25 Best PlayStation 5 Games

The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse of a console, capable of running the most performance-demanding titles available without breaking a sweat. But regardless of the console’s capabilities, it’s the quality of the gaming catalog that matters most – and the PS5 has no shortage of incredible exclusives, highly-rated cross-platform hits, indie masterpieces, and everything in between.

In this list, we’ll explore the best games the PS5 has to offer across all genres. These games are not just playable on the PS5, they were made for it, or at least have received an update, remaster, or remake if originally released on an older console. Get ready to blow up your wishlist, here are the 25 best games on the PlayStation 5.

These rankings are based on a direct vote put out to DualShockers’ 100+ contributors, writers, and editors, not our individual reviews.

25 Hades

An Iconic Rougelike With A Killer Story

Emma: Typically, roguelikes are relatively simple in nature; what they lack in story and world-building, they make up for in fast-paced, challenging gameplay that constantly changes from run to run. And while Hades has all of those elements, it also has an incredible story and unforgettable characters. You play as the rebellious son of Hades himself, Zagreus, who is on a mission to escape the underworld (and from living under his father’s thumb) to find his long-lost mother, Persephone.

Although your family is eager to help you, they all have their own motives and character flaws, meaning you can even incur their wrath if you don’t always act in their favor.

As you hack, slash, and smash your way through each room, you’ll pick up boons from your fellow gods on Olympus that aid you in defeating the hordes of enemies and bosses you encounter while climbing from the depths of Hell to the surface. With each boon you collect, you’ll learn more about the corresponding god and have a chance to deepen your relationship with them. Doing so unlocks new abilities and rewards, but is also simply one of the most interesting parts of the game. Although your family is eager to help you, they all have their own motives and character flaws, meaning you can even incur their wrath if you don’t always act in their favor. There is a massive amount of story and character development present here that will keep you grinding run after run for answers. And with Hades 2 just around the corner, now is as good of a time as ever to play through this iconic roguelike.

24 Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Sequel, Remake, And Something More

Matthew: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is one of the best remakes ever made. Intergrade features combat that blends moment-to-moment action with incredible turn-based abilities that can be activated after slowing down time to issue a command. It’s hack-and-slash meets strategy, something not many games can pull off. This is one of the most dynamic combat systems in gaming. It’s satisfying to play and looks extremely flashy on the screen. The upgraded PS5 visuals mean the game is even more beautiful than its original PS4 version.

Whether you’re new to the FF7 legacy or a veteran fan, this game hits on just about every level. The addition of “whispers” adds some key differences to the original game, ensuring longtime fans are in for a few surprises and twists as well. Those twists make Intergrade part faithful recreation, part reimagining, and part sequel.

Square Enix has truly achieved something special and walked the fine line between faithful and fresh. While fans have generally been split on the differences within the story, there’s no denying that Remake does nearly everything just right.

In addition to adding a few twists and turns, Final Fantasy 7 Remake expands upon the beloved original game. Characters are given deeper, more meaningful arcs, and the relationships built with companions feel even more rewarding than before. These deeper relationships add depth to the game’s larger story beats. While it was initially difficult to imagine the classic FF7 being broken into three installments, it’s clear now that Square Enix has a distinct vision they’re trying to achieve. Although the side quests are a little lackluster at times, the main story, incredible visuals, and top-tier combat ensure that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is one of the best games on the PS5.

23 Cyberpunk 2077

Become A Night City Legend

Kyle: Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky start when it first launched a little over three years ago. But after a plethora of game updates and one major expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is now up there as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.

From the developers of The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in Night City, a city beaming with neon lights and vibrant characters. You play as V, a mercenary who finds himself on an action-packed journey to remove a deadly implant from his brain.

Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with epic quests, tons of customization, and a story like no other. It has come a long way since its initial launch in 2020, nearly unrecognizable in comparison, and is easily one of the most beautiful and content-rich games available on the PS5 today.

22 The Last Of Us Part 2 Remastered

A Naughty Dog Classic, Remastered For The PlayStation 5

Kyle: One of the PlayStation 4’s most iconic titles returns with a plethora of visual enhancements, upgrades, and new features specifically for the PlayStation 5.

…with the addition of a new roguelike survival mode, new lost levels, new outfits, guitar free-play, and more, there’s no reason to not check out this epic remaster.

The Last Of Us Part 2 Remastered allows players to either relive or jump into Ellie and Abby’s story for the very first time. Set five years after the events of The Last Of Us Part 1, Ellie and Joel have settled in Jackson, Wyoming. Infected remain a prevalent threat, but things take a drastic turn when a group of individuals set out for revenge.

The Last Of Part 2 is an emotional, heart-wrenching story that is a must-play for any PlayStation 5 owner. And with the addition of a new roguelike survival mode, new lost levels, new outfits, guitar free-play, and more, there’s no reason to not check out this epic remaster.

21 Armored Core 6

The Ultimate Mecha Game

Jeff: FromSoftware got a little tired of releasing incredible Fantasy Action RPGs, so they decided to return to their old but beloved Armored Core Franchise for the first new installment in about 10 years. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon follows a mercenary mech pilot who works for competing corporations and multiple factions across the war-torn planet of Rubicon 3. Rather than utilizing a continuous world, like FromSoftware’s more recent (and iconic) slate of Soulsborne games, Armored Core 6 is built out of numerous missions. Some missions can be completed in only a few minutes, while others contain multiple objectives and can last quite a while (so settle in).

The combat is fast, flashy, and absolutely brutal — as FromSoftware has become a bit notorious for — but the ability to completely change your loadout after failing a combat scenario adds an excellent ease-of-use to the game, allowing you to experiment with multiple parts and weapons to get the job done. Truly, the star of the show, aside from the impeccable handling and combat mechanics of piloting a mech, is the actual Armored Core customization. With dozens of parts, hundreds of color schemes, and a wide variety of weapons and gear to try out, the combinations feel endless. In addition, the game features a robust decal customization system, allowing you to download and apply images and artwork created by the community.

This game isn’t for everyone, as the fast-paced mecha action doesn’t share a ton in common, mechanically, with FromSoftware’s more fantasy offerings, but their design and encounter philosophy is fully on display in this incredible action game.

20 Final Fantasy 16

Experience The Unforgettable Grand Kaiju Battles

Shivam: Final Fantasy 16 got a lot of flack from the hardcore FF fans for trying to change everything we know about JRPGs. However, everyone who’s played the title can agree that FF16 is a spectacular game that features some of the best boss fights we’ve ever seen. Each battle between Dominants is a sight to behold, especially the ultimate fight between Ifrit and Titan.

Following Clive’s journey to discover his true self and his purpose as Ifrit is an experience like no other. The beautiful lore of FF16 introduces us to several unique characters, but the major focus of the story is always the connection between Clive and Joshua. Thanks to the lengthy and detailed cutscenes, you get emotionally connected with both characters, and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the two brothers unite after years.

The hack-and-slash gameplay of Final Fantasy 16 is fun for most parts. Of course, the sword combat does feel repetitive at times; however, the ability to switch between different Eikon abilities does help counter that weakness in the combat. The grandeur of the Boss Battles won’t let you leave the controller, as you would want to keep playing the game to experience the next Boss Fight as early as possible.

19 Fortnite

More Than Just A Battle Royale

Kyle: What started out as a free-to-play Battle Royale game (along with a paid tower defense mode) has grown into a cultural phenomenon. With five different game modes to choose from, Fortnite now offers a wide variety of options for gamers.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 7 years, you’re likely well aware of Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode. But what you might have missed is the recently released LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Festival modes, all of which are completely free to play. Fancy some high-octane racing? Fortnite’s got you covered. What about an open-world LEGO survival game? Boot up Fortnite. Or maybe you want to test those reflexes with a new Guitar Hero-style game mode? You guessed it, Fortnite!

With constant updates and quality-of-life improvements across every mode, Fortnite is a powerhouse in the gaming industry and has something for everyone to enjoy.

18 Lies Of P

A Genuine FromSoft Competitor

Sam: 2023 was a year of unprecedented quality. Seemingly, not a month went by without a tent pole release that was beloved by critics and gamers alike. One game that took everybody by surprise though was Lies of P. It’s a game that we scored an 8.5/10 in our official review, calling it “A beautifully realized gothic Soulslike with a satisfying loop and gorgeous horror visuals,” and all of that rings true with its dark and difficult twist on the beloved children’s story, Pinnochio.

Lies Of P stands on its own two feet as one of the best titles available on the PS5.

Equal parts Bloodborne, with its gothic atmosphere, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, with its parrying mechanics, it’s a game that wears its FromSoftware inspirations on its sleeves, with its developer telling us that he has a “huge passion and a big interest in the Soulslike genre.”

Whether it can be called a genuine “Soulslike” is up for debate, but there’s no doubt that as an RPG, Lies Of P stands on its own two feet as one of the best titles available on the PS5.

17 Control

A Reality-Bending Work Of Art

Emma: Like the recent mega-hit, Alan Wake 2, Control is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that will quite literally bend your understanding of reality while delivering an immersive storytelling experience that only Remedy Games could dream up. You play as Jesse Faden, the newest appointed director of the Federal Bureau of Control, a secret government organization developed to contain and study A.W.E.s – Altered World Events. As you run through the Oldest House, the headquarters for the FBC, you’ll encounter all sorts of monstrosities and inter-dimensional overlaps as you search for answers and strive to restore peace and balance to the organization.

Although Control and Alan Wake exist in the same universe, the gameplay between the two titles could not be more different. With Control sporting a much more super-powered approach to combat and a slightly lighter emphasis on straight horror, you’ll use a unique gun that can morph into different forms, telekinetically hurl objects at enemies, and fly around the constantly warping reality solving puzzles and unlocking new items and gear. Whether you want to get the most out of the Remedy-verse storytelling, or you are just a fan of beautifully designed action games, Control is a game like no other that everyone should experience.

16 Astro’s Playroom

A Joyful Homage To PlayStation’s History

Kyle: This quirky little platformer is completely free and comes pre-installed on every PlayStation 5, meaning it’s likely to be your very first introduction to the console, and a damn good one too.

Astro’s Playroom is much more than a tech demo or just some sort of gimmick.

Astro’s Playroom is technically a tech demo of sorts, intended to showcase the power and capabilities of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. As you make your way through various platforming challenges, you’ll feel the haptic feedback alter as you swim through the water and walk across the grass, while shooting targets with a bow and arrow showcases the incredibly impressive and unique adaptive triggers.

But don’t be fooled, Astro’s Playroom is much more than a tech demo or just some sort of gimmick. This is a genuinely fun and colorful platformer that also shows the extensive history of Sony’s PlayStation consoles.

15 Demon’s Souls Remake

The Ever-Dark Genesis Of The Soulslike Genre

Emma: By far, one of the most popular areas of gaming is the Soulslike genre, with the recent mega-hits like Elden Ring and Lies of P serving as the quintessential examples of the genre today. But neither of these incredible games would exist had Demon’s Souls not originally paved the way back in 2009. Quite literally creating a brand new type of gaming experience, Demon’s Souls was the first to introduce this uniquely brutal style of combat and punishing larger-than-life boss battles, even going so far as to advertise the game with an ominous and intriguing warning – Prepare To Die.

With modern graphics and some quality-of-life improvements to the gameplay mechanics, there is no better way to experience the game that started a genre.

Naturally, in the era of remakes, Demon’s Souls received a complete overhaul by Bluepoint Games and was rereleased for the PS5 in 2020. With modern graphics and some quality-of-life improvements to the gameplay mechanics, there is no better way to experience the game that started a genre. Whether you are reliving the thrills and frustrations of 2009, or hopping into this unforgiving dark fantasy epic for the first time, Demon’s Souls Remake is a PS5 exclusive everyone should own.

14 Monster Hunter World

Capcom’s All-Time Best-Selling Game

Sam: Monster Hunter World was the fifth mainline entry into the Monster Hunter Franchise, but the 22nd overall title including spin-offs/DLC versions. Despite having such a storied history, the series had never managed to make it mainstream, failing to top five million units sold with every entry, that was until World. The title not only surpassed five million units worldwide, but, when combined with its Iceborne DLC, beat 10, 20, and even the 30 million unit mark, comfortably making it Capcom’s best-selling title ever. It has effortlessly outsold 2021’s Monster Hunter Rise, which sits in second place, and has sold more than double the number of copies of the best-selling Resident Evil game, Resident Evil 2.

Once it clicks, it really clicks.

But sales numbers aren’t the reason why Monster Hunter World makes this list, it’s the fact that it’s a genuinely fantastic game. Initially, World, and by extension, the Monster Hunter series, isn’t the most approachable. There are 14 vastly different weapons to choose from at the beginning of the game, dozens of different armor combinations to craft, a range of different elements to consider, and single-monster hunts that regularly last for over 30 minutes. However, once it clicks, it really clicks.

Supported with almost three years of content, the game’s loop is incredibly satisfying — figure out which monster you need to hunt, defeat it, harvest its parts, craft and upgrade new weapons and armor, and repeat. Couple this with its fun and fluid multiplayer gameplay and Monster Hunter World is still one of the best games you can play on the PS5.

13 Resident Evil 4 Remake

A Date With The President’s Daughter

Jack: The Resident Evil remakes are highly praised, and for good reason. These glow-ups have delighted fans of the originals (though some still prefer the 2005 version) and have also introduced a new generation of gamers to these beloved titles. Though we had mixed feelings about Resident Evil 4 Remake when it was released, the game has achieved critical acclaim, holding a 93 score on Metacritic.

The PlayStation 5 is an ideal platform to pilot Leon through his fight against Los Iluminados. Resident Evil 4 Remake is a good-looking game. The grimy textures of the village and surrounding swamp need powerful hardware to be appreciated fully, not to mention the gruesome features of the creatures Leon blows away.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a fantastic action-horror game, alternating between having you mow down legions of grunts with limited ammo and making you run for your life from invincible horrors.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a fantastic action-horror game, alternating between having you mow down legions of grunts with limited ammo and making you run for your life from invincible horrors. The characterization of Leon and Ashley is endearing. Leon is the same himbo he’s always been (bingo?) and Ashley is more industrious. It’s a fantastic remake and well worth a go for both new and returning fans.

12 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

An Epic Adventure That Doesn’t Skimp On The Quality

Emma: If you haven’t yet played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt…what are you doing with your life? It’s time to get out from under that rock and experience one of the best games ever made. Regardless of being the third part in the series, The Witcher 3 is likely most gamers’ entry point; an epic adventure that’s filled to the brim with some of the best storytelling, combat gameplay, and elaborate worldbuilding we’ve ever seen in a game, not to mention an incredibly addicting card/deck-building mini-game, Gwent, that is worth playing all on its own.

Every quest you take on, every location you explore, every relationship you experience is well-written and will keep you engaged from start to finish.

You play as Geralt of Rivia, a mutated human known as a Witcher who was created to use his enhanced body and unique magic attacks to hunt down and kill all manner of monsters plaguing the world. Naturally, being the main character of the story, Geralt gets caught up in a much bigger plot as well that involves preventing the end of times and saving a lone girl from her terrible fate. There is so much main story and side content to experience here that it seems nigh impossible to do it all in a single playthrough. And while that formula can typically make a game feel bloated with meaningless quests and tasks, the same cannot be said about The Witcher 3. Every quest you take on, every location you explore, every relationship you experience is well-written and will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Although the core game was released nearly a decade ago on past-gen consoles, the Complete Edition has been modernized to perform at its peak on the PS5 and comes with two huge story expansions, easily providing 200+ hours of gaming goodness. This one is a no-brainer; whether you’ve played it before or you’re playing it for the first time, everyone should have this game in their collection.

11 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

An Exhilarating Journey From Start To Finish

Kyle: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart isn’t just one of the most visually stunning PlayStation 5 games around, it’s also one of the most entertaining. If you’re after a fun, vibrant, and all-round feel-good video game, look no further than Ratchet and Clank’s latest outing.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a technical marvel with some of the most jaw-dropping graphics around.

Alongside a plethora of chaotic new weapons and gameplay features, such as the ability to jump between rifts in an instant thanks to the PlayStation 5’s super fast SSD, there’s also a brand-new character to play as – Rivet. Acting as a dimensional counterpart to Ratchet, Rivet joins Ratchet and Clank on their most epic adventure yet.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a technical marvel with some of the most jaw-dropping graphics around. Combined with its unique and addictive gameplay, this isn’t one to skip. If you’re still not convinced, make sure to read the full DualShockers review, where we gave Rift Apart an impressive 9.5/10.

10 Persona 5 Royal

One Of The Best JRPGs Ever Made

Emma: If you have never played a Persona game, then you are truly missing out. The Persona genre has been captivating fans for decades with its addicting turn-based gameplay, dark story themes, iconic characters, and flashy visuals. And although Persona 5 Royal is technically not the newest game in the series to come out, with Persona 3 Reload having launched earlier this year, this ultimate edition of the original cult classic is by far the best in the series and is a title every JRPG fan should prioritize playing.

There are hundreds of Personas for you to collect and use, an experience akin to filling out a Pokedex, which makes the 100+ hours of gameplay you’ll grind never feel stale.

Set in modern Japan, you’ll take on the role of the leader of the Phantom Thieves, a secret band of heroes who steal the metaphysical hearts of wicked and corrupt individuals, forcing them to confess their crimes and atone for their sins. You’ll wield the power of unique Personas, otherworldly entities that can be summoned to attack the shadows you face in each of the temple-like mind palaces you enter, as well as the alternate dimension created by the collective consciousness of Japan’s society, known only as Momentos. There are hundreds of Personas for you to collect and use, an experience akin to filling out a Pokedex, which makes the 100+ hours of gameplay you’ll grind never feel stale. And when you aren’t obliterating an endless horde of shadows in the otherworld, you’ll have to manage your days with school and extra-curricular activities, all while developing bonds with your party and other key players across Tokyo.

There is so much to experience in Persona 5 Royal. In addition to the core game, Royal comes with a new party member, an expanded story, and an extra school semester, as well as a slew of other minor gameplay additions and adjustments to enhance your experience. With Persona 6 likely not releasing for another year or two, now is as good a time as ever to play through Persona 5 Royal.

9 Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Kyle: Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut is, undoubtedly, the ultimate way to experience one of the PlayStation 5’s most visually stunning and thrilling action-adventure games to date. Not only do owners of the Director’s Cut get the full game, but they’ll also receive the Iki Island expansion, which includes a new story, mini-games, enemy types, and more. There’s also the Legends online co-op mode, in-game cosmetics, and more.

Ghost of Tsushima is a game of epic proportions.

Alongside the new expansion and visual upgrades that the Director’s Cut has to offer, Ghost of Tsushima genuinely has some of the best melee combat around that will make you feel like a genuine samurai. With a heart-wrenching story and some of the most epic landscapes in the action-adventure genre, Ghost of Tsushima is a game of epic proportions.

8 Horizon Forbidden West

Beautifully Crafted World With Unique Story Beats

CJ: The Horizon franchise is severely overlooked. The world, narrative, and combat are all top-notch. The series has had some very unfortunate release dates (Zero Dawn was released just four days before Breath of the Wild and Forbidden West was released just one week before Elden Ring) that have impacted its recognition. The game has still become a PlayStation staple, and for good reason!

…it has enough in the way of exploration and discovery to keep you hooked.

Horizon Forbidden West itself is one of the best games you can play on the PS5 due to its vast open world, engaging narrative and characters, and challenging combat. This is a game you can really sink some hours into as it has enough in the way of exploration and discovery to keep you hooked. Aloy’s adventure in the Zero Dawn sequel takes some incredible turns and will keep you on your toes from start to finish.

7 Returnal

AAA Roguelike Perfection

Jeff: Returnal is, quite simply, a phenomenal roguelike packed with a stunning bullet hell and a mind-bending sci-fi adventure that will stick with you long after you roll credits. You take control of Selene, an ASTRA deep-space scout who crash lands on the alien planet of Atropos, where she quickly discovers she’s trapped in a loop — every time she dies, she ‘wakes up’ crashing on Atropos again. Returnal showcases the power of the PS5 beautifully in every aspect, from the particle-rich weapons and plant life to the instantaneous teleportation around the map. Combat delivers a wildly colorful and frenetic bullet-hell action, pitting Selene against the wicked wildlife of Atropos as she searches desperately for a way off the planet.

Everything promised with the adaptive triggers and haptic features in the DualSense is fully realized in Returnal, with each environment feeling unique and each weapon delivering a completely different feel in the palms of your hands.

Returnal has earned its place on this list not only because it’s an incredible sci-fi shooter, and it brings pitch-perfect Roguelike mechanics into the 3D AAA space, but it also delivers what is still the pinnacle of DualSense integration. Everything promised with the adaptive triggers and haptic features in the DualSense is fully realized in Returnal, with each environment feeling unique and each weapon delivering a completely different feel in the palms of your hands. Though Astro’s Playroom and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart provide top-tier DualSense utilization, neither quite reaches the consistent highs that Returnal delivers.

6 The Last Of Us Part 1

A Beautiful Introduction To The World Of TLOU

CJ: When The Last of Us was originally released on the PlayStation 3 way back in 2013, it received universal acclaim. Players cited its storytelling, gameplay, and character development as high points of not only the game but the console generation as a whole. The success hasn’t slowed for the franchise since then, and it continues to hold the title of one of the greatest games ever made.

The game was so well-received that the franchise has been carried over to several mediums, like tabletop, comic books, and the (also critically acclaimed) HBO TV series. TLOU Part I is the definitive way to experience Joel and Ellie’s early years together and see why they’re solidified as two of the most impactful and recognizable characters in gaming.