If you bought a PlayStation 5 or are thinking about it, the big question becomes: what should you play first? PS5 games recommended by critics and players can feel overwhelming—there’s a mix of flashy exclusives, deep RPGs, remasters, and multiplayer staples. In my experience, the best list balances must-play exclusives with great third-party titles and a few underrated picks you might miss. Below I break down top choices by type, performance tips, and quick buying guidance so you can pick games that fit your mood and hardware.
How I chose these PS5 games
I looked at critical reception, player reviews, replayability, technical performance on PS5, and long-term value. I also weighed single-player story impact versus multiplayer longevity. What I’ve noticed: some titles shine because they use the PS5’s SSD and haptics, while others are simply timeless fun.
Top picks: Best PS5 games overall
These are the titles I keep recommending when friends ask for one or two must-haves.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — Fantastic showcase of PS5 loading and DualSense, great for action-platformer fans.
- Demon’s Souls (Remake) — A visual and mechanical triumph; the definitive Souls experience on PS5.
- God of War Ragnarök — Deep story, strong combat, and cinematic scale; excellent single-player value.
- Spider-Man 2 — Best web-swinging and open-world superhero gameplay on console.
- Elden Ring — Huge open-world RPG with incredible freedom and replayability.
- Horizon Forbidden West — Stunning worldbuilding and smart combat; great for exploration fans.
- Returnal — Roguelike shooter that uses PS5 features to intensify immersion and challenge.
Best PS5 exclusives vs third-party standouts
| Game | Genre | Player Type | Why Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Action / Platformer | Casual to Hardcore | Fast, colorful, and a showcase for instant loading |
| Demon’s Souls | Soullike / Action RPG | Hardcore | Brutal but fair; gorgeous remake |
| Elden Ring | Open-World RPG | Explorers & Challengers | Massive world with player freedom |
| Fortnite | Battle Royale | Social / Competitive | Free, cross-play, constantly updated |
Best PS5 games by mood
For story lovers
- God of War Ragnarök — Emotional arcs, cinematic presentation.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — If you like JRPG storytelling and world-building.
For action and combat
- Spider-Man 2 — Crisp combat, satisfying traversal.
- Returnal — Fast-paced, punishing, rewarding.
For RPG fans
- Elden Ring — Open-ended builds and exploration.
- Horizon Forbidden West — Strong quests and visuals.
For multiplayer and social play
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — Popular, competitive, and widely played.
- FIFA series — Sports fans won’t be disappointed.
Hidden gems and underrated PS5 games
If you want something less hyped but memorable:
- Astro’s Playroom — Free, charming demo of DualSense tech and a delight for platformer fans.
- Kena: Bridge of Spirits — Gorgeous art, gentle difficulty, and a sweet story.
- God of War (2018) PS5 — If you missed it on PS4, the PS5 version runs and looks great.
Performance tips for PS5 gaming
Small tweaks can make a big difference. Try these quick fixes when a game feels off:
- Use Performance mode for higher FPS, Quality for better visuals.
- Install games on the internal SSD for fastest load times; move older titles to external storage when needed.
- Keep DualSense firmware updated—some games rely on haptics and adaptive triggers for immersion.
Buying advice and what to prioritize
Think about playtime and replayability. If you want a one-and-done cinematic experience, pick story-driven exclusives like God of War Ragnarök. If you’re after long-term value, contenders like Elden Ring or live-service titles (Fortnite, Destiny 2) offer months or years of content.
Quick comparison: Single-player vs live-service
| Feature | Single-player | Live-service / Multiplayer |
|---|---|---|
| Playtime | 20-80 hours typical | Indefinite, ongoing |
| Cost | One-time purchase | Often free-to-play + microtransactions |
| Best for | Story, immersion | Competition, social play |
PS5 accessories that matter
- Extra DualSense controller — essential for local co-op.
- External SSD (NVMe) — expand storage without sacrificing load speed.
- High-quality headset — for competitive multiplayer and immersive audio.
Trusted resources
For official patches and compatibility notes, check PlayStation’s site. For historical context on titles and franchises, Wikipedia entries are useful starters.
Final thoughts
PS5 games recommended here cover a range of tastes—from cinematic exclusives that show off the console to long-term multiplayer picks worth the time. Pick one that matches your mood, try an under-the-radar gem, and don’t shy away from replays. If you want a narrower shortlist based on genre, I can tailor one to your playstyle.