The next-generation of gaming is officially underway now that both Microsoft and Sony have released their Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles, respectively. Each system launch comes alongside a wide variety of video games to choose from, and those lucky enough to get their hands on one of the next-generation consoles may not know where to start.
When compared to the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 launch library has more first-party and next-gen console-exclusive games. However, not all of the PS5 launch titles have been received well by critics. For example, Godfall reviews have been largely negative so far, and so those looking for a safer purchase may want to consider taking a look at some of the PS5 games listed here instead.
The PlayStation 5 games listed here represent a wide-range of genres, from open world epics to bite-sized platformers. The games have all been well-received by critics and fans alike, and so these are definitely safe purchases for PS5 early adopters. Anyone with a PS5 console wondering where they should start should definitely consider prioritizing these titles over the others that are currently available.
Here are the 10 best PlayStation 5 exclusive launch games.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Xbox Series X may have gotten the next-gen jump on Assassin's Creed Valhalla, but the game is just as impressive on the PlayStation 5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the latest entry in the long-running Assassin's Creed franchise from Ubisoft, and has earned strong reviews from critics, with particular praise given to its next-gen version. Those that play Assassin's Creed Valhalla on PS5 can look forward to a massive open world brought to life with cutting-edge next-gen graphics and minimal technical issues when compared to the last-gen version of the game. As far as PS5 launch titles go, Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers players some of the best bang for their buck, and by a considerable margin.
Astro's Playroom
One of the best PS5 launch titles is a game that all owners of the console have access to completely free of charge. Astro's Playroom is free and comes built-in with every PS5 console, and it's an absolute platforming delight. Paying homage to the PlayStation brand through the years, Astro's Playroom combines traditional 3D platforming gameplay with a heavy dose of nostalgia, all the while utilizing unique gameplay mechanics designed to take advantage of the PS5's DualSense controller. Thanks to how it teaches players about the DualSense's unique capabilities, Astro's Playroom is the first game that every PS5 owner should try, and it's guaranteed to leave them with a smile on their face.
Bugsnax
Bugsnax turned a lot of heads when it was first revealed, with the quirky game often being compared to a Saturday morning cartoon or children's TV show. Bugsnax's catchy theme song became an Internet meme of sorts, but the game really landed on everyone's radar when it was revealed to be the very first free PS Plus game for PlayStation 5. A first-person game where players hunt down all kinds of bizarre, food-based creatures, Bugsnax has earned mostly positive reviews and similarly to Astro's Playroom, it's something that all PS5 gamers should check out, assuming they have an active PS Plus subscription, that is.
Demon's Souls
The crown jewel of the PlayStation 5 launch lineup is undoubtedly Bluepoint's Demon's Souls remake. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel by any means, Demon's Souls from Bluepoint is a massive game that is quite arguably the best-looking next-gen game available right now across all platforms. Demon's Souls graphics are backed up by the classic Souls-style of gameplay that fans have come to know and love, with a brutal challenge, haunting world to explore, and more. Demon's Souls has earned widespread critical acclaim since the PS5's launch, with a 93 average rating at the time of this writing, and so earns the distinction of being the highest-rated next-generation video game at launch.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
Devil May Cry 5 was considered a big return to form for the series on last-generation consoles, and now it's back with a vengeance on PlayStation 5. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition on PS5 is the definitive way to experience the hack-and-slash action game, with huge visual and performance improvements to make sure it plays and looks better than ever. And if that weren't enough, Capcom has also included some brand new content for players to experience, with Dante's brother Vergil now a playable character.
Observer: System Redux
Bloober Team made a name for itself this past generation by releasing a series of generally well-received horror games. One of Bloober Team's most-acclaimed titles is the cyberpunk horror game Observer, which is getting a new lease on life on the PlayStation 5. Observer: System Redux is the same Observer from before, but with some pretty significant upgrades, like ray-tracing DualSense controller support. Observer: System Redux also has some new quests for players to complete as well, so horror fans that do decide to take the plunge are in for more than just a visual upgrade.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sony made sure that the PlayStation 5 launch was supported by a slew of first-party games, with one such title being Sackboy: A Big Adventure. A 3D platformer in the style of Super Mario 3D World but with a LittleBigPlanet aesthetic, Sackboy: A Big Adventure lets up to four players explore a variety of beautifully-detailed worlds ion search of collectibles, customization items, and more. Sackboy: A Big Adventure admittedly lacks the creation mechanics that made the LittleBigPlanet series popular in the first place, but it's still a high-quality platforming adventure, and should definitely appeal to fans of the genre. The only downside is that Sackboy: A Big Adventure's online multiplayer is missing at launch, but developer Sumo Digital will be adding it into the game at some point after launch.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
2018's Spider-Man game from Insomniac was a big success, and so it makes sense that Sony wanted the PS5 to launch with a new Spider-Man game of its own. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a cross-gen game that's also available on the PlayStation 4, but the best way to experience it is definitely on the PS5. Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5 boasts some significant visual and performance upgrades, ensuring that it is the best-looking version of the game. And while there are some concerns about Spider-Man: Miles Morales' short length, it still provides a complete story and should help fill the gap while fans wait for a more substantial Spider-Man 2 game from Insomniac, whenever that's released.
Spider-Man Remastered
Those that purchased the Ultimate Edition of Spider-Man: Miles Morales will be treated to a PS5 port of the 2018 Spider-Man game. While some fans are still disappointed by the Peter Parker face change, others will be able to look past that to find one of the PS5's most content-rich launch titles. Leveraging the PS5's power, Spider-Man Remastered features some vast visual upgrades, plus all of the post-launch DLC that was released for the original game back in 2018. Hopefully Insomniac and Sony eventually sell it separate from the Miles Morales Ultimate Edition, which should ensure more people get a chance to experience it.
The Pathless
With titles like Demon's Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales hogging the spotlight, it's easy to forgive The Pathless for flying a bit under the radar. However, it would be a shame for PS5 players to miss out on this game, which is an exciting adventure game from the creators of Abzu. The Pathless has been positively compared to Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and has earned mostly positive reviews so far, so PlayStation 5 early adopters are definitely in for a treat if they decide to pick it up.