The Best PS5 Games

Sony put together an excellent first year for PS5, selling over 13 million units and releasing a handful of great exclusives (Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Returnal, to name two). Between an exciting 2022 games lineup and a planned Xbox Game Pass competitor, this year has the potential to be even better for PlayStation owners. For now, however, we've sorted through the current catalog and curated this list of the 15 best PS5 games.

Our list is updated to feature all PS5 games — no more PS4 backward-compatible games. Our main qualifier now is that, given how many cross-gen games there are, games on this list have to have a dedicated next-gen version available.

Some games make excellent use of the DualSense controller’s innovative haptic feedback, others will make your gaming TV shine with 4K gameplay, and some are just plain great games. Without further ado, here are our updated picks for the 15 best PS5 games.

Most recent updates were made on January 24 2022.

More on the best of PlayStation:

• Where to buy a PS5
• Best PS4 Games
• Best PS3 Games

15. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

The latest entry in the Assassin's Creed series proves the franchise shows no signs of fatigue. Centering the story around the Viking expansion into England during the 9th century, Assassin's Creed Valhalla has redefined the rules of the franchise yet again with the ability to sack monasteries, build up your budding Norse settlement, and uncover unique gear and powerful abilities. The PS5 beautifully captures the icy mountains of Norway and the bending rivers of England alike in stunning 4K, and the ability to travel between the war-torn kingdoms quicker than you can sound the horn for a raiding party remains impressive throughout.

The game's next expansion, Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok, is out March 10. The DLC sees Eivor travel to the realm of Norse mythology and embrace a new role as the Norse God Odin.

14. Kena Bridge of Spirits

Ember Lab has a background primarily in animation, and it shows in the studio's debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits. The developers have brought a stunning, natural world to life with equal parts inspiration in Pixar and Studio Ghibli, and exploring the mountaintop heights and subterranean depths of this world is always a site to behold. But Ember Lab didn't rest on its visual laurels, and created a blend of action-platforming to speak to the collectors out there, as well as a surprisingly challenging combat system with bits of Soulsbornes and God of War.

It can be punishing at times, but learning how to contend with Kena's toughest foes and use every facet of the combat system becomes more of a joy as the journey progresses. And, of course there's the adorable Rot, who not only seems tailor-made for merchandise, but brings a vibrancy, joy, and dash of adorable lightness to the world, even when all the odds seem stacked against Kena. We can't wait to see what Ember Lab does next.

13. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

If you’ve never played a Yakuza game, fear not. Yakuza: Like a Dragon acts as a soft reboot, introducing a new protagonist and swapping the usual solo real-time brawling for turn-based combat and a party system. Yakuza has always had some role-playing DNA, but Like a Dragon fully embraces it to big success. Its hero Ichiban Kasuga is a die-hard fan of the Dragon Quest games, and many familiar JRPG tropes and mechanics are simultaneously parodied in Like a Dragon and also implemented extremely well. There’s a layer of meta-comedy sprinkled throughout, and though it gets extremely silly, it never feels out of place or distracting. Like all Yakuza games, there’s a long, engrossing, deadly serious crime opera of a main campaign, a slew of utterly ridiculous substories around every corner, and a suite of surprisingly addictive minigames, from business management to kart racing. But this time it’s set in Yakuza’s biggest locale to date, the bustling port city of Yokohama, coming together to set the franchise off in a new, exciting direction.

Yakuza 8 is now in development at Ryo Ga Gotoku Studio. It'll be a direct sequel to Like a Dragon, set a few years later.

12. Hitman 3

Hitman 3 acts as the finale in IO Interactive’s phenomenal “World of Assassination” trilogy, turning Agent 47 loose on some of the biggest and most intricate levels yet, including the inspired Dartmoor Mansion. And it's perhaps the finest example of IO's formula: He can assassinate his victims with badass cold-blooded efficiency, or trigger some Rube Goldberg-style series of events that results in a much more comical death… or if something backfires, a Wile E. Coyote-grade failure.

When making a new Hitman game for next-gen consoles, IO Interactive could’ve shipped one game and called it a day, but they also remastered the first two games to the point that they’re visually indistinguishable from the latest installment (sold separately, unless you own them already, in which case it’s a free upgrade). In any case, the World of Assassination Trilogy was great on PS4, but it’s even better on PS5. Anyway, long story short, you can kill a guy by making him slip on a banana peel, which is funny anywhere, but on PS5 it’s also very pretty thanks to increased resolution, smooth 60fps, and an overall smoother experience over the last-gen version.

On January 20, IO is releasing the Hitman Trilogy, a collection of the developer's three modern Hitman games.

11. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy is a nostalgia-fueled cosmic romp that creates a distinct, if clearly inspired, take on Marvel's group of intergalactic a-holes. The gorgeous art and the genuinely endearing story are packed full of charm and humor, and it’s all elevated by a stellar voice cast that succeeds in evoking our favorite space heroes for hire but with their own unique, memorable takes. Whether you are blasting your way through a Nova Corps base or exploring Knowhere, there is never a dull moment thanks to various pieces of context-sensitive dialogue. In fact, Guardians might just have some of the best party banter ever.

Guardians also features a killer soundtrack that’s jam-packed with arguably some of the best songs from the ’80s, as well as an entire album by the fictional band Star-Lord. At the heart of its story, it deals with themes of loss, grief, and the power of a found family. While these themes may be the ones you’d expect in a Guardians of the Galaxy game, it's the phenomenal execution that makes this one worth the trip.

10. Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Intergrade

Final Fantasy VII Remake/Intergrade was the pipe dream that many fans hoped would happen but didn’t believe would see the light of day. Seeing the first chapter of FFVII remake in crisp HD and fully voice-acted not only made the day for those who tout it as the best in the franchise but also for those who may have missed out in the PS1 era. It's a shining example of how far gaming has come in the five generations of Playstation.

The game updated more than its visuals opting for faster real-time action that rewards skill and preparation while still allowing anyone who wants the traditional turn-based combat a way to choose that option as well. Because you never get to leave Midgar, Square-Enix improved and added to the side stories with the other members of Avalanche, your time in Wall Market, and added a few more areas to expand upon the original. The materia system is back and optimized with new materia for the updated gameplay style and introduces new ones to compliment it.

The Intermission expansion puts Yuffie front and center and gives her a chance to shine before the next release. It includes arguably the best and most engaging combat via her elemental ninjutsu, synergy attacks, and other ninja skills. Both the core game and the Intermission DLC add to the context of the world and give a sneak peek at what we can expect for the next installment of the FFVII Remake and is worth a try for the first time and longtime fans of Final Fantasy.

9. Control Ultimate Edition

Control is a wonderfully weird game. On one hand, it’s very Remedy – the game’s tone, gameplay, and mixed-media previously used in games such as Alan Wake and Quantum Break feels familiar. On the other hand, it’s something wholly original. Control showcases more style in its full-screen title treatments than many games do in their entire aesthetics, and its suite of psychic abilities to inflict pain upon your foes is utterly bonkers.

Sometimes funny, sometimes scary, and always interesting, Control is a one-of-a-kind game that shouldn’t be missed. And the Ultimate Edition is worth playing for the new bells and whistles added on the PS5, especially if you’re interested in Remedy’s extended universe and if you would like to take use of PS5's Activity Cards in a way few games had so far. Just be warned: you will never look at a refrigerator the same way again.

8. Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut

When Ghost of Tsushima was released on the PlayStation 4, it already felt like a next-gen game thanks to its stunning visuals and impressive open world; it was clear Sucker Punch had learned a lot about creating an engaging open world since its (admittedly admirable for the time) efforts on the Infamous franchise. But the Director's Cut is the definitive take on Ghost of Tsushima, and it's all the better on the PS5.

This robust package, even as a refined PS4 game, makes great use of the DualSense in both exploration and combat. Add in new lip sync for Japanese voice over, and, somehow, visual and performance improvements, and you’ve got what is the must-play version of a must-play PlayStation game.

7. Deathloop

Arkane Studios’ Deathloop is undoubtedly one of the more unique experiences to grace the PS5 so far. Arkane builds on the immersive sim bones from its past to create an incredibly dense and playful world. Figuring out the right paths to take, weapons and powers to use, and even times of day to visit certain locations makes exploration its own puzzle, and Arkane's beautiful, Saul Bass-inspired world is filled with peculiar oddities to pick up on and exploit to complete your objectives. In a time where timeloops are the feature du jour in gaming, Deathloop's is one of the most unique and satisfying to navigate, making knowledge its own reward, on top of a suite of incredible powers. And don't even get us started on its stunning soundtrack.

6. Astro's Playroom

The DualSense Controller is one of the most defining characteristics of the PS5, as the nuanced haptic feedback and strategically used adaptive triggers create a level of immersion that feels genuinely special. Nowhere is that tech better showcased than in Astro's Playroom which is – quite literally – designed to show off the capabilities of the Dualsense controller.

But this would-be tech demo is also a fantastic game in its own right, with a delightful set of worlds to explore that all celebrate a different facet of the PS5 and the different eras of PlayStation software and hardware. Astro's Playroom reminds players why they've loved PlayStation while giving them a reason to fall in love all over again. Its solid platforming, fun environmental puzzles, and enticing set of collectibles will have you gunning for the platinum and getting it in no time.

Team Asobi, the development group behind Astro, is now an official PlayStation Studio. The studio is currently working on its "most ambitious game yet."

5. Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil has never shied away from the mystical and supernatural, and Village leans into those themes more than any entry in the series to date. From severed hands that can just be simply reattached, to floating killer dolls, to nine foot tall lady vampires, Resident Evil Village feels like wondering through a demented circus. In one fell swoop, it gave us what will go on to become one of the most recognizable Resi villains ever: Lady Dimitrescu, while still respecting the main antagonist's story that began in Resident Evil 7.

It brings the series back to its Metroidvania roots, requiring you to revisit areas seen several times throughout your playthrough, but with new tools at your disposal to explore them. It’s by far the most fantastical the series has ever gotten, and it remains to be seen whether or not Resident Evil will ever return to its more straightforward zombie roots, or at this point, if we’d even want it to.

4. Demon's Souls

Bluepoint Games had some high expectations to meet with the PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls. Not only was it an anticipated remake of a beloved and landmark game, but also as the first major showcase of what a dedicated PS5 game of this scope could look like.

Fortunately, Bluepoint delivered, and Demon’s Souls is not only jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but it’s also incredibly faithful to the source material.It's handily one of the deepest, richest, and most challenging experiences currently found on the console.

Developer Bluepoint Games was officially acquired by PlayStation in 2021. The studio's next project will be an original game, rather than another remake.

3. Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart

As Insomniac's first truly exclusive PS5 game, Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is a stunning showcase for what Sony's next-gen console can do, thanks to a series practically built to take advantage of all the new bells and whistles. Whether you're a newcomer to the duo's adventures or a longtime fan since the PS2 days, there's charm a-plenty to be found in returning characters, and brand new ones like the incredible Rivet and Kit.

The delightful, and surprisingly emotional story, is at the core of a theme park ride-like adventure through a host of varied alien worlds, which are stunningly realized in both depth and clarity of detail while running so smoothly on the PS5. And Rift Apart includes one of the franchise's best suite of weapons, from the wacky Topiary Sprinkler to the powerful Executor, all of which make great use of both the DualSense's haptics and adaptive triggers.Ratchet and Clank may be one of the longest-running Sony franchises still seeing new entries, but if Rift Apart is any indication, there's still so much life, humor, and dazzling action to left to experience.

2. Returnal

Returnal is a trailblazer of sorts. Roguelikes have long been one of the most popular genres on the indie scene, with games like Spelunky 2, Dead Cells, Enter the Gungeon, and The Binding of Isaac leading the charge, but in the AAA space, we’ve never really seen anything quite like Returnal. Returnal combines Housemarque’s expertise in intense, bullet hell, arcadey shoot-em-ups, with deep roguelike mechanics and a dense, chilling atmosphere, resulting in unforgettable experiences. Returnal’s one issue on release was the inability to suspend its lengthy runs and save your progress, but since that’s been patched, it’s hard to find flaws in this incredibly bold and ambitious take on the AAA roguelike.

1. Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Though not a full-blown sequel, this standalone expansion sends Peter Parker on vacation and leaves his young spider-apprentice Miles Morales to look after New York. Building on the rock-solid foundations of Insomniac's first game, New York has been gorgeously blanketed with snow, holiday cheer, and next-gen polish.

The improvements aren't just cosmetic, however – the eponymous hero has a few more spider-powers at his disposal than Peter Parker, and these are cleverly adapted into new gameplay mechanics that, while they don't reinvent the wheel, they put enough of a spin on it to make it feel fresh – sometimes literally, thanks to the DualSense controller. It doesn't feature as robust of a campaign or as many colorful villains as 2018's Spider-Man, but Miles Morales' story has just as much charm and heart as its predecessor, possibly more. Its tagline of "Be Greater" set a high bar, but Miles Morales somersaults over it with ease.

Insomniac's most recent release, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, led the DICE 2022 Awards with nine nominations.

And if you're loving Miles Morales but somehow missed out on or want to replay its predecessor, there's no reason not to get the ultimate edition and pick up Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered as well. We previously had MSMR as a standalone game on this list because it was such a great port, but considering the breadth of games we want to now highlight on the PS5, and its availability only as a part of Miles' special edition, we decided to couple it with our recommendation here.

Upcoming PS5 Games

The first big PS5 releases of the year drop this week on January 20: the arcade sequel Windjammers 2 and the PvE co-op shooter Rainbow Six Extraction.

Also coming this month is Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection on January 28. Legacy of Thieves includes PS5 remasters of both Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy for $50 USD.

There's much more to come in the year ahead for PS5 owners. Be sure to read our feature story on what to expect from PlayStation in 2022 for more.

Updates: On January 24th, The Pathless, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Bugsnax were removed from the list, while Returnal, Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart, Resident Evil Village, Deathloop, Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut, Control Ultimate Edition, Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Intergrade, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and Kena Bridge of Spirits were added. Demon's Souls, Hitman 3, Astro's Playroom, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla, also shifted positions on the list.

Those are our picks for the best games currently available on PlayStation 5. What's on your list that didn't make ours? Lets us know in the comments, and be sure to check out how the PS5 stacks up against the Xbox Series X after six months, and have a look at what we love about Sony's new console and where we think it needs some work.