Best PS5 games 2024 - top PlayStation 5 titles to play right now
These are the best PS5 games to ensure you have in your library
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Sony has now released thePS5 Pro, adding another all-digital console into the mix. It boasts a larger GPU, AI-driven upscaling as well as improved Raytracing, though it comes at a premium price. If you want to pick up the PS5 Pro,here’s where to buy itfor $699.99 / £699.99 / AUS$1,999.95.
Only the best PS5 games will give you top-tier experiences onSony’s current-gen console. Now that we’re into the fourth year of the console, the library is as expansive as ever, offering an enormous range of games to get stuck into, no matter what your go-to types, or favorite things to play are. To help make navigating that enormous library easier, we’ve distilled our top picks down to this very list, covering all the key beats when looking for awesomePS5games to play.
So whether you’re after a fast-paced shooter that pushes the console’s technical capabilities, a family-friendly adventure that showcases theDualSensecontroller’s innovative features, a simply stunning PS5 exclusive that will immerse you in its action, or something else entirely, you’ll find it here. Remember that there are more ways than ever to play PS5 games now too, and thePlayStation Portalis an exquisite way to take these games, and more, into your hands. However, you’ll have to check in with ourPlayStation Portal restock trackerfor tips and key links in trying to track down the new handheld gaming device given its popularity.
As a quick note, these aren’t games that areonlyon PS5 - you want ourbest PS5 exclusiveslist for those games and their brethren - but rather the best ones you can play on PS5 more broadly right now. Read on for our picks.
Best PS5 games 2024
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17. Baldur’s Gate 3
Our expert review:
“Baldur’s Gate 3is a fine contender for one of the best video game RPGs ever made. It’s the most ambitious RPG out there, and the painstakingly accurate rendition of Dungeons & Dragons will delight fans. A must-play, even if some frustrations with D&D’s format might grate.” - Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Baldur’s Gate 3made one hell of a splash when it launched in 2023. It had been in early access for quite some time, allowing devs to fine tune gameplay to perfection. The launch build has since been updated, and as it stands,Baldur’s Gate 3is simply one of the best RPGs you can play on PS5.
You’ll start yourBaldur’s Gate 3quest by being infected by a brain worm, and must forge uneasy alliances to uncover a way to save yourself. Along the way, you can take on combat and puzzles in pretty much any way you want. The full variety on offer in Dungeons and Dragons is available here too. Whether you want to be a brutish barbarian, or a whimsical bard, there’s a play-style for you.
While the game is undoubtedly made to be played on PC, the console port is exceptional. If you’re into fantasy RPGs, you really can’t go wrong with picking upBaldur’s Gate 3on PS5.
16. The Last of Us Part 1
Our expert review:
“The Last of Us Part 1is full of memorable moments, in combat and out – but as a verified secret softy, it’s the heart-wrenching ones that have scored their marks in my heart. And boy howdy, does the revamped intro qualify for that and then some.” - Shabana Arif, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
The Last of Us Part 1takes the iconic PS3 title and drags it into the modern age. Its visuals have been rebuilt from the ground up, bringing things more in-line with the game’s sequel (which has since also been remastered). The main draw here is the opportunity to revisit one of the most iconic games of the last 20 years, one that’s influenced the way narrative storytelling has evolved in this industry over time.
For those that have yet to playThe Last of Us, maybe those that started with the TV show, this version is absolutely worth jumping into. Even if you played the PS4 remaster ofThe Last of Us, there’s plenty to enjoy here as well. For one, the Left Behind DLC is included, and there’s even improved controls and subtle tweaks to gameplay mechanics like crafting. Absolutely one of the best games you can play on PS5 in 2024.
15. Demon’s Souls
Our expert review:
“Bluepoint Games has completely remade Demon’s Souls from the ground up for PS5, and it’s a phenomenal, often breathtaking achievement. Demon’s Souls is the first game that actually looks like it could only run on a next-gen machine, with spectacular lighting, convincing animations and super-fast load times some of the key highlights.” - Adam Vjestica, TechRadar reviewer.
Demon’s Soulsis still one of the best looking games ever made, even almost four years removed from its launch. This is because it fully leverages everything that the PS5 can handle, with some of the best lighting and particle effects you’ll find on console.
In terms of the game itself,Demon’s Soulsis a lovingly faithful remake of FromSoftware’s cult classic, with some modern bells and whistles to help bring it up to speed. Players will find a challenging yet satisfying action RPG, with hulking bosses to fell, and labyrinthian dungeons to explore. If you’ve played any of the Souls series, this is the one that started it all, and you’ll no doubt recognize many of the systems that have now become a standard of the genre.
Demon’s Soulsforcibly drives home one simple message from the outset: you will die. It doesn’t matter how patient, careful or skilled a player you might be, because sooner or later, youwilldie. As you learn about enemy attacks, where hidden paths are, and slowly level up your character however, you’ll eventually emerge from the catacombs victorious.
14. Astro’s Playroom
The wayAstro’s Playroomdeploys the DualSense’s features and powers is unparalleled. From feeling different surfaces ‘underfoot’ to loading springy jumps with the triggers, it’s superb.
Astro’s Playroomis the best pack-in game sinceWii Sports, as it perfectly showcases what Sony’s new system can do. From the sumptuous, crystal clear4Kvisuals, to the pleasing 3D audio, this is a gem of a platformer and it’s pre-installed on every PS5. It’s the wayAstro’s Playroomshows off the DualSense controller, though, thatreally steals the show.
You’ll feel sensations that you didn’t know were possible before thanks to Sony’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers tech, such as what it feels like to walk along different surfaces or fire a Gatling gun. It’s a surreal, magical experience, and we recommend booting upAstro’s Playroomfirst before you play anything else. Better still, not only is it a genuinely top PS5 exclusive, it’s completely free. This is a must-play for those who want to see what theDualSensecontroller is really capable of.
13. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
The writing inDisco Elysiumis just so good and is some of the best you can experience in a PS5 game. It’s rich, detailed, gives a great sense of place, and makes for some very memorable interactions.
Many RPG games claim to offer a spectrum of choice, but that usually boils down to doing a “good thing” or a “bad thing”. Washed-up cop simulatorDisco Elysiumdoesn’t make things so simple. Amnesiac from drug and alcohol abuse, your cop explores all the shades of gray in between what constitutes a pure or dark morality in his quest to solve the murder of a hanged man.
The writing is exemplary throughout, pulling you intoDisco Elysium’s vaguely European, vaguely post-communist city of Revachol, and the award-winning soundtrack is equally evocative. It’s not one for action fans – you’re primarily engaging in conversation-driven detective work here – but it’s roleplaying of the highest order, an RPG quite unlike any game you’ll have ever played.Disco Elysium: Final Cutis easily one of thebest RPGson PS5 right now.
12. Gran Turismo 7
Our expert review:
“Gran Turismo 7isn’t just the best entry in the long-running series, it sets the bar astronomically high for all future racing sims. GT7’s stunning graphics are paired with a wonderfully slick presentation. That, in conjunction with best-in-class racing sim gameplay that’s easier than ever to pick up - and tough as ever to master - make for a constantly satisfying racer.” - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Gran Turismo 7restores the racing sim franchise to its former greatness, fixing the lack of content and slightly underwhelming visuals in bothGT6andGT Sport.GT7gets back to what the charming racing sim does best: offering bags of content with sublime racing gameplay, all wrapped up in a wonderfully charming and inviting user experience that’s remarkably moreish.
GT7is also a stunning showcase of PS5 tech, making arguably the best use of the DualSense Wireless Controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. You’ll feel every bump in the road, every screech around a corner, and every gear change as you maneuver aroundGT7’s litany of tracks. Pair this with lightning-quick load times and you end up with a beautifully seamless racing experience inGT7. You rarely wait longer than a few seconds to dive into – or retry – a racing activity.GT7is a glorious return to form for the series and easily thebest racing gameto showcase the PS5’s capabilities.
11. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Edition
Our expert review:
The grim beauty and detail ofMortal Kombat 1’s brutal finishers is a spectacular sight and keeps us coming back for more, always looking for new ways to finish off opponents in grisly style.
Mortal Kombatreigns as a king of the fighting game genre andMortal Kombat 11Ultimate only cements that position. CombiningMortal Kombat 11,Kombat Pack 1, the Aftermath expansion, and Kombat Pack 2,Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimateis the quintessentialMortal Kombat 11experience. With two cinematic stories to play through, 37 fighters to get to grips with, and a bunch of new fatalities, stages, and brutalities to try out,Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimateoffers hours of gruesome fun.
What’s more, on PS5,Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimatebenefits from 4K dynamic resolution, enhanced visuals, and drastically improved loading times (compared to its PS4 counterpart), so you won’t miss a second more of the action than you need to. This is the best fighting game on PS5 right now.
10. Resident Evil Village
Our expert review:
“Resident Evil Villagetakes the series to new heights, balancing the action of Resident Evil 4 with the deeper narrative approach of Resident Evil 7. This, combined with a brilliant use of audio on PS5 and an array of memorable characters, makes it the best modern Resi entry.” - Vic Hood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Taking place a few years after the events ofResident Evil 7,Villagesees protagonist Ethan exploring an Eastern European village in hopes of finding his kidnapped daughter – but the village residents are…. less than welcoming.
More action-focused than its predecessor, this sequel is visibly closer to the classicResident Evil 4in its moment-to-moment gameplay – but blends this with the survival horror elements that we love about older entries. Factor in a slew of quality-of-life improvements, a roster of memorable characters, a well-paced, gripping story, and superb utilization of in-game audio, andResident Evil Villageis a fantastic horror game. We think it’s definitely one of the best examples of how PS5 3D audio can enhance your gaming experience.
9. Helldivers 2
Our expert review:
“Helldivers 2delivers on the promise of chaotic fun through superior firepower. Whether you’re slaying enemies with your friends or slaying your friends while enemies are also present, if you’ve got the crew, this is a guaranteed good time.” - Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Helldivers 2has taken the PS5 game scene by storm in early 2024 - and for good reason. This third-person co-op shooter is chaotic, dumb, ridiculous in its humor, and totally bombastic in its action. Comparisons to the movieStarship Troopersare both fair and excellent, with teams of up to four spreading ‘managed democracy’ across the galaxy while slaying bug and robot enemies in the process.
You might well get into some friendly fire with your teammates but, in our experience, that only adds to the spectacle on offer -Helldivers 2really encourages you to embrace the chaos in your defiant battle against the bugs and bots in relentless encounters and battles to save Super Earth. It is chaotic, but it also has a bit tosay about serious matters too, under the right lens.
The shooting in particular feels excellent, and while, like some other bits of the game, it isn’t always precise, it feels excellent to lay into hordes of bugs and robot baddies while hearing your characters shout nonsense slogans all the while.
Throw in a decent variety of mission types, good progression systems, slapstick humor, something we called “riotous violence” in our review, and you get a great result.Helldivers 2is probably the best PS5 game for co-op action you can get right now.
8. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Our expert review:
“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a loving recreation of the original’s second act, elevated by an impressive level of commitment and confidence and only held back by the occasional wobble.” - Cat Bussell, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
With howFinal Fantasy7 Remakeended, it’s no surprise that its successor heads into uncharted waters from the get-go. And while much ofFinal Fantasy7 Rebirthwill be familiar to those who played the original game, there’s so many twists and turns to experience this time around.
In general,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthoffers up a much larger, and more substantial slice of turn-based action and open-world exploration than what we’ve seen before. There are literally hundreds of side-activities to take on as you guide Cloud and friends through a bright and oftentimes funny adventure. While some may be put off by the changes to the original game’s story, others will findFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s approach to a remake very refreshing indeed.
If you’re looking for an absolutely gorgeous world to lose yourself in, or if you just want to dig into an excellent new combat system, thenFF7 Rebirthis easily on of the best PS5 games you can pick up right now.
7. Returnal
Our expert review:
“Returnal puts its own stamp on the roguelike genre, blending ever-changing levels and permadeath with an intense third-person shooter experience. While players are often at the mercy of Returnal’s unpredictability – for better or worse – the immersive storytelling and the utilization of Sony’s latest hardware makes it feel like a true PS5 exclusive.” - Vic Hood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
As one of Sony’s biggest PS5 exclusives,Returnalis bound to draw in many gamers who maybe haven’t played a roguelike before and therefore may find its punishing difficulty, ever-changing levels, and permadeath mechanic to be a real shock to the system. That said, after a few cycles within Returnal’s harsh alien world, they may also find it difficult to stop playing.
Returnalbrings developer Housemarque’s signature ‘bullet hell’ approach to the roguelike genre, which means that you’ll never know what to expect when you enter a room, only that you will have to start over again from the beginning when you die. However, thanks to a tantalizing story and immersive gameplay, which take full advantage of PS5 3D Audio and the DualSense’s full range of features, you’ll likely keep returning for “just one more run…” If you want to see what the PS5 is capable of, Returnal is an experience you don’t want to miss.
6. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Our expert review:
The level design and playful worlds ofSackboy: A Big Adventureare some of the best on PS5 and the way you interact with them through rolling, grabbing, slapping and more is so much fun.
Sackboy: A Big Adventureis one of the most important exclusives here. This is a game that’s perfect for families thanks to its kid-friendly nature and four-player local co-op and manages to go toe-to-toe with the critically acclaimedSuper Mario 3D World.
It helps thatSackboy: A Big Adventureis a truly wonderful platformer, one that manages to avoid the common pitfalls that many developers fall into when designing games for younger audiences. Don’t sleep on this one as it’s one of the best PS5 platformers that you can play with friends and family.
5. Horizon Forbidden West
Our expert review:
Stalking, examining, and strategically dismantling and hunting each and everyone ofHorizon Forbidden West’s robot dinosaur creatures - the machines - is brilliant, satisfying and action-packed.
If you’re on the hunt for an open-world, narrative-driven adventure in your search for the best PS5 game for you, then look no further thanHorizon Forbidden West. Developing and expanding on all that was great aboutHorizon Zero Dawnon PS4, Aloy’s next adventure is staggeringly beautiful, gripping, and filled with exciting rob-dinosaur action.
Many will say that it doesn’t change a whole lot fromZero Dawn, or break ground that much, butForbidden Westabsolutely is one of the best experiences you can get on PS5 right now. And absolutely do not skip the side quests, with some of the best we’ve played on PS5 (or any platform, for that matter) in recent years.
4. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Our expert review:
“Swinging through New York as Peter or Miles is better than it’s ever been in the PlayStation 4 and 5 Spider-Man series. The smooth, seamless, and combo-tastic way you can dance through the air, off buildings, and deploy the web wings for extra speed and coverage is breathtaking.” - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming contributor.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is the definitive PlayStation superhero experience. Building on the first two games in the saga beautifully, this PS5 blockbuster gives us both Peter and Miles as playable characters and lets us loose once again in New York City.
Fans of the series and the superhero are well served with the game’s Venom story arc that throws in a few surprises along the way, and as a singe-player open-world action game, it doesn’t get much more fun than this. From taking on lowly criminals breaking into shops, to scouring the city for the many collectibles and puzzles, and from gliding your way through the sky scrapers in wind tunnels, to exploring all the skills and tools available to Peter and Miles, the action is relentless, and fun is paramount.
As a Sony first-party title, you get to enjoy a host of DualSense features too which make everything from firing web bursts, swinging through the streets, and solving puzzles with differing trigger pressures immensely fun, and immersive. There’s also a host of impressive accessibility features that means more folks than ever can join in the fun of being a fully-fledged Spider-Man.
3. Astro Bot
Our expert review:
“Astro Botcombines engrossing platforming mechanics across masterfully designed levels that are filled with fun obstacles and collectibles. It stands up to gaming’s biggest giants like Mario and Sonic as a result and is a joyous Game of the Year contender.” - George Yang, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Astro Bothas seriously surprised players and critics alike with an excellent display of modern 3D platforming peppered with a true reverence for the PlayStation brand. In their other adventures, Astro Bot had already proven himself as the new kid on the block as far as console mascots were concerned, and now, with a fully fledged game, it’s clear that Sony has something very special on its hands indeed.
Each level ofAstro Botis bursting with easter eggs, including bots themed after authentic PlayStation characters as well as much deeper cuts. Ratchet, Jack, Crash and Spyro are all included here, helpingAstro Botfeel like a real celebration for the now 30 year old gaming company. It’s not all nostalgia here however, asAstro Botputs forward perhaps the most polished platformer ever made. It’s tight, exquisitely designed, and a complete blast to play. Watch outMario, there’s a new guy in town.
2. Elden Ring
Our expert review:
Elden Ringfinally marks FromSoftware’s rise to being one of the biggest developers on the planet. By taking what made its previous games sing, and mixing it all up into a genre-defining open world, FromSoftware has created a game that is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Elden Ringwowed fans and critics alike when it launched in 2022, offering up an open world take on games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Elden Ring’s The Lands Between, is as deep as it is wide, stringing together now iconic locations that offer as much beauty as they do brutality. By expanding the scope of what a Soulslike can be, FromSoftware has created something that transcends the genre, an experience that appeals to all kinds of gamers, with no prior knowledge required.
Thanks to 2024’sShadow of the Erdtree DLC, there’s even more reasons to call Elden Ring one of the best PS5 games around. It’s challenging, gorgeous, intricately designed and absolutely meticulous in its level progression and build variety. If you only try one Souls game, make itElden Ringto see what all the fuss is about.
1. God of War Ragnarok
Our expert review:
The combination of a gripping and emotional narrative withGod of War’s signature crunching combat is a thing to behold inRagnarok- it means that every turn you’re in for an epic encounter or a brilliant bit of story; the mixing of the two makes this a true epic.
God of War Ragnarokis the critically-acclaimed sequel toGod of War(2018). Picking up several years after the events of its predecessor, this single-player epic once again follows Spartan Kratos and his son Atreus. But, this time, the pair are preparing for Ragnarok, a great battle that is prophesized to bring about the destruction of the Nine Realms.
Ragnarokwill feel familiar to those who playedGod of War, but what really makes this sequel great is its emotive narrative, which shines in its subtler moments, while clever evolutions to combat introduce welcome changes that advance gameplay without oversaturating it. It’s a sequel that is often as brutal as it is poignant, making it easily the best mature open-world adventure on PS5 right now.
Best PS5 games: FAQs
What PS5 games are coming out soon?
There are a tonne of PS5 games coming out in 2024. Just a couple of the most notable PlayStation 5 games releasing in the coming months include Astro Bot, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
For a full list of upcoming PS5 games and when they release, check out ournew PS5 gamesroundup.
What games are way better on PS5?
A number of PS4 games have been enhanced for PS5, with some benefiting from improved frame rates and visuals that make them both look and play better than before. Just some PS4 games which have had PS5 improvements areGod of War,Ghost of Tsushima, andThe Last of Us 2. But, don’t forget, most PS4 games will benefit on PS5 anyway thanks to significantly improved loading times.
What were the most downloaded games on PS5 in 2023?
2023 was a stellar year for PS5 games with some extremely popular and successful games entering the mix to keep us entertained all year long (and into this year too, frankly). However, some were more played than others, and some were certainly downloaded more than others - and when the big releases come, they really do arrive with force.
In the US, the most downloaded games on PS5 last year wereHogwarts Legacy,Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,Madden NFL 24, andNBA 2K24.
In the EU, the top downloaded games wereEA Sports FC 24,Hogwarts Legacy,Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3,GTA 5, andMarvel’s Spider-Man 2.
How we made our best PS5 games list
Many of us at TechRadar Gaming play a lot of games on PS5 and have experience with dozens and dozens of the games on the platform - this means you can trust what we think makes up the best PS5 games. From playing loads of individual PS5 games and committing hundreds of hours that span all genres, we’re well placed with game experience to recommend the best PS5 games to you.
TechRadar Gaming is full of passionate editors and writers who have a range of interests that range across genres and platforms. The benefit of this is that we can call upon a wide variety of knowledge and expertise when making lists such as these. We’ll also be constantly curating our choices for top PS5 games, so keep it here if you want up-to-date recommendations.
Which of these games will be enhanced by PS5 Pro?
Technically, all of the games featured in our best PS5 games list will be enhanced by the PS5 Pro when it launches, via the console’s Game Boost feature. Due to thePS5 Pro specs, you’ll also be able to play specific PS5 Pro versions ofDemon’s Souls, Gran Turismo 7, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Horizon: Forbidden West, andMarvel’s Spider-Man 2. For a look at how the PS5 Pro compares to the base model, visit ourPS5 vs PS5 Proarticle.
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Rob is the Managing Editor of TechRadar Gaming, a video games journalist, critic, editor, and writer, and has years of experience gained from multiple publications. Prior to being TechRadar Gaming’s Managing Editor, he was TRG’s Deputy Editor, and a longstanding member of GamesRadar+, being the Commissioning Editor for Hardware there for years, while also squeezing in a short stint as Gaming Editor at WePC just before joining TechRadar Gaming. He is also a writer on tech, gaming hardware, and video games but also gardens and landscapes, combining the two areas in an upcomingbook on video game landscapesthat you can back and pre-order now.
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