5 Best Naughty Dog Games, Ranked

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For the last three decades, Naughty Dog has steadily grown into one of the most respected game developers in the world. Known for popular franchises like The Last of Us, Uncharted, Jak and Daxter, and Crash Bandicoot, the studio consistently reinvents itself, pushing the boundaries of its games with each new iteration. Today, Naughty Dog is often considered the top developer within PlayStation Studios, and its latest releases are always highly anticipated by players worldwide.

Naughty Dog, the studio behind the highly anticipated PS5 game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, has a fantastic history of creating amazing games. Here’s a look back at their five best titles, ranked from greatest to good.

5. Crash Bandicoot

If you know me, you know I’m not a fan of Crash Bandicoot. It was fun when it first came out in 1996, but the gameplay hasn’t held up well over time. Compared to other platformers from the 90s, I think it’s one of the weaker titles from that era.

Even though I’m not a fan of Crash Bandicoot, I have to admit it’s one of Naughty Dog’s best games. It was a turning point for the studio, finally bringing them recognition almost 15 years after they started. This game was crucial not just for Naughty Dog, but for PlayStation too. It gave PlayStation a recognizable character to compete with Mario and Sonic in the early days of the PS1. Without Crash Bandicoot, both Naughty Dog and PlayStation would likely be very different today. So, despite my personal feelings, it deserves a place on this list, even if it’s at the very end.

4. The Last of Us Part II

Let’s be honest, The Last of Us Part II isn’t perfect. The story doesn’t quite land all of its goals, the game feels long and sometimes slow, and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. However, despite these problems, it’s still one of the most remarkable video games ever made.

In terms of gameplay, The Last of Us Part II is likely Naughty Dog’s finest work. It takes the stealth and action from the first game and elevates it to a truly exceptional level. Visually, it remains stunningly detailed and impressive, even years after its 2020 release. Though not flawless, The Last of Us Part II represents a peak achievement for the studio and is easily among their five best games.

3. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a fantastic conclusion to Nathan Drake’s story. Naughty Dog took everything that made the previous Uncharted games great – thrilling action sequences, intense gun battles, and exciting platforming – and refined it for this fourth installment. The addition of a grappling hook especially elevates the gameplay, making combat and climbing more dynamic and fun than ever before in the series.

Uncharted 4 really fleshed out Nathan Drake’s character, with quieter moments woven throughout the action. These scenes aren’t just highlights of the Uncharted story; they rank among Naughty Dog’s best writing ever. Ultimately, the game delivers a satisfying conclusion for Drake and shows how to perfectly wrap up a series.

2. The Last of Us

The Last of Us is widely considered one of the greatest games ever made, and it’s easy to see why. The story of Joel and Ellie’s journey through a world after a devastating outbreak has been updated and retold in various forms, including a popular TV series, but it remains incredibly compelling. Calling it one of the best stories in video game history is no exaggeration.

What truly sets The Last of Us apart is how seamlessly it blends gameplay and narrative – it’s the best Naughty Dog has ever done. The game’s focus on strategy and stealth isn’t just fun; it’s woven into a rich world and natural character interactions. This approach deepens our connection with Joel and Ellie, all without relying heavily on cutscenes. Naughty Dog excels at this kind of integration, and The Last of Us is a prime example of their skill.

1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Even after almost 17 years, many consider Uncharted 2: Among Thieves to be Naughty Dog’s greatest achievement. The game didn’t just build upon the foundation of the first Uncharted; it essentially defined the style and quality of Naughty Dog’s games for years to come. Uncharted 2 masterfully blended gameplay and storytelling in a way that surpassed anything Naughty Dog had created before.

Even today, Uncharted 2 remains a nearly perfect third-person shooter. Its pacing is excellent, and it features some of the most memorable moments in the entire Uncharted series—the train sequence is a particular highlight. Uncharted 2 is an exciting, accessible game that almost anyone can enjoy, and it’s still Naughty Dog’s most fun and arguably their best game ever made.

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2026-02-11 23:42