Determining the best PS5 games has now become quite a challenging task. While the PS5 generation started slowly and was initially flooded with cross-generational titles that could also be played on the PS4, Sony’s flagship console has since made significant strides by offering a lineup of must-play games that you can’t enjoy anywhere else.
At Tom’s Guide, we’ve reviewed dozens of PS5 games, from colorful side-scrollers to incredibly challenging role-playing games with hundreds of hours of content, and we’ve narrowed down the available software into a collection of truly top-tier titles below. These are the PS5 games we consider absolutely essential. So, if you’re looking for something new to play, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.
Of course, what might be considered one of the ‘best’ PS5 games is highly subjective, so we can’t promise that every title on this list will appeal to every type of player. But there should at least be a few games here that suit your personal tastes. And with that, without further ado, here’s the list of the best PS5 games you can play right now.
1. God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök had the unenviable task of following up not just one of the best PS4 games but also one of the most beloved PlayStation titles ever. Yet, somehow, the team at Sony Santa Monica accomplished the impossible and actually surpassed God of War (2018) in almost every aspect. While also playable on PS4, this game is truly a technical marvel on Sony’s latest hardware.
In this meticulously crafted action-adventure, you once again step into the role of Kratos, the perpetually enraged Greek demigod, as he seeks to protect his son, Atreus, from the vengeful specters of Norse mythology. The stakes rise as the prophesied apocalypse looms over the game’s epic fantasy storyline. God of War Ragnarök is a stunning achievement both technically and in gameplay, blending cinematic storytelling with satisfying brutal combat and deeply rewarding exploration. This is a game worthy of the gods.
Buy God of War Ragnarök Game ….
2. Elden Ring
Elden Ring is the pinnacle of the Soulsborne genre. Developed by Japan’s FromSoftware, this massive game takes the formula established in Dark Souls and expands it into a sprawling open world. As with most FromSoftware games, Elden Ring’s biggest draw is its challenging difficulty, requiring near-perfect execution from players. But it’s not just about punishing boss fights.
The game’s story is cryptic yet rich for those willing to unravel its mysteries, and with Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin contributing to the game’s lore, it’s no surprise that there’s an almost endless sea of knowledge to uncover. The true beauty of Elden Ring lies in the sheer freedom it offers players—allowing them to venture off the beaten path, craft their own unique builds, and tackle challenges their own way. Yes, you will die—many times. But the satisfaction of overcoming Elden Ring’s toughest obstacles is a feeling few other PS5 games can replicate.
There’s never been a better time to dive into Elden Ring than now, with the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introducing a brand-new region to the already vast map. This expansion is packed with terrifying new bosses, powerful new weapons, and some of the toughest encounters FromSoftware has ever designed.
3 Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 is a spectacular superhero sequel. It retains almost everything that made its 2018 predecessor great while improving on key aspects of the experience. The biggest new addition is the ability to play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, but other major upgrades include new traversal options, expanded combat abilities, a larger open world, and more substantial side content.
The cinematic main missions are a true highlight, allowing you to face off against iconic Spidey villains like Kraven the Hunter and Venom. Plus, combat remains as engaging as ever, and swinging through an expanded New York City never gets old. Without a doubt, Spider-Man 2 is one of the best superhero games ever made and a must-play for all PS5 owners.
4 Deathloop
Deathloop often prioritizes style over substance, but there’s a reason we awarded it Game of the Year in 2021: it’s an absolute blast to play. This first-person shooter, set on a mysterious island stuck in a time loop, challenges you to solve a “murder puzzle” to break the cycle. You do this by eliminating seven high-profile targets within a single day. But to execute the perfect assassination plan, you must carefully piece together clues and strike when the moment is right.
The game oozes style, from its 1960s Cold War aesthetic to its charismatic protagonists, who trade witty banter throughout each loop. While the upgrade system is a bit generous, Deathloop’s roguelike mechanics ensure that death carries real consequences, forcing you to play smart at all times. And with multiple ways to take down targets, Deathloop is a shooter that makes you think before you pull the trigger.
5 Astro Bot
Every PS5 comes with a free copy of Astro’s Playroom, a charming 3D platformer that can be completed in just a few hours. The game was so well-received that Sony decided to turn it into a full-fledged game, and Astro Bot takes everything great from its predecessor (as well as the first Astro PSVR game, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission) and makes it even more fun.
Astro Bot is one of the most delightful games on the PS5. You control PlayStation’s tiny mascot across 80+ levels, solving platforming challenges, engaging in simple combat (including boss fights), and searching for missing bot friends. The game also celebrates PlayStation’s history, featuring VIP bots designed after classic video game characters.
This family-friendly title is also a technological showcase, demonstrating the best use of the DualSense controller to date and overflowing with creative energy. It’s impossible to play Astro Bot without a big smile on your face. If you enjoyed Astro’s Playroom, wait until you experience the full adventure.
6 Returnal
Returnal is the most unique game from PlayStation Studios in recent years, not to mention one of the most brutal experiences on the PS5. This third-person action game puts you in the space boots of Selene, an amnesiac astronaut who crash-lands on an alien world and finds herself trapped in a time loop. The only way to break free is to explore the hostile planet—but beware, the creatures and wildlife of this world are truly menacing.
Combining bullet-hell gameplay with a roguelike structure, Returnal is a challenging experience where every death has consequences. Fail in the wilderness, and you’ll be sent back to your crashed ship, stripped of all weapons and upgrades, with no choice but to start over. Thankfully, procedurally generated environments prevent things from feeling too repetitive.
You’ll need nerves of steel to overcome Returnal’s toughest enemy encounters, but each hard-fought victory pushes you forward as you unravel the illusions, mysteries, and secrets of the game.
7 Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West doesn’t stray too far from the formula set by its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn—but that’s not a bad thing, as the PS4 original was already a fantastic open-world action-adventure game. The few refinements Forbidden West makes are all for the better, building upon what worked and fine-tuning various gameplay systems.
This sequel follows series protagonist Aloy as she ventures into new lands to uncover the truth about the old world and prevent the planet’s biosphere from rapidly deteriorating. In the Forbidden West, you’ll discover new animal-like robot herds to battle in surprisingly tactical combat that focuses on targeting weak points rather than just shooting arrows at enemies. There are also dozens of side activities and distractions to explore. Not to mention, the game looks absolutely stunning on PS5—you may find yourself spending countless hours simply taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Buy Horizon Forbidden West Game
8 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Back in 2021, we labeled Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart as the game the PS5 was made to play. Even two years later, it remains a fantastic showcase of the console’s capabilities—thanks in large part to its fast loading times and impressive use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback. But also because it essentially looks like a playable Pixar movie, with vibrant animated graphics and wonderfully expressive character animations.
Rift Apart plays very similarly to every other mainline Ratchet & Clank game, which actually works in its favor—the franchise’s established formula is already rock solid. This latest adventure once again sees the courageous Lombax and his robotic companion traveling across distant planets, meeting new (and old) friends and foes, and collecting an arsenal of creative weapons. While it may lack groundbreaking new ideas, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart more than makes up for it with sheer fun.
Buy Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Game
9 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a prime example of a sequel that improves and expands upon nearly every aspect of its predecessor. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order laid a strong foundation, and the development team at Respawn Entertainment has skillfully refined that formula to deliver the best Star Wars game in two decades.
Blending third-person action combat with Metroidvania-style level design and a touch of Dark Souls-inspired elements, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a cinematic adventure that encourages thoughtful gameplay and thorough exploration. The main story is also gripping, featuring likable characters and complex, sometimes even sympathetic, villains. Its technical performance on PS5 is a bit disappointing, but if post-launch patches can address these issues, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor could truly be flawless.
Buy Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Game
10 Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 fully lives up to its title as “The Real Driving Simulator.” The latest entry in the long-running racing series is the most complete installment yet and a must-play for car enthusiasts. Across various modes, you’ll race on iconic real-world tracks in some of the most impressive cars available. And if you want to fine-tune your driving experience, you can adjust almost every aspect of your vehicle, from tire grip to suspension settings.
You don’t need to be a car expert to enjoy Gran Turismo 7, though. The career mode is highly accessible for newcomers, and the controls are incredibly user-friendly. Even better, this already excellent racing simulator became even more immersive thanks to a free update that added full PSVR 2 compatibility for the entire game. The Gran Turismo series has always been one of PlayStation’s most consistently high-quality franchises, and this seventh main entry is another top-tier racing game that easily ranks among the best.
11 The Last of Us Part 1
The Last of Us Part 1 is a completely new remake of one of the most acclaimed PlayStation games of all time. While some might argue about the necessity of remaking The Last of Us when the fully playable PS4 remaster already exists, once you’ve seen this new version in action, that conversation becomes almost irrelevant. This is now the definitive way to experience Joel and Ellie’s journey across a post-apocalyptic America.
This is a shot-for-shot remake of the original PS3 version, so there are hardly any significant changes beyond the stunning visual overhaul. However, the action and storyline of The Last of Us still hold up remarkably well to this day and remain absolutely fantastic. Plus, with the recent success of HBO’s The Last of Us show, this remake is ideal for first-time players. The package also includes the game’s Left Behind DLC, which expands Ellie’s backstory and features some of the game’s most intense combat encounters.
Buy The Last of Us Part 1 Game
12 Demon’s Soul
Another remake of a PS3 classic, Demon’s Souls is the precursor to Dark Souls and a must-play for anyone who loves FromSoftware’s iconic, punishing action RPG franchise. Rebuilt by Bluepoint Games, the original spirit of Demon’s Souls remains intact. But the entire experience has been elevated with spectacular graphical polish and an incredibly impressive frame rate.
If you’re familiar with other FromSoftware titles like Elden Ring, you’ll know the deal here. Demon’s Souls throws you into the dark fantasy world of Boletaria, where nearly everything can kill you in just a few hits. And while it might seem overwhelmingly tough at first, take the time to learn the game’s various systems, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most satisfying gaming experiences on the PS5.
However, players who’ve experienced later FromSoftware titles should beware—some of the more dated elements of the original remain present, and these often alienating aspects make Demon’s Souls arguably the most esoteric game in the series.
13 Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is the first (non-mobile) game set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in over a decade, and it turns out to have been well worth the wait. Set over a century before the Boy Who Lived stepped into the halls of the iconic magical school, Hogwarts Legacy lets you create your own witch or wizard, get sorted into a Hogwarts house, and embark on a grand adventure involving dragons, goblins, and dark wizards.
While the game’s main storyline will captivate Harry Potter novel fans and the spell-based combat is surprisingly engaging, Hogwarts itself is the true star of the show. The famous castle has been digitally recreated with astonishing detail, and its corridors and classrooms are filled with secrets to uncover. And if that’s not enough, there’s a wider world to explore, including the quaint village of Hogsmeade and several smaller hamlets populated by all sorts of magical folk.
14 Dead Space
Dead Space is one of the most beloved survival horror games ever made, and it has now been reborn on the PS5. This remake of the 2008 original makes the horrifying sights and sounds of the USG Ishimura more terrifying than ever, thanks to a visual overhaul that turns it into one of the scariest experiences on any gaming console.
While the vastly improved graphics will be the first thing returning players notice, the Dead Space remake is more than just a pretty face. Developer Motive Studios has added some new content to flesh out the game’s story, and certain dated aspects have been smartly tweaked—goodbye, frustrating turret section!
If you’re new to it, Dead Space puts you in the shoes of Isaac Clarke, a deep-space miner trapped on a massive mining ship overrun by terrifying creatures called Necromorphs. Using repurposed mining tools, you must blast your way to safety while trying to hold on to your sanity. It’s an essential experience for horror genre fans.
15 Stray
Stray has a pretty straightforward USP: You play as a cat. Naturally, this unique selling point has garnered the game a ton of attention, as players relish the idea of controlling an adorable feline on a quest to find its way home. But don’t mistake Stray for just a cat simulator. This adventure game has a lot more going for it than just scratching posts.
Its incredibly detailed cyberpunk world is an absolute joy to explore. And there are plenty of secrets to uncover and worthwhile collectibles to dig up in its rain-soaked streets and grimy alleyways. Not to mention, the entire game looks downright gorgeous on the PS5, serving as one of the best showcases of the console’s graphical power to date.
The unique perspective of playing as a fluffy feline is another highlight, and the story builds to a strangely emotional conclusion. The core gameplay mechanics might be fairly simple, but overall, Stray is a unique experience well worth your time—even if you’re more of a dog person.
16 Stellar Blade
A captivating blend of various elements, Stellar Blade feels like a mix of Devil May Cry, NieR: Automata, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice—and it’s as approachable yet challenging as that combination suggests. Hailing from South Korean developer Shift Up, Stellar Blade is a PS5 exclusive that delivers genuine quality, with smooth gameplay, stunning visuals, and a compelling sci-fi world to explore.
You play as EVE, the sole survivor of a robotic squadron, after she crash-lands on a ravaged Earth overrun by hostile aliens known as Naytibas. Your mission is to eradicate this invading force, but along the way, you’ll uncover dark secrets and grapple with complex moral questions. Honestly, Stellar Blade’s storyline can feel a bit melodramatic with some less-than-stellar writing (pun intended), but the strength of its gameplay will keep you hooked for the 20 hours it takes to complete.
Combat is fast, fluid, and frenetic, and while regular enemies don’t pose too much of a threat, the well-designed bosses will truly test your skills. Prepare to parry—a lot. If rewarding gameplay is a must and story takes a backseat, don’t overlook Stellar Blade.
17 Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 remains one of the most influential and celebrated games of all time, so perhaps it didn’t need a remake—but we’re thrilled Capcom took on the challenge. This refreshed version of the iconic horror-action game is now the definitive way to experience the most beloved entry in this long-running series.
Stepping back into the shoes of protagonist Leon S. Kennedy, Resident Evil 4 takes you to an isolated Spanish village on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter, who’s been kidnapped by a mysterious cult. With vastly improved shooting mechanics, plenty of eerie moments, and a truly striking visual overhaul, the Resident Evil 4 remake is an essential experience for horror fans—and even the faint-hearted should give it a shot.
Players who cherish the original shouldn’t view this remake as blasphemy either. It remains remarkably faithful to its source material, making smart adjustments where needed while preserving the core experience. The Resident Evil series has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, and Resident Evil 4 might just be the pinnacle of that resurgence.
18 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The second chapter in the ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake project, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the greatest RPGs on the PS5. Once again, you step into the black leather boots of Cloud Strife, and this time the adventure takes you beyond the walls of the industrial city of Midgar. Entering a lush open world, Cloud and his companions (including fan favorites Aerith, Barrett, and Tifa) must track down the villainous Sephiroth—a quest that leads you to countless memorable locations and new characters.
The flashy combat system from 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake has been further refined, and when you’re not wielding Materia-powered abilities to crush enemies, you’ll likely be diving into one of the game’s many minigames. These range from chocobo racing to a tabletop card game called Queen’s Blood (which could rival The Witcher 3’s Gwent). Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is absolutely brimming with worthwhile diversions.
Of course, I haven’t even mentioned the cinematic storyline, which ends on a dramatic and emotional cliffhanger with plenty of unanswered questions (we need Part 3 now!), all wrapped up in some of the strongest production values the Final Fantasy series has ever seen.
Buy Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Game
19 Lies of P
In the continued absence of a Bloodborne sequel or remake, Lies of P is an action RPG stepping up to fill the void. This Soulslike game draws heavy inspiration from FromSoftware’s works and is loosely based on The Adventures of Pinocchio. But you won’t find any singing crickets in this dark fantasy take on the beloved novel. Instead, you’ll explore the Gothic city of Krat and face off against its many terrifying inhabitants.
Like its obvious inspirations, Lies of P is a highly challenging game, and some of its fearsome bosses might push your gaming skills to the limit. However, overcoming the game’s myriad tough obstacles delivers a deeply satisfying payoff. Plus, the visual design is gorgeous, and the weapon customization system lets you craft a character fine-tuned to your preferred playstyle. We may never get Bloodborne 2, but Lies of P is darn close to the next best thing.
20 Baldur’s Gate 3
A richly tactical turn-based RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3 would typically feel more at home on PC, and while Windows is the primary platform here, developer Larian Studios has done a remarkable job adapting this extraordinary game’s complexities to the DualSense controller. In fact, Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just playable on PS5—it’s arguably better, thanks to a redesigned control scheme that streamlines battles.
If you’ve missed the hype, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a deeply immersive RPG based on Dungeons & Dragons. In true D&D fashion, your choices matter, and you’re given complete freedom to carve your own path through dozens of quests. The strategic gameplay is fantastic, but it’s the hundreds of well-written dialogue exchanges and utterly compelling supporting characters that steal the show. It was a big winner at the 2023 Game Awards for good reason.
21 Silent Hill 2
High-quality survival horror remakes have become a major gaming trend throughout the PS5’s lifecycle, and Silent Hill 2 is yet another stunning reimagining of a true classic. Developed by Bloober Team—a studio with a previously spotty track record—this game brings the eerie, brooding horror masterpiece into the modern era with breathtakingly refreshed visuals. The titular town has never been depicted in such detail—or been so terrifying.
You play as James Sunderland, an ordinary man drawn to the fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his wife, Mary, saying she’s waiting for him at “their special place.” The only problem? Mary’s been dead for three years. Upon arrival, James finds the town desolate, save for the flesh-hungry creatures roaming the streets trying to beat him to death. As you delve deeper into this surreal and horrifying nightmare, you’ll tackle a series of satisfying puzzles, bizarre boss fights, and ultimately one of eight endings. While none are particularly cheerful, each is worth seeing and boosts replayability. The Silent Hill 2 remake is hauntingly brilliant.
