Highlights
- Free-to-play PS5 games offer stunning visuals, pushing the console to its limits for a photorealistic gaming experience.
- PS5 games like "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" showcase beautiful open worlds, providing a visually breathtaking experience.
- Titles like "Kena: Bridge of Spirits" and "Hogwarts Legacy" deliver impressive visuals, making them worth checking out for graphic enthusiasts.
The PS5 has been in high demand since its release. Anyone who owns one can attest that it offers some of the most beautifully developed games available on the market. The graphical abilities of this machinery far exceed the competition, leading to fantastically real gaming experiences. However, the system can only be as good as the software developed for it. With the technology made available to them, many developers have risen to the challenge. More and more stellar games are being released on the platform with the most desirable visuals.
Players who love the console for its visual aspects won't go wrong when they choose one of the many best-looking games on the PS5. These titles push the console to its very limits and show just how photorealistic gaming visuals have become. Players love enjoying high-end visuals in their video games, and these titles showcase exactly how big a leap the PS5 really is in terms of technical performance.
Updated on February 28, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: While some people have been disappointed with the PS5's library and the announcement that it's already than halfway through its lifespan, the allure of this console still holds strong in the eyes of many. The technology in this console is pretty impressive and just goes to show just how much power is generated by the hardware of the PS5. There are some amazing video games on this console that look absolutely gorgeous, making them worth checking out for any fan of fantastic graphics, 60fps gameplay, ray tracing, and more.
23 Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
Metascore: 72
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- December 7, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Massive Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
After a lengthy development period, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora was finally released to generally positive reviews. The game's similarities to the Far Cry series coupled with a lack of innovation in the open-world department was criticized by many, and are things that can turn off many players from enjoying this game. However, if players decide to give this game a fair chance, then one aspect of the game that will excite them quite a bit is the its beautiful visuals.
Pandora is a visual treat for the ages, with the biomes present in this open world being breathtaking to behold. The artistic vision behind the open world is impressive and one of the biggest strengths of the overall package, making it clear why fans of Avatar will have a great time playing through this breathtakingly beautiful open-world game.
22 Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Metascore: 80
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Platform(s)
- Stadia , PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- November 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft
When considering the graphics of the game, Assassin's Creed Valhalla may very well be the definitive installment in the series. Since the launch of the PS5 and in the following years, no other title in the series has matched its graphical presentation.
With the next-gen technology of the PS5, players will feel like they're physically within the world of the game, with characters so lifelike they could almost reach out and touch them. All the details pop out so much more with this game because of the rendering of shadows and lighting that work in perfect combination to create one of the most realistic visuals.
21 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
Metascore: 81
The first thing anyone noticed about Kena: Bridge of Spirits was the amazing visual quality of the game. As the game is played in the third person, players can experience the animation of the main character as well as the surrounding environment.
It's clear how much dedication went into the creation of the animation and all of the little details that make the world feel so alive. The game is not open-world like many of the most popular titles, but with the way that it looks and plays, no one is complaining.
20 Hogwarts Legacy
Metascore: 84
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Legacy
- Platform(s)
- PC , Switch , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
- Released
- February 10, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Software
Hogwarts Legacy is a game that many people were hyped for, with the title managing to deliver on that, for the most part. Players wanted to explore Hogwarts once again, and this game allowed them to achieve that dream.
The 16 Best PS5 Exclusive Games, Ranked (April 2024)
A lot of the best PlayStation 5 exclusives are single-player experiences, with action-adventure and open-world also being frequently recurring themes.The game's visuals are quite breathtaking and make the act of roaming through the hallways of Hogwarts quite exciting indeed. The depth of the title's mechanics may not be all that impressive, but the visuals definitely make up for this.
19 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Metascore: 85
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X
- Released
- April 28, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure , Soulslike
The disappointing release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on PC has been documented extensively, proving to be another chapter in the massive book of disappointing PC ports this generation. However, while this poor technical performance should be criticized, the game runs fairly well on the PS5 and is a pretty gorgeous game to book.
Respawn Entertainment has done a great job with this title, proving that they're masters of both first-person shooters and third-person action titles. While the game is still pretty janky and far from a perfect experience, the story of Cal Kestis as he comes into his own as a Jedi is a splendid one with many twists and turns.
18 Death Stranding: Director's Cut
Metascore: 85
Only Hideo Kojima could develop a game that was marketed through the roof but still kept fans in the dark when it came to the core gameplay. When the title was released, many people felt like Death Stranding's gameplay was too barebones and the systems didn't really make for a compelling gameplay loop. However, as the years have passed, more and more people have come to appreciate the title's understated brilliance.
The story of Sam Porter as he transports packages in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by mysterious creatures makes for a great time, with Death Stranding's story easily being one of its strongest aspects. The game has been called an elaborate walking simulator by many, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It takes real guts to try something new and experimental in a AAA game, and no one can fault Kojima for letting his creativity be expressed without any limits in this unique open-world game that looks absolutely gorgeous to boot!
17 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Metascore: 85
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Released
- November 12, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Genre(s)
- Action , Adventure
Most people scoffed at the idea of a standalone expansion to Marvel's Spider-Man, believing that Miles Morales wouldn't cut it as a short experience. Despite its steep price, there's no denying that the adventures of Miles without Peter guiding him end up being a marvelous spectacle that fans will have a great time with.
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These PS3 games still look good despite their advanced age.It helps that Miles' new powers make his gameplay feel fresh and engaging, with the emphasis on stealth addressing one of the biggest complaints from the base game. Finally, the visuals are truly exemplary, and the game's lighting looks even better with ray tracing on!
16 Returnal
Metascore: 86
It's refreshing to see Sony working on a game that is genuinely challenging and will give players a run for their money. The roguelike gameplay of Returnal is tough as nails but the game is well worth playing through for the sense of satisfaction it provides.
The story is quite brilliant as well, but one thing that wows players to no end is the amazing graphics of this title. The biomes present in the game look unique and enthralling in their own right, and players who want some breathing room after a particularly challenging encounter will love gazing upon Returnal's brilliant visuals.
15 Cyberpunk 2077
Metascore: 86
Cyberpunk 2077
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
While Cyberpunk 2077 didn't exactly deliver on all its promises and was rushed through development, it's still one of the most amazing titles to look at on the PS5. Night City features amazing contrast between the neon glow and dark shadows that lend it a one-of-a-kind appearance that players will not soon forget.
Initially, many failed to fully enjoy the story due to technical problems, but the updates for the next-gen systems have made some serious improvements. With the enhancements made to the game, players will love just how beautiful it looks on the PS5 and perhaps get more enjoyment out of it.
14 Gran Turismo 7
Metascore: 87
The Gran Turismo series is one of PlayStation's exclusive racing franchises and has always pushed the bar in terms of graphics. Gran Turismo 7 is no exception in this regard, with the game looking gorgeous on the PlayStation 5.
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The best PS5 RPGs find ways to push the console to its limits, providing players with an engrossing experience unlike anything else that came before.While players have their fair share of justified complaints regarding this series and its direction, there's no denying that this franchise has always pushed the boundaries when it comes to graphical fidelity. Players who want a title to show off the graphical capabilities of the PS5 should look no further than this one.
13 Final Fantasy 16
Metascore: 87
Final Fantasy 16
- Platform(s)
- PS5
- Released
- June 22, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Final Fantasy 16 is another chapter in a long-running series that needs no introduction. The game brings with it some serious changes that can be hard to swallow for fans who loved the party-based approach and tactical combat that earlier titles in the series were known for... but most people couldn't deny that Final Fantasy 16's emphasis on spectacle paid off with a new approach.
It helped that the game looked absolutely gorgeous and the cinematics made things even more engaging. Everything from the regular battles to the boss fights is a blast to get through, although the side quest design can be a bit too simplistic for people used to modern games with the most fleshed-out content in this department.
12 Ghost Of Tsushima Director's Cut
Metascore: 87
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
- Released
- August 20, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure , Open-World
While originally released for the PS4, the developers revamped Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut to be even more exciting for the PS5, taking full advantage of the system's processing power. No expense was spared on the finest of details, right down to the behaviors of the foliage.
Features such as blood spray were rendered in absolute 4K resolution for the most profound effects. The Director's Cut takes the gameplay a step further and adds to the story too. Even without this edition though, Ghost of Tsushima would still have been one of the best-looking games on the PS5.
11 Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart
Metascore: 88
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
- Released
- June 11, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Genre(s)
- Platformer , Third-Person Shooter
One of the best available PS5 games for both its visuals and smooth play, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is the 16th installment in the popular series. It's got great load times and tight gameplay, but what wins over players the most is how good it looks and the heartfelt story behind it.
The 22 Best Open World PS5 Games, Ranked (April 2024)
The best open-world games on the PlayStation 5 push the system to its absolute limits, offering players some of the most stunning locations in gaming.Exclusive to the PS5, it looks like something straight out of a hot ticket box office animated movie. The game comes with three different graphic settings for players to experience, depending on what kind of visual experience they want to have.
10 The Last Of Us Part 1
Metascore: 88
The Last of Us Part 1 is a remake that many people questioned for even existing in the first place. After all, the game had just received a remaster a while back and looked gorgeous enough as things were.
Well, it turns out that Naughty Dog could still up its game when it came to the visual department. The game still looks gorgeous to this day, providing fans of the series with a chance to relive Ellie and Joel's epic adventure in style.
9 Horizon Forbidden West
Metascore: 88
Horizon Forbidden West built up everything great about the first installment in the series, making an even more breathtaking masterpiece. It features stunning visual effects, detailing battles down to the finest aspects.
Everything from the first game was expanded upon, including customizations of weapons and armor, a larger variety of machines, and a bigger cast of NPCs. In addition to how beautiful the game is, players also had a lot more collectibles to go after.
8 Alan Wake 2
Metascore: 89
Alan Wake 2
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
- Released
- October 27, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
There's something to be said about a game that relies on its artistic direction as opposed to technical excellence to visually entice players, and this is the major reason why Alan Wake 2 was beloved by so many fans. The game is a blast to look at, with the mind-bending story and fun gameplay adding to the allure of this title.
Remedy's stock has shot up following the success of their Alan Wake sequel, and fans can't wait to see what else this brilliant studio has in store for them. The beautiful visuals of Alan Wake 2 will keep fans engaged in the long haul, with ray tracing enhancing the graphics and bringing them to new heights, especially with the game's amazing use of lighting elevating the overall experience.
7 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Metascore: 89
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade included a complete overhaul of the original graphics from the 1997 version of the game. When the first remake was released in 2020 for the PS4, it was met with some criticism due to the limitations it placed on the aging system. Fans were looking forward to a next-gen release when the PS5 launched.
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Fans who are always thirsty for new content when it comes to their favorite franchises should look into the following books.They were not disappointed. Not only did the developers re-release the title for the PS5, but they also included a bundle that added extra features. In addition, the graphics and gameplay showcased exactly what the new system was capable of delivering.
6 Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Metascore: 90
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Platform(s)
- PS5
- Released
- October 20, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World , Action-Adventure
Insomniac Games knocked it out of the part with Marvel's Spider-Man 2, a title many consider to be the best open-world game starring the webhead. The scope of the story is truly massive, and players were glad to see a piece of Spider-Man-related media aside from the comics that managed to avoid the Venom curse.
The game is a technical marvel in many ways, with Insomniac Games making the most of the PS5 hardware to develop a title that looks and runs great. The combat may be slightly jankier than before, but most people won't mind once they get to witness the adventures of Peter and Miles as they team up to take down a wealth of memorable Spider-Man villains.
5 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Metascore: 92
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
When considering The Witcher 3, the game already looked fantastic on the PS4. With its recent next-gen update, the graphics went through the roof with the details on every little feature, from Geralt's face to the hairs on the wolves he always ends up fighting.
This is one example of how the PS5 took a title that was already great and somehow added those finishing touches that made it feel like the player could reach out and touch the people on screen. It's almost like watching an episode of the Netflix show for how authentic the graphics are.
4 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Metascore: 92
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a game many fans were waiting for with bated breath. The next chapter in the retelling of Final Fantasy 7's story is a treat for the ages, featuring some interesting additions to the narrative coupled with an improved combat system and an open world that's a blast to explore.
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