A significant number of the best PS5 and PS4 games are exclusive to PlayStation.
We’ve rounded up the best PlayStation exclusives for PS5 and PS4.
If you own a PlayStation console, we’d consider all of these to be must-play experiences.
For more PlayStation game recommendations, check out our roundups of thebest PS5 games so farandbest PS4 games.
See ourAstro’s Playroom review.
Bloodborne features an absolutely haunting and mesmerizing world filled with memorable set pieces, characters, and vicious enemies.
Make no mistake, though: Bloodborne is definitely cut from the same cloth in terms of difficulty.
Bloodborne is also loaded with secrets and sets itself up well for multiple runs.
Though it released back in 2015, Bloodborne still looks and plays as great as ever.
It also happens to be in the PS Plus Collection on PS5.
Death Stranding revolves around making connections in a fractured depiction of America on the verge of collapsing.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut releases September 24 for PS5 and comes with updated visuals and new content.
See ourDeath Stranding review.
Demon’s Souls
The game that started it all.
As a launch game for PS5, Demon’s Souls showed off the immense power of the new console.
Critically, the remake retains the feel of the original game.
Demon’s Souls is a must-play for PS5 owners looking for a challenge.
See ourDemon’s Souls review.
The title is fitting, because you really can follow your dreams and create whatever you want.
Dreams has a staggering level of depth when it comes to the tools at your disposal.
It’s possible to create a full game that looks and plays like a fairly high-end product in Dreams.
It’s a never-ending experience, really.
The remake also shines because of the characters and world.
Whether you’ve played the original or not, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a journey worth taking.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade adds performance enhancements for PS5 as well as a new episode starring Yuffie.
The DLC is also available separately on PS4.
See ourFinal Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade review.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful open-world action game from Sucker Punch Productions.
See ourGhost of Tsushima review.
God of War has a free PS5 upgrade that features up to 4K resolution and 60fps.
PS5 users can play the game for free via the PS Plus Collection.
A sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, releases for PS5 and PS4 next year.
See ourGod of War review.
See ourHorizon Forbidden West review.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best first-party open-world games for PlayStation.
Horizon Zero Dawn stars Aloy, a young warrior who investigates humanity’s downfall.
Horizon Zero Dawn’s story is riveting and the writing is top-notch.
The sequel Horizon Forbidden West is set to release in February 2022 for PS5 and PS4.
See ourHorizon Zero Dawn review.
Infamous: Second Son
Infamous: Second Son was the first must-play exclusive on PS4.
The mainline campaign has a nice variety of missions, fun boss fights, and interesting side quests.
It’s included in the PS Plus Collection for PS5.
See ourInfamous: Second Son review.
See ourKena: Bridge of Spiritsreview.
It also didn’t necessarily need a sequel.
The story is a meditation on revenge.
The dilapidated and dangerous world is beautifully rendered, the score is moving, and the performances are top-notch.
Naughty Dog managed to deliver a game that is at least close to the level of the original.
It’s an unforgettable and unflinching experience that pushes the medium in bold directions.
See ourThe Last of Us Part 2 review.
From both a gameplay and story perspective, Marvel’s Spider-Man is more than worthy of the Spidey name.
See ourMarvel’s Spider-ManandMiles Morales reviews.
Developed by Housemarque, Nex Machina is played from a top-down perspective and resembles old-school arcade games.
Players are tasked with moving through rooms littered with enemies to kill while working toward saving humans.
The gameplay setup presents a formidable challenge that requires fast reflexes and split-second decisions.
Though Nex Machina can be played solo, it’s better as a local co-op experience for two players.
See ourNex Machina review.
Simply put, Persona 5 Royal is the best JRPG on PS4.
See ourPersona 5 Royal review.
Essentially, Ratchet & Clank looks like a native PS4 game.
It’s well worth revisiting the lovable duo’s first journey together.
PS5 owners can play it for free via the PS Plus Collection.
See ourRatchet & Clank review.
Rift Apart makes phenomenal use of the PS5’s features.
It’s a visual spectacle that leads to some really cool gameplay moments.
Rift Apart also uses the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to provide a more immersive combat experience.
See ourRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart review.
Returnal is a roguelike third-person shooter starring an astronaut named Selene who is trying to escape a mysterious planet.
It uses the roguelike formula to tell an engaging and thought-provoking story.
It also uses the formula to deliver a punishing experience that requires trial and error to make progress.
With an emphasis on dodging and nimble gunplay, Returnal harks back to Housemarque’s other games.
It’s a rather novel experience in the AAA space as a roguelike.
Rez Infinite
Rez Infinite is a wonderfully made expanded version of the classic musical rail shooter.
Rez Infinite has an incredible techno-infused soundtrack that is key to making the experience tick.
Along with a great mainline campaign, Rez Infinite has additional modes such as score attack and boss rush.
Although originally released in 2002, Rez feels like a game that was designed with VR in mind.
See ourRez Infinite review.
Shadow of the Colossus is a mysterious game, as you’d expect from Fumito Ueda and Team Ico.
He travels across a lush landscape on horseback searching for colossi.
Determining how to topple the colossi is part of the mystery and requires a bit of ingenuity and platforming.
See ourShadow of the Colossus review.
Uncharted 4 is the standout game of the duo, as it brings Drakes continent-spanning adventure to an end.
See ourUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection review.
See ourUncharted: Nathan Drake Collection review.
Wipeout HD gives players the pure, fast-paced anti-gravity racing experience, with high-tech tracks and cool vehicles.
Meanwhile, Wipeout HD Fury tosses combat into the mix, creating a more action-packed racing game.
See ourWipeout Omega Collection review.
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