Entertainment
10 Best PS5 Exclusive Games, Ranked
# 10 Best PS5 Exclusive Games, Ranked: The Definitive Ranking The PlayStation 5 has redefined immersive gaming with its cutting-edge technology, and...
10 Best PS5 Exclusive Games, Ranked: The Definitive Ranking
The PlayStation 5 has redefined immersive gaming with its cutting-edge technology, and at the heart of its success lies a library of exceptional exclusive titles. These games, meticulously crafted by Sony's first-party studios and talented partners, are more than just entertainment; they are showcases of the console's true power. From the lightning-fast loading times enabled by the custom SSD to the breathtaking visuals and the revolutionary haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, PS5 exclusives offer experiences that are simply not available on any other platform. They are the system sellers, the conversation starters, and the primary reason many gamers have invested in Sony's latest hardware.
This definitive ranking of the 10 best PS5 exclusives is a celebration of the groundbreaking titles that have graced the console so far. To compile this list, we've considered critical acclaim, innovation, narrative depth, and how effectively each game utilizes the unique capabilities of the PlayStation 5. While the term "exclusive" can be fluid in today's gaming landscape, with some titles eventually making their way to PC, the games on this list represent the pinnacle of the PlayStation 5 console experience. Whether you're a new PS5 owner looking for a place to start or a seasoned veteran wanting to see how your favorites stack up, this list is your ultimate guide to the must-play games that define the PS5 generation.
10. Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade, developed by Shift Up, emerged as a standout action-adventure title for the PlayStation 5. The game's stunning visuals and fluid, fast-paced combat have drawn comparisons to beloved titles like Nier: Automata and the Dark Souls series, yet it carves out its own distinct identity.
A Visual Masterpiece
Stellar Blade is a technical marvel, boasting some of the most impressive graphics on the PS5 to date. The game's post-apocalyptic world is rendered in stunning detail, from the desolate wastelands to the intricate designs of the Naytiba enemies. Character models, particularly that of the protagonist Eve, are meticulously crafted and animated, contributing to the game's overall visual fidelity.
Deep and Engaging Combat
The combat system in Stellar Blade is both stylish and challenging. Players must master a variety of combos, parries, and dodges to overcome the diverse and formidable foes. The game's boss battles are a particular highlight, offering epic encounters that will test the skills of even the most seasoned action game veterans. The integration of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback further enhances the combat experience, allowing players to feel the impact of every sword slash and enemy attack.
A Compelling Sci-Fi Narrative
Beyond its impressive visuals and combat, Stellar Blade features a captivating story that unfolds in a world where humanity has been driven from Earth by a mysterious force. Players take on the role of Eve, a member of the 7th Airborne Squad, sent to reclaim the planet. The narrative is filled with intriguing characters, unexpected plot twists, and a rich lore that will keep players engaged until the very end.
9. Returnal
Housemarque's Returnal is a groundbreaking third-person shooter that blends roguelike mechanics with a haunting sci-fi narrative. It stands as one of the first titles to truly feel "next-gen," leveraging the full power of the PS5 to create a relentlessly challenging and deeply atmospheric experience.
A World of Perpetual Rebirth
The core gameplay loop of Returnal revolves around astronaut Selene Vassos, who is stranded on the hostile alien planet of Atropos. Each time Selene dies, she reawakens at her crash site, with the world around her having shifted and changed. This roguelike structure creates a constant sense of tension and discovery, as players must adapt to new layouts, enemy placements, and weapon drops with each cycle.
Visually Stunning and Technically Impressive
Returnal is a visual tour de force, with its alien world brought to life through stunning particle effects, dynamic lighting, and a consistently smooth frame rate. The game's use of 3D audio is particularly noteworthy, immersing players in the sounds of Atropos and providing crucial audio cues during intense combat encounters. The near-instantaneous loading times of the PS5's SSD ensure that death is only a momentary setback, getting players back into the action in a matter of seconds.
A Narrative Woven into Gameplay
Unlike many roguelikes, Returnal features a deeply personal and enigmatic story that unfolds through environmental storytelling, cryptic audio logs, and unsettling first-person sequences. As players progress through the game's various biomes, they piece together the fragments of Selene's past and the dark secrets of Atropos. This narrative depth adds a powerful emotional core to the game, making each cycle feel like a step closer to uncovering the truth.
8. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The second installment in the ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake project, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expands upon its predecessor in nearly every way, offering a sprawling open world, a refined combat system, and a continuation of the beloved story. It is a testament to the power of the PS5, delivering a truly next-generation RPG experience.
An Expansive and Immersive World
Rebirth takes the linear corridors of Remake and opens them up into a vast and beautifully realized world. Players are free to explore the diverse regions of Gaia, from the bustling streets of Junon to the sun-drenched beaches of Costa del Sol. The world is filled with engaging side content, from monster hunts and chocobo racing to the addictive Queen's Blood card game.
Evolution of Combat
The hybrid combat system of Final Fantasy VII Remake returns in Rebirth, with several key improvements. The introduction of Synergy Abilities allows for spectacular team-up attacks, adding a new layer of strategy to battles. The expanded roster of playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, provides even more options for customizing your party and tackling the game's challenging encounters.
A Bold Reimagining of a Classic Story
Rebirth continues the story of Cloud Strife and his companions as they pursue the enigmatic Sephiroth. While it faithfully recreates many of the iconic moments from the original game, it also introduces new plot twists and character developments that will surprise even the most die-hard fans. The game's narrative is a masterclass in storytelling, balancing moments of lighthearted humor with heartbreaking emotional weight.
7. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
While technically a cross-generational title, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is at its absolute best on the PS5, serving as a stunning showcase for the console's capabilities at launch. This standalone adventure builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, delivering a more focused and personal story centered on the titular hero.
A New Hero for a New Generation
Miles Morales shines a spotlight on the charismatic and relatable Miles, who is left to protect New York City while Peter Parker is away. The game's narrative is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, community, and what it truly means to be a hero. Miles' unique bio-electric Venom powers and camouflage abilities add a fresh dynamic to both combat and traversal.
Next-Gen Web-Slinging
Swinging through the snow-covered streets of New York City in Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5 is an unforgettable experience. The game's performance mode offers a silky-smooth 60 frames per second, while the fidelity mode showcases stunning ray-traced reflections. The haptic feedback of the DualSense controller allows players to feel the tension of each web swing and the crackle of Miles' Venom Blasts.
A Visually Dazzling Winter Wonderland
The game's setting of New York City during the holiday season is a visual treat. The festive decorations, combined with the game's impressive lighting and weather effects, create a vibrant and atmospheric open world. The attention to detail, from the footprints Miles leaves in the snow to the intricate designs of the character's suits, is a testament to Insomniac Games' technical artistry.
6. Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Sucker Punch Productions' samurai epic, Ghost of Tsushima, was a stunning achievement on the PS4, and the Director's Cut on PS5 elevates the experience to new heights. This definitive version of the game includes the Iki Island expansion, as well as a host of technical enhancements that make it a must-play for any PS5 owner.
A Breathtakingly Beautiful Open World
The world of Tsushima is one of the most visually striking open worlds in gaming, and on PS5 it looks even more spectacular. The game's vibrant color palette, inspired by classic samurai cinema, is enhanced by the PS5's 4K resolution and HDR capabilities. The addition of a 60 frames per second performance mode makes both exploration and combat feel incredibly fluid and responsive.
Masterful Combat and Stealth
Ghost of Tsushima offers players the freedom to approach combat in a variety of ways. As the honorable samurai, Jin Sakai, players can engage in intense sword duels that require precise timing and skill. Alternatively, as the vengeful "Ghost," players can utilize stealth tactics to silently eliminate their foes. The Director's Cut further refines the combat with improved haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support for the DualSense controller.
The Iki Island Expansion
The Director's Cut includes the substantial Iki Island expansion, which adds a new story, new characters, and a new area to explore. This expansion delves deeper into Jin's past and introduces new enemy types and challenges that will test the skills of even the most seasoned players. The Iki Island expansion is a worthy addition to an already massive game, providing hours of new content to enjoy.
5. Astro Bot
What began as a free pack-in title with the PlayStation 5, Astro's Playroom, has blossomed into a full-fledged, top-tier 3D platformer with Astro Bot. This charming and inventive game is not only a love letter to the history of PlayStation but also a brilliant showcase of the DualSense controller's unique features.
A Masterclass in Platforming
Astro Bot is a pure, unadulterated joy to play. The game's controls are incredibly tight and responsive, making every jump, punch, and hover-jet boost feel satisfying. The level design is consistently creative, with each of the game's over 50 planets offering new mechanics and challenges. From swinging on monkey bars with the adaptive triggers to navigating icy platforms that cause the controller to vibrate with a chilling effect, Astro Bot is a masterclass in game design.
A Celebration of PlayStation History
For longtime PlayStation fans, Astro Bot is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The game is filled with countless Easter eggs and references to iconic PlayStation franchises, from God of War and The Last of Us to Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill. Collecting the various PlayStation artifacts and spotting the cameo appearances from beloved characters is a game in itself.
The Ultimate DualSense Showcase
No other game demonstrates the capabilities of the DualSense controller quite like Astro Bot. The haptic feedback is used to create a wide range of sensations, from the pitter-patter of rain to the resistance of a coiled spring. The adaptive triggers are implemented in a variety of creative ways, such as simulating the tension of a bowstring or the recoil of a machine gun. Astro Bot is a must-play for any PS5 owner, if only to experience the full potential of this revolutionary controller.
4. God of War Ragnarök
The epic conclusion to the Norse saga of Kratos and Atreus, God of War Ragnarök is a monumental achievement in storytelling, gameplay, and presentation. Building upon the foundation of its 2018 predecessor, Ragnarök delivers a bigger, more emotional, and more spectacular adventure that is a true testament to the power of the PlayStation 5.
An Epic and Emotional Narrative
Ragnarök picks up the story of Kratos and Atreus as they face the impending end of the world. The narrative is a masterfully crafted tale of fathers and sons, prophecy, and the struggle to change one's fate. The performances from the cast are exceptional, bringing a level of emotional depth and nuance to the characters that is rarely seen in video games.
Refined and Brutal Combat
The combat in God of War Ragnarök is a refined and expanded version of the already excellent system from the previous game. Kratos has a wider array of abilities and weapons at his disposal, and the new enemy variety keeps combat encounters fresh and challenging. The boss battles are a particular highlight, offering massive, cinematic showdowns that are both visually stunning and mechanically engaging.
A Stunningly Realized World
The Nine Realms of Norse mythology are brought to life in breathtaking detail in God of War Ragnarök. Each realm is a visually distinct and meticulously crafted environment, from the lush jungles of Vanaheim to the fiery depths of Muspelheim. The game's art direction is second to none, and the technical performance on PS5 is flawless, with a smooth frame rate and stunning 4K visuals.
3. Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Insomniac Games' highly anticipated sequel, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, delivers on all fronts, offering a bigger and more exciting adventure that is the definitive Spider-Man experience. With two playable Spider-Men, a massive open world, and a host of new abilities and villains, this is a must-play for any fan of the web-slinger.
Two Spider-Men, One Epic Story
The ability to seamlessly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales is one of the standout features of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Each hero has their own unique set of abilities and missions, and their intertwined stories create a compelling and cohesive narrative. The introduction of the Venom symbiote adds a dark and thrilling new dimension to the story, pushing both Peter and his relationships to their limits.
A Bigger and Better New York
The open world of New York City has been expanded to include the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, nearly doubling the size of the map from the previous games. Traversal has been enhanced with the addition of Web Wings, which allow for high-speed gliding through the city streets. The PS5's SSD ensures that fast travel is nearly instantaneous, allowing players to zip across the massive map in a matter of seconds.
Next-Generation Spectacle
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a true next-generation showcase, with stunning visuals, ray-traced reflections, and a rock-solid performance. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are used to great effect, immersing players in the action like never before. From the feeling of the wind rushing past as you glide through the city to the satisfying thwip of your webs, every aspect of the game is enhanced by the PS5's unique hardware.
2. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a dazzling showcase of the PlayStation 5's power, a vibrant and inventive action-platformer that feels truly next-gen. Insomniac Games has crafted a visually stunning adventure that is not only a technical marvel but also a heartfelt and charming story.
A Dimension-Hopping Spectacle
The core mechanic of Rift Apart is the ability to instantly warp between different dimensions, a feat made possible by the PS5's ultra-fast SSD. This allows for seamless transitions between wildly different worlds, creating breathtaking set-piece moments and innovative gameplay scenarios. The game's visuals are on par with a top-tier animated film, with stunningly detailed environments, expressive characters, and a dazzling array of particle effects.
Wacky Weapons and Creative Combat
The Ratchet & Clank series is known for its outlandish arsenal of weapons, and Rift Apart does not disappoint. From the plant-based Topiary Sprinkler to the pixel-art-creating Pixelizer, the game's weapons are as creative as they are destructive. The combat is fast-paced and chaotic, with a wide variety of enemies that require different strategies to defeat. The DualSense controller's adaptive triggers are used to great effect, providing different firing modes for each weapon.
A Story with Heart
Beneath its stunning visuals and chaotic combat, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart tells a surprisingly heartfelt story. The introduction of the new playable character, Rivet, a Lombax from another dimension, adds a fresh perspective to the series. The game's narrative explores themes of friendship, trust, and overcoming self-doubt, with a cast of charming and memorable characters.
1. Demon's Souls
The game that launched a genre, Demon's Souls, was remade from the ground up for the PlayStation 5 by Bluepoint Games. This stunning recreation of the 2009 classic is not only a faithful tribute to the original but also a technical masterpiece that remains one of the best reasons to own a PS5.
A Visual and Auditory Overhaul
The Demon's Souls remake is one of the most visually impressive games ever made. The dark and foreboding world of Boletaria has been brought to life with breathtaking detail, from the towering castles to the grotesque designs of the demons. The game's sound design is equally impressive, with a haunting orchestral score and immersive 3D audio that will send shivers down your spine.
Unforgiving but Rewarding Gameplay
At its core, Demon's Souls is a challenging action RPG that rewards patience, perseverance, and skill. The combat is deliberate and strategic, requiring players to carefully manage their stamina and learn the attack patterns of their enemies. While the game is notoriously difficult, the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming its toughest challenges is unparalleled.
The Foundation of a Genre
The original Demon's Souls laid the groundwork for the entire Souls-like genre, and this remake serves as a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy. The game's interconnected world design, its unique online multiplayer features, and its cryptic lore have influenced countless games over the past decade. The PS5 remake is the definitive way to experience this masterpiece, a timeless classic that has been reborn for a new generation.
In conclusion, the PlayStation 5 has already amassed an impressive library of exclusive titles that showcase the incredible potential of the hardware. From stunning remakes of beloved classics to groundbreaking new IPs, the games on this list represent the very best of what the PS5 has to offer. As the console's lifecycle continues, we can only expect this list to grow with even more innovative and unforgettable experiences.