Unveiling PS5’s Top 5 Gaming Marvels: Prepare to Be Amazed!

From Divine Force of Battle to Insect Man, These Are the Best PS5 Games

Choosing the best PS5 games has become an intriguing task. While the PS5 era started slowly and was initially flooded with cross-generation titles also playable on PS4, Sony’s flagship console is now hitting its stride with a plethora of must-play games that you can’t experience elsewhere.

Here at Tom’s Guide, we’ve reviewed dozens of PS5 games, from immersive platforming side-scrollers to intensely challenging RPGs with hundreds of hours of content, and we’ve distilled the list of available software into the following collection of truly top-tier titles. These are the PS5 games that we consider absolutely essential. So, if you’re looking for something new to play, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Of course, what can be considered one of the “best” PS5 games is highly subjective, so we can’t guarantee that every single title on this list will appeal to every type of player. However, at least there should be a few games here that cater to your personal taste. Without further ado, these are our picks for the best PS5 games that you can play right now.

The Best PS5 Games You Can Buy Today

1. God of War Ragnarök

   God of War Ragnarök had the unenviable task of following up one of the most outstanding PS4 games, and one of the most beloved PlayStation games of all time. But somehow the development team at Sony Santa Monica did the impossible and actually surpassed the critically acclaimed God of War (2018) with a sequel that is bigger than its predecessor in almost every way. And while it is available to play on PS4, it’s a true technical marvel on Sony’s latest hardware.In this highly polished action-adventure game, you once again play as Kratos, the perpetually enraged Greek deity, as he seeks to protect his son Atreus from the wrath of the Norse pantheon out for revenge. The situation is further complicated by the prophesied end of the world that looms over the game’s mythological fantasy storyline. Impressively great both on a technical and gameplay level, God of War Ragnarök combines cinematic storytelling with satisfyingly brutal combat and deeply rewarding exploration. It’s a game worthy of the gods.

   

2. Elden Ring

   Elden Ring feels like the culmination of the so-called Soulsborne genre. Developed by Japanese studio FromSoftware, this behemoth takes the formula laid out in Dark Souls and expands it into a vast open-world setting. Of course, as with almost all From games, Elden Ring’s biggest draw is its punishing difficulty level that demands near perfection from players. But Elden Ring is about more than just brutally tough boss fights.The game’s story is dark but rich in detail for those willing to unravel its mysteries, and with Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin involved in crafting the game’s world, it’s no surprise there is a near-endless sea of lore to dive into. The true beauty of Elden Ring comes from the elevated level of freedom it offers players to venture off the beaten path, but also to craft and upgrade a character that suits their preferred playstyle. Yes, you’ll die a lot, but you’ll always come back after each crushing defeat because the joy of overcoming Elden Ring’s toughest obstacles is a feeling that few PS5 games can replicate.

   

3. Spider-Man 2

   Spider-Man 2 is a spectacular superhero sequel. It retains almost everything that was great about its 2018 predecessor while also building upon the experience in key areas. The biggest new addition is the ability to play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, but other significant improvements include new traversal options, a plethora of new combat abilities, a larger open-world, and more substantial side content.The highly cinematic main story missions are the real show stealer, pitting you against iconic Spidey antiheroes like Kraven the Hunter and Venom. Additionally, the combat is as satisfying as ever and swinging around the expanded New York City never gets old. There’s no doubt Spider-Man 2 is one of the most incredible superhero video games ever made, and an essential play for every PS5 owner.

   

4. Deathloop

   Deathloop often prioritizes style over substance, but there’s a reason we awarded it our GOTY award in 2021: It’s an absolute blast to play. This first-person shooter is set on a mysterious island trapped in a time loop and challenges you to unravel a “murder puzzle” to break the cycle. You do this by eliminating seven high-profile targets in a single day. However, plotting the perfect assassination plan requires carefully piecing together clues and striking whenever an opportunity presents itself.The game oozes style thanks to its 60s Cold War aesthetic and its genuinely likable two main characters will keep you engaged through multiple loops. The duo constantly exchanges witty banter, and there’s an overall enjoyable comedic streak running through Deathloop. The upgrade system is overly generous, but thanks to its roguelike elements death has genuine consequences forcing you to play smart at all times. And with objectives that can be tackled in multiple ways, Deathloop is a shooter that will make you think before pulling the trigger.

   

5. Astro’s Den

   Astro’s Den is a delightfully charming 3D platformer that serves as both a showcase of the PS5’s next-gen capabilities as well as a loving tribute to the history of the PlayStation brand — and it’s completely free! If you didn’t know, Astro’s Den comes pre-installed on every single PS5 console. And while you might be tempted to skip this freebie, you absolutely should play this delightful little game first because it’s much more than a disposable pack-in.Each of the game’s four levels is a whirlwind of delightful platforming and enjoyable puzzle-solving. Plus, the vibrant graphics bring the lovable character of Astro Bot and the lively world they inhabit to life. Moreover, the innovative features of the DualSense controller are used to great effect to simulate everything from the sensation of walking across a sandy beach to resistance while pulling back a bowstring. It’s a short experience overall, but chasing after collectibles and PlayStation-themed Easter eggs encourages replayability.

   

6. Returnal

   Returnal is the most ambitious game to come from PlayStation Studios in recent memory, as well as one of the most punishing experiences on PS5. This third-person action game puts you in the space boots of Selene: an amnesiac astronaut who crash-lands on an alien world and finds herself trapped in a time loop. The only way to break the cycle is to explore the hostile planet but be warned the creatures and fauna of this world are truly hostile.Combining bullet hell gameplay with a roguelike structure, Returnal is a challenging experience where every death has consequences. Fail out in the wild and you’ll be returned to your crashed ship with all your weapons and upgrades stripped away and with no choice but to start from scratch all over again. Fortunately, procedurally generated environments keep things from becoming too stale.You’ll need nerves of steel to overcome Returnal’s toughest enemy encounters but each hard-fought victory will spur you on as you unravel the game’s illusion of secrets and mysteries.

   

7. Horizon Forbidden West

   Horizon Forbidden West doesn’t fundamentally depart from the formula set by its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, but that’s not a bad thing as its PS4 predecessor was already a highly compelling open-world action/adventure. And the few changes that Forbidden West makes are all for the better, building upon what worked and refining various gameplay systems.This sequel sees franchise protagonist Aloy venture to new lands in her quest to uncover pieces of insight about the ancient world and also to prevent the rapid degradation of the planet’s biosphere. Once you arrive in the Forbidden West, you’ll encounter new hordes of robotic beasts to battle in surprisingly tactical combat that puts the emphasis on picking your shots rather than just dumping arrows into your foes. There are also plenty of side activities and distractions to discover. And the game looks absolutely stunning on PS5. You’ll likely lose countless hours just reveling in the breathtaking scenery and vistas.

   

8. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

   Back in 2021, we dubbed Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart the game the PS5 was born to play. And two years later it continues to stand as a fantastic showcase of the PS5’s capabilities. That’s mainly because of its fast load times made possible by and the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback. But also because it quite literally looks like a playable Pixar film with vibrant cartoonish graphics and wonderfully expressive character animations.Rift Apart plays essentially the same as every other mainline Ratchet and Clank game but that actually works to the game’s advantage as the franchise’s established formula is a tried-and-true one. Once again this latest adventure for the plucky Lombax and his robot pal sees the pair travel to distant planets, encounter new friends (and foes), and collect a brand new arsenal of inventive weaponry. What Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart lacks in groundbreaking ideas, it makes up for with an abundance of fun.

   

   9. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

   Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a prime example of a sequel that enhances every aspect of its predecessor. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order laid down solid foundations, and the development team at Respawn Entertainment has skillfully refined that formula, creating arguably the best Star Wars game of the last two decades.

   Combining third-person action combat and Metroidvania-level design with a sprinkle of elements from the Dark Souls series, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor offers a gripping experience that encourages thoughtful play and thorough exploration. It also boasts an engaging main story filled with likable characters and complex, sometimes even sympathetic, antiheroes. While its technical performance on PS5 is somewhat disappointing, if these issues can be addressed through post-launch patches, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will be truly exceptional.

   

   10. Gran Turismo 7

   Gran Turismo 7 fully lives up to its title as “the ultimate driving simulator.” This latest installment in the long-running racing franchise is the most ridiculously comprehensive to date, and a must-play for car enthusiasts. Across various modes, you’ll race on iconic real-world tracks in some of the most impressive vehicles in existence. Moreover, if you want to ensure your driving experience is precisely tailored to your preferences, you can meticulously fine-tune many aspects of the available vehicles, adjusting everything from tire grip to suspension levels.

   You don’t have to be a car aficionado to enjoy Gran Turismo 7. The career mode is highly accessible for newcomers, and the controls are very user-friendly. Even better, this already outstanding racing simulator has been made even more immersive thanks to a free update that adds comprehensive PSVR 2 compatibility to the entire game. The Gran Turismo series has always been one of PlayStation’s most consistent, and this seventh mainline installment is another racer that comfortably takes the pole position.

   

   11. The Last of Us: Part 1

   The Last of Us: Part 1 is a ground-up remake of one of the most acclaimed PlayStation games ever. While some may debate the necessity of remaking The Last of Us when a fully playable PS4 remaster already exists, once you’ve witnessed this new version in action, that debate becomes largely settled. This is now the definitive way to experience Joel and Ellie’s journey across post-apocalyptic America.

   This is a shot-for-shot remake of the PS3 original, so there are virtually no changes beyond the stunning visual upgrade. However, the gameplay and story of The Last of Us have held up remarkably well to this day, and remain utterly captivating. Additionally, with the upcoming adaptation of The Last of Us HBO show, this remake is perfect for first-time players. Furthermore, the package also includes the game’s DLC chapter Left Behind, which expands Ellie’s origin story and includes some of the game’s most intense combat sequences.

   

   12. Demon’s Souls

   Another remake of a PS3 classic, Demon’s Souls is the precursor to Dark Souls and is a must-play for anyone who enjoys FromSoftware’s iconic brand of hardcore action RPGs. Rebuilt by Bluepoint Games, the essence of Demon’s Souls has been preserved, but the entire experience has been upgraded with a stunning level of graphical polish and a rock-solid framerate.

   If you’re familiar with other FromSoftware games like Elden Ring, you’ll know what to expect here. Demon’s Souls drops you into the dark fantasy world of Boletaria where nearly everything has the potential to kill you in just a few hits. And while it may seem overwhelmingly challenging at first, take the time to learn the game’s various systems and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most satisfying gaming experiences on PS5.

   However, players diving into Demon’s Souls who have previously enjoyed later Souls games should be cautious; some of the original’s more dated elements are still present, and these occasionally alienating aspects make Demon’s Souls arguably the most esoteric game in the franchise.

   

   13. Hogwarts Legacy

   Hogwarts Legacy is the first (non-mobile) game set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in over a decade, and it turned out to be well worth the wait. Set over 100 years before the Boy Who Lived walked the halls of the iconic magical school, Hogwarts Legacy allows you to create your own witch or wizard, get sorted into a Hogwarts house, and then embark on a grand adventure that involves dragons, trolls, and dark wizards.

   While the game’s story will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the Harry Potter books, and the spellcasting combat is surprisingly engaging, Hogwarts itself is the real star. The famous castle has been meticulously recreated in stunning detail, and its halls and classrooms are filled with secrets to uncover. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a larger world to explore that includes the quaint village of Hogsmeade and several small villages inhabited by all sorts of magical folk.

   

   14. Lies of P

   In the continued absence of a Bloodborne sequel or remaster, Lies of P is an action RPG that aims to fill the void. This Soulslike game draws heavy inspiration from the works of From Software and is loosely based on The Adventures of Pinocchio. However, you won’t find any singing crickets in this dark fantasy take on the beloved tale. Instead, you’ll explore the gothic city of Krat and face its many sinister inhabitants.

   Like its prominent inspirations, Lies of P is a highly challenging game, and some of its fearsome bosses may push the limits of your gaming skills. However, overcoming the game’s numerous difficult obstacles provides a deep sense of satisfaction. Moreover, the visual design is outstanding throughout, and the weapon customization system allows you to craft a character finely tuned to your preferred playstyle. While we may never get a Bloodborne 2, Lies of P is arguably the next best thing.

   

   15. Baldur’s Gate 3

   A rich turn-based tactical RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3 would typically feel more at home on a PC. However, while Windows was the lead platform here, developer Larian Studios has done an excellent job translating the intricacies of this great game to a DualSense controller. Indeed, Baldur’s Gate 3 is not only playable on PS5, it’s arguably better with a revamped control scheme that makes battles much smoother.

   If the glowing hype somehow passed you by, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a deeply immersive role-playing game based on Dungeons and Dragons. In true D&D style, your choices matter, and you’re given complete freedom to carve out your path through its dozens upon dozens of quests. The core gameplay is excellent, but it’s the numerous well-written dialogue exchanges and deeply compelling supporting characters that steal the spotlight. It was the big winner at the Game Awards 2023 for good reason.

   

   16. Sifu

   Sifu combines deeply satisfying combat with a punishing progression system. It’s a winning combination, and once you’ve learned the many nuances of its martial arts-inspired gameplay, you’ll feel like an action hero. However, even the smallest victories in Sifu require intense focus and a level of mastery that may be beyond some players.

   You play as a young Kung Fu student out to avenge your father’s death by eliminating the five people responsible. Along your journey, you’ll face formidable enemy hordes and then confront imposing bosses. However, failure is not the end. Each time you die, you’ll respawn but having aged a little older. Reach a certain point of age, and you’ll die for good and have to start over.

   Because of its challenging combat and its unforgiving progression systems, Sifu won’t be for everyone. However, if you want a PS5 game that demands a lot from you, this sleek action experience could grip you. Plus, a free update added difficulty options so you can always switch to Student mode if the going gets too tough for your liking.

   

   17. Persona 3 Reload

   Persona 3 Reload is a lovingly crafted remake of the acclaimed RPG that launched on the PS2 back in 2006. Designed to bring the nearly 20-year-old game up to a modern standard and make it accessible for players introduced to the series via the juggernaut Persona 5 Royale (which is also playable on PS5), Reload offers smooth turn-based battles as you fight to save the world from an army of evil shadows spreading an ailment known as Apathy Syndrome.

   However, the real selling point of Persona 3 Reload isn’t its primary combat, but rather its life-sim elements. At night you battle all sorts of wicked adversaries, but during the day you live out the life of a typical high schooler on the fictional Tatsumi Port Island. You get to choose how to spend your days, and everything you do in reality makes you stronger for the game’s many combat challenges. It’s a deeply compelling gameplay structure as both distinct parts feed into the other. Plus, the core story is excellent with plenty of endearing characters to get to know. And, you can deepen your relationships with your party to gain even more combat abilities.

   

   18. Helldivers 2

   Helldivers 2 is perhaps the most fun you can have playing online on the PS5, but there is a fairly significant caveat – you need to team up to get the most out of this cooperative shooter. The game casts you as a soldier in the eponymous Helldivers army on a mission to spread liberty and peace, one battlefield at a time. While traditional matchmaking is an option, it’s not the optimal experience because when played with friends, Helldivers 2 delivers genuinely memorable moments at a surprising pace.

   Its gameplay loop is simple: You drop onto a hostile planet, complete a series of routine objectives, and escape alive, all while battling hordes of oversized bugs or deadly robots. But with solid shooting, frantic firefights, and a progression system that constantly rewards you for playing, Helldivers 2 is the kind of game that will have you saying “just one more round” long into the night. Adding to the chaotic fun is always enabled friendly fire, which results in hilarious moments where your airstrike takes out a squadmate instead of an enemy boss.

   

   Each of these games offers a unique experience, providing exceptional entertainment and satisfaction for players. With diverse genres, compelling narratives, and impressive graphics, these games enrich the PS5 library. Regardless of what type of gamer you are, on PS5, you’ll find something that will fully captivate and entertain you.