
While the PlayStation 4 doesn’t quite reach the iconic game collections of the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, it’s still a fantastic console with a huge variety of great games. Sony delivered something for everyone, offering everything from expansive open-world adventures and fast-paced shooters to immersive Japanese role-playing games and completely new series.
The PlayStation 4 first came out 13 years ago in 2013, and many of its greatest games are still fantastic today. These titles were either only available on PS4 or released on other systems as well, but they’re all essential experiences for anyone who owns a PS4.
Metro Exodus Is a Hidden Gem in the PS4’s Library
The Metro series is considered one of the greatest post-apocalyptic game franchises ever created, and Metro Exodus, the third game, is the highlight. Based on a set of novels, Metro Exodus takes place in the ruins of Moscow after a nuclear war. Players experience the struggle for survival as they navigate a dangerous world, with survivors forced to live and hide in underground tunnels.
Inspired by older games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Metro Exodus creates a truly immersive and frightening world. Despite selling over 10 million copies, it often seems to be overlooked compared to other popular PlayStation 4 titles.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Improved On a Masterpiece
When the original Resident Evil 4 came out in 2005, it was already considered a masterpiece. While it seemed impossible to improve upon such a perfect game, the recent remake managed to do just that. The most immediately noticeable change is the stunning visual upgrade, but the remake also includes many quality-of-life improvements that enhance the experience without changing what made the original so great.
The remake of Resident Evil 4 eliminates manual saving, but still keeps the original game’s suspenseful feeling. It also includes new enemies and frightening moments, giving both longtime fans and new players exciting things to discover.
The Last Guardian Was Worth Waiting For
Originally revealed in 2009, The Last Guardian seemed lost for years, leading many gamers to believe it would never be released. The surprise re-announcement in 2015, followed by its release the next year, was a huge moment. Though not everyone loved it, The Last Guardian ultimately delivered a unique and memorable experience.
Honestly, even after all these years, I’m still blown away by how real Trico, the main creature in The Last Guardian, feels. This game is seriously unlike anything else I’ve played on my PS4. The gameplay might not be for everyone, but it’s a total tech showcase – a real marvel to see.
Ghost of Tsushima Is One of the Most Stunning Games on the PS4
Released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima immediately stood out as a must-have game for PS4 owners. The game tells the story of a samurai who has to set aside his traditional training to protect his home and its people.
Playing the game, where you fight an invading army using sneaky tactics, is incredibly fun, but the beautiful landscapes are what players will likely remember most about Ghost of Tsushima. A follow-up game, Ghost of Yotei, came out on the PlayStation 5 in 2025 and is considered one of the best games available for that system.
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Horizon Zero Dawn Launched an Amazing New Franchise
Okay, so not every awesome PS4 game was something you could only play on PlayStation, but Horizon: Zero Dawn really helped define what the PS4 was becoming. I remember being totally hooked by Aloy, the main character, and the game just blew me away with its unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi. It honestly felt like nothing else I’d played on the console – it really kicked off a whole new franchise!
Fighting the robotic creatures in Horizon Zero Dawn is incredibly fun, particularly because you’ll often be short on supplies. Both this game and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, are must-haves for anyone who owns a PlayStation 4.
Persona 5 Royal Is One of the Best JRPGs Ever
The Persona series consistently improves with each new game. Persona 5, released globally in 2017, received widespread praise, but Persona 5 Royal took it to another level. Now, the story of the Phantom Thieves is considered a masterpiece, and the game’s turn-based combat is often called the best in the genre.
Persona 5 Royal has been a huge success, earning both critical acclaim and selling over 10.45 million copies. This makes it a major competitor to long-running JRPG series like Final Fantasy, and demonstrates that turn-based Japanese role-playing games remain incredibly popular.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Raised the Bar for Open-World Games
Open-world games became incredibly popular on the PlayStation 4, but many were criticized for feeling overly long and filled with pointless side quests. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stood out by offering side quests that were just as engaging and well-written as the central storyline.
Despite being the third game in the series, The Witcher 3 quickly drew players into the world of Geralt of Rivia, making it feel incredibly realistic and vibrant. The original game was exceptional, but the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions were truly outstanding, raising the bar for all other games in the genre.
Nier: Automata Is a One-of-a-Kind Game
It seemed unlikely that Nier: Automata would become popular. It was a sequel to Nier, a 2010 game that received mixed reactions, and that game was originally a spin-off of the very unusual PS2 title, Drakengard. However, against expectations, Nier: Automata became a huge success, selling over 9 million copies, and told a uniquely compelling story best experienced as a video game.
Though the main characters in Nier: Automata, 2B and 9S, are robots, their story is surprisingly emotional and relatable. The game is one that truly improves with continued play, and many consider its 5th ending, known as Ending E, to be a landmark achievement in gaming.
God of War Reinvented a PlayStation Icon
Kratos first appeared in the 2005 game God of War on PlayStation 2 and quickly became a central figure for the PlayStation brand. The initial God of War trilogy was famous for its extreme violence, as Kratos sought revenge on the Greek gods. The series returned in 2018 with a more restrained and thoughtful story, but remained just as memorable.
The 2018 game God of War brilliantly reinvented the series for today’s players. It moved from the myths of ancient Greece to Norse legends and traded a typical revenge plot for a touching story about a father and son. Both this game and its follow-up, God of War Ragnarök, are essential experiences for PlayStation owners.
Bloodborne Is the Best Game On the PS4
The PS4 has many great games, but none stand out quite like Bloodborne. Created by the team behind Dark Souls, this action RPG is set in a dark, Victorian-inspired world. It combines Gothic and Lovecraftian horror with incredibly challenging, yet rewarding, combat, and features bosses that are both beautiful and frightening.
While Elden Ring from 2023 has received well-deserved acclaim, many fans still consider Bloodborne to be FromSoftware’s best game ever. Bloodborne is widely regarded as the best game on the PlayStation 4, and it’s disappointing that it’s not available on other platforms. Hopefully, a remake or updated version of Bloodborne will be announced soon.
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2026-02-17 01:41