Best PS5 Games 2026: The Essential PlayStation Library
Best PS5 games in 2026 — exclusives, multiplatform must-plays, and the games that justify the console.
The PS5 is entering its strongest year yet. Between major exclusives, multiplat releases, and the back catalog, the library is deep enough to keep any gamer busy for years. Here's what's essential.
2026 PS5 exclusives and console exclusives
Saros — Housemarque's follow-up to Returnal. Roguelike action with the studio's signature bullet-hell intensity. PS5 console exclusive.
Marvel's Wolverine — Insomniac Games' take on Logan. If Spider-Man's quality is any indication, this will be a highlight of the generation.
Resident Evil Requiem — dual-protagonist horror. Leon Kennedy returns alongside new character Grace Ashcroft. PS5 and PC.
GTA 6 (November) — launches on PS5 and Xbox. The biggest game of 2026 by a wide margin.
2025-2026 multiplatform must-plays
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — the surprise GOTY contender. Turn-based/real-time hybrid RPG. The expedition 33 tips post has more.
Elden Ring: Nightreign — co-op extraction soulslike. The elden ring nightreign tips post has more.
Monster Hunter Wilds — Capcom's best-selling MH launch. Hundreds of hours of hunting. The monster hunter wilds weapon tier list post has more.
Crimson Desert — massive open-world action-adventure from Pearl Abyss.
Nioh 3 — dark samurai action with dual playstyle system.
The PS5 essentials (back catalog)
God of War Ragnarök — Norse mythology epic. The god of war ragnarok tips post has more.
Spider-Man 2 — the best superhero game ever made. Open-world Manhattan with two playable Spider-Men.
The Last of Us Part I + Part II Remastered — the definitive versions of two of gaming's greatest narratives.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — massive JRPG with real-time combat.
Demon's Souls — the PS5 launch showcase. Still one of the most beautiful games on the platform.
Returnal — bullet-hell roguelike that showcases the DualSense controller's haptic feedback.
Astro Bot — pure platforming joy. The best use of the DualSense controller.
Baldur's Gate 3 — the PC GOTY plays beautifully on PS5. The baldurs gate 3 best class post has more.
PS5 features worth using
DualSense haptic feedback is genuinely impressive in games that support it. Astro Bot, Returnal, and Spider-Man 2 use it best. The adaptive triggers add physical resistance — pulling a bowstring actually feels tight.
3D Audio with headphones. The Tempest 3D AudioTech makes directional sound dramatically better. Use headphones for horror games especially.
Activity Cards let you jump directly into specific game activities from the home screen. Underused by most players but excellent for games with distinct modes.
SSD speed means loading screens are nearly eliminated. Games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart use instant world-switching that's only possible on SSD.
What we make at Choost
Granny's Rampage is currently PC-focused but console development is in our future plans. For more platform content, the best pc games 2026, best monitor for ps5, and best games for steam deck posts have more.
The shortest version
Best exclusive: Marvel's Wolverine (upcoming), God of War Ragnarök (available now). Best multiplatform: Expedition 33, Elden Ring Nightreign, Monster Hunter Wilds. Best value: PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium for catalog access. Most anticipated: GTA 6 (November 2026). The PS5 library is deep — the console has earned its place.