The PS5 is probably the best console on the market right now, offering a great catalog of games, an array of exclusives, and a clear vision for the future. It's also the best-placed machine to take advantage of this generation's technological advances, especially given how photorealistic many of Sony's games are.
However, many of the best games on PS5 are still cross-platform games or games from previous generations, especially if you're joining the PlayStation family for the first time. Here, we'll take a look at the best games to get you started with must-play experiences, but we'll also note where you'd prefer to pick up the sequel if you already own a PS4.
Astro Bot
If you only play one game on the PS5, well… that console will be a colossal waste of money. But, if that's really your plan, that one game should be Astro Bot. It's one of an ever-growing arsenal of exclusives on the machine, and possibly the greatest platformer of all time. While it's technically a sequel to Playroom, it's a packed-in digital game for the PS5, and more of a technical demo than a full game.
Astro Bot expands on the creativity in Playroom and adds a lot of depth that elevates it from a display of features to an instant classic video game. It also serves as a tour of PlayStation history, as you go through each level saving mascots from past games. Can you recognize them all?
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
The first in the Horizon series focuses on Aloy and her journey to a post-apocalyptic world and how it all came to be. Perhaps one of the best looking games to be released on the PlayStation, the intricate battles with killer robots and unique equipment make for an ideal first impression.
Both sequels, Horizon Forbidden West, and Zero Dawn have extensive DLC that expands on the story without forcing you to do more robot gameplay than you can handle. Both Horizon titles are perfect if you want to dive into a new sci-fi franchise.
Sequel warning: Horizon Forbidden West
Spider-Man Remastered
If you want to get into the web-swinging action that made the PS5 famous, the remastered version of Marvel's Spider-Man is a great way to get introduced to the story and feel the progression of the mechanics. However, starting with Miles Morales or Spider-Man 2 won't hold you back.
Insomniac's next Spider-Man game must escape the multiverse
Enough about multi-verse, enough about multi-verse!
With better web swinging and level design than any Spider-Man game before it, the remastered version makes excellent use of adaptive triggers and DualSense controls. If you want a bite-sized Spider-Man adventure without the context of the story, get Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Sequel alert: Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Spider-Man 2
Alden Ring
The most anticipated from the software game it was originally announced, Alden Ring has proven to be the pinnacle of Soulslike titles to date, with the largest maps and deepest lore, if that's even possible. Although difficult at times, Alden Ring is the perfect game to pick up or put down when you need it.
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds an additional 24 hours of content with some of the toughest challenges the game has to offer if you find yourself wanting more torture at the end. Alden Ring is the best first game for those with Dark Souls experience or if you want a challenge.
Sequel alert: multiplayer spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign
Ghost of Tsushima
Set in Japan in 1274, Ghost of Tsushima follows the fallen samurai Jin Sakai as he attempts to reclaim Japan from the Mongol invaders. Ghost of Tsushima perfectly blends storytelling with mechanics that allow you to adapt the story to your play style.
When you travel to Tsushima Island, you are given enough freedom to learn and master the controls while still offering obstacles with a high skill ceiling that makes it constantly interesting. Of all the single-player story games on the PlayStation, Ghost ranks among the best.
Sequel Alert: Yotei's Ghost
Man has no sky
Despite a rough launch and months to years of emergency development, No Man's Sky is as unrecognizable as possible from its initial release. With the release of the Worlds Part One update, No Man's Sky surpasses all other space sims on the PlayStation Store.
A unique part of No Man's Sky gameplay is the extensive list of upgrades and changes you can make to your base, character, ships, and weapons that make you feel like you're always making progress. What began as a barren cluster of sandboxes in space have become living worlds to explore.
Baldur's Gate 3
Recognized as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, Baldur's Gate 3 takes you to the Faerûn of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, uncovering a grand conspiracy involving worms in your mind. BG3 doesn't require knowledge of D&D mechanics or the story of the previous two games to begin with.
Baldur's Gate 3 ranked by the worst thing friends do in the game
Judge them all by the worst thing they have done.
What makes BG3 infinitely replayable is the degree of freedom you have in making choices that affect the story, giving you hundreds of options to mix and match your character. No two games of BG3 will look the same and will surprise you every time.
Red Dead Redemption 2
A prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows a new character in the life of John Marston as he tries to save his group from outside forces. With one of the richest stories ever told along with great acting, RDR2 should be a game everyone gets a chance to play.
RDR2 also takes its setting seriously and captures the heart of what makes western movies and games abstractly charming without ever getting stale.
Cyberpunk 2077
Starting off with a rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 was a buggy mess that was constantly optimized and somewhat unplayable. Since then, CD Projekt Red has gone above and beyond to make Cyberpunk 2077 the greatest sci-fi action game ever.
Filled with jobs to score, secrets to find, and friends to meet, 2077 has mastered the immersion and setting in a way that makes it hard to even put down the picture mode. The Phantom Liberty DLC also included enough content for the game to tie it all together with Idris Elba.
Our last part 1 remastered
A remade prequel to The Last of Us Part 2 and a franchise that spawned an award-winning TV show, Joel and Ellie's story of surviving an infected apocalypse is one of the best ever told in gaming. It's also forgiving enough and isn't shy about including multiple access options.
The game itself excels at not overwhelming you with unnecessary game mechanics and loot that take away from the story while still offering new and unique challenges that keep it feeling fresh. Any game in The Last of Us franchise is good enough to be the best first game you can play on PS5.
Sequel Alert: The Last of Us Part 2
15 Best RPGs on PS5
Explore vast worlds with sharper graphics than ever before.
