Looking for PS5 games recommended for your next session? Whether you’ve just unboxed a console or you’re hunting for the next great title, this guide walks you through the best PS5 games across genres. I’ll share picks I’ve tested, games friends can’t stop talking about, and smart trade-offs for budget-conscious buyers. Expect clear recommendations, compact comparisons, and the kind of practical tips that actually make choosing easier.
How I picked these PS5 games
I sifted through playtime, patch history, critical reception, and community buzz. I focused on titles that shine on PS5 hardware—fast loading, DualSense support, and visual upgrades. Play quality and replay value matter most; hype doesn’t win here. From what I’ve seen, the best picks balance polish with personality.
Top recommended PS5 games (best overall list)
Here are the top picks I recommend right now. Short notes follow each entry so you know why it’s worth your time.
- Spider-Man 2 — Excellent storytelling, stellar traversal, and next-level DualSense feedback.
- God of War Ragnarök — Deep narrative, cinematic combat, huge production values.
- Horizon Forbidden West — Open-world exploration, strong side quests, gorgeous environments.
- Elden Ring — Massive, challenging open world with emergent moments and great replayability.
- Final Fantasy XVI — Action-driven JRPG with a mature storyline and slick combat.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — Fast, polished shooter with large multiplayer and seasonal content.
- Resident Evil 4 Remake — Tight pacing, modernized mechanics, and intense atmosphere.
Why these titles stand out
Each game leverages PS5 strengths differently: some use haptic nuance (Spider-Man 2), others scale performance and visuals (Horizon). Some deliver long-term value via multiplayer or expansions (Call of Duty), while single-player epics like God of War deliver a complete emotional arc in 20–40 hours.
Short comparison table: quick features
| Game | Genre | Playtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man 2 | Action/Adventure | 20–40 hrs | Story & traversal |
| God of War Ragnarök | Action | 30–50 hrs | Cinematic single-player |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Open-world | 30–60 hrs | Exploration |
| Elden Ring | Action RPG | 50–100+ hrs | Challenging open-world |
| Final Fantasy XVI | JRPG | 30–50 hrs | Story & combat |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | Shooter | Varies | Multiplayer |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | Survival Horror | 10–20 hrs | Tension & pacing |
Best PS5 exclusives and why they matter
Exclusives push hardware and define the console experience. If you own a PS5, prioritize these:
- Spider-Man 2 — The city traversal and DualSense integration feel native to PS5.
- God of War Ragnarök — A narrative centerpiece; if you want a complete, cinematic single-player experience, this is it.
- Horizon Forbidden West — A visually rich open world that’s fun to explore with the PS5’s power.
In my experience, exclusives are the reason many players buy a console—they’re optimized to feel special on that hardware.
Best PS5 multiplayer and online games
Looking to play with friends? These deliver consistent, engaging online matches and seasons:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — Competitive modes, large player base, frequent updates.
- Destiny 2 — Shared-world shooter with raids and seasonal activities.
- Fortnite — Free-to-play, cross-platform, and keeps evolving.
Tip: check season length and community size before diving in—server health matters.
Best PS5 action RPGs and open-worlds
Want depth and exploration? Pick a title that fits how much time you’ll invest.
- Elden Ring — For players who love discovery and tough fights.
- Horizon Forbidden West — If you prefer guided open-world with varied quests.
- Final Fantasy XVI — For story-first RPG fans with action combat.
Value picks and budget recommendations
If you don’t want to spend full price, these often go on sale and offer great bang for buck:
- Resident Evil 4 Remake — Tight and satisfying; frequently discounted.
- Returnal — Roguelike action that rewards persistence; value rises with time played.
- Ghost of Tsushima (Director’s Cut) — Beautiful, often bundled in sales.
Practical buying tips
- Check performance vs. visual mode—some games let you choose higher FPS for smoother play.
- Watch for bundle deals—collections and editions can add DLC at a discount.
- Use free trials and demos where available to test DualSense features and framerate.
From what I’ve noticed, waiting a few months after release often yields a better price without losing the core experience.
Short walkthrough: setting up for best PS5 experience
- Update system software and game patches first.
- Enable performance mode or quality mode depending on preference.
- Calibrate HDR and screen size for crisp visuals.
Pro tip: SSD install times on PS5 are short—use that to hop between games quickly.
Quick FAQ
Below are common quick answers for players deciding what to buy next.
- Which PS5 game is best for beginners? Start with Spider-Man 2 or Horizon for intuitive controls and helpful progression.
- Which game is best for co-op? Destiny 2 and Call of Duty offer reliable co-op and competitive modes.
- Are remakes worth it? Many remakes (Resident Evil 4) modernize gameplay and visuals—often yes, especially at sale prices.
Where to learn more
For official updates and patch notes, check PlayStation’s site or the game’s official pages. If you want a broad overview, Wikipedia can be handy for release histories and platform details.
Wrap-up
If you want a simple starting point: pick one exclusive for single-player depth (Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök), one open-world or RPG (Elden Ring or Horizon), and a multiplayer title if you plan to play online (Call of Duty or Destiny 2). Try demos or sales first, and don’t be shy to trade or resell—games are fluid these days. Happy gaming.