Determining the best PS5 games has now become quite a tricky task. While the PS5 generation started slow and was initially flooded with cross-generation titles also playable on PS4, Sony’s flagship console is now hitting its stride with a slew of must-play games that you can’t enjoy anywhere else.
Here at Tom’s Guide, we’ve reviewed dozens of PS5 games, from colorful platforming sidescrollers to brutally difficult RPGs with hundreds of hours of content, and we’ve narrowed down the list of available software into the below collection of truly top-tier titles. These are the PS5 games that we consider utterly essential. So, if you’re looking for something new to play, you can’t go far wrong with any of these picks.
Of course, what can be considered one of the “best” PS5 games is highly subjective, so we can’t promise that every single title on this list will appeal to every type of player. But at the very least joker123 there should be a few games here that speak to your personal taste. And so, without further introduction, these are our picks for the best PS5 games that you can play right now.
The best PS5 games you can buy today
1. God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök had the unenviable job of following up not just one of the best PS4 games, but one of the most beloved PlayStation games ever. And yet somehow the development team at Sony Santa Monica did the unthinkable and actually surpassed the critically-acclaimed God of War (2018) with a sequel that’s bigger than its predecessor in practically every way. And while it is available to play on PS4, it’s a real technical marvel on Sony’s latest hardware.
In this highly-polished action-adventure game you once again play as Kratos, the perennially-angry Greek demigod, as he seeks to protect his son Atreus from the wraith of the Norse pantheon out for revenge. The situation is further complicated by the prophesied end of the world that looms large over the game’s epic fantasy storyline. Remarkably impressive both on a technical and gameplay jenjang, God of War Ragnarök combines cinematic storytelling with satisfyingly brutal combat and deeply rewarding exploration. It’s a game worthy of the gods.
2. Elden Ring
Elden Ring feels like the culmination of the so-called Soulsbourne genre. Developed by Japanese studio FromSoftware, this behemoth takes the formula established in Dark Souls and expands it into a massive open-world setting. Of course, as with almost all From games, Elden Ring’s biggest draw is its challenging difficulty jenjang that demands near perfection from players. But Elden Ring is about more than just brutally tough boss battles.
The game’s narrative is obscure but rich in mendetail for those willing to unravel its mysteries, and with Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin involved in dreaming up the game’s world, it’s not surprising there is a nearly bottomless sea of lore to dive into. The real beauty of Elden Ring comes from the high jenjang of freedom it gives players to venture off the beaten path, but also to craft and upgrade a character that suits their preferred playstyle. Yes, you’ll die a lot, but you’ll always return after each crushing defeat because the joy of overcoming Elden Ring’s toughest obstacles is a feeling that few PS5 games can replicate.