PS5 Games Recommended — Top Picks & Must-Plays 2025

By 3 min read

PS5 games recommended is a phrase I write often, and for good reason: the PlayStation 5 has a deep, varied library now. If you want the best PS5 games — whether exclusives, multiplayer hits, or something chill to play with friends — this guide sorts that noise. I’ll share picks I trust, why they stand out, and quick buying tips so you don’t waste time or money.

How I picked these PS5 games

I looked at play experience, technical polish, replay value, and how well each game uses PS5 features like fast load times and the PS5 controller. What I’ve noticed: great games do more than look good. They feel smart, responsive, and memorable.

Best PS5 Exclusives

Demon’s Souls (Remake) — A must if you want tight combat and beautiful art. The remake shows off PS5 power and the PS5 controller feedback.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — Fast loading, dazzling visuals, and dimension-hopping that feels made for the console.

Best Story-Driven PS5 Games

God of War Ragnarök — Big narrative, cinematic set pieces, and deep combat. In my experience, it’s both a showcase and a satisfying follow-up.

The Last of Us Part I — The PS5 remaster brings emotional punch and visual fidelity that makes the story hit harder.

Best Multiplayer & Co-op

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — Consistent multiplayer with strong matchmaking and frequent PS5 updates.

It Takes Two — Brilliant co-op design that’s playful and heartfelt. Try this with a friend — serious fun.

Best Open-World & RPG

Horizon Forbidden West — Big world, smart combat, and varied exploration. Great example of a PlayStation 5 game that rewards curiosity.

Elden Ring — If you like challenge and vast, emergent worlds, this one’s hard to beat.

Quick Comparison Table

Game Genre Why Play
Demon’s Souls Action RPG PS5 visuals & controller immersion
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Platformer/Action Seamless dimension travel, vibrant design
God of War Ragnarök Action Adventure Strong story + refined combat
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II FPS Competitive multiplayer, regular updates

Why these picks work on PlayStation 5

These games leverage the PS5’s strengths: ultra-fast SSD, adaptive triggers, and improved frame rates. A good PS5 game uses those to make play feel better — not just prettier. From what I’ve seen, titles that embrace the PS5 controller and load speed become much more enjoyable.

Buying and playing tips

  • Buy digitally if you value instant access and quick installs on the PlayStation 5.
  • Check for PS5 updates and patches before starting — they often fix bugs and add performance modes.
  • Try performance mode for higher frame rates or fidelity mode for sharper visuals depending on your TV.
  • Consider storage: many top PS5 games are large. A fast NVMe SSD expansion helps.

Short reviews — quick takes

Demon’s Souls: Intense and rewarding. If punishing gameplay appeals, this remake is stellar.

Ratchet & Clank: Joyful and clever. It’s a PS5 showpiece with heart.

God of War Ragnarök: Epic and polished. The story and combat both deliver.

Where to learn more

For official game pages and updates, check the PlayStation site for patches and feature notes. For platform history and specs, the PlayStation 5 Wikipedia page is useful.

Final thoughts

If you’ve got a PS5, these are the titles I personally recommend first. They cover different tastes: story, challenge, co-op, and spectacle. Pick one that matches how you like to play, and you’ll likely be rewarded.

Helpful resources

  • Official PlayStation game pages for demos and editions
  • Community forums and reviews for tips on difficulty and performance

Frequently Asked Questions