Alright, let’s talk PlayStation 5. You’ve got the gleaming white ps5 console, the revolutionary DualSense controller in your hands, and you’re ready for experiences that truly define next-gen.
But with a vast library that keeps growing, figuring out the best ps5 games can feel like navigating a maze. You want the blockbusters, the hidden gems, the games that make your investment sing. That’s where we come in.
Forget endless scrolling on the PlayStation Store; we’ve done the homework, played the games on ps5, and compiled the definitive list of best games on ps5 for 2025.
From mind-bending sci-fi adventures like Returnal to sprawling open-world epics and pulse-pounding action-RPG masterpieces like Elden Ring, this guide is packed with great games guaranteed to deliver unforgettable gameplay.
We’re covering everything: single-player narratives, thrilling multiplayer battles, jaw-dropping visuals, and the kind of immersive experiences only the best ps5 can offer. Whether you’re upgrading from PS4 or new to the ecosystem, get ready to discover the best PlayStation 5 games that demand your attention.
01
of 08Unleashing the Power: Why the PS5 Redefines Gaming
So, what actually makes the ps5 system such a leap forward? It’s not just about prettier graphics, though those are certainly stunning. The real magic lies in how the PlayStation 5 fundamentally changes the feel of gameplay.
The custom SSD means load times practically vanish, plunging you into vast open-world landscapes or intense action sequences almost instantly – no more thumb-twiddling! Then there’s the DualSense controller, a genuine game-changer.
Its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers create an unparalleled level of immersive connection; you’ll feel the tension of a bowstring, the resistance of driving through mud, or the subtle pitter-patter of rain in your hands, making PlayStation 5 games feel incredibly tactile and real.
Think about it: faster loading, deeper immersion through the controller, and audio technology that puts you right in the middle of the action. This isn’t just an upgrade from the PS4; it’s a whole new way to experience games on ps5.
The best ps5 titles leverage this tech to create experiences that simply weren’t possible before, making your PlayStation 5 console the gateway to truly next-generation great games.
02
of 08Must-Play PS5 Exclusives You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Now for the crown jewels – the ps5 exclusive titles that make owning a PlayStation 5 absolutely essential.
These are the great games, often developed by PlayStation Studios, crafted specifically to showcase the ps5 system’s unique capabilities. You simply can’t experience these masterpieces anywhere else (at least not initially!).
Look, Sony Santa Monica knocked it out of the park again with God of War Ragnarök. Continuing the epic Norse saga of Kratos and Atreus, this action-RPG offers breathtaking visuals across the Nine Realms, refined real-time combat system mechanics, and a deeply emotional, cinematic story.
It builds upon the phenomenal 2018 God of War (itself enhanced for PS5) and delivers a blockbuster experience that’s a benchmark for single-player adventures. Playing this ps5 game with the DualSense controller adds layers of feeling to every axe throw and shield parry – it’s simply phenomenal.
Then you have Horizon Forbidden West from Guerrilla Games. This open-world adventure is arguably one of the most visually stunning games on ps5, period.
Exploring its lush, dangerous world filled with robotic creatures is a feast for the eyes, and the enhanced combat and traversal options make Aloy’s journey even more engaging.
And let’s not forget Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which seamlessly lets you switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales in a vibrant New York City; the web-swinging feels incredible thanks to the PS5’s power, making it a standout in the Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise for ps5. These best ps5 games truly demonstrate why exclusives matter.
03
of 08H3: Returnal: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece
We have to talk about Returnal. This sci-fi roguelike shooter is a ps5 exclusive that perfectly utilizes the console’s features. The haunting atmosphere, intense bullet-hell gameplay, and intriguing mystery pull you into its time-looping narrative.
The DualSense controller shines here, letting you feel raindrops and the subtle charge of alt-fire modes, while the 3D audio creates an incredibly immersive soundscape crucial for survival. It’s challenging, unique, and one of the best games on ps5 for showcasing raw power and innovative design. If you crave something different and deeply engaging, Returnal is a must-play ps5 game.
04
of 08Blockbuster Adventures: The Biggest Open-World PS5 Games
Sometimes, you just want to get lost in a massive, sprawling open-world, and the PlayStation 5 delivers these experiences in spades.
These great games offer dozens, sometimes hundreds, of hours of exploration, adventure, and discovery, often boasting some of the most impressive visuals and complex systems available on the ps5 system. Forget linear paths; these are games on ps5 where you chart the course.
Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s magnum opus and Game of the Year winner, is an absolute essential action-RPG. While also on PS4, the PS5 version offers significantly faster load times (a godsend in a game where you die a lot) and smoother performance, making exploring the Lands Between even more captivating.
Its dark fantasy expansive world is packed with secrets, terrifying bosses, and incredible lore, building on the legacy of the Dark Souls series but taking it into a breathtaking open-world format. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adding even more content, Elden Ring remains one of the best games of all time and a pinnacle ps5 game experience.
You also can’t ignore Horizon Forbidden West, which we mentioned as an exclusive, but its status as a premier open-world adventure deserves emphasis.
The sheer scale and detail of its vibrant and ever-evolving open world – from lush jungles to sunken ruins – are breathtaking on the PlayStation 5. Guerrilla Games crafted a beautiful world brimming with quests, challenges, and massive robotic creatures to hunt.
Plus, looking ahead, the upcoming PS5 games list promises even more vast worlds, like the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, set to take us back to Vice City in 2025, demonstrating the PS5 console’s ability to render incredibly detailed and expansive world environments. These best ps5 games offer unparalleled freedom.
05
of 08Critical Darlings: Award-Winning RPGs and Action-RPGs on PS5
Beyond sheer scale, the PlayStation 5 is home to some of the most critically acclaimed Role-Playing Games (RPG) and Action-RPG titles available.
These games on ps5 often combine deep narrative, complex character progression, engaging combat system mechanics (whether real-time or turn-based combat), and rich world-building to create truly immersive experiences. If you love crafting a character, making impactful choices, and mastering intricate systems, these best ps5 games are for you.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second part of the ambitious Final Fantasy VII remake project from Square Enix, is a stunning showcase.
Exclusively on PS5 (for now), it expands massively on Midgar, offering a huge open-world to explore, a refined real-time combat system that blends action with strategy, and continues the beloved story with breathtaking cinematic flair.
It’s a blockbuster RPG experience that lives up to the hype, pushing the ps5 system hard. Its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, is also enhanced for PS5 and available via PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium, making it easy to catch up.
Then there’s Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios’ masterpiece that swept Game of the Year awards. This sprawling RPG, based on Dungeons & Dragons, offers unparalleled player freedom, deep turn-based combat, and incredible writing. While demanding, it runs beautifully on the PS5, bringing its complex world and characters to life on your console.
And of course, Elden Ring fits perfectly here too, cementing its place as a top-tier action-RPG and one of the best games period. These titles represent the pinnacle of RPG design on the PlayStation 5, offering hundreds of hours of deeply rewarding gameplay.
06
of 08Beyond the Hits: Hidden Gems and Genre Standouts on PS5
While the big exclusives and blockbuster open-world titles often grab the headlines, the PlayStation 5 library is incredibly diverse.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find fantastic great games across various genres – unique indie experiences, terrifying survival horror, precise simulation racers, clever puzzle game offerings, and top-tier multiplayer titles.
Don’t sleep on these potentially best ps5 games that might become your new favorites.
For survival horror fans, the Resident Evil 4 remake is an absolute triumph. Capcom masterfully rebuilt this classic from the ground up, delivering stunning visuals, modernised gameplay, and intense scares that feel incredible on the PS5.
Alan Wake 2 is another standout, a psychological thriller with a unique dual-protagonist structure and seriously impressive visuals – a true next-gen horror game. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, Animal Well is a captivating indie puzzle game masquerading as a Metroidvania, focusing on exploration and clever problem-solving in a dark, atmospheric world.
On the multiplayer front, Helldivers 2 became a phenomenon with its chaotic co-op sci-fi action – spreading democracy across the galaxy has never been so fun (or frantic).
Street Fighter 6 revitalized the fighting game genre with accessible controls, robust game modes, and vibrant style – its World Tour mode is a surprisingly deep single-player RPG experience too. And for racing enthusiasts, Gran Turismo 7 remains the premier simulation racing ps5 game, offering stunningly realistic cars and tracks, leveraging the DualSense controller for nuanced feedback. Exploring these diverse games on ps5 reveals the true depth of the PlayStation 5 games library.
Co-op and Multiplayer Mayhem
Let’s face it, gaming is often better with friends, and the PS5 offers fantastic multiplayer and co-op experiences. Whether you’re teaming up for boundary-pushing co-op action adventure or battling it out online, there are plenty of great games to share.
Helldivers 2 is the current king of co-op, offering hilarious and intense squad-based combat against alien threats. Its success highlights the demand for strong online multiplayer titles on the ps5 system.
Other titles like Call of Duty continue their blockbuster reign, while games like Diablo IV offer deep action-RPG co-op gameplay. Many sports titles like EA SPORTS FC 25 and NBA 2K25 provide robust multiplayer modes.
Even single-player focused games sometimes include interesting multiplayer aspects, and features like Share Play allow you to share your experience with friends even if they don’t own the ps5 game. The PlayStation Plus subscription is often essential for online multiplayer, but it also provides access to a library of great games, making it a valuable addition for social gamers exploring the best ps5 games.
07
of 08Looking Ahead: Upcoming PS5 Games to Get Excited About (2025 & Beyond)
The current library of best ps5 games is already impressive, but the future looks even brighter! Developers are constantly pushing the PlayStation 5 hardware, and the list of upcoming PS5 games for 2025 and beyond is packed with potential must-haves.
Keeping an eye on these future releases ensures your ps5 console will continue to deliver cutting-edge experiences.
One of the most anticipated is undoubtedly Grand Theft Auto 6. Rockstar Games is finally taking us back to Vice City in 2025, and expectations are astronomical for this next entry in the legendary open-world series.
Also generating huge buzz is Ghost of Yotei (essentially Ghost of Tsushima 2) from Sucker Punch/PlayStation Studios, set 300 years after the original and promising another stunning samurai open-world adventure as a PS5 exclusive launching in late 2025.
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is another major upcoming PS5 game, promising more surreal sci-fi narrative and unique gameplay.
We’re also keenly awaiting Monster Hunter Wilds, which looks to evolve the beloved Monster Hunter formula with a more seamless and immersive open-world experience.
Add titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows (taking the series to feudal Japan), potentially Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac, and numerous other announced and unannounced projects from PlayStation Studios and third-party developers like developer CD Projekt Red, and it’s clear the PS5 has years of incredible PlayStation 5 games ahead. Staying informed about these upcoming ps5 games is key for any PlayStation 5 owner.
08
of 08Getting the Most Out of Your PS5: Controllers, Accessories, and PS Plus
Owning a PlayStation 5 is just the start; optimizing your experience involves understanding the ecosystem.
The DualSense controller is central, but exploring accessories and services like PlayStation Plus can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the best ps5 games. Making the most of the ps5 system goes beyond just the console itself.
We’ve raved about the DualSense controller, but consider having a second one for local multiplayer or easy charging swaps.
Sony also offers variations like the DualSense Edge for pro-level customization. High-quality headsets, especially those supporting the PS5’s 3D AudioTech, can dramatically increase immersion in cinematic adventures and provide a competitive edge in online multiplayer. An external SSD for storing PS4 games can save valuable internal storage space for native PS5 games.
PlayStation Plus is almost essential.
The basic tier enables online multiplayer, but the Extra and Premium tiers grant access to a vast catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games, including many titles we’ve listed like Horizon Forbidden West, Demon’s Souls, Returnal, and numerous great games from PlayStation Studios and third parties.
It’s an incredible value proposition for discovering many of the best games on ps5 without buying each one individually. Leveraging these tools and services ensures you’re maximizing the potential of your PlayStation 5 console and its library of amazing PlayStation 5 games.
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FAQ
What are the best PS5 games to play in 2025?
Some of the best games on PS5 in 2025 include titles like “The Last of Us Part III,” “Final Fantasy XVI,” and “Spider-Man 2.” These games showcase stunning graphics and compelling stories that make them top picks for gamers.
How do PS4 games compare to the best games on PS5?
While many PS4 games remain great games to play, the best games on PS5 often feature enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and new gameplay mechanics that take advantage of the PS5 system’s capabilities.
Are there any live-service games on PS5 that are worth trying?
Yes, several live-service games on PS5 are popular among players, including “Fortnite,” “Destiny 2,” and “Call of Duty: Warzone.” These games offer ongoing updates and new content, making them great options for players looking for an ever-evolving gaming experience.
Can I play PS4 and PS5 games on the same system?
Yes, the PS5 is backward compatible, meaning you can play many PS4 games on your PS5 system. This includes a wide range of best PS4 games that are still highly regarded today.
What makes the open world landscapes of games on PS5 unique?
The open world landscapes of games on PS5 are often more detailed and immersive, thanks to advanced graphics capabilities. For example, the open world landscapes of Mexico in “Forza Horizon 5” are breathtaking, offering players a rich fantasy world to explore.
Are there any anticipated racing games on PS5 for 2025?
Yes, racing games like “Gran Turismo 7” and “F1 2025” are highly anticipated for 2025, promising realistic graphics and thrilling gameplay that take full advantage of the PS5 system.
What are some of the best games from PlayStation Studios for PS5?
PlayStation Studios has released several standout titles for PS5, including “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” and “Demon’s Souls,” both of which have received critical acclaim and are considered must-play games.
How can I find a list of the best PlayStation games for 2025?
You can find a list of the best PlayStation games for 2025 through gaming websites, forums, and official PlayStation channels, which regularly update their recommendations based on player reviews and industry trends.
Is “Street Fighter 6” a good game to play on PS5?
Absolutely! “Street Fighter 6” offers enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics that make it a great addition to the PS5 library, especially for fans of fighting games.
