Since the launch of the PlayStation 5, we’ve slowly but surely seen remarkable titles make their way to its library. From console-selling exclusives and sequels to beloved franchises, to games that are simply a joy to experience on Sony’s latest console, the selection included here are the best PS5 games to play in 2024.
Shopping for a new console? These are the best gaming consoles you can buy.
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Price: $70
The latest addition to the enviable PS5 exclusives list, Spider-Man 2, is Insomniac’s follow-up to both Peter and Miles’ stories that were experienced in the previous games. Highly anticipated by fans for both the story implications left by Spider-Man, and the technical advancements the game promised (being a PS5-only title), Spider-Man 2 delivers.
I’ve already recommended the PS5 upgrade just to play Spider-Man 2. That’s how impressed I was with the next-gen features and gameplay of this latest chapter in Insomniac’s highly acclaimed series. It fully leverages the power of the PS5, while touching on the familiar Spider-Man story beats in a refreshing way.
Spider-Man 2 improves on almost everything that worked in the previous titles – the combat feels more fun, navigation is more seamless, and there are tons of customization and collectibles to keep you engaged. Despite the slightly weaker story than the first game, it’s a great experience overall, and one that’s a must-play on the PS5.
2. God of War Ragnarok
Price: $70
Few games manage to garner universal acclaim from critics and players alike, let alone do that while redefining a long-standing franchise. Santa Monica Studio did that with 2018’s God of War, instantly cementing the game as one of PlaySation’s greatest. In 2022, God of War Ragnarok somehow manages to deliver another masterpiece, concluding Kratos and Atreus’s story.
There’s not much I can say to sell you on this game. If you loved the previous title, you’ve probably already finished this one multiple times. If you’re new to this series and God of War in general, I’d highly recommend you play both games back to back. What Santa Monico perfected with God of War, they’ve enhanced to a new degree with God of War Ragnarok.
The story is incredibly powerful, the characters are wonderfully written, and the gameplay innovations are such a treat to witness. The game looks phenomenal on the PS5, and you can’t help but get sucked into the narrative, while it shakes you to your foundations. The new God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC is free to play for owners of the base game and breathes new life into the series a year later.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
Price: $50
The Horizon series is another brilliant PlayStation franchise with a unique narrative and setting. Horizon Forbidden West, in particular, improves on its excellent predecessor and continues Aloy’s journey forward in a remarkable fashion. I had played Horizon Zero Dawn years ago and remember feeling the game was truly singular. The sequel brought that feeling back.
Forbidden West’s futuristic setting is still brimming with animated machine species and a huge open world to explore. But you now have so many new locales to experience, including underwater ones. Aloy now has a glider to fly down from any height and a new, expanded skill tree to progress with. The world is not only bigger but more interactive; you can climb a lot more places.
There are also newer additions, like changing the time of day, storing excess loot in stashes, and using far more weapons and combat combos. Basically, Guerilla Games managed to provide fans with another memorable experience that’s a visual masterpiece on the PS5. It’s easily one of the best PS5 games you can play.
Tip: bored with your Xbox library? These are the top Xbox Series X games to play.
4. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Price: $70
Originally released on the PS4, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on the PS5 is undoubtedly the best way to experience Sucker Punch’s samurai epic. Widely regarded as one of the best games of the past decade (PlayStation or otherwise), calling this one of the best PS5 games doesn’t do it enough justice.
Ghost of Tsushima manages to translate the visceral action and sincere emotional impact of iconic samurai movies to the gaming medium with unparalleled finesse. The exploration is fulfilling, the combat is sublime, and the story stays with you long after you’ve put down the controller. Such works of art are one of the reasons to switch from PC to console gaming.
The Director’s Cut brings a new island to explore that’s compelling enough for even veteran players to return to the game. Feudal Japan has never been so much fun.
5. The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Price: $50
The Last of Us Part II, in many ways, elevated gaming storytelling to new heights on the PS4. The Last of Us Part II Remastered, due to release in January 2024, will bring PS5’s graphical enhancements and DualSense gameplay elements to this landmark title. If you haven’t played The Last of Us Part II before, this would be the definitive way to experience the follow-up to Ellie and Joel’s story.
The Last of Us, originally released in 2013, gave a new dimension to narrative and gameplay in games. The second part follows the events of the first game and how they’ve affected Joel and Ellie’s relationship. Even on the PS4, the game surprises you with how good it looks, and unsettles you with the themes of loss, revenge, and violence that it beautifully tackles.
The gameplay brilliantly builds on the first game and offers combat scenarios and setpieces that became instant classics. The Last of Us Part II is perhaps the most defining title in the last 10 years of PlayStation history.
Note: The Last of Us, Part 1 made our list of best story-driven games.
6. Alan Wake 2
Price: $60
Alan Wake 2 was 13 years in the making. After Alan Wake enthralled players with its singular horror and thriller experience in 2010, they were left gasping for more. Outside the must-play PlayStation exclusives, Alan Wake 2 is one of the best PS5 games and should be on your must-play list.
Where Alan Wake delved more into an action-thriller vibe, the sequel dives deeper into the survival-horror elements of the game. Gamers who loved the cryptic, mind-bending narrative last time have much more to sink their teeth into. Besides the top-notch story, the next-gen visuals, compelling characters, and gameplay innovations of the game make it a genuine masterpiece.
Everything that made the first game good, is dialed up to 11. Your PS5 is likely to handle the GPU-melting visuals of the game much better than your gaming PC.
7. Baldur’s Gate 3
Price: $70
This list wouldn’t be complete without the game of the year. Baldur’s Gate 3 came at a time when players were disillusioned with a string of bad games being released one after the other. What Larian Studios delivered was an RPG epic so well-crafted, well-written, and beautifully weaved together that it became a generational masterpiece.
Once you play Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll realize what the PS5 RPG fans were missing. Whether you’re a fan of visual spectacle, immersive narratives, engaging gameplay, or strong characters, Baldur’s Gate 3 has it all. It is not only a worthy addition to the franchise but a landmark game in the RPG genre.
Larian Studios has managed to translate the mechanics to the DualSense controller brilliantly, easing new players into the genre that’s both impressive and refreshing.
Are you hooked on RPGs? Try one of these free RPG games.
8. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Price: $70
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart might not have been a launch title for the PS5, but it was one of the very first titles to take advantage of the technical leaps brought by the console. Whether it’s the stunning visuals, DualSense haptics, instantaneous loading times, or the PS5 3D Audio, the ninth instalment in the Ratchet & Clank franchise is a must-play on the PS5.
Don’t mistake Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart as only a technical showcase for the PS5. The game leverages the power of the PS5 to deliver one of the best PS5 games you can find. Insominac brought fun gameplay ideas, an engaging story, and their trademark humor to the game. You’ll never have a dull moment playing Rift Apart.
The PlayStation 5 is arguably the best gaming console you can have today. Even though there are desktop GPUs that match or outperform the PS5, the impressive optimization of the console far exceeds the limitations of its hardware specs. It allows you to finally have a great library of PS5 games to last you for months.
Good to know: want to take your PS5 games with you? Learn how to play PS4 & PS5 games on your phone or tablet.
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
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