Hardest PS5 Games Published By Sony

The PlayStation 5 launched with a strong lineup of games, featuring compelling stories, imaginative worlds, and innovative gameplay. Plus, remastered games felt fresh and exciting thanks to the console’s special features, like realistic adaptive triggers and detailed vibrations, which really enhanced the experience.

Even though the PlayStation 5 doesn’t have a huge number of games available only on that system right now, the games that are available are exceptionally well-made. Sony has released some fantastic adventures for players to enjoy. These range from family-friendly titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart to more demanding and difficult games. Some of these Sony exclusives really push players to their limits, offering tough challenges that might even make them want to give up!

This list will only feature games made specifically for the PlayStation 5 and published by Sony itself – it won’t include games that are exclusive to the console but not developed by Sony.

8. God Of War: Ragnarök

Epic Mythological Battles With God-Like Difficulty Mode

Playing as Kratos and Atreus in the Norse world is a challenging but rewarding experience. Many consider God of War: Ragnarok to be one of the best single-player games available on PS5, and for good reason. It packs incredible storytelling, stunning visuals, fierce battles, and a fascinating take on Norse mythology into a single game.

The combat in this game is easy to pick up but offers a real challenge, letting players experience the story at their preferred difficulty. However, the ‘Give Me God of War’ setting is brutally difficult. It’s designed for seasoned God of War players who have quick reactions. Once chosen, this difficulty level is locked for the entire game, making it one of the most demanding experiences available on the PS5.

7. The Last Of Us Part II Remastered

A Post-Apocalyptic World Where Survival Is The Only Choice

When the original Last of Us came out, its intense horror, challenging gameplay, and compelling story quickly made it a favorite among gamers. The sequel took everything players loved about the first game and amplified it, creating an even more action-packed and gripping experience.

Even though some of the story choices were debated, the second game in the series is notably more challenging than the original, featuring even more frightening zombies. Already known as a difficult game on the PlayStation 4, the updated version of The Last of Us Part II is even tougher to play. Features like enhanced haptic feedback and a new, unpredictable game mode add to the intensity, making for a truly scary and demanding post-apocalyptic experience.

6. Rise of the Ronin

One Of Team Ninja’s Easier Games Is Still Pretty Difficult

Team Ninja is known for making challenging games, and they’ve been working closely with Sony lately. Currently, Rise of the Ronin is only available on PlayStation, having launched on PS5 almost a year before the PC version. While the game borrows some ideas from Team Ninja’s recent, difficult action RPGs, Rise of the Ronin is a bit more realistic and doesn’t have quite as many over-the-top boss battles as games like Nioh or Wo Long.

Rise of the Ronin is one of the more approachable RPGs from Team Ninja, featuring a combat system that’s easier to pick up than their other games. While the main story is still quite difficult, you won’t have as many incredibly powerful abilities as you might expect from recent Team Ninja titles.

5. Gran Turismo 7

Realism And Speed In A Challenging Racing Simulator

It’s easy to understand why many consider Gran Turismo 7 the best racing game on PlayStation 5. It features incredibly realistic graphics, fantastic gameplay, a huge selection of cars, and tracks that create a truly immersive and challenging racing experience.

This game is visually stunning and provides a truly challenging experience for racing fans. While it had a rough start, it now delivers realistic and demanding tracks and races that will test your driving skills to the limit.

4. Demon’s Souls

Unforgiving And Unrelenting Classic Souls Game

Demon’s Souls is known as one of Sony’s most challenging games, and it remains a tough RPG even on the PlayStation 5. While the game’s stunning 4k graphics and smooth 60 frames per second can make combat a little easier, it still delivers the same difficult and demanding experience that fans expect from Souls games.

Demon’s Souls is notoriously difficult, with challenging enemies and complex levels. The game also features a unique system that dynamically adjusts the difficulty based on how you play, making it even more punishing. This can lead to situations where you have less health, enemies have more, and you find fewer helpful items, creating a truly unforgiving experience.

While Demon’s Souls actually has relatively simple boss battles when compared to other games in the ‘Souls-like’ genre, and especially other FromSoftware titles, the areas leading up to those bosses are incredibly challenging.

3. Nioh 2

Fast Combat With Soulslike Gameplay

The original Nioh was known for being challenging and having tough combat, and Nioh 2 took that even further. It builds on the challenging ‘Soulslike’ style of gameplay, but adds a fast-paced system that demands quick reactions. Plus, enemies hit incredibly hard, making every encounter feel dangerous and important.

Nioh 2 is a challenging game with tough bosses and enemies that each fight in different ways, leading to some frustrating battles. It doesn’t leave much room for mistakes, but completing its lengthy campaign through a perilous world is ultimately very rewarding.

2. Returnal

An Overwhelming Horror Roguelike With No Room To Breathe

Facing a terrifying time loop on an alien planet is incredibly challenging, particularly when you’re also dealing with disturbing memories. The game Returnal stands out for its relentless enemies and ever-changing landscapes, making it one of the most difficult games Sony has ever released.

Each attempt to survive is a frantic battle against impossible odds, becoming more challenging as the main character tries to escape this cruel planet. Players will constantly fight for their lives against relentless attacks and a hostile environment, leading to frequent, frustrating failures and restarts.

1. Helldivers 2

Welcome To The Neverending War, You Expendable Soldier

Many games with multiple players can feel easier or harder depending on who you’re playing with. But Helldivers 2 is different. Even with a good team, it consistently presents a tough fight against relentless enemies. New players, even on the easiest setting, will find it challenging to learn the ropes, and the developers frequently add new complexities. Once you get used to the difficulty, increasing it only reveals how truly demanding the game can be.

Like most games, you’ll eventually get strong enough in Helldivers 2 to make some challenges feel easy. It just takes a bit longer to reach that point than in other games, but the process is usually enjoyable. I’m focusing on playing with a squad, as that’s how most people experience the game. If you try to play solo, though, be prepared for a very difficult time.

2026-01-04 01:08