
Taking place in Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 offers up a power fantasy unlike anything else, with all of the gritty, grimy goodness you would expect from a seedy world such as this. First and foremost this is an action RPG, one that allows you to craft your own cybernetically-enhanced avatar to take on the goons and baddies of Night City. Around every corner of this world there is something to do and interact with, most of which pushes the narrative along nicely, keeping you immersed. Add to that the ever-present Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverstand and the fantastic Phantom Liberty content and you have a robust package that has earned your time and attention.

“Resident Evil 4 Remake” (2023)

How do you follow-up one of the greatest survival horror games ever made, especially as a remake? Well, Resident Evil 4 Remake did just that. The 2005 original is still lauded to this day and is just as playable as it was all those years ago. Instead of just throwing a new coat of paint on the game yet again and calling it a day, Capcom truly went above and beyond to tell Leon Kennedy’s horrific, nightmarish story in dramatic and awe-inspiring fashion. Side by side, both the original and the 2023 remake follow most of the same story beats, but there are plenty of surprises and new additions thrown in to make this game feel brand-new. Gameplay-wise, the RE4 Remake knocked it out of the park, offering intense and brutal third-person action combat alongside more robust and rewarding exploration. From the weighty, hefty feel to combat to the terrifying art direction to the memorable characters and villains to the weapon upgrades, there’s just so much to this remake that consistently impresses.

“Stellar Blade” (2024)

Part character-action game, part Soulslike, Stellar Blade, if you’ll excuse the obvious, is stellar. It’s one of those games that aims to sink its hooks into you right from the get-go, without ever letting go. Most of this comes down to the game’s over-the-top, kinetic action combat, but it also comes from the narrative. Earth has been ravaged and humans are being eradicated so it’s up to Eve and her pals to take back what is rightfully theirs while ensuring the remaining populace and cities don’t fall to ruin. Characters pop off the screen, the apocalyptic world is haunting, yet beautiful, the combat is tough, visceral, and frenetic, but always fair, and the game’s action tendencies ensure there is always something to look forward to while playing. Simply put, we need more single-player focused games like this one so it’s truly delightful to see Stellar Blade gaining traction and praise.

“Death Stranding: Director’s Cut” (2021)

If you want to discuss games that are polarizing then look no further than Death Stranding. This should likely come as no real surprise given that it’s brought to us by Hideo Kojima. There’s really no getting past just how ‘out there’ Death Stranding is. Some have called it a walking simulator, others have called it an action-adventure, and still others have called it a survival horror game of sorts given the narrative’s dark tone in many areas. Heck, you could even call it a Norman Reedus simulator. To an extent, it’s actually all of these things and then some. It’s a game about connections, both physical and relational. You see, the United States fell to a widespread calamity and it’s up to Sam Porter Bridges to repair and reconnect, along with those he meets. The game has you spend countless hours simply walking, exploring, traversing, and carrying your goods from point A to point B, and sometimes to point Z. Sure, there’s some combat and some scares from time to time, but really, this is a game about connecting others by any means necessary in order to rebuild, all while hideous, monstrous beings hope for your downfall.

“The Last of Us Part 1” (2022)

The Last of Us Part 1, yes, the remade version of the original 2013 PS3 game, is pure gaming excellence from both the perspective of gameplay and narrative. For the uninitiated, The Last of Us tells the harrowing and somber story of Joel and Ellie as they work their way through a ravaged, post-apocalyptic America. Contending with the infamous Clickers, monstrosities corrupted by the Cordyceps fungus, and their counterparts, means you are in for strong elements of survival horror, crafting, tense battles, stealth, exploration, plus much more.

“Ghosts of Tsushima” (2020)

While open-world games might seem a dime a dozen now-a-days, Ghosts of Tsushima came along to completely refresh what it means to explore a gaming playground. Players stepped into the role of Jin Sakai as he adventures across the expansive island of Tsushima. Instead of just pointing you were to go next, the game utilizes a wind mechanic that gently nudges you in the right direction. But, let’s be honest, most of us were too enraptured from exploring off the beaten path, taking out enemies via the intense combat made up of various stances and sword maneuvers. The role of a samurai taking on the Mongols in a lush Japanese setting isn’t an easy task, so it’s fortunate that this game keeps you immersed around every sun-soaked corner with stellar gameplay loops and progression.

“Horizon: Forbidden West” (2022)

The follow-up to the beloved Zero Dawn, Forbidden West sees protagonist Aloy venture across a post-apocalyptic Western United States where nature has reclaimed its territory. The star of the show here, apart from the fantastic locations, is, of course, the evolution of the machine animals that Aloy encounters during her journey across the lands. Playing this game on PS5 is a real visual and auditory treat, one where you will stop plenty of times to take in the gorgeous, yet ravaged vistas, perhaps taking a screenshot or two. Plus, Forbidden West ups the gameplay ante with enhanced combat and traversal, amongst the other enjoyable action-RPG elements.

“Gran Turismo 7” (2022)

It’s pretty darn remarkable to think that the pinnacle racing sim series has been going strong since its inception way back in 1997 on the PlayStation 1. Fortunately, fans of this long-running racing series can once again get their gearhead fix with Gran Turismo 7. While the game was met with some division due to some progression and monetization issues, developer Polyphony Digital still managed to create a pure sim experience for those up to the challenge. Gran Turismo 7 features a robust suite of gameplay modes, including the fan-favorite, GT Simulation Mode. From a host of real-world vehicles and locales, racing sim players have so much to enjoy with this game. Plus, it can now be played in VR with PSVR2 for added immersion.

“God of War: Ragnarök” (2022)

While the long-winded Atreus section in Ragnarök might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no doubt about it that the latest installment in Kratos’ more mature journey is downright stunning. The visceral Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos combat returns and feels better than ever. There’s just this perfect weightiness and punch to pummeling foes in this game that really can’t be matched in the action-adventure genre. Once again, players adventure with Kratos and Atreus, this time on the eve of Fimbulwinter. The amount of care and craft that went into each facet of this game is palpable, whether you are exploring Sindri’s charmingly ethereal treehouse or the epic, grand scale of Vanaheim.

“Astro’s Playroom” (2020)

For pure, distilled 3d platforming goodness on the PS5, look no further than Astro’s Playroom: the pack-in game experience that perfectly encapsulates the DualSense’s capabilities and the consoles’s raw power and fidelity. The sheer playfulness and whimsy, as well as the love letter to all things PlayStation, of Astroy’s Playroom is unmatched on the system. If for some reason you missed out on this experience…first off…what are you even doing…second, you need to remedy that right now. Taking place across a charming, colorful, and eclectic mix of worlds and stages, Astro seamlessly jumps, bounds, and glides across the world, oftentimes hopping into a mech of sorts to swap up the gameplay on the fly. The tactile feel from the DualSense as Astro moves about each surface is utter amazement in gaming form.

“Returnal” (2021)

If you want to see a game that showcases why the PS5 is such a powerful console then look no further than Returnal. Sci-fi psychological horror meets third-person shooter meets roguelike in this masterclass of a game. The sheer freneticism as protagonist Selene ventures forth into the darkness with the repeating cycle makes for a gameplay experience unlike anything else. However, be ready for a steady and mounting challenge. The alien landscape that has been crafted for Returnal feels and looks like the thing of nightmares. As Selene, you will blast away horrific monsters with a wide selection of weaponry and upgrades. Seeing the neon-drenched glow of enemy attacks as you dodge and weave through the zones is truly incredible to behold.

“Demon’s Souls” (2020)

Remaster and remake development house Bluepoint Games set the bar high with the Demon’s Souls release on PS5 as a pinnacle launch title. Excelling in every conceivable area from the original PS3 game, Demon’s Souls on PS5 offers Soulsborne fans everything they could hope for, and then some. The sheer artistry on display when playing through this game is mesmerizing and intoxicating in equal measures. Yes, the brutal challenge and steep difficulty is there around every gothic, macabre corner, but pushing through each new area rewards you with a stunning vista, new gear and loot, or a hard as nails boss to gawk at. If you’re up for the test, it doesn’t get much better than this.

“Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” (2021)

The Ratchet & Clank series has been going strong through every generation and evolution of PlayStation. Rift Apart is the culmination of the developer’s work as this title offers up adrenaline pumping gameplay, dazzling set piece moments, a quirky and epic story, plus so much more. The first time you see the raw power of the PS5 being used during the rift tethering sections is amazing. And it’s not just a gimmick since it's woven into the very fabric of the narrative. The series’ kinetic gunplay, melee combat, and traversal options are better than ever here, and it’s always a blast trying out the creative weapons on offer as you work to level them up.