10. 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.
9. Astro's Playroom (PS5)
As far as pack-ins go, Astro’s Playroom is exemplary. Inspired by Team Asobi’s critically acclaimed PSVR platformer Astro Bot Rescue Mission – itself originally introduced in The Playroom VR – this short-form platformer serves as an introduction to the PS5, specifically the DualSense controller. As you explore cutesy character Astro’s vibrant world, you’ll physically feel it in your fingertips, from the sensation of rain falling on the hero’s hard, steel exterior to the slippery surfaces of ice. All of this, alone, would make it a truly memorable experience – but the game also doubles as a kind of history lesson, exploring many of the most famous moments from PlayStation’s past. Simply put, it’s an extraordinary four to five hour escapade, and one that every new PS5 owner must play.
8. 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.
7. 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.
6. 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!
5. 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.
4. 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.
3. 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.
2. 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.
1. Astro Bot (PS5)
Building upon the great foundations laid in Astro's Playroom, Astro Bot is the full-blown 3D platformer the little robot deserves. It's an explosion of creativity and fun; there is something new to discover in practically every level, and all of it is purpose built to put a smile on your face. Not only is it bursting with imagination, it's also executed brilliantly. The controls are spot on, every new mechanic and power-up is fun to use, and it's all presented with incredibly sharp visuals and flawless performance. The icing on the cake is its celebration of PlayStation's past 30 years, with delightful nods to hundreds of classics. We can't recommend this highly enough.
Those are the best single player games on PS5 according to the Push Square community. Do you agree? Are you happy with the ordering or do a few tweaks need to be made? Either way, don't forget you can leave ratings for your favourite games using the search bar on the first page of this article. Doing so could see your own picks rise through the ranks. If you think there's something missing from our PlayStation Game Database, please let us know. All that's left to do is share your own recommendations for the best single player games on PS5 in the comments below.
Comments 54
Useful list, my interest is peaked in Guardians of the Galaxy, I keep reading good things about it.
I guarantee if you play Ratchet and Clank on the hardest difficulty you won't be calling it easy then.
Interesting list. A lot I still have to play. Though I fell off Ghost of Tsushima after about the 20th Fox Shrine. Felt like there was a lot of repetitious filler! I do need to go back and mainline/finish the story and play Iki Island soon.
Personally Death's Door would be a lot higher, one of the best games i've played in recent years.
Ghost of tsushima is definitely number 1.i agree with that list.word up son
@playstation1995 Ghost of Tsushima is definitely number 1 AGREED!
Easily Spider-Man for me.
So there's this game, called Elden Ring...
Where is elden ring? I suppose its not included because you can call in outside help? There is also an offline mode..really elden ring is one of the best games ever especially on the ps5..words fail..
@DonSaloPT
I'm guessing it's not on here because technically you can play it with other people in coop and PVP but I had the same reaction upon seeing it nowhere on the list. Definitely my favorite single player game on PS5.
@Korgon
I get that but I mean... Last of Us 1 or Uncharted 4 have multiplayer modes as well. But they are singleplayer focused games. Wouldnt you say they are great singleplayer games?
Looking at this list, Ghost of Tsushima and Hitman 3 also have online modes. Even Death Stranding, altough you cant directly interact with other players.
Elden Ring is a singleplayer game, no matter how you put it.
@DonSaloPT it is predominatly a single player..its just wrong for it not to be included..
@DonSaloPT
Oh yeah I forgot Ghost of Tsushima has legitimate multiplayer...well I got nothing then!😅
Just bought a physical copy of Hades today for the PS5 for $20 that I can't wait to arrive, even though I have it on the PC already. Definitely a top ten of all time in my book.
Uh......did I just scroll past it? Where is Returnal on this list?!?!?! Top 3 IMHO. And the newly added co-op option should not disqualify it - the game was designed as 1-player game.
Removed - unconstructive
@DonSaloPT hahahahahahaha
Never heard of it
Pushsquare putting tlou remastered but not horizon zero dawn on that best "ps4 exclusives" list logic hits again with single player games but if they can be played coop is not single player even though you can play alone from start to end.
An issue with our tagging system was preventing Elden Ring and Returnal from appearing. They're both there now!
Elden ring is there now? Justice has been served...praise the sun..
Returnal is my pick for best game I’ve played on PS5 that is exclusive.
That game just keeps dishing out fun for me. Especially the new Tower of Sisyphus.
Returnal is 100% the best PS5 exclusive. If you're willing to put in the time, there is nothing like it out there. The first game I've ever Platinumed.
Maybe I’m just getting too old for video games. I own 8 of the 30 games on the list, and I honestly haven’t gotten into any of them. I just have this “been there, done that, don’t care what happens next” feeling when I try to play them. It’s a sad, depressing feeling.
So, what 1 player games have I been playing most on my PS5? Jurassic Park Evolution (a PS4 game I play through my PS4’s external hard drive—GREAT game for folks who want a slightly simpler builder/manager game than most) and Planet Coaster (PS5 version—good game, but annoyed by the wonky controls and unintuitive interface)…along with YouTube, Tubi, and Netflix. Beyond that, it’s been Deep Rock Galactic (playing with a friend) and Borderlands 3 (playing alone).
I don’t know…nothing on PS5 is grabbing me right now. ☹️ Maybe I’ll try jumping back into into Subnautica or Maneater again. Hmm.
I don't have PS5 games yet but here are my pick.
1. Planet Coaster
2. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
3. Bibi & Tina at the Farm
4. Spirit of the North
5. The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf
6. Kao the Kangaroo
7. Instant Sports +
8. Farm for Your Life
9. Time on Frog Island
10. Zorro: the Chronicles
11. Park Beyond
12. Two Point Campus
Not a coincidence that the #1 also has multiplayer 😏
Im replaying GoT right now on hard+ on ps5, after beating it on regular difficulty on the Pro. It feels almost like a new game...turn on the enemy lock and have a little fun!
@jgrangervikings1 I don't know if you've played Hades, but if you haven't, it's worth the $20 just for the story. It's the first game in a long, long time that made me care about what happens next
I sold Returnal. Way too frustrating for my liking. Got to the first boss eventually but the back log is too big to be playing the same level over and over. I need to feel like im making progress in a game or the frustration sets in.
For me, the most enjoyable games ive played on my PS5 are Ratchet, Astro bot, WRC10 and GT7. Currently playing Judgment for a couple of hours in the evenings which im also enjoying. Im sure the Spiderman games would have been up there for me aswell if i hadnt completed noth on ps4 but when i play them now i just feel like ive already been there, done that.
Metro Exodus is missing
As two of the few console timed exclusives for PS5, it's hilarious that both Deathloop and Ghostwire Tokyo do not feature here. Not that any of those games were fun for me at all, but given there are so few 'next-gen' games it is quite striking to see.
Far Cry 6 is also absent. I know it's a Ubisoft game, a tired formula in a tiring series yada yada but I thought it was the best Far Cry since FC2.
Good list and a reminder of how strong these systems are for fantastic single player experiences.
Uncharted 4 is an older game, so I understand why the collection is at no. 5. But if it U4 was a newer release it'd be no. 1 for sure.
Great list of PS4 games.
@ApostateMage Far Cry 6 hasn't been highly rated enough by the community to make it onto this list!
@GKT I haven’t played Hades yet. Thanks for the recommendation.
@Eleventy8 mate, I loved it. Going to play it again but will drop the difficulty down from normal to easy. Just a few frustrating shooting sections. Otherwise fantastic
Only thing GOT is number one for is boring repetitive gameplay.
@Vettechy77 I gave it an hour this morning before work… feels like I’ve played it all before. The constant chatter between the characters was a bit irritating. Might give it another chance at the weekend, but at the moment, not in a rush to boot it up again.
@Eleventy8 fair enough mate - felt like a nice change for me from all the souls games. Sucked me into watching the Marvel movies. If the chatter has turned you off already , I wouldn't try to play anymore of it
@Vettechy77 seems like we’re switching game tastes! I’m just starting to get into Soulsborne games 😄 Thanks for the heads up on the chatter!
All good man! I'm into Elden Ring too but bloodborne is my favourite ever
@InvaderJim I agree. I got to a little past the 1st third of the island when I bought the game a year ago, and haven't played it again since. The repitition had me saying, "Is this really it?"
Just don't understand why Tales of Arise is in bottom 5!
@JudgeDredd @2here2there
The lack of Tales of Arise did bother me. It didn't sell that well in comparison to other games.
My personal top 3 would be Astro's Playroom, Ratchet & Clank and Horizon Forbidden West, not necessarily in that order and Resident Evil Village not far behind. Ghost is a good game but not amongst my favourite PS4 games, from that I'd put Uncharted 4 and Spider-Man above it that have specific PS5 versions
God of War (2018) does not come up via the search tool. That might be one the best Playstation games of any generation ever. Pretty rough omission…
Is GT7 not on the list because it isn’t considered a single player game or because it does not rank high enough among users or for some other reason? Just curious. I’ve spent 70 hours playing this game in single player mode.
@OrtadragoonX Returnal is on Windows, so it's not PS5 exclusive. The game is absolutely amazing. It would be one of my top 3 single player PS5 picks.
@Northern_munkey Elden is a niche game. Way more people disslike souls-like games than those that like them
@Tr3mm0r good for them 👍
So is moss 1 and 2 playable without psvr because you keep putting it as ordinary ps5 games.
@RK999 GOW is a PS4 title buddy, this a PS5 titles list
@Tr3mm0r 20 million copies sold say otherwise buddy, elden ring was the most viralized game of 2022, how is that niche?
@LordBakemono I bought it too because of hype. Then i realised it is souls-like crap. Show me the stats on how many ppl finished it.
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