40. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)
The first Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a demanding historical RPG that slowly became a cult classic over the course of years — and this sequel sticks rather rigidly to its predecessor's blueprint. Having said that, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 improves on just about everything; it's a bigger, much more dynamic open world adventure, stuffed with captivating side quests and fantastic characters. It's also a deeply immersive experience, forcing players to survive and eventually thrive within a punishing recreation of 15th century Europe. If you can gel with it, Deliverance 2 is easily one of the most engrossing role-playing experiences that you'll find on PS5.
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39. Alan Wake 2 (PS5)
Remedy Entertainment has followed up on the beloved Alan Wake with a more-than-worthy sequel. Alan Wake 2 goes all-in on survival horror, but it also goes all-in on Remedy's particular brand of weird, blending live action with gameplay, taking unexpected turns, and making lots of creative risks. The result is an atmospheric, unpredictable, and fascinating game of two halves. Whether you're playing as Saga Anderson in the real world or Alan in the dark place, it remains captivating throughout — and looks incredible to boot.
38. Moss: Book II (PS5)
An early star of virtual reality was Moss, and this follow-up builds on those solid foundations. Moss: Book II continues the adventures of Quill, who now has access to multiple weapons to fend off enemies. They also play into the game's puzzles, which are larger in scope and more complex than the first game. It all looks wonderful too — the environments and character animations are gorgeous, and your unique perspective lets you get a really good look at these cutesy levels. It's not a massive departure from what came before, but this five-hour adventure is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
37. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS5)
With the best turn-based gameplay, the biggest and best cast of characters, and the most gripping story in the series so far, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is comfortably the greatest Yakuza game to date. Ichican and Kiryu hit up the new destination of Hawaii in search of the former's long-lost mother, but their quest really is just the tip of the iceberg. Improved combat makes fights more engaging than ever, upgraded graphics bring new life to classic locations like Kamurocho, and deep and fascinating characters both new and old mean you won't want to stop playing until the credits roll. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth really is RGG Studio at its peak.
36. Split Fiction (PS5)
Following up the beloved It Takes Two, Split Fiction is another co-op action adventure in much the same vein, but it's a big step up. Featuring simple and smooth controls at its core, this game focuses on two aspiring writers who get stuck in a simulation of their own stories, resulting in a wildly varied quest through sci-fi and fantasy worlds. The pace at which it presents you with new ideas, breathless set-pieces, and ingenious co-op moments is unparalleled, culminating in a finale that's unlike anything we've seen before in a game. This is arguably the best co-op experience on PS5, and it's one of 2025's top titles full stop.
35. Unicorn Overlord (PS5)
"Vanillaware doesn't miss" — a statement that grows more and more meaningful with every game that the talented Japanese studio releases. Unicorn Overlord takes the developer in yet another new direction, channelling the spirit of strategy RPGs like Fire Emblem to create one of the finest examples of the genre that you'll find in modern gaming. Growing a huge army of characters and finding unique ways to squad them up is the crux of the experience, and it only gets increasingly addictive as the adventure continues. Couple that with Vanillaware's amazing, trademark art direction, and you've got a surefire recipe for role-playing success.
34. It Takes Two (PS5)
When you think of co-op games, one should spring to mind immediately: It Takes Two. This action adventure is from the makers of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out, and sees you and a partner take on the role of an estranged couple. Turned into dolls by their daughter's tears, you and a friend must go on a wildly imaginative, endlessly varied, adventure to return to normal. Constantly presenting you with new puzzles and ideas, each as good as the last, you'll never grow weary of this brilliant game, playable locally or online.
33. Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
Taking place hundreds of years before the events of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy finally lets fans live out their dream of attending the eponymous school. While there's an intriguing story to follow that takes you far beyond the castle itself, this RPG's strengths are all in the smaller things. The school is a joy to explore, as are the surrounding grounds, because of an obsessive attention to detail that really does imbue the open world with magic. Layer on top solid spell-based combat, flying on your broom, and even rearing magical creatures, and the result is a real crowd-pleaser — and definitely the best game in the franchise.
32. Returnal (PS5)
Not that it needed to, but with Returnal, Housemarque has proven itself an incredibly capable studio. This PS5 exclusive is a frantic, ultra-tight third person shooter dressed up with some rogue-like elements to add variety and unpredictability to the mix, and the result is wonderful.
Trapped in a loop on a hostile alien world, Selene is forced to relive her fateful crash landing each time she dies. There's an amazing sense of accomplishment as you slowly progress through challenging boss encounters and explore six diverse environments full of randomised weapons, perks, and power-ups. It feels amazing to play, especially with amazing support for the DualSense's features, and the addictive gameplay is complemented by an enigmatic story that will leave you guessing.
The best part is that's just the start. A slew of additional modes flesh out Returnal, giving you a few extra ways to play when you're done with the single player campaign. The daily challenge mode provides all players with a fixed loadout and room layouts, with the goal of amassing the highest score possible by exploring and playing skilfully. Beyond that is the Tower of Sisyphus, an endless arcade mode that similarly tasks you with getting the highest score you can, only there's more of a sense of urgency. You're rewarded not just for skilled play but for fast play — your multiplier will start to tick down if you loiter for too long. The Tower also contains additional story, adding more layers to the mysterious narrative the main game offers.
Finally, there's two-player online co-op. This allows you to join or invite another player and go through the main campaign with a companion, potentially alleviating some of the challenge. While it isn't the primary focus of Returnal, the co-op works splendidly; resources are shared between you, forcing you to make decisions on who gets what, and a revival mechanic lets you bring each other back into the fight. It's just as much fun taking on the world of Atropos with a friend as it is alone, if not more so.
Whether you're in it for the world class gameplay, the atmospheric sci-fi setting, the intentionally mysterious story, or the variety of extra modes, Returnal is among the most robust, rewarding, and addictive games on PS5.
31. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5)
There's no denying that Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the best Final Fantasy games in years, and Intergrade is the icing on the cake. Yes, it's only one part of the story, and yes, a few of the, er, changes are going to annoy some fans forevermore, but there's a healthy helping of Final Fantasy VII magic at the heart of Remake. Whether it's in the way that the characters have been re-realised or the outstanding boss fights (and excellent combat system), charging through Remake is a rewarding experience — especially if you're big on nostalgia.
30. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales may be shorter than its immediate predecessor, a spin-off if you like, but it’s lacking none of the character of its older, bigger brother. While Marvel’s Spider-Man did away with origin story clichés, Miles Morales is much more of a coming of age tale, as it sees the eponymous star coming to terms with his new-found powers. This is a deeply personal plot that adds depth to Insomniac Games’ wider Spider-Man universe, and it comes with some smart new gameplay wrinkles that make it a blast to play. Instant loading and sumptuous visuals are merely the frosting on the top of this wintery open world treat, which will leave you lusting after Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
29. Resident Evil Village (PS5)
For a franchise that has no shortage of experimental entries in its back catalogue, Capcom knows how to make a traditional Biohazard campaign when it wants to. Resident Evil Village adopts the first-person perspective of Resident Evil 7, but this time offers a confident and familiar romp through a sinister Romanian village. With an eclectic cast of curious – but occasionally underdeveloped – villains, the true character of this sequel is the setting itself, which harbours countless secrets and some truly memorable moments. And for those rocking a PSVR2, the full game is playable in virtual reality, which really ratchets up the intensity with overhauled controls and impressive visuals.
28. What Remains of Edith Finch (PS5)
What Remains of Edith Finch is a difficult game to talk about without spoiling what makes it special. It's a narrative-driven experience that only lasts a few hours, but it packs in so much inventive design and imaginative sequences that it will stick with you for longer than anything else. Playing as the titular Edith Finch, you return to her rickety, unusual family house and unearth what happened to everyone. It's emotional, surprising, characterful, and unique. Now also on PS5, there's no excuse to skip this excellent adventure.
27. Silent Hill 2 (PS5)
Comfortably one of the greatest remakes around — especially when you narrow it down to the survival horror genre — Silent Hill 2 is a triumph of a resurrection from Bloober Team and Konami. The vast majority of the original PS2 masterpiece is faithfully brought back with modern visuals and gameplay design, and then expanded upon in all the right ways with bigger areas to explore and then new endings. Silent Hill 2 remains just as incredible as it did back in 2001 thanks to the delicate and appreciated work of Bloober Team.
26. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5)
Insomniac Games delivers an ultra-fun sequel in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Refining pretty much everything that came before while delivering another rollicking superhero story, this is about as solid a follow-up as you could hope for. While it'll be fairly familiar if you've played the other games, new features tip it over the edge. The Web Wings are a huge boon for traversal, combat has been smartly refined, and the side content is more meaningful. It's a real crowd-pleaser, and is another shiny jewel in Sony's PS5 crown.
25. Elden Ring (PS5)
Elden Ring’s crowning achievement is taking a relatively niche gameplay loop – refined over the years with Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, et al – and presenting it to the masses. FromSoftware’s open world magnum opus is a staggering achievement: a sandbox bursting at the seams with vulgar secrets, all presented with enough ambiguity to make combing every square inch of its dramatic Lands Between backdrop feel like true discovery. With a complex combat system enabling an eclectic array of gameplay styles, and some of the most devilish encounters in gaming history, this is an unmissable experience – and then some.
24. Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5)
The team behind the Persona series presents its take on a fantasy RPG with Metaphor: ReFantazio. Structured very similarly to its stablemates, this game has you exploring a realm filled with monsters, monarchy, and magic, and is just as stylish too, with gorgeous presentation throughout. Presenting players with one of the best RPG stories in recent memory, engaging combat, and rewarding gameplay systems, this is yet another banger from Atlus.
23. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (PS5)
After a few missteps, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard brings the series back to its survival horror roots while entering new territory at the same time. Played in first-person, we're introduced to Ethan Winters, who is lured into danger when his missing wife contacts him. The ensuing adventure is dripping with atmosphere and intrigue as you escape the horrifying Baker family and uncover a supernatural mystery. It's a great game, and made better on PS5 thanks to better resolution, faster loading, and more.
22. Pistol Whip (PS5)
Rhythm games and virtual reality go together wonderfully, and one of the best examples of that is Pistol Whip. Revamped for PSVR2's bells and whistles, this flashy game is essentially an on-rails shooter set to music. It's a simple idea but executed so well, oozing style and allowing the player to pull off some super cool moves. Firing your guns to the beat and dodging incoming attacks with perfect timing is endlessly satisfying, and the Hollywood-inspired levels are all a treat to look at, too.
21. Hades (PS5)
Bored of his immortal life in the Underworld, Zagreus takes it upon himself to escape the reaches of his godly father. In the brilliant roguelike Hades, you'll aid the prince in his attempts to reach the surface, engaging in countless runs through the ever-shifting realms. With each death comes plot development, however; a story is expertly interwoven with the gameplay loop, giving you a small taste of what each character has been up to before you dive back into the dungeons once more. With slick, fast-paced combat, an endless variety of perks and power-ups to try, and an escalating challenge for those that stick around, this is a fantastic action game that makes the most of its looping structure.





Comments 25
Glad Pathless made the list. Had a lot of fun with that game
It's pretty funny how many of the top games are on PS4 as well. I sort of wish this were an exclusives list, but I can understand why it isn't.
So far, I'm not compelled to upgrade to PS5 as the only exclusive of interest to me is Demon's Souls, and that will most likely end up on Steam in a year or two.
@sketchturner the PS5 versions of PS4 games look and run so much better. It’s 100% worth the upgrade imo. Ya not telling me ya own every cross gen game on there!? Even some of the games ya do own are worth playing again with the advanced tech. Up to now i’ve finished Spiderman, Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone and The Last of Us PS5 versions even tho i finished them on PS4. Then there’s games like Returnal, Demon’s Souls, Ratchet an Clank, etc. def worth the upgrade.
Elden ring at 14?!
Solid top 10, but Returnal is still #1 for me personally.
@sjbsixpack Anyone who says otherwise is just mad they can't find a PS5, bc the upgrades are totally worth it. Its not something I can explain to people besides recommending them to experience it for themselves.
@sketchturner You are missing out on so much. I would buy it for the controller alone. It changes everything.
MY top 10 (excluding remakes/remasters):
1. Resident Evil Village
2. Lost Judgment
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
4. God of War: Ragnarök
5. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
6. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
7. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
8. Guardians of the Galaxy
9. Astro's Playroom
10. Gotham Knights
Including remakes/remasters:
1. Resident Evil 2
2. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
3. Resident Evil Village
4. Lost Judgment
5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
6. God of War: Ragnarök
7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
8. Demon's Souls
9. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
10. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
I get the rating system but it’s ridiculous that many of these games are actually originally PS4 games that simply got an upgrade of some sort. What about the actual best native PS5 games?
Where is Monster Hunter Rise? It's fantastic.
@sjbsixpack Probably the main exception here is Elden Ring. I recall the PS5 version being somewhat inferior to the PS4 version but I can't recall precisely why.
For me personally the series X and game pass completely blow the ps5 away at this stage, particularly as I don't have a pc and didn't have an Xbox 1. There isn't a single game that tempts me even in the slightest to upgrade my PS4. I honestly can't believe so many people have bought a ps5.
Anyone putting Gran Turismo at 8 is on Sony's payroll. This game is universally loathed by users. Only crooked online reviewers would put this garbage game on ANY list, much less a greatest list.
Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)
https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/gran-turismo-7
2.2 rating, 11,000+ reviews don't lie
People don't just nit-pick this game. They actually hate it, and you will, too.
Other bogus entries include the new Spider-Man game that has gameplay just as bad as its name and Elden Ring. Unless you enjoyed playing Elder Scrolls Online for the last decade, there's no purpose at all to play Elden Ring. Its absurd ripped-off story and rip-off style is pretty much just Elder Scrolls. And if you already play Elder Scrolls, why play another Elder Scrolls that isn't as good?
Ha Astro bot.. RIP your battery life. That’s a hell of a top ten though, 20 even. Stray is a must play if you like something a bit different. For me though it’s Gran Turismo 7 and GOT. My two favourite games in a long long time.
@wbrab bro GT got panned due to the online requirements that’s all. The game itself is incredible. It’s all over YouTube constantly. It’s also now the second biggest selling GT game ever so that’s complete rubbish frankly. Bring on 8 Polyphony!! Hoping it’s a PS6 launch game
@luke88 are you’re eyes painted on?
Ragnarok is a bit high for me but good list!
Disappointing not seeing Tchia or Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden not on the list. They were in my top 3 for 2023-2024.
@luke88 I think the Game Pass is definitely the better deal, and the Xbox is technically superior to PS5, but Sony exclusive games for me have always been superior. In the last 2 Xbox generations, there were maybe 4 games I was jealous of. Now they are coming to PS5 - Indy, Forza 5, Sea of Thieves (already there), and Flight Simulator. That's it.
Oh, it hurt my feelings to see this list🫣
In my opinion of course: Too many awesome games buried in the list far down and others inexplicably raised to the foreground. Too many remasters that simply can't compete with modern games. And WAY too many Yakuza games 😲
Also, and this is even more nitpicky, many of the cons to my favorite games seem unfair. Like there's no depth to RPG in CP2077!? There's 3 paths, and I have yet to finish my third path run, but it is deep! Also, who you are is up to you in dialogue and romance. You can end entire questlines, numerous VERY different endings. This was just one 'con' I felt was tacked on to provide the list makers absolution.
My top 10, as delivering a 'next-gen' or 'world-class' experience:
Disco Elysium
Persona 5 Royal
Baldur's Gate 3
Witcher 3
Cyberpunk 2077
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (1 is excellent too)
RE: 4 VR version
RE: 8 VR version
GT7 VR version
Slay the spire
Just paid £16 for prince of Persia ps5 version on amazon. Bargain
Shame on you for not putting Sonic X Shadow Generations on the list.
I already have 6+ games pending on PS5 that I haven't even touched. I am not buying anymore this year until I go through my present pending lineup.
Interesting how this list has evolved. It’s impressive to see some titles that have held position though, even as new games get introduced to the list.
Now 5 years into the console, I still haven’t played many of the top 20. Some of this is due to my decreased amount of free time this generation compared to previous ones, but it also has to do with a sheer volume of releases that continue to come out at a steady clip. For me this generation has been all about the backlog.
@DrVenture69 I recently finished it. Great game. Some satisfying puzzles
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