PlayStation 5‘s library is absolutely stacked with marvelous games. Sony’s console launched in November 2020 and has racked up a pile of classics.
From massive sequels like Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok, to surprise indie darlings such as Hades, and some amazing remakes, there are so many bangers. Probably more than the 25 selected here, but here are the best PS5 games that everyone should play.
When putting this list together, we considered the quality of the games (obviously) but also the impact they made on the console. It is important that remakes feature for newcomers, but some may not have been ranked as highly as in other lists because they didn’t make as big a splash as when they were originally released. Anyway, we’ll shut up now… We know you’ve already skipped to the end.
25. Destiny 2: The Final Shape
- Release Date: June 4, 2024
- Developer: Bungie
- Genre: First-person shooter
What it’s about: Destiny 2: The Final Shape sends Guardians into the Pale Heart to confront the Witness in a climactic conclusion to the Light and Darkness saga. Alongside a new campaign, it introduces the Prismatic subclass system, blending powers from both Light and Darkness to deliver the ultimate power fantasy in what was already an incredible multiplayer first-person shooter.
Why we like it: The Final Shape took everything Destiny had built over the previous decade and delivered a campaign that felt focused and rewarding. Its new powers, memorable missions, and community-driven endgame content make it a classic culmination of the story Bungie has been telling since day one.
24. Hades
- Release Date: August 13, 2021
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Genre: Roguelike action role-playing game
What it’s about: You play as Zagreus, son of Hades, who’s determined to escape his father’s rule and the Underworld to reach the surface world and find his mother. To break free, you fight through ever-changing realms of the dead, battling monsters and bosses with the help of powers gifted by the Olympian gods. Each time you fall, you start again, but carry new knowledge, upgrades, and story threads into your next escape attempt.
Why we like it: Hades blends fast, responsive combat with sharp writing and a striking visual style. Every run reveals new story details, keeping even failure rewarding. It’s a roguelike that never stops feeling fresh, no matter how many times you fall. And you will. A lot.
23. Final Fantasy 16
- Release Date: June 22, 2023
- Developer: Square Enix
- Genre: Action role-playing game
What it’s about: Final Fantasy XVI is set in Valisthea, a land divided by warring kingdoms and powered by magic crystals. You play as Clive Rosfield, whose quest for revenge after the murder of his brother pulls him into a wider conflict for the fate of the realm. Along the way, you’ll battle colossal Eikons – godlike beasts tied to powerful Dominants – in cinematic clashes that rival the series’ most spectacular moments.
Why we like it: XVI takes the series in a bold new direction with fast, fluid combat that owes more to Devil May Cry than traditional JRPG systems. It’s one of the most accessible entries for newcomers, but still delivers the cinematic spectacle fans expect – from political betrayals to clashes between towering Eikons that feel like forces of nature colliding. With Clive at the center, the story has a clear, driving focus that helps this darker, action-driven chapter continue Final Fantasy’s recent hot streak.
22. Death Stranding 2
- Release Date: June 26, 2025
- Developer: Kojima Productions
- Genre: Action Adventure
What it’s about: Once again, you take on the role of Sam Porter Bridges, a courier hauling vital cargo across brutal terrain. This time, the landscapes stretch across Mexico and Australia, with harsher weather, more aggressive enemies, and new tools to help you survive the long treks. You’re still planning every step – balancing loads, building routes, and deciding when to fight or avoid danger.
Why we like it: The tension of Death Stranding has always been in the journey itself – plotting a route, watching the skies, and wondering if you’ll make it across the valley in one piece. The sequel makes those treks even more dramatic, with nastier enemies, better gear, and bigger environments that constantly test your nerve. It’s strange, stressful, and unforgettable in a way no other game dares to be.
21. Street Fighter 6
- Release Date: June 2, 2023
- Developer: Capcom
- Genre: Fighting game
What it’s about: Street Fighter 6 blends the series’ classic one-on-one battles with a new World Tour mode, where you create your own fighter and travel the globe taking on rivals. The big addition is the Drive system: a single energy bar you can spend to parry attacks, power up strikes, or launch devastating combos. It gives every fight a risk-reward edge, forcing you to decide whether to burn meter for a flashy strike or hold back to defend.
Why we like it: The fights are fast and dramatic, but still easy to get into thanks to Modern controls that let newcomers pull off spectacular moves without hours of practice. Veterans still have plenty to master with the Drive system. The roster is stacked too, with new stars like Kimberly, a spray-paint-slinging ninja, and Luke, a powerhouse brawler, standing out alongside icons like Ryu and Chun-Li.
20. Forza Horizon 5
- Release Date: April 29, 2025
- Developer: Playground Games
- Genre: Racing
What it’s about: Set across a massive open-world version of Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 lets you collect cars, blast through deserts, climb volcanoes, weave through the jungle, and tear through tropical storms. Beyond traditional races, you can take on stunt challenges, speed traps, drift zones, and cross-country events that push every car to its limit.
Why we like it: Long celebrated as an Xbox classic, it’s a thrill that PlayStation owners can finally get behind the wheel. The cars feel incredible to drive – realistic enough to please petrolheads, but forgiving enough to make it fun for all. The sheer variety of activities means every session feels different, whether you’re tackling showcase races against jets or just cruising the highways to see what’s over the next ridge. PlayStation’s best racing game is no longer Gran Turismo.
19. Horizon Forbidden West
- Release Date: February 18, 2022
- Developer: Guerrilla Games
- Genre: Action adventure
What it’s about: Aloy heads into the Forbidden West to find the cause of a strange red blight that is destroying the land and killing wildlife. Her search puts her up against hostile tribes, some of whom can override machines to use them in battle, while uncovering dangerous remnants of the ancient world that threaten the future.
Why we like it: Horizon Zero Dawn made Aloy a PlayStation icon, and Forbidden West cemented her place alongside the likes of Kratos and Nathan Drake. The machines are bigger and nastier than before, and each fight plays out like a puzzle where you’re targeting weak spots, laying traps, and scrambling for survival. The new tools – diving mask, grappling hook, and glider – make exploration more enjoyable, and the world is stunning in scope, from sunken cities to volcanic peaks. Aloy even became a crossover star afterwards, showing up in games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact – proof of how much this sequel elevated her status.
18. Silent Hill f
- Release Date: September 25, 2025
- Developer: NeoBards Entertainment
- Genre: Horror
What it’s about: Set in 1960s Japan, Silent Hill f follows high schooler Hinako as her town succumbs to a grotesque fungal infestation. Firearms are gone, leaving you to rely on improvised melee weapons that crack and decay, forcing you to weigh every swing as the infection spreads.
Why we like it: The shift to rural Japan gives Silent Hill f a distinct identity, drawing on local folklore and unease rather than revisiting the same old streets. The fungal horror adds a sickly, creeping tension that feels different to the series’ usual fog and rust, while fragile weapons make even minor encounters nerve-racking. With Ryukishi07 – famed for his unsettling visual novels – shaping the story, it adds even more psychological dread. Every bit 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
What it’s about: The Last of Us Part II revisits Ellie’s story several years after the first game, beginning with one of the most shocking moments in modern gaming. From there, Ellie is driven into a cycle of revenge as she battles both the Infected and Abby’s militia. The story also shifts to her adversary Abby’s perspective in this PS5 remaster of the PS4 classic.
Why we like it: There’s no denying that The Last of Us Part II is divisive. Some players believe the epic scope and heavier moral choices make it superior to the original, while others prefer the tighter, more straightforward story of the first game. This writer falls into the latter camp. Even so, despite some missteps, The Last of Us Part II is always compelling. The stealth and combat are Naughty Dog at their sharpest, and the narrative is impossible to forget. With faster load times, visual upgrades, and the excellent roguelike No Return mode, this remaster is the best way to experience it.
16. Split Fiction
- Release Date: March 6, 2025
- Developer: Hazelight Studios
- Genre: Co-op adventure
What it’s about: Split Fiction throws two writers, Mio and Zoe, into a device that fuses their separate stories. The result is a surreal blend of sci-fi and fantasy worlds, where players tackle platforming challenges and puzzles together. Each player has unique powers that only make sense when combined, making cooperation essential.
Why we like it: It’s one of the most inventive co-op games since It Takes Two. Every level throws a fresh idea at you — one moment you’re rewinding time, the next you’re flipping gravity — and progress only comes from working in sync. The Side Stories remix the formula with fun twists, keeping things unpredictable. For anyone who loves couch co-op or online teamwork, Split Fiction is a brilliant showcase of what two players can achieve together.
15. Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Date: March 15, 2022
- Developer: Rockstar
- Genre: Action adventure
What it’s about: First released back in 2013, GTA V has now spanned three console generations and arrives on PS5 in its sharpest form yet. You play as three very different criminals — Michael, Franklin, and Trevor — whose stories collide in a string of increasingly ambitious heists across Los Santos and the surrounding countryside.
Why we like it: Even a decade later, Los Santos is one of gaming’s most impressive sandboxes. The ability to switch between three protagonists keeps the story moving, and the heist missions remain some of Rockstar’s best set-pieces. The PS5 version doesn’t reinvent the game like the PS4’s addition of GTA Online did, but it does bring a welcome boost with sharper visuals, faster load times, and smoother performance. If you’ve somehow never played it, few sandboxes are this sharp, sprawling, or full of personality.
14. Ghost of Yotei
- Release Date: October 2, 2025
- Developer: Sucker Punch
- Genre: Action Adventure
What it’s about: In Ghost of Yōtei, you play as Atsu, a warrior seeking vengeance against the Yōtei Six who destroyed her family 16 years ago. Her journey leads her through the wilds of Ezo in feudal Japan, blending stealth, combat, and exploration.
Why we like it: Ghost of Yotei takes everything that made Tsushima great and pushes it further, with more punishing duels set against a harsher landscape. Atsu’s revenge story keeps the focus personal, while new stealth options and faster, deadlier swordplay give you more ways to approach every encounter. Whether you’re sneaking in shadows or clashing blade-to-blade, it stays gripping, cinematic, and rewarding.
13. Persona 5 Royal
- Release Date: October 21, 2022
- Developer: P-Studio
- Genre: Role-playing game
What it’s about: A high school student leads a double life as a Phantom Thief, guiding a group of teens through a supernatural realm to reform corrupt adults. Balancing dungeon crawling with school duties and building social bonds is all part of the experience.
Why we like it: Persona 5 mixes slick, turn-based combat with time management and relationship-building in a way that feels constantly rewarding. Its bold visual style and jazz-infused soundtrack give it real personality, while the steady pace of new story beats keeps the 100-hour journey from ever dragging. unmatched personality, and the constant drip of new story beats keeps its 100-hour runtime compelling. Originally released for PS4 in 2019, the PS5 release adds sharper visuals and smoother performance, but it’s not a reinvention – more a definitive edition of a modern classic. Again, there’s no real reason to buy this again if you’ve already played it on PS4, but if you haven’t and you have 100 spare hours, you know what to do…
12. Demon’s Souls Remake
- Release Date: November 19, 2020
- Developer: Bluepoint Games
- Genre: Action role-playing game
What it’s about: Demon’s Souls is a full remake of the 2009 PS3 original, the game that started the Soulslike journey that later brought us Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. It places players in the broken realm of Boletaria, where demons roam and danger lurks at every turn. You must explore interconnected worlds, master weighty combat, and reclaim lost souls while avoiding the ever-present threat of death.
Why we like it: Released more than a decade after the original, Bluepoint’s remake of the FromSoftware classic has more impact than many of the other remakes on this list. As you’d expect, it delivers superior visual fidelity and responsiveness, but it never dilutes the original’s challenge – letting the PS5 hardware shine while preserving that classic Souls tension. New features like Fractured World mode and refined inventory systems add fresh angles without straying too far from the core experience.
11. Cyberpunk 2077
- Release Date: February 15, 2022
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Genre: Action role-playing game
What it’s about: Cyberpunk 2077 follows V, a mercenary navigating the underbelly of Night City after a botched job leaves them sharing their mind with a digital ghost. What begins as a gig evolves into a fight for control, identity, and survival in a dystopian city ruled by faceless corporations.
Why we like it: Following a rocky launch, the game has been transformed into the RPG it always aimed to be on PS5, especially with the Phantom Liberty expansion. Night City is dense, dangerous, and endlessly compelling, packed with stories that hit harder than expected. It’s a sharp, stylish, and now has the quality we’ve come to expect from Witcher developers CD Projekt Red.
10. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Release Date: February 29, 2024
- Developer: Square Enix
- Genre: Action role-playing game
What it’s about: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the follow-up to 2020’s acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which retold just the Midgar section of the 1997 classic. Rebirth picks up as Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII set out into the wider world of Gaia in pursuit of Sephiroth, who seeks to merge with the planet’s Lifestream and reshape reality. Along the way, the party revisits iconic locations like Junon, Cosmo Canyon, and the Gold Saucer, while the story diverges from the original in bold new ways that keep even long-time fans guessing.
Why we like it: Final Fantasy 7 Remake showed how brilliantly this classic could be reimagined, turning Midgar into a full-length adventure without losing the heart of the original. Rebirth takes that same ambition out into the wider world, reimagining beloved locations with stunning detail and adding systems like Synergy Abilities that make battles feel fast, tactical, and cinematic. By balancing nostalgia with bold new twists, it transforms one of gaming’s most famous stories into a true PS5 epic.
9. God of War Ragnarok
- Release Date: November 9, 2022
- Developer: Santa Monica Studio
- Genre: Action-adventure
What it’s about: God of War Ragnarök picks up with Kratos and Atreus as they journey through all nine realms of Norse myth to confront the coming apocalypse. You’ll battle gods and monsters in brutal, cinematic combat, solve puzzles, and explore realms ranging from frozen tundras to fiery underworlds, all while navigating the father–son bond at the heart of the story.
Why we like it: Santa Monica Studio builds on the 2018 reboot with sharper combat, more enemy variety, and a bigger sense of scale. Battles feel weighty and spectacular, but it’s the mix of grand mythology and intimate character moments that makes Ragnarok special. Whether you’re trading blows with Thor or quietly debating fate by the campfire, it delivers one of the most powerful and polished experiences on PS5. A blockbuster worthy of the gods.
8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Release Date: October 20, 2023
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Genre: Action-adventure
What it’s about: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lets you switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they protect New York from a new wave of threats. Kraven’s hunters flood the city, while Venom’s arrival forces the Spider-Men into their toughest fight yet. Between high-speed web-slinging, stealth takedowns and cinematic boss battles, the story tests what it really means to be Spider-Man.
Why we like it: This is Insomniac at full swing. Combat is sharper, set-pieces are bigger, and the symbiote powers give Peter a brutal new edge. Miles’ electric abilities keep battles varied, while the sheer joy of gliding and swinging across a dazzlingly detailed New York never gets old. With blockbuster spectacle and heartfelt character beats, Spider-Man 2 delivers the ultimate superhero fantasy on PS5.
7. Astro Bot
- Release Date: September 6, 2024
- Developer: Team Asobi
- Genre: Platformer
What it’s about: Astro’s ship has crash-landed, scattering his crew across the galaxy, and it’s up to you to track them down in PlayStation 5’s best platformer. Each level sends the pint-sized robot through a new world filled with obstacles, secrets, and playful surprises.
Why we like it: Astro Bot makes smart use of the DualSense controller, with every stage introducing new ways to interact and explore. But what really makes it shine is the way it celebrates PlayStation history. From levels inspired by classic franchises to cameos from beloved characters hidden in the background, it’s a creative, feel-good adventure where even hunting collectibles turns into a nostalgia trip. At last, PlayStation has a platform hero who can stand alongside Mario.
6. The Last of Us Part 1
- Release Date: September 2, 2022
- Developer: Naughty Dog
- Genre: Action-adventure
What it’s about: After two remakes and a hit TV series, you should know what The Last of Us is about by now. Two decades after a fungal outbreak collapses society, hardened smuggler Joel is assigned to transport Ellie, a teenage girl with a mysterious immunity, across a broken America. The adventure is marked not only by the pair’s quiet conversations, where their relationship slowly develops, but also by the brutal battles against the infected.
Why we like it: The Last of Us blends tense, often violent encounters with a narrative that feels intimate and deeply human. Joel and Ellie’s evolving relationship is the emotional core, supported by strong performances and a world that feels so real. This PS5 remake doesn’t add much beyond stunning new visuals, but it doesn’t need to. With the TV series reviving the story for a new audience, it’s the perfect way for first-time players to experience one of PlayStation’s most important games – and a reminder of why it became a cultural touchstone.
5. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Developer: Sandfall Interactive
- Genre: Role-playing game
What it’s about: Set in a surreal, painted vision of France, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows a band of heroes trying to stop The Paintress, a mysterious figure whose yearly ritual causes anyone of a certain age to vanish. As part of the 33rd expedition, you’ll journey across strange landscapes, face monstrous foes, and fight to break the cycle once and for all.
Why we like it: Most of the games on this list are immediately recognisable for PlayStation fans, but Clair Obscur really did come from nowhere in 2025 to be talked about as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. Its mix of turn-based commands and real-time inputs makes combat feel distinctive and engaging, while the painted art style gives every scene a striking look. With a premise that hooks you and characters that linger long after the credits, it’s a modern classic that no one saw coming.
4. Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Release Date: March 24, 2023
- Developer: Capcom
- Genre: Survival horror
What it’s about: After years of ports and HD remasters, Resident Evil 4 finally gets the full remake treatment on PS5. You play as Leon S. Kennedy, sent to rural Spain to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter from a violent cult. What begins as a simple extraction spirals into a desperate fight for survival, as you explore crumbling villages, fend off waves of infected villagers, and confront grotesque experiments lurking in the shadows.
Why we like it: Resident Evil 4 has been reissued on almost every platform since its 2005 debut, but nothing compares to a full remake. The GameCube original reinvented survival horror with its over-the-shoulder shooting and cinematic set-pieces, changing the genre forever. Nearly two decades later, Capcom brought the masterpiece to PS5, adding stunning visuals, sharper controls, and smarter enemy AI that make every encounter feel more dangerous. You’ll barricade doors, parry chainsaws, and scavenge every last bullet to stay alive. It’s survival horror reborn, and still one of the greatest games ever made.
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition
- Release Date: December 14, 2022
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Genre: Action role-playing game
What it’s about: In this ultimate edition of the 2015 PS4 original, Geralt of Rivia – a monster hunter for hire – searches for his adopted daughter Ciri, who’s being pursued for her otherworldly powers. Along the way, you’ll slay beasts, get drawn into the conflicts between warring kingdoms, and make choices that shape the fate of the people you meet. From tracking griffins across misty swamps to losing hours to Gwent, the in-world card game, the adventure is as much about the detours as the central quest.
Why we like it: The Witcher 3 was already one of the greatest RPGs ever made, and the PS5 Complete Edition keeps that reputation intact while elevating the experience with 4K visuals, smoother performance, and all previously released DLC. That includes Blood and Wine, one of the most celebrated expansions in gaming, as well as a new quest inspired by the Netflix series. Its main story is gripping, but it’s the side quests – whether tragic, funny, or surprising – that make its world unforgettable. Nearly a decade later, this is the definitive way to experience Geralt’s journey.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release Date: September 6, 2023
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Genre: Role-playing game
What it’s about: Baldur’s Gate 3 revived a legendary RPG series rooted in Dungeons & Dragons, turning it into a modern phenomenon. After being infected by a parasitic tadpole, your custom character sets out on a 100+ hour quest to find a cure before it’s too late. Along the way, you’ll battle enemies in strategic, turn-based combat, recruit companions, explore sprawling regions, and make choices where every dice roll can feel like life or death.
Why we like it: Nobody expected Baldur’s Gate 3 to become one of the biggest games of the decade, but it did, turning a classic Dungeons & Dragons series into an RPG event. Every quest, conversation, and battle can unfold in completely different ways, making your playthrough feel uniquely yours. Its turn-based combat is endlessly inventive, letting you shove enemies off cliffs, set the battlefield ablaze, or snatch victory with a single dice roll. With so many branching choices and storylines, it’s the kind of game you could play for hundreds of hours and still discover something new.
1. Elden Ring
- Release Date: February 25, 2022
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Genre: Action role-playing game
What it’s about: The most ambitious game yet from the creators of the Soulslike genre. With lore contributions from Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin, Elden Ring delivers a vast open world where you play as a Tarnished warrior hunting down demigods and uncovering the secrets of a shattered realm. It’s a landscape filled with unforgettable bosses and a mythology dense with stories and secrets that fans can lose themselves in for hundreds of hours.
Why we like it: Elden Ring feels like the culmination of everything FromSoftware had been building since Demon’s Souls. It keeps the punishing combat and unforgettable enemies the studio is known for, but expands them into a world packed with dangers to face and mysteries to uncover. Mastering monsters, experimenting with builds, and piecing together the lore make for an experience that never stops surprising you. It’s more approachable than any Souls game before, yet vast enough to keep players returning again and again. It’s not just the best PS5 game ever made, but our best game of all time.
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