Best Action Games on PS5

10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition (PS5)

Seven years later, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still one of the absolute best RPGs around. This updated PS5 version only adds a little bit of new content in the form of costumes and a (actually fantastic) quest inspired by the Netflix series, but the visuals are better than ever thanks to improved assets, textures, lighting, and even a dedicated ray tracing mode. What's more, a number of small gameplay improvements really add up, resulting in the definitive edition of Geralt's generational adventure. If you've got the urge for yet another replay, then it's best done on PS5 with what is the best looking and best playing version of The Witcher 3.

9. Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)

The sequel to Guerrilla Games' breakout hit, Horizon Zero Dawn, is bigger and better than its immediate predecessor in every single way. Horizon Forbidden West may retread familiar territory with its open world RPG adventure, but it improves upon the writing, introducing a worthwhile cast of characters for heroine Aloy to bounce off. New combat and exploration wrinkles, including a grappling hook, intensify the action, while the eponymous Forbidden West is a diverse sandbox, bursting with varied biomes and secrets to discover.

8. Demon's Souls (PS5)

Sony comfortably hooked the enthusiast crowd by adding Demon’s Souls to the PS5’s launch lineup. FromSoftware’s legendary action RPG – which would go on to spawn the so-called Soulsborne series and, eventually, even Elden Ring – was snubbed by the Japanese giant during the PS3 era, as it felt early builds were simply not up to snuff. Publishers like Atlus and Bandai Namco eventually picked it up, and it went on to become a cult classic. Perhaps as a tacit admission that it made a mistake, its recruited tech specialists Bluepoint Games to remake the game for a modern era – and the results are remarkable. This version uses original PS3 code to make for an incredibly authentic experience, but its visuals are among some of the best you’ll find on Sony’s new-gen console. It’s an extraordinary blend of old and new that comes highly recommended.

7. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (PS5)

A compilation including two of the PS4’s most beloved games was destined to be well-received, and while the absence of PS3 era adventures like Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves prevents this from being definitive, it’s still an absolute must for thrill seekers. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End paints protagonist Nathan Drake as a weary buccaneer on one final score, while the even more refined Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – originally intended as DLC – acts as a kind of Greatest Hits album, with series stalwart Chloe Frazer serving as a superb step-in for Nate. Series creator Naughty Dog could have done more to upgrade these greats for the PS5 console, but there’s no question this collection is a must-play.

6. Dead Space (PS5)

One of EA's best-loved games returns with this PS5 remake of Dead Space. Retelling the original story of Isaac Clarke exploring the decimated corridors of the USG Ishimura, this updated version is more than just a fresh coat of paint. On top of modern visuals, the remake turns the ship into one interconnected environment, expands many areas, adds voice acting for Isaac, and more. Aside from all that, this is the same great Dead Space you remember — intense atmosphere, unique enemies and weapons, and a memorable story.

5. Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered (PS5)

Offered as an added incentive as part of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ pricier Ultimate Edition, a somewhat strange delivery mechanism should take nothing away from Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. Insomniac Games invested a huge amount of effort here, rebuilding New York City to take full advantage of the PS5 hardware, without interfering with the critically acclaimed action of the PS4 original. Some vocal fans were frustrated by the changes to protagonist Peter Parker’s face – but with new visual effects like ray tracing, in addition to silky smooth 60 frames-per-second refresh rates, this is the definitive way to experience Sony’s superb superhero sandbox. It even includes all of the original’s inconsequential but enjoyable expansion packs!

4. Resident Evil 2 (PS5)

The differences between Resident Evil 2 on PS4 and PS5 are few and far between, but its everlasting quality remains. This is still a spectacular remake of the 1998 survival horror classic, modernising Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield's first adventure with a third-person camera and vastly updated visuals. The Raccoon Police Department has never looked more terrifying with a native 4K resolution and ray tracing on PS5, so leave enough room to peek over the covers and experience one of the best horror experiences around.

3. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut (PS5)

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut repackages one of the greatest open world games of the PS4 era on the PS5. A breakout hit for first-party developer Sucker Punch, this expanded re-release includes a new idyllic samurai sandbox named Iki Island, and forces protagonist Jin Sakai to face some painful memories. With improved presentation and stunning DualSense support, allowing you to physically feel the clash of steel-on-steel in your fingertips, this is the definitive version of one of PlayStation Studios’ crowning achievements.

It represents an interesting change of direction for the team, which during the PS2 era was best known for its cutesy mascot platformers, Sly Cooper. Moving into the PS3 era, the Seattle studio cut its teeth in the open world arena with inFAMOUS, a superhero series spanning a variety of unique powers, including the unusual Video and Neon abilities of inFAMOUS: Second Son.

There are similarities between all three series, despite the obvious deviations in setting and tone. Ghost of Tsushima, as zen as it can be, has a very aggressive combat system, which sees you cutting through Mongols rapidly and using all manner of samurai gadgetry to make your approach. While it’s not necessarily the game’s strongest asset, you can approach many skirmishes in stealth – or simply challenge your adversaries head-on to a duel.

As a sandbox, there are few surprises in Tsushima and its expanded Iki Island, although the way points of interest are presented is particularly original. Rather than rely on compasses and maps, the developer uses the wind to guide Sakai to key regions of interest, while wildlife like birds and foxes will lead the way to Hot Springs and collectibles.

It all makes for a serene experience during exploration, accentuated by the otherworldly visual style. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut presents a romantic glimpse into historical Japan, but its virtual tourism is arguably unmatched, making it one of the greatest open world adventure games you can currently play on PlayStation – or any console for that matter. A surprisingly robust online suite, named Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, rounds out the package impressively.

2. Resident Evil 4 (PS5)

One of the most influential, and most highly rated, games in living memory is Resident Evil 4, and surprise surprise, the remake is just as essential. Capcom has brought Leon's disturbing European excursion into the modern era with updated controls, vastly improved graphics, and knife parries. The remake nails the tone of the beloved original while building on it with a creepier atmosphere and even new areas to explore and side missions to keep you busy. It's somehow improved on one of the best games ever, and even features full PSVR2 support.

1. God of War Ragnarok (PS5)

God of War Ragnarok improves on 2018's already excellent God of War in every possible way — which says it all, really. It's a massive adventure spanning all nine realms of Norse mythology, and the game's jaw-dropping scope is probably its greatest asset. Just when you think you've seen it all, Ragnarok pops up with something completely new and exciting, time and time again. An immense experience, polished to near perfection. One of PlayStation Studios' best works.