What are the best free games on PS5? With this evolving list, the Push Square community will be the ones calling the shots, ranking and rating the top free-to-play games on PS5.
The free-to-play model has really come into its own during the last few years, and it continues to grow, offering more diverse and high-quality games as time goes on. Many of the biggest games in the world are completely free, not even requiring a PS Plus subscription to play them. If you want to see what the fuss is all about with games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warframe, you can do so at no cost.
Almost all free games are competitive online multiplayer games, but that’s not always the case. On PS5, there are a handful of great multiplayer offerings that won’t cost you anything, but there’s more to it than that. There are one or two titles that aren’t online at all, but can still be accessed for free — Astro’s Playroom being the prime example.
Basically, what we’re saying is that you can find lots of interesting and fun games to play on PS5 without spending a penny. This list is all about showing you the best free games on PS5, and we’ve enlisted your help to define the order. See something on this page you don’t agree with? You can use the below search bar to find your favourite free-to-play PS5 game and then rate it by clicking the star icon. These ratings are all fed into the running order, meaning this list will shift and change over time, depending on how the community rates each title.
A game will need at least 10 ratings before it’s included on this page. It’s down to you if you want to see any changes, so visit a game’s page or use the above search bar to make yourself heard.
Best PS5 Games
Now, let’s take a look, shall we? Below is a list of the best free games on PS5, defined by you.
10. Dauntless (PS5)
Publisher: Epic Games / Developer: Phoenix Labs
Dauntless takes the formula popularised by Monster Hunter and makes it free-to-play. That means you’re getting an action RPG all about slaying powerful beasts either alone or in co-op. The addictive loop has you going out on hunts, then bringing the resources you’ve collected back to the hub, crafting better gear, and doing it all over again. With several weapons to master and a never-ending source of monsters to defeat, this is an engaging experience with plenty to offer. The PS5 version refreshes the visuals, improves the framerate, and throws in support for DualSense feedback, making it the best way to play on console.
9. Knockout City (PS5)
Publisher: Velan Studios / Developer: Velan Studios
Knockout City is a bit of a knockout. The self-proclaimed dodgebrawler, originally released on the PS4, mixes a retro-future aesthetic with multiplayer deathmatches. Your objective is to lob balls in the direction of your opponents, striking them out with two hits, but you can also catch said projectiles and add spin to your tosses. This all leads to a frantic, classic competitive experience that’s easy to grasp but seriously challenging to master. Lob in different ball types, each with unique properties you need to take the time to learn, and you have the recipe for a dangerously addictive arcade sports experience.
8. Rogue Company (PS5)
Publisher: Hi-Rez Studios / Developer: Hi-Rez Studios
If you’re looking for a straightforward third-person shooter, Rogue Company will certainly fill that gap. From the creators of SMITE and Paladins, this is a more realistic free-to-play game from Hi-Rez Studios that focuses on squad-based matches for up to 12 players. Taking control of Rogues, each with unique abilities, you’ll play objective-based rounds and tactical skirmishes, earning XP and in-game currency so you can get stronger and unlock better equipment. It’s fairly straightforward and has decent third-person action that’s worth giving a shot.
7. Genshin Impact (PS5)
Publisher: Mihoyo / Developer: Mihoyo
Genshin Impact earned an estimated $2 billion during its first year on the market, and has gone on to become something of a cultural touchstone. Also available on smartphones, the PS5 version of this staggeringly popular RPG truly brings developer MiHoYo’s vision to life, with vibrant visuals and a slick, responsive refresh rate. Those not caught in its gacha trap may lament is pricey microtransactions and demanding investment levels, but this is unquestionably a signature service game with a huge and dedicated fanbase to boot.
6. Warframe (PS5)
Publisher: Digital Extremes / Developer: Digital Extremes
It took a good few years to get there, but Warframe is now comfortably one of the most successful free-to-play titles in gaming. The sci-fi action RPG has been transformed into an absolute colossus by developer Digital Extremes. It boasts a truly immense amount of content to chew on, ranging from co-op enabled missions to full-on open world exploration. Admittedly, Warframe can be difficult to penetrate these days if you’re a total newcomer, but a galaxy’s worth of adventure awaits those who join the Tenno ranks.
5. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel (PS5)
Publisher: Konami / Developer: Konami
If you enjoy the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game, odds are you’ll love Master Duel. This is a nicely presented digital version of the card game you know and love, letting you battle it out against rival duelists in free-to-play online bouts. It also supports cross-play and cross-progression, meaning you can play against others on any platform, and carry your progress over to other machines. With over 10,000 cards included, you’re able to rebuild your real-life decks and put them to the test in numerous tournaments. It’s obviously a game for fans, but it also includes tutorials for beginners if you want to try Yu-Gi-Oh for the first time.
4. Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition (PS5)
Publisher: Epic Games / Developer: Arbitrarily Good Productions
Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition stretches the definition of what a game is, but this interactive experience is well worth checking out. Whether you’re a fan of Radiohead or not, this virtual tour through the band’s music and artwork is a unique, eerie ride through the obscure. It’s only a couple of hours long, it’s totally free, and there’s nothing else like it on PS5, so we’d absolutely recommend taking it for a spin.
3. Destiny 2 (PS5)
Publisher: Bungie / Developer: Bungie
Bungie’s online shooter is still at the top of the pile when it comes to gunplay, although there’s no denying that Destiny 2 is a tough nut to crack if you’re completely new to the sci-fi sequel. Get stuck in, though, and you’ll find an abundance of quality content to chew on. Campaigns, co-op missions, competitive multiplayer — it’s a game that feels like it’s fit to burst at points, and the aforementioned action is the glue that holds everything together.
2. Fall Guys (PS5)
Publisher: Epic Games / Developer: Mediatonic
What if there was a platformer in which up to 60 players compete in chaotic obstacle courses simultaneously? Turns out this madcap idea is genius, because Fall Guys is a cracking online multiplayer madhouse. Playing as a jellybean-shaped clutz, you’re up against numerous others through a series of randomly chosen stages, featuring all kinds of platforming challenges. By process of elimination, the winner will be the last one standing, and success earns you lots of excellent costumes and bragging rights. Whether you play solo or team up with friends, this is a hilarious title for all ages, and the best bit? It’s free-to-play.
1. Astro’s Playroom (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Team Asobi
As far as pack-ins go, Astro’s Playroom is exemplary. Inspired by Team Asobi’s critically acclaimed PSVR platformer Astro Bot Rescue Mission – itself originally introduced in The Playroom VR – this short-form platformer serves as an introduction to the PS5, specifically the DualSense controller. As you explore cutesy character Astro’s vibrant world, you’ll physically feel it in your fingertips, from the sensation of rain falling on the hero’s hard, steel exterior to the slippery surfaces of ice. All of this, alone, would make it a truly memorable experience – but the game also doubles as a kind of history lesson, exploring many of the most famous moments from PlayStation’s past. Simply put, it’s an extraordinary four to five hour escapade, and one that every new PS5 owner must play.
That’s that: the best free games on PS5 according to the Push Square community. What do you think? Is your favourite free-to-play PS5 game on the list? If you think there’s something missing from our PlayStation Game Database, please let us know, and don’t forget you can help shape the list yourselves by rating games as you see fit. All that’s left to do is share your own recommendations for the best free games on PS5 in the comments below.
