The PlayStation 5 continues to impress both casual and hardcore gamers alike, providing one of the most powerful and immersive gaming experiences on the market. Released in 2020, the PS5 has had a steady stream of incredible titles that showcase its next-gen power. With titles spanning across various genres, there’s something for everyone on Sony’s latest console. If you’re looking to experience the best that PlayStation 5 has to offer, here are the must-play games you can’t afford to miss in 2023 and beyond.
One of the biggest titles for PS5 in recent years is Horizon Forbidden West (2022). As the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West expands on the original’s lush open world, adding even more details, creatures, and vast landscapes to explore. Players return to the role of Aloy, the skilled hunter and archer, as she travels through the Forbidden West, facing new BEST 188 robotic foes and uncovering more about the world’s past. The game’s gorgeous visuals, deep narrative, and refined combat mechanics make it one of the most visually stunning and exciting open-world RPGs of its generation. Aloy’s journey feels fresh and exciting, and with the PS5’s capabilities, Horizon Forbidden West really shines, thanks to faster load times and 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
Another blockbuster title that fully takes advantage of the PS5’s hardware is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021). This action-packed platformer has received rave reviews for its smooth gameplay, vibrant visuals, and engaging story. What truly sets Rift Apart apart is its use of the PS5’s SSD, which allows for instant dimension-hopping. This means that the game seamlessly transitions between worlds, creating a truly unique gameplay experience. The characters are charming, the environments are incredibly detailed, and the combat is fast-paced and fun. Rift Apart exemplifies what next-gen gaming can be, and it’s a must-play for fans of platformers and the Ratchet & Clank series.
Demon’s Souls (2020), a launch title for the PS5, is a spectacular remake of the original 2009 PlayStation 3 classic. Bluepoint Games did a phenomenal job of bringing this dark, punishing action RPG to life with jaw-dropping graphics and near-instant load times, thanks to the PS5’s SSD. The world-building, enemy design, and brutal combat are as challenging as ever, and the enhanced visuals give the game a hauntingly beautiful, atmospheric feel. Demon’s Souls is one of the best action RPGs of all time, and for those who enjoy a challenge and appreciate finely crafted fantasy worlds, this game is essential.
If you’re a fan of superhero games, Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) is another title that really shows what the PS5 is capable of. Taking place after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018), this game allows players to control the young Miles Morales as he navigates his way through the challenges of becoming his own Spider-Man. The game is a visual treat, with the snowy streets of New York City looking more beautiful than ever on the PS5. The combat is fluid and fast-paced, and the story is full of heart, highlighting Miles’ growth as both a person and a hero. With the PS5’s power, the game runs at a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second, making web-swinging through the city even more exhilarating.
A more recent release, Elden Ring (2022), has taken the gaming world by storm. Developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. With a collaborative effort between Hidetaka Miyazaki and Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin, the game offers an incredibly deep and intricate lore. The world of Elden Ring is vast, filled with dangerous creatures, powerful bosses, and hidden secrets. The open-world design, combined with the game’s trademark challenging combat and atmospheric storytelling, makes Elden Ring a standout PS5 title. The game looks stunning on the PS5, with enhanced textures, improved lighting, and an overall cinematic experience that truly immerses players in its nightmarish beauty.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, Returnal (2021) offers a unique take on the rogue-like genre. In this third-person shooter, players control Selene, a space explorer trapped on an alien planet, who must relive her death and resurrection in a loop as she seeks to escape. The game is visually striking, with eerie alien landscapes and a haunting atmosphere that keeps players on edge. Returnal combines the challenge of rogue-like mechanics with intense, fast-paced combat, and the PS5’s DualSense controller enhances the experience with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making every shot feel impactful. Returnal is a gripping, psychological experience that is both rewarding and nerve-wracking, making it a perfect fit for players looking for something out of the ordinary.