PlayStation 5, like all previous consoles from Sony, has a well-established fan base that knows all about the popular and lesser-known games that will satisfy their gaming cravings.

However, for those just stepping onto the gaming path or receiving the console for the first time, the question arises: what should you play on PS5? 

Or maybe you're just looking for something you haven't played yet.

To help you, we've compiled a list of must-play PS5 games that deserve your attention.

Astro Bot

Astro Bot is a true showcase of what makes the PS5 a unique platform. It's not just a tech demo but a full-fledged game that lovingly reveals the capabilities of the DualSense and invites you on a vibrant, creative adventure.

Each level is filled with surprises: from unexpected gameplay mechanics to cute Easter eggs honoring legendary PlayStation franchises. While all of this is presented with childlike ease and charm, beneath the surface lies a meticulously crafted platformer—precise in control, inventive in design, and utterly impossible not to smile while playing.

The game literally makes you feel every surface, every jump, thanks to the unique features of the controller—something that can't be conveyed in words until you hold the gamepad yourself.

Astro Bot is a love letter to the entire history of PlayStation and one of the best reasons to turn on your PS5 right now. This allowed the game to achieve the status of "Game of the Year."

The Last of Us: Part I / The Last of Us: Part II

If you ask any fan or owner of a Sony console what to play on PS5, there's a good chance the answer will be The Last of Us as one of the best PlayStation 5 games.

At first glance, it's a typical game about a zombie apocalypse and infected you have to fight. But behind this lies a fantastic dramatic story of Joel and Ellie. Due to its popularity, this series has been adapted into a TV show.

Part I received a full remake—not just improved resolution, but completely updated facial animations, lighting, and combat system, which now match the emotional level of the story and complement it with a visual punch.

Part II takes it even further: intense stealth, striking level design, and a plot that still sparks heated debates.

Both games work wonderfully on the PS5—smooth gameplay, lightning-fast loading, and full immersion in a brutal and emotionally complex world. Whether you're returning to the story of Joel and Ellie or discovering it for the first time, these games are a must-play.

Returnal

Returnal is one of those games that might have flown under the radar for a broad audience but is actually one of the strongest PS5 exclusives. Housemarque studio created a roguelike third-person shooter with bullet hell gameplay and a haunting, atmospheric story.

The game is incredibly challenging, but each death forces you to learn from your mistakes. Visually, it's a showcase of PS5 capabilities: surreal locations, smooth animations, immersive sound, and adaptive triggers that create a tactile experience like no other.

The atmosphere is intentionally oppressive: mysterious alien worlds, eerie sound design, a plot revealed in fragments that keeps you in constant tension—just like the ever-changing levels. On PS5, the game runs perfectly: crisp visuals, stable performance, and almost instant loading.

God of War Ragnarök

If you're looking for one of the most compelling reasons to turn on your PS5 today, God of War Ragnarök confidently stands among the most powerful achievements in narrative and technical execution. Imagine a story where every tear-jerking scene, every battle with mythological titans, and every tender moment between father and son feels not just cinematic but personal.

Every swing of the Leviathan Axe or Blades of Chaos in Kratos' hands feels weighty and satisfying, with the tactile feedback of the DualSense controller adding a sense of presence even without full haptic support, and the combat system has been meticulously refined with new abilities and weapons like the Draupnir spear.

The game offers performance modes up to 120 Hz on compatible displays, 3D spatial audio, and seamless transitions that showcase the true power of next-gen hardware. Critics and players unanimously placed Ragnarök at the top of the PlayStation 5 library—consistently topping lists of "best PS5 games" and "best action-adventures" of 2025 alongside other genre-defining hits.

Resident Evil Series

Once upon a time, Capcom gifted the world a fantastic franchise—Resident Evil, which remains relevant today thanks to modern sequels and remakes of classic parts. If you've never played games from this series but love semi-dynamic gameplay, exploring locations, puzzles, and a captivating zombie story, you definitely need to try Resident Evil on PS5.

Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 are considered some of the best video game remakes in history. They managed to completely reimagine the original gameplay to modern standards while retaining the spirit of the source material and not cutting out critically important moments beloved by fans.

Resident Evil 3, on the other hand, received significant criticism for its short duration and substantial content cuts, which were negatively received by fans. It's also worth playing Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village (RE8), which tells the story of another character but wonderfully complements the overall lore of this universe. It will undoubtedly provide you with a vivid experience and be remembered for its strong storyline.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

ATLUS has long been a master in creating complex RPG worlds, but with Metaphor: ReFantazio, they rise from mere craftsmanship to a true artistic revelation. This is not just another high fantasy JRPG—it's an imagined world where every battle feels like choreography, and every line sounds like prophecy.

Entering ReFantazio feels like opening a forgotten myth waiting centuries to be told: rich, whimsical, political, and deeply human. It's the child of Shin Megami Tensei's tactical complexity and Persona's emotional depth, yet it casts off their shadow to create something entirely new.

The power of the PS5 serves not just for visual spectacle—it breathes life into cities that feel inhabited, into monsters that move like living nightmares, and into a time-driven plot where every decision becomes destiny.

Elden Ring

If you love Dark Souls games but haven't played Elden Ring yet, it's time to fix that. It's a true masterpiece from FromSoftware that has made waves in the gaming world for good reason. It combines the relentless combat gameplay of the Dark Souls series with an open world created with the involvement of George R. R. Martin. There's content to explore for dozens of hours, and that's without considering the DLC, which surpasses the main game in size.

On PS5, Elden Ring looks fantastic: fast loading thanks to the SSD and stunning landscapes create a true visual magic that makes you admire the location's scenery. So if Souls-like is your thing, or if you're just planning to get acquainted with the genre, Elden Ring will be an excellent (albeit nerve-wracking) experience on PS5. Protect your gamepad!

Demon’s Souls

The release of the Demon’s Souls remake on PS5 was a real celebration for fans of the Souls-like genre. It's not just a game with improved graphics but a demonstration of how a classic can be reborn with new strength—preserving the soul of the original while impressing with technical breakthroughs.

Bluepoint Games achieved the nearly impossible: turning a game from 2009 into a modern masterpiece that looks stunning, plays crisply, and feels… ruthless but fair.

The atmosphere here is oppressive; each location is like a moving painting, with incredible lighting, detail, and sound design that keeps you on edge. Thanks to the power of the PS5, the game not only ensures instant loading—it literally keeps you hooked, allowing you to jump back into the fight right after another death. And there will be many.

But that's the point: Demon’s Souls teaches patience, attentiveness, and respect for a game that gives nothing for free but rewards generously. It's one of the best launch titles for the PS5, still setting the standard for what a true remake should be.

Marvel’s Spider-Man / Spider-Man 2 

Not everyone manages to create a truly good superhero game. Among the best examples are the Batman: Arkham series and the Marvel’s Spider-Man duology, which is undoubtedly the pinnacle of superhero games today and a must-have for every PS5 owner.

The first part has already become a modern classic—it accurately captures the spirit of New York, Spider-Man's dynamic combat style, and an emotional storyline that rivals the best comic book movies.

But Spider-Man 2 takes it to a new level: two playable characters, even more verticality, and instant switching between Peter and Miles.

The technical features of the PS5 allow the game to reach its full potential: fast loading, high image quality, stable performance, and tactile sensations thanks to DualSense.

Even though the games are no longer PlayStation exclusives, they feel best on this console and still are popular PS5 games 2025.

Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Fans of Hideo Kojima and his cinematic approach to games should pay attention to the Death Stranding series. These are not games for everyone—especially for those who don't like long cutscenes or less dynamic gameplay.

The plot is also perceived differently: for some, it's genius; for others, it's boring. It all depends on the player's personal preferences.

The first part impresses with its calm, even meditative gameplay, where patience, planning, and human connection become the main "weapons." The post-apocalyptic world looks stunning thanks to the capabilities of the PS5—from incredible landscapes to the smallest details in every movement. The soundtrack, acting, and atmosphere all work together to create a deep yet unsettling experience.

In Death Stranding 2, Kojima delves even deeper into themes of isolation, hope, and technology, expanding mechanics, adding new forms of interaction with the world and characters, and once again posing questions to the player with no easy answers.

It's not about action for the sake of spectacle—it's about meaning, loss, and humanity. Both games aren't for everyone, but if you're open to something unusual and want a truly unique experience, they're definitely worth trying.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

While the game departs from the traditional LittleBigPlanet formula, it does so with confidence and style, offering players a platformer filled with color, rhythm, and creativity. This time, Sackboy leaves the shadow of its 2.5D past and jumps into a full-fledged 3D world that looks amazing on PS5—thanks to incredible detail, smooth animation, and almost tactile level design. Every fabric looks real, every sound meticulously directed.

In local or online co-op, the game fully unfolds, turning even the simplest mission into a true adventure filled with humor, chaos, and plenty of emotions. It doesn't reinvent the platformer genre, but thanks to its incredible charm and attention to detail, it reminds us why these games brought smiles since childhood.

It's not just a technical demonstration of PS5 capabilities, although the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers do add depth. It's proof that sometimes all you need is a sack, some thread, and a little imagination to make a big adventure truly grand. Sackboy definitely is in the list of best PS5 games for beginners to play right now.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Undoubtedly, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the most vibrant games available on PS5 today. Its expansive story with two main protagonists balances between Ichiban Kasuga's soulful journey and Kazuma Kiryu's legacy. The plot is filled with emotional depth rarely achieved in modern RPGs. Kiryu's battle with an incurable disease and Kasuga's familial quest add genuine drama to the narrative while complementing it with the series' signature humor.

The combat system has evolved into a truly strategic turn-based format with free movement, positional bonuses, combo attacks, joint Hype abilities, and even special summons. All this adds depth to the gameplay and surpasses the previous installment in many ways.

But beyond the main storyline and battles, there's a wealth of additional content: mini-games parodying Pokémon, Crazy Taxi-style deliveries, resort island management, karaoke, dating apps, and much more. All this guarantees tens of hours of engaging gameplay.

Critics unanimously call Infinite Wealth the most ambitious, polished, and emotionally charged game in Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's history, with ratings consistently placing it among the best games on PS5.

Forza Horizon 5

Initially, Forza Horizon 5 was a flagship game for Xbox and PC back in 2021, but its release on PS5 on April 29, 2025, marked a true milestone in console history—as Microsoft's open-world racing masterpiece finally became available to a whole new audience.

The PS5 version includes all the features of the original: a vast, vibrant version of Mexico with deserts, jungles, Mayan ruins, beaches, and active volcanoes; a huge car park with nearly 900 vehicles; Horizon Arcade challenges; EventLab event editor; all major expansions—including Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure; as well as the Horizon Realms mode with colorful fantasy settings.

Critics and players agree: on PS5, Forza Horizon 5 exceeds all expectations. It's regularly called the best racing game on the platform, already surpassing even Sony's Gran Turismo 7—in both performance and detail quality.

The port by Panic Button demonstrates flawless operation in both modes: Performance (60 frames/s) and Quality—with native 4K and ray tracing fully supported on PS5 Pro.