Looking for the best PS5 games recommended right now? Whether you just picked up a console or you’re thinking of adding a few titles to your library, this guide cuts through the noise. I’ve played, tested, and argued a lot (with friends and my backlog). Here you’ll find honest picks across genres—single-player epics, multiplayer staples, and value-for-money choices—plus quick buying tips so you don’t regret a purchase.
How I picked these PS5 game recommendations
Quick note on method: I prioritized gameplay feel, technical polish on PS5, replay value, and community buzz. I leaned on hands-on time, patch history, and what players keep coming back to. You’ll see a mix of PS5 exclusives, cross-gen upgrades, and standout indie titles.
Top PS5 games recommended right now
Here are the headings and quick callouts if you want fast answers.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 — Best action-adventure showcase
- Demon’s Souls (Remake) — Must-play for PS5 visuals and challenge
- Elden Ring — Open-world RPG everyone’s still talking about
- Horizon Forbidden West — Great single-player epic
- Returnal — Roguelike with PS5 feel and pacing
- Gran Turismo 7 — Driving sim with depth
- Fortnite / Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — Multiplayer staples
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 — best for cinematic action
If you want a PS5-exclusive feel—fast loading, haptic feedback that actually adds to the thrills—this is the one. Combat flows, the web-swinging is joyful, and the story lands emotional beats without being predictable. In my experience, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both casual players and completionists.
Demon’s Souls (Remake) — best for hardcore challenge and visuals
This remake was built to show off PS5 hardware. It’s punishing, gorgeous, and an experience that rewards patience. From what I’ve seen, players who want a true feel of accomplishment will love it.
Elden Ring — best open-world RPG
Not a console exclusive, but if you like deep systems, exploration, and emergent combat, this one’s essential. Long play sessions feel meaningful, and it’s a title that keeps giving—years on, people still discover new builds and secrets.
Horizon Forbidden West — best story-driven RPG
Strong protagonist, smart combat, and excellent world design. It’s a safe pick if you like narrative-driven games with optional side content that’s actually worth doing.
Returnal — best for roguelike fans
Fast, tense, and atmospheric. The learning curve is steep, but the PS5 tech—fast resumes, crisp audio—makes each run feel like an event.
Gran Turismo 7 — best driving sim
Real driving fans: this one’s detailed. The single-player campaign blends learning and challenge well. Pro tip: play with a wheel if you can—it’s night and day.
Multiplayer picks — what to buy for online fun
If multiplayer is your jam, prioritize games with active communities and free updates. Fortnite remains a free, cross-play gem. For a more traditional shooter, check current competitive seasons of Call of Duty or Apex Legends.
Genre picks: match your mood
Not sure where to start? Pick by genre. Short bullets, quick decisions.
- Action-adventure: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök
- RPG: Elden Ring, Final Fantasy XVI
- Horror: Resident Evil Village
- Racing: Gran Turismo 7
- Indie: Stray, Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Comparison table: quick feature snapshot
| Game | Genre | Single / Multi | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 | Action-Adventure | Single | Medium |
| Demon’s Souls | Action RPG | Single | Hard |
| Elden Ring | Open-world RPG | Single | Hard |
| Returnal | Roguelike | Single | Hard |
Buying tips: how to choose the best PS5 game for you
- Check playtime estimates—don’t buy a 60-hour game if you only get a few hours weekly.
- Watch a 10–20 minute gameplay video to confirm the core loop appeals to you.
- Look at recent patch notes—some games improved massively after launch (I’m looking at you, multiplayer titles).
- Consider cross-gen versions if budget matters; sometimes the PS4 version is cheaper and still solid.
Where to check official info and updates
For hardware specifics, store pages, and official news, use the PlayStation official PS5 page. For a factual overview of the console’s history and specs, this Wikipedia entry on PlayStation 5 is useful. And for curated lists and reviews, see industry coverage such as IGN’s best PS5 games roundup.
Quick FAQ: fast answers
Yes, PS5 has standout exclusives. Yes, many games are cross-gen. No, you don’t always need the latest title to have fun.
What I’d play next (personal picks)
Right now I’m rotating between Elden Ring for deep sessions and Returnal when I want a 60–90 minute adrenaline hit. If you want a safe buy that rarely disappoints, Spider-Man 2 or Horizon Forbidden West are great bets.
Helpful resources and further reading
To follow release news and long-form reviews, bookmark the PlayStation Blog and top outlets—reviews often change as patches land. For a snapshot of each game’s community and tips, official forums and subreddit pages remain invaluable.
Next steps — what to buy first
If you like story and polish, pick Spider-Man 2 or Horizon. If you want challenge, grab Demon’s Souls. If you crave freedom, Elden Ring will keep you busy for months. And if you want something you can jump in and out of—multiplayer titles are king.
Sources
I referenced publisher pages, documented patch notes, and aggregated critic lists to form these recommendations. For official console details see PlayStation official PS5 page. For a factual console overview consult the PlayStation 5 Wikipedia article. For curated lists and reviews check IGN’s roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top picks include Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Demon’s Souls (Remake), Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West, and Returnal—selected for polish, replay value, and community support.
Yes. Titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Demon’s Souls showcase PS5 features and are often recommended to experience the console’s technical strengths.
If you want better load times, visuals, and DualSense features, opt for the PS5 versions. Cross-gen can be cheaper and still playable, but lacks some next-gen benefits.
Free-to-play and live-service titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and seasonal Call of Duty entries remain top multiplayer options due to active communities and regular updates.
Match the game’s core loop to your time and tastes: story-driven games for long sessions, roguelikes for repeat short runs, and multiplayer for social play and repeatability.