It’s hard to believe, but we have hit the two-year mark of the PlayStation 5. We have seen several stellar PlayStation 5 exclusive titles released in those two years. Unfortunately, it’s been a peculiar console generation so far, with PS5’s still being difficult to find and many of these exclusive first-party titles being released on older hardware. Hopefully, we see more true exclusives released in the next two years. But for now, these are the best PS5 exclusives in our eyes.
Astros Playroom: The Best Pack-in Game Since Wii Sports
Astro’s playroom acts as a tech demo for the PS5 and a pack-in platformer for the system. Consoles rarely release with pack-in titles anymore, and few are as polished as Astro.
The game has you controlling Astro as he navigates the inner workings of your new PS5. He also gives you an excellent history lesson on Sony’s iconic lineup of consoles. Astro’s playroom may only keep you entertained for a few short hours, but it’s time well spent.
Sackboy A Big Adventure: A Big Little Planet
Sackboy: A Big Adventure takes one of Playstation’s favorite characters and puts him in his own single-player adventure. Sackboy is best known for his time in the Little Big Planet series, creating worlds and causing mischief. However, in a Big Adventure, he finally takes center stage as the hero we always knew he could be.
Sackboy isn’t the greatest showcase of the PS5’s capabilities, but it’s a competent platformer nonetheless. Sumo Digital has also done a great job supporting the game, releasing multiple updates after launch. Unfortunately, this is the first time we’ve seen Sackboy outside of Little Big Planet, but we hope it’s not the last.
Gran Turismo 7: The Real Driving Simulator for a New Era
Gran Turismo has been a staple of the PlayStation lineup since the release of its first title in 1997. With Gran Turismo 7, the series is back and better than ever. The team at Polyphony Digital has managed to balance the racing to its finest tuning yet.
Even if you are not a fan of driving sims, GT7 still has a ton to offer with its photo and car collecting mode. GT7 is a game created for car enthusiasts, and the stunning detail delivered by the PS5 is something no racing fan should miss. The multiplayer mode is still there for the true sim racers, and it’s more robust than ever. GT7 is the best racing game available now as a Playstation 5 exclusive.
Returnal: Shoot, Die, Repeat
Look no further if you are looking for a brutal rouge-like with fast-paced gameplay in a gorgeous space setting. Returnal crash lands you on an alien planet, searching for how you got there. Every time you die on the planet, you’re brought back to your ship and forced to start your trip again.
Returnal takes a page out of Hades’ book by making the rouge-like elements a part of the story. When you first land, you find your body, and the protagonist knows she is dying and being brought back before every run.
The story isn’t the only reason Returnal is so special. The fast-paced, punishing combat keeps us returning for one more run.
Demon’s Souls: A Classic Re-Built From the Ground-Up as a PlayStation 5 Exclusive
We had a feeling that leading into its release, the Demon’s Souls remake would be one of the PS5 exclusives. We weren’t wrong.
Demon’s Souls is the brutal third-person action title that launched the Souls-borne genre. However, Blue Points’ remake is more than just a fresh coat of paint. It’s the best way you can enter the Dark Souls universe.
Like the best souls games, Demon’s Souls requires you to be methodical about your play style. One missed block or poorly timed roll will have you facing the death screen and starting your trek from the beginning. We love Demon’s Souls because it brings the PS3 classic into a new era and makes for a perfect entry point into the series. If you’re curious about Elden Ring but think the combat may be too punishing for you, give this one a play on PS Plus.
Ratchet and Clank A Rift Apart: Rifting into the Next Gen
Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart is the first, and maybe only, game on our list that takes full advantage of the PS5 hardware. It’s a true PlayStation 5 exclusive with no version available on the PS4, and it shows.
Insomniac took full advantage of the hardware, making it one of the best-looking and playing games in the past two years. Graphics aside, the addicting gunplay and platforming, mixed with a brilliant story, make Ratchet and Clank a must-play for PS5 owners. We hope to see more games like Ratchet Clank in the next two years as Sony ends support for legacy systems and starts to focus entirely on the PS5. That focus pays off in A Rift Apart; it’s easily one of the best PS5 exclusives.
The Last of Us Part 1: Revisiting the PS3’s Best Game
Many would argue that The Last of Us didn’t need a remake. This PlayStation 3 game was already remastered just a year after its initial release for the PS4. It still runs and plays great today, but in 2022, we received The Last of Us Part 1, a ground-up remake of the original game.
Whether you believe this remake was necessary, there’s no denying the quality of Naughty Dogs’ beloved post-apocalypse world. The characters and settings are some of the best in gaming. The gut-wrenching story and vicious combat are high water marks for gaming, and this version is the best way to experience it. If you’ve never played The Last of Us before and own a PS5, The Last of Us Part 1 is a must-buy.
Horizon Forbidden West: Robot Dinosaur Hunting
Guerilla Games has created two masterpiece open-world titles that have both launched at the worst possible time.
The original Horizon Zero Dawn was a gorgeous futuristic open-world adventure game that launched the same week as the Nintendo Switch’s masterpiece, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. Five years later and it happened again. Its sequel, Forbidden West, launched just a week apart from Elden Ring, which recently won Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
Despite the unfortunate timing, both games are incredible adventure titles worth your time. We loved Forbidden West’s gorgeous world, creative combat, and compelling story. Even after 50 hours in Horizon, we couldn’t wait to return for more robot dinosaurs slaying.
Spider-Man Miles Morales: The Best Spider-Man Game
We ranked Spider-man Miles Morales as our favorite wall-crawling game, and it’s easy to see why. Miles is a relatable protagonist, and the game features a memorable supporting cast. From Miles’s mom to his childhood friend becoming the Tinkerer, every character in this title leaves a lasting impression.
Spider-man Miles Morales keeps the same combat structure as Insomniacs’ original title but throws in extra-suit superpowers to keep it varied. Playing as Miles taking on his first big adventure without Peter Parker is a delight. We can’t wait to see more of them in Insomniacs’ next Spider-man game.
God of War Ragnarok: The Best PS5 Exclusive
God of War Ragnarok is the long-awaited sequel to one of gaming’s highest achievements, God of War 2018. The sequel picks up a few years after the original, with Atreus moving into his pre-teen years and Kratos having learned some patience. The two set out on an epic journey with a cast of misfit gods and Ragnarok looming overhead.
God of War Ragnarok delivered in every way we expected. It may not be able to hit all the highs of the 2018 title, but few games can. The combat in Ragnarok is as addicting as it was in 2018, and the expanded cast makes the epic journey feel larger in scope than 2018 ever did. Even after the 30-hour main story, you’ll be longing to return to the Norse realm and tie up every loose end. After two years with Sonys system, God of War Ragnarok isn’t just the best PS5 exclusive. It is the best game available on Playstation 5.
Wrapping Up
Do you agree with our list? Are you mad we left Destruction All-Stars off of our list? Let us know in the comments your favorite PlayStation 5 exclusive.
