5 Best PS5 Games: Ultimate Buying Guide & Picks

What incredible adventure will you dive into next on your PlayStation 5? The console is a powerhouse, bursting with stunning graphics and lightning-fast load times. But owning the hardware is only half the fun! The real challenge often begins when you stare at the vast library of amazing PS5 games. Do you pick that massive open-world epic, or maybe a fast-paced action title?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed! You spend your hard-earned money on the console, and you want every game purchase to be a guaranteed hit. Wasting time and money on a game that doesn’t click is a real frustration. We understand that feeling of scrolling endlessly, hoping for the perfect recommendation.

This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the absolute must-play titles across different genres, highlighting what makes each one special. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear shortlist of games perfectly suited for your taste and ready to download.

Top Ps5 Game Recommendations

No. 1
NBA 2K26 - PlayStation 5
  • POWERED BY ProPLAY: Dominate every possession with immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover with revamped size-ups and experience fast-paced, dynamic movement with all-new ProPLAY features.
  • SQUAD UP IN THE CITY: Build a transcendent MyPLAYER and climb the competitive ranks to reach the pinnacle of NBA stardom in an all-new MyCAREER journey. Team up with friends in a stunning, streamlined City, earn recognition and increase your REP, and battle rival squads for Park supremacy.
  • UNITE STARS IN MyTEAM: Collect and compete with past and present legends of the game in MyTEAM. Assemble a star-studded roster, put your dream team to the test in new single-player and multiplayer modes, and acquire new cards to make your MyTEAM fantasy a reality.
  • YOUR TEAM, YOUR STORY: Lead an NBA franchise as a General Manager in MyNBA. Choose from all 30 teams, experience 30 unique MyGM storylines with real-world inspiration, and chase the ultimate goal: to win a championship. Influence the future of the sport and leave an indelible mark on the league.
No. 2
Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition - PlayStation 5
  • Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
  • A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
  • New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
  • Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
  • Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
No. 3
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER TACTICAL ED – PS5
  • The story, characters, voice acting, gameplay, and music that made the original a sensation return, remade for modern consoles
  • This evolutionary leap breathes new life into every cutscene, and rebuilds every corner of the world
  • Incredible new graphics bring the wild growth of the jungles, forests, and swamps to life in exquisite detail
  • Characters are rendered in fine detail so that facial wrinkles, pores, & separate eye & iris movements are visible, allowing for rich animations
  • Any injuries to his actual body will leave their mark permanently, telling a story of each player's unique journey
No. 4
Ghost of Yōtei PS5
  • Pre-Order now and receive Atsu + Yotei Six Avatar set (7x) and in-game Mask.
  • Stunning graphics and gameplay, explore the wild and striking lands around Mount Yotei on foot or horseback. Travel picturesque parts of northern Japan through grasslands, snowy ridges, fields of wildflowers, and more.
  • Discover renegade combat, engage in lawless katana combat and battles with adversaires. Train with various sensei as you find and learn to use each new weapon.
  • An unconventional story and journey, take in the cultural beauty of Japan, bathe in an onsen, visit shrines to pray, try Sumi-e painting, and so much more.
  • Choose your weapon, battle Atsu's opponents as you see fit, with levelled-up dual katanas, odachi, kusarigama and other new weapons.
No. 5
Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5
  • Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
  • Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
  • Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
  • Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
  • Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
No. 6
Resident Evil 4 - PS5
  • Reawaken a Classic – Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original game, now reconstructed using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine to deliver realistic visuals and additional narrative depth to the iconic story that was not possible at the time of the original release.
  • Modernized Gameplay – The team from 2019’s Resident Evil 2 returns to build upon the series’ modern approach to survival horror. Engage in frenzied combat with the Ganados villagers, explore a European village gripped by madness, and solve puzzles to access new areas and collect useful items for Leon and Ashley’s constant struggle to survive.
  • Overwhelming Hordes – Face hordes of rabid enemies that threaten to overwhelm Leon with even more diverse methods of attack than in the original release.
  • Survive on a Knife’s Edge – Years of intense training have taught Leon new ways to use his knife, helping to even the odds against the unrelenting onslaught of enemies. By parrying enemy attacks, you can avoid debilitating damage and evade lunging enemies seeking to grab Leon and hold him in place. Make smart use of scavenged knives to deliver precise finishing moves on vulnerable enemies, and even use the element of surprise to quietly dispatch unsuspecting foes before they break.
  • Survive on a Knife’s Edge – Years of intense training have taught Leon new ways to use his knife, helping to even the odds against the unrelenting onslaught of enemies. By parrying enemy attacks, you can avoid debilitating damage and evade lunging enemies seeking to grab Leon and hold him in place. Make smart use of scavenged knives to deliver precise finishing moves on vulnerable enemies, and even use the element of surprise to quietly dispatch unsuspecting foes before they break.
No. 7
Elden Ring - PlayStation 5
  • ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware Inc. and produced by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG and FromSoftware's largest game to date, set within a world full of mystery and peril
  • Journey through the Lands Between, a new fantasy world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the influential DARK SOULS video game series, and George R. R. Martin, author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire
  • Traverse the breathtaking world on foot or on horseback, alone or online with other players, and fully immerse yourself in the grassy plains, suffocating swamps, spiraling mountains, and foreboding castles
  • Create your character in FromSoftware’s refi ned action-RPG and defi ne your playstyle by experimenting with a wide variety of weapons, magical abilities, and skills found throughout the world
  • Charge into battle, pick off enemies one-by-one using stealth, or even call upon allies for aid - many options are at your disposal as you decide how to approach exploration and combat
No. 8
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered – Physical Deluxe Edition – PlayStation®5
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay.
  • Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Physical Deluxe Edition includes the base game, unique digital Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon Armors, Weapons, and Horse Armor Sets, Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine story expansions, access to the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack App, and additional downloadable content: Fighter’s Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune’s Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard’s Tower, The Orrery, and Horse Armor Pack.
  • Journey through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe inspiring.
  • From the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to PS5 Games

Picking the right PlayStation 5 (PS5) game can be exciting! The PS5 offers amazing graphics and fast loading times. This guide will help you choose the best games for your new console. We focus on what matters most so you get the most fun for your money.

Key Features to Look For in a PS5 Game

When you look at a game box or its online store page, several features really stand out. These tell you how good the game will be on your PS5.

1. Graphics and Frame Rate
  • 4K Resolution: This means the picture looks super sharp and clear on your big TV. Higher resolution is always better.
  • Frame Rate (FPS): Look for 60 frames per second (FPS) or higher. This makes the game move smoothly, especially in fast action scenes. Some games even offer 120 FPS for ultra-smooth play.
2. DualSense Controller Features

The PS5 controller (DualSense) has special abilities. Good games use these features well.

  • Haptic Feedback: This is advanced vibration. You feel the difference between walking on sand versus metal.
  • Adaptive Triggers: The trigger buttons can push back against your fingers. You might feel the tension of drawing a bowstring.
3. Loading Speed

PS5 games use the console’s super-fast SSD drive. Games that use this well load almost instantly. Slow loading times really hurt the experience.

Important Game Content and Materials

While games aren’t made of wood or metal, their “materials” are the content inside. This is what you are actually paying for.

Story and Gameplay Depth
  • Story Quality: Does the game have an interesting plot? Are the characters memorable? A strong story keeps you playing longer.
  • Replayability: Can you play the game again after finishing it? Open-world games or games with multiple endings often offer great replay value.
Exclusive vs. Cross-Gen Titles

Some games are made *only* for the PS5 (Exclusives). These often use the hardware best. Other games are made for both PS4 and PS5 (Cross-Gen). Cross-Gen games might not look as spectacular as true PS5 titles.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Game Quality

What makes a game feel premium or cheap? It often comes down to polish and how much content the developers included.

Factors That Improve Quality:
  • Developer Reputation: Studios with a history of making great games usually deliver quality.
  • Post-Launch Support: Developers who release free updates or new content after launch show they care about the game’s long life.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
  • Bugs and Glitches: Games released too early often have many small errors that break immersion. Always check recent user reviews for bug reports.
  • Heavy Microtransactions: If a game constantly asks you to buy small items with real money, it can feel like the core game is incomplete.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *how* you plan to play your PS5. This helps narrow down your choices.

Single-Player Immersion

If you love getting lost in a huge world alone, look for large Role-Playing Games (RPGs) or cinematic adventures. These games usually focus heavily on story and graphics.

Fast-Paced Multiplayer

For quick sessions with friends, choose competitive online shooters or sports games. These need high frame rates (60 FPS minimum) to keep the action fair and responsive.

Couch Co-op (Playing Together Locally)

If you play with someone on the same couch, check for “local co-op” or “split-screen” support. Not all new games offer this feature anymore.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying PS5 Games

Q: Do all PS5 games require an internet connection?

A: No. Most single-player story games can be played entirely offline once they are fully installed. Multiplayer games always require an active internet connection.

Q: What does “Optimized for PS5” mean?

A: It means the game was specifically built to take advantage of the PS5’s unique power, like the fast loading and DualSense features. It generally offers better performance than a standard PS4 version.

Q: Should I buy physical discs or digital downloads?

A: Physical discs let you lend or resell the game later. Digital downloads are convenient—you can start playing right away without leaving your house. Choose based on convenience versus ownership.

Q: Can I play my old PS4 games on the PS5?

A: Yes! Most PS4 games are backward compatible. Some even run better on the PS5 with faster loading times.

Q: Is a PlayStation Plus subscription necessary to buy games?

A: No, you can buy games directly without a subscription. However, Plus gives you free monthly games and access to online multiplayer.

Q: How much storage space do modern PS5 games usually take up?

A: Games vary widely, but many new titles take up between 50 GB and 150 GB of space. Make sure you monitor your console’s internal storage.

Q: Are PS5 games region-locked?

A: Generally, no. A game purchased digitally or physically from one region will usually work on a PS5 console from another region.

Q: How do I know if a game supports 120 FPS?

A: The game box or store listing will clearly state “Supports 120Hz Output.” You also need a compatible HDMI 2.1 TV to see this benefit.

Q: What is the average price for a new AAA PS5 game?

A: Most brand-new, major (AAA) titles cost around $70 USD, though older or smaller games are often less expensive.

Q: Are there many free-to-play games available?

A: Yes, there are many great free-to-play games like *Fortnite* and *Apex Legends*. These are a fantastic way to start playing without spending money on the base game.