The best PS5 games you can play right now

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the current lineup for the PlayStation 5 is nothing short of breathtaking! From the moment I laid eyes on this magnificent machine, I knew it was going to be something special.

Just acquired a brand new PlayStation 5 and wondering which games are worth adding to your collection? Look no further as we’ve compiled an extensive list of top-notch titles that you might enjoy playing on this powerful console!

On this platform, you’ll find an abundance of terrific games ranging from Astro Bot, God of War, Spider-Man, and many more in between. Choosing a starting point might become a bit perplexing due to the variety available.

Over the last twelve months, the PS5 has thrived, providing an abundance of fresh games to indulge in during the holiday season and beyond.

Check out our current top picks for exciting PS5 games you can dive into straight away. Notably, the PS5 is also compatible with PS4 games, expanding your gaming options!

Best games to play on the PS5 now

Astro Bot

Astro Bot boasts vibrant colors, creativity, and an abundance of enjoyable gameplay, making it one of the top games available on PlayStation 5. Players of every age can expect a fantastic experience!

Remember to play Astro’s Playroom, too, which is built in to the PS5 for free!

Silent Hill 2 remake

Brilliantly revamping the PS2 original Silent Hill 2 for the PS5, Bloober Team has truly earned a place among the top-tier games on this console. Take a look at our review to discover what makes this chilling title worth experiencing!

Helldivers 2

Ready for intense multiplayer fun? Helldivers 2 delivers explosive action and it’s an exciting choice for your PlayStation 5 gaming sessions. Don’t hesitate, join the final battlefront now!

Tekken 8

The combination of Tekken and PlayStation is like a perfect fit in the gaming world. Tekken 8 represents the latest installment in this extended series of combat games, widely regarded as one of the finest in the franchise. It’s an engaging fighting game that caters to both dedicated fans of the genre and novice players alike, offering a rich experience for all.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Just like Tekken symbolizes the PlayStation brand, Final Fantasy VII (especially) carries this association, particularly so. The sequel to the highly anticipated remake trilogy, titled “Rebirth,” is making waves as an impressive role-playing game on the PlayStation 5, standing out for its grandeur and boldness.

Final Fantasy 16

Embarking on an epic journey across the twin continents of Valisthea, I find myself as Clive Rosfield, immersed in a tale that marks the first time the Final Fantasy series steps into next-generation gaming. Exclusively available on PlayStation 5, this action RPG offers a world ripe for exploration, filled with awe-inspiring wonders and intricate lore that breathes life into its characters and setting in a way rarely seen within the series. The experience is akin to merging the political intrigue of Game of Thrones with the fast-paced action of Devil May Cry.

The impressive fact that Final Fantasy 16 sold over three million units in its initial week demonstrates once more the might of Square Enix’s flagship franchise.

Stray

In simple terms, “Stray” is a video game that lets you assume the role of an endearing stray cat. But this game isn’t just about being cute; it demonstrates its value as a quality game beyond its feline protagonist. It offers creative puzzles, cat-like platforming that feels authentic, and a surprisingly profound post-apocalyptic narrative – even without any human characters involved.

Not only is it enjoyable when you share your interests with others, but having a pet cat makes the experience even more fulfilling because they tend to mirror your enthusiasm!

Deathloop

Apart from being hailed as an exceptional game worth playing on your PlayStation 5, Deathloop has also been a strong contender for multiple Game of the Year honors. In fact, it even earned a nomination for this prestigious award at The Game Awards 2021.

Caught in a recurring time cycle, your mission is to eliminate eight individuals known as ‘Visionaries’. The catch is that the eliminations must be completed before the clock strikes midnight, or else the day resets. This might seem straightforward, but don’t let that fool you; as you are compelled to carry out this task repeatedly, you will uncover more about how to accomplish it and potentially find a way out of this loop.

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Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart stands out as one of the exceptional installments featuring the Lombax-Robot duo, as they confront Doctor Nefarious in a thrilling space odyssey. With visuals akin to a Pixar film, this game was the first to demonstrate the DualSense controller’s potential, utilizing its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers effectively.

This franchise brings back all its familiar humor in ample amounts, along with a host of fresh characters who quickly fit into the zany atmosphere. It’s suitable for both children and adults alike, appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Alan Wake 2

In a new twist, Alan Wake 2 traverses various locations. It skillfully combines numerous types of media into one cohesive whole, offering a survival horror experience from Remedy Games. The storyline resumes 13 years after the first installment, with author Alan Wake still ensnared in an alternate dimension. As he attempts to extricate himself from this nightmare, he composes a chilling tale about FBI special agent Saga Anderson, and events quickly take a turn for the ominous.

Since the initial game has received an upgrade, you now have no reason left to miss out on reliving these outstanding narratives one after the other.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

Without a doubt, one could argue that Spider-Man ranks among the best superhero games ever made. When it initially launched, it garnered widespread acclaim, and if you haven’t played it yet and happen to own a PlayStation 5, purchasing the remastered version is essentially a no-brainer.

Significantly enhanced graphics make this an exceptional production, rivaling some of the best Spider-Man stories across various platforms. If you’re a fan of superheroes, this is definitely worth purchasing. For those who already own it on PS4, there’s also an upgrade option available for approximately £10.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

As a movie critic eagerly awaiting the sequel to Spider-Man featuring Miles Morales, I can confidently say that my anticipation was more than met. This game delivers an extraordinary storyline that’s engaging even for those unfamiliar with its prequel. The recent update, incorporating ray-tracing technology, has catapulted this title to the forefront of visually stunning games in the new generation.

You have the option to buy it separately, or you could also get it bundled with the remastered version of Spider-Man, in case you’d like to experience that as well.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

In a stellar delivery, Insomniac Games doesn’t disappoint as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 offers another compelling tale for the web-slinger duo of Miles and Peter. This time around, players will encounter both Kraven the Hunter and Venom in an enlarged New York City that raises the stakes even higher. Boasting improved combat mechanics, innovative gadgets, engaging side quests, and a gripping narrative that keeps you hooked until the very end, it’s safe to say that this PlayStation 5 exclusive ranks among the finest titles available.

God of War

Before the latest upgrade for PlayStation 5, God of War was already a game you shouldn’t miss. Now, it’s more crucial than ever to play this reimagined series. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, now’s your chance to dive in and understand why it’s so highly regarded – and it’s not just due to the voice talent of Christopher Judge as the Spartan. From its compelling storyline to cinematic visuals, side quests, intense battles, and every detail in between, Sony Santa Monica has crafted a modern-day masterpiece.

God of War Ragnarök

God of War: Ragnarok surpasses its predecessor in countless ways, tailored exclusively for the PS5. Three years on from their last adventure, Kratos and Atreus brace for Fimbulwinter’s arrival. The sequel showcases Sony Santa Monica’s masterful storytelling prowess, reinforcing their status as a leading PlayStation studio.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

The Assassin’s Creed series delves into the Viking conquest of England during 872AD, skillfully combining intense action, intriguing characters, exceptional voice acting, and visually stunning graphics to produce one of its finest installments. Refining gameplay from previous versions and ramping up the violence, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a brutally engaging game with numerous side quests, activities, and expansive areas to explore in its massive open world – not forgetting the exceptional DLC content.

We also recommend Assassin’s Creed Mirage!

The Last of Us Part 1

It would be remiss not to mention The Last of Us, one of the biggest success stories of all time for the PlayStation – and a must-play if the PS5 is your first Sony console. Originally released for the PS3, the game was then remastered for the PS4 before being rebuilt from the ground up for the PS5 in the form of The Last of Us Part 1.

If you’ve watched the HBO series, this game is the one to experience. It narrates the story of a smuggler named Joel, who is assigned to escort a teenager named Ellie through a post-apocalyptic landscape. This game takes you on an emotional journey that once more demonstrates the ability of video games to match and even surpass cinema in terms of storytelling.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

In a heart-wrenching tale, breathtaking visuals, and nerve-wracking gaming sequences, The Last of Us Part 2 continues five years after its predecessor, showcasing the remarkable progress video games have made in recent times. Similar to the first game, it’s a thoughtful journey with well-crafted characters, emotionally intense moments, and a convincing depiction of a post-apocalyptic America.

The updated version of the PS5 game will debut in January, boasting improved graphics, hidden levels, additional modes, and compatibility with DualSense controllers, among other features. If you already own the PS4 edition, you can upgrade to this new version for approximately £10.

Demon Souls

As a die-hard film enthusiast, if you recall immersing yourself in the original masterpiece on your PS3, you may believe you’ve experienced all it had to offer – until now! Bluepoint Games has brought us a 2020 remake that is nothing short of breathtaking. This isn’t just an update; it’s a complete reimagining of the iconic Demon Souls game, which kickstarted the Souls-like genre we know and love today. From Bloodborne to Elden Ring, they all trace their roots back to this unforgettable odyssey through Boletaria, where you fight to save the world from The Old One.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Despite some mild criticisms regarding its open-world design, Ghost of Tsushima shone brightly with a captivating narrative, breathtaking depictions of medieval Japan during the Mongol invasion, and combat that rivals that found in the Batman: Arkham series. The PS5 remaster significantly enhances loading times, boosts the game to 60 frames per second at 1800 pixels, and adds the Iki Island expansion to the mix.

EA Sports FC 25

The newly released version 25 of the FIFA series, now known as FC following EA’s termination of its partnership with FIFA, is an exceptional football game. It caters equally well to single-player and multiplayer experiences, thanks to updates in Career Mode and the addition of a new five-a-side mode called Rush.

Rocket League

A game that every PlayStation user should consider downloading is Rocket League. If you’ve ever watched those Top Gear competitions where vehicles face off against a giant soccer ball and thought it looked fun, this is your chance to try it out! Created by the independent studio Psyonix, known for their creatively named game Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, Rocket League has grown in popularity since its release in 2015. This high-speed, action-packed game brings together cars, soccer, and rockets in a thrilling blend that’s hard to resist! What’s not to enjoy?

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

The spin-off from LittleBigPlanet is an incredibly enjoyable platform game, brimming with delightful stages that are equally engaging in single-player and cooperative play (either local or online). You can find it on both PS4 and PS5, making the next-gen version a must-try to experience the DualSense capabilities. Although Sackboy may not be unseating Mario from his throne any time soon, Sumo Digital has undeniably delivered something unique with adorable animations, minimal load times, and outstanding level designs.

Elden Ring

This game is perfect for those up for a tough challenge. FromSoftware has a reputation for creating challenging games, and Elden Ring is no different. What makes it unique among Souls-like games, though, is its expansive open world. Fans of Game of Thrones will be pleased to learn that George RR Martin has contributed to the storyline and world-building, ensuring a compelling narrative.

This game is currently one of the top candidates for Game of the Year, so it’s definitely worth exploring its intricate universe and striving to become the next Elden Lord. It would be quite foolish to miss out on such an experience!

Returnal

If you’re into horror-infused sci-fi journeys, don’t miss out on Returnal! This roguelike game by Housemarque features astronaut Selene Vassos (portrayed by Jane Perry), who gets stuck in a time loop on the planet Atropos while pursuing the enigmatic “White Shadow” signal. The appeal comes from its engaging core gameplay, its hauntingly dark ambiance, and the thrilling risk-versus-reward mechanics. Plus, it’s only available on the PS5 consoles.

2024-12-12 17:38