So you finally got your hands on a PS5. Congrats! After that whole scalper nightmare, it's time for the real reward: playing some killer games. But man, the PlayStation Store is overwhelming. Hundreds of options, and half of 'em feel like remasters or cross-gen ports. Where do you even start?
I've been playing the PS5 since launch week. Finished over 40 games on this beast. Let me save you the trial-and-error. These are the titles that actually justify that next-gen purchase. Not just pretty graphics (though they've got plenty of that), but games that use the DualSense controller in clever ways, load crazy fast, or deliver experiences you simply couldn't get on PS4.
We'll break down essentials across categories - from AAA exclusives to mind-blowing indies. I'll give you prices, time commitments, and yes, even the downsides. Because let's be real, no game's perfect. Like that $70 price tag on some of these? Ouch. But when it clicks? Magic.
Must-Own PS5 Exclusives (The System Sellers)
Look, if you bought a PlayStation, you want those games you can't play anywhere else. These aren't just tech demos - they're legit masterpieces pushing the hardware. My absolute top picks:
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Swinging through New York has never felt this good. The haptic feedback? When you web-sling, you feel the tension in the triggers. Insomniac nailed the dual-hero system too - switching between Peter and Miles is seamless. Story's emotional, combat's fluid, and the city's packed with details. Only gripe? Side missions can feel repetitive after 20 hours.
Price: $69.99 | | Completion Time: 25-35 hours
God of War Ragnarök
Kratos and Atreus are back, and it's a hell of a finale. The Leviathan Axe feels incredible with adaptive triggers - throwing it never gets old. Upgraded from PS4? The 4K/60fps mode transforms it. Photo mode alone could eat hours. Downside? Pacing stumbles mid-game with some filler sections. Still, one of the best PS5 games available today.
Price: $69.99 | | Completion Time: 40-50 hours
Demon's Souls
Bluepoint's remake is stunning. Seriously, it looks like a 2026 game. The atmospheric audio through Tempest 3D? Chilling. Combat's punishing but fair. Perfect entry point if you've never played a Souls game. Warning though: it's brutal. I died 47 times to the Tower Knight. No shame.
Price: $69.99 | | Completion Time: 30-40 hours
Best Multiplatform Games (That Play Best on PS5)
Some gems aren't exclusives but absolutely shine brightest here. The DualSense features and fast loading make a huge difference.
| Game | Why PS5 Version Rules | Price | Time to Beat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldur's Gate 3 | Adaptive triggers for spellcasting, near-instant loads during massive battles | $69.99 | 80-100 hrs |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Haptic feedback in cars/guns, 60fps ray-tracing mode (post-patch!) | $49.99 | 50-60 hrs |
| Elden Ring | Buttery 60fps performance, DualSense rumble during boss fights | $59.99 | 70-90 hrs |
| Dead Space Remake | 3D audio makes corridors terrifying, adaptive triggers on plasma cutter | $69.99 | 15-20 hrs |
Hidden Gems You Might Miss
Not every great game has a $200 million budget. These indies and smaller titles showcase PS5's power in surprising ways:
- Returnal - Roguelike shooter with insane particle effects. Each run feels unique thanks to SSD magic. $59.99 (Worth it for the haptic rain alone)
- Sea of Stars - Retro RPG with gorgeous lighting. Turn-based combat that actually feels dynamic. $34.99
- Humanity - Puzzle game where you guide crowds. Uses gyro controls brilliantly. $29.99 (Free on PS Plus Extra!)
Best PS5 Games for Specific Players
Your taste matters. Here's a quick cheat sheet based on playstyle:
For Story Lovers
The Last of Us Part I - Yes, it's a remake. But the facial animations? Unreal. Photo mode + commentary mode add depth. $69.99 stings though.
Final Fantasy XVI - Epic political drama with Eikon battles. Performance mode drops res but keeps 60fps. Skip if you hate cutscenes.
For Challenge Seekers
Sifu - Kung Fu roguelike with aging mechanic. Demands precision. Those adaptive triggers help perfect parries.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty - Faster than Souls, harder than Nioh. Deflection system is so satisfying with haptics.
For Casual Gamers
Stray - Play as a cat in cybercity. Relaxing but surprisingly emotional. Short (5hrs) but memorable.
Astro's Playroom - FREE pre-installed game. Best DualSense demo ever. Pure joy.
Pro Tip: Check PS Plus Extra before buying! Games like Returnal and Demon's Souls are often included. Saves serious cash.
PS5 Game Performance Breakdown
Raw specs matter. Here's how top titles utilize the hardware:
| Game | Resolution/Frame Rate | Loading Times | DualSense Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | Dynamic 4K @ 60fps (Performance RT Mode) | 0-2 sec (Instant dimension hops) | Weapon-specific triggers, detailed rumble |
| Horizon Forbidden West | 1800p @ 60fps (Balanced Mode) | ~5 sec fast travel | Bow tension feedback, terrain vibration |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | 1440p @ 60fps (RT off) | 3-4 sec death reloads | Knife durability tension, directional gunshots |
PS5 Game Prices - New vs. Used vs. Sales
Let's talk money. Those $70 tags hurt, but smart shopping helps:
| Where to Buy | Average Savings | Best For | Gotchas |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Store | 0% (but frequent sales) | Pre-loading, exclusives | No resale, full price at launch |
| Amazon/Retailers | 10-20% physical | Day 1 discounts | Disc swapping, slower installs |
| PS Plus Extra | ~70% if playing 2+ games | Back catalog exploration | $134.99/year, games rotate out |
| Used (GameStop) | 30-50% after 6 months | Single-player completables | No DLC codes, disc scratches |
Honestly? I wait for sales unless it's a must-play like Spider-Man 2. PlayStation Store's "Big in Japan" or "Holiday Sales" can drop prices 40-60%.
PS5 Game Install Sizes & SSD Management
That 825GB SSD fills fast. Real talk:
- Call of Duty Modern Warfare III → 200GB+ (Seriously?!)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth → 145GB
- Most AAAs → 80-100GB
- Indies → 5-20GB
My survival strategy: Buy a 2TB SSD expansion (SN850P is $150). Archive single-player games you've finished. And delete CoD campaigns after completing them.
Essential PS5 Accessories for Better Gameplay
Beyond the console, these elevate the experience:
- DualSense Edge Controller ($199) - Swappable sticks for competitive play. Back buttons help in Elden Ring.
- Pulse 3D Headset ($99) - Tempest 3D audio makes Returnal's rain sound real.
- Vertical Stand ($20) - Better airflow = quieter fan during marathon sessions.
FAQs: Your PS5 Game Questions Answered
What truly makes a PS5 game "next-gen"?
Beyond graphics? Three things: Near-zero loading (SSD), immersive DualSense features (haptics/triggers), and 3D audio. If a game nails all three? That's the best PS5 games out now experience.
Are PS5 versions worth the upgrade fee?
Depends. For $10? If it adds 60fps/DualSense? Usually yes (Ghost of Tsushima). Free upgrades? Always. But $70 for a PS4 remaster? Hard pass unless it's transformative.
What's the best-looking PS5 game right now?
Demon's Souls still wins for pure detail. But Horizon Forbidden West's Burning Shores DLC? Those cloud formations are insane. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is close too.
Any great PS5 games under $30?
Tons! Hades ($24.99), Dead Cells ($24.99), and Hollow Knight ($15) often go on sale. PS Plus Extra also has hundreds under the subscription cost.
How much space do I need for PS5 games?
More than you think. Install base games to internal SSD for best performance. Use extended storage for PS4 titles. Seriously, get that extra SSD.
Personal Recommendations Based on Time
Limited gaming hours? Prioritize these:
If you have 5 hours/week: Focus on tight experiences. Stray (6hrs) or Portal Companion Collection (8hrs). Avoid open-world bloat.
10 hours/week: Dive into God of War Ragnarök. 45min daily sessions let you savor the story. Or try roguelikes like Returnal (runs <30min).
20+ hours/week: Go nuts with Baldur's Gate 3. That 100hr campaign feels epic when you can binge weekends.
One last thing: Don't stress about playing everything. I've got 15 unfinished games. Pick what excites YOU. Whether it's swinging through NYC or farming in Stardew Valley, the best PS5 games out now are the ones you'll actually play.
Final Thoughts
The PS5's hitting its stride. After a shaky start filled with cross-gen ports, we're finally getting games that push boundaries. Yeah, I wish more used the SSD innovatively like Ratchet & Clank. And $70 still feels greedy. But when you feel the rain in Returnal or experience a seamless Spider-Man transition? Chef's kiss.
Stick to this list, wait for sales, and expand that SSD. Happy gaming!
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