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Best PS5 Games 2024: Must-buy titles for Sony’s next-gen console
In This Article
The PS5 is one of the most popular consoles around with an absolute bevvy of titles to play, but that also means it can be hard to find the PS5 games worth your time and hard-earned cash.
If you’re not sure which games you should buy for the PS5, we at Trusted Reviews have you covered. We’re keen PS5 gamers who have collectively played practically every big game released on the PlayStation 5 platform. Using our expertise, we’ve assembled a list of the highest rated games that we’ve reviewed. That means every game on this list has been awarded at least a 4-star rating (out of 5) by one of our experts.
We’ve also made sure to include a variety of different games here, just in case you have a preferred genre. We’ve made sure to include family-friendly games such as Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank, as well as more gruesome picks like Resident Evil Village and Elden Ring. Either way, there should be at least one game here that appeals to you.
We’re not just PS5 gamers either; if you’re interested in games for different platforms, make sure to check out ourbest PS4 games,best Switch games,best Xbox Series X/S gamesandbest PC gamesfor even more recommendations. Without wasting any more time, here are our top picks for the best PS5 games right now.
Best PS5 games at a glance
How we test
We play every game we review through to the end, outside of certain exceptions where getting 100% completion, like Skyrim, is close to impossible to do. When we don’t fully finish a game before reviewing it we will always alert the reader.
God of War Ragnarök
Pros
Cons
While it might not be a PS5-exclusive, God of War: Ragnarök is of such a high quality that it’s still one of our favourite PS5 games to date, easily earning itself a full 5-star rating.
2018’sGod of Warreboot was a fantastic game in its own right, but Ragnarök manages to build upon its foundations and offer a gaming experience like no other. For starters, the game picks up several years after its predecessor, with Atreus now on the cusp of manhood and quickly outgrowing the need for supervision from Kratos.
With Atreus’ yearning for independence however, Kratos fears losing the family he has left, and the emotional tug-of-war that ensues soon becomes the catalyst for a much wider story that draws in the almighty Odin and his powerful son, Thor.
Ragnarök’s new villains are a fascinating pair, and are as fully-fleshed out as our main heroes, thanks to incredible voice acting and motion capture performances. In fact, if you’re after a story-driven adventure (and you’ve already checked outThe Last of Us Part 1) then this should be the obvious next choice on your radar.
Gameplay-wise, Ragnarök is very similar to the previous God of War title, so returning players will soon settle back into the gameplay loop. What really sets the newer game apart however are the sections that see you play as Atreus, who moves and fights in a way that’s notably different to Kratos and takes some getting used to.
Beyond the main story, there are also plenty of side-quests to take on and tons of content that’s worth checking out after the credits roll. A ‘new game plus’ mode has also been added since launch that allows you to restart the game but with (almost) all of your weapons and armour along for the ride.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull review:God of War Ragnarök
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Pros
Cons
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2may well be the greatest superhero game of all time, never mind on PS5. It sees both Peter Parker and Miles Morales share the screen, as they tackle new villains such as Venom, Kraven, Lizard and more.
Insomniac Games has introduced multiple upgrades over thepreceding game, including web wings for improved traversal and new special abilities to make combat even more cinematic.
This is one of the first games to take full advantage of the PS5’s cutting-edge hardware too, with 4K visuals withray tracingactivated, as well as instantaneous loading whether you’re switching between Miles and Peter or respawning in the middle of a boss battle.
Anyone who enjoyed previous entries in PlayStation’s Spider-Man series will love this new sequel, as it retains the core experience but makes small tweaks to make it even more enjoyable. This is a must-buy PS5 game, especially if you’re a big fan of the web crawler.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull review:Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Review
Elden Ring
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a brutally difficult challenge, the Dark Souls trilogy has long been known as the best option.Elden Ringis the latest entry from FromSoftware, but has ditched the weaving, linear levels in favour of an open-world map to make it feel more like Breath of the Wild and Skyrim.
Now you can venture through optional dungeons to discover useful loot, or encounter massive beasts to slay that will reward you with a bounty of experience points. Elden Ring supports multiple playstyles too, whether you want to sneak through bushes for a high-damage backstab, or blast foes from afar with all of your magical spells or hand-crafted bolts from a crossbow.
Elden Ring is just one of the best PS5 games available, but it’s also set to become one of the greatest games of the generation. As long as you’re happy to contend with the high difficulty, this RPG is a must-play.
Reviewer:Alastair StevensonFull review:Elden Ring review
Horizon Call of the Mountain
Pros
Cons
Horizon Call of the Mountainis the odd one out on this best PS5 games list, as it requires aPlayStation VR 2headset in order to function. But since you also need a PS5 console to play this stellar VR game, we still thought it merited an inclusion.
Call of the Mountain may be set in the same apocalyptic world asZero DawnandForbidden West, but the gameplay mechanics differ greatly. Since this is a VR game, you must physically pull back on your virtual bow to ping arrows at the monster machines, and raise your arms into the air to clamber up the mountain.
We found this to be an incredibly fun immersive experience, with a full-length adventure which is relatively rare in the VR space. We thought it looked drop dead gorgeous too, with 4K visuals and vibrant colours. Seeing objects in a virtual 3D space hits differently too, compared to 2D imagery from a TV.
We wouldn’t necessarily say that Horizon Call of the Mountain is good enough to justify a PSVR 2 headset purchase alone, but if you’re planning on buying the VR headset anyway, then this game is a must-buy purchase.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull review:Horizon Call of the Mountain Review
The Last of Us Part 1
Pros
Cons
Even though its presence marks the second time that Naughty Dog’s iconic title has been repackaged and served up to players,The Last of Us Part 1still manages to be a must-have title for any PS5 owner by doing justice to the game’s original vision.
We were massively impressed by the massive graphical overhaul from the original. The visual boost allows Part 1 to not only tell a more believable story through its upgraded cutscenes and character models, but to also inject an absurd amount of detail into the world itself. We found ourselves more frequently distracted by the amount of care afforded to the game’s level design.
While we were disappointed by the fact that the gameplay is largely unchanged from its source material, Part 1 will no doubt find a new audience thanks to its ingenious accessibility features. With a huge amount of control over how the game’s core elements are portrayed from an audio/visual perspective, there’s never been a better time to see what all the fuss is about.
Reviewer:Thomas DeehanFull review:The Last of Us Part 1 Review
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Pros
Cons
You know that the winner of theTrusted Reviews 20201’s Best PlayStation Gamehad to get a shoutout;Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apartis one of the best entries in the series to date. The 4K visuals and ray tracing support mean that the game is packed with detail, so you can find something new in every frame.
This game is family-friendly and can be played by pretty much anyone. The fantastic pacing and variety of puzzles keep the game feeling fresh, with an abundance of pocket-universe areas to explore for all the competitions out there.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is a title that everyone should have in their PS5 library; it perfectly takes advantage of the next-generation console and offers up a brand new adventure that anyone can enjoy.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull review:Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart review
Gran Turismo 7
Pros
Cons
Gran Turismo 7is one of the more accessible entries into the racing simulator series, with a massive breadth of features and an excellent driving experience that anyone can get into. Handling is excellent with the DualSense controller, with fantastic handling and weight to each car you can drive.
The PS5 offers up amazing visuals, with our reviewer noting a high level of detail to the car interior and exterior, especially in the likes of photo mode where ray tracing is activated. There’s a clear love for cars in this game too, as you can chat to characters in the Café about the history of various vehicles. And if you’re not a car fanatic, you may well become one after playing Gran Turismo.
You can also race online with friends, with a new Meeting Place feature that allows racers to join and race in a more casual environment. Sportsmanship ratings also ensure that users will drive with respect and that you’re paired with people who have a similar skillset, giving a sense of parity and fairness. If you’re into hyper-realistic racers, this is one of the best PS5 games you can buy.
Reviewer:Kob MonneyFull Review:Gran Turismo 7
Deathloop
Pros
Cons
Deathloopis one of the most innovative AAA games we’ve seen in a while; Arkane Studios threw away the formula and created an interesting narrative with explosive gameplay. With a Groundhog Day type time loop mechanic, your character is tasked with killing eight targets before the end of the day.
Seeing as this game puts you in the same position every day, you’ll become very familiar with the island of Blackreef, giving you more time to appreciate the beautiful graphics and cartoony artwork.
This is a very rewarding game, not only can you take on a different plan of attack each playthrough, but the way the world changes and morphs over time means it always feels new and engaging when you dive back in.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull review:Deathloop review
Resident Evil 4
Pros
Cons
With the daunting task of having to remake one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, Capcom had anything but an easy task on its hands when developing 2023’s Resident Evil 4. Still, in spite of the lofty expectations weighed against it, Capcom has managed to capture lightning twice in making one of the best games of this generation.
For starters, Resident Evil 4 benefits from the full grunt afforded by the PS5 to give every detail, from the character designs to the game’s expansive locales, a serious overhaul. The game runs on the new RE Engine which is particularly noteworthy for its impressive lighting techniques, helping to deliver a game with a lot more atmosphere than its source material.
The gameplay has also been updated for the modern age as it’s now possible for the game’s protagonist, Leon S Kennedy, to move whilst aiming, taking away the tank controls of the original title. To balance things out however, the enemies are now more aggressive, and you’ll have to keep an eye out for any flying projectiles designed to do harm as well, but you can also parry with Leon’s knife this time around to get yourself out of a tight situation.
Outside of the gameplay, the story has been tightened up to present a more cohesive narrative off the back of the Resident Evil 2 remake, and Leon’s character arc at that – the events of that game have taken an immense toll on the character, and Resident Evil 4 takes the time it needs to delve into those more personal moments.
What cements this game as a modern classic even further is the absurd amount of replayability on offer here. The game requires multiple playthroughs in order to unlock all of the costumes, weapons and secrets on offer, and that’s before mentioning the arcade-style The Mercenaries mode which is just pure frantic chaos. For series fans and newcomers alike, Resident Evil 4 is a must-have title.
Reviewer:Thomas DeehanFull review:Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil Village
Pros
Cons
Resident Evil Villageis one of the best entries in the franchise, boasting HDR graphics so you can see the gooey mouldy monsters in high definition. Village takes on a first-person view, which amps up the narrative to a more personal level.
Speaking of, you will be treated to Bram Stoker type environments, with gothic towers and skulking werewolves. The protagonist, Ethan Winters, likes to shoot and slash his way through the game, with less emphasis on stealth meaning that you have even more opportunities to tackle your enemies head-on, which really adds to the scare factor.
If you fancy a horror game, this is one the best PS5 games to buy. Not only is there a gripping and spooky story to follow, but blood and gore have never looked this good on this console.
Reviewer:Alastair StevensonFull review:Resident Evil Village review
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Pros
Cons
Looking for a more family-friendly game? Then theLego Star Wars: The Skywalker Sagais an excellent option, especially considering you can pair up with a second player on your adventure through all nine main films in the Star Wars series, from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker.
While Star Wars fans will be treated to oodles of fan service, this game is also welcoming to newcomers of the franchise with lots and lots of rib-tickling jokes. There are plenty of puzzles to solve and hidden collectibles to discover, while we found that the revamped combat makes smashing up Lego characters twice as fun as previous entries.
We were also impressed by how great the visuals look, especially on the PS5. Classic Star Wars locations have been remade in Lego with wonderful details, with the underwater city of Otoh Gunga looking particularly dazzling.
The Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga can of course be played in single player, but we recommend pairing up with a friend or family member for the best experience, and spend hours laughing at all the various gags.
Reviewer:Thomas DeehanFull review:Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Review
Horizon Forbidden West
Pros
Cons
Horizon Forbidden Westis a fantastic sequel to theHorizon Zero Dawn, featuring lots of new machines to hunt, as well as a bigger and better upgrade system with a highly satisfying gameplay loop reminiscent of the Monster Hunter series.
The open-world looks incredible on the PS5, with a variety of distinctive biomes to explore from dense rain forests to sweeping deserts. Forbidden West also features an intriguing story, plunging even deeper into the sci-fi rabbit hole.
There are a few weaker elements to the game, as combat with humans is still a bore, while the platforming can feel clunky and frustrating. But those flaws are easy to forgive when it’s so much fun taking down a robot T-Rex with nothing but a quiver of arrows.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull review:Horizon Forbidden West Review
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FAQs
It depends on the game. Some games will load faster with the PS5, while also having improved graphics, but it needs to be a dedicated PS5 game (or at least received a PS5 update) in order to benefit from these upgrades.
The PS5 only launched at the end of 2019, while there have been numerous game delays due to Covid-19, but plenty more games are expected to launch in 2024.
Yes, as long as you purchased the PS5 with a disk drive.
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Formerly the Staff Writer at Stuff Magazine, Ryan’s been writing about tech since he graduated from Cardiff University. At Trusted Reviews he is focused on everything computer-related, giving him a va…
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
