The PlayStation 5 has quickly become one of the most sought-after gaming consoles in the world, offering groundbreaking performance, lightning-fast load times, and stunning visuals. With its powerful SSD and advanced DualSense controller, the PS5 provides an immersive gaming experience that sets a new benchmark for consoles. Since its release, developers have released a variety of titles that take full advantage of this hardware, ranging from cinematic adventures to intense action games and unique indie gems. Choosing the best PlayStation 5 games can be overwhelming due to the sheer variety, but several titles clearly stand out as must-plays for any PS5 owner.
Top Exclusive PS5 Games
Demon’s Souls
The remake of Demon’s Souls is a technical showcase for what the PS5 is capable of. From its eerie lighting to its fluid animations, this remake brings the beloved original to life in a completely new way. It features punishing yet fair gameplay, deep lore, and a rewarding combat system that challenges even the most experienced players.
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Bluepoint Games
- Best For: Hardcore gamers who enjoy dark fantasy and difficult combat
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
This title exemplifies what makes next-gen gaming feel truly next-gen. With virtually no load times and seamless dimension-hopping gameplay, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart blends platforming, storytelling, and explosive action in a family-friendly package. The colorful visuals and innovative mechanics make it one of the best PlayStation 5 exclusives to date.
- Genre: Action-Adventure / Platformer
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Best For: Players looking for vibrant visuals and fast-paced gameplay
Returnal
Returnal combines bullet-hell shooting with rogue-like mechanics, delivering a highly replayable experience with gripping sci-fi storytelling. The game makes strong use of the PS5’s haptics and 3D audio, creating a tense and immersive atmosphere. Each run feels unique and challenging, ideal for players who enjoy a steep learning curve.
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter / Rogue-like
- Developer: Housemarque
- Best For: Fans of rogue-likes and sci-fi horror themes
Best Multiplatform PS5 Titles
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a monumental open-world action RPG from FromSoftware, combining the brutal difficulty of Souls games with a vast, interconnected world. The performance on PS5 is excellent, and the fast load times help minimize frustration after tough battles. The freedom of exploration and character customization make this game endlessly replayable.
- Genre: Open-World RPG
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Best For: Players seeking deep combat and expansive exploration
Resident Evil Village
The eighth installment in the Resident Evil series continues the first-person horror formula introduced in Resident Evil 7. On PS5, Resident Evil Village features enhanced visuals, faster load times, and haptic feedback that adds an eerie tactile sensation to each encounter. It balances action and horror, delivering a compelling narrative and memorable enemies.
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Developer: Capcom
- Best For: Horror fans who enjoy suspenseful storytelling and action elements
Cyberpunk 2077 (Next-Gen Update)
After a rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 received a substantial update optimized for next-gen consoles. On PS5, it runs smoothly, with improved visuals and shorter load times. The game now offers a far more stable and enjoyable experience, with its engaging narrative and detailed futuristic city worth exploring for fans of sci-fi RPGs.
- Genre: Open-World RPG
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Best For: Players interested in cyberpunk settings and story-driven games
Top Indie Games on PlayStation 5
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
While it’s not a massive AAA title, Kena: Bridge of Spirits delivers a polished experience with stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and engaging combat. The animation style feels like a playable animated film, and its emotional journey has made it a favorite among indie lovers.
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Ember Lab
- Best For: Players looking for an emotional narrative with cinematic style
Hades
Originally released on other platforms, Hades has become a favorite on the PS5 thanks to its tight controls, fast-paced combat, and exceptional storytelling. With each run, players uncover more of the game’s mythological world and build stronger relationships with its memorable characters. It plays beautifully on the PS5 with smooth performance and detailed graphics.
- Genre: Rogue-like Dungeon Crawler
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Best For: Fans of Greek mythology and action-packed gameplay
Stray
In Stray, players control a cat navigating a mysterious, robot-populated city. The game stands out for its unique premise and detailed environments. It’s a shorter title, but one that offers a refreshing change of pace. The platforming and exploration are solid, and the emotional undertone gives it lasting impact.
- Genre: Adventure / Exploration
- Developer: BlueTwelve Studio
- Best For: Players seeking a unique and relaxing experience
Upcoming PS5 Titles to Watch
The PlayStation 5 lineup continues to grow, and several highly anticipated games are on the horizon. While they may not be released yet, these upcoming titles are expected to become some of the best PS5 games:
- Marvel’s Wolverine– A darker, more mature action title from Insomniac Games
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth– The continuation of the ambitious remake project
- Spider-Man 2– Featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as playable characters
These upcoming releases aim to push the boundaries of what the PlayStation 5 can offer in terms of graphics, storytelling, and gameplay variety.
The PlayStation 5 boasts a growing library of incredible titles that cater to every type of gamer, from action and horror to indie gems and immersive RPGs. Whether you’re diving into the haunting world of Demon’s Souls, exploring dimensions in Ratchet & Clank, or forging your path in Elden Ring, there’s no shortage of unforgettable gaming experiences on the PS5.
With more exclusives and cross-platform hits launching regularly, the PlayStation 5 continues to solidify its place as the centerpiece of modern console gaming. If you’re looking for the best PlayStation 5 games to try next, the titles listed here are a perfect starting point, each one offering something unique and memorable for today’s gamers.