Playing games with friends is great. But sometimes you want to settle down by yourself and sink into an epic single-player adventure.
While it may only just be over two years old, the PS5 already has stacks of excellent single-player games. And though many of them may also be available on other formats, some are exclusive. There are single-player games with excellent stories, single-player games with brilliant gameplay, and even better, single-player games with both. But what are the best single-player games on PS5?
Hopefully we can help you with that. We’ve put together a list of best single-player games on PS5, including horror games, adventure games, and so much more. Most of them are strictly single-player, with no multiplayer features whatsoever. And those that do allow you to play with others are either best enjoyed alone or at least equally fun.
So, if you’re lucky enough to have a PS5, read on through this list to see our picks of the best single-player games on PS5. And if you want more single-player games, check out our list of the best single-player games on PS4, which are all playable on PS5 thanks to backwards compatibility.
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This article was originally published in November 2020 and has been regularly updated with new titles since.
1. 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.
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2. 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
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3. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Spider-Man: Miles Morales was the first game we played on PS5, and it absolutely blew us away. It looks fantastic; the first truly ‘next gen’ game we laid our eyes on. But that’s by the by. Regardless of how brilliant it looks, Spider-Man: Miles Morales deserves a place on our list of best single-player games on PS5 thanks to just how good it plays.
A standalone expansion to 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man, this time Miles Morales steps into the iconic spidey suit and takes on the streets of Manhattan. With Peter Parker away, it’s up to him to protect the residents of New York, and of course, there’s plenty of trouble afoot.
It’s a shorter adventure than the original, but still packs in a hefty story and plenty of side content. And if you opt for the Ultimate Edition of the game, you’ll get a remastered version of Spider-Man, too. Which we can confirm looks equally sumptuous on PS5.
Read our review of Spider-Man: Miles Morales
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4. 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
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5. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has had the most successful launch of any game in the series yet, and after spending a few hours with it, it’s not hard to see why. Casting players in the role of Eivor, a Viking warrior, you’ll sail from Norway to England where you’ll start your own settlement. Cue plenty of fighting, raiding, collecting supplies and questing. In true Assassin’s Creed style, you’ll have more missions than you can shake a stick at, but that’s only part of what makes Valhalla so great.
Not only does it look absolutely fantastic on PS5, but it’s endlessly enjoyable too. While the amount of content can be overwhelming at times, once you settle into the role of Eivor, you’ll find yourself jumping from place to place with abandon, taking on this huge and virtual world as if it was your own. The sheer freedom on offer here makes Assassin’s Creed Valhalla one of the best single-player games on PS5. And the fact there’s so much to do means it’ll keep you busy for well over 50 hours or so.
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6. 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
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7. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
If you’ve not played Ghost of Tsushima on PS4 then you’re in for a treat with the PS5 version of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut. Though even if you have, you still might want to invest in it.
Bundling up the base game with a new expansion that sends Jin Sakai to Iki Island to face a new threat, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut takes one of the last generation’s best games and makes it even better. The visuals are cleaner, DualSense support has been expertly implemented, and the already blazing fast loading times have been improved. It all just makes Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut more absorbing; it’s so easy to get lost in its world for hours at a time. And the story that unfolds on Iki Island is brilliant, rounding out Jin’s personality and making him more likeable.
If you already own Ghost of Tsushima on PS4 you can upgrade to the Director’s Cut and then to the PS5 version for a cost. It’s certainly worth doing so, because as single-player games on PS5 go, this is up there with the best of them. And if you do like a bit of multiplayer, there’s a Legends mode, too, which presents missions that can be completed alone or online with a team.
Read our review of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
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8. Death Stranding: Director’s Cut
Death Stranding, as a game, is a bit like Marmite – you either love it or you hate it. There’s one thing for certain though, it’s one of the most unique games ever made.
Enhanced for PS5, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut takes the original game and improves on it, adding pieces of content and some new features. Some might argue that additions such as a jet pack and boost ramps take away from the experience somewhat, taking stress out of some of the most arduous journeys. But others will love the fact that they just make it more fun to play. Add in improved visuals and DualSense support, and you have a game that really shines on PS5.
Like Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, found earlier in this list, those who own Death Stranding on PS4 can upgrade to the PS5 version of Death Stranding: Director’s Cut for a small cost. It’s actually a fair bit cheaper, too, perhaps on account that it offers less new content. It’s definitely worth upgrading if you do have a PS5 though, and for newcomers this is best way to experience Hideo Kojima’s most divisive title yet.
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9. 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
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10. Lost Judgment
We rather liked Judgment, a remastered version of which was released on PS5 earlier this year. 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
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11. 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.
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12. Astro’s Playroom
The best thing about Astro’s Playroom? You don’t have to buy it – it comes already installed on your PS5! And more than just being a ‘free’ game to show off the power of your new console, it’s actually an excellent adventure. Casting you as a cute little astrobot, you’ll find yourself in a big and beautiful world, ripe for exploring. There’s plenty to interact with, secrets to uncover – including many cool knick-knacks that long-time PlayStation players will get a kick out of.
It’s not the longest game in the world (it is free, after all), but there’s plenty in Astro’s Playroom to keep players occupied for some time. And since it’s already on your console, there’s no excuse not to try it. It’s a fantastic showcase of the abilities of the DualSense controller, too. Pop it on and find out for yourself why it’s one of the best single-player games on PS5.
13. 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
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14. 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
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15. 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
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16. 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.
17. 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
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18. 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.
