Best PS5 Exclusive Games – Push Square
What are the best PS5 exclusive games? For enthusiasts and the hardcore, exclusive titles are one of the main reasons for buying a console. These experiences generally make the most of the hardware you are purchasing, and so many are considered best in class when stacked up against third-party counterparts.
Sony consoles are lucky in the sense then that they’re supported by a truly outstanding lineup of first-party developers, which come together to form PlayStation Studios. After it really got going during the PS4 era, owners of a PS5 system can look forward to a plethora of upcoming titles from world-class developers. That includes Naughty Dog, Sony Santa Monica Studio, and Sucker Punch Productions.
As such, putting together a list of the best PS5 exclusive games is no easy task. However, the Push Square community has come together to rate their favourite ones and form the ranking you see below. This list has been rated and ranked entirely by you.
However, before we get to the list, we need to do a bit of housekeeping. The term “exclusive” has become muddied over the past generation or so. Therefore, we’ve expanded what games qualify for this list. If a game appears on a platform beyond PS5, it must work to these parameters in order to make it into the rankings:
With that out of the way, it’s time to get to your list of the best PS5 exclusives games. If you think there’s a game missing, use the search bar below to find it and then hand it your own rating. Your score might be enough to push it onto the list!
Note: Any game will need at least 50 ratings before it arrives on this page. If there’s a game you feel is missing from this list, it’s possible the title just hasn’t been rated enough times.
15. Deathloop (PS5)
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks / Developer: Arkane Studios
Arkane Studios is known for its immersive sims like Dishonored, and with Deathloop, the developer takes that formula in a bold new direction. Playing as an assassin caught in a time loop on an island filled with disdainful characters, it’s your job to eliminate all of them within one cycle, else you’ll need to start again. The joy of the game is in slowly figuring out the right sequence of events that need to take place in order for you to crack the code and break the loop. A higher emphasis on action combined with some super fun powers makes this feel like a supercharged Dishonored. The loop mechanic and threat of player invasions provides some tension, and it’s all delivered with a fantastic 60s aesthetic.
14. Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Sumo Digital
With creator Media Molecule focusing its attention on PS4’s boundless sandbox Dreams, LittleBigPlanet’s whimsical weaved hero deserved his Super Mario 3D World moment. Sackboy: A Big Adventure doesn’t pull up any trees like its predecessors, but is instead a robust co-operative platformer with some memorable musical moments. With a cutesy DIY aesthetic and some surprisingly tight action, it excels in an area that Sony has often been accused of overlooking: fun for the whole family.
13. The Nioh Collection (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Team Ninja
Team Ninja’s answer to the popular Dark Souls series is Nioh, a punishing but satisfying action RPG based on Japanese history and folklore. The Nioh Collection on PS5 brings the two titles together in one package. Fortunately, both games are excellent — fairly linear but featuring fast, deadly melee combat that has you swapping between stances to gain the upper hand. The pair of games are remastered for the up-to-date hardware, running at up to 120 frames-per-second on the right display, and support DualSense’s haptics and adaptive triggers. Two cracking action titles for the price of one, and looking and playing better than ever on PS5? A no-brainer.
12. Death Stranding Director’s Cut (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Kojima Productions
Death Stranding Director’s Cut takes the truly unique “strand game” adventure and dials things up a notch for PS5. Hideo Kojima and his team created a haunting and strange world with the original game, tasking players with traversing a desolate and dangerous landscape to make deliveries. It shouldn’t work, but it does — every step you take can be a risk, and this need to watch your footing is an interesting way to create tension, especially when those nasty BTs show up. Director’s Cut enhances the experience with improved graphics and performance, DualSense support, 3D audio, and a range of new content.
11. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Available On:
There’s no denying that Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the best Final Fantasy games in years, and Intergrade is the icing on the cake. Yes, it’s only one part of the story, and yes, a few of the, er, changes are going to annoy some fans forevermore, but there’s a healthy helping of Final Fantasy VII magic at the heart of Remake. Whether it’s in the way that the characters have been re-realised or the outstanding boss fights (and excellent combat system), charging through Remake is a rewarding experience — especially if you’re big on nostalgia.
10. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Insomniac Games
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales may be shorter than its immediate predecessor, a spin-off if you like, but it’s lacking none of the character of its older, bigger brother. While Marvel’s Spider-Man did away with origin story clichés, Miles Morales is much more of a coming of age tale, as it sees the eponymous star coming to terms with his new-found powers. This is a deeply personal plot that adds depth to Insomniac Games’ wider Spider-Man universe, and it comes with some smart new gameplay wrinkles that make it a blast to play. Instant loading and sumptuous visuals are merely the frosting on the top of this wintery open world treat, which will leave you lusting after Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
9. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Insomniac Games
Up until Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart released, Insomniac Games’ dynamic duo had been wilting in the wilderness a little bit. The PS4 reboot, Ratchet & Clank, was well-received – but it felt lightweight compared to classic series entries, like Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. Fortunately, while Rift Apart doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, it does deliver the series’ first full-scale adventure in well over a generation. This is a game that feels great to play, thanks in part to stunning DualSense integration and some of the glitziest special effects this side of the galaxy. It’s a little more throwaway than many of the PS5’s other exclusives, but its thoroughly entertaining while it lasts, and the introduction of new characters like Rivet mean there’s a lot of life left in this series yet.
8. Returnal (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Housemarque
Not that it needed to, but with Returnal, Housemarque has proven itself an incredibly capable studio. This PS5 exclusive is a frantic, ultra-tight third person shooter dressed up with some rogue-like elements to add variety and unpredictability to the mix, and the result is wonderful.
Trapped in a loop on a hostile alien world, Selene is forced to relive her fateful crash landing each time she dies. There’s an amazing sense of accomplishment as you slowly progress through challenging boss encounters and explore six diverse environments full of randomised weapons, perks, and power-ups. It feels amazing to play, especially with amazing support for the DualSense’s features, and the addictive gameplay is complemented by an enigmatic story that will leave you guessing.
The best part is that’s just the start. A slew of additional modes flesh out Returnal, giving you a few extra ways to play when you’re done with the single player campaign. The daily challenge mode provides all players with a fixed loadout and room layouts, with the goal of amassing the highest score possible by exploring and playing skilfully. Beyond that is the Tower of Sisyphus, an endless arcade mode that similarly tasks you with getting the highest score you can, only there’s more of a sense of urgency. You’re rewarded not just for skilled play but for fast play — your multiplier will start to tick down if you loiter for too long. The Tower also contains additional story, adding more layers to the mysterious narrative the main game offers.
Finally, there’s two-player online co-op. This allows you to join or invite another player and go through the main campaign with a companion, potentially alleviating some of the challenge. While it isn’t the primary focus of Returnal, the co-op works splendidly; resources are shared between you, forcing you to make decisions on who gets what, and a revival mechanic lets you bring each other back into the fight. It’s just as much fun taking on the world of Atropos with a friend as it is alone, if not more so.
Whether you’re in it for the world class gameplay, the atmospheric sci-fi setting, the intentionally mysterious story, or the variety of extra modes, Returnal is among the most robust, rewarding, and addictive games on PS5.
7. Demon’s Souls (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Bluepoint Games
Sony comfortably hooked the enthusiast crowd by adding Demon’s Souls to the PS5’s launch lineup. FromSoftware’s legendary action RPG – which would go on to spawn the so-called Soulsborne series and, eventually, even Elden Ring – was snubbed by the Japanese giant during the PS3 era, as it felt early builds were simply not up to snuff. Publishers like Atlus and Bandai Namco eventually picked it up, and it went on to become a cult classic. Perhaps as a tacit admission that it made a mistake, its recruited tech specialists Bluepoint Games to remake the game for a modern era – and the results are remarkable. This version uses original PS3 code to make for an incredibly authentic experience, but its visuals are among some of the best you’ll find on Sony’s new-gen console. It’s an extraordinary blend of old and new that comes highly recommended.
6. Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Polyphony Digital
After Gran Turismo Sport’s esports centric approach, Gran Turismo 7 returns to the revered RPG format of developer Polyphony Digital’s long-running simulation racing series. With a slick driving model and hundreds of cars to collect, it’s the addictive Pokémon-esque GT Café that will keep franchise faithfuls occupied for hours on end. And for competitive players, the online approach innovated by GT Sport remains intact, making for the most complete Gran Turismo in a generation.
5. 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.
4. Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Guerrilla Games
The sequel to Guerrilla Games’ breakout hit, Horizon Zero Dawn, is bigger and better than its immediate predecessor in every single way. Horizon Forbidden West may retread familiar territory with its open world RPG adventure, but it improves upon the writing, introducing a worthwhile cast of characters for heroine Aloy to bounce off. New combat and exploration wrinkles, including a grappling hook, intensify the action, while the eponymous Forbidden West is a diverse sandbox, bursting with varied biomes and secrets to discover.
3. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Naughty Dog
A compilation including two of the PS4’s most beloved games was destined to be well-received, and while the absence of PS3 era adventures like Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves prevents this from being definitive, it’s still an absolute must for thrill seekers. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End paints protagonist Nathan Drake as a weary buccaneer on one final score, while the even more refined Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – originally intended as DLC – acts as a kind of Greatest Hits album, with series stalwart Chloe Frazer serving as a superb step-in for Nate. Series creator Naughty Dog could have done more to upgrade these greats for the PS5 console, but there’s no question this collection is a must-play.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Insomniac Games
Offered as an added incentive as part of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ pricier Ultimate Edition, a somewhat strange delivery mechanism should take nothing away from Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. Insomniac Games invested a huge amount of effort here, rebuilding New York City to take full advantage of the PS5 hardware, without interfering with the critically acclaimed action of the PS4 original. Some vocal fans were frustrated by the changes to protagonist Peter Parker’s face – but with new visual effects like ray tracing, in addition to silky smooth 60 frames-per-second refresh rates, this is the definitive way to experience Sony’s superb superhero sandbox. It even includes all of the original’s inconsequential but enjoyable expansion packs!
1. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut (PS5)
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut repackages one of the greatest open world games of the PS4 era on the PS5. A breakout hit for first-party developer Sucker Punch, this expanded re-release includes a new idyllic samurai sandbox named Iki Island, and forces protagonist Jin Sakai to face some painful memories. With improved presentation and stunning DualSense support, allowing you to physically feel the clash of steel-on-steel in your fingertips, this is the definitive version of one of PlayStation Studios’ crowning achievements.
It represents an interesting change of direction for the team, which during the PS2 era was best known for its cutesy mascot platformers, Sly Cooper. Moving into the PS3 era, the Seattle studio cut its teeth in the open world arena with inFAMOUS, a superhero series spanning a variety of unique powers, including the unusual Video and Neon abilities of inFAMOUS: Second Son.
There are similarities between all three series, despite the obvious deviations in setting and tone. Ghost of Tsushima, as zen as it can be, has a very aggressive combat system, which sees you cutting through Mongols rapidly and using all manner of samurai gadgetry to make your approach. While it’s not necessarily the game’s strongest asset, you can approach many skirmishes in stealth – or simply challenge your adversaries head-on to a duel.
As a sandbox, there are few surprises in Tsushima and its expanded Iki Island, although the way points of interest are presented is particularly original. Rather than rely on compasses and maps, the developer uses the wind to guide Sakai to key regions of interest, while wildlife like birds and foxes will lead the way to Hot Springs and collectibles.
It all makes for a serene experience during exploration, accentuated by the otherworldly visual style. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut presents a romantic glimpse into historical Japan, but its virtual tourism is arguably unmatched, making it one of the greatest open world adventure games you can currently play on PlayStation – or any console for that matter. A surprisingly robust online suite, named Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, rounds out the package impressively.
That’s your list of the best PS5 exclusive games, but do you agree? Is there a game missing or does one particular title deserve a better ranking? Don’t forget you can still have your say by rating the qualified games using the search tool at the top of this article. Your score could affect the rankings! Furthermore, if you notice a title isn’t available for a rating and is absent from our PlayStation Games Database, please let us know. With all that out of the way, share your own top picks in the comments below.