The 12 Best PS5 Games to Play Right Now

After many delays, denies, and disappointments, many of you have finally been able to secure your PS5 through the madness. Now that you have your console, the next step is to treat yourself to some new gaming experiences, and you may be thinking about what games are available to play right now. While backward compatibility is an option, (and probably the most abundant at this point), it doesn’t hurt to try out some of the newer games that have been made solely for the PS5. These games can potentially give you an idea of what your future game experiences could be like.

If none of the current PS5 games interest you, then you can always choose to take it back in time with a large number of games in the PS4 library carrying over through that backward compatibility option. These games will look very different on the PS5 through stunning visuals and enhanced gameplay. So while you may be playing an ‘old game,’ the PS5 version could very well give you a fresh experience.

Whether you are looking for a shooting game, a survival-of-the-fittest game, or even something that is family-friendly, there is a PS5 game for everybody. That being said, our experts at ONE37pm put together a list of 12 games that you can try out on your new console right now and in the near future. 

Release Date: January 20th, 2021

Developer: IO Interactive

Releasing on January 20th, Hitman 3 is the eighth main installment of the popular Hitman series and the third and final installment of the World of Assassination trilogy. The game is also a celebration of the series’ 20th anniversary. While we still aren’t clear as to what exactly this Hitman 3 is about, we do know that Agent 47 will be returning to kick butt in this closer as he takes on a new set of locations and scenery. Gamers will get their choice of purchasing either the standard or deluxe editions, with the latter offering a different selection of suits for the agent himself. The early reviews of this game seem to lean towards the positive sign, and teasers show that this game is yet another new-and-improved extension of the classic Hitman series we have become familiar with over these last two decades.

Release Date: November 12th, 2020

Developer: Sumo Digital, XDev

A spinoff of the Little Big Planet series, SackBoy is an example of some of those family-friendly games we mentioned earlier in this article. In this game, you can choose to either ride solo, or put together a team of two to four people as you battle through thrilling challenges in an unpredictable race against time. Sackboy brings the charm as you battle through multiple levels of epic adventures, and the realistic visuals add to the game’s immersive experience. It is hard not to love a game like SackBoy, and ultimately you will end up getting addicted whether you want or not. Once again, this is one of those fun games that can entertain the entire family, so if you want some Friday night entertainment for the entire gang, Sackboy is the move.

Release Date: November 12th, 2020

Developer: Insomniac Games

In all honesty, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is probably one of the biggest reasons why people have chosen to get the PS5 as the game was highly anticipated. One of the most appealing things about Miles Morales is the diversity element of this game. Spider-Man delivered that representation beautifully, which is probably why so many people have been able to connect with this game on a more personal level. The game also dove into the background of the Spider-Man origins, further adding to its impressive gameplay. Now Miles Morales is available for PS4, but many have already noticed the difference between the PS4 version and the PS5 one. The graphics on the PS5 are insane, and it almost makes you feel like you are watching an actual Spider-Man film in a theater. One thing is for sure; Miles Morales is definitely worth the investment for a PS5.

Release Date: July 17th, 2020

Developer: Sucker Punch Productions

Ghost of Tsushima was beautiful on Playstation 4 and looks even better on the Playstation 5. An action-adventure game, the story follows samurai Jin Sakai as he embarks on a journey to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol Invasion of Japan. The PS5 increase to 60 FPS has significantly added to a game that was already considered near-perfect with its incredible storyline, challenging combat, seamless transitions, and originality. There is a reason why this game was causing fury towards the late summer, and the hype definitely succeeded its expectations. Ghost of Tsushima remains the real deal and a must-try on the PS5.

Release Date: November 12th, 2020

Developer: Bluepoint Games

A challenging game with a tiny bit of dark humor, Demon’s Souls, is an action role-playing adventure perfect for those that love anything with a horror element. A remake of the 2009 version, the updated version features new modes, weapons, and armor, as players try to save the kingdom of Boletaria by removing a dark force known as the ‘Old One.’ Many believe the remake to be a major improvement from the original, noting that the game runs a lot smoother on the PS5 as opposed to the PS3.  Just like with movies, game remakes can be a hit or miss. That said, Demon’s Souls will be a great case study on how to successfully revamp a game to fit a more modern era while not eliminating the very things that made it great in the first place. 

Release Date: November 13th, 2020

Developer: Trey Arch & Raven Software

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a solid game that isn’t underrated or overrated. Cold War lives in its own space, and Trey Arch didn’t disappoint us with this title. In our opinion, this game is totally better than it predecessor Modern Warfare. Cold War is a moment that we have all been excited about, and the fire zombies mode is one that we have desired for a long time. The game is set in the 1980s, centering around the hunt of Perseus, a Soviet Spy with a mission to destabilize the United States while increasing the power of the Soviet Union. Like with all the other PS5 games, the optics and gameplay are on point, so you won’t be disappointed with the purchase.

Release Date: September 4th, 2020

Developer: Visual Concepts

I know NBA 2K21 may seem like an obvious choice, but there were quite a few people who opted to wait until the official Playstation 5 release before buying the game. My friend was one of those people—she wouldn’t go anywhere near 2K21 prior to the PS5 drop, and waited patiently until she was able to get her console before snagging this game. While this may seem a bit extreme, the upgrade was well worth it as 2K21 took a huge leap graphically with the transition. The Next Gen MYCAREER mode also offered players the ability to play college for four years, or jump straight into the G-League from high school. Many 2K fans have been satisfied with the PS5 edition of this latest installment, and we recommend all sports gaming fans give it a try.

Release Date: November 12th, 2020

Developer: Team ASOBI! & Japan Studio

Joining the list of the limited amount of next-gen releases developed specifically for PS5, Astro’s Playroom is a 3D platformer game that serves as a sequel to Astro Bot Rescue Mission. Not only is Astro’s Playroom wildly entertaining, it automatically comes pre-loaded into the PS5, so you basically get to play the game for free (which is helpful because you have already dropped a pretty penny to buy your console and equipment). Astro’s Playroom was pretty much created as a testing demo for the accompanying DualSense controller, but nothing about the game feels like a demo. Astro’s Playroom is an enjoyable game that allows you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the PS5 without spending any additional money or resources. A win-win situation if you ask us.

Release Date: November 10th, 2020

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Another highly anticipated PS5 game, the hype surrounding Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was crazy. While not on the level of the Black Ops Cold War release, Assassin’s Creed has their fair share of die-hard fans who anxiously await the latest installments too, and Valhalla was no different. An open-world RPG taking place during the Viking Invasion of Britain, and players can choose to play Eivor (the main character) as either a male or female. While one could argue that there have been other Assassin’s Creed installments that have been more innovative in their development, Valhalla still has an intense storyline packed with high and lows. Like every other Assassin’s Creed game, you’ll be at this one for hours as well. As usual, Ubisoft did a great job advancing the game from its previous edition, and Valhalla is worth the time and the purchase.

Release Date: July 21st, 2017

Developer: Epic Games, People Can Fly

We already know what you are thinking. Why include Fortnite on this list? Well, Fortnite has been one of the most impactful games of the last couple of years, and its popularity didn’t die down at all in 2020. In fact, the game actually soared to new heights last year, making it one of the most elite shooting games ever. The 60 FPS PS5 experience gives Fortnite fans yet another way to experience the game. Fortnite is also a pretty cool game for the kiddos. Chances are they have already played it by now, but the PS5 edition could be a good introduction to those who haven’t.

Release Date: November 12th, 2020

Developer: Young Horse

By no stretch of the imagination is Bugsnax a normal game. In fact, the game itself is quite odd, to say the least, but you will be getting an adventure for sure. An indie game developed by Young Horse, you will be sent to investigate and explore a mysterious island ruled by the ‘Bugsnax.’ You’ll also be tasked with the responsibility of finding out what happened to explorer Elizabert Megafig. As you try to track down her whereabouts, you have to battle the aggressive bugsnax creatures to stay alive. Sounds like adventure doesn’t it? You may not be able to describe exactly what you are playing, but you will have fun.

Release Date: November 12th, 2020

Developer: Giant Squid

Another indie game, The Pathless is a mythic action-adventure game highlighting the journey of an archer and an eagle in a forest. A straightforward open-world game, players have to duck and dodge through the forest, rocky regions, and even daunting mountains while working to defeat darkness swarming the town. Gamers will also have to take advantage of their eagle companion as you hunt spirits, and solve multiple puzzles to figure out how to save the world. With some pretty extreme battles along the way, players will have put their critical thinking skills to the test in this one, making this already one of the most fascinating games available for PS5.

While there are plenty of games that you can currently play on the PS5, we wanted to prioritize the new titles that weren’t previously available for the PS4. We tried to include a game for every category, and it should be noted that there will be plenty more anticipated releases in the weeks and months to come. It is our hope that you give these games a shot if you are looking for a game to try out on your PS5. We will be sure to keep you posted on all the new releases in the future.