The Best PS5 Games of all Time

Having taken the gaming world by storm, the PS5 quickly went on to become the fastest-selling console of all time. While new devices can be challenging to come by, the PS5’s extensive game library means many excellent games to choose from. The PS5 has some console exclusives, plenty of PS4 backward-compatible titles, and a slew of games shared with other consoles and the PC. But what is the cream of the crop? We’re here to give you our top picks for the best PS5 games you can currently find.

Consider these games as the best introduction to PS5 consoles. Some of these will surely strike you as the best, but neither will turn out to be a waste of time, even if you’re not into its genre. The titles listed below either make great use of DualSense’s haptic feedback, light up the 4K TV with its stunning graphics and designs, or are just plain enjoyable.

These are our favorite PS5 games, and we’re sure you’re going to love them too.

Who can say no to a free game? This stunning 3D platformer comes preinstalled on every PS5 device. It serves as a tech demo for the DualSense haptic feedback and the PS5’s graphics capabilities. While there’s not much to say about the gameplay complexity, Astro’s Playroom has plenty of variety and turns up the nostalgia factor to 11.

Over the course of this relatively short game, players can encounter robots that behave similarly to beloved characters from previous PS exclusives and other memorable titles. The gameplay is tailored to showcase the advantages of the DualSense controller, making full use of every button and feature during the levels. The feedback changes based on how Astro moves around the game world and even the surfaces he walks on.

The game can be delightful for players who like a more relaxed tempo and have spare time to kill. This is one of the best games to load up while waiting for that AAA title to download from the store.

Pros

• Showcases the DualSense controller
• Free and preinstalled on the PS5
• Exquisite graphics
• Charming gameplay
• Lots of customization options

Cons

• Quite short
• Feels more like a demo than a game at times

Specification

• Price Free
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1
• Genre Action

We’re moving from a free platformer to a paid one, but this one is worth the price. While it doesn’t look like a traditional AAA game (maybe we’re too used to dark and gory titles?), this game’s charm, complexity, and gameplay variance will surely move you. It will also give the older players a touch of nostalgia from the very first Crash Bandicoot game (1996 was a long time ago).

This platformer brings the challenge factor up, and some might even consider it a separation from the original game’s design. However, it’s incredibly polished, runs smoothly, and will surely give platform players a test.

The game is not really exclusive to the PS5, having been released to the PS4 in 2020 and on other consoles around the same time. The only major improvements over the PS4 version are brisk loading times and graphic improvements. If you haven’t had a chance to play it, consider using the PS5 to give it a try.

Pros

• Challenge-fueled gameplay
• Plenty of nostalgia
• Extremely polished

Cons

• Might become unfun at times due to difficulty
• Does not feel unique to the PS5

Specification

• Price $26.99
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 - 4 players
• Genre Action

If you’ve ever heard of Demon’s Souls (or played it on the original PS3), you might already know why this is on the list. This 2020 remake stays true to the 2009 title that started the (insanely difficult) Dark Souls game franchise.

While the original publisher did not create it, Bluepoint delivered a polished, extremely enjoyable game that many players will come to just for the nostalgia factor. The game received a BAFTA for Technical Achievement, showing just how popular and excellent it is. The gameplay takes players back to the world of Boletaria, where knights have to face off against the demons to survive. The story takes a backseat, letting the notoriously challenging gameplay shine. The game is available in cinematic and performance modes depending on whether you prefer to look at shiny objects or smash them fast.

It will run at 4K and 60 FPS (a portion of the time), utilizing the DualSense haptic feedback during combat to great effect. Overall, if you’re a masochist and want to spend hours trying to claw your way through this fantastic remake, give Demon’s Souls a go.

Pros

• Excellent gameplay and variety
• Open world for exploration and challenges
• Plenty of customization options
• Incredibly rewarding when played right

Cons

• Unforgivingly difficult
• Might put off casual players

Specification

• Price $49.99
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 player
• Genre Action

While this game might not be for everyone, it’s undoubtedly one of the better titles to try if you want to delve into the roguelike genre. This third-person shooter changes levels each time the player dies, giving the player a reason to stay alive after they’ve got used to the current level’s design. Luckily, the game shines in giving the player plenty of rewards when taking risks, with various power-ups and boosts unlocked throughout the game. Returnal uses the publisher’s (Housemarque) signature run-and-gun gameplay to put players in a loop of killing enemies and avoiding hits that makes time fly like an arrow.

The variety in possible strategies to win can sometimes fool you since the random level assignment can take a profound turn for the worst. The best thing to do is suck it up and start over again. The story revolves around the main character and develops throughout the game stages, giving players more lore to discover. Still, the game might be a bit lore-challenged for those that prefer excellent storytelling. However, we’re not really here for the story, but for the harsh gameplay and risk-reward patterns that fuel players to spend hours upon hours trying to beat the final boss.

Pros

• Fun and challenging
• Polished gameplay experience
• Changing gameplay with each death

Cons

• Random level design can lead to frustrating moments
• Deaths reset nearly all in-game progress

Specification

• Price $69.94
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 player
• Genre Shooter

In the latest adventures of Spiderman on the consoles, Peter Parker is taking a vacation. The new protagonist brings their own twist to the genre with some familiar and unique power-ups that will give action addicts a run for their money. The game focuses heavily on showcasing the power of the PS5 over previous-generation consoles.

The almost photorealistic shots in the background are a great welcome into the game, and the near-instantaneous load times make gameplay smoother overall. While the game lore is decent, with a real comic-book feel and emphasis on action. The game’s combat takes a step back due to a lack of content. Since the game is so short from start to finish, the skills acquired through gameplay and achievements never meaningfully change how combat works or provide a different strategy.

Luckily, the baseline is solid as-is, so there won’t be many complaints (hopefully) in that regard. Overall, players that prefer games they can really sink their teeth into might be disappointed by this title’s compactness. However, don’t let that stop you from trying out one of the best console release titles.

Pros

• Excellent superhero and comic book vibes
• Satisfying combat from start
• Great character lead
• Flavor-filled story

Cons

• Only one main mission
• Side missions rarely matter
• Doesn’t take long to complete
• Lack of meaningful skill choices

Specification

• Price $48.99
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 player
• Genre Action

If you prefer a more lore-filled turn-based gameplay, then Yakuza: Like a Dragon might be your slice of cake. This soft reboot of the Yakuza series means that players don’t really need to have played the previous games to become accustomed to its unique style and store.

The gameplay has changed drastically, going from real-time to turn-based modes, which is becoming a mainstay in the franchise. This game heavily features classical JRPG tropes, especially since the main character is portrayed as a role-playing buff in their own right. Like all the games that came before “Like a Dragon,” there is an overarching crime opera interspersed with fun and unique minigames to provide a unique challenge.

The party-based setting might put some people off, but it provides more storyline points, even at the cost of advancing the story a bit slower than veterans of the franchise are used to. The gameplay suffers a bit from lackluster level design and an overreliance on sidequests, but that’s partially the appeal of Yakuza anyway.

Pros

• Incredibly story-rich
• Overhauled RPG system with plenty of oomph
• Extensive side quest design and range of minigames
• Addictive and engrossing lore to explore

Cons

• Main plot can get sidetracked with multiple characters to follow
• Somewhat disappointing level design

Specification

• Price $28.49
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 player
• Genre Unique

This blend of noir detective and classic pen-and-paper RPG is sure to bring a unique challenge. Between two excellent overarching story plots to explore, players can get lost in this open-world game where each choice matters, starting from the very beginning. While the game doesn’t feature combat in the traditional sense (you choose what the character will do, roll the dice, and the game narrates the consequences), there’s still plenty of gameplay for the diehard action buffs.

With so many different choices to pick from and a variety of characters to meet and scenes to explore, this detective story never truly slows down. The luck-based gameplay can frustrate those not familiar with this type of game, but it forms a crucial part of the challenge in stacking the odds in your favor. The game’s excellent improvements over the base version have finally shown and made this a title you shouldn’t miss, no matter what gaming console you prefer.

While the 2019 version of the game won several awards, the expansions introduced in “The Final Cut” really put it in a league of its own.

Pros

• Immersive RPG
• Excellent storytelling
• Rich lore
• Choices matter

Cons

• Heavily uses dice rolling and luck
• Action buffs might get bored

Specification

• Price $19.99
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 player
• Genre Role Playing Games, Role Playing Games

Fans of the DMC franchise will instantly remember the fast-paced combat with stylish moves and even more stylish clothing, and DMC 5 doesn’t disappoint on either front. The definitive version of the 2019 game boasts a host of improvements for the console version to use the latest-gen technical capabilities fully. While nothing has changed from the game’s original hack-and-slash-and-look-good concept, it’s still a memorable title for an extraordinary console. The game comes with a DLC included, allowing players to fill the boots of Dante’s brother, along with a few gameplay knobs to turn, like how many enemies in each fight. With framerates into the 120s and ray tracing turned on, players can experience this PS4 classic in a new light. Even if you’ve already finished the game, the additions might be enough to persuade you to try it all over again.

Pros

• One of the most memorable hack & slash franchises
• Modern gameplay settings and graphics
• Comes with a DLC and unique difficulty settings

Cons

• Few functional gameplay changes from the original PS4 release
• Combat can get overwhelming at times
• Heavy clutter slows the framerate down significantly

Specification

• Price $39.99
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 player
• Genre Action

I think every gamer by now must have heard of the Mortal Kombat franchise, so there’s really no need to explain what it’s all about. The newest edition of the console classic features a roster of 37 characters to play and thousands of skins to unlock between them for extreme customization. The tried-and-true combat mechanics of mashing the buttons over and over never truly gets old, and we’re sure experienced players will get plenty of kick from. Get ready to learn combos for all characters because that’s really the only way to enjoy the game fully. The game heavily awards precision, good coordination, and timing. If you’re new to the game, don’t worry since this title features one of the most comprehensive tutorials in the franchise. It’ll get you started, and it’s up to you to get better over time. If you’re skittish about blood and gore, feel free to pass this one. The finishers can go overboard, but that is practically a selling point of MK by now.

Pros

• Fast-paced combat
• Simple to learn, hard to master
• Rewards skill and experience

Cons

• Relies on microtransactions
• Can get too grindy 313

Specification

• Price $27.50
• Binding Video Game
• Player 1 - 4 players
• Genre Action