The 29 Best Games on PS5

The running gag on the internet today is that the PlayStation 5 has no games. I believe what peopleactually mean is that the PlayStation 5 doesn’t have enough exclusive games. The PlayStation 5 has been fighting an uphill battle with consumers since it was released. First, it was the scalpers, preventing many people from even getting a PlayStation 5. Now, it’s the never-ending debate on the internet about the quality of PlayStation exclusives. Those who are tapped into gaming and not just rage-baiting on the internet understand that not only does this console have games, but it also has many great games. Gaming has been better than ever in these last four years and here are the 30 best games on the PS5 to prove it.

29. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

• Release Date — March 30, 2021
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

A controversial release but an important one. Disco Elysium is a modern masterpiece that tackles topics of addiction, politics, racism, and violence. It’s a hard pill to swallow that may turn off some players, but those who stick with it find themselves loving it for what it is and what it tries to say. The game reviewed well and even though its open world is a lot smaller, it has been compared against gaming giants like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

28. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

• Release Date — April 27, 2022
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

The Stanley Parable is one of the weirdest games to release in the last decade, but it explores the theme of choice in video games. It was released at the perfect time when most games were marketing themselves as being designed around player choice. The 2022 expansion expanded on the game’s endings and included even more content to an already content-dense game. The game is a critique of the culture of game releases. While its novelty might be lost on some, it has stood the test of time and is a perfect find for those looking for a cheeky game with profound implications.

27. Alan Wake II

• Release Date — October 27, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

I’m going to say it, Alan Wake II got snubbed at the game awards last year. Its gameplay is intense and dark. But above all, it’s WEIRD. Modern gaming is completely oversaturated by soulless character shooters and when a game that’s unapologetically itself releases we should parade it. All that being said, this game is also very well made and can go toe-to-toe with some of the best games across time.

26. Red Matter 2

• Release Date — May 18, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

VR gaming is only getting better as time goes on. While it’s still not considered an every household thing, it’s important to showcase games that raise the bar. Red Matter 2 is a great adventure puzzle game with interesting mechanics. Many gamers also believe it has the best VR graphics on the market. VR games are meant to be interactive and most VR titles just aren’t doing that as well as Red Matter 2.

25. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

• Release Date — January 26, 2024
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

The Yakuza franchise is already filled to the brim with some of the most dense games in gaming. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues that philosophy and is a perfect title for those looking for more “game” for their buck. If you’re a fan of Japanese games and RPG titles, then this is a great combination. Perfect for those who want more adult RPG parties.

24. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

• Release Date — June 10, 2021
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

Final Fantasy VII is my favorite game of all time. This re-release expansion comes with better graphics and frame rates as well as the never-before-seen, Intergrade side story. This piece of new content fits right into the quality of the rest of the game and is some of the most beautiful storytelling in the genre.

23. Dead Space

• Release Date — January 27, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 89 (Universal Acclaim)

Dead Space (2023) is one of the better remakes in this era of remakes we’re currently in. This remake left everything from the original intact, while also adding depth to the story and player freedom. Not to mention, the huge graphical facelift it received on the PlayStation 5. One of the most accessible horror titles of modern gaming.

22. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

• Release Date — December 7, 2021
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

The fourth and most recent expansion of Final Fantasy XIV has been praised for years. Some players even consider this expansion to be some of the best Final Fantasy content of all time, even when compared to the offline releases. While a lot of work is needed to appreciate this expansion to the fullest, the game is worth the money and time invested. Play Final Fantasy XIV, it is peak gaming. Well, except for A Realm Reborn.

21. Tekken 8

• Release Date — January 26, 2024
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Tekken 8 is currently winning the modern fighting game war. Everything that makes Tekken great is very much present in Tekken 8. It’s fast, its graphics are cutting-edge, and it has one of the best soundtracks in modern gaming. While its monetization philosophy is a bit on the toxic side, you really are getting access to high-quality content. Tekken is evolving with the times, it’s bound to make some missteps here and there. One thing is for certain though, the game is good.

20. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

• Release Date — January 26, 2024
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Yes, another remake. Honestly, this game is so good because it’s just a one-to-one remake of one of the best games of all time. The Tony Hawk franchise completely dominated the PS1/2 era of video games and giving a great gaming foundation with updated graphics is bound to be great. One of the best skating games of all time and easily one of the best modern sports titles.

19. The Talos Principle 2

• Release Date — November 2, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

When you think of thought-provoking first-person puzzlers, I think most would think of Portal but The Talos Principle franchise deserves that spotlight as well. This game showcases the graphical power of the PlayStation 5 and if that matters to you then look no further. Talos Principle 2 is perfect for those looking for complex gameplay and an engaging narrative. This is 35 hours of modern puzzling goodness.

18. The Last of Us Part II Remastered

• Release Date — January 19, 2024
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

A weird release but a great one nonetheless. This title won over 300 Game of the Year awards. That should be enough to scream its quality. Wouldn’t make sense to purchase this game if you’ve already played it on PS4 but if you still haven’t experienced this gut-wrenching tale? It’s best to do so on PlayStation 5.

17. Balatro

• Release Date — February 20, 2024
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

A poker-inspired roguelike deck builder sounds insane on paper. Luckily, this game did the impossible and made something truly special. Balatro is addictive and unique. A common criticism in modern gaming is that everything feels the same, so it makes sense that something as new as this would be praised to high heaven. A seemingly endless card game that offers endless entertainment.

16. Cocoon

• Release Date — September 29, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Cocoon is the newest release from the designer of Limbo and Inside. If there was one word I would use to describe Cocoon, it would be confident. This title is impressively crafted and detailed. It isn’t as shocking as Limbo and Inside, but it offers a grand puzzle to be solved that many people find satisfying. That’s all you can ask from a puzzle game.

15. Moss: Book II

• Release Date — February 22, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

A hidden gem among the rest of the PlayStation library. Even if you haven’t played the original, the game is designed in a way that you can jump in here and not be lost. While many gamers believe that VR isn’t quite there yet and is a net negative, Moss: Book II is an example of greatness in the VR genre. It has great art, set pieces, level design, and music. Moss: Book II is a great all-around experience.

14. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

• Release Date — October 20, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Activision’s Spider-Man releases are showing the potential of modern superhero games. This game is one of the best showcases of the raw power of the PlayStation 5. Sure, this game doesn’t revolutionize the formula but it iterates in a way that is still a step forward for the franchise. A perfect sequel.

13. Rogue Legacy 2

• Release Date — April 28, 2022
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

A truly endless experience. Rogue Legacy is one of the most interesting indie games of all time. Its sequel brings even more new stuff to the table. A perfect sequel springboards off the original into new territory and that’s exactly what Rogue Legacy 2 does. Everything is better, making it the perfect entry point and a great product for fans of the original.

12. Dave the Diver

• Release Date — June 28, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Dave the Diver is the biggest “indie” game of the last decade. It arrived at the perfect time and provided a lighthearted narrative that didn’t try to be anything it wasn’t. It’s simply a fun game and sometimes that’s all we need. A simple, funny game about a diver named Dave.

11. Persona 5 Royal

• Release Date — October 21, 2022
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

Persona 5 Royal is a monumental JRPG. Whereas other expansion re-releases are just quality-of-life improvements, this game includes the best way to experience the original. It has many hours of new content on top of responding to criticisms of the original. If you’ve never played a Persona game or even a JRPG, this is a great entry point.

10. Street Fighter 6

• Release Date — June 2, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

Street Fighter 6 had big shoes to fill coming off of Street Fighter 5, and Capcom truly succeeded. Many gamers have been begging for fighting games to go back to their roots, to give players meaningful single-player content again, and this title delivered. While we aren’t quite back to the days of unlocking characters in the story mode, Street Fighter 6 is a perfect balance of classic and modern fighting game design.

9. Demon’s Souls

• Release Date — November 11, 2020
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

This title is the best remake I have ever seen. Bluepoint just gets it when it comes to reimagining titles. Demon’s Souls as a game did not age well and now that the Souls titles are mainstream they can go back and enjoy the game with all its goodness on PlayStation 5. This version of Demon’s Souls can go toe-to-toe with any Souls title.

8. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Release Date — February 29, 2024
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

It has been a long while since a new Final Fantasy game has reached above 90 on Metacritic. The last title to do so was Final Fantasy XII. Square Enix continues to do the great FF7 justice with its remake trilogy. This game was everything that it needed to be and many gamers are excited for the conclusion. Team Clerith by the way.

7. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

• Release Date — March 24, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

Capcom has been on a roll these last few years. Many Resident Evil fans were worried about this game because the original is an important piece of gaming history. Capcom showed us that we had nothing to worry about by dropping one of the best shooters of all time, a second time. If you’ve ever been interested in Resident Evil this is a fine place to start your descent into the rabbit hole.

6. Tetris Effect: Connected

• Release Date — February 22, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

It’s Tetris.Tetris will always be in the discussion for the best game on a console because it’s just that good. No matter where you decide to play Tetris Effect it will be a relaxing, engaging experience. Tetris Effect: Connected is the best Tetris game to be released on any console.

5. Hades

• Release Date — August 13, 2021
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

With the release of Hades II, it’s the perfect time to look back on what made the original so great. It’s one of the best roguelikes to ever release and it’s dripping with style and attitude. Super Giant Games are the absolute kings of aesthetics and continue to flex their expertise with each release. Need something fast and fun to master? Look no further than the Hades games.

4. God of War: Ragnarok

• Release Date — November 9, 2022
• Metacritic Score — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

This critically acclaimed sequel to God of War (2018) is as good as everyone says it is. Many gamers see this as the perfect conclusion to Kratos’ story and I agree with them. The game tackles themes of family, growth, and redemption. It truly is one of the most beautiful narratives in gaming and God of War is the perfect vehicle for its message.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

• Release Date — December 14, 2022
• Metacritic Score — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

When it comes to worldbuilding, no game does it as well as The Witcher 3. With the upcoming remake of the original and the sequel on the horizon, there’s no better time than now to get into the franchise. The PlayStation 5 release has all of the game’s expansions available for gamers to enjoy. If you need something to get lost in for hundreds of hours, welcome to The Witcher 3.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

• Release Date — September 6, 2023
• Metacritic Score — 96 (Universal Acclaim)

Every few years a game will release that is seen as the pinnacle of a genre. Baldur’s Gate 3 is that game for RPGs and it will be a long time before something comes and tops it. The game might actually be one of the only games to rival The Witcher in worldbuilding even if it builds off of the very established world of Fae-run. What it lacks in combat balance and writing, it makes up for in character and scale. A modern masterpiece.

1. Elden Ring

• Release Date — February 25, 2022
• Metacritic Score — 96 (Universal Acclaim)

Elden Ring might be the defining game of the 2020s. We will have to wait and see how Grand Theft Auto VI turns out, but I bet that many will be talking about Elden Ring for many years to come. I don’t think the Dark Souls formula works as well in an open world but surely Fromsoft had to do something right. Elden Ring took a niche subgenre of action RPGs and completely captivated the mainstream. For that alone, Elden Ring is the best game on the PlayStation 5.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sony PlayStation 5.