With the PlayStation 5 now firmly entrenched as the leading console of this generation, boasting over 60 million units sold, the PS5 game library is more vibrant than ever. Whether you’re new to the system or looking for your next big adventure, 2025 has served up a phenomenal crop of titles that show off the console’s capabilities—especially with the PS5 Pro now in the mix.
From cinematic AAA blockbusters to deeply innovative indies, here are the top 5 PS5 games you absolutely need to play in 2025.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A Daring, Artistic JRPG Revival
Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Released: 2025 | PS5 Pro Enhanced: Yes
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a revelation. In a gaming landscape full of remakes and safe bets, this turn-based action RPG from Sandfall Interactive strikes out on its own path, offering a dazzling blend of style, substance, and soul. With a combat system that seamlessly fuses traditional JRPG strategy with real-time mechanics, it feels fresh yet familiar—especially for fans of classics like Final Fantasy X or Persona 5.
What truly elevates Clair Obscur is its emotional storytelling. With a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic and a high-stakes narrative, it pulls at your heartstrings as you face down a surreal and decaying world. It’s not just one of the best PS5 games right now—it’s one of the most visionary new RPGs in years.
2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Feudal Japan Done Right
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Released: 2025 | PS5 Pro Enhanced: Yes
Ubisoft finally delivers on the long-held fan dream: a shinobi-centric Assassin’s Creed game. Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes you to feudal Japan, where you alternate between two protagonists—Naoe, the stealthy shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a hulking samurai warrior.
Each character brings a radically different playstyle to the game, giving Shadows a unique dual-genre feel. The open-world is breathtaking, especially with seasonal changes that affect gameplay. Whether you’re infiltrating a castle under the cherry blossoms or clashing swords in a snowy mountain pass, this is peak Assassin’s Creed—refined, bold, and visually stunning.
3. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – Kojima’s Vision, Evolved
Developer: Kojima Productions | Released: 2025 | PS5 Pro Enhanced: Yes
Hideo Kojima returns with another genre-defying title in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. If the first game was about walking and weirdness, the sequel adds adrenaline and emotional weight to the mix. Set across a fragmented and post-apocalyptic Australia, this sequel builds on its predecessor’s strange DNA with greater accessibility, deeper action elements, and a heavier narrative punch.
The asynchronous multiplayer component—where your structures help other players—remains one of the most innovative social systems in gaming. With its surreal visuals and heartfelt themes of connection, On the Beach cements Kojima as gaming’s true auteur.
4. Street Fighter 6 – The Gold Standard for Fighting Games
Developer: Capcom | Released: 2023 | PS5 Pro Enhanced: No
Though not brand new, Street Fighter 6 continues to dominate on PS5 in 2025 thanks to a steady stream of content updates and its unmatched combat depth. This is Capcom at its finest, delivering one of the most versatile, polished, and inclusive fighting game experiences ever made.
From casual players dabbling in the story-driven World Tour mode to hardcore pros perfecting frame data in ranked matches, SF6 offers something for everyone. The controls are approachable, the roster is diverse, and the community is thriving. If you’ve got even a passing interest in the genre, this one’s a must.
5. Astro Bot – The Heart of PlayStation
Developer: Team Asobi | Released: 2024 | PS5 Pro Enhanced: Yes
Sony’s adorable mascot returns in Astro Bot, and this time, it’s not just a demo—it’s a full-fledged, top-tier platformer. More than just a tech showcase for the DualSense controller, Astro Bot is bursting with charm, creativity, and tightly-crafted gameplay that rivals Nintendo’s best.
With over-the-top levels, dozens of unlockable characters referencing PlayStation history, and expertly tuned platforming mechanics, Astro Bot is a joyous celebration of everything that makes gaming fun. It’s also the best-reviewed PS5 game of the year, and for good reason.
Also Read: Nintendo Updates Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Switch 2, but Fans Remain Divided
Whether you’re into deep RPGs, heart-pounding stealth, high-octane action, or lighthearted platforming, the PlayStation 5’s 2025 lineup offers something for every kind of player. The top five games above represent the pinnacle of what the console can do—both technically and artistically—and they’re a reminder of why the PS5 continues to dominate the gaming landscape.
Don’t miss out—2025 might just be the PS5’s best year yet.
