Sometimes all you need in life is a little escape from your day-to-day, and that’s where the best PS5 space games come in. The console is full to the brim with games that encourage exploration into the unknown and we’re here to tell you which ones are worth your time.
From hardcore space shooters like Elite Dangerous to sprawling RPG classics like Mass Effect, we’ve got them all. They might not all feature on our best games of all time or best PS5 games lists, but if you’re after pure space, you can’t do better than these titles.
The best space games on PS5 are:
1. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect to most is probably the pinnacle of space games. With its in-depth lore, charismatic characters, immersive soundtrack, and most importantly its engaging storyline, Mass Effect doesn’t hold back.
When you aren’t trying to save the galaxy from the unstoppable giant spider-like monstrosities, you can build bonds, form romantic connections, shop for all the best weapons and armors, and punch a Pyjak in the face. You know, fun stuff.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings together the first three Mass Effect games for everyone to enjoy, all in their stunning, remastered forms. Essentially getting three of the best space games combined into one package, and what’s better than that?
2. Scars Above
Trapped on a desolate planet with nothing but an electrician’s tool and some comfy moon boots, Scars Above follows Dr. Kate Ward as she unravels the secrets of the mysterious Metahedron – a potential threat within Earth’s orbit.
Whether you’re wading through scary swamps or insect-riddled ruins, the world of Scars Above is a stunning one to explore. If you’re an avid third-person shooter fan, you’ll find plenty of enjoyment from blasting alien baddies away with an arsenal of tasty weapon upgrades. Fans of sci-fi movies like Ridley Scott’s Alien or Edge of Tomorrow will get a kick out of this one.
You can read our Scars Above review here.
3. Deliver Us Mars
Set in the near future, Deliver Us Mars relies on the wits of astronaut-in-training Kathy Johanson to save humanity from extinction. In an effort to retrieve vital climate change technology, Kathy embarks on an interstellar voyage to Mars.
Deliver Us Mars’ tranquil atmosphere and puzzle-focused gameplay are a great change of pace from traditional sci-fi shooters. Backed by a fantastic soundtrack and a strong emotional core, Deliver Us Mars will have you looking up to the stars in wonder.
4. No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky certainly didn’t have the best launch, with a lot of key features missing. However, No Man’s Sky is a completely different game these days, thanks to regular updates and expeditions.
No Man’s Sky is such an incredible game that it deserves its place on our best PS5 open world games list. Hello Games also offers PS5 players the ability to upgrade their PS4 physical copy to a digital PS5 copy, free of charge, so if you already have a copy – give it another whirl.
5. Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is not for players looking for a casual space game to sit down and enjoy. It has a very complex control scheme, paired with an equally unfriendly introduction to its game world. However, if you can persevere, this is one of the most impressive space games on PS5.
Elite Dangerous is modeled on the Milky Way galaxy. What is crazy though is that it is the actual size, making this one of the biggest-ever videogame maps. Planets and moons all orbit in real-time, meaning their locations will change not only daily, but every minute. According to the Elite Dangerous Wiki, only 0.036% of the entire map has been discovered so far, leaving the game world filled with as much mystery as actual outer space.
There are over 400 billion star systems to explore and as you can see, players haven’t even scratched the surface of these systems.
6. Chorus
Chorus is a well-put-together little space game, with an intriguing world to explore. The game follows Nara as she tries to face her past and redeem her evil deeds.
Chorus comes to life and shines with its exploration and combat elements. The combat is fast-paced and fluid, making it a lot of fun to engage the various enemies you’ll encounter upon your travels in this dark universe. The weapons hit hard and the adaptive triggers help to suck you into the game world, adding that extra element of flare.
7. The Outer Worlds
One of the best PS5 RPG games, The Outer Worlds has been patched to run even better on the PS5 console. It’s developed by Obsidian and definitely smacks its previous work, Fallout New Vegas.
You’ve crashed on a planet inhabited by corporations and it’s capitalism cranked up to 11 – you can even have your grave sponsored. It’s got all the wacky characters, open world, and cracking faction-led story.
8. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
If you’re a Marvel fan, then this is a must play, so stop reading our Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy review and get playing.
This third-person action-adventure follows Starlord and his band of misfits on a new adventure post-Marvel’s Avenger’s cinematic universe. It’s full of plenty of action, bad jokes, and great banter, which is exactly what you want as a break from the serious space games.
9. Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation isn’t only one of the best space games you can nab on PS5, but the pioneering stalker game based on Ridley Scott’s iconic franchise is one of the best horror games you can terrify yourself with.
Set on space station Sevastapol, Alien Isolation follows Amanda Ripley – a familiar surname for Alien fans – as she searches for the truth behind mother Ellen’s disappearance. Of course, you can’t have a survival horror without a big nasty chasing you and the Gigeresque Xenomorph plays the part perfectly.
Revered for its exquisite AI work, Alien Isolation has become the benchmark for games within its genre. It’s a tense experience that requires expert stealth skills to navigate, and one which will likely require a change of underwear nearby.
10. Deep Rock Galactic
ROCK AND STONE! Deep Rock Galactic has had a long journey since its early access release back in 2018, but developer Ghost Ship Games hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to shipping regular updates for the co-op shooter.
Deep Rock Galactic – the intergalactic mining company your fine dwarven self is working for – is after the spicy minerals found on only the most dangerous dig sites the galaxy has to offer. As one can imagine you won’t just be cultivating cool rocks, as all sorts of alien beasties take great offense to you prospecting their homes.
Whether you’re enjoying one of the best co-op games alone or with pals, DRG’s procedural level design, class-based gameplay, and approachable progression systems make it a blast to play in every sense of the word.
11. Dead Space Remake
For this final installment let’s take the ship-based horror elements from Alien Isolation, and lightly merge them with the mining theming from DRG. The original Dead Space from 2008 is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, set aboard an abandoned mining ship, and Motive Studio – the minds behind 2017’s Star Wars Battlefront 2 remake and Star Wars Squadrons – managed to go above and beyond when remaking this classic space-based adventure.
Everything within the metallic shell of the USG Ishimura has been wonderfully fleshed out here, from gorgeous lighting to major quality-of-life improvements – elements highlighted in our 9/10 Dead Space review. Indeed, Motive’s been able to retain the necromorph-stomping experience of the original Dead Space while amping it up to 11.
And that’s all our PS5 space games recommendations. As galactic new PS5 games arrive in the future, we’ll sink some time into them and add them to this list if we think they’re worthy of your time and your cash.