The PS5 has been called by fans one of the worst console generations from Sony since it began, but it can be argued it has received some of the best games ever made as well. Despite some development gaps from PlayStation’s first-party studios, titles like Astro Bot and God of War Ragnarok have picked up the slack. Here are the 10 highest-rated PS5 games, according to Metacritic.
10. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a testament to the incredible original story that was told by Square Enix back in the PS1 days. With wonderful visuals, an epic open world, and a storyline that will grip you from beginning to end, this game delivers in every way possible. It holds a 92 Metacritic score from an average of 145 different outlets.
It’s one of the most stunning games on the PS5 and is a graphical tour de force on the Pro console if you have the privilege of having one. Not all of us can be so lucky. The combat system has also evolved for this title, mixing the traditional turn-based formula with an action RPG.
9. Resident Evil 4
Another remake from a legendary franchise, Resident Evil 4, also impressed critics in April 2023. The gritty horror title has you trying to save the President’s daughter within a creepy village. It is up to Leon to find her, take down the corrupted villagers, and get her to safety.
Along the way are some terrifying bosses and levels. The graphics are stellar, and the action is intense. The puzzle segments are also fun to solve. The game has an impressive 93 Metacritic score from 126 different outlets.
8. Tetris Effect: Connected
A cherished puzzle game from 2020 has a stellar PS5 version you can play. The game has wonderfully trippy visuals that take you on a journey. The music is also phenomenal and matches the eye-opening graphics of the game.
You can’t beat the gameplay loop of Tetris, and when you’re successful in making multiple lines in this puzzle game, the game presents a wonderful visual or audio treat. It’s even better if you play the game in VR. Tetris Effect: Connected’s PS5 version has a 93 Metacritic score from eight different outlets.
7. Hades
Hades is just what our review calls it: an “indie masterpiece.” Yes, the game can feel repetitive as you must go through multiple runs to escape the Underworld. However, with each playthrough, you’ll encounter different powers, use alternate weapons (which all feel awesome to use), and have various interactions with the characters. The artwork is stunning and is some of the studio’s best (and that’s saying something). Additionally, the battling feels fluid with fast-paced action and impactful strikes. Hades keeps surprising you for the better. Hopefully, the sequel will be even better. Hades has a 93 Metacritic score from 31 different writers.
6. God of War: Ragnarok
Gruesome, intense combat? Check. Incredible boss battles? Check. An emotional storyline between a father and his son as he discovers himself and heads off on his own journey? Also check. God of War: Ragnarok is everything you’d expect from a high-quality PlayStation first-party title. Both Kratos and Atreus offer fun gameplay as they explore the Norse world around them. Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic deliver outstanding performances during this intense adventure. The character development of Kratos is also noteworthy, adding plenty of complexity to the once simple Greek god. God of War: Ragnarok, as a result, has a 94 Metacritic score from 141 different outlets.
5. Metaphor ReFantazio
Even if the battle theme can get on your nerves with its baritone singer, Metaphor ReFantazio is an incredible JRPG from Persona publisher Atlus. It takes on some powerful themes and weaves them into a compelling story you’ll remember for years to come. “It has a story and a world asking some of the hardest questions, and a cast willing to show their resolve to the very end,” said our Games of the Year post for 2024. “This is a game that knows how to write an engaging story.” The turn-based battles are also compelling as you try to overcome dangerous beasts in your path. Metaphor ReFantazio, even if it has a bizarre name, has a 94 Metacritic score from 54 outlets.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Despite originally launching on the PS4, CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt received a great port on the PS5 as a free upgrade. It has higher quality textures, better character models, improved environmental assets, and a new 60FPS performance mode that includes a dynamic 4K resolution. Additionally, more foliage and lighting effects were added for the PS5 port. The original game itself is an incredible RPG with rich quests, a gorgeous world to explore, and a riveting card game called Gwent that can be played with NPCs in the RPG. The PS5 version has a 94 Metacritic score from 36 different outlets, with only one mixed review.
3. Astro Bot
Astro Bot impressed many 3D platforming fans late in 2024 with its charming visuals and compelling level design. Commonly compared to Nintendo’s Mario series, this game features many different power-ups that change the game. From becoming a sponge that sucks up water to freezing time to jump on moving platforms, Astro Bot delighted many who played it. Long-time PlayStation fans also had fun discovering past characters as saveable bots. Once found, they hang out at a hub with unique animations and callbacks to their original games. The soundtrack by Kenneth C M Young is also a treat. Astro Bot has a 94 Metacritic score from 136 different reviewers and won Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the ultimate RPG for fans of fantasy. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, you go on an epic quest to save yourself and others from the mind flayer infection. The storyline is epic and deep as you form relationships and rivalries. The gameplay systems are complex, letting you talk to animals or slay whatever is standing in your way. You can also play with your friends if that’s the gameplay path you’d like to take. It has a 96 Metacritic score from 39 reviewers.
1. Elden Ring
As you may have expected, Elden Ring has taken the top spot for the best-received PS5 games from critics with a 96 Metacritic score from 86 outlets. Despite its sheer difficulty, players love the in-depth systems on offer in the game and the large open world. Rather than being stuck on one difficult route in a Soulslike like Bloodborne or Dark Souls, you have the freedom to explore other options. This arguably makes for a more satisfying RPG experience overall. Additionally, the visuals are super striking and will have you in awe from beginning to end. The bosses are also immaculately crafted to test your skills. Our review called it “the perfect game.”
