10 PS5 games I just can't quit playing (2025)

The PlayStation 5 has been dominating the current console generation in terms of high-quality games. With the exception of Nintendo games, the PS5 has all the best first and third-party releases you could want. The only downside to such an impressive library is deciding what game you should play.

Whether you're new to the PlayStation ecosystem or looking for the next great experience to add to your library, I know there are at least a handful of amazing games that somehow passed you by. While there are always new and exciting games on the horizon, these are the best PS5 games already out you can play right now.

1 Elden Ring

An open-world with soul

An unbelievable achievement that successfully blends open-world design and discovery with the deep and rewarding combat of the Souls series, Elden Ring more than lived up to the monumental expectations the studio set up for itself. It offers up stunning sights around every corner, ridiculously inventive enemies, and countless ways to build a character to face them down. The open-ended structure makes it the most accessible game in the studio's catalog without sacrificing the difficulty the hardcore loves it for.

2 Horizon Forbidden West

Rise of the machines

Horizon Zero Dawn was a risky move for Guerrilla Games. The studio had previously only worked on the Killzone franchise and was going into a completely new genre. The result was a very impressive world with amazing characters and impressively detailed and responsive robot dinosaur enemies. Forbidden West continues Aloy's story with some unexpected twists that have me counting the days until the next game is announced. In terms of an open-world RPG, you won't find a more beautiful and detailed world to explore.

3 Baldur's Gate 3

The king of RPGs

Baldur's Gate 3 is a brilliant return to the sort of RPG that was easier to make when things were isometric and less detailed. It is exactly what everyone wanted when developers first started trying to bring your pen-and-paper adventures into gaming. You get to meet memorable and charismatic companions, power through a long series of excellent and challenging quests that reward creativity and thinking outside of the box, and take charge of inventive turn-based combat.

4 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

A fight against fate

After Remake cleared the massive hurdle it set for itself in reimagining one of the most beloved RPGs in history, Rebirth had an equally difficult task in bringing the game out into the world beyond Midgar. Without losing an ounce of detail or polish, Square Enix delivered the game we could only imagine back in the late 90s. The story and characters are just as enthralling as Remake, but the stakes have only gotten higher. This is a monumental game that no fan of the series can afford to miss.

5 God of War Ragnarok

Winter is here

Building on 2018's God of War in some genius ways, Ragnarök is an unbelievable achievement that looks and plays like a true stunner on PlayStation 5, including the option for native 4K resolution and 60 FPS. It has a truly massive sense of scale but retains the intimate approach to storytelling that made the last game so engaging. You'll again play as Kratos, as he takes on a new set of challenges and grapples with what it means to be a father - all against the backdrop of the endgame of Norse mythology. Combat is more fluid than ever thanks to new abilities and tools at your disposal.

6 Gran Turismo 7

Off to the races

Racing games aren't for everyone so we don't get a ton of them, but PlayStation's oldest franchise has always been the Gran Turismo games and 7 is the only one you need for your PS5. The graphical power is unmatched, but the mechanics of driving each of the dozens of cars is where the game shines brightest. It is overflowing with a love for cars that will instantly appeal to anyone who is equally enamored with all things racing.

7 Spider-Man 2

Two for the price of one

It would be enough if Spider-Man 2 was just more Spider-Man, but the sequel ups the ante in every possible way. The city is bigger, the movement more fluid and intuitive, the setpieces bigger, the stakes higher, and you now have two Spider-Men to control. This game feels like the first true PS5 game thanks to its amazing framerate, stunning visuals, and near-instant loading times.

8 Alan Wake 2

Genre-breaking horror

Alan Wake 2 is one of the most clear examples of a game pouring directly out of a single person's mind. It goes so many meta layers deep it is hard to keep track of what's referential, what's real, and what's part of the fiction within the fictional world. That might sound pretentious and confusing, but the offbeat tone and charming characters make it work. It's a game that could only exist as a game, which is exactly the type of thing you should be looking for in the medium.

9 Dead Space

No one can hear you scream

This remake feels like it was cooked up by people who really understood what made the original so special. It's an almost perfect tribute to a historically excellent game that drags it twitching into the newest generation of console hardware. The visuals and audio design are top of the line, the story is a well-told bit of fun schlock, and it comes together into a highly stressful, totally thrilling horror experience.

10 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

The Last Jedi

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is everything you could want in a sequel. It naturally expands on the first game with more combat stances, intricate levels, and a touchingly personal story that doesn't undercut itself with galaxy-threatening stakes. It looks incredibly impressive and has sky-high production values, with deep customization of every element of your lightsaber and appearance helping to give you real control over your game.

FAQ

Q: How to choose your next PS5 game

If you haven't played many of the games on this list, you might be stumped on how to pick the right one for you. Here are some handy questions to help you narrow things down a bit!

Do you want to play with friends or alone?

When you get a new game, you might be looking for something to sink into on your own for hours at a time, exploring a world and meeting new characters. Equally, you might be looking for a game that you can play online with your friends, to enjoy the wonders of modern gaming together. Have a think about this before you choose your game, and check out whether it has any online modes if you do feel like playing with mates.

Do you want a shooter?

Some people love shooters, whether they're first-person or third-person in nature, but it's a pretty divisive area, so if you're particularly keen on either shooting enemies or not doing so, that's something to bear in mind as you run through our list of the best games out there.

How important is the story for you?

If you want a seriously great story to run through, and that's actually your top priority, there are a few games on our list that might stand out as great options - rather than others that are more focused on gameplay and mechanics. This could help you to ensure that you have a more rewarding time with whatever game you end up choosing.

Does difficulty matter?

Finally, another factor that should play into your choice comes down to difficulty - some games are harder than others, unavoidably, but a few on this list are standouts for their levels of challenge, in particular Demon's Souls and Elden Ring. If you're looking for a more relaxing time that doesn't require you to fine-tune your skills and learn obsessively, you might want to steer clear of them both for now!