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Screenshot of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition - PlayStation 5. Credit: Amazon / PlayStation

The Best PS5 Games of 2023

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Screenshot of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition - PlayStation 5. Credit: Amazon / PlayStation

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Product image of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Launch Edition

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Launch Edition

This highly replayable, story-driven action game offers a stellar superhero fantasy with great characters, best-in-class action, and more. Read More

Pros

  • Gorgeous, snow open-world Manhattan
  • Top-quality combat and traversal
  • Robust photo mode

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of God of War Ragnarök Standard Edition

God of War Ragnarök Standard Edition

Ragnarök picks up where the 2018 God of War epic left off, delivering jaw-dropping visuals, fun combat, epic Norse-myth set pieces, and lots of heart. Read More

Pros

  • Huge, mythological stakes
  • Father-son character focus
  • Great accessibility options

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Battle your way across multiple dimensions in this next-gen knockout from Spider-Man developer Insomniac. A phenomenal PS5 showcase. Read More

Pros

  • Great characters and in-game storytelling
  • Groundbreaking multidimensional levels
  • A variety of battles and environments

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Elden Ring

Elden Ring

This fantasy action role-playing game allows players to venture through the Lands Between in order to explore different places and fight enemies. Read More

Pros

  • Breathtaking world design
  • Challenging, yet rewarding
  • Variety of weapons, powers, and skills

Cons

  • Bosses are hard to fight
  • Lack of beginner guidance
Product image of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

With stellar performance upgrades on the PS5, this reimagined classic is the first part of an epic, romantic, funny, and thought-provoking journey. Read More

Pros

  • Big, colorful world and memorable characters
  • Several difficulty modes and combat styles

Cons

  • None that we could find

If you or a loved one just got ahold of a new PlayStation, you’re probably wondering what the best available games are. Based on my own extensive hands-on experience with the PS4 and the new PS5, these are the games I’d recommend to folks looking to have the most fun with their new console.

Whether you’re a Marvel fan, a photo-mode fiend, or just want to go on an unforgettable adventure, these are the top PS5 games of 2023 you can buy right now.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Launch Edition
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Launch Edition

If you’re looking for a fun, highly replayable action game with a touching comic-book story and a gorgeous open world, look no further than Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. In this game, young teen Miles Morales is following in the footsteps of his idol, Peter Parker, and ends up discovering his own powers.

Also available as a PS4 game, this masterpiece breaks out from the shadow of 2018’s Spider-Man and establishes itself as one of the all-time great pieces of superhero media. If you were a fan of the animated Into the Spider-Verse, this is a must-own game from one of PlayStation’s top studios.

Pros

  • Gorgeous, snow open-world Manhattan

  • Top-quality combat and traversal

  • Robust photo mode

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of God of War Ragnarök Standard Edition
God of War Ragnarök Standard Edition

God of War Ragnarök is an almost perfect sequel to 2018’s God of War, continuing the story of Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they seek to avert disaster. The combat is tight but welcoming, the visuals are stunning, and the story is engrossing.

There are enough changes to keep the action-adventure formula from feeling stale, and a mountain of accessibility options ensures the game is something everyone gets to enjoy.

Pros

  • Huge, mythological stakes

  • Father-son character focus

  • Great accessibility options

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a stunning next-gen showcase that launched about seven months after the PS5. Another knockout from Insomniac Games, this is a serious game-of-the-year contender with fun and varied shooter sequences, grand boss fights, and unbelievable traversal across several dimensions.

As Ratchet and Rivet, you’ll take on the evil robot Doctor Nefarious, enlist the help of creatures from throughout the multiverse, and restore peace to a number of realities.

Pros

  • Great characters and in-game storytelling

  • Groundbreaking multidimensional levels

  • A variety of battles and environments

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Elden Ring
Elden Ring

If you’re a fan of Dark Souls, the series of action RPG created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, you may want to consider jumping into the mystery and danger of Elden Ring. Co-created by Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin, author of the best-selling fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, this fantasy RPG lets players explore the vast Lands Between and take on unforgettable enemies.

In this game you can create your own character and test out different weapons, magical powers, and skills to determine which are the best fit for your character. You can also choose to trek on foot or by horse, and play either solo or online with friends.

Many players admire the breathtaking world design in this game—from magical mountains to castles full of monsters and wide open grass plains. It’s a challenging yet rewarding adventure, which may be difficult for beginners; the game itself offers very little guidance.

Pros

  • Breathtaking world design

  • Challenging, yet rewarding

  • Variety of weapons, powers, and skills

Cons

  • Bosses are hard to fight

  • Lack of beginner guidance

Product image of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

If you’ve never played a Final Fantasy game before—there are a lot of them—this is the place to start. With stellar performance upgrades on the PS5, this Square Enix reimagining of an old classic is the first part of an epic, romantic, funny, and thought-provoking journey.

There are a number of difficulty settings as well as two very different combat styles (modern and “classic”), and the characters are among the best games of all time in the history of role-playing video games. It’s a blast.

Pros

  • Big, colorful world and memorable characters

  • Several difficulty modes and combat styles

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part I

This polished remaster of Naughty Dog’s beloved action game The Last of Us is a must-play for horror fans. It’s lighter on jumpscares than your typical horror title, but it has a lot of approachable crafting and combat systems to make you feel like you’re fighting for your life at the end of the world. The characters, performances, and writing are pretty top-notch, and using stealth as you make your way through a broken, infected landscape is always gripping.

If you find yourself enjoying Part I quite a bit, the second game, Last of Us Part II, is even better in a lot of ways. There’s a lot of tough subject matter in these games, so it’s a controversial sequel, but it’s unforgettable—and a masterful example of the genre.

Pros

  • Outstanding performances

  • Challenging stealth combat

  • Striking visuals

Cons

  • Intense subject matter

Product image of Hitman 3
Hitman 3

IO Interactive’s Hitman 3 is geared toward adult players, but it’s a fantastic example of what modern hardware is capable of. From the luxuriant heights of a Dubai skyscraper to the coat closet of some remote Knives Out estate, you’ll control Agent 47 as he dispatches his targets one by one, over and over, as creatively and stealthily as possible.

This game isn’t just a pretty spectacle to play on PS5; it’s an ingenious sandbox that rewards true mastery.

Pros

  • Gorgeous, next-gen graphics and lighting

  • Playful stealth-assassin sandbox design

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut

Ghost of Tsushima is a love letter to the samurai film, offering stylized swordplay, filmic effects like a black-and-white “Kurosawa” setting, and a robust photo mode. Set against the backdrop of the historic Mongol invasion of Tsushima, the story follows a warrior named Jin Sakai (Daisuke Tsuji) as he gathers allies and reclaims his home.

Aside from incredible combat, a moody open world, and charming characters, it’s also got a co-op multiplayer component that supports up to four players.

Pros

  • Robust photo mode and “Kurosawa” filter

  • Stylized swordplay and gripping story

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Resident Evil Villager
Resident Evil Villager

The beloved Resident Evil series continues with the eighth installment: Resident Evil Village. This game is a continuation of Resident Evil VII, where players take on the role of Ethan Winters as he searches for his daughter, who’s been kidnapped. Players move through a village that’s alive with action and horror, where they’ll face unexpected threats like werewolves, vampires, and mutants.

While unraveling this mystery, players will find that this game has realistic graphics and just enough horror to keep you on the edge of your gaming chair. Some players feel this game isn’t scary enough or that it’s too short, but we beg to differ on both counts.

Pros

  • Combines horror and action

  • Continuation of RE7

Cons

  • Not super scary

  • Game is short

Product image of  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

If you’re looking for the next great multiplayer shooter, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is sure to satisfy. This sequel to the series’s 2019 blockbuster brings back iconic warriors from Task Force 141 such as Captain John Price, John “Soap” MacTavish, Sergeant Kyle “Gaz” Garrick, and Simon “Ghost” Riley.

With its weapon-tuning system, new killstreaks, fresh loadout and progression features, and incredible moment-to-moment gunplay, there’s a lot to recommend here for longtime fans of the series who have been waiting for a real upgrade.

Pros

  • Iconic characters return

  • New weapons, vehicles, and equipment

  • Realistic graphics, sound, and lighting

Cons

  • Expensive

Product image of Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition
Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition

Created by the developer Guerrilla Games, this adventurous sci-fi game tells the story of Aloy, who faces different hardships in a post-apocalyptic North America inhabited by robot dinosaurs. In Horizon Forbidden West, you’ll discover vibrant cultures, mechanical and human enemies, and explore faraway landscapes as you cross forests and mountains to reach the ruins of San Francisco.

You’ll battle large beasts throughout the game using a blend of primitive weaponry and high-tech gadgetry. The game makes great use of the DualSense wireless controller’s adaptive controllers and haptic feedback. A DLC expansion, Burning Shores, arrived in April.

Pros

  • Broad, beautiful settings

  • Comes with a DualSense wireless controller

  • Futuristic

Cons

  • None that we can find

More Great PS5 games

Street Fighter 6

From better gaming features to clearer visuals, Street Fighter 6 offers a better way to fight battles. Choose between three fighting modes based on your preference: Fighting Ground (a greatly evolved combat system), World Tour (a single-player story mode), and Battle Hub (a mode where fighters connect and get stronger together). This epic fighting series is described by reviewers as being a great game to play.

Buy Street Fighter 6 on Amazon now

Dead Space

If you get a rush from games that involve mystery, sci-fi, and practicing survival skills, then this horror PS5 game may interest you. This upgraded version of Dead Space creates an immersive experience. In the game, Isaac Clarke is on a mission to discover what happened on the Ishimura ship, where the crew was slaughtered, his partner is missing, and he only has a few engineering tools to use for protection.

Buy Dead Space on Amazon now

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Ridiculously cute and charming, this ingenious 3D platformer challenges you and up to three friends to defeat the villainous Vex and save the universe. It’s surprisingly addictive, genuinely thrilling, and positively stuffed with little surprises and secrets to discover. It looks absolutely gorgeous, with lots of different textures and materials in the environments, and plenty of bizarre creatures to meet along the way.

The story is excellent, with top-notch voice acting from folks like Dawn French and Richard E. Grant. You have to find and collect various objects, which adds a lot of replay value. My daughter particularly loves Zom Zom’s store where you can spend the bells you’ve collected on new outfits. There aren’t many co-op games for the PS5 yet, which makes Sackboy unmissable if you want something you can play together with your kids.

Buy Sackboy: A Big Adventure on Amazon

Control: Ultimate Edition

This twisted supernatural tale swings from sinister to surreal as you explore the constantly changing offices of the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control as the newly assigned Director. An unsettling start gives way to an engaging paranormal investigation in this innovative third-person shooter. It’s creepy, occasionally darkly comic, and constantly challenges you to try and figure out what the hell is going on.

With a raft of major graphical enhancements, souped-up performance, and all the DLC, this is the version of Control to play. It looks gorgeous, with reflections galore, the atmospheric sound draws you in, and the action is silky smooth even during frenetic bouts of combat.

There’s a bit too much back and forth in the confusing map at times, so take advantage of the fast travel as soon as you can. As you begin to develop powers, the fun really starts, but things get very challenging as you build to the climax.

Buy Control: Ultimate Edition on Amazon now

Bugsnax

Invited to Snaktooth island by the mysteriously missing explorer, Elizabert Megafig, you play as a journalist seeking a big scoop. With the help of mayor Filbo Fiddlepie you have to work out what has spoiled the peace and restore order, but everyone you meet is hungry for bug snacks. Seriously weird and completely original, Bugsnax challenges you to track and catch all manner of strange creatures from Scoopy Banoopys to Preying Picantis to Daddy Cakelegs.

All these strange creatures have in common are comical names, so you have to figure out how to trap them, which starts with following and scanning them to discover their habits. Some are far trickier than others to capture, so you’ll need your puzzle-solving hat on. It can get a bit repetitive, but the dialogue is great, it has a Pokémon-style hook, and it’s gentle fun that’s suitable for the whole family.

Buy Bugsnax at Best Buy

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

Can you lead your Viking clan to victory as you invade and settle Dark Ages England? You’ll raid monasteries, fight Anglo-Saxons, hunt for food, and play the addictive dice game Orlog, as you strive to build a thriving settlement. The developers have done a great job of bringing ninth-century England to life, the voice-acting and music are excellent, and the main storyline has some fun and interesting quests.

Playing as the fierce warrior Eivor Wolf-Kissed is a lot of fun most of the time, but there are some weaknesses here. This latest installment of the Assassin’s Creed series would have been better as a new standalone open-world game without the baggage and backstory of the AC lore.

It’s also far too big with too many jarringly short or dull quests for completionists. Ultimately, there’s enough here to recommend it, especially if you like Vikings. But if you don’t want to lose the next month playing it, stick to the main questline.

Buy Assassin's Creed: Valhalla on Amazon

Demon’s Souls

Considered one of the most difficult games ever made, Demon’s Souls was a revelation on the PS3. This remake from Bluepoint Games and Japan Studio updates a few of the game’s systems and features totally remastered graphics, taking full advantage of the PS5’s advanced hardware and beautiful 4K HDR output.

As in the original, Demon’s Souls puts you in control of a hero whose soul has been trapped in the cursed kingdom of Boletaria. It’s a game of tense action requiring split-second reaction times and a strategic approach to every encounter as every enemy can be deadly if you’re not careful. We’d recommend this game to anyone who enjoys action games, especially those with role-playing elements—as long as you’re prepared for a challenge.

Buy Demon's Soul on Amazon

The Pathless

If you enjoy visually stunning games like Abzû and Journey, you’re going to love The Pathless. In this game, you play as an archer charged with lifting an ancient curse from a mythical land.

You eliminate the curse by completing puzzles, acquiring totems, and defeating bosses. Hitting floating targets with your arrows also grants you a burst of super speed, which is a lot of fun as you’re traversing the misty landscape. Not only are the gameplay mechanics fun and the visuals gorgeous, but the sweeping orchestral music from Austin Wintory will surely inspire and empower.

Buy The Pathless on Amazon

Astro’s Playroom

It’s easy to skip over this pre-installed PS5 title and assume it’s not worth more than a cursory look, but that would be a mistake. This cleverly designed platformer is an inventive trip down memory lane that’s full of nods to the history of Sony’s popular console line. It’s also very fun. The incredibly cute Astro Bot is inside your console exploring, collecting, and solving head-scratching puzzles.

The creativity in ideas and mechanics, which are introduced in a steady stream throughout the game is impressive. Astro’s Playroom really highlights the haptic feedback from the DualSense controller; so different surfaces, environments, and objects feel unique. It’s a slick, charming, and rewarding experience packed with little surprises.

Meet the testers

Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

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Alex Kane

Alex Kane

Sr. Editor, Search & Updates

@alexjkane

Alex Kane is a senior editor at USA Today’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has written for Fangoria, PC Gamer, Polygon, Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, and Variety. He lives in west-central Illinois.

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Simon Hill

Simon Hill

Contributor

@IamSimonHill

Simon Hill is a freelance technology journalist with a decade of writing experience covering everything from smartphones to smart home gadgets. For the last few years, he served as Associate Editor at Digital Trends where he wrote features, reviews, analysis, how-tos, and more.

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TJ Donegan

TJ Donegan

Former Director, Content Development

@TJDonegan

TJ is the former Director of Content Development at Reviewed. He is a Massachusetts native and has covered electronics, cameras, TVs, smartphones, parenting, and more for Reviewed. He is from the self-styled "Cranberry Capitol of the World," which is, in fact, a real thing.

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Ashley Barry-Biancuzzo

Ashley Barry-Biancuzzo

Editor

@awitchdidit

Ashley Barry-Biancuzzo is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

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