Best PS5 Games in 2026: Top 30 Must-Play Titles Ranked
The PlayStation 5 now has one of the strongest game libraries in console history. Whether you just bought a PS5 or you're looking for your next obsession, this ranked list covers the 30 best PS5 games you can play right now in 2026.
We've ranked these based on a combination of Metacritic scores, player reception, and lasting impact.
The Top 10 Best PS5 Games
1. Astro Bot (2024) — 94/100
The surprise game of the generation. Astro Bot is a love letter to PlayStation history wrapped in the most creative 3D platformer since Super Mario Galaxy. Every level introduces a new mechanic, and the DualSense controller integration is unmatched. A must-play for every PS5 owner.
2. God of War Ragnarok (2022) — 94/100
Kratos and Atreus conclude their Norse saga in spectacular fashion. Ragnarok improves on everything from 2018's reboot — bigger worlds, better combat, deeper story. The Valhalla DLC adds an excellent roguelite mode for free.
3. Elden Ring (2022) — 96/100
FromSoftware's magnum opus. The open-world Soulsborne formula works brilliantly, offering hundreds of hours of challenging exploration. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is equally incredible. The highest-rated PS5 game on Metacritic.
4. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023) — 96/100
Larian Studios delivered the best RPG in decades. Incredible freedom, meaningful choices, and a D&D-based combat system that never gets old. 100+ hours of content with enormous replay value.
5. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024) — 92/100
The second chapter of the FF7 Remake trilogy expands into a massive open world. The combat system is the best in the series, and the emotional story hits harder than ever. A PS5 console exclusive.
6. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (2023) — 90/100
Insomniac delivers the definitive superhero game. Swinging between Peter and Miles, fighting Venom and Kraven across a massive New York City — it's everything the first game was and more.
7. The Last of Us Part II Remastered (2024) — 90/100
Naughty Dog's masterpiece, now enhanced for PS5 with 4K/60fps, DualSense features, and the new roguelike No Return mode. One of the most powerful stories in gaming.
8. Horizon Forbidden West (2022) — 88/100
Aloy's second adventure is visually stunning and packed with content. The Burning Shores DLC adds PS5-exclusive flying mount gameplay. A showcase for what the PS5 hardware can do.
9. Demon's Souls (2020) — 92/100
Bluepoint's launch title remake remains one of the most visually impressive PS5 games. The original Souls experience, rebuilt from the ground up. PS5 exclusive.
10. Hades (2021) — 93/100
Supergiant's roguelike action game is endlessly replayable. Tight combat, incredible writing, and a progression system that makes every run feel meaningful.
#11-20: Excellent PS5 Games
| Rank | Game | Year | Score | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021 | 88 | Action-Platformer |
| 12 | Returnal | 2021 | 86 | Roguelike Shooter |
| 13 | Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut | 2021 | 87 | Action-Adventure |
| 14 | Disco Elysium: The Final Cut | 2021 | 97 | RPG |
| 15 | Gran Turismo 7 | 2022 | 87 | Racing |
| 16 | Final Fantasy XVI | 2023 | 87 | Action RPG |
| 17 | Stellar Blade | 2024 | 80 | Action |
| 18 | Helldivers 2 | 2024 | 82 | Co-op Shooter |
| 19 | It Takes Two | 2021 | 88 | Co-op Adventure |
| 20 | Death Stranding Director's Cut | 2021 | 85 | Action |
#21-30: Must-Play PS5 Games
| Rank | Game | Year | Score | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Resident Evil 4 Remake | 2023 | 93 | Survival Horror |
| 22 | Stray | 2022 | 83 | Adventure |
| 23 | Lies of P | 2023 | 80 | Souls-like |
| 24 | Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves | 2022 | 87 | Action-Adventure |
| 25 | Sifu | 2022 | 80 | Action |
| 26 | Deathloop | 2021 | 88 | FPS |
| 27 | Alan Wake 2 | 2023 | 89 | Survival Horror |
| 28 | Dave the Diver | 2023 | 90 | Adventure/Sim |
| 29 | Persona 5 Royal | 2022 | 97 | RPG |
| 30 | Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty | 2023 | 86 | Action RPG |
Best PS5 Games by Genre
Best PS5 Action Games
- God of War Ragnarok
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Stellar Blade
Best PS5 RPGs
- Elden Ring
- Baldur's Gate 3
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Best PS5 Horror Games
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Alan Wake 2
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Related: Best PS5 Horror Games — our complete horror ranking
Best PS5 Multiplayer Games
- Helldivers 2
- It Takes Two
- Gran Turismo 7
Related: Best Couch Co-Op Games on PS5 — our local multiplayer picks
Best Free PS5 Games
- Fortnite
- Marvel Rivals
- Genshin Impact
Related: Best Free PS5 Games — our complete free-to-play guide
Upcoming PS5 Games to Watch (2026)
| Game | Developer | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost of Yotei | Sucker Punch | 2026 |
| Death Stranding 2 | Kojima Productions | 2026 |
| Wolverine | Insomniac Games | 2026 |
| Monster Hunter Wilds | Capcom | 2025 |
| GTA 6 | Rockstar Games | 2025-2026 |
🎯 Ready to play? Find these games and more in our PS5 game collection. Stay ahead with our game release calendar for upcoming 2026 titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 best PS5 game?
Based on our ranking, Astro Bot is the best PS5 exclusive, while Elden Ring is the highest-rated game overall available on PS5. Both are must-play titles.
What PS5 games should I buy first?
If you just got a PS5, start with: Astro Bot (free with PS5), God of War Ragnarok, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. These three showcase what the PS5 can do.
Are PS5 games still worth buying in 2026?
Absolutely. The PS5 is in its prime with the strongest library it's ever had. With major exclusives like Ghost of Yotei and Wolverine coming, 2026 is an excellent time to be a PS5 owner.
What are the best PS5 games for beginners?
Astro Bot, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Stray are accessible, fun, and forgiving. For story-driven experiences, The Last of Us Part I and God of War Ragnarok have adjustable difficulty.
Last updated: April 2026. Rankings reflect critical consensus and player reception.
