The PlayStation 5 is a beast, isn't it? It's physically enormous, yes, but also, it has a whole bunch of excellent games already, and it isn't even two years old at this point. With the library always growing and some true PS5 exclusives on the way (none of this cross-gen malarky), now seems as good a time as any to start thinking about what sits at the top of the pile. Yes, we're once again asking for your help to determine a console's best games, and it's PS5's turn.
The PS5 launched under unique circumstances; Sony saw in the new generation of hardware amid a global pandemic; COVID-19 brought the world's infrastructure to its knees as flights were grounded, businesses forced to adopt work-from-home schemes, and the public instructed to stay indoors. That the platform holder pushed through all this to release the PS5 on time was quite remarkable.
Launching at a time like that obviously had its drawbacks. Due to part shortages and other effects, Sony has struggled to meet demand, with PS5s near-constantly sold out wherever you turn. Game production slowed down, and so many titles were delayed. Despite these issues, PS5 is a hot seller, keeping pace with PS4 even in short supply. In terms of games, the new console launched with a surprisingly robust selection given the circumstances, and things have only gone from strength to strength since.
This leads us to where we are now. As we did with the Best PS3 Games and Best PS Vita Games, it's now time for you to vote on your favourite PS5 games. All you have to do is browse through the poll below and rate your favourites on a scale from 1 to 10. You can rate as many as you like from the below list, which is taken directly from our database. Use the search function at the top to find your faves, or just browse through everything and rate the games you've played.
All your votes and ratings are fed back into our system, and the end result of all your votes will become our definitive list of the best PS5 games. What's great about this is that the list will evolve by your influence, changing over time as more people have their say. We'll publish the initial list at a later date — for now, it's time to rate your favourite PS5 titles so far.
Obviously, if there's a game you want to rate and it isn't in the list, let us know in the comments section below and we'll add it in. Without further ado, let's get to it — help determine Push Square's top PS5 games!
So, what are your favourite PS5 games? Rate all your top PS5 titles using the widget above, and then tell us which you've voted for in the comments section below.
Comments 83
It’s still Astro’s Playroom. I said in another blog that the only other game that elicited such wonder and emotion in me was Mario Galaxy. It’s a work of art and so much more than a tech demo. In my view, I’ve yet to see anything match it on PS5 so far.
Oh, best games that you can play on the PS5, I got it now. Otherwise I thought R&C and Returnal we're the only 2, and I haven't played Returnal so short poll for me. 😁
The games I've played on PS5 are Sackboy Adventure, last year GotY It Takes Two which I probably only played b/c it won that award, R&C, and currently sort of Elden Ring. Not sure it qualifies as "playing" b/c I've spent 25 hours riding my horse around taking pics. And about 3 hours of Last Guardian. Oh and Fortnite for about 10 hours.
My rating is R&C at 1, everything else after that.
Edit: Oops, forgot Astro's Playroom until I read the ninja tweet above me. It was ok, but not as impressive after Astro VR.
Kind of surprised how many of the games I already own from the list without even buying anything. Except horizon forbidden west. But only played it for less than 2 hours.
Returnal, gt7 horizon fw are my favs on PlayStation 5 closely followed by sackboy (honestly think this a hidden gem especially considering I didn't really like LBP)
Death Stranding Director's Cut, Metro Exodus, Returnal, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 Remake all 10s in my book.
I don't own a PS5 yet (probably will wait for the PRO version), buy I'd say that probably it's the GT 7.
Love these and rating all my games! Please do take part because the more ratings we have the better list we can assemble.
Ratchet and Clank Returnal Soulstorm Crash 4 Devil May Cry 5 and Tales of Arise are all 9 to me. Horizon I haven't played enough of it really to be able to rate it. Crash 4 as much as I enjoyed it was hard as hell and I'm not sure if I would go back to it again tbh. I still have the Gold and Platinum Relics to earn but it's doubtful I'll be going after them again, it's just too exhausting.
Having got my PS5 in January I've only finished 3 games and I still have several games I love that I haven't played as much of. But without a doubt I picked Astro's Playroom which was the best way to start off this console after admiring it from a distance for a year. Another game I picked was Lost Judgment which was an improvement in almost every aspect to the previous game and makes me hope we will see a third Judgment. Returnal, Demon's Souls, Gran Turismo 7 and Elden Ring are all games I own for the system that I love but haven't played enough to feel I can give them an accurate score otherwise they would be here.
Demon's Souls, Gran Turismo 7, It Takes Two and Death Stranding are 10
Ratchet & Clank, Hitman 3, Resident Evil Village, Nioh Collection, F1 2021 and FF7 are 9
Amazed by how many games I've played since launch, this evolving ratings list is a great idea @Quintumply
Astro's Playroom has elicited the most positive responses from everyone that has had a go on the PS5 and brought enjoyment to even the "non gamers", much like Nintendo products have done in the past.
Too much emphasis is placed on technical prowess these days and less on "is it fun to play?". Just think how many PS5's Sony could be unable to sell due to chip shortages if they had something like Wii Sports...
Honestly, I feel like I’m still waiting for the first authentic 10/10 for me in the PS5 generation (not counting PS4 games that got an upgrade in that). A fair amount of 8s and 9s though.
No 10’s yet, but Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut, Deep Rock Galactic, and The Forgotten City are all 9’s IMO
Being I just got a ps5 not that long ago, Its 100% spider man, astro and elden ring.
Returnal = 10⭐, GT7, Demon's Souls, Astro's Playroom, R&C, Control.
Worst game that I wasted $50 on? Ride 4 = 1⭐ I should have listened to the Push Square review, but I fell into the booby trap of beautiful graphics😖
It's between Astro and Elden Ring at the minute, though obviously one's a lot more completed than the other at the time of writing.
Shout out for Operation Tango. Played through it with a mate and had a whale of a time.
The list is big; but not that impressive yet. I voted on the ones I played. A handful of 8's and 7's mostly.
I don't personally consider a PS4 game with a PS5 patch to be a PS5 game anymore than I consider playing a PS4 game via backward compatibility on the PS5 to be a PS5 game. I wonder how big this list would be if we filtered out those?
I gave out some 8's and 9's but Ghost of Tsushima was my only 10. The PS5 version is a masterpiece in my book.
Few games on the list I have yet to even start!
Gave 10s to Astro and Disco Elysium.
See this is nonsense. In reality there are less than a handful of actual PS5 games. The vast majority of what you have listed here are merely cross gen games where PS5 is a loading, resolution screen and framerate increase to decidedly PS4 tailored titles.
Really this list should be about 5 games long, but "we believe in generations," right?!
Ratchet and clank rift apart.elden ring.returnal.tales of arise.astro bot.demon souls.ghost of tshushima directors cut.devil may cry 5.metro exodus.etc.etc a lot more games.word up son
@KundaliniRising333 I have never been less interested in a generation as this one. So far there is absolutely nothing on either side, except MAYBE Ratchet, that is a must play.
I'm also soured on the whole cross gen stuff, HZD, GOW etc should have been absolute must buys and absolute showcases for the ps5, but nope, held back. To be fair, everything I have seen about this gen, from the announcement, to the design, to the scalping, to everything else has just been a swing and a miss. I say that as an original ps4 only owner.
@thedevilsjester would cross-gen games be off the list as well? Ie, GT7, HFW, etc. Then the list would be a lot shorter.
There are 2 PS5 ganes, no?
Returnal and Demon Souls Remake?
It's hard to have any kind of perspective when you're lost in the wonder of Horizon Forbidden West.
@PhhhCough
When I pull the game off my shelf does it say PS4 or PS5 on the top? Or more specifically, if I place the disc in a system thats not online, do I get a PS4 game or PS5 game installed? Thats a bit tongue-in-cheek; but hopefully it clarifies a bit.
@nookie_egg I completely agree. Usually that is the case too, where such foundational exclusive franchises usher in or at least demonstrate the pinnacle of a new generation. The fact that they were designed cross gen, along with a few grey area games they made it seem were PS5 exclusive, just really makes me feel duped.
Even more alarming, is that in all honesty there are very few games even announced in production or on the horizon that are PS5 exclusive. By the time there is such a reality, they will be selling us a PS5 Pro actually capable of things they claimed this box would be.....VRR still is a huge problem to implement for sony both on their TV's and this PS4 Pro 2.0, because lets be honest, thats what it is.
I really loved ghost of Tsushima DC. I was 23 hours in on side missions alone, before I decided to finally complete the campaign from Act 1. I find myself playing Forbidden West the exact same way haha.
I really really really loved Sifu. It scratched that martial arts itch for me. I think that is the new bar that similar games should start from (gameplaywise, difficulty is a different topic)
I really enjoyed dirt 5 too
@KundaliniRising333 Pretty sure by this point in every other gen of consoles, there has been several must play next gen stuff. This time round, nada.
Don't get me started on the ps plus games collection being locked out for ps4 owners either.
Spidey and Wolverine are about it tbh.
I can't speak for what features the ps5 is missing due to not owning one, but i've seen the lack of vrr mentioned a few times. Seems strange it'd be advertised only to not be bothered with too much.
@KundaliniRising333 @nookie_egg I more-or-less agree. The generation so far is...meh; and the focus on cross generation games is a gut punch. That being said, I am not sure that HZ:FW is being held back much by this (though I think its an outlier).
I understand why they don't want to double down this generation. The ongoing hardware shortages are making it difficult to get enough systems out to tip the balance away from the PS4. It doesn't make it suck any less though.
Returnal has become one of my all time favorite games. Now they're adding coop and you can save progress, never a better time to give it a go if you were put off. Honestly for me it's one of the best action games of all time. Also loved Sifu a lot and Elden Ring is shaping up to be very special indeed. It's such a good time for games at the moment.
I award Death Stranding Elden Ring and Observer a 9. Very reluctant to go doling out 10s - one of which goes to Returnal; for being a fantastic unique sensory next gen experience whilst being in the classic compulsive addictive video game mould. I don’t know if I really can return, with the new content and sure technically I still didn’t finish it but holy hell what a game. .
@Enriesto I was just about to say the exact same thing. Astro’s Playroom is the PS5 game that made me feel the most and left the biggest (and most lasting) impression. Incredible game.
@thedevilsjester I’m so glad I waited a year before buying a PS5. I would have been really disappointed if I’d bought one at launch. But joining the club a year later has been great. It’s probably my favourite console ‘launch’ (because I waited a year). I don’t think I’ll ever buy a console on it’s official release day ever again. And I’ve always bought consoles on day one before now.
PERSONAL BEST: Returnal [10 stars]
PERSONAL WORST: Battlefield 2042 [2 stars....if that!!!]
ROUNDING OUT THE TOP 5:
HONORABLE MENTION: Astro's Playroom [9 stars - As much as I enjoyed this and thought it was truly something special, it was little more than a demo for the controller and I got more enjoyment and for longer out of other games I rated lower]
Returnal is my personal favourite on PS5.
I haven't get PS5 machine yet but I have written Top 10 PS5 games I can start to collect:
1. Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
2. Planet Coaster
3. Bibi & Tina at the Farm
4. Spirit of the North
5. The Smurfs Mission Vileaf
6. Kao the Kangaroo
7. Park Beyond
8. Instant Sports +
9. Time on Frog Island
10. Two Point Campus
Loving Elden ring and demon souls!
Astros Playroom really is good . i made a topic fanboying over it a couple months ago , lol .
Astro is incredibly high on my list (as the ultimate love letter to both 3D platforming in general and PlayStation history itself) but so are the PS5 editions of Control and Uncharted 4 which are both stunning imo (and Control is just immersively incredible in and of itself).
Apart from Astro, I don’t think I actually own many/any other standout “PS5-exclusive” games tho…! 🌟
I’ve had mine since launch. These are the games I’d rank as the ones I’ve enjoyed most.
1. Horizon: Forbidden West
2. Returnal
3. Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut (I know it wasn’t a huge upgrade over the original version, but I never owned it on PS4; it was an all new game for me)
4. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (upgraded a used PS4 copy I bought second hand; only played it on PS5)
5. Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart
6. Miles Morales
7. Spiderman Remastered (never played it on PS4)
8. Control Ultimate Edition
9. Metro Exodus
10. Doom Eternal
Didn’t play any of the last three on PS4 either. Basically I went strictly Nintendo Switch in fall of 2019. Traded my PS4 for one. So I won’t lie I’ve been playing a lot of late 2019 and 2020 PS4 titles that have PS5 native versions to catch up.
Oh yeah, and Astro is fantastic. It’s hard to rank though because it is ultimately a tech demo. I think it’s made the best use of the Dualsense’s features and I absolutely adored the love letter to PlayStation history and it’s fans (I actually got emotional when I unlocked the Fat PS1 model; so many childhood memories with that hunk of gray plastic). I dunno how to rank it though because it is ultimately a demo of what the PS5 can do, rather than an entire game experience.
@nookie_egg For me personally, I was not expecting a massive graphical leap in next (now current) gen consoles. What’s been “next gen” for me is the super fast load times, and the typical locked 60 fps up to 120 fps. Those are the things that scream next gen for me. Can you imagine Returnal on a PS4 - even a based one and not a pro? The load times on that would be unbearable. Furthermore, Horizon Forbidden West is incredible on PS5, in particular the load times. Did you know you have to turn off the loading screen in the system settings? The only reason it’s there is so players can read the tips, but the PS5 load times are so fast that you can turn that off completely because it’s unnecessary.
@Nerdfather1
I will say that the PS4 version of FW is surprisingly good when it comes to loading. My best friend is playing through it on PS4 Pro. The load times are certainly a pain compared to the PS5 version (which I counted at about 4 seconds at its slowest time; loading in a continue from the main menu) but it’s surprisingly good for an open world PS4 game. It’s much faster than Zero Dawn to load. I’d say about 45 seconds to load from a continue on the main menu. Zero Dawn was about a minute and 20 seconds on my old PS4.
But it’s really, REALLY hard to go back to slow loading times. When I play my Switch, it’s kind of horrifying. I can cold boot up my PS5, launch Forbidden West, and load in from a continue BEFORE Shin Megami Tensei V is finished loading from the title screen on my Switch.
@Nerdfather1 Exactly this. The usual suspects cry that HFW was held back by the PS4 but let's face it...it wasn't. It was a good 3 years being developed for PS4 before they got PS5 devkits.
The problem is that PS5 barely has any defining games. I've played a bunch of games on it don't get me wrong but they're mostly just multi-platform games that play the same on XBSX or PC. Many of the first party games are also on PS4 and. Out of the few PS5 exclusives I've only really played Astros Playroom and R&C. Astros was an extraordinary introduction to the systems features. R&C was another fun R&C game. None of the couple other exclusives have tempted me enough to pay the ridiculous $125 price tag first party Sony games have here in Australia. Even in PSN sales they're still $90+. So ask me how good returnal is once it's hit $50 on PSN.
I do really like the PS5. It's just a shame that it feels like the slowest starting generation ever.
@MetalGear_Yoshi
The PS4 started out way, way slower.
The best game the PS4 got between launch and Christmas of 2014 was The Last of Us Remastered. A PS3 game. Infamous was decent, but not outstanading. 2015 saw a few decent titles, but the big hitter was the Witcher 3, a non-Sony game. Bloodborne was acclaimed, but I didn’t care for it. I won’t deny it was a big game for fellow PS4 fans, though.
Honestly the PS4 didn’t hit its big stride with exclusive games until late 2016 and then exploded in 2017. At that point I felt like my early 2014 investment was finally worth it.
So it took almost 3 and a half years to get to that point.
IMO, the PS5 has been Sony’s best launch year since the PS2. The PS3 didn’t get good until 2008, and the PS4 to me was the slowest. Still the best console to play on that entire time, since the Xbox One was embarrassing and the Wii U was already a corpse. But it definitely took time for the PS4 to hit its stride.
Of all the ones I own, Destruction All-Stars and Dirt 5 scored lowest with 6's.
Guilty Gear Strive would have been a 10 if there was more single player content.
@lolwhatno
I have played All Ratchet & Clank games on PS3 + PS4 and the violence level was still tolerable enough for kids.
@eM1x029 bold of you to assume you'll be able to actually get a Pro if/when they release.
Demon Souls for me, it was excellent throughout. Seemed slightly easier than past souls game, first one I’ve actually finished. Loved it so much it made me go back and complete my first dark souls run which was on switch no less. The graphics of demon souls were amazing, especially the creepy jail area.
Elden Ring is also very good at the moment, I’d give it a close 2nd to Demon Souls. The size is great, but the intricate tight levels of demon souls feel more polished and interesting to me given their smaller size.
Finally, Gran Turismo 7 is great, a return to form as a single player game. I would put this as my 3rd favourite ps5 game.
Thank you for making this post.I appreciate it must have taken some time!
Going through and rating the games ive played so far on this system has made me appreciate just how much entertainment and great experience Ive had so far on ps5 in a short time. I've seen every single gen over 40 years now as an adult observer and can cofidently state ive enjoyed the launch period of ps5 as much as any system thats come before it. It's a good time to be a gamer.
I was suprised to see I gave several titles a 10, but when Sony gets it right, its a classic (GOT, Horizon, GT7, Ratchet, Returnal etc)
@MetalGear_Yoshi
Just saw your post and noted just how diametrically opposite our views are on this!
I know from other posts your a rationale and considered poster, so I accept its a genuine viewpoint, though I note you havent played a lot due to costs and suspect thats partially why our viewpoints diverge. I spend, always have, and if you could afford or justify the expense of the software, im pretty sure you would feel different!
Im not going to pretend price is not a factor for many, but ive always blown a significant portion of my income on games and still do. I used to buy multiple neo geo cartridges imported @ £150 per pop in the 80s, so its actually cheaper for me now even if im paying £70 per title xD So for me, value is not an issue, its just about great experiences and ive had a lot.
I hope that theres a change for you and you start to feel some of the enthusiasm I have for this gen. Take care.
@MattBoothDev No, no, no.... don't say the IF word! ....I promise I will be patient as I was with the PS4/PS4 Pro. I'm still pretty happy with it (PS4 Pro), and if I have to move to another console, that means that I'd have to upgrade my TV and sound system, which is not an option (or necessity) at the moment.
Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, Demon's Souls, Scarlet Nexus, Resident Evil Village, Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart, Tales Of Arise, Spider-Man Miles Morales, Kena. I would recommend those first for a new ps5 owner. In terms of best Dual Sense use so far for me its Returnal, Astro's Playroom, Scarlet Nexus
The Riftbreaker and Remnant: from the Ashes are missing from the list.
For me, the games I voted were Ratchet and Clank, Kena and Horizon at 9, Recompile got a 6 and i left it at that.
So seeing as a lot of these games are ps4 games with updates and some are just ps4 pro enhanced versions..where is pga 2k21? That game runs better on the ps5 than it does on the ps4 pro..i'd give it 8/10..
Please add:
Dysmantle
Phoenix Point
@soimun Having just finished Demon’s Souls a few weeks ago, I appreciated your perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well and your thoughts have helped me temper my expectations for Elden Ring. The ‘open linearity’ of Demon’s Souls does make for a tight, yet unrestricted experience.
Going to be controversial here. The best game I've played on my ps5 is the last of us 2. First time I played it and I waited for the ps5 patch. The game I've been most disappointed with was Spider-Man. Not sure if it was hyped to much for me, I loved the main missions but the busy work on the map sucked my will to live at times
Anyone play hell let loose? Is it any good?
@eM1x029 I was happy with my PS4 Pro too. It was pure luck I managed to bag a PS5!
Difficult to rate in a way, some of the games are not strictly PS5 and I played them last gen but the improvements the Ps5 gave them have made them feel like completely new experiences to me for example GOW and Days gone (I'm in the minority for that last one I know) I'm playing Gran turismo now though and that really does feel next Gen, at least a 9/10.
My favourite PS5 game is trying to buy one, 1 months after release and still no chance.
At this rate it will be two years into its life cycle before most of us even have a chance at getting one.
There can only be one - Returnal.
@Jammsbro well no worries you aren't missing out, as 99 percent of games released since PS5 came out, and almost all games in the foreseeable future are essentially ps4. The Ps5 has yet to be truly tapped, and it's a minor upgrade to the ps4 pro. An almost non existent upgrade if you get a super fast external ssd for the ps4 pro.
Anyone still trying to buy this machine I was duped into believing ushered in a new generation, should heed my. Advice here and just wait until they ultimately release the mid generation ps5 pro cash grab.
The only one, I gave a 10 is Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1+2. This is like the beste game of the last decade to me.
Sackboy, Uncharted Collection, Ratchet, Resi 8, Spiderman Remastered and Lost Judgment are all a 9.
I got two PS5. One of the solely for playing GT7 (all setup with seat and steering wheels etc). Sorry, but I am in my late 40s and I deserve a little luxury!
So. I surprise GT7 is on there but also one game that really surprised me how much I loved it (got plat even) is Returnal. Demons Souls was such a joy to revisit (though not got platinum as I find all this world tendency stuff to be a little convoluted).
Anyway my list all 10/10 for me (not in any particular order)
GT7
Returnal
Demons Souls (it felt completely fresh to play again)
Spider-Man (miles morales - original is also just as good but I played it on Pro)
Elden Ring (best open world game ever - maybe not best ‘Souls’ game though).
Astro’s Playroom
Ratchet & Clank
9/10 games
Hades
Nioh (only because games is so good - graphically not that impressive)
@bighal in my opinion, Miles Morales was good, but not as good as the first Spiderman game.
From Software is about to have a field day with both top spots.
No Man's Sky is here but no God Of War?
@hypnotoad Amen.... Returnal all the way
Going through this list I've realized how few PS5 games I've played. While the console finds it's footing and slowly releases titles I've been going back and playing the PS4's masterpieces.
Sufi better then Elder ring
GT 7 - 10
Demon souls - 9
Astros playroom - 9
That's all I've played. Incredible start to the PS5 in the 3 months I've had it.
Horizon Forbidden West. The reason I bought a PS5.
@Titntin Yeah, it's not that I can't afford it, I can. It just puts it a bit above that impulse level price if I'm not 100% sold on the game. Then by the time they're on sale the game is a bit older but the sale price is around where my mind still is for a full priced game. And even if didn't mind that they upped the price a bit but here in Australia it's a full 25% increase. Non 1st party Sony games are $100AUD. The PS5 Sony games are $125. It's a pretty steep jump. Other companies happily giving away next gen upgrades and keeping the same RRP (to sell more MTX I'm sure) doesn't help either. It all leaves me less inclined to reward Sony personally.
I also have an XBSX with Gamepass so I'm kind of spoiled for games. I'm usually just as happy to play whatever fun indie game was just put on Gamepass as I am anything else. I do really like both next gen systems though. They can look very pretty and the SSD load times are a godsend. Really looking forward to seeing what we get when current gen is the full focus and devs have learned how to get everything out of them.
I've just voted in my top 5 of games that i've played on the PS5:
1. Horizon Forbidden West - 9 stars
2. Final Fantasy 7 Remake - 9 stars
3. Yakuza: Like a Dragon - 9 stars
4. Death Stranding Director's cut - 9 stars
5. Gran Turismo 7 - 8 stars
And then i also voted the worst 5 games i've played on PS5:
1. D2: Resurrected: 2 stars
2. Train Sim World 2: 3 stars
3. Jurassic world evolution 2: 3 stars
4. Biomutant: 3 stars
5: Watch dogs legion: 3 stars
I have yet to play a game strictly released for PS5 but I have played
1. HFW
2. GoT DC
3. Death Stranding DC
and all three was brilliant for different reasons. I'm looking forward to what the rest of the year brings.
List appears to miss the PS5 version of crosscode, or is that just me?
Also my chance to rep Project Zero Maiden of Blackwater
All the games people have mentioned that weren't on the list should now be there! Apologies!
@Jimmy2x2x God of War Ragnarok isn't out yet!
@Ssimsim I agree with you, it's a lot of fun and it's sad it didn't get the attention it deserves. I like LBP but I think Sackboy is better than all LBP, specially to play coop with my wife.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...