All PS5 Exclusive Games Ranked

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It’s hard to believe, but the PlayStation 5 is already five years old! Sony’s console has been a huge success, offering some of the best games of the last five years. However, unlike past PlayStation consoles, Sony hasn’t focused as much on releasing games that are only available on the PS5.

For the first few years after the PlayStation 5 came out, a lot of its biggest games were also available on the older PS4. Plus, Sony has been actively releasing games that were once only for PlayStation on computers as well. Because of this, five years after its release, the PS5 only has eight games that you can’t play anywhere else, and that doesn’t include games that need extra equipment like the PlayStation VR2 headset.

I’ve played every PS5 exclusive game released up to this point and put together a ranking. If you’re new to the console – maybe you got one for the holidays – or you’re just trying to figure out which exclusives are worth your time, I suggest starting with the games at the top of this list.

I didn’t include PlayStation 5 games that need the PSVR2 headset—like Horizon: Call of the Mountain and Synapse—because I wanted to focus on games playable on the console alone. However, if you own a PlayStation VR2, both of those titles are well-reviewed and worth checking out. I also excluded remasters and upgraded versions of older games from this list.

8. Quantum Error

Without a doubt, Quantum Error is the worst exclusive game released for the PS5 so far. This strange cosmic horror game is frustrating to play – enemies simply stand there waiting to be shot, and when you get hit, the reaction is minimal. You can also put out fires, which doesn’t really add to the experience. The game suffers from terrible checkpoints and unappealing graphics, making it almost unplayable. Thankfully, it’s planned for release on PC and Xbox, which would significantly improve the overall quality of PS5 exclusives. Even at a discounted price of $7.99, it feels like a waste of money.

7. Destruction AllStars

When Destruction AllStars launched, it was available to PlayStation Plus subscribers at no extra cost. While the game offered enjoyable, chaotic car combat at the time, its online multiplayer is now completely inactive as of 2025. Although there are still offline modes to play, the online component was a major reason people were interested in the game. Getting it as a free PS Plus title was a good deal, but it’s hard to justify paying the current price of $39.99 for it now.

6. Silent Hill: The Short Message

You can download and play Silent Hill: The Short Message for free, which is a plus, but it’s not a great game overall. It’s a couple of hours long and tackles serious subjects in a somewhat awkward way, though it does have a few genuinely frightening moments and looks good while doing so. Visually, the game is impressive, and it effectively uses the PlayStation DualSense controller’s features, especially the microphone. However, it’s often quite dull.

5. Astro’s Playroom

Games like Quantum Error, Destruction AllStars, and Silent Hill: The Short Message are, in my opinion, the weaker PS5 exclusives. Things really improve from here, beginning with Astro’s Playroom. This game is essentially a showcase for the PS5’s technology, especially the DualSense controller, and it’s included with every console. It’s a charming, short platformer full of personality, and it would be higher on my list if it were longer.

4. Demon’s Souls (2020)

While it benefits from being a remake of a PS3 title, Demon’s Souls remains one of the most visually stunning games on the PS5. Developed by Bluepoint Games and based on FromSoftware’s influential 2009 original, this remake is a beautiful update that brings the game which started the ‘Souls-like’ genre into the modern era. Though it might feel a bit simpler compared to later games in the style, it’s still a great choice for fans.

3. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

I’m a big fan of Hideo Kojima’s games, so I was really disappointed when I didn’t enjoy the first Death Stranding. I was worried Death Stranding 2: On the Beach would be the same, but I was pleasantly surprised! The game looks incredible, with a remarkably realistic world, and the story is much more captivating than the original. Death Stranding 2 is actually fun to play, and it felt like a fantastic comeback for Kojima.

2. Ghost of Yotei

Following the success of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei had a lot to live up to. Fortunately, it delivers and might even be better. This open-world samurai adventure features a captivating story of revenge, thrilling combat, and a fantastic soundtrack. With plenty to do, Ghost of Yotei will keep PS5 players entertained for hours – it’s a standout exclusive you won’t want to miss.

1. Astro Bot

Without question, the top exclusive game for the PlayStation 5 is Astro Bot, recently named Game of the Year for 2024. Building on the fantastic Astro’s Playroom which came with the console, Astro Bot is a truly exceptional 3D platformer – one of the best ever made. It’s packed with creative ideas from start to finish, and every level is a winner. Collecting all the hidden bot characters makes completing the game incredibly rewarding, and the post-launch updates added even more difficult levels, including what might be the greatest Christmas-themed level in gaming history. You can only play Astro Bot on PS5, and I believe it’s the single best reason to own one.

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2025-12-25 22:05