Feature: 37 Under the Radar PS5 Games to Watch Out for in 2025

Each year presents us with an abundance of games to savor, some might argue even too many, and 2025 will be no different. Many enthusiastic gamers are already anticipating the debut of some heavyweights, such as Grand Theft Auto 6, Ghost of Yotei, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. However, a multitude of other games in various forms are making their way to PS5 in 2025, and many of them warrant your attention. We’ve compiled a list of the most intriguing indie, AA, and under-the-radar games set to grace our consoles this year.

Baby Steps (PS5)

Devolver Digital is set to release an unconventional game, crafted by the same team behind “Getting Over It” and “Ape Out”. In this game, you assume the role of a lazy housemate residing in his parents’ basement, who finds himself in a peculiar world where he must re-learn to walk. With its promise of amusement, puzzlement, and aggravation in equal doses, we eagerly anticipate uncovering more about this game, beyond its enigmatic control scheme.

Bionic Bay (PS5)

This side-scrolling game, packed with physics concepts, captivates us as it offers a variety of amazing skills to conquer seemingly impossible platforming challenges. You can manipulate gravity, slow or speed up time, and even exchange positions with objects on your journey towards victory. The plot remains largely a mystery, but we’re eager to unravel the secrets behind this world where such powers are bestowed upon you.

Blue Prince (PS5)

Are you fond of challenging, enigmatic puzzle games that involve exploration? If so, keep an eye out for Blue Prince. This fascinating game allows you to navigate through a self-mapped mansion that changes layout every time, revealing new secrets with each playthrough. Gradually, by revisiting the house multiple times, you’ll uncover clues about how to find the elusive 46th room and solve the central mystery. To add to its appeal, it will be available on PS Plus Extra from day one as well.

Bounty Star (PS5)

For some time now, we’ve been developing this project, and we’re optimistic that 2025 will mark its release. Developed by Annapurna Interactive in collaboration with DINOGOD, the game offers an intriguing blend of intense mech warfare and peaceful farming and base construction. Each time we catch a glimpse of it, it looks even more promising, so here’s hoping we get to play it ourselves this year.

Date Everything (PS5)

The secret lies in the title itself for this unusual dating simulation game. You’ll develop connections (possibly romantic ones) with anthropomorphized representations of numerous household items and ideas. Have you ever dreamt about chatting with a toaster or making friends with a frying pan? Surprisingly, this game offers you an opportunity to realize these dreams by providing hundreds of characters for you to interact with.

Deliver At All Costs (PS5)

Since its initial trailer, Deliver At All Costs has caught our eye due to its potential. This is a thrilling top-down action game where the goal is to deliver packages on time, employing various unconventional and chaotic strategies along the way. It seems like it’ll be an enjoyable experience, and sometimes, that’s all a game requires.

Despelote (PS5)

Despelote is a game that caught our attention right from its announcement. Set in early 2000s Ecuador, it’s an engaging first-person narrative adventure about a child who adores football. You’ll move around and kick the ball to interact with the world and the characters within it, all presented through a distinctive and striking artistic approach. It appears to be a genuine depiction of a specific time and place, and we’re eager to discover more about it.

Hell Is Us (PS5)

In a daring and original fashion, the game “Hell Is Us” delves into the realm of exploration and development. Immersed in a grimy sci-fi backdrop, you are tasked with self-discovery, requiring keen observation of your environment and independent problem-solving, as guidance is minimal. Whether this strategy will prove effective in gameplay remains to be tested, but we’re certainly intrigued to discover the outcome.

Holstin (PS5)

Intrigued us with its hauntingly beautiful aesthetic, what truly captivated us was its unique perspective blend. A significant portion of the game is experienced from an isometric vantage point. However, during combat sequences, the camera shifts to a first-person view, allowing you to aim your weapon more accurately. This transition creates a striking effect, showing that although it appears to be 2D pixel art, the environment is actually 3D modeled beneath. While visuals can only take you so far, this game certainly holds potential.

InKonbini (PS5)

If you’re seeking a relaxing and enjoyable experience, InKonbini might be perfect for you. This game is set in a Japanese convenience store during the 90s, where you assume the role of a girl working various shifts. Your tasks include organizing shelves, tidying up, and assisting customers at the cash register. Unlike traditional simulators, InKonbini offers an engaging narrative with characters whose stories unfold gradually as you progress through the game. We find this game’s atmosphere to be quite captivating.

Lost Hellden (PS5)

Titled “Lost Hellden,” this action RPG appears to be reminiscent of PlayStation 1-era JRPGs, promising an engaging experience for players. In this game, you traverse a dynamic canvas world and encounter a battle system that transitions between two modes: Action mode allows you to attack enemies vigorously, while Reaction mode requires you to either defend or counter enemy attacks. Essentially, it seems to blend elements of turn-based strategy and action-oriented gameplay, all while boasting impressive artwork and music as well.

Lushfoil Photography Sim (PS5)

Lushfoil Photography Sim is similar to a game like Photo Mode: The Experience. This Annapurna Interactive title is an immersive first-person exploration game that transports you to breathtaking locations, where your goal is to capture stunning, scenic images of your surroundings. With authentic photography adjustments to fine-tune, this game promises to be a hit among all avid screenshotters eager for their next shot.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion (PS5)

The creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge are back, this time with another nostalgic beat-em-up called Marvel Cosmic Invasion. It boasts 15 playable superheroes, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Storm. What’s more, it offers four-player co-op and the option to swiftly switch between two heroes in real-time. This game seems destined for success.

MIO: Memories in Orbit (PS5)

This is an engaging Metroidvania game, published by Focus Entertainment. It boasts a unique visual aesthetic, and its combat and movement mechanics appear both smooth and dynamic. At this point, we don’t have much information about MIO: Memories in Orbit, but if you enjoy side-scrolling Metroidvanias, it might be a title worth remembering.

Mixtape (PS5)

Annapurna Interactive seems to have an eye for great games, and Mixtape appears to be yet another success. Hailing from the creators of The Artful Escape, this game offers a stylish experience as you delve into the recollections of a bunch of adolescent friends. The gameplay is varied, keeping things interesting all along. With its licensed soundtrack and captivating visuals, this musical journey could turn out to be quite a hit.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (PS5)

Moonlighter is a game we genuinely enjoy – it combines elements of roguelike action games with shopkeeping simulation. The upcoming sequel promises to expand upon its strong base, featuring an updated, three-dimensional art style. In this game, you’ll explore dangerous dungeons to collect items for your store, and during the daytime, manage your shop by setting prices, attending to customers, and ensuring their satisfaction. We believe that Moonlighter 2 is going to be worth keeping an eye on.

Morsels (PS5)

Published by Annapurna Interactive, this unique title is a roguelike game centered around capturing critters. Each Morsel creature you discover allows you to transform and utilize their distinct abilities. There’s a certain resemblance to The Binding of Isaac, but it seems even more grungy. The art style is captivating, blending retro low-fi scanlines with robust pixel art. The release trailer suggests potential artistic and gameplay evolutions as you advance, making us eagerly anticipate further details about this intriguing game.

MOUSE: P.I. for Hire (PS5)

It seems that the unique, old-school animation style of Cuphead has sparked interest among developers, with MOUSE: P.I. for Hire standing out as a notable example. Essentially a high-speed first-person shooter, this game captivates players by its exceptional visual presentation, making it feel as if you’re immersed in an old black-and-white rubber hose animation. The blend of 3D settings and 2D characters creates a truly impressive effect; we can only hope that the gameplay matches the quality of its appearance.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (PS5)

This retro side-scrolling action game, titled Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, has immense promise. Developed by The Game Kitchen (famous for the Blasphemous series) and published by Dotemu, it’s clear that this game is in capable hands. With its design harkening back to the original series, it appears to be a demanding action platformer, featuring impressive pixel art as an added bonus. We are confidently looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.

No Rest for the Wicked (PS5)

For nearly a year now, No Rest for the Wicked has been in early access, and it’s always managed to impress visually, even before that point. This is a top-down action RPG reminiscent of Diablo, but with innovative concepts that make its combat and exploration unique. Here’s hoping it reaches its final 1.0 version in 2025 and launches on the PlayStation 5.

One Move Away (PS5)

As a devoted admirer of Unpacking, you might find One Move Away intriguing! Although similar in concept,

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo (PS5)

If you appreciate the style of the Game Boy Advance games, you might want to explore Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo. This action-platformer casts you as a young bat embarking on a mission to reclaim his family’s reputation. You’ll use a yoyo to battle enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate challenging rooms. There’s a demo available for PS5 at the moment, offering a taste of its unique charm.

Promise Mascot Agency (PS5)

Hailing from the creators of the captivating Paradise Killer, comes Promise Mascot Agency – a fresh take on gaming. Blending elements of crime drama, open-world adventure, and management simulation, this intriguing game places you as a former yakuza member seeking redemption by reviving one of your family’s ailing businesses – an agency for mascots. You’ll scour the town to find these mascots, assign them tasks, and cater to their requirements to ensure contentment all around. Its unique appearance piques our curiosity, and we eagerly look forward to delving into its bizarre world.

Ratatan (PS5)

Pay attention, Patapon enthusiasts: the anticipated game, Ratatan, is approaching! Some of the original team members are involved, making this new title quite reminiscent of the renowned rhythm strategy series. As in Patapon, you command an army in sync with the rhythm, vanquishing foes and amassing resources. However, there are some changes in gameplay; it incorporates roguelike elements, and each soldier may possess unique abilities to utilize. Here’s wishing it can match the popularity of the cherished PSP franchise.

Reanimal (PS5)

The upcoming terrifying journey hailing from the minds behind the Little Nightmares series is called Reanimal. Unlike its predecessors, this game offers a unique perspective and an entirely fresh setting, where you control a duo of children on a mysterious island populated by grotesque, mutated animals. With a darker atmosphere than its past creations, Tarsier Studios promises to deliver a genuinely unnerving horror experience with Reanimal.

Rematch (PS5)

Interestingly, it’s worth noting that Rematch, an arcade-style football game, originates from the same team that brought us Sifu. This is quite a change in direction! Instead of managing a full team, you control an individual player on the field, performing intricate moves as you and your team strategize to score. With hints of Rocket League’s influence, the playing field is enclosed, features dynamic effects, and seems to demand high-level skills. We have faith in developer Sloclap – this could be quite impressive!

Ruffy and the Riverside (PS5)

There’s no denying the irresistible appeal of the vibrant, charming platformer, Ruffy and the Riverside. In this game, you assume the role of a bear who possesses the unique ability to replicate textures from one environmental object onto another, enabling you to transform lava into ice or turn waterfalls into climbable vines. The game’s endearing visual style and catchy tunes evoke a nostalgic, old-school platformer atmosphere that we wholeheartedly support.

Rusty Rabbit (PS5)

Without mincing words, we must admit our knowledge about Rusty Rabbit isn’t extensive, but the trailer has definitely piqued our curiosity. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic waste where rabbits rule as the smartest creatures, and you control Stamp, voiced by the renowned Takaya Kuroda. Using his mech suit, Stamp delves into the depths of Smokestack Mountain, unearthing an old recording left by his long-lost daughter. This sets him on a journey to find her in this side-scrolling action adventure. With such an intriguing premise, who wouldn’t be hooked?

Tales of the Shire (PS5)

In contrast to numerous game adaptations of The Lord of the Rings, Tales of the Shire presents a unique concept. Instead of an action-packed adventure, it’s a serene life simulation game where you assume the role of a hobbit residing in the picturesque village of Bywater. Featuring a charming art style and relaxing gameplay, you can prepare meals for companions, customize your home, and build connections with the villagers. Created by Weta Workshop, who have also contributed to the movies, this might offer an enjoyable change compared to games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing.

The Eternal Life of Goldman (PS5)

This 2D game called “The Eternal Life of Goldman” is enchantingly beautiful, which makes it effortless to develop an affection for. The visual aesthetic is captivating, featuring hand-drawn illustrations and animations that give it a unique charm. Beyond its stunning looks, the game seems promising, blending platforming and combat elements within the narrative. While certain aspects remain unclear, if the gameplay lives up to the art, it’s destined to be a hit.

The Mermaid Mask (PS5)

Prior to creating Crow Country, SFB Games previously developed the murder mystery game titled Tangle Tower. Now, they present The Mermaid Mask case for Detective Grimoire and Sally to solve, a puzzling incident that unfolded on a peculiar submarine. With a blend of different puzzles and point-and-click mechanics, this promises to be an entertaining, brain-teasing journey.

The Midnight Walk (PS5)

The Midnight Stroll – A Claymation Game with Potential PSVR2 Compatibility

Description: Crafted by the creators of Lost in Random, The Midnight Stroll is a chilling adventure game featuring an optional VR mode for PSVR2. In this game, you’ll safeguard a lantern creature’s light while navigating through a series of eerie landscapes filled with unsettling creatures. The visual appeal is undeniable, but the specific gameplay mechanics remain to be seen. Let’s hope we get more details about this captivating game soon.

The Precinct (PS5)

As a gaming enthusiast, let me share my excitement about “The Precinct.” This game places you right in the thick of things as a police officer, tasked with bringing order to the city streets. It’s got a vibe that harks back to the early days of Grand Theft Auto, but instead of being on the wrong side of the law, here you’re enforcing it. You’ll find a blend of driving, shooting, and law-enforcement, making for an engaging experience. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on it at GDC 2025, and let me tell you, it left quite an impression!

Thrasher (PS5)

Without a doubt, there’s yet no definite timeline for when Thrasher will be available on PS5 and PSVR2, but given that it’s the upcoming game from the creators of Thumper, it definitely piques our interest. In this ethereal arcade title, you guide an eel-like character to dodge hazards while striving for a high score within limited timeframes. It has garnered plenty of acclaim on other platforms, so we eagerly await the opportunity to discover what all the buzz is about shortly.

to a T (PS5)

Originating from the creative genius behind Katamari Damacy and Wattam emerges another vibrant and amusingly quirky journey. In this game, you assume the role of a young individual perpetually in a T-pose, striving to lead an ordinary life amidst the backing of their community. Although specifics about gameplay are scarce, it’s safe to expect hours of laughter and enjoyment, given the designer’s past achievements.

Unbeatable (PS5)

A particular game seems to radiate an unmatched elegance, and Unbeatable certainly stands out in terms of style. This is a narrative-driven rhythm game, set in a world where music is prohibited. As part of a defiant band on the run from authorities, you’ll experience your adventures through diverse rhythm challenges. The visuals are captivating, and based on the trailer, the music promises to be top-notch as well. Fans of Scott Pilgrim or The World Ends with You should pay attention, as this game appears to have significant potential.

Wheel World (PS5)

Originally called Ghost Bike, Wheel World is the upcoming creation from the team that brought us the captivating Nidhogg. This game, with its distinct style, focuses on the thrill of cycling as you race against other riders in a visually appealing open-world urban setting. The ambiance of this game catches our attention, and if the cycling mechanics feel smooth to handle, we anticipate having a relaxing, enjoyable time with it.

We’ve completed our list of lesser-known PS5 games to watch for in 2025, but expect more exciting additions as time passes. What lesser-known PS5 titles are you eagerly anticipating in 2025, aside from the well-known choices? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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2025-03-28 20:39