What are the best PS5 games? The PlayStation 5 is the latest home games console from Sony, released on 12th November, 2020 in North America and a week later on the 19th November, 2020 in Europe. Of course, it's the platform holder's most powerful, most premium machine to date, promising a big shift from the previous generation thanks to some advanced bells and whistles. Its super-fast SSD cuts loading times dramatically, the Tempest 3D audio engine brings a new dimension to sound, and the DualSense PS5 controller brings new sensations with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
All this doesn't mean much without games, though, and in PS5's lifespan thus far, we've seen a great number of amazing titles from all corners. The console's launch lineup is one of the best, if not the best, in PlayStation's history. The flagship game from Sony was Demon's Souls, a gorgeous remake of FromSoftware's PS3 cult hit, but it was joined by many enjoyable games, including more from first-party teams. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales got things swinging in style, Sackboy: A Big Adventure was a jolly platformer for the younger market, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War ensured the console had a CoD ready to roll. The thing is, nearly every launch game for PS5 is great — you really couldn't go far wrong.
And that's without even talking about the amazing Astro's Playroom. While it's mostly intended to show off PS5's hardware features in a fun way, this free, pre-installed game is an absolute delight. The diminutive robot introduces you to the DualSense with some seriously inventive levels, and what's more, the game is full to bursting with PlayStation easter eggs. Just a joy through and through.
While all this sounds ideal, the PS5 launched under very tough conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020, but Sony was determined to launch its console on time, and it did so. The downside is that, with manufacturing slowed down by shortages of crucial parts, demand has routinely outstripped supply, and PS5 stock has been few and far between ever since launch. The situation would only start to turn around a couple of years later.
Despite these rocky beginnings, the console is selling roughly on par with its predecessor, the PS4. The supply problems are gradually fading, but a steady stream of top-notch software has meant consumers are ready to sweep the shelves whenever they're able. The white and black box has had an unusual and unpredictable existence, but that hasn't stopped publishers and developers from releasing some truly excellent games.
Speaking of which, we're here to talk about the best PS5 games. No matter your tastes, there's something for everyone, and that's why this list is exciting. No matter what you enjoy, your collective top PS5 games are represented here, all outlined by your user scores. Yes, this list is entirely determined by our readers.
If you disagree with the order, you (yes, you!) can make a difference. Just below is a search bar, where you can enter the title of a PS5 game and then rate it as you see fit. All your ratings will directly influence this page — the list will shift over time to reflect the views of our readers. If you want your favourites to rise up the ranks, make yourself heard and get those ratings in.
Please note that a game will need to have at least 50 ratings before it appears on this list, just to keep things consistent and fair. Therefore, if your favourite Japanese visual novel isn't appearing, it may be because it simply doesn't have enough votes yet.
Best PlayStation Games by Platform
Best PS5 Games by Genre
- Best Action Games on PS5
- Best Adventure Games on PS5
- Best Free Games on PS5
- Best Single Player Games on PS5
- Best Co-Op Games on PS5
- Best Online Multiplayer Games on PS5
- Best Local Multiplayer Games on PS5
- Best FPS Games on PS5
- Best Open World Games on PS5
- Best RPGs on PS5
- Best Platformers on PS5
- Best Sports Games on PS5
- Best Indie Games on PS5
- Best Puzzle Games on PS5
- Best Horror Games on PS5
- Best Racing Games on PS5
- Best PS5 Exclusive Games
- Best Arcade Games on PS5
Without further ado, let's look at our ultimate list of the best PS5 games — as chosen by you.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
80. Bugsnax (PS5)
Bugsnax might have won people over with a catchy theme song, but it's far more than just that. It lures you in with its whimsical style and silly concept, and then quickly subverts expectations with surprisingly emotional story beats. Your main tasks in the game are to catch the titular creatures and find out what happened to the leader of an expedition to the island. Figuring out how to capture each Bugsnak is fun, collecting them is addictive, and learning more about the colourful cast will keep you engaged. It's a unique flavour combo, but it works.
79. Maneater (PS5)
If you're looking for a game with real teeth, look no further than the ferocious Maneater. This "SharkPG" places you in the open ocean, starting off as a relatively small player. However, as you progress, you'll steadily grow larger and stronger, gradually becoming the true apex predator of the seas. Comically violent and the silliest sort of fun, this enjoyable title has some rough edges, but chomping down on annoying humans and swimming through the choppy waters, it's impossible to have a bad time.
78. The Callisto Protocol (PS5)
The Callisto Protocol had all the potential to be one of the early horror greats on PS5, and while it's still a good game, it can't help but feel like a slight disappointment. It gets the combat mostly right and the atmosphere is top-notch, but it feels too much like Dead Space without doing anything of its own and the characters are rubbish. Worth playing if you've got the time — especially if you like a cinematic angle — but don't go in expecting a masterpiece.
77. GreedFall (PS5)
With its colonial setting and intriguing world where science meets grim fantasy, GreedFall is a unique RPG that's a bit rough around the edges. Following in the footsteps of games like Dragon Age Inquisition, which have an emphasis on both exploration and player-driven dialogue, GreedFall has a solid gameplay core. The weirdly named island of Teer Fradee makes for an atmospheric destination, while the title's party-based action combat is decent.
76. Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition (PS5)
Dark Souls, and its various spin-offs, has become a genre all of its own – and Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition proudly flaunts its FromSoftware influences on its armoured sleeve. This re-release may not reach the same highs as the Japanese developer’s iconic outings, but it’s unquestionably an entertaining alternative if you’re searching for another punishing role-playing release. With tight combat, versatile play-styles, and a rich world to explore, you could do worse than this demanding character action title.
75. Diablo 2: Resurrected (PS5)
The resurrection of a real role-playing classic, the aptly named Diablo 2: Resurrected is an expansive remaster of Blizzard's 2000 title. While this is still very much the Diablo 2 from over two decades ago at its core, Resurrected does bring some welcome quality of life updates to the table, and the ability to jump between the original and revamped visual styles is a nice feature. All in all, the gameplay's a bit wonky by today's standards, but that old school atmosphere is hard to beat.
74. Subnautica (PS5)
Survival games are tend to be ten a penny these days – it’s a popular genre, after all – but Subnautica sets itself apart by setting its scavenging under the sea. It’s a perfect gameplay loop really: the more you forage, the deeper you can dive, and the further you can explore. With many secrets to unravel, this aquatic outing in an alien ocean is both methodical and mysterious all at the same time.
73. Planet Coaster: Console Edition (PS5)
Planet Coaster: Console Edition brings Frontier's critically acclaimed management sim to PS5, and it's a joyful, addictive experience. Slowly building up a fully functioning theme park from nothing, constructing your very own rollercoasters as you go, is super satisfying, and there are complex layers to the simulation that keep you on your toes. Some of the menus can get a little fiddly, but the game largely makes the leap to console intact. It's a fairly complicated game, but once you're in, you might find it hard to stop.
72. Ghostrunner (PS5)
Are you a fan of Mirror's Edge but wish it moved faster and gory, cyber-sword insta-kills? Ghostrunner is a lightning fast first-person parkour game brimming with cyberpunk style. Playing as a deadly cyborg, you'll be up against lots of bad guys, but none of them have your agility or skill — you can mow them all down in one smooth motion, leaping from building to building leaving a bloody trail. On PS5, the game looks and runs better than ever, featuring multiple visual modes to prioritise fidelity or framerate, and of course you get some DualSense feedback support. A very cool, very stylish game.
71. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS5)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 marks a strong return to form for Activision's FPS series, launching with a very solid selection of modes and maps. With a good campaign filled with fun gimmicks to boot, it lives up to the marketing phrase of being a new era for the franchise. It's not going to convert anyone who doesn't like the games into lovers, but Modern Warfare 2 is more than worth the investment for shooter fans.
70. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (PS5)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War may have largely been considered a safe instalment for Activision’s juggernaut first-person franchise, but its campaign introduces some interesting wrinkles for the series. For starters, there’s more player agency than ever before, making this a thrill ride you actually have an active role in shaping. One level, which sees you undertake undercover activities in a KGB headquarters, is more Hitman than Call of Duty – and a truly refreshing change of pace. This is, of course, all anchored by the traditional set-piece spectacle you’d expect to find from the series, and a solid multiplayer suite spanning some genuinely sumptuous maps, including a highly detailed 80s mall.
69. FIFA 22 (PS5)
FIFA 22 feels like real football, and it’s all the better for it. Impressive improvements to player positioning, ball physics, and animations make for a supremely satisfying simulation that underpins each of the franchise’s flagship modes. Career Mode doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but the ability to create a club is entertaining, and the changes to Player Careers are overdue. Microtransactions still rule supreme in Ultimate Team, and you’ll already have your own personal opinions on that, but there’s so much to do in the game that you could easily invest hundreds of hours into it without seeing a single loot box.
68. Deep Rock Galactic (PS5)
Deep Rock Galactic is a real mish-mash of ideas, but everything works together in harmony to create a super fun co-op experience. A team of up to four dwarves are recruited to delve into a strange planet and mine its precious resources, but will come up against some resistance from the insect-like locals. Each player class has totally unique weapons and abilities that complement the others perfectly, making simple objectives a joy as you all puzzle it out — and blast aliens — together. Throw in procedurally generated stages, and you have the recipe for an endlessly replayable game you can really dig into.
67. Genshin Impact (PS5)
Genshin Impact earned an estimated $2 billion during its first year on the market, and has gone on to become something of a cultural touchstone. Also available on smartphones, the PS5 version of this staggeringly popular RPG truly brings developer MiHoYo’s vision to life, with vibrant visuals and a slick, responsive refresh rate. Those not caught in its gacha trap may lament is pricey microtransactions and demanding investment levels, but this is unquestionably a signature service game with a huge and dedicated fanbase to boot.
66. Outriders (PS5)
Outriders is a looter shooter, but it goes a little deeper into the role-playing genre with an involved character driven story. However, chaotic combat is really at the centre of the experience, where crunchy weapons combine with class-based skills of destruction. Outriders is great fun at its manic best, and even when it's not, you can always amp up the action with one or two other players in co-op.
65. Rollerdrome (PS5)
Bullets and death meet Tony Hawk's Pro Skater in Rollerdrome, one of the best-feeling PS5 games to date. All you need do is take down bad guys in skate parks of the future, but Roll7's latest is all about doing it in style. Chain tricks and grinds in-between shotgun shells to rack up a high score and win the tournament; along the way, you'll feel on top of the world. Rollerdrome is an addictive shooter all about speed and flow, and you'll quickly find yourself replaying stages just for another dose of its ecstasy.
64. DIRT 5 (PS5)
DIRT 5 comes from a Codemasters team made up of many Evolution Studios alumni, giving this off-road racer a slight MotorStorm flavour. The festival vibes are alive and well here, with colourful presentation and a great soundtrack providing the background for a varied and fun racing calendar. Unlike its DiRT Rally cousins, this game is unabashedly arcadey, putting the emphasis on sliding sideways through the mud, across the ice, and into clouds of dust. An unintrusive storyline featuring characters voiced by Nolan North and Troy Baker carries you through the single player, while a level editor and some neat multiplayer modes are waiting for you too. A slick, well presented racing game with real energy.
63. Alan Wake Remastered (PS5)
Originally released for the Xbox 360 all the way back in 2010, Alan Wake cultivated cult status for its unorthodox Twin Peaks-inspired storytelling and unique horror gameplay loop. With light playing a significant role, you need to use a torch in combination with traditional weapons in order to defeat the Taken and restore order to the fictional Washington town of Bright Falls. First published by Microsoft, developer Remedy was able to wrangle back the rights to the series in 2019, which paved the way for this spruced-up PS5 remaster – and a sequel unsurprisingly named Alan Wake 2.
62. Sniper Elite 5 (PS5)
Not every game needs to be revelatory, and Sniper Elite 5 proves that knowing your audience is sometimes all it takes. Gruff protagonist Karl Fairburne’s fifth outing takes him to occupied France, where he must put a stop to a MacGuffin plot named Operation Kraken. A mix of stealth and long-range skirmishes makes for a supremely satisfying blend, with Rebellion’s dense, vertical level design truly on target here. New wrinkles include an Axis Invasion mechanic, which allows competing players to infiltrate your single player campaign, upping the tension immensely. This a familiar outing overall, but a well-executed one – Sniper Elite just doesn’t miss.
61. Borderlands 3 (PS5)
Gearbox's popular looter shooter is back in typical style with Borderlands 3, and it looks and plays better than ever on PS5. While it doesn't innovate on older entries all that much, the third game in the franchise is probably the best. Improved gameplay makes the act of firing weapons a joy, there's a tonne of variety in quests and guns, and that signature love-or-hate humour is very much in place. It shines brightest on Sony's current-gen machine, too, thanks to boosted visuals and up to 120 frames-per-second on the right display. There are few better co-op shooters out there — this is an absolute blast with friends, whether playing locally or online.
Comments (8)
Glad Pathless made the list. Had a lot of fun with that game
It's pretty funny how many of the top games are on PS4 as well. I sort of wish this were an exclusives list, but I can understand why it isn't.
So far, I'm not compelled to upgrade to PS5 as the only exclusive of interest to me is Demon's Souls, and that will most likely end up on Steam in a year or two.
@sketchturner the PS5 versions of PS4 games look and run so much better. It’s 100% worth the upgrade imo. Ya not telling me ya own every cross gen game on there!? Even some of the games ya do own are worth playing again with the advanced tech. Up to now i’ve finished Spiderman, Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone and The Last of Us PS5 versions even tho i finished them on PS4. Then there’s games like Returnal, Demon’s Souls, Ratchet an Clank, etc. def worth the upgrade.
Elden ring at 14?!
Solid top 10, but Returnal is still #1 for me personally.
@sjbsixpack Anyone who says otherwise is just mad they can't find a PS5, bc the upgrades are totally worth it. Its not something I can explain to people besides recommending them to experience it for themselves.
@sketchturner You are missing out on so much. I would buy it for the controller alone. It changes everything.
MY top 10 (excluding remakes/remasters):
1. Resident Evil Village
2. Lost Judgment
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
4. God of War: Ragnarök
5. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
6. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
7. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
8. Guardians of the Galaxy
9. Astro's Playroom
10. Gotham Knights
Including remakes/remasters:
1. Resident Evil 2
2. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
3. Resident Evil Village
4. Lost Judgment
5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
6. God of War: Ragnarök
7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
8. Demon's Souls
9. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
10. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Tap here to load 8 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...