Thinking of getting a PlayStaion 5? Or perhaps you already have one. Either way, you’ll want to be aware of the exclusive games available on the platform so you know what it has in store for you. Given how expensive the PS5 is — costing $400 for the Digital Edition and $500 for the Standard Edition — it’s a good idea to be familiar with the system, and that includes its game lineup. Many times, a game lineup will be one of the deciding factors when choosing between multiple video game systems.
Even though the PS5 is only nine months old, there are a handful of exclusive games available to play on it right now. And of course, that list will grow over time, with exciting new PS5 games from many first-party Sony studios.
Here are all of the PS5 exclusive games you can play right now.
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Astro's Playroom
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Platform
Developer
SIE Japan Studio
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
This one might be cheating since it’s included with each PS5 purchase, but Astro’s Playroom is still worth mentioning. This PS5 pack-in showcases what the PS5’s DualSense controller can do, making good use of all of its features. But aside from that, it’s also a competently made platformer, with lots to do and satisfying gameplay. And make no mistake, Astro’s Playroom is one of the most beautiful-looking games on the system, highlighting the PS5’s impressive visual capabilities. This game also shines a light on PlayStation’s rich history, featuring references to every system Sony has produced (even the PS Vita!) over the years. The best part is that you don’t have to buy this one — it’s free with each PS5.
DEATHLOOP
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Arkane Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
September 14, 2021
While this is a timed exclusive, meaning it will come to other platforms eventually, Deathloop is currently only playable on PS5 consoles (and PC). This is Arkane Studios at its finest, with an emphasis on style, time, and a day that repeats over and over. The main character, Colt, must take out eight targets on an island, and if he fails, the day resets, making it feel like a roguelike at times. It’s also similar to Outer Wilds, wherein each run presents an opportunity to learn more information about your targets until eventually, you’re able to take them all out in quick succession. There isn’t quite anything like Deathloop, so even if FPS games traditionally aren’t your thing, we still recommend checking this one out because it’s different. Take a look at our Deathloop beginner’s guide to getting started.
Read our full DEATHLOOP review
Demon's Souls
M
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Bluepoint Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
Next up is a game that is practically the opposite of Astro’s Playroom in nearly every way. Demon’s Souls for PS5 is a remake of the PS3 exclusive that originally launched in 2009. This is a game that popularized the Souls series, laying the framework for one of the most iconic and difficult RPG franchises of all time. The remake for PS5 comes to us from renowned developer Bluepoint Games, a team known for creating high-quality remakes/remasters such as Shadow of the Colossus and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. But along with improved visuals comes a slew of quality-of-life updates in Demon’s Souls, which modernize the way it plays, without altering what made the original so great.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut
M
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Kojima Productions
Publisher
505 Games
Release
September 24, 2021
As expected, Kojima’s Death Stranding is a weird, unique experience. The original game launched in 2019, just before the pandemic and it was shockingly timely, due to the dilapidated depiction of The United States. In it, you play as a freelance courier named Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, who’s tasked with delivering supplies to disconnected cities. The Director’s Cut, which is exclusive to PS5 (and soon to be PC), adds a number of quality of life improvements, enhanced visuals, and new features. Death Stranding isn’t for everyone, but Kojima fans will likely be into it — and at the very least, it’s worth praising since it’s so different.
Destruction AllStars
T
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Racing, Sport
Developer
Lucid Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
February 02, 2021
Breaking through as a PlayStation Plus game, Destruction AllStars launched in February 2021 with a solid premise. This is a vehicular combat game similar to Twisted Metal, only it’s worse in many ways. It’s an online game that features a few modes and lots of diverse characters to choose from. The moment-to-moment gameplay is fun enough, with satisfying car combat that usually feels good. While it looks great and feels good to play, we can’t recommend buying this one in its current state since it doesn’t have much content. It has since left the PS Plus catalog, so if you missed it then, you’ll have to shell out $20 to buy it now. Unless you got it through PS Plus, its value is questionable, even at its low price.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
June 10, 2021
A remaster of a remake? Sure! Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is just that: An improved version of the beloved Final Fantasy VII Remake, which originally launched in 2020. Intergrade builds upon the remake by including improved visuals running at 60 frames per second (FPS), along with additional DLC. This additional content focuses on the Yuffie character from the original 1997 game and expands upon arguably the best RPG in recent years. Just like the remake, Intergrade is currently exclusive to PlayStation but is only available on PS5. The nice thing is that you can upgrade your PS4 edition to the PS5 Intergrade version for free (so long as you purchased your copy instead of obtaining it via PS Plus).
Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
T
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
Serving as yet another re-release, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is an upgraded version of the hit PS4 game, which originally launched in 2018. This enhanced edition is only available on PS5 and features all of the base game’s content, its DLC, and improved visuals running at 60FPS. It even has the ability to offer ray tracing support, though at the cost of 30 fps instead. Interestingly, this game features a separate trophy list from its PS4 counterpart but offers a way to transfer your save over from the previous generation. This means you can perform the save transfer to pick up right where you left off — trophies and all.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
E10
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Adventure
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
June 11, 2021
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a game that lets the PS5’s tech shine, with impressive visuals and performance. It’s downright stunning how good this game looks, and thankfully, it plays just as well. This game takes place after the 2016 reboot, featuring many of the same features and characters from before. Though in this game, you befriend and play as a new Lombax named Rivet, who has her own arsenal of weapons to choose from. As the name suggests, you traverse across various rifts in this game, each leading to different dimensions instantly, thanks to the power of the PS5. We loved Rift Apart here, particularly its visuals, set pieces, combat, and weapons.
Read our full Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart review
Returnal
T
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Housemarque
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
April 30, 2021
The first major PS5 exclusive to launch after the system first debuted was Returnal, a game with an engaging loop and a mysterious story. Returnal is a roguelike third-person shooter from developer Housemarque, the team that brought us Resogun and Nex Machina. It puts you in the shoes of space pilot Selene, who has crash-landed on Atropos, a deadly alien planet. Each time you die, you respawn at the beginning, in typical roguelike fashion, and every run thereafter is different. There are multiple biomes, each with its own unique characteristics that keep things fresh. Returnal’s combat is outstanding, with a satisfying blend of arcade gameplay with third-person shooting mechanics. This won’t be for everyone due to its difficulty, but if you stick with it, Returnal might just end up being one of your favorite games.
Read our full Returnal review
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
T
Platforms
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
Of course, the mainline Marvel’s Spider-Man game is an instant classic, but the follow-up, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, is arguably better. This game features a new protagonist, Miles Morales, who must rake on the role of Spider-Man while Peter Parker is away on vacation. With that in mind, this game simultaneously contains enough new features to keep things fresh while doubling down on fan-favorite mechanics from the previous installment. Miles Morales is a much more condensed experience, with better pacing than its predecessor, clocking in at around eight hours. The characters are diverse, the way people of color are depicted is realistic, and the performances are believable. Of course, the action-packed gameplay is top-notch in this game, with lots to unlock across New York City. In short, Miles Morales does nearly everything the first game did, but better.
Horizon Forbidden West
T
Platforms
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Guerrilla Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
February 18, 2022
One of the best (and most popular) games on PS4 is Horizon Zero Dawn, so getting a sequel was expected. Its follow-up, Horizon Forbidden West, feels very much like an improved version of the original, with better visuals, enhanced traversal, and lots more to do. One of the greatest new mechanics is the ability to swim underwater, which leads to some interesting exploration sections in the game. Speaking of improved visuals, Forbidden West looks stunning on PS5, with some of the most realistic-looking character models in all of gaming. The gameplay loop has been nearly perfected, giving players a reason to explore the large world, find resources, and gain XP to become stronger. It’s yet another example of the strength of Sony’s first-party development teams.
Read our full Horizon Forbidden West review
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
E
Platforms
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Sumo Digital
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
It’s important for a console to feature games everyone can play, not just mature action titles that lean into realism. Sackboy: A Big Adventure does just that, introducing players to an approachable platformer for the whole family. This takes many of the visuals and themes from the beloved LittleBigPlanet games, but without the level creation — instead, focusing on pure platforming at its finest. The level design stands out, featuring gorgeous visuals and smart puzzles for you to enjoy. Better yet is that you can play this game cooperatively with up to three other players, which adds to the fun. Full stop, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is an underrated gem on PS5 that gets overshadowed by gritty shooters and violent action games.
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