Since the original PlayStation hit shelves in 1994, Sony has been a powerhouse in the gaming world, consistently delivering top-tier consoles and unforgettable exclusive titles. The PlayStation 5 continues that legacy, offering a library of games that push boundaries in storytelling, gameplay, and visual fidelity. While many of these titles have since migrated to PC or even Nintendo Switch, they remain quintessentially PlayStation experiences at heart—crafted by Sony's own studios or close partners.
This decade has already gifted us with an incredible lineup of games, from sprawling open-world epics to intimate, character-driven adventures. Here's our ranking of the best PlayStation games of the 2020s so far, celebrating the titles that have defined the era.
10. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (2025)
Hideo Kojima's original Death Stranding was a bold, polarizing experiment in cinematic gaming. Its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, refines that vision with greater confidence and fluidity. Featuring Hollywood stars like Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, and newcomers Elle Fanning and Debra Wilson, the game feels like a massive arthouse blockbuster. While it may not be as groundbreaking as its predecessor, it doubles down on what made the first game special—thought-provoking themes, stunning visuals, and surprisingly fun gameplay. It's exactly the kind of ambitious, weird, and wonderful experience fans expect from Kojima.
9. Demon's Souls (2020)
FromSoftware's Demon's Souls laid the groundwork for the entire Soulsborne genre, and Bluepoint Games' 2020 remake brought it into the modern era with jaw-dropping visuals and refined mechanics. As a PS5 launch title, it remains one of the few exclusives yet to hit PC. The game's brutal difficulty and cathartic triumphs are preserved, while the updated graphics make every grim corridor and towering boss feel more immersive than ever. For fans of challenging action RPGs, this is the definitive way to experience a classic.
8. Final Fantasy XVI (2023)
Though not originally a PlayStation franchise, Final Fantasy has become synonymous with the brand. Final Fantasy XVI reinvents the series with real-time combat and a darker, more mature fantasy setting. It feels fresh yet unmistakably Final Fantasy, with a sprawling world, compelling characters, and a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This is the must-play RPG on PS5, proving the series still has plenty of magic left.
7. Ghost of Tsushima (2020)
Sucker Punch Productions delivered one of the PS4's final masterpieces with Ghost of Tsushima. Set in feudal Japan, the game follows samurai Jin Sakai as he defends his island from Mongol invaders. Its standout feature is the freedom it gives players: you can charge into battle with a katana or use stealth to pick off enemies one by one. This versatility, combined with stunning visuals and a gripping story, makes it endlessly replayable. It's a love letter to samurai cinema and a triumph of open-world design.
6. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)
Insomniac Games' Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a technical showcase for the PS5, using the console's SSD to enable near-instantaneous dimension-hopping. The game follows the iconic duo as they battle a multiversal threat, introducing new characters like Rivet. It's the best entry in the series since the PS2 days, blending explosive combat, witty humor, and gorgeous visuals. For a taste of pure, joyful platforming, this is hard to beat.
5. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (2023)
Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man 2 swings onto the list as a superhero epic that improves on its predecessor in every way. Players control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, each with unique abilities, as they face off against Venom and Kraven the Hunter. The web-swinging is smoother than ever, the story is emotionally resonant, and the combat is a blast. It's a must-play for any Spider-Man fan and a highlight of the PS5 library. For more web-slinging adventures, check out our Spider-Man Video Games Ranked: The 8 Best Web-Slinging Adventures.
4. Horizon Forbidden West (2022)
Guerrilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West expands on the original with a vast, beautiful post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic dinosaurs. Aloy's journey takes her to the ruins of the American West Coast, where she uncovers secrets about the past while battling new threats. The game improves on nearly every aspect of its predecessor, from combat to exploration, and its story is both personal and epic. It's a visual stunner and a deep, rewarding RPG.
3. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
Santa Monica Studio's God of War Ragnarök concludes the Norse saga with a powerful, emotional story about fatherhood, fate, and redemption. Kratos and Atreus face off against Thor, Odin, and a host of mythological foes in a game that balances brutal combat with heartfelt moments. The world is richer, the characters deeper, and the gameplay more refined than ever. It's a worthy sequel to the 2018 reboot and one of the best games of the decade.
2. Elden Ring (2022)
FromSoftware's Elden Ring is a genre-defining masterpiece that blends the studio's signature difficulty with an open world of breathtaking scale and mystery. Players explore the Lands Between, battling demigods and uncovering lore written by George R.R. Martin. The freedom to approach challenges in any order, combined with deep combat and stunning art direction, makes it an unforgettable experience. It's a game that rewards curiosity and persistence like no other.
1. Astro Bot (2024)
Team Asobi's Astro Bot takes the top spot as a joyful celebration of PlayStation's history and the power of the PS5. This platformer uses the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in ingenious ways, making every jump, slide, and punch feel tactile and satisfying. The game is packed with charm, creativity, and references to iconic PlayStation characters. It's a reminder of why we love video games—pure, unadulterated fun. For more on the best sci-fi epics, see The 21st Century's Best Sci-Fi Epic Movies, Ranked.
These ten games represent the best of what PlayStation has offered in the 2020s so far. Whether you're into action, RPGs, or platformers, there's something here for everyone. As the decade continues, we can't wait to see what Sony and its partners have in store next.
