Since its launch in November 2020, the PlayStation 5 has established a remarkable library filled with outstanding titles. From major franchises like Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarök to hidden gems such as Hades, the PS5 offers a diverse collection of games, including remakes that are perfect for newcomers. Below, we present our curated list of the 25 must-play PS5 games, focusing on their quality and impact on the console ecosystem.

25. Destiny 2: The Final Shape

destiny 2 patch notes
Bungie
  • Release Date: June 4, 2024
  • Developer: Bungie
  • Genre: First-Person Shooter

Overview: This expansion provides a climactic conclusion to the Light and Darkness saga. Players navigate the Pale Heart to confront the Witness, introducing the innovative Prismatic subclass system.

Why It’s Notable: The Final Shape merges past elements while delivering a focused campaign filled with memorable missions and engaging endgame content, representing a significant milestone in Destiny’s narrative journey.

24. Hades

An image of Hades artwork.
Supergiant Games
  • Release Date: August 13, 2021
  • Developer: Supergiant Games
  • Genre:Roguelike Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: Play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, attempting to escape the Underworld while battling mythological beasts, aided by powers from the Olympian gods. Each death brings new knowledge and upgrades.

Why It’s Compelling: Hades combines dynamic combat with engaging narrative elements, ensuring each run feels fresh and rewarding—perfect for roguelike enthusiasts.

23. Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy 16 cover art
Square Enix
  • Release Date: June 22, 2023
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: Set in Valisthea, players assume the role of Clive Rosfield, seeking revenge against those who harmed his family while getting entangled in epic battles against powerful Eikons.

Why It’s Unique: The game marks a bold departure from the franchise’s traditional gameplay mechanics, offering new combat dynamics that appeal to both newcomers and veterans.

22. Death Stranding 2

Death Stranding 2 lou and Sam
Kojima Productions
  • Release Date: June 26, 2025
  • Developer: Kojima Productions
  • Genre: Action Adventure

Overview: Players return as Sam Porter Bridges, delivering cargo across diverse landscapes, facing new challenges alongside upgraded gear and threats.

Why It’s Engaging: The sequel enhances the core tension of traversing a perilous environment, introducing sharper combat mechanics and richer narratives.

21. Street Fighter 6

video game prices
Capcom
  • Release Date: June 2, 2023
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Genre: Fighting Game

Overview: This installment introduces the World Tour mode alongside traditional combat, with the Drive system enhancing gameplay dynamics.

Why It’s Exciting: The accessible controls invite newcomers while providing depth for veteran players, making every fight a blend of classic and new mechanics.

20. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 gameplay
Playground Games
  • Release Date: April 29, 2025
  • Developer: Playground Games
  • Genre: Racing

Overview: Set in an expansive open-world version of Mexico, it features a variety of challenges, from traditional races to unique stunt events.

Why It’s Impressive: This racing game offers a true driving experience that combines realism with high-octane thrills, redefining what players expect from racing titles on PlayStation.

19. Horizon Forbidden West

horizon forbidden west
Sony
  • Release Date: February 18, 2022
  • Developer: Guerrilla Games
  • Genre: Action Adventure

Overview: Follow Aloy as she explores the Forbidden West to uncover the cause of a mysterious red blight affecting the land.

Why It’s Captivating: The game enhances its predecessor’s mechanics, offering a rich, immersive experience filled with strategic combat and stunning visuals.

18. Silent Hill f

Hinako in Silent Hill f
Konami
  • Release Date: September 25, 2025
  • Developer: NeoBards Entertainment
  • Genre: Horror

Overview: Set in 1960s Japan, this latest installment entails a student’s battle against a horrifying fungal infestation.

Why It’s Intriguing: The unique cultural backdrop and psychological horror elements create a fresh take on the franchise, maintaining the essence of Silent Hill while offering a new narrative twist.

17. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

Closeup of Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2
Naughty Dog
  • Release Date: January 19, 2024
  • Developer: Naughty Dog
  • Genre: Horror

Overview: This remastered version expands on Ellie’s journey filled with themes of revenge and survival against overwhelming odds.

Why It’s Compelling: The game’s emotional depth and engaging gameplay experience make it a highlight within the narrative gaming landscape, now enhanced by improved visuals and loading times.

16. Split Fiction

Image of key art from Split Fiction
EA / Hazelight Studios
  • Release Date: March 6, 2025
  • Developer: Hazelight Studios
  • Genre: Co-op Adventure

Overview: Players control Mio and Zoe, two writers whose stories intertwine, navigating challenges that require teamwork and unique powers.

Why It’s Inventive: The game stands out with its fresh co-op mechanics and vibrant narrative, offering an engaging experience for friends or partners.

15. Grand Theft Auto V

best games gamescom grand theft auto v
Rockstar
  • Release Date: March 15, 2022
  • Developer: Rockstar
  • Genre: Action Adventure

Overview: Featuring three distinct protagonists, players dive into an expansive world filled with crime, heists, and vibrant personality.

Why It’s Timeless: The sheer scale and depth of the open world create an alluring sandbox experience that continues to engage players years after its initial release.

14. Ghost of Yotei

Atsu in Ghost of Yotei
Sucker Punch
  • Release Date: October 2, 2025
  • Developer: Sucker Punch
  • Genre: Action-Adventure

Overview: Play as Atsu, a warrior on a quest for vengeance, traversing feudal Japan filled with captivating landscapes and intricate combat mechanics.

Why It’s Engaging: Its combination of deep storytelling and refined gameplay elevates the action-adventure genre, keeping players immersed throughout her journey.

13. Persona 5 Royal

Atlus - Persona 5
  • Release Date: October 21, 2022
  • Developer: P-Studio
  • Genre: Role-Playing Game

Overview: This enhanced edition maintains the core experience of balancing life as a student and Phantom Thief while expanding its narrative depth.

Why It’s Unique: Its blend of turn-based combat, social dynamics, and stylistic aesthetics make Persona 5 Royal a comprehensive RPG experience worthy of its accolades.

12. Demon’s Souls Remake

demon's souls armored spider boss fight
Bluepoint Games / FromSoftware
  • Release Date: November 19, 2020
  • Developer: Bluepoint Games
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: This remake revitalizes the classic from 2009, placing players in the dark realm of Boletaria filled with perilous challenges.

Why It’s Impactful: Beyond enhanced visuals, this remake retains the era-defining difficulty while introducing better mechanics and gameplay systems that appeal to a modern audience.

11. Cyberpunk 2077

Johnny Silverhand from Cyberpunk 2077 2.1
CD Projekt RED
  • Release Date: February 15, 2022
  • Developer: CD Projekt Red
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: Cyberpunk 2077 immerses players in a vibrant Night City, navigating identity and survival amidst corporate warfare.

Why It’s Enhanced: Consistent updates and expansions have transformed this title into a rich RPG experience, showcasing the depth and adaptability of CD Projekt Red’s storytelling.

10. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

best rpgs gamescom final fantasy 7 rebirth
Square Enix
  • Release Date: February 29, 2024
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: Following the events of the acclaimed remakes, players join Cloud and his companions as they explore the world seeking to thwart Sephiroth’s plans.

Why It’s Ambitious: Rebirth’s grand scale and narrative depth provide a balance of nostalgia and innovative gameplay, keeping players invested in the overarching story.

9. God of War Ragnarok

god of war Egypt
Sony
  • Release Date: November 9, 2022
  • Developer: Santa Monica Studio
  • Genre: Action-Adventure

Overview: This sequel continues the journey of Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the Norse realms, battling gods and mythical creatures.

Why It’s Exceptional: Blending breathtaking visual storytelling and engaging combat mechanics, Ragnarok delivers a powerful, emotional narrative journey that resonates deeply with players.

8. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

psn account pc
Sony
  • Release Date: October 20, 2023
  • Developer: Insomniac Games
  • Genre: Action-Adventure

Overview: Players switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to fend off new threats across New York City, including the fearsome Venom.

Why It’s a Marvel: Impressive visuals, engaging storylines, and fast-paced gameplay combine to offer an exhilarating superhero experience on the PS5.

7. Astro Bot

Astro Bot riding on a DualSense
PlayStation
  • Release Date: September 6, 2024
  • Developer: Team Asobi
  • Genre: Platformer

Overview: Astro navigates various worlds to rescue his scattered crew, utilizing innovative mechanics that leverage the DualSense controller’s capabilities.

Why It’s a Delight: Its clever level design and nostalgic references in-game create a joyful experience that resonates with long-time PlayStation fans.

6. The Last of Us Part 1

The Last of Us Part 3
Naughty Dog
  • Release Date: September 2, 2022
  • Developer: Naughty Dog
  • Genre: Action-Adventure

Overview: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this remake follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate dangers and build an emotional bond amidst chaos.

Why It’s Significant: The PS5 remake not only revitalizes the graphics but also deepens the emotional storytelling of the beloved narrative that has impacted many players.

5. Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Damage cap
Sandfall Interactive
  • Release Date: April 24, 2025
  • Developer: Sandfall Interactive
  • Genre: Role-Playing Game

Overview: Set in a surreal, painted world, players embark on a mission against a mysterious figure who causes villagers to vanish every year.

Why It’s Praiseworthy: Its innovative turn-based and real-time gameplay mechanics alongside stunning art design makes it a standout in modern RPGs.

4. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Capcom
Capcom
  • Release Date: March 24, 2023
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Genre: Survival Horror

Overview: Players step back into the role of Leon S. Kennedy as he navigates a rural landscape to rescue the President’s daughter from a cult.

Why It’s Iconic: The remake revives a classic with modern graphics and smarter AI, making it one of the best survival horror experiences available.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition

Geralt from The Witcher series
CD Projekt Red
  • Release Date: December 14, 2022
  • Developer: CD Projekt Red
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: Geralt’s quest in this ultimate edition involves battling monstrous foes and making choices that shape the narrative in a rich fantasy world.

Why It’s Beloved: The Complete Edition preserves its legacy while enhancing visuals and performance, representing an unforgettable journey through rich storytelling and immersive gameplay.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion
Dexerto
  • Release Date: September 6, 2023
  • Developer: Larian Studios
  • Genre: Role-Playing Game

Overview: Set within a Dungeons & Dragons framework, players navigate a strategic journey to combat a parasitic threat while forming alliances and encountering engaging narratives.

Why It’s Revolutionary: Baldur’s Gate 3 redefines RPG gaming with its branching storylines and real-time consequences, creating a deeply personal gaming experience that captivates players long after they’ve finished the main quest.

1. Ring of Fire

elden ring character in shadow of the erdtree
FromSoftware
  • Release Date: February 25, 2022
  • Developer: FromSoftware
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Overview: In a vast open world shaped by collaboration with George R. R.Martin, players explore a richly detailed landscape filled with lore and perilous encounters.

Why It’s the Pinnacle: Elden Ring masterfully combines deep lore with challenging gameplay mechanics, making it a standout title not only for the PS5 but in gaming history overall.

We’ve reached the end of our list showcasing the finest games on PlayStation 5. Each title not only offers a unique gameplay experience but also leaves a lasting impact on the gaming landscape.

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