The best single-player games on PS5
Some of our favourite games have been designed with a solo experience in mind, and we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop in our list of the best single-player games on PS5. Whether you like epic open world adventures or tight, story-driven experiences, you’ll find something to suit here. We’ve covered all genres, too, with everything from family-friendly adventures to edge-of-your-seat horror, and just about everything in between.
Some of these games are exclusive to PlayStation 5, but many of these single-player games are available on other formats too. If you’re looking for single-player games on Xbox or single-player games on PC, we’ve got you covered there. For PS5 experiences, though, keep on reading. Every single game on this list comes highly rated by us, and you can click through to see full reviews of all the games we’ve featured.
Have fun, and happy gaming.
This article was originally published in November 2020 and has been regularly updated with new titles since.
1. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
The original Death Stranding is a game we still have complicated thoughts about years after its launch. On the one hand, it’s utterly unique with some interesting game mechanics and a compelling, if also rather confusing, story. But the problem is it was also mind-numbingly dull and repetitive at times. That’s something that Kojima Productions has addressed in this sequel.
Like the first game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has a gripping story that is brilliantly directed. And while the core of its gameplay remains the same as its predecessor, it’s more varied thanks to expanded and more frequent bouts of combat and stealth. Add in a wealth of gameplay tweaks and features to make it a more frictionless experience, and you have one of the best single-player PS5 games currently available. It does have some online features, however, with other players’ structures appearing in your game if you wish them to (and you probably will).
Read our review of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
2. Mafia: The Old Country
Hangar 13 takes players back to the roots of organised crime with Mafia: The Old Country, and it proves to be a very good time indeed. Taking control of Enzo Favara, players will see him grow and become more respected in the Torrisi crime family that he’s essentially been adopted into. But when things start spiralling out of hand, he might come to regret his life choices.
While all Mafia games have been very much story-driven, The Old Country is much more like the original games in the series. So, while it takes place in what could be considered an open world, there’s not much to do in it. As long as you’re fine with that, and you don’t mind an abundance of one-on-one knife fights, chances are you’ll love every minute of its riveting campaign. For fans of single-player games it’s a delight, and it looks absolutely fantastic on PS5.
Read our review of Mafia: The Old Country
3. Ghost of Yotei
Released on PS4 before making its way to PS5 in the form of a Director’s Cut, Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Tsushima was a treat for fans of open-world games and samurai movies. It did have some issues, though, one of them being that its protagonist, Jin Sakai, wasn’t particularly charismatic. It’s perhaps part of the reason why, when developing a sequel, Sucker Punch opted to introduce a new protagonist.
Set hundreds of years after the events in Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei puts players in control of Atsu, a mercenary who has returned to her homeland in pursuit of revenge. You see, years ago, a group known as the Yotei Six murdered her family and left her for dead, pinned to a tree. Now, having undergone years of training, she’s ready to take the fight to those who have wronged her.
Along with a more engaging story, the gameplay of Ghost of Yotei is improved across the board compared to Ghost of Tsushima. Combat has been fine-tuned and is more varied, while exploration and discovery feels more rewarding. You easily get drawn into its world – so much so that it’s easy to spend tens of hours completing side-quests and activities without touching the main story. So, if you love open-world single-player epics, consider this a must-play.
Read our review of Ghost of Yotei
4. Silent Hill 2
The original Silent Hill 2 is one of the best horror games ever made. Some were apprehensive, then, when it was announced that it was being remade by Bloober Team, the studio behind games such as Blair Witch, Layers of Fear and The Medium. Upon its release in 2024, however, it soon became clear that Bloober Team did good. Very good, in fact. This remake of Silent Hill 2 manages to be even more terrifying and thought-provoking than the original, which is quite the feat.
Putting players in control of James Sunderland, who has returned to Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his wife, Mary, this horror adventure is gripping from beginning to end. As you make your way through the town you’ll encounter other visitors who just don’t seem quite right, as well as grotesque monsters that will attack on sight. Thankfully a range of weapons are available, and the combat here is suitably violent and visceral. The biggest hurdle to your progress here, however, is the wealth of puzzles, which are all wonderfully designed.
With its horrifying visuals and truly tense atmosphere, Silent Hill 2 won’t be for everyone. But if you’re brave enough to tackle it, this is a single-player game you really shouldn’t miss.
Read our review of Silent Hill 2
5. Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is a game we were worried might never happen. After all, the original is famously one of the most pirated games of all time. But after delivering the brilliant Control, Remedy Entertainment has indeed continued Alan Wake’s story, and it does not disappoint. Incorporating horror, action and investigation elements, Alan Wake 2 is undoubtedly one of the best single-player games available, on PS5 or otherwise.
You’ll not only be in control of Alan Wake here, though. Alan Wake 2 adopts a dual-protagonist setup, with you switching between FBI Agent Saga Anderson and writer Alan Wake at regular intervals. As Saga, you’ll be conducting investigations and using your mind palace to piece things together while also engaging in bouts of tense third-person combat. When playing as Alan, on the other hand, the game leans more into horror, and you’re also able to shape the world around you by changing elements of the story. If that doesn’t make you want to give it a try, we don’t know what will.
Read our review of Alan Wake 2
6. Astro Bot
When it comes to platforming icons such as Mario and Sonic, there’s a new member to the club: Astro. You might already be familiar with this wholesome bot, as he’s already appeared in numerous other games, and has a small title pre-installed on every PS5: the wonderful Astro’s Playroom. But his latest outing is by far his best yet, and has catapulted him into the upper echelon of Sony mascots.
Like all of the best 3D platformers, Astro Bot is colourful and very easy on the eyes. It’s also very easy to pick up, but has some seriously challenging levels for those who really want to show off their platforming prowess. The best thing about Astro Bot, however, is its creativity. Nearly every level has something unique to offer, whether it’s a fun mechanic or a gameplay quirk that makes it stand out from the rest. It’s a great celebration of all things PlayStation, too, with a hub world where you can view all of the bots you’ve rescued dressed as iconic characters.
If you have a PS5, you need Astro Bot, it’s a simple as that. This is a game suitable for all ages and skill levels, and it’s impossible to play without having a huge smile on your face.
7. Still Wakes the Deep
An atmospheric story-driven game set on an oil rig in the North Sea, Still Wakes the Deep manages to marry realism with cosmic horror perfectly. You play Cam, an oil rig worker who is forced into survival mode when something goes wrong. It’s a few days before Christmas, he and his crewmates should be going home to their families — instead, they’re fighting for survival after drilling into something unknown and terrible beneath the waves.
Still Wakes the Deep isn’t the longest game in the world, but it’ll keep you absolutely hooked from start to finish. The storytelling here is absolutely sublime, helped with fantastic voice acting and some gorgeous visuals. Seeing the oil rig become more broken and twisted as you progress through the game, with Cam’s fight for survival getting more fraught, makes for a seriously thrilling experience. There’s plenty of action too, but if you prefer your focus to be on story, you shouldn’t miss this one.
Read our review of Still Wakes the Deep
8. DOOM: The Dark Ages
Pretty much every DOOM game has been a blast, but the latest, DOOM: The Dark Ages, is undoubtedly the best yet. Unlike previous entries in the series, which have generally tried to cater to both single-player and multiplayer fans, this simply provides an epic single-player campaign. The result is that it’s the biggest campaign to date, packing in more variety as you move from one mission to the next.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel, taking players back in time to discover the reason for the DOOM Slayer’s rage. And with its more medieval setting comes an assortment of violent tools, including brutal melee weapons such as a giant mace, and a shield which can be used to deflect enemy attacks and thrown to destroy armour. Unlike DOOM Eternal, the action is more grounded, but it’s still very fast-paced and perhaps more brutal than ever. The icing on the cake is being able to ride a dragon at times, and taking control of what is essentially a giant mech.
Read our review of DOOM: The Dark Ages
9. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Ever since its first trailer was revealed we were excited about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Then the full game was released, and it blew us away. Developed by a small independent studio, not only is it one of the most visually stunning RPGs of recent years, it also has a truly emotional story, a brilliant combat system, and a phenomenal soundtrack. What more could you want?
Set in a world where someone known as the Paintress paints a number and then everyone of that age inexplicably ceases to exist, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 finds you heading out on a journey to stop her. Things go awry pretty much straight away, however, leaving what’s left of your party to face serious hardships. It’s a setup that will have you on the edge of your seat every step of the way. And while the story here is genuinely gripping, it’s the fact that it’s backed up by such an engaging and rewarding turn-based combat system that makes it a winner.
Read our review of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
We absolutely loved Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, but the latest game in the series blows them both out of the water. Insomniac Games’ imagining of the Spider-Man universe is absolutely wonderful, and we’ll never grow tired of getting to web-swing through Manhattan — especially when Manhattan looks as good as it does here.
Rather than focusing on Peter Parker or Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2 brings them both into play, with an original story that any fan of Spider-Man is going to absolutely love. This is a sizeable open-world adventure which, thanks to its brilliant story-driven scenarios, will manage to capture your attention for 25+ hours. There’s plenty of side content too, so whether you’re taking down grunts, invading strongholds or simply exploring the city for hidden secrets, you’re going to be kept occupied for a long time.
Read our review of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
11. Returnal
If you’re up for a challenge, there’s perhaps no single-player game on PS5 better than Returnal. From Housemarque, developer of hits such as Resogun, Alienation and Nex Machina, it’s a game that defies genre, combining elements of bullet hell shooters, rogue-likes and horror. It’s absolutely brilliant as a result.
In Returnal you play as Selene, a woman who has found herself crash landing on an alien planet. As if things couldn’t get any worse, upon exploring, she then finds dead bodies that inexplicably look like her. It’s upon dying that she then realises she’s caught in a cycle; after each death, she finds herself back at her ship, with the world around her changed somewhat. Can you take control of Selene and break the cycle? It’s a task that requires a great deal of skill.
With its fast-paced third person combat, stunning audio-visual design and effective implementation of DualSense features, Returnal is a shining example of what the PS5 is capable of. And while some co-op features have been added to the game since launch, they’re entirely optional. So, if you’re after the best single-player games on PS5, consider this essential.
12. Horizon Forbidden West
If you played PS4 exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn, you’ll already know a little of what to expect from Horizon Forbidden West. This sequel, bigger and better in just about every way, picks up where the first game left off. You reprise the role of Aloy, a hunter in a far-futuristic world, tasked with taking down huge robotic machines – and trying to make sense of the world around her.
Horizon Zero Dawn doesn’t have a native PS5 version, but that’s also worthy of a mention as one of the best single-player games on PS5. Horizon Forbidden West, though, being made for PS5, makes use of the console’s power and functions. It looks absolutely fantastic; Aloy’s world is more colourful and immersive than ever. Details pop out of the screen, and character models look almost real. The world too – the titular Forbidden West – is bigger than ever, with more to explore, see and do as you roam the lands as Aloy.
As great as it looks, though, it’s probably Horizon Forbidden West’s story that will keep you playing. Filled with intrigue and adventure – and more than a hint of sci-fi – it’ll leave you desperate to know more. But that’s just one of a handful of reasons why this is one of the best single-player games you can play on PS5. Don’t sleep on it.
Read our review of Horizon Forbidden West
13. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet is back, and thanks to some dimensional shenanigans, he finds himself a new ally.
Clank thought he was really treating his best bud, Ratchet, when he presented him with the Dimensionator. But then Dr. Nefarious sweeps in to steal it right from under their noses. One struggle later and chaos is unleashed, with both Ratchet and Clank separated and sent to a new dimension. In this new dimension lives Rivet, a female Lombax dead-set on thwarting her own version of Dr. Nefarious. And so soon Ratchet and Rivet find themselves working together to hopefully set things right again.
With absolutely stunning visuals, brilliant DualSense implementation and effectively zero loading times, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a technical tour de force on PS5. But more importantly, it’s the most enjoyable Ratchet & Clank game yet, with meaningful gameplay tweaks and upgrades. If you’re after the best single-player games on PS5, you really should consider this a must-have.
Read our review of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
14. Final Fantasy VII Intergrade
Final Fantasy VII Remake was already brilliant on PS4, but this PS5 remaster, titled Final Fantasy VII Intergrade, takes things to the next level.
Enhanced visuals and reduced loading times make Final Fantasy VII Remake more enjoyable than ever before, as does the improved performance. But what really catapults it to must-play status on PS5 is a new gameplay episode called INTERmission. Putting players in control of Yuffie, who will be familiar to those who have played the original Final Fantasy VII, INTERmission presents a new story which runs concurrently to the events of the main game.
With old faces making a return as well as introducing some new ones, INTERmission will have you on the edge of your seat for its duration. And there’s also plenty of side-content to keep you entertained as well. It all adds up to making Final Fantasy VII Intergrade undoubtedly one of the best single-player games available on PS5 right now.
Read our review of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: Episode INTERmission
15. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
The first game from Ember Lab, a company that has a history in animation, Kena: Bridge of Spirits blends engaging gameplay with Pixar-like visuals.
Playing as the titular Kena, you’ll journey to a land that is rife with corruption, and it’s your job to set things right. To do that, you’ll have to help spirits cross to the other side, but it won’t be easy. Thankfully some woodland creatures known as Rot will assist you in your task, providing you can find them. They’ll do everything from swarming your enemies to open up weak points for you to exploit, to travelling in bodies of water to remove outcrops of corruption in the environment.
A fairly linear game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits does give you a little bit of freedom to make wandering off the beaten path worthwhile. It also has some engaging puzzles, and plenty of challenging combat. Overall it’s a phenomenal game with hugely enjoyable gameplay and a gripping story. So, if you’re after the best single-player games on PS5, add it to your must-play list.
Read our review of Kena: Bridge of Spirits
16. Lost Judgment
We rather liked Judgment, a remastered version of which is also available on PS5. This sequel, however, is better in every single way.
Once again putting players in control of Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer turned private detective, Lost Judgment presents a dark story that revolves around bullying, suicide and revenge. Needless to say, its subject matter won’t be for all. Those that can stomach it, however, will find a story that grips you from the get-go and doesn’t stop throwing twists and turns your way until the credits roll.
It’s the gameplay that’s the real highlight of Lost Judgment though, blending investigation with combat and a hell of a lot more. One minute you might be fighting your way through a horde of gangsters, the next taking a dog for a walk in an attempt to sniff out a case, and after that, you might find yourself in an arcade, playing a spot of Hama of the Dead. There’s just so much to Lost Judgment that you could easily spend over 100 hours playing it and still find things to do. It’s one of the most generous single-player games on PS5, that’s for sure.
Read our review of Lost Judgment
17. Demon’s Souls
Exclusive to PS5 is the remake of the PS3 classic Demon’s Souls. This hard-as-nails adventure game isn’t for the faint of heart, however; to take on Demon’s Souls, you’ve got to be made of strong stuff. Set in a dark and foreboding world, players set off on a journey to battle all manner of terrifying demons and earn themselves the title of ‘Slayer of Demons’. Good luck – you’ll need it.
There is some element of multiplayer to Demon’s Souls; you can see traces of other players as you make your way through, and you can summon a co-op ally to help you take on a troublesome foe, but for the most part, it’s a journey to take alone. Completely remade from the ground up for PS5, Demon’s Souls is undoubtedly one of the best single-player games on PS5. It looks and plays brilliantly too, showing off the true power of the new console.
18. The Last of Us Part I
Originally released on PS3, The Last of Us is one of the best games of all time. That’s why it was remastered for PS4 and now remade for PS5.
This PS5 remake keeps everything that made the original so great. In fact, all of the original voice acting and motion capture is used. With dramatically enhanced visuals and updated game mechanics, however, there’s no better way to enjoy this classic that finds you travelling across a post-apocalyptic United States with a young girl in tow.
The single-player campaign has always been the best thing about The Last of Us, and this remake doesn’t include the Factions multiplayer found in the older PS3 and PS4 versions. Those seeking out the best single-player games on PS5 ought to consider this a must-have, then, especially if they’ve also seen the hit HBO show based on the game.
Read our review of The Last of Us Part 1
19. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
Thanks to a wealth of additional content, including the ability to play through the game as Virgil, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition makes the game better than ever. Exclusive to next-gen, this version features improved visuals, support for up to 120FPS, ray tracing and a new gameplay modes. You can play in Turbo mode, speeding everything up by 20%, or in Legendary Dark Knight mode, which throws more enemies at you than ever.
Whichever mode you play in, though, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is one of the best single-player games on PS5 thanks to its fast and engaging gameplay. You’ll slice and dice your way through enemies with abandon, and hitting those high scores has never felt more rewarding. If you love fast-paced combat, you’ll love it.
Read our review of Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
20. God of War Ragnarok
When 2018’s God of War released it did something that we thought was impossible: humanise the series’ main protagonist, Kratos. It was also just a brilliant game.
Years later, here we are with its sequel, God of War Ragnarok. It continues the story of Kratos and his young son Atreus, doing all they can to lead a peaceful life. Having attracted the attention of the Norse gods in the previous game, however, it’s pretty much impossible. Oh, and there’s also Ragnarok to worry about: an apocalyptic event that could spell the end of everything.
With no multiplayer features whatsoever, God of War Ragnarok is easily one of the best single-player games on PS5. It improves upon the original game in every single way, with better visuals, deeper gameplay, and a more captivating story. Needless to say, if you have a PS5, you need to play this game.
Read our review of God of War Ragnarok
21. Dead Space
Horror games are back. The remake of Resident Evil 2 proved that there’s life in the genre yet, and so here we are with a Silent Hill 2 remake on the horizon and much, much more. But before then, you’d be wise to get stuck into the remake of Dead Space.
Made for the current generation of consoles only, you can rest assured that Dead Space looks, sounds and plays great. It follows the events of the original game pretty closely, but there are notable changes such as protagonist Isaac finally having a voice, and you being able to freely explore the ship you’re stranded on, the USG Ishimura.
The terrifying nature of Dead Space means it won’t be for everyone, but those who are brave enough to face off against its horrors will find a truly riveting experience. There’s plenty to it, too, thanks to multiple difficulty levels, new game plus, and a secret ending to find.
22. Hogwarts Legacy
If you’re a fan of the Wizarding World, you probably won’t want to miss out on Hogwarts Legacy. Don’t expect to see Harry, Ron and Hermione milling around the grounds of the school, however: this is set in the late 1800s, some hundred-or-so years before Harry Potter was even born.
But it captures the magic of the world brilliantly. Exploring Hogwarts School is a joy, and outside of the castle grounds, you’ll find Hogsmeade and a whole host of small wizarding hamlets to explore. You can capture magical beasts to take care of, battle against troublesome foes and take out fierce creatures.
Being an open world game, there’s plenty to do with a huge amount of quests to take part in, both story-related and side content. Stick with it, and it’ll keep you busy for well over 50 hours. It’s the closest any of us are going to get to receiving an actual Hogwarts acceptance letter, anyway.
Read our review of Hogwarts Legacy
23. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
From the makers of XCOM comes Marvel’s Midnight Suns, a superhero game like no other.
Exchanging action for strategy, Marvel’s Midnight Suns lets players create their very own superhero and lead them against demonic forces. But don’t worry, there are plenty of famous Marvel superheroes fighting alongside you. You’ll get to enjoy a story featuring the likes of Iron Man and Spider-Man, and thanks to a post-launch DLC, Deadpool is in the mix too.
The main focus of the game combines card-based combat with action unfolding in a range of environments. But this isn’t just your typical turn-based combat: you’ll also get to spend time getting to know your superhero pals and exploring the Abbey. So, if you’re a Marvel fan and enjoy engaging strategic combat, Midnight Suns is one of the best single-player games you can jump into on PS5.
