PlayStation 5 has, in just five years, already amassed an impressive, genre-defining library of games. Read on to see where we at Game8 have ranked our top picks, the reasons behind our choices, and why every PS5 owner should have these titles in their collection.
Best PS5 Games of All Time
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost five years since the release of the PlayStation 5 on December 11, 2020. The console still feels brand-new—likely thanks to the incredible lineup of games it has delivered in such a short time. Over the years, the PS5 has built a diverse library of titles, spanning RPGs, platformers, fighting games, shooters, and more.
From PlayStation exclusives like Spider-Man 2 to exciting new IPs like Black Myth: Wukong and Korea’s Stellar Blade, the console showcases just how much PlayStation fosters, celebrates, and creates unforgettable gaming experiences that stand the test of time. It’s clear that the PS5 has already cemented itself as one of Sony’s most successful systems, with no shortage of must-play games.
While the future will undoubtedly bring even more incredible titles, the first five years alone have already given us plenty of strong contenders for the best PS5 games of all time. At Game8, we’ve compiled a list of what we consider the cream of the crop since the console’s launch—games every PlayStation 5 owner should have in their library.
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| February 25, 2022 | Team Cherry | Team Cherry |
| Systems | ||
| PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Silksong stands as the first game in our reviews to break past a 96, and it’s easy to see why. It takes everything that made Hollow Knight unforgettable and pushes it further, sharpening its foundations into a faster, tougher, and more exhilarating adventure that perfectly suits Hornet’s journey. Even the weakest enemies feel dangerous, as if the game itself wants to test your resolve.
Its reputation built for years before release, and against all odds, the final product didn’t just meet expectations; it surpassed them. Chances are you had it preloaded, waiting the moment it went live, and it’s proven worthy of the hype. More than one of the decade’s most anticipated titles, Silksong has already cemented itself as one of the best games of the year.
2. Elden Ring
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| February 25, 2022 | FromSoftware | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Systems | ||
| PS5, PS4, Xbox Series XIS, Xbox One, PC | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
When Elden Ring first dropped its teaser, there were some skeptics who claimed it would just be Breath of the Wild with a Dark Souls skin. Thankfully, those naysayers were proven wrong. Not only did Elden Ring win countless awards, including 2022’s Game of the Year at The Game Awards, but it also redefined the open-world RPG genre as a whole. It changed the game and inspired an entire wave of Soulslike titles, cementing its influence in the industry. Even today, countless players are still exploring its vast world, discovering hidden secrets, and streaming endless runs.
The game’s lore, co-written by modern fantasy legend George R.R. Martin, combines the rich storytelling he’s known for with the dark mystery and world-building that Hidetaka Miyazaki perfected in the Souls series. The result is a truly immersive, challenging, and rewarding experience that sets the standard for single-player RPGs. Without Elden Ring, we might not have seen other giant, ambitious titles like Lies of P, Black Myth: Wukong, or Stellar Blade. Its influence on the PS5 and gaming as a whole cannot be overstated.
For newcomers, Elden Ring is an excellent starting point for the Dark Souls series and Soulslikes in general, offering accessibility on the PS5 without sacrificing challenge. And with the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which many consider a mini-sequel due to its sheer amount of content, the game only gets bigger, better, and more rewarding.
For these reasons, we at Game8 believe that Elden Ring is without a doubt the best PS5 game of all time. If it’s not already in your library, it’s an absolute must-buy—out of all the games on this list, this is the one you need to purchase immediately.
3. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| July 17, 2020 | Sucker Punch Productions | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Systems | ||
| PS5, PS4, PC | ||
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut has been out for five years now, and it remains the quintessential example of how to respectfully and brilliantly recreate historical periods while making the experience deeply engaging and personal. While there are many games set in historical Japan, this one arguably stands above the rest—especially on the PS5—with its breathtaking cinematic presentation.
The Director’s Cut on PS5 feels even more realized thanks to quality-of-life improvements such as Japanese lip-syncing, reduced load times, and inclusion of all downloadable content. PS5-exclusive upgrades like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for the DualSense, along with 4K resolution at 60 FPS, make the Tsushima Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture feel truly majestic—from the blooming sakura and intricate samurai armor to serene Shinto shrines.
The story of Jin Sakai is a gripping, personal tale of honor and vengeance that rivals classic samurai films, evoking the emotional weight and intensity of directors like Akira Kurosawa. Combined with its stunning world and immersive gameplay, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut remains a must-play title on the PS5.
4. Street Fighter 6
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2023 | CAPCOM | CAPCOM |
| Systems | ||
| PS5, PS4, PC | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
If we’re talking about fighting games, Street Fighter is unquestionably one of the greats—a household name recognized wherever you go. On the PS5, Street Fighter 6 takes the crown as the ultimate fighting game, offering a complete package for every type of player, from newcomers to seasoned veterans, striking the perfect balance between accessibility and depth.
The game features a stellar roster, including familiar faces like a bearded Ryu and a more graceful Chun-Li, alongside new fighters that keep the matches fresh. Add in a fun and robust online mode, dynamic fighting arenas, and regular updates with new characters, costumes, and balance patches, and it’s clear that Capcom has once again raised the bar for 2D fighting games.
5. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| January 25, 2024 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | SEGA |
| Systems | ||
| PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 9/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Following up on one of the most surprising genre pivots in video game history, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes everything great about its predecessor and makes it bigger and better. RGG Studios continues to push boundaries, offering a game where you can easily spend over 80 hours exploring side content alongside the already lengthy main story.
The game strikes a perfect balance between comedy and seriousness, with a memorable cast that defines the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise. The pivot isn’t just in gameplay—it’s also in the story, featuring Ichiban Kasuga as the new protagonist while giving a heartfelt sendoff to series veteran Kiryu Kazuma.
Set in the vibrant streets of Hawaii, the game amps up everything fans love: crazy substories, mini-games like Dondoko Island and Sujimon, and the freedom to explore with activities like swimming or riding a street surfer. As the name suggests, there’s an almost infinite amount of things to do, making it a fun, heartfelt, and endlessly engaging experience for both new and returning players.
6. Monster Hunter: Wilds
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| February 28, 2025 | CAPCOM | CAPCOM |
| Systems | ||
| PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
It took a while, but Monster Hunter finally hit the mainstream with Monster Hunter: World. What makes the series so captivating is that Capcom has stayed true to the core Monster Hunter formula while continuously improving it. Their latest release, arguably the best version to date, Monster Hunter: Wilds, takes everything that was already amazing and elevates it further. The game adds new monsters, quality-of-life improvements, and, for the first time, a much clearer focus on storytelling that gives the Forbidden Lands a deeper, more meaningful world.
That said, it never forgets what makes Monster Hunter so beloved: unending progression, battling new and returning monsters, upgrading and crafting armor, and experimenting with a wide variety of weapons. Monster Hunter: Wilds is everything you could want in a Monster Hunter game and raises the bar even higher than its predecessors.
7. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2025 | Kojima Productions | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Systems | ||
| PS5 | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 |
We have to include a Hideo Kojima game on this list. Kojima is a legend who has been part of the PlayStation legacy since the very first Metal Gear Solid. His latest work, arguably his most ambitious yet, is Death Stranding 2.
Despite being released fairly recently, Death Stranding 2 has already made a significant impact on the gaming industry—and even beyond. The return of Norman Reedus alongside other A-list actors only underscores how groundbreaking this project truly is.
The game continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges, delivering packages across a variety of landscapes, wastelands, and now previously unexplored territories. While the first game was about exploration and connecting a fractured world, the sequel builds on everything that made the original great, adding more action, deeper mechanics, and a narrative that challenges players in ways most games don’t.
Death Stranding 2 is an inevitable ride—thought-provoking, visually stunning, and uniquely Kojima in every sense of the word.
8. Final Fantasy XVI
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| June 22, 2023 | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| Systems | ||
| PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Final Fantasy is a legendary franchise that has evolved in countless ways—from turn-based combat to MMORPGs, and now to real-time action in its most recent games. The PS consoles, especially the PS5, have hosted many incredible Final Fantasy titles, but Final Fantasy XVI stands out as the epitome of the series. While FF7 Rebirth may be the best RPG in some respects, FFXVI shines in sheer scope, ambition, and presentation.
The game embraces fast-paced, real-time combat that’s both engaging and deeply satisfying. Players can get creative with combos, juggling opponents, and chaining attacks in ways that feel fluid and exciting. Each encounter feels impactful, with powerful spells, summons, and Limit Break-style abilities adding cinematic flair to every battle.
Clive’s journey is delivered through breathtaking cinematics and unforgettable set pieces, making it an experience every PS5 owner should witness. The world is rich and immersive, blending political intrigue, war-torn landscapes, and detailed lore that makes Eikons and their summoners feel alive and consequential. Beyond gameplay and story, FFXVI also excels in its soundtrack, perfectly balancing epic orchestration with emotional themes. Tracks like Ascension and To the Edge are already iconic, standing proudly alongside the best music in the entire Final Fantasy franchise.
9. Astro Bot
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2024 | Team ASOBI | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Systems | ||
| PS5 | ||
| Overall Score | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96/100 | ||||
| Story | Gameplay | Visuals | Audio | Value for Money |
| 9/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 |
There’s a reason Astro Bot won The Game Awards’ Game of the Year in 2024—it absolutely deserves it. Many players now call Astro Bot the platformer that defines PlayStation, similar to how Mario defines Nintendo.
At its core, the game is a love letter to PlayStation, celebrating iconic PS franchises from Stellar Blade to God of War to Crash Bandicoot. It’s a stellar experience, featuring stunning visuals, incredible sound design, a massive amount of content, and most importantly, fun and engaging gameplay. Team ASOBI and Sony have created a game that truly captivates the hearts of PS5 players, making it a well-deserved number 9 on this list.
Astro Bot also stands out as one of the few games that fully utilize the PS5 and DualSense features, making the experience feel uniquely next-gen. And with free DLC adding even more content, it’s clear why this platformer has become a defining title for PlayStation.
10. Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles
| Release Date | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2025 | Square Enix Creative Studio III | Square Enix |
| Systems | ||
| PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S | ||
Blending nostalgia with modern polish, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles feels like the definitive expression of the series’ tactical RPG roots. The remake takes what was already one of the most fascinating entries in the Final Fantasy franchise and sharpens it further with voice acting, updated systems, and quality-of-life improvements.
Its story, timeless and compelling, is now more immersive than ever, while its strategic combat remains as addictive as it was decades ago. Anchored by an extraordinary cast of characters and supported by smartly refined gameplay, this reimagining doesn’t just preserve a classic—it elevates it. For newcomers and veterans alike, The Ivalice Chronicles is bound to become a favorite all over again.
