If you are looking for a list of the best games for PS4 and PS5, you are in the right place. Our list is full of great perks like God of War, Ratchet & Clank, Horizon Zero Dawn and much more.
The PS4 (and even the PS5 so far) was defined by its specs. Sony's PlayStation While consoles have had notable exclusive titles over the years, a significant number of the best titles on modern PlayStation consoles are exclusives. From great action titles like God of War and Marvel's Spider-Man to spectacular RPGs like Final Fantasy VII Remake and Persona 5 Royal, the latest games exclusive to PlayStation have been overwhelming. We've rounded up the best PlayStation exclusives for PS4 and PS5. While most of these games are playable on both PS4 and PS5, we've also included a few PS5-exclusive titles.
If you own a PlayStation console, we think these are all must-play experiences. A few of these games were later ported to PC, but for the purpose of this list, we've listed all PlayStation console exclusives. The 20 best PlayStation exclusives are listed in alphabetical order, and some are free on PS5 if you're a PS Plus subscriber.
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1Bloodborne
While the Dark Souls series remains From Software's most popular IP, Bloodborne can be argued to be the studio's most powerful game. Bloodborne features an absolutely unforgettable and fascinating world filled with unforgettable set pieces, characters and enemies. The captivating atmosphere is supported by world-class combat that is faster than Dark Souls and focuses on dodge while promoting an aggressive playstyle. Sorry, though: Bloodborne is cut from exactly the same fabric for difficulty. Naturally, the lavishly designed bosses—some of the best in the studio's catalog—offer a tough challenge, but the mundane enemies roaming Yharnam are often just as deadly. Bloodborne is also full of secrets and prepares itself well for multiple runs. Despite being released in 2015, Bloodborne still looks and plays as great as ever. Also included in the PS Plus Collection on PS5.
2 Death Stranding
Extremely ambitious and unique in its approach to open world game design, Death Stranding is an experience that everyone should at least try. Death Stranding revolves around making connections in a broken portrayal of America on the brink of collapse. You play as Sam (played by Norman Reedus), the delivery man who travels a devastated world to deliver packages.
In fact, most of your time in Death Stranding is spent walking and climbing over rough terrain while balancing your delivery boxes. At the surface level, Death Stranding seems like a pretty boring game, but the act of exploring the world and uncovering the mysteries that run through it is both enlightening and oddly comforting. Death Stranding is also a pretty forward thinking social commentary and just as weird as you are. This is expected from a game led by Hideo Kojima. Death Stranding Director's Cut launches for PS24 on September 5 and comes with updated visuals and new content.
3 Demon's Souls
The game that started it all. Demon's Souls put From Software on the map as a studio that would be known for its brutally challenging action RPGs. However, it was more of a cult hit than any subsequent game in the Souls series, so bringing it back more than a decade after its original release definitely made sense. Demon's Souls, a launch game for PS5, showed the immense power of the new console. From the character models and the world to the textures, lighting and other fine details, it's simply a stunning remake. Critically, the remake retains the feel of the original game. Remake studio Bluepoint Games did not attempt to alter From Software's masterpiece; instead, the developer smoothed out the edges and presented the modern classic in a new and improved light. Demon's Souls is a must-play for PS5 owners looking for a challenge.
4 dreams
While there are other "game creation" tools released for consoles, none of them have reached the pinnacle of Dreams, created by LittleBigPlanet's Media Molecule. Media Molecule–the star of the show is its massive creation suite that lets you build your own experiences from scratch. The title is appropriate because you can really follow your dreams and create what you want. Dreams has surprising depth when it comes to the tools at your disposal. In Dreams it's possible to create a full game that looks and plays like a pretty high-end product. If you're trying to make a "professional looking" game, it should be noted that Dreams has a learning curve, but you can also spend time playing other users' games. It is truly a never ending experience.
5 Final Fantasy VII Remakes
Considering that Final Fantasy VII Remake has suffered a lot of delays and scrutiny due to its revamped design, it's surprising that it has recreated the magic of the beloved original. While it only covers a relatively small part of the whole story, Square Enix puts it in over 30 hours of experience.
managed to prolong it. The move to real-time action combat was a source of controversy, but it worked out exceedingly well thanks to an intricately designed system that emphasized strategy over mindless hacking and slashing. The characters and the world shine again. With great writing, excellent characterization, and a lovingly reimagined version of Midgar, Final Fantasy VII Remake deftly captures the charm of the original. Whether you've played the original or not, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a journey worth looking into. Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade adds performance enhancements for PS5 as well as a new chapter starring Yuffie. The DLC is also available separately on PS4.
6 Ghosts of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful open world action game from Sucker Punch Productions. You play as Jin Sakai, a samurai who tries to stop the invasion of Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. Ghost of Tsushima features a breathtaking open world with lush environments and a great mix of immersive action and stealth gameplay. The game was recently re-released as Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut and features a great new story set in Iki Island. Director's Cut is available for both PS5 and PS4, and the PS5 version offers 4K resolution and 60fps.
7 Gods of War
It's not uncommon for a reboot of a beloved franchise to become the best game in franchise history, but Sony Santa Monica's God of War did just that. God of War does much more than trade Greek Mythology for the Scandinavian language; It gives the protagonist much-needed depth and delivers a story-driven experience. God of War begins after the death of Kratos' wife, Faye, and follows the demigod's journey to scatter the ashes with his son Atreus. We're seeing a whole new side of Kratos, a more thoughtful man, not always in a rush to get violent, but that still happens quite often. The incredible world is viewed from a single-frame perspective that makes you feel closer to the action. While previous entries in the series felt like hack-and-slash games, God of War's combat has layers, making it both more strategic and overall satisfying. God of War has a free PS4 upgrade with up to 60K resolution and 5fps. PS5 users can play the game for free through the PS Plus Collection. The sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, will launch for PS5 and PS4 next year.
8 Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best first-party open world games for PlayStation. Developer Guerilla Games has created a unique post-apocalyptic world that feels both primitive and futuristic, thanks to machines (robot dinosaurs) that inhabit vast lands. Horizon Zero Dawn stars Aloy, a young warrior who investigates the downfall of humanity. Horizon Zero Dawn's story is gripping and the writing is top-notch. The engaging story is paired with an excellent combat system that requires you to sneak up on the machines and find the right approach to each encounter. With loads of great gadgets at your disposal and unlimited experimentation freedom, Horizon Zero Dawn's combat feels fresh even after dozens of hours of gameplay. The Complete Edition comes with the Frozen Wilds expansion, taking Aloy into a cold new environment that uses daunting elements to add a new twist to his impressive combat system. The sequel Horizon Forbidden West will be released for PS5 and PS4 in February 2022.
9 In Famous: Second Son
In Famous: Second Son is one of the first must-play games exclusive to PS4. Second Son focuses on a new hero, Delsin Rowe, and takes place seven years after the events of In Famous 2. You don't need to know about the previous ones to enjoy Second Son. Delsin is essentially a Channel that makes him a superhero with awesome powers he can summon from his surroundings. As a Conduit, he has to fight the US government agency responsible for hunting down those whose powers are. While Second Son's story isn't as good as the other entries, it represents the series at its best, thanks to combat, a host of new strengths, and an emphasis on making moral choices that influence Delsin's character development. The mainline campaign has a wide variety of missions, fun boss fights and interesting side missions. If you're looking for an action game that gives you superpowers and lets you run wild, In Famous: Second Son is a great choice. Included in the PS Plus Collection for PS5.
10 The Last of Us Part II
We couldn't pass without putting Naughty Dog's masterpiece on our best games list. The Last of Us has been considered by many to be the best PS3 game. It also didn't need a sequel. Remarkably, Sony closed the PS4's brilliant run on a similar note, with another Naughty Dog game pushing the boundaries of what was possible on current hardware at the time. The Last of Us Part II takes place five years after the events of the original and focuses on new characters named Ellie and Abby. The story is based on revenge. It is nauseating at times, and the grisly violence that runs through it can be disturbing. But all this helps The Last of Us Part II reach its themes and leave a lasting impression. The Last of Us Part II features a balanced mix of intense violence and stealth gameplay that fuels the narrative. The devastated and dangerous world is beautifully rendered, the score moves, and the performances are top notch. Naughty Dog has managed to deliver gameplay that is at least close to its original level. An unforgettable and indomitable experience that pushes the media in bold directions.
11 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition
Marvel's Spider-Man is one of the best superhero games ever made. In terms of both gameplay and story, Marvel's Spider-Man is more than worthy of the Spidey name. Insomniac Games has managed to create an experience that makes you feel like Spider-Man, whether you're swinging through the New York City skyline searching for collectibles or battling villains. With a great upgrade system, tons of great gadgets, and a fluid combat system that both looks and feels great, playing as Spider-Man has never felt better. Focusing on college-age Peter Parker, the story is extremely well written and highlights the lives of both the superhero and the common man Peter Parker. The sequel Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a shorter adventure.
PS5 users can pick up the Ultimate Edition, which comes with a remastered version of Marvel's Spider-Man, three expansion packs, and Miles Morales' campaign. If you're playing on PS4, you'll need to buy the two games separately (Marvel's Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales).
12 Nex Machines
For fans of dual stick shooters, it doesn't get much better on PS4 than the Nex Machina. Developed by Housemarque, Nex Machina is played from a top-down perspective and resembles old-school arcade games. Players are tasked with going through rooms filled with enemies to kill people as they work to save them. The gameplay presents a tough challenge that requires quick reflexes and instant decisions. Although Nex Machina can be played alone, it is better as a local co-op experience for two players.
13 Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal is an expanded version of one of the best JRPGs on PS4, but more than just a simple re-release with added content. Yes, Persona 5 Royal adds loads of new content, including an amazing new palace; however, it is most impressed by its overhauled content. Atlus made sweeping changes to the original story that helped tie it all together in a much more effective and meaningful way. Persona 5 Royal is a game that can completely immerse you for more than 100 hours, thanks to its great variety of content, including excellent social simulation features, a great turn-based combat system, and a world full of interesting activities. Simply put, Persona 5 Royal is the best JRPG on PS4. The original Persona 5 is included in the PS Plus collection, but we recommend choosing Persona 5 Royal.
14 Ratchet & Clank
Recreating the duo's first journey, Ratchet & Clank is an inspiring and thoroughly immersive take on the PS2 classic. While it retains the plot structure and overall progression, Ratchet & Clank adds features from later entries alongside completely overhauled visuals. Essentially, Ratchet & Clank looks like a native PS4 game. It is worth reconsidering the cute duo's first journey together. PS5 owners can play for free through the PS Plus Collection. Even if you play the next entry on this list first, Ratchet & Clank is still worth your time.
15 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Another game on our best games list, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a dazzling showcase of PS5's power. Rift Apart, the latest in Insomniac Games' legendary action-platformer franchise, brings new flow to extravagant action. A new female Lombax named Rivet joins the fray as a playable character, and the story cleverly separates Ratchet and Rivet to provide two distinct gameplay experiences that eventually align during the game's perfect conclusion. Rift Apart makes extraordinary use of the PS5's features. Alluded to in the title, Ratchet and Rivet pass through rifts that instantly transport them into entirely new environments. It's a visual spectacle that leads to some really cool gameplay moments. Rift Apart also uses DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to provide a more immersive combat experience. Speaking of combat, the Rift Apart plays very similarly to previous entries in the series, and that's certainly not a bad thing. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a must-play for PS5 owners and is only available on PS5.
16 Return
The comeback is a pretty big change for Housemarque, a studio known for smaller, retro-style shooters (like the aforementioned Nex Machina). The comeback is more like AAA games with beautiful visuals, a huge world and a long story. However, Returnal remains the challenge of Housemarque's previous titles and is arguably the most challenging game on this list. Returnal is a roguelike third-person shooter starring an astronaut named Selene as she tries to escape from a mysterious planet. It uses the roguelike formula to tell an engaging and thought-provoking story. It also uses the formula to deliver a punishing experience that requires trial and error to make progress. With an emphasis on evasion and agile gunplay, Returnal returns to other games from Housemarque. Information Technology' is a fairly new experience in the field of AAA as a roguelike. Each of the six biomes presents new challenges, but be aware that going through all of them can take some time, especially if you're not good at shooting. Returnal is one of the best PS5-exclusive games, but if you're not a roguelike fan, it can be tough to get into.
17 Rez Infinite
Rez Infinite is a beautifully made extended version of the classic musical rail shooter. You play as a hacker inside an artificial intelligence infested with viruses, speeding through a world on rails while shooting down enemies. Rez Infinite has an incredible techno-infused soundtrack that is key to making the experience moving. Besides a great mainline campaign, Rez Infinite has additional modes like score attack and boss. While Rez Infinite can be played without a headset on PS4 and PS5, it is best when using a PSVR headset. Although it was originally released in 2002, Rez VR feels like a game designed with that in mind. It's one of the best PSVR experiences, but worth checking out even if you don't have a headset.
18 Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus was one of the best PS2 games and Bluepoint Games (hello again) brought it back in style with the 2018 remake. Shadow of the Colossus is a mystery game as you would expect from Fumito Ueda and Team Ico. The game doesn't tell you much except that the protagonist Wander is trying to resurrect a girl named Mono. He travels on horseback through a lush landscape in search of giants. Shadow of the Colossus is essentially a boss game, and each of the 16 colossi presents a unique challenge. Figuring out how to take down the giant is part of the mystery and takes some ingenuity and platforming. Each fight is an impressive spectacle that still feels unique more than 15 years after the game's debut. Shadow of the Colossus is an adventure that will stick with you, and the Bluepoints remake is extremely respectful of the original. It features modern controls and stunning visuals that bring the fantasy world and its inhabitants to life in a new light.
19 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Nathan Drake's swan song brought Naughty Dog's captivating action-adventure to a fitting conclusion – at least when it comes to Drake's game. Drake retires for one last job and uncovers the treasure of famous pirate Henry Avery. Leveraging the PS4's hardware, A Thief's End has larger set pieces than previous entries. It provides a more free-form approach to exploration and combat. It feels less scripted than Drake's other adventures, providing a greater sense of adventure. It also shines with the story of A Thief's End. Drake and Elena's relationship is tested and she must reckon with the fact that her long-lost brother isn't actually dead. A Thief's End has a wide scope and balances its moving parts extremely well to literally bid farewell to one from Sony.
20 Wipeout Omega Collection
The only racing game on our best games list, Wipeout Omega Collection stands out for many reasons. First, it's a great and amazing compilation featuring a trio of stellar anti-gravity racers: Wipeout HD, Wipeout HD Fury and Wipeout 2048. What's particularly cool about compiling all three in one package is that even though they have the same features, they're distinctly different experiences. Wipeout HD offers players a pure, fast-paced anti-gravity racing experience with hi-tech tracks and cool vehicles. Meanwhile, Wipeout HD Fury adds combat to the mix, creating a more action-packed racing game. Wipeout 2048 takes back the time before futuristic tracks were built, leaving racers to more natural tracks that change the overall feel and gameplay.
That's how we've come to the end of our list of the best games for PS4 and PS5. For more content like this TheGamerStationDon't forget to bookmark it in your browser.
