20 Best PS5 Exclusives in 2026 – Ultimate List

Our Picks for PS5 Exclusives

Some exclusive games stand out the moment you start playing. They’re the ones that prove what PlayStation Studios and top partners can do with Sony’s hardware: gorgeous worlds, clever gameplay, and the kind of polish that makes the PS5 feel special.

Here are the three best PS5 exclusives I’d recommend first:

Demon’s Souls (Remake)

SOULSLIKE

A stunning remake of the cult classic. Incredible visuals, lightning-fast loading, and brutal challenge make Demon’s Souls the ultimate way to see what next-gen power feels like.

Returnal

ROGUELIKE

A sci-fi roguelike with intense fights and eerie exploration. Smart use of haptic feedback keeps every shot and dodge feeling sharp as you learn from each run.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

PLATFORMER

Classic Ratchet and Clank adventure with instant rift travel that shows off the SSD. Bright visuals and playful combat make it pure fun.

Pretty great lineup to start, right? And it’s only the beginning. Keep scrolling to discover the full list that shows why these are some of the best games you can own.

20 Best PS5 Exclusives 2025 – Full Must-Play Lineup

Time to go beyond the highlights and dig into every title shaping the PS5 legacy. From the cinematic worlds built by Insomniac Games and Naughty Dog to daring new exclusives with unforgettable release date drops, this is the full lineup that makes Sony’s console special.

How many of these best PS5 exclusives and console-first releases have you played?

Demon’s Souls (Remake) [Best Hardcore Action RPG Challenge]

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• Type of game
• Action RPG / Soulslike
• PS5
• Creator/s

Bluepoint Games (developer), Sony Interactive Entertainment (publisher)

Average playtime 25–60h Best for Players 16+ who love deep challenge and dark fantasy worlds What I liked Jaw-dropping visuals, near-instant loading, and an oppressive but rewarding world Demon’s Souls (Remake)

completely rebuilds the original game that launched the Soulslike genre.

Boletaria’s haunting castles and nightmare bosses return with incredible lighting, 60 fps precision, and near-instant load times.

This was one of the first true console exclusives to flex the PS5’s power, from stunning detail to clever use of the DualSense.

Why we chose it

Few titles feel this polished. The remake captures everything players loved (ruthless combat and eerie exploration) while modernizing visuals and gameplay so it still feels fresh in 2026.

It’s the game that shows how the “Soulslike” genre was born, and why this

Demon’s Souls

remake still tops every tier list, standing as one of the best games on PS5.

My Verdict:

If you’re after a dark expedition with relentless challenge,

Demon’s Souls

remains one of the best games to show what your PS5 can really do. And it’s also among the top PS5 soulslike games.

What do players say?

u/EveryFrameIs ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Load times are super fast and the improved graphics blew me away. The whole world feels alive and haunting at the same time.

u/yegor211 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Demon’s Souls remake is easily the best-looking game on PS5 right now and runs incredibly smooth.

Returnal

Best Roguelike Sci-Fi Shooter

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Third-person roguelike shooter PS5, PC Creator/s Housemarque (developer), Sony Interactive Entertainment (publisher)

• Average playtime
• 20–50h
• Best for
• Players 16+ who want intense gunfights, mystery, and replayability
• What I liked
• Addictive loop of exploration and combat, cinematic atmosphere, incredible haptic feedback

Returnal

• throws you into an alien world as Selene, a lone astronaut trapped in a deadly time loop. Every run means
• exploring strange biomes, collecting temporary power-ups, and surviving unpredictable firefights

against cosmic horrors. The gameplay blends fast, bullet-hell chaos with eerie, cinematic storytelling.

Why we chose it

This isn’t just another shooter. The near-instant respawns thanks to the SSD, the responsive DualSense controller with subtle raindrop sensations, and the 3D audio make each encounter feel personal and intense.

The game also has smart touches like secret rooms, challenging bosses, and a surprising online play feature where you can investigate other players’ corpses for clues.

My Verdict:

If you love fast reflexes, discovering strange alien lore, and games that reward persistence,

Returnal

is one of the best TPS games to truly flex your PS5. Few exclusive games mix this much tension with such slick shooting.

What do players say?

u/Luminiscence ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Every run feels different. The shooting is some of the smoothest I’ve ever played and the atmosphere is incredible.

u/TrueAcheron ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s brutally hard but the DualSense immersion is insane. You can literally feel the rain and every shot.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Best Dimension-Hopping Adventure

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Action platformer / Shooter PS5, PC Creator/s Insomniac Games (developer), Sony Interactive Entertainment (publisher)

• Average playtime
• 12–18h
• Best for
• Players 12+ who love colorful action, clever gameplay, and cinematic set pieces
• What I liked
• Jaw-dropping dimension shifts, creative weapons, and a world that’s pure Pixar-quality fun

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

• is a
• rollercoaster of portals, gadgets, and nonstop action

. You jump between universes in an instant, using over-the-top weapons (think ricocheting buzz saws or a gun that turns enemies into topiaries) while exploring planets full of secrets.

The game’s fast gameplay makes every encounter wild and fresh, and the gorgeous visuals feel like playing a Pixar movie, especially if you’re on one of the best gaming monitors to take in its colors and fluidity.

Why we chose it Few action-adventure titles feel this alive.

Rift Apart uses the PS5’s hardware in ways that older consoles just can’t match: instant travel, breathtaking worlds to explore, and perfectly tuned combat.

The PS5’s SSD powers instant dimension-hopping, and the DualSense controller adds subtle tension to every shot. It’s polished, cinematic, and feels like the ultimate showcase of what next-gen tech can do for exclusive games.

My Verdict:

If you want a fun, fast-paced quest with brilliant gadgets and worlds that look like animated movies, this is a must-have.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

proves why owning a PS5 is worth it.

What do players say?

u/Scythe_Seven ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ The instant world hopping is insane. Zero load times and the combat is super smooth.

u/GigabyteDude ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Looks like a Pixar movie and plays just as good. Weapons are crazy fun and each planet is gorgeous to explore.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth [Best JRPG Reimagined for a New Generation]

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• Type of game
• JRPG / Action RPG
• PS5, PC
• Creator/s

Square Enix (developer & publisher)

• Average playtime
• 50–80h
• Best for
• Players 16+ who want a deep story and massive world to explore
• What I liked
• Gorgeous open areas, revamped combat with synergy moves, emotional character arcs

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• picks up after
• Remake

and finally lets you leave Midgar to roam a vast, beautifully detailed world.

It’s a journey that blends cinematic storytelling with real-time combat, letting you swap characters mid-fight and chain flashy synergy abilities. You’ll explore towns, battle huge bosses, hunt side quests, and get lost in lore-rich regions that feel alive.

Why we chose it

This sequel transforms the beloved classic into a true modern JRPG, keeping its heart but adding free exploration, cinematic production, and fresh gameplay depth that feels designed for PS5.

It’s an experience that balances nostalgia with bold surprises, making the journey feel new even for long-time Final Fantasy fans.

My Verdict:

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

is one of the most ambitious PS5 exclusive JRPGs to date and a must-own for players who want to see this legendary tale reborn in a modern way.

What do players say?

u/DigitalSunrise ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ The world is gorgeous and combat feels great. Fighting machines is tense and satisfying every time.

u/RedtailFox ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ The visuals are breathtaking and the story is even better than the first one. Exploring the new regions is so rewarding.

• Marvel’s
• Spider-Man 2

Best Superhero Open-World Adventure

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• Type of game
• Action / Open-World Superhero
• PS5, PC
• Creator/s

Insomniac Games (developer), Sony Interactive Entertainment (publisher)

• Average playtime
• 25–35h
• Best for
• Players 13+ who love cinematic story and fast, fluid superhero action
• What I liked
• Swinging feels incredible, combat is refined, and the emotional stakes are higher than ever

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

• swings back into
• New York with a bigger map, jaw-dropping visuals, and two heroes to control

. You seamlessly swap between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, each with unique powers and animations.

The city is denser and alive, packed with side content and secrets to uncover. Combat is sharper than in the first game, adding parries and new symbiote moves that make every fight feel fresh.

Why we chose it

This sequel refines everything fans loved while expanding the scope. From the emotional weight of its story to the sheer thrill of swinging across a gorgeous, next-gen New York, it’s a perfect showcase of PlayStation exclusive magic and the high quality Insomniac delivers.

Boss battles are more cinematic, traversal is faster with web wings, and the DualSense makes every swing and punch feel alive. It’s an exciting evolution of a beloved superhero series.

My Verdict:

Anyone looking for the ultimate superhero playground should jump into

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

. It’s fast, heartfelt, and polished. A Marvel’s Spider Man quest that shows how great PS5 action games can be.

What do players say?

u/InsomniacFan21 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Swinging feels better than ever and the dual protagonist idea works great. The story hooked me from the start.

u/venomizedguy ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Symbiote powers are insane and combat feels tighter. City traversal with web wings is so much fun.

Stellar Blade [Best Futuristic Hack-and-Slash Adventure]

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• Type of game
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Shift Up (developer), Sony Interactive Entertainment (publisher)

• Average playtime
• 25–35h
• Best for
• Players 17+ who love stylish combat and cinematic sci-fi adventure
• What I liked
• Fluid swordplay, stunning sci-fi visuals, and fast-paced boss fights

Stellar Blade

• introduces Eve, a warrior
• reclaiming Earth from alien-like creatures in a polished, story-driven hack-and-slash
• built solely for
• PlayStation

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Combat blends fast strikes, parries, and counters, while the world offers cinematic cutscenes and stylish set pieces rarely seen outside established franchises.

Why we chose it

It’s rare to see a brand-new IP launch with this much confidence. This full game proves that newcomers can compete with big names, bringing the success of fresh storytelling and flashy combat to the PS5 library. For a studio’s first game, it feels as polished as long-running series like Ninja Gaiden or Lost Legacy spin-offs.

Beyond its main story, there’s a satisfying progression system, gear upgrades, and optional challenges that reward skillful play. The PS5 hardware shines with ultra-fast loading and stunning visuals, giving fans something fresh after so many sequels.

My Verdict:

If you’re craving a slick, cinematic action game that feels tailor-made for the PS5,

Stellar Blade

delivers razor-sharp combat and unforgettable set pieces that make it stand out among recent hack-and-slash games.

What do players say?

u/AsgardianShield ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Combat feels deeper this time with new weapon skills. The story hit hard — emotional and epic at the same time.

u/MidgardWanderer ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Absolutely gorgeous on PS5. The mix of exploration and intense fights makes every hour feel rewarding.

Astro Bot

Best Joyful Platforming Experience

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• Type of game
• 3D Platformer / Adventure
• PS5
• Creator/s

Team Asobi (developer), Sony Interactive Entertainment (publisher)

• Average playtime
• 10–15h
• Best for
• Players 7+ who enjoy charming worlds and inventive platforming
• What I liked
• Creative levels, perfect DualSense use, and loads of PlayStation nostalgia

Astro Bot

• is a vibrant 3D platformer where you
• guide the tiny hero through inventive levels packed with clever mechanics and Easter eggs

.

Each stage celebrates the history of PlayStation while showing off the DualSense with detailed haptics and adaptive triggers. You’ll jump, glide, and discover a bunch of hidden collectibles while enjoying visuals that feel like a Pixar short come to life.

Why we chose it This game shows how joyful platformers can feel on modern hardware. It expands on Astro’s Playroom by adding longer levels, playful gadgets, and more secrets to find. It’s proof that

Astro Bot

can stand alongside the best mascots in gaming while making full use of the PS5’s tech.

Just relax and play

Astro Bot

with friends or kids, and enjoy its accessibility options and charming vibe.

My Verdict:

Astro Bot

is a love letter to PlayStation fans and a must-play for anyone craving creative platforming. It’s one of the most delightful PS5 options to date.

What do players say?

u/DualSenseDreams ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Every level feels like a celebration of PlayStation history. So much charm and clever use of the controller.

u/PixelCollector ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ It’s short but packed with joy. The DualSense support is the best I’ve felt on any game.

Neptunia ReVerse [Best JRPG Remake for Anime Fans]

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• Type of game
• Turn-Based JRPG / Anime Adventure
• PS5
• Creator/s

Idea Factory & Compile Heart (developer/publisher)

• Average playtime
• 35–60h
• Best for
• Players 12+ who enjoy lighthearted JRPGs with meta humor
• What I liked
• Silly fourth-wall jokes, flashy turn-based combat, and colorful anime worlds

Neptunia ReVerse

• is an enhanced
• PS5
• version of the first
• Hyperdimension Neptunia

game, rebuilt with smoother visuals, better performance, and quality-of-life tweaks.

You’ll explore vibrant maps, build a party of quirky goddesses, and dive into fast-paced, turn-based battles full of over-the-top animations and tongue-in-cheek humor.

It’s also one of the few JRPGs that lovingly pokes fun at the rivalry between Nintendo console and PlayStation.

Why we chose it

This remake isn’t just a visual upgrade. It adds modern systems, rebalanced combat, and expanded party mechanics, making the original feel fresh again. For fans of anime-style JRPGs who missed the first game, this is the easiest way to jump in.

Plus, it runs smoothly on PS5 while still embracing its quirky, self-aware charm that fans adore.

My Verdict:

Neptunia ReVerse

is a playful, anime-filled JRPG that’s great for newcomers or returning fans who want to see this cult series shine with PS5 polish.