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Satisfy your gaming itch with the best PS5 games right now
The path to get as many games for the newest edition of the Playstation line was a rocky road. Many games were put on pause with the pandemic so when the console was released, there weren't too many games. But now, there are new games constantly being released.
ZDNET Recommends
There are so many great games on the Playstation 5, as well as many free games worth giving a go. Finding the right game is tough, and frankly, at $70 per game, you don't want to wind up purchasing a game you won't enjoy. So here are ZDNET's top games currently out for the Playstation 5.
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- Stunning graphics and audio elements
- Great puzzles and side-quests
- Interpersonal relationships between characters draws real emotion
- Loading screens aren't super quick on PS4
Tech Specs: File size: 84.1 GB | Release date: 11/9/2022 | Number of players: 1
The sequel to the original God of War game in 2018 has recently been released and fans of the franchise simply love it. The father and son duo of Kratos and Atreus venture in Midgard through Fimbulwinter in order to defend Kratos of the goddess Freya, the mother of Baldur who was killed by Kratos.
The story is led by relationships between father and son, Atreus, battling together with different goals in mind as Atreus seeks to understand the prophecy of "Loki." But as the two primary characters venture around Midgard, the Nine Realms are incredibly well put together with stunning graphics and scenery as you make your way through the game.
- Incredible technology enhancements
- Phenomenal graphics
- Some changes deemed unnecessary by critics
Tech Specs: File size: 79 GB | Release date: 9/2/2022 | Number of players: 1
One of the most popular games on Playstation 4 has now made its debut on the PS5. For those who have yet to play The Last of Us, now is the best time to do so with incredible improvements over the PS4 version.
After a pandemic rummages through the US, the protagonist, Joel, must find Ellie, a 14-year-old girl from a military quarantine zone. But, what seemed like a small job at first turned into a long, hard trip for Joel as he makes his way across the country.
- Loads of content included
- Incredible graphics
- More to the game than just racing
- Frame rate can be low
- Not every track has rain
Tech Specs: File size: 110 GB | Release date: 3/4/2022 | Number of players: 1-20
When it comes to most racing simulators, you probably think of iRacing, Factor, or Assetto Corsa as the most realistic. With the newest installment of the Gran Turismo franchise, you get an authentic racing experience on the console.
The biggest problem with most console racing games is the AI, or the "computer" as some call it. Gran Turismo has developed an AI system called GT Sophy which hasn't been able to be beaten by even the best sim-racers on the game. With an AI as competitive as GT Sophy, offline racing will get a major revamp in this historic franchise.
The game contains tracks from Daytona International Speedway, the home of the Daytona 500, to Mount Panorama Circuit, otherwise known as Bathurst. A racing game this advanced hasn't been seen on Playstation 5 yet, but this game could be a classic for years to come.
- Much-improved franchise mode
- Skill-based passing makes its debut
- Gameplay commentary is the same it has been for years
- Gameplay and graphics haven't changed from the last version
Tech Specs: File size: 50 GB | Release date: 9/19/2022 | Number of players: 1-4
Electronic Arts, otherwise known as EA, is the leader in the gaming industry when it comes to sports games. While the company typically hasn't had the greatest reputation with its loyal fan base, this edition of Madden is changing the path.
Madden NFL 23 sees a much-improved franchise mode with players now showing how much they want to stay with the team. Additionally, you are able to scout college athletes more in-depth and can even download user-created rosters from the cloud to scout real college players in the game. Other game modes like Ultimate Team and Play Now haven't changed much, but they don't really need to be changed.
While yes, this Madden game is just another installment of the historic franchise, this game is worth getting. EA listened to their fans, or critics, and made the necessary changes to create another great game.
- Cross-platform play
- Multiplayer maps are amazing
- New Gunsmith is perfect, especially for hardcore gamers
- Not many multiplayer maps
- Main menu is hard to navigate
Tech Specs: File size: 78.04 GB | Release date: 10/28/2022 | Number of players: 1-2
The Call of Duty franchise is quite impressive. Since the first game of the series was made in 2003, over 400 million people have purchased a Call of Duty game. I grew up playing Call of Duty and in the past few editions of the game, I haven't been interested in purchasing them. But in this classic, less futuristic game, I spend so much time playing this game.
Like many games now, a lot of the accessories in the game including guns, operators, and calling cards are earned through the Battle Pass. But, this game rewards you for playing unlike in other editions of the game. As you play the game and use different weapons, you will earn more customization in the Gunsmith where you can design your gun and attachments exactly the way you want it.
This game uses all the capabilities of the new DualSense controller with adaptive triggers making weapon-handling more realistic than ever. Also, the haptic feedback in the remote allows players to feel every vibration whether it is the gun in your hand or the car you're riding in during a match of Warzone 2.0 or campaign.
What is the best PS5 game right now?
God of War Ragnarök is the best game available on Playstation 5 currently due to its incredible amount of story content and unbelievable visuals.
Here's a table of everything you need to know about these games.
Best PS5 game | Price | Avg. time to beat story | Storage required |
God of War Ragnarök | $69.99 | 39 hours | 84.1 GB |
The Last of Us Part 1 | $69.99 | 16 hours | 79 GB |
Gran Turismo 7 | $69.99 | 33.5 hours | 110 GB |
Madden NFL 23 | $30 | N/A | 50 GB |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | $69.99 | 8.5 hours | 78 GB |
Which is the right PS5 game right now for you?
Finding the right game to fit your interests is tough. Consider these suggestions before purchasing your new game.
Choose this PS5 game… | If you want… |
God Of War Ragnarök | The sequel to one of the best games of all time on PS4 |
The Last of Us Part 1 | A remastered version of one of the most popular games of all-time |
Gran Turismo 7 | A realistic racing simulator on console |
Madden NFL 23 | An advanced sports game |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | A classic FPS with advanced graphics and detailed maps |
How did we choose these PS5 games?
Included in this list are games that'll satisfy everyone's cup of tea. From sports games to incredibly long story games, this list has it all.
When choosing these games, we looked at features, story length, as well as popularity. In addition, I personally played both Gran Turismo 7 and Madden NFL 23 and loved my experience on both of them.
There really are games for everyone on the newest Playstation. With today's technology, you can't go wrong with any of these titles.
Where can I get a PS5?
Due to a chip shortage that developed in 2020 and is continuing today, the newest Playstation is still in high demand but low supply. Walmart, Amazon, and Playstation Direct typically have them, but you must act fast because they sell out in seconds.
How many PS5 games are there?
There are currently 519 games made specifically for Playstation 5 on the Playstation store.
Can I use PS4 disks on a PS5?
Yes. The PS5 is backwards-compatible meaning you are able to use PS4 disks in your PS5.
Are there alternative PS5 games worth considering?
There are plenty of games out there and these five might be the right ones for you. Here are some other games that didn't make the cut but are still incredible titles.