All PS5 exclusives – playable and new exclusives in 2023

What are the PS5 exclusives? If there’s one thing Sony has always done well, it’s providing brilliant bespoke titles that are only available on its platforms. Leveraging fast-as-you-like SSD speeds and gargantuan power to deliver 4K HDR graphics directly to your eyeballs, we’re seeing more beautiful worlds being created than ever before on PlayStation 5. These come in the form of remasters of beloved franchises, new entries in continuing series, and completely new PS5 exclusives built from the ground up for Sony’s system.

Needless to say, it’s a great time to wield one of the best PS5 controllers as you while away the hours on PS5. It should come as no surprise that many of the titles on this list have made their way not only onto our best PS5 games list but also onto our broader best games list that encompasses the very best experiences you can enjoy on console. While all of the games on here are exclusive to the PS5 console – sorry, Xbox enjoyers – you will find a few of them on PC. So, here is a comprehensive list of all PS5 exclusives that are both out now and coming out in the future. If you want to know what other non-exclusive titles are coming to the PS5, then familiarize yourself with our new PS5 games guide.

The PS5 exclusives are:

1. Final Fantasy 16

The Final Fantasy series is a staple for JRPG enthusiasts, so there’s no doubt a lot of people waited with bated breath to get their grubby little paws on Final Fantasy 16. Final Fantasy 16 takes place in a fantasy-inspired world called Valisthea — a land controlled by six different factions.

Mothercrystals are mountains of crystals that litter the land and allow those who live around them to conjure magic that allows them to lead luxurious and comfortable lives. Yet, there’s a blight on the way, and it is going to put a strain on the peace kept up by factions who have upheld the status quo. Referred to as “an incredible experience” by our very own Callum Self in our Final Fantasy 16 review, it’s clear that Clive Rosfield’s epic adventure has a lot to offer. It’s also one of the few games to be awarded a rare 10/10 score from us here at The Loadout.

2. God of War

2018’s God of War reboot turned out to be one of the best decisions Sony ever made. Shifting from the Greek mythology that Kratos’s original adventures were based on to Norse, the follicularly-liberated divinity is now a father – and his son, Atreus, is no normal kid (though this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone).

The rebooted game is set many years after Kratos has gone to town on the denizens of Olympus, and follows the father-son duo as they head to the highest peak in the nine realms so they can scatter the ashes of Faye – Kratos’s second wife and Atreus’s mother.

God of War has a very different vibe from the games of old, taking a more narrative-driven route that places the camera closer to Kratos, switching up the overall feel of the series’ gameplay. The result is one of the best cinematic experiences that you can enjoy on the PS5 (as well as the PS4 it was originally launched on).

3. God of War Ragnarok

There’s just no end to top-tier Sony exclusives, and what better evidence is there than the follow-up to God of War (2018), Sony Santa Monica’s break-out reboot of the series? God of War Ragnarok is so good, in fact, that Kayleigh even called it “a serious GOTY contender” in our God of War Ragnarok review.

Kratos and Atreus are out to stop the end of the world, known to the Norse as “Ragnarok.” After the events of the first game, people are angry at Kratos, but when aren’t they? Unsurprisingly, the sins of the father come back to haunt the pair throughout the story which is once again set against the backdrop of Norse mythology.

4. Astro’s Playroom

Astro’s Playroom is a platforming experience with a twist: the levels are all themed around parts of the PS5 console — SSD Speedway, CPU Plaza, Memory Meadow, and more. Not only will you platform your way through each level, but there are leaderboard and speedrunning features built in too. If that’s not your thing, take your time and find all the easter eggs lying around as you search out other astrobots acting out scenes from PlayStation franchises like God of War.

Packaged free with every PS5 console, Astro’s Playroom might seem like a glorified tech demo due to its use of DualSense features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, but it’s also a great experience for PlayStation lovers, and the first one you should play when you unbox that shiny new console.

5. Death Stranding Director’s Cut

Death Stranding is quite the surreal experience indeed – though what would you expect from the brain of Hideo Kojima? In a post-apocalyptic world plagued by supernatural phenomena, players assume the role of Sam Porter Bridges, a courier tasked with connecting isolated communities.

In the PS5-exclusive Director’s Cut, Kojima Productions has added a ton of new customization options, quality-of-life features, and even a revamp of the base game’s combat. As such, if you’re after for the definitive way to experience this last-gen masterpiece then you’re looking right at it.

6. Demon’s Souls

A long-time request from fans of the Souls series, Demon’s Souls is a great choice for those looking for more FromSoftware fun — if you can call it that. Atmospheric, moody, and medieval, Demon’s Souls was a cult hit that was released on PS3, but it wouldn’t be until the release of Dark Souls in 2011 that it developed an audience.

For the longest time, Demon’s Souls was locked to PS3 hardware and all the frame drops that came with it, but now it’s back and remastered by Bluepoint Games, which did the brilliant Shadow of the Colossus remaster, so there is no better way to experience the title that kicked off the Soulsborne series than on the PS5. It has snazzy graphics, options for prioritizing frame rate or resolution, a moody atmosphere, and dying. Lots of dying.

7. Destruction AllStars

Destruction AllStars is what happens if you place Destruction Derby in a futuristic arena with Apex Legends characters and let them have at it. Smash, crash, and Grand Theft Auto yourself to victory as you leap from car to car while avoiding getting smushed to stay in the game, all the while trying to do the same to the competition.

Up to 16 players in multiplayer can join the chaos across several different game modes ranging from casual to ranked to events as they destroy other players’ vehicles in a bid to be the last person standing. Destruction AllStars was free to PS Plus subscribers who own a PS5, so you might even have it in your collection.

8. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet and Clank are back in the puntastic Rift Apart for PS5. This two-decade-old series keeps it fresh with gorgeous graphics and CGI cutscenes, and a new story that has you racing across dimensions, time, and space to take down an evil emperor hell-bent on mayhem.

Harnessing the power of the PS5, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart throws you into new levels with lightning speed, and the PS5’s DualSense features are made adroit use of. Give the DualSense’s trigger a half pull and your pistol will fire a single accurate shot; pull it down all the way and unleash a hail of bullets. If you’re keen on third-person action platformers, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on PS5 is a great place to start.

9. Returnal

Demon’s Souls might have popularised the hard-as-nails formula, but Returnal adds roguelike elements, 4K HDR, and the lightning-quick arcade gameplay that Housemarque is known for. A crash-landed astronaut lost in space, you’ll die over and over again as you try to work out what’s happening on your new home planet and why oh why you just can’t stop coming back to life after getting killed by all those alien thingies.

The first ‘proper’ exclusive for PS5 that hasn’t been on any other platform, you’ll battle through different environments and levels that change each time you die. Each time you find new items and weapons, they will then be unlocked for future runs. You’ll die over and over again looking for that perfect run, but when it happens you’ll have sweaty palms as you kill a boss with only a sliver of your health bar left intact. It’s roguelike on steroids.

10. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

One of the best-regarded games from the PS4 is now exclusive to the PS5 in updated graphics form as Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. It’s the same game at its core but with updated environments, models, shadows, and the inclusion of ray tracing for that realistic touch. Did we mention that Yuri Lowenthal is now recast as Spider-Man?

3D spatial audio and a wealth of other additions mean that this is the best way to experience the game, whether you’ve never played it before or you’ve got a web-slinging hankering to drop in on some goons around New York City, pummeling the villainous ways out of them.

11. Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales

Spider-Man Miles Morales may also be on the PS4, but let’s be honest, it’s best to play it on the PS5, where it has many of the same enhancements and additions as Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.

Miles Morales has a more condensed story than the first game and is more of a spin-off, but that doesn’t mean a dip in quality. Players take the role of the eponymous rookie spider-dude Miles as he seeks vengeance for his police officer father’s death at the hands of some of those goons we mentioned earlier. In some ways, it has a more lived-in feel than the original, too, but fans of Marvel’s universe won’t want to skip it as it does follow on and progress the original’s story, which you’ll want to know for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

12. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 hails the Web-slinging return of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they now team up to fight the series’ villains once again. While this initially kicks off with the arrival of Kraven, it doesn’t take long for a number of the Spider-Man 2 villains to also materialize.

In our Spider-Man 2 review, Callum calls it “the ultimate PS5 exclusive”, so you know that if there’s one game on this list that you need to get onto sharpish, it’s this one. Oh, and like Final Fantasy 16, Spider-Man 2 is also part of the very exclusive club of games to get a 10/10 score from us. It’s a must-play.

13. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

A samurai slasher telling the tale of Japanese warrior Jin Sakai as he fights to save his small island from a Mongolian onslaught, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is the essential way to play this mammoth open-world Sony exclusive. Sneak up on and dispatch enemies ninja-style or call them out in the open like a true samurai — either way, there’s a great story and side missions aplenty in this flair-filled action RPG.

Though available on the PS4, The Director’s Cut on PS5 has features not available anywhere else due to the sheer power of the thing. Due to the PlayStation 5’s ability to render cutscenes in real-time, for example, there is now lip sync available for the Japanese voiceover of the game for all those Nippon purists. There’s also haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support, 3D audio enhancements, and super-fast load times.

14. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Square Enix’s fabled Final Fantasy needs no introduction, especially the seventh entry in the series. But now, there’s a remake and an upgrade to that remake called Intergrade exclusive to the PlayStation 5 (and PC). It’s not a straight port, though, and there are new twists and turns along the way for those who have played the original — this is a remake in every sense of the word.

Not only does Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade remake the original as a third-person real-time/turn-based hybrid experience similar to that of Final Fantasy 15. Intergrade also adds a new episode to the remake where players take control of Yuffie in a bid to take down Shinra Electric Power Company.

15. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Also on PC and PS4 is Kena: Bridge of Spirits, but this is better suited to the big screen as it has vibrant CGI cutscenes that rival a Disney animation and a fantastic-looking world. A story-driven title, you take control of Kena, a spirit guide who explores the world and helps free trapped spirits from their torment.

There’s combat, exploration, and puzzles galore as she uncovers secrets hidden away in a small forest community. Collectible hunters will have a field day finding lore and items hidden around the various levels, and there’s no getting past those ever-so-cute Rot creatures that follow you after you find and free them. You can even equip them with funny little hats.

15. Forspoken

One of the PlayStation 5’s most anticipated original IPs published by Square Enix, Forspoken transports players from modern-day New York City to a fantasy world called Athia. The role-playing adventure will give you the ability to use magic as a weapon in a bid to take down a group of evil sorcerers, while also exploring a fantastic-looking open-world landscape.

For all its initial hype, we were certainly less enamored by Frey’s adventure, awarding it a paltry five out of ten in our Forspoken review. While Callum thinks its combat system is “exhilarating”, it is ultimately hampered by “flimsy narrative threads and poor pacing.”

16. Horizon: Forbidden West

Guerrilla Game’s second outing in the Horizon series, Horizon Forbidden West takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of the western United States that’s absolutely chock full of rampant robot dinosaurs. Horizon Zero Dawn was a huge hit, garnering critical acclaim, and the sequel has achieved the same.

This time, Aloy explores a fresh setting as she attempts to uncover more secrets of the Old Ones. New gameplay features such as underwater exploration have been added, as well as better combat, more terrain traversal options, new climbing mechanics, and lots more.

In our Horizon Forbidden West review, Kyle notes its “breath-taking graphics and fantastic character work” – how’s that for an endorsement?

17. Horizon Call of the Mountain – PSVR 2

If Horizon Forbidden West isn’t enough to satiate your hunger for third-person dino-robot action, then Horizon Call of the Mountain might just be what you’re looking for, especially if you’re into VR.

The title is a PSVR 2 exclusive taking place in the world of Horizon that Guerrilla describes as being designed to “embrace a new level of immersion in a unique experience, designed to push hardware technology, innovation, and gameplay.”

In our Horizon Call of the Mountain review, Jordan says that it’s “an awesome showcase for the PSVR2, but the immersive climbing is overshadowed by a dull narrative.”

18. Gran Turismo 7

Sony’s original racing series, Gran Turismo made its PS5 debut in 2022 with Grant Turismo 7 – its first proper outing since Gran Turismo Sport in 2017. While the absence of a true single-player story mode in GT Sport was noted, GT7 represents a return to form for career mode enjoyers.

A serious simulator, Gran Turismo 7 aims to give fans of the genre a fully packaged experience. A single-player career, car tuning, Livery Editor, and Scapes modes have all been announced, allowing players to customize their rides inside and out to their heart’s content, then pose for 4K HDR ray-traced photographs in varying worldwide locales.

19. Sackboy A Big Adventure

Sackboy A Big Adventure was one of the PS5’s launch titles, and the delightful 3D platformer developed by Sumo Digital holds up well to this day. It stars Sackboy, the lovable protagonist from the LittleBigPlanet series, who’s on a new adventure filled with creative challenges. The game offers a mix of cooperative and solo play, where players traverse whimsical worlds, solve puzzles, and battle quirky enemies while snagging collectibles and costumes to customize the titular character with.

20. Tchia

If you love the best PS5 open-world games, then Tchia’s gorgeous sandbox is a place you definitely need to spend some time exploring. This physics-driven adventure game will place you in the shoes of Tchia, a young girl who embarks on a journey to rescue her father from the evil ruler of the tropical archipelago you will get to explore throughout.

21. The Last of Us Part 1

The Last of Us has widely been hailed as one of the best games of all time, and PS5 players can smugly enjoy the fact that the 2022 remake remained exclusive to Sony’s console. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection that has turned humanity into violent zombie-like creatures, The Last of Us Part 1 follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, two survivors who must navigate a harsh and dangerous landscape.

While the PS5 remake doesn’t switch up the narrative as the Final Fantasy 7 remake does, you’ll be treated to a slew of visual upgrades, quality of life additions – many of which have been incorporated from The Last of Us Part 2 – and the inclusion of PS5-specific features such as DualSense haptics and 3D Audio.

The Last of Us Part 1 is yet another PS5 exclusive to get a rare 10/10 score from us, and you can read Echo Apsey’s TLOU Part 1 review to see exactly how this remake makes an all-time great, greater.

22. The Last of Us Part 2

Half a decade has passed since the conclusion of The Last of Us Part 1, and The Last of Us Part 2 features a now-adult Ellie and an aging Joel as they live a life of relative tranquility in the settlement belonging to Joel’s brother, Tommy. However, after a horrific event rocks Ellie to her core, she sets out on an adventure fueled by vengeance.

Once again, Naughty Dog has excelled at crafting a heart-wrenching post-apocalyptic narrative, with critics piling on the praise. Over on Metacritic, it has received the ‘must-play’ accolade, sitting pretty with a Metascore in the 90s. Though it has yet to get the PS5 upgrade treatment TLOU Part 1 received in 2022, TLOU Part 2 holds up excellently – it really won’t need nearly as much work to bring it to the current-gen console as its prequel.

22. Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection

The Last of Us isn’t the only Naughty Dog series that’s gotten some love for PS5. 2016’s Uncharted 4 and 2017’s Uncharted The Lost Legacy have been juiced up for current-gen consumption, meaning you can experience the treasure-hunting adventures of Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer in the best possible quality. You’ll also get all those lovely PS5-exclusive features, including DualSense haptics and 3D Audio.

In Uncharted 4, Nathan and his brother Sam set off to Madagascar in search of Libertalia, a pirate utopia that is said to have Captain Henry Avery’s long-lost treasure deep within. It’s an absolute banger and has even been awarded the Metacritic ‘must-play’ accolade.

While The Lost Legacy may not have been quite as brilliant as its predecessor, it still managed a ‘Generally Favorable’ Metascore in the mid-80s – it’s still a great game. Here you’ll see the return of Chloe Frazer, who debuted back in Uncharted 2, as she hunts for the Tusk of Ganesh. Finding the tusk is a tough task for a solo adventurer, which is why you’ll also be joined by ex-mercenary Nadine Ross.

23. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Remake

Knights of the Old Republic is legendary in videogame history. It’s that game all your friends talk about and tell you that ‘you just have to play it.’ Released in 2003 on the original Xbox and PC only, The KotOR remake currently in the works is, ironically, a PS5 console exclusive.

The remake is in development by Aspyr, the team responsible for porting classics like Star Wars Jedi Knight and Star Wars Republic Commando, so chances are it’s going to be a decent offering. But this isn’t just a port; this is a full remake. Aspyr is “rebuilding” the game from the ground up with the “latest tech.” The KotOR remake was first announced at the PlayStation Showcase in September 2021, so it will likely be a while before any further details emerge on when the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic release date will be.

24. Marvel’s Wolverine

A 54-second trailer is all we have to go on for Wolverine’s PS5 exclusive Marvel jaunt. It depicts the aftermath of a bar brawl where the denizens have been… incapacitated by a brooding Wolverine, who sits lonesome at the bar sipping at his drink. We know it’s Wolverine because he unsheaths his claws when a knife-wielding bad guy approaches him before the trailer fades to black.

Details may be thin for now, but be sure to keep tabs on our Marvel’s Wolverine release date guide for the latest news and info.

25. Death Stranding 2

If you’re wondering why we haven’t stashed Death Stranding 2 next to the Director’s Cut of the original on this list that’s because it hasn’t actually launched yet.

We still don’t know an awful lot about the sequel yet, though we have at least gotten a sneak peek of it via a teaser trailer showcased at The Game Awards 2022. From what we can tell, several years have passed since Death Stranding as Sam is looking much greyer in the hair department. Of course, it’s a Kojima game, so he could very well have slathered on the Just For Men instead. Product placement people, product placement.

For now, keep up to date with the latest news and updates in our Death Stranding 2 release date guide, and check out the full Death Stranding 2 cast that’s been confirmed so far.

And that’s it. That’s every single PS5 console exclusive that is either out or coming out that we know about. There will be more games announced, and when that happens or we get a release date for the ones already on the list, we’ll come back and update it. One thing is clear, though: if Sony releases any more exclusives, we’re gonna need a bigger boat.

If you’re looking to take full advantage of the hottest PS5 exclusives, then you’re going to definitely want some of the best PS5 accessories that make use of the console’s exclusive features. You can thank us later.