If you’re a PS4 or PS5 owner and you’re after some great action games to play, you’ve come to the right place.
There are many fantastic action games available on PS4 and PS5 consoles, and what’s more, many of them are console-exclusive. But with a vast number of games available on PlayStation consoles, finding the best action games can be a daunting experience. That’s why we’re here to help.
We’ve put together a short list of the very best action games on PS4 and PS5 consoles. We’ve played each and every one of these to completion, and they all get a massive thumbs up from us. Even better, they each have their own settings and quirks that make them stand out, too. So, if you’re after an epic action game to waste some hours away with, simply scroll down the page and you’re bound to find something.
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1. God of War
After fighting the Olympian Gods, Kratos thought he had found peace. But his past is about to catch up with him. And so begins 2018’s reinvention of the God of War series, making drastic changes to the gameplay and setting. The action’s more cinematic thanks to an over-the-shoulder view, and there’s more combat variety. What’s more, you’re accompanied by your son, Atreus, who also assists you in various ways on your adventure. Ultimately, all you really need to know about God of War is that not only is it one of the best action games on PS4 and PS5, it’s simply one of the best games of all time. So if you’ve not yet played it, do it, pronto. There’s a sequel on the way, too.
2. Devil May Cry 5
All of the Devil May Cry games are great, and they’re all available to play on PS4 and PS5, but Devil May Cry 5 is undoubtedly the best. The visuals are slick and the combat is absolutely sensational, leading to an experience that’s a joy to play and observe. Thanks to three playable characters, the gameplay is varied, too, with each having their own style. As far as action games go they don’t get much better than this. If you have a PS5, make sure you pick up the Special Edition, which has improved visuals and performance as well as additional modes. It also includes an extra playable character, Vergil, as standard.
Read our review of Devil May Cry 5
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3. Bayonetta
If there’s one game that can give Devil May Cry V a run for its money when it comes to fast-paced and varied combat, it’s Bayonetta. It may be rather old now, but Bayonetta still looks and plays great on PS4 and PS5. Across a generous campaign there are many weapons and abilities to acquire, each one making combat more varied and exciting, and there’s ample exploration to be done, too. To play Bayonetta is to fall in love with it, basically. It’s just a travesty that once you’re done with it, you have to go elsewhere to play its sequel.
4. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Combining exploration with challenging Soulslike combat, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is one of the best Star Wars games ever made. You are Cal Kestis, and thanks to Order 66 you’re having to keep your natural abilities hidden. That is, until someone told the authorities about you, so now you’re on the run. As one of the last remaining Jedi, you’ll travel to planets far and wide while making new friends and enemies, all in an attempt to restore a fallen order. We think it’s a journey worth taking, even if you’re not a massive Star Wars fan. Though of course, it does help.
Read our review of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
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5. Ghost of Tsushima
Left for dead, Jin Sakai is the last remaining Samurai on the island of Tsushima. And to save the island, and his uncle, he’s going to have to become something more. A picturesque open world adventure, Ghost of Tsushima lets you control the pace of the action. Do you engage random groups of Mongol invaders and bandits as you explore, or avoid them? And when raiding camps, do you go tot-to-toe with your opponents in bladed combat, or be sneaky like a ninja? Whichever you choose, there’s one thing for certain: you’ll be having a good time. Pick up the Director’s Cut of Ghost of Tsushima for an expanded experience.
Read our review of Ghost of Tsushima
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6. Horizon Forbidden West
Set in a version of the future where giant mechanical beasts roam the Earth, Horizon Forbidden Wests finds a woman attempting to save it from a rot that’s overtaking the land, causing a food crisis. That woman is Aloy, and if you’ve played Horizon Zero Dawn, you’ll be very familiar with her. You’re fine to jump straight in to this if not though – it’ll get you up to speed on the story so far – and as action games go it’s undoubtedly one of the best available on PS4 and PS5. Exploring the game’s open world, you’ll enjoy its mix of stealth, combat, platforming, explorations and even puzzles. On PS5, it’s quite possibly the best-looking game available right now, too.
Read our review of Horizon Forbidden West
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7. Ghostrunner
Ghostrunner lets you loose in a cyberpunk world as a cybernetic ninja on a mission, and it rocks. As the titular Ghostrunner, you’ve got as bone to pick with the Keymaster, Mara, but to reach her you’re going to have to ascend the Dharma Tower. It’s more troublesome than it sounds, with the verticality of the journey meaning death is almost guaranteed should you fall. Factor in countless guards also standing in wait to put you down, and you have a real fight on your hands. Ghostrunner isn’t the faint of heart, then, but those who master its core abilities of wall-running, mid-air dashing and skilfully dismembering opponents with sword slashes will have one hell of a good time.
Read our review of Ghostrunner
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8. Sifu
Do you like kung-fu? If so, Sifu is the game for you. In this combat-focused action game you’re on a quest for revenge, and a mysterious talisman means that even if you fail, you can get right back up again to have another go. But there’s a price to pay: using the talisman increases your age, and if you get too old your journey is over for good. Sifu has roguelike elements, then, with death being an intrinsic part of the game. But ultimately, it’s the combat here that’s the real draw. It’s challenging but tight and rewarding, making going back time and time again never a chore.
9. Marvel’s Spider-Man
You can’t have a list of the best action games on PS4 and PS5 without including Marvel’s Spider-Man. Every second playing this a delight thanks to its flowing combat and the fact that you can swing around its open world with grace. Follow the game’s story, which finds Spider-Man going up against some of his most iconic villains, or simply explore and keep the streets free of crime: whatever you do, you’re in for a good time. The worst thing about Marvel’s Spider-Man is that the remastered version for PS5 isn’t available on its own. It’s so good that it’s worth picking up a copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales just to be able to get it, though.
Read our review of Marvel’s Spider-Man
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10. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Essentially a playable Pixar movie, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action game that you really should not overlook. Playing as the titular Kena, it’s your job to help spirits find peace and move on. It’s on a visit to an abandoned village, however, that she finds a spirit that has corrupted the land around it, leading to an arduous adventure filled with puzzles, exploration and plenty of combat. What makes Kena: Bridge of Spirits particularly stand out is the inclusion of companions called Rot, which Kena can command. Not only are they cute, but also very useful.
