The PlayStation 5 boasts a wide array of action titles. That’s why we at Game8 have curated a list of the 20 must-play action games for all you PS5 owners out there.
The Best Action Games on the PS5
20. Dead Island 2
Ready to unleash your inner zombie slayer? Grab your trusty katana and take on the hordes of undead roaming the streets of Los Angeles in Dead Island 2! Play as one of six unique characters, known as the "Slayers," and decimate your enemies with an arsenal of deadly melee weapons and powerful firearms.
Explore iconic locations throughout the City of Angels as you show those brain-craving creatures who's really in charge. And, if things get a little hairy, tap into your own infected rage to unleash unstoppable fury upon your foes. It's time to prove that you're the ultimate boss of these infested streets!
Dead Island 2 on Amazon
Dead Island Official Website
19. The Last Of Us Part 1
If you're craving an adrenaline-filled zombie-killing romp wrapped with a tale of heart-wrenching emotions, then The Last of Us Part 1 is up your alley. Step into the shoes of Joel, a seasoned smuggler navigating the treacherous post-apocalyptic landscape of America. His mission? Safely escort fourteen-year-old Ellie across this harsh world that’s been ravaged by both infected zombies and ruthless survivors.
How you approach these encounters is up to you - whether through brute force and firepower, or stealth and cunning. Immerse yourself in this gripping tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of survival, action, and raw human emotion. Are you ready to embark on this unforgettable journey?
The Last of Us Part 1 on Amazon
The Last of Us Part 1 on the PlayStation Store
18. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is the long-awaited sixteenth installment to a beloved franchise. Dr. Nefarious steals a powerful Dimensionator from Ratchet and Clank, and uses it to send them to a dimension where his evil is law. Now the plucky duo has to work with their alternate selves and stop Nefarious before reality as they know it falls apart. Get ready to jump, wall-run, and hack your way through this bizarro world while gunning down hordes of goons.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on Amazon
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart Official Website
17. Ghostrunner
Always fantasized about being a cyberpunk ninja? Then prepare yourself for the exhilarating world of Ghostrunner! In this cyberpunk adventure, step into the shoes of the fearless Ghostrunner as you face off against the treacherous Keymaster Mara. Your mission? To thwart her diabolical plans of domination over what little remains of humanity. Her army stands in your way, but you have an arsenal of awesome parkour moves and a katana that cuts through everything like a hot knife through butter.
Ghostrunner on Amazon
Ghostrunner Official Website
16. Remnant 2
Remnant 2 has proven itself to be an unexpected hit on the PS5, boasting a unique and addictive concept: a Souls-like third-person shooter. Prepare yourself for intense battles where enemies can swiftly end your life with just a few hits. Quick reflexes and evasive maneuvers are key as you unleash a hail of bullets upon your foes. On top of all that, Remnant 2’s procedurally-generated maps offer endless variety with each playthrough, ensuring no two experiences are ever alike. The stellar gunplay and amount of content make this game an AA powerhouse.
Remnant 2 on Amazon
Remnant 2 Official Website
15. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves
Embark on not one but two unforgettable adventures in the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves collection! Choose to accompany Nathan Drake on his final treasure hunt or join Chloe Frazer as she searches for the legendary Tusk of Ganesh. These thrilling campaigns offer a perfect blend of exploration, heart-pounding gunfights, and classic tomb raiding. For die-hard Uncharted fans, this remastered collection is an absolute must-play that lets you experience two of the series’ iconic titles like never before.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves on Amazon
14. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
In Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, you step into the shoes of a humble militiaman amidst the chaos caused by the Yellow Turban Rebellion. However, fate clearly has bigger plans for you, as you become entangled in a grand plot involving renowned Chinese heroes and their destinies during the epic tale of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Wo Long delivers an adrenaline-pumping hack-and-slash experience, where mastering parrying techniques and harnessing magical abilities are crucial to success. Unleash devastating blows upon your enemies by depleting their Spirit Gauge and seize victory!
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty on Amazon
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Official Website
13. Cyberpunk 2077
Despite its notorious launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has earned its place as a modern classic over the years since it first came out in 2020. Immerse yourself in a world of cybernetic implants and take on gangoons, street samurai, Voodoo Boys, Maelstromers, and all the other punks infesting the streets of Night City. Navigate through a web of conspiracy as you race against time to save both yourself and the greatest mercenary who ever lived.
Cyberpunk 2077 on the PlayStation Store
12. Sifu
In Sifu, you step into the shoes of a martial arts master's child seeking vengeance after their parent is betrayed and killed by the treacherous Yang. Through the power of a mystical talisman, your character is brought back to life, but now with a ticking clock. Every time you die, you will be revived. But each time you do so, your character’s Death Counter increases. Fail to get your revenge before you reach the age of 70, and it’s game over. But, as you grow older and gain experience, you can invest that knowledge into developing stronger martial arts skills and become a Kung Fu master yourself.
Sifu on Amazon
Sifu Official Website
11. Horizon Forbidden West
After the exhilarating events of Horizon Zero Dawn, our fearless protagonist Aloy returns in Horizon Forbidden West, ready to embark on an epic adventure into the mysterious titular area, the Forbidden West. There, she continues the quest that she has taken upon herself to complete at the end of the previous title, Horizon Zero Dawn. But along the way, Aloy may just uncover some hidden truths about herself as well. With its signature hunting-focused gameplay and immersive exploration from HZD, Horizon Forbidden West delivers an enthralling open world filled with formidable foes, fresh mechanics, and a captivating storyline.
Horizon: Forbidden West on Amazon
Horizon: Forbidden West on Guerilla Games’ Official Website
10. Spider-Man Miles Morales
In Spider-Man Miles Morales, you step into the shoes of no other than the titular protagonist himself. Equipped with his own incredible spider powers, Miles takes on the responsibility of defending the bustling city of New York while Peter Parker is away on a trip with Mary Jane. Miles will have to rise to the occasion because, as if on cue, a nefarious group of high-tech criminals called "The Underground" has targeted the Roxxon Energy Corporation. Immerse yourself in a thrilling adventure as you swing through the streets of New York City, unleashing devastating martial arts moves, spider webs, and Miles’ unique powers like the electrifying Venom Blast. There’s also an arsenal of gadgets at your disposal, like remote mines and gravity wells, that will give you an edge against any villain standing in your way.
Spider-Man Miles Morales on Amazon
Spider-Man Miles Morales Official Website
9. Returnal
Returnal is an exhilarating blend of a third-person shooter and a bullet hell game. Step into the shoes of Selene Vassos, a skilled space pilot who finds herself stranded after crash-landing on the mysterious alien planet, Atropos. As Selene, you must navigate the treacherous terrain of Atropos, engaging in intense conflicts with its enigmatic inhabitants. Master the art of dodging as you avoid their relentless attacks and skillfully retaliate as your survival depends on it. Failure means death, and you’ll be sent back to the very moment where your ship first crashed.
Returnal on Amazon
Returnal Official Website
8. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Embark on an epic journey alongside Jedi Knight Cal Kestis as he wages a personal war against the oppressive Galactic Empire in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. After battling for what feels like an eternity, Cal finds himself questioning the value of his sacrifices. But hope flickers on the horizon as he discovers a path to freedom from the clutches of the Empire. Armed with his formidable Jedi powers and together with a band of loyal allies, you’ll guide Cal through thrilling encounters with the Imperials and other inhabitants of the vast galaxy. It's not just finding a way to survive that drives him; it’s also about finding a way to live.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on Amazon
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Official Website
7. Demon’s Souls
Prepare yourself to journey once more into the cursed Kingdom of Boletaria and find the power of the demon souls. This remake of FromSoftware's iconic PS3 title, Demon's Souls, breathes new life into a more than decade-old classic, bringing stunning modern graphics and the timeless sword fighting action that FromSoftware has perfected over the years since its original release. It is from this game that we got the genre “soulslike.” Uncover the enigmatic secrets surrounding the ethereal demon souls and the encroaching gray fog that threatens to shroud not just Boletaria, but the world.
6. Final Fantasy 16
In Final Fantasy 16, embark on an epic journey across the land of Valisthea and its twin continents, Storm and Ash - home to six mighty kingdoms locked in a fierce struggle for dominance over the coveted Mothercrystals. These rocks are rich in aether-infused crystals that bestow upon their users a life of magic and abundance. As Clive Rosfield, the first-born son of the Archduck of Rosaria, you must seek vengeance against the man responsible for your brother’s untimely demise and the destruction of your cherished homeland.
Though the series is typically known for its turn-based role playing combat, this most recent title tosses that out in favor of a solely action-oriented combat system. Fight enemies in exhilarating battles infused with dazzling magic and dynamic combat mechanics carefully crafted by Ryota Suzuki, known for his work on the Devil May Cry series.
Final Fantasy 16 on Amazon
Final Fantasy 16 Official Website
5. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake is a faithful recreation of the beloved 2005 classic. We are once again thrust into the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy, a skilled U.S. Secret Service agent who survived the events of the Racoon City Incident. Now tasked with rescuing the president's daughter, Ashley Graham, from the clutches of a mysterious cult known as "Los Illuminados," Leon embarks on a perilous journey through Spain's Villalobos region. Prepare for heart-pounding action, suspenseful moments, and encounters with both zombies and sinister cultists alike in this unforgettable journey into survival horror!
Resident Evil 4 Remake on Amazon
Resident Evil 4 Remake Official Website
4. Devil May Cry 5
Join Nero, Dante, and the enigmatic "V" on an epic quest in Devil May Cry 5 as they team up to track down the mysterious hooded man who stole Nero's demonic right arm. Red Grave City is infested with demons, and it's up to our badass trio to kick some supernatural ass and restore order. Get ready for flashy combat, insane demon-slaying action, and unleash the power of Nero's new Devil Breaker system - a collection of disposable cybernetic arms with unique effects that will obliterate any enemy that stands in your way. So grab your devilish weapons and prepare for an adrenaline-pumping battle like no other!
Devil May Cry 5 on Amazon
Devil May Cry 5 Official Website
3. Ghost of Tsushima
In Ghost of Tsushima, you step into the shoes of Jin Sakai, the last surviving samurai after the devastating battle of Tsushima, where the samurai lords clashed with an invading Mongol army led by Khotun Khan, cousin of Kublai Khan, ruler of the Mongol Empire. Determined to rescue his uncle Lord Shimura and liberate Tsushima from its invaders, Jin must rely on his extensive training as a warrior and his mastery of stealth tactics to gain the upper hand against the overwhelming numbers of Mongols who have since taken over the island. With its breathtaking visuals and gripping gameplay, featuring intense sword fights and strategic stealth maneuvers, Ghost of Tsushima is an absolute must-play experience on the PlayStation 5. Don't miss out on this incredible game.
Ghost of Tsushima on Amazon
Ghost of Tsushima Official Website
2. Elden Ring
Elden Ring is one of the best games of the early 2020s and quite possibly one of the greatest games ever made. Crafted by FromSoftware, masterminds behind gaming gems like Demon's Souls, the Dark Souls series, and Bloodborne, this game brings you into an expansive open world where careful maneuvering, well-timed attacks, and mastery of the controls will ensure your survival. The Lands Between is full of mysteries and rewards aplenty, and you must journey through it to fulfill your purpose. Will you ultimately rise as the land’s new Elden Lord,or embrace a fate far beyond human comprehension?
Elden Ring on Amazon
Elden Ring Official Website
1. God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarok is, hands down, the best action game for the PlayStation 5. Prepare yourself for an immersive experience filled with heart-pounding combat, breathtaking exploration, compelling and relatable characters, and an epic father-son journey like no other. Take control of Kratos (and his now teenage son Atreus) as they navigate their way through cunning puzzles, forge alliances with powerful allies, and unravel the mysteries surrounding the Norse God of War himself - Tyr. Together, Kratos and his son must not only fulfill their fated destinies but also prevent the impending cataclysm known as Ragnarok, which threatens to bring about the end of the Norse world and its gods.
