This article is part of a directory: A Complete Guide to the PlayStation 5 (March 2024)
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When it comes to single-player games, Sony has long had the edge over its console rivals. This is because many of PlayStation Studios' most talented developers focus primarily on narrative-driven experiences these days, which has resulted in some of the best single-player games of all time being released exclusively on PlayStation consoles.

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Granted, many big PlayStation exclusives have been released on PC in recent years, but Sony still reigns supreme in the home console space. The best single-player PS5 games are among the industry's very finest and provide players with settings and storylines that are capable of keeping them engaged from start to finish.

25 Dredge

Metacritic Rating: 81 (PS5)

dredge pale reach ice monster

For those who prefer single-player titles to their multiplayer counterparts, Dredge might just be the perfect game. Though it's not too heavy on the narrative front, it's able to evoke a feeling of isolation within its players; jumping between serene and peaceful sailing to nightmare-inducing mayhem at the drop of a hat.

It's this dichotomous contrast and the creativity that went into some of the game's many Lovecraftian creatures that make this one of the best single-player games on the PlayStation 5 and a must-play for fans of eerie and atmospheric horror games. The experience that's on offer here isn't a particularly long one, but just about every second of it is thoroughly enjoyable.

dredge-cover-1
Dredge

Developer(s)
Black Salt Games
Publisher(s)
Team17
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X
Released
March 31, 2023
Metascore
81
PS Plus Availability
N/A

24 Stray

Metacritic Rating: 83 (PS5)

Exploring the world in Stray

Though not quite on the same level as games like Undertale and Super Meat Boy, Stray remains one of the most impressive indie games to have come out in recent years. The 2022 title sees players controlling a stray cat as they attempt to find their way out of a gigantic underground living space inspired by Kowloon's former walled city.

Despite being a little on the short side and its over-simplified platforming, the game is still highly enjoyable and boasts a surprisingly engaging narrative that will likely have players welling up a little at the end. It's one of the best single-player games on the PlayStation 5 and a poignant reminder of what indie game devs can do when given a platform.

stray game
Stray
$25 $40 Save $15

Developer(s)
BlueTwelve Studio
Publisher(s)
Annapurna Interactive
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S
Released
July 19, 2022
Metascore
83
PS Plus Availability
N/A

23 Moss

Metacritic Rating: 86 (PS5)

best-psvr-2-games-moss

Polyarc's Moss games are far from the best-looking PSVR 2 games, but there's a certain charm to their woodland setting that makes them highly enjoyable to explore. The fact that the player spends more time controlling Quill than they do the reader whose eyes they view the games' events through can take a bit of getting used to, but it ends up being a welcome change from the usual first-person experiences that VR typically has to offer.

That the player is accompanied by Quill for most of the games does an excellent job of distracting from the fact that Moss is a single-player affair. Sure, there are a few other characters here and there, but for the most part, the games focus on the relationship between the young rodent and her reader to great effect. The puzzles are thought-provoking too, and the hidden collectibles provide a compelling reason to dive back into the games' fairytale world from time to time.

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Moss

Developer(s)
Polyarc
Publisher(s)
Polyarc
Platform(s)
PS4 , PC , Oculus Quest , PS5
Released
February 27, 2018
Metascore
85
PS Plus Availability
N/A

22 Tales of Arise

Metacritic Rating: 87 (PS5)

tales-of-arise-party-ending

When asked to think of a long-running JRPG franchise, most people's minds will instantly jump to the likes of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Bandai Namco's Tales series hasn't been around for quite as long as either of these two gaming behemoths has, but its history is arguably every bit as rich. In fact, it has more mainline installments than either, the most recent of which is called Tales of Arise.

Released in late 2021, Tales of Arise tells the story of Alphen: an ashen-haired warrior with no memory of his past. He does remember his hatred for Dahna's Renan overlords though, and, together with a colorful cast of like-minded characters, sets out to bring their reign of terror to an end. It's one of the best Tales games in recent memory, and a must-play title for JRPG enthusiasts.

tales of arise
Tales of Arise

Developer(s)
Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher(s)
Bandai Namco Studios
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
September 10, 2021
Metascore
87
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

21 The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

Metacritic Rating: 89 (PS5)

The yellow adventure line from The Stanley Parable

As graphics have improved and narrative-driven gameplay has taken hold, video games have, for the most part, become a lot more serious over the past decade or so. The Stanley Parable bucks this trend though, with its writing serving as a delicious throwback to some of the hilarious and self-aware point-and-click adventure games from the late eighties and early nineties.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe ushers in more of the same, with plenty of new content for players to enjoy. When all's said and done, there's around twice as much for players to see and do this time around, making this great value for money. The way that it parodies the video game industry is masterful, but it's perhaps the way that it pokes fun at itself, and, to a certain degree, the player, for tolerating its tomfoolery, that makes this game so memorable.

THE STANLEY PARABLE
The Stanley Parable

Developer(s)
Galactic Cafe
Publisher(s)
Galactic Cafe
Platform(s)
PC
Released
October 17, 2013
Metascore
89
PS Plus Availability
N/A

20 Alan Wake 2

Metacritic Rating: 89 (PS5)

alan-wake-2-update-patch-notes-revealed

Released more than a decade on from the original game, Alan Wake 2 is an incredibly impressive title, both when it comes to its visuals and its plot. There are times when the imagery shown could pass convincingly as live-action video, while the storytelling on offer here really is top-notch.

Granted, horror purists may not be too impressed by the game's over-reliance on jump scares, and although innovative, the Mind Place mechanics can be a little janky at times. Even so, the overall experience remains a highly enjoyable one and helps make this one of the best single-player games on the PS5.

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Alan Wake 2

Developer(s)
Remedy Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Epic Games
Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
Released
October 27, 2023
Metascore
90
PS Plus Availability
N/A

19 Dead Space

Metacritic Rating: 89 (PS5)

dead-space-isaac-clarke

Some see the decision to remake or remaster classic games as developers taking the easy option. However, given the sheer volume of fantastic titles that have been released over the years, it arguably makes sense to revisit some of these vintage video games from time to time, particularly if today's technology would allow the game's developers to create something more befitting of their original vision.

Given how important immersion and atmosphere can be in the genre, classic horror games are usually excellent candidates for remakes, with today's photo-realistic graphics allowing for a much more terrifying time. Dead Space is an excellent example of this, with the 2023 remake managing to perfectly recapture the brilliance of the original, while also dolling it up with a shiny new coat of paint.

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Dead Space (2023)

Developer(s)
EA Motive
Publisher(s)
Electronic Arts
Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
Released
January 27, 2023
Metascore
89
PS Plus Availability
N/A

18 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Metacritic Rating: 89 (PS5)

Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium doesn't do things by half measures, nor is it afraid to try things that go against the grain. The end result is one of the most singular RPG titles in recent memory and one that all tabletop RPG fans owe it to themselves to try. As one might expect, the Final Cut version of the game is the definitive way to experience it due to the many tweaks and changes that it brings to the table.

The game sees players taking on the role of an amnesiac detective as he seeks to piece together his fractured memories. They'll be able to build Harry however they like, with stat allocation having a huge impact on how certain events and actions play out. The dialog is fantastic throughout and is emblematic of the care and attention that went into crafting this underrated gem of a game.

disco elysium final cut
Disco Elysium

Developer(s)
ZA/UM
Publisher(s)
ZA/UM
Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Stadia
Released
October 15, 2019
Metascore
91
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

17 Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Metacritic Rating: 89 (PS5)

intergrade yuffie

There's a fair amount of discourse surrounding the best Final Fantasy games, with the series' sixth, seventh, and tenth installments all having their fair share of supporters. When it comes to the most impactful, though, most seem to be in agreement that it was Final Fantasy 7, thanks in large to the PS1 classic having helped to drag the JRPG genre into the mainstream.

For this reason, Final Fantasy 7 was one of the most requested remakes of all time, though it was not until E3 2015 that Square Enix finally announced the project. Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the first part of a trilogy and does an excellent job of retelling, and, in some places, reimagining the original narrative. The new combat system strikes the perfect blend of turn-based and real-time, while the whole thing looks fantastic, particularly the Intergrade version for the PS5.

final fantasy 7 remake intergrade
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Developer(s)
Square Enix
Publisher(s)
Square Enix
Platform(s)
PC , PS5
Released
June 10, 2021
Metascore
89
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

16 Hades

Metacritic Rating: 93 (PS5)

Hades Zagreus

Following its hugely successful release in late 2020, Hades was ported to the PlayStation 5 in August of the following year, offering a much smoother experience in terms of framerate. The popular roguelike action RPG looks a lot better on the PS5 too, thanks in large to the port's support for 4K 60 fps playback.

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The game sees players controlling Prince Zagreus, as he attempts to escape the underworld and the influence of his father to track down his mother, Persephone. The storytelling is top-notch and is backed up by a fantastic RPG combat system. There's plenty of post-game content too, ensuring that players are kept busy long after finding Persephone.

Hades
Hades

Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Publisher(s)
Supergiant Games
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC
Released
September 17, 2020
Metascore
93
PS Plus Availability
N/A

15 Final Fantasy 16

Metacritic Rating: 87 (PS5)

final fantasy 16 key art

A lot of people questioned whether Final Fantasy 16 can truly be classed as a Final Fantasy game due to how drastically it changes up the series' tried and tested formula. Whichever side of the fence one falls on, it would be difficult to dispute the idea that these changes have made the game more accessible, with the combat system borrowing a lot from popular hack-and-slash franchises like God of War and Devil May Cry.

Fans of intense action should love what Final Fantasy 16 has to offer, while the ridiculous amount of side content should be able to keep most players busy for at least forty or fifty hours. Ironically, it's existing Final Fantasy fans who may struggle to fully appreciate Clive's journey, but despite the game's lack of many traditional RPG elements and the shallow nature of many of those that are included, most should be able to find some enjoyment here.

final fantasy 16
Final Fantasy 16

Developer(s)
Square Enix
Publisher(s)
Square Enix
Platform(s)
PS5
Released
June 22, 2023
Metascore
87
PS Plus Availability
N/A

14 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Metacritic Rating: 88 (PS5)

Ratchet and Clank side by side looking into the distance. There are bushes in the background and a purple plant.

There are plenty of great platformers on the PS5, but none that are quite like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Released in mid-2021, the game's Rift Tether mechanic is a lot of fun to play around with, while the huge arsenal of weapons at the player's disposal allows for some truly unique combat encounters and helps to keep things feeling fresh right up to the final boss.

Like a lot of other first-party exclusives, the game also features a wide array of accessibility options, helping to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy what it has to offer. Rift Apart marks a true return to form for everybody's favorite Lombax and robot duo and is one of the best single-player titles on the PlayStation 5 thus far.

RATCHET AND CLANK RIFT APART
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Developer(s)
Insomniac Games
Publisher(s)
Sony
Platform(s)
PC , PS5
Released
June 11, 2021
Metascore
88
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

13 Horizon Forbidden West

Metacritic Rating: 88 (PS5)

horizon forbidden west cutscene with aloy and erend vanguardsman

The playable protagonist's design may have drawn some criticism, but few can dispute the beauty of Horizon Forbidden West's luscious open world. It's one of the best-looking games on the PS5 and backs up its impressive visuals with a thought-provoking narrative and a suite of wonderfully well-realized gameplay mechanics.

Horizon Forbidden West picks up where its predecessor left off: with Aloy and Silus trying to learn more about the Far Zeniths. The Burning Shores DLC further fleshes out the series' lore, while also introducing a few new mechanics, one of which allows the player's mount to dive underwater. It's one of the best single-player games on the PS5 and a reminder of why Sony rules the roost when it comes to first-party exclusives.

horizon forbidden west
Horizon Forbidden West

Developer(s)
Guerrilla Games
Publisher(s)
Sony
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
February 18, 2022
Metascore
88
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

12 Persona 5 Royal

Metacritic Rating: 91 (PS5)

Persona 5 Royal remaster school promo screenshot

For JRPG fans, Persona 5 Royal is about as good as they come. Even for those who are unfamiliar with the genre or have only dipped their toes into the water, it's still a game worth checking out, more so now that it is available on the PlayStation 5. The PS5 port offers plenty of big improvements, including higher resolution assets and a silky smooth 60 frames per second.

The game follows a group of high school students who band together to expose the crimes of corrupt adults, with the titular Personas playing an integral role in the game's combat. It also boasts plenty of great life sim elements, with players able to form special bonds with the people that they meet in order to unlock new skills and abilities.

persona 5 royal
Persona 5 Royal

Developer(s)
Atlus , P-Studio
Publisher(s)
Atlus
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , Switch , PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
March 31, 2020
Metascore
95
PS Plus Availability
N/A

11 Resident Evil 4

Metacritic Rating: 93 (PS5)

resident evil 4 remake leon and ashley

For the most part, Capcom has done an exceptional job of remaking some of the older Resident Evil games, and 2023's Resident Evil 4 is no exception in this regard. In fact, some will perhaps argue that it's the pick of the bunch, with only the Resident Evil 2 remake really coming close to the brilliance of this hugely influential game.

Not all of the changes are for the better, but those made to the companion character Ashley make the remake a lot less frustrating, while the work done to flesh out some of the game's secondary characters helps to improve the game's narrative. To a certain extent though, this is as much a reimagining as it is a remake, with the 2023 title offering a different, albeit familiar experience.

resident evil 4 remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake

Developer(s)
Capcom
Publisher(s)
Capcom
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
March 24, 2023
Metascore
93
PS Plus Availability
N/A

10 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Metacritic Rating: 85 (PS5)

Miles Morales web-swinging

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales was released alongside the PlayStation 5, offering players a chance to return to the beautifully rendered streets of New York that helped to make its predecessor such a hit with players. The deluxe edition of the game even comes bundled with a remastered version of Marvel's Spider-Man, providing excellent value for those who never got a chance to experience the PS4 classic.

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Even without this upgrade though, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales stands tall on its own two feet, with a compelling single-player storyline and a wide array of side activities and collectibles to keep players busy during their downtime. Such is the quality of the game's map traversal, simply swinging around the city's streets can also serve as an excellent distraction and provides a sense of freedom that few other games can match.

MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN MILES MORALES
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
$40 $70 Save $30

Developer(s)
Insomniac Games
Publisher(s)
Sony
Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4
Released
November 12, 2020
Metascore
85
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

9 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Metacritic Rating: 92 (PS5)

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Aerith Cloud Tifa looking up promo screenshot

Those who enjoyed Final Fantasy 7 Remake will definitely want to check out the game's 2024 sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Picking up right where its predecessor left off, the game takes players from the outskirts of Midgar to the forgotten capital, with plenty of classic and original content crammed in between the two iconic locations.

The best single-player PS5 games find ways to push the hardware to its limits, and that's exactly what Rebirth manages to do at various points throughout the adventure. The visuals are stunning and the revamped combat system makes for one of the most enthralling action RPG experiences that the console has to offer.

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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Developer(s)
Square Enix
Publisher(s)
Square Enix
Platform(s)
PlayStation 5
Released
February 29, 2024
Metascore
93
PS Plus Availability
N/A

8 Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut

Metacritic Rating: 87 (PS5)

ghost of tsushima morality system player choice endings dishonored

Some of the visuals on display throughout Ghost of Tsushima are absolutely stunning. This is especially true of the director's cut of the game for the PlayStation 5, which offers a myriad of improvements over the PS4 original, including haptic feedback, support for higher resolutions and frame rates, and much faster loading times. It also includes the fantastic Iki Island DLC, which is a must-play for fans of the base version of the game.

Jin Sakai's story is an incredibly compelling one and serves as a great example of why so many people love single-player games. He spends just as much time fighting the morals and ideals that his uncle ingrained within him as he does the invading Mongols, and players are given a front-row seat to enjoy his gradual transition into the titular Ghost and the emotional turmoil that comes along with it.

Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR’S CUT
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
$30 $70 Save $40

Developer(s)
Sucker Punch
Publisher(s)
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5
Released
August 20, 2021
Metascore
87
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

7 Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Metacritic Rating: 87 (PS5)

Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection PC Screen Cap

Some developers have trouble knowing when to call time on a character's journey, dragging it out to lengths so unnecessarily long that players simply stop caring. Thankfully, Naughty Dog is not one of these developers, with Uncharted 4: A Thief's End providing a satisfying conclusion to the personal journey of one of the most compelling video game characters of all time.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection allows a new generation of players to experience Nathan Drake's last hurrah, as well as the hugely underrated Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. Both titles already looked fantastic prior to being remastered, but the power of the PS5 brings the games' graphics to all-new heights. The remasters also make excellent use of the console's adaptive triggers.

uncharted-legacy-of-thieves-cover-2-3
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Developer(s)
Naughty Dog , Iron Galaxy
Publisher(s)
PlayStation Studios , Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform(s)
PC , PS5
Released
January 28, 2022
Metascore
87
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

6 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Metacritic Rating: 94 (PS5)

Close up of Geralt from the game The Witcher 3

Geralt's actions may at times be a bit more morally grey than Drake's, but the character is every bit as loveable, if not more so. Just like Naughty Dog, CD Projekt Red made the brave decision to conclude the character's journey at the end of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with future Witcher titles set to star a brand-new protagonist rather than the fan-favorite witcher.

To say that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt provides a fitting conclusion to Geralt's tale would perhaps be a bit of an understatement. It's one of the best single-player games ever made, with a fantastic narrative and plenty of incredible side content. The PS5 version offers plenty of big improvements over its PS4 predecessor, making it a great option for those looking to re-live the CD Projekt Red classic or experience it for the very first time.

witcher 3 box art
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Developer(s)
CD Projekt Red
Publisher(s)
CD Projekt Red
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC
Released
May 19, 2015
Metascore
94
PS Plus Availability
N/A