Best PS5 Games (2026)

What are the best PS5 games in 2026?

TL;DR

Top pick: Elden Ring (~$31) -- the highest-rated PS5 game of all time (Metacritic 96) with hundreds of hours of open-world exploration.
Best new release: Resident Evil Requiem (~$70) -- best-reviewed 2026 launch (Metacritic 92 on PS5) with record-setting 9.5 user score.
Best exclusive: Astro Bot (~$50) -- the definitive PS5 platformer (Metacritic 94), free with new PS5 consoles.

2026 has already delivered exceptional PS5 games including Hades II (93), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (93), and PS5 exclusive Saros (88) from Housemarque. [src4, src3]

Summary

The PS5 library in 2026 is at its peak. Between established masterpieces and an exceptionally strong wave of new releases, there has never been a better time to own Sony's current-gen console. Elden Ring remains the highest-rated PS5 game on Metacritic at 96, while Baldur's Gate 3 (96) matches it in critic consensus. God of War Ragnarok, Astro Bot, and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion continue to define what PS5 exclusives and enhanced experiences can achieve. [src4, src2]

2026 has been a landmark year for new releases. Capcom alone has published three top-ten-rated titles: Resident Evil Requiem (Metacritic 92 on PS5, record 9.5 user score), Monster Hunter Wilds, and Pragmata. Supergiant's Hades II arrived on PS5 in April 2026 with a 93 Metacritic score, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive stunned critics with a 93 and the highest user score on the platform (9.7). Housemarque's PS5 exclusive Saros launched April 30 to an 88 Metacritic, making it the studio's highest-rated game ever. [src6, src7]

Looking ahead, GTA 6 is confirmed for November 2026, and Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games is also expected this year. The PS5 Pro Enhanced program means many of these titles look and perform better than ever on the upgraded hardware. [src1, src3]

Top 12 Games Compared

GameDeveloperGenrePriceMetacriticPS5 Exclusive?Best ForBuy
Elden RingFromSoftwareAction RPG~$3196NoBest overall Check price
Astro BotTeam AsobiPlatformer~$5094YesBest exclusive Check price
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33Sandfall InteractiveTurn-based RPG~$4993NoBest new RPG Check price
Hades IISupergiant GamesRoguelike~$3093NoBest roguelike Check price
Resident Evil RequiemCapcomSurvival Horror~$7092NoBest horror Check price
God of War RagnarokSanta Monica StudioAction/Adventure~$2994TimedBest action/adventure Check price
Marvel's Spider-Man 2Insomniac GamesAction/Adventure~$5090YesBest superhero Check price
SarosHousemarqueRoguelike Shooter~$6088YesBest PS5 exclusive 2026 Check price
Final Fantasy VII RebirthSquare EnixAction RPG~$3692TimedBest JRPG Check price
Monster Hunter WildsCapcomAction RPG~$2888NoBest co-op Check price
ReturnalHousemarqueRoguelike Shooter~$2986YesBest value exclusive Check price
Helldivers 2ArrowheadCo-op Shooter~$4082TimedBest multiplayer Check price

Best for Each Use Case

Best Overall: Elden Ring (~$31) -- Check price

The highest-rated PS5 game on Metacritic at 96, Elden Ring delivers hundreds of hours of open-world exploration, challenging combat, and discovery across the Lands Between. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC (Metacritic 94) adds substantial endgame content. FromSoftware's masterpiece offers complete freedom of movement -- when stuck, you can explore elsewhere and always find something incredible. GamesRadar called it one of the best open-world games of the modern era. [src2, src4]

Best PS5 Exclusive: Astro Bot (~$50) -- Check price

Game of the Year 2024 winner with a 94 Metacritic score. GamesRadar ranks it the number one PS5 game for its finely tuned movement, carefully balanced difficulty, and celebratory showcase of PlayStation's legacy. TechRadar calls it "perhaps the most polished platformer ever made." Comes free with new PS5 consoles via the Astro Bot bundle. [src2, src3]

Best New Release 2026: Resident Evil Requiem (~$70) -- Check price

The best-rated mainline Resident Evil in over 20 years. Metacritic 92 on PS5 with a record-setting 9.5 user score -- the highest user score on the entire Metacritic platform. Grace Ashcroft's first-person survival horror segments rank among the most terrifying content Capcom has produced, while Leon Kennedy's third-person action sequences carry the franchise's combat legacy. Visually stunning with excellent exploration and puzzles. [src7, src3]

Best RPG: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (~$49) -- Check price

Metacritic 93 with the highest user score on the platform at 9.7. Sandfall Interactive's debut features visually spectacular art direction, deep active turn-based combat, brilliant voice performances, and a gripping narrative. TechRadar gave it top marks for its exciting, rewarding combat system and sombre storytelling. [src3, src4]

Best Roguelike: Hades II (~$30) -- Check price

Supergiant Games' sequel arrived on PS5 April 14, 2026 with a 93 Metacritic score. As Melinoe, the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you battle the Titan of Time with deeper combat, new locations, and an endlessly replayable structure. Combat is faster, deeper, and more varied than the original, with distinct tactical choices that reward dozens of runs. Note: Hades II is a digital-only release on PS5 (no physical disc); purchase via the PlayStation Store. [src4, src5]

Best Action/Adventure: God of War Ragnarok (~$29) -- Check price

TechRadar's number one PS5 game. The critically acclaimed sequel follows Kratos and Atreus through the Nine Realms with emotive storytelling, clever combat evolutions, and massive scope. A single-player epic that is "often as brutal as it is poignant." PS5 Pro Enhanced for improved visuals. [src3, src1]

Best PS5 Exclusive 2026: Saros (~$60) -- Check price

Housemarque's latest PS5 exclusive launched April 30, 2026 to an 88 Metacritic score -- the studio's highest-rated game ever, surpassing Returnal (86). A lean fusion of roguelike sci-fi action and eldritch horror with Housemarque's signature bullet-ballet combat. Push Square called it "Housemarque at the peak of its powers." [src6, src1]

Best JRPG: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (~$36) -- Check price

Metacritic 92 with exceptional narrative design, fluid combat, and captivating character chemistry. A much larger and more substantial slice of action and open-world exploration than Remake. TechRadar praised its gorgeous world and excellent combat system. PS5 console exclusive (timed). [src3, src4]

Best Co-op: Monster Hunter Wilds (~$28) -- Check price

Capcom's most accessible Monster Hunter yet with a seamless open world, breathtaking seasonal changes, and the new Focus Mode system. Push Square gave it 9/10. Playable solo with AI companions but arguably best in online co-op. TechRadar praised its "all killer, no filler" campaign. [src3, src1]

Best Multiplayer: Helldivers 2 (~$40) -- Check price

The breakout co-op phenomenon of the PS5 generation. Four-player squad-based combat against alien hordes with friendly fire, strategic loadouts, and a community-driven galactic war metagame. Still actively supported with new content in 2026. PS5 console exclusive (timed). [src1, src2]

Best Value Exclusive: Returnal (~$29) -- Check price

Housemarque's PS5 exclusive roguelike shooter that defined the console's early generation. Metacritic 86 with lightning-fast combat, DualSense haptic feedback showcase, and a haunting sci-fi narrative. Now available at budget pricing. The spiritual predecessor to Saros. [src1, src3]

Best Superhero Game: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (~$50) -- Check price

PS5 exclusive from Insomniac Games with two playable Spider-Men, the symbiote storyline, and a massive open-world New York City. Metacritic 90. Near-instant load times and stunning visuals showcase PS5 hardware. [src2, src1]

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Elden Ring vs God of War Ragnarok

Both are consensus top PS5 games but offer fundamentally different experiences. Elden Ring (Metacritic 96) provides unmatched exploration freedom and challenging combat across hundreds of hours, while God of War Ragnarok (94) delivers a tightly directed, emotive narrative experience in a 30-40 hour campaign. Elden Ring has more replay value; Ragnarok has a more accessible difficulty curve. [src3, src2]

Pick Elden Ring if: you want open-world freedom, challenging combat, and 200+ hours of content.
Pick God of War Ragnarok if: you prefer a directed narrative, accessible difficulty, and a cinematic experience.

Resident Evil Requiem vs Saros

Both are standout 2026 releases but target different audiences. Resident Evil Requiem (Metacritic 92) is a carefully crafted survival horror experience mixing first-person terror with third-person action. Saros (88) is a fast-paced roguelike shooter from Housemarque with arcade-style replayability. Requiem is a one-playthrough narrative; Saros is designed for dozens of runs. [src7, src6]

Pick Resident Evil Requiem if: you want a cinematic horror narrative with exploration and puzzles.
Pick Saros if: you want replayable arcade combat with roguelike progression.

Astro Bot vs Returnal

Both are PS5 exclusives from Sony's first-party studios but couldn't be more different. Astro Bot (94) is a joyful, family-friendly platformer celebrating PlayStation history. Returnal (86) is an intense, punishing roguelike shooter with a dark sci-fi atmosphere. Astro Bot is 8-12 hours; Returnal is 20-30+ hours with roguelike loops. [src2, src3]

Pick Astro Bot if: you want a polished, accessible platformer suitable for all ages.
Pick Returnal if: you want challenging, high-intensity combat with a mysterious narrative.

Hades II vs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Both scored 93 on Metacritic but represent different RPG traditions. Hades II is a fast-paced roguelike with Greek mythology, designed for short runs and gradual progression. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a 40+ hour turn-based RPG with a linear narrative, deep combat systems, and spectacular art direction. [src4, src3]

Pick Hades II if: you want fast action in short sessions with roguelike replayability.
Pick Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 if: you want a deep, narrative-driven turn-based RPG.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth vs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Two exceptional RPGs competing for the same audience in 2026. FF7 Rebirth (92) offers an action-RPG hybrid system with open-world exploration and beloved characters. Clair Obscur (93) is a new IP with active turn-based combat and a darker, more melancholic tone. FF7 Rebirth has more content; Clair Obscur has a tighter, more focused experience. [src3, src4]

Pick Final Fantasy VII Rebirth if: you love JRPG traditions, open-world exploration, and the FF7 universe.
Pick Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 if: you want a fresh RPG with interactive turn-based combat and stunning art.

Decision Logic

If user wants the single best PS5 game regardless of genre

→ Elden Ring (~$31). Highest Metacritic score on PS5 (96), consensus pick across all major outlets. Hundreds of hours of content at a now-discounted price. [src4]

If user just got a PS5 and wants to start with exclusives

→ Astro Bot (often free with new PS5), then God of War Ragnarok, then Marvel's Spider-Man 2. These three showcase what PS5 can do: haptic feedback, fast loading, and visual fidelity. [src3]

If user wants the best 2026 releases only

→ Resident Evil Requiem (92), Hades II (93), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (93), Saros (88), Pragmata (new IP from Capcom), and Monster Hunter Wilds (if not played in late 2025). [src6, src7]

If budget is under $30 per game

→ Hades II (~$30, PS Store digital), Returnal (~$29), and watch for PS Store sales -- Elden Ring (~$31) and God of War Ragnarok (~$29) are already discounted from their $50-70 list prices. PS Plus Extra subscribers get access to many of these titles at no additional cost. [src1]

If user prefers multiplayer or co-op

→ Helldivers 2 for squad-based co-op shooting, Monster Hunter Wilds for co-op action RPG hunting, or Elden Ring for Souls-style co-op/PvP. [src1, src3]

Default recommendation

→ Elden Ring (~$31). Safest pick when user preferences are unknown -- highest critical score, massive content, reasonable price, and broad genre appeal. If user dislikes difficult games, recommend God of War Ragnarok or Astro Bot instead. [src4]

Important Caveats