If there's one genre the PlayStation 5 absolutely dominates, it's the action-adventure game. This is the home of cinematic blockbusters, sprawling open worlds, unforgettable heroes, and combat that makes you feel powerful. Sony's first-party studios practically built their reputation on this genre, and the third-party support on PS5 is equally stacked. 🎮
Whether you just unboxed a shiny new console or you're hunting for your next obsession, here are 27 of the best action-adventure games on the PS5 that you simply must play. Let's dive in!
The Absolute Must-Plays
1. God of War Ragnarok
Kratos and Atreus return in one of the most emotionally powerful and mechanically satisfying action games ever made. The brutal combat, stunning Norse vistas, and father-son story make this an essential PS5 experience. I have this game a physiscal and digital copy, and they're both awesome and for-keeps!
Wanna see how awesome this game is? Let's skip the trailer, and jump right in the hottest and most epic scenes! (spoiler alert, btw, if you haven't played this yet)
Oh, and as of publishing this article, another God of War is about to get released!
2. Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Insomniac perfected web-swinging here. Playing as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales across a gorgeous open-world New York, with the Symbiote storyline driving the drama, this is superhero gaming at its peak. Another one that's great to keep, and the best game of its generation (PS5). For many gamers, this is one of the reasons they purchased their PS5. This game was special to me because, it's a reward given to me by my wife, when I won at our dare that she's not pregnant hahaha! 😆😆
Watch this trailer. I hope this one gets you pumped up and want to buy a new PS5 and play this baddie! 💪🕸️🕷️
3. Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy's second adventure is a visual masterpiece. Hunting massive robotic creatures with a bow has never felt better, and the post-apocalyptic world is breathtaking on PS5 hardware. Unfortunately, this game's release date is a little bit wrong timing. It was immediately forgotten by the people because it was released alongside GOW Ragnarok, Elden Ring, and many more!
I played and beat this game, and I must say - Horizon Forbidden West is truly a gem and a must-play! Deep storyline, engaging side quests, and awesome graphics! The PS5 hardware was pushed to its capabilities because of this epic game! Don't believe me yet? Try watching this:
4. Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Here's another gem, and another reason why PS5 is one of the greatest consoles ever, because of it's fantastic library of games! Now, let's talk about Ghost of Tsushima: Become a samurai in feudal Japan. The combat is elegant and deadly, the world is painterly and serene, and few games make you feel as cool as standing in a field of swaying grass before a duel.
Watch this gameplay trailer, and be fascinated! Good news is: This game is free on PS Plus Subscription, and always on sale!
I forgot to mention the next game, which is Ghost of Yotei! Another freakin'ly amazing game that you really should try!
5. Elden Ring
Ah, now we're talking about GOTA. FromSoftware's open-world masterpiece blends punishing combat with unmatched freedom of exploration. The Lands Between are full of secrets, terrifying bosses, and that signature sense of triumph when you finally win. This game is one of the hardest games (many would argue it isn't) ever available. Actually, many gamers bought this on day 1 release because of hype, but the Tree Sentinel is one helluva nasty boss, that separated the noobs (including me) crazy! 😆 I almost didn't get past Tree Sentinel, but I am glad I was able to beat that freak!
No guides, free for all! The exploration is entirely up to you! This game is so awesome that I had created a separate category just for the guide. 😎
6. The Last of Us Part I & Part II
From the makers of Uncharted series, TLOU series are Naughty Dog's emotional, brutal, and beautifully crafted survival stories are essential playing. Part I is a gorgeous remake of the original; Part II is one of the most ambitious narratives in gaming. Good thing is these games are free on PS Plus subscription, so you can play them both. You're gonna be in for a treat, lots of swearing, and brutal actions and scenes. I was able to beat both games - and trust me, it was a rollercoaster of feelings!
Btw, this game is so good, that it was already translated into film and the way they narrated it is so great, it feels like it was peeled off the game and put into film.
7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Another game that is for keeps, and defined the PS5 generation! Final Fantasy VII was a hit during the PS1 era, and the remake versions are so greatly reinvented! Square Enix was able to put this game into the modern generation, and the younger gamers were able to enjoy and experience them. The second chapter of the Remake trilogy is enormous, gorgeous, and endlessly fun. The blend of action and strategy in combat plus the beloved characters make this a JRPG-action highlight.
I also beat this game, and I love how hilarious Red XIII is when he's climbing the ropes! 😆😆😆
As of publishing this article, the 3rd installment of the game was announced, and will be released in a couple of months - this will keep the gamers hyped and go back to replay the two FFVII games (that includes me)!
Cinematic Adventures You Can't Miss
Now, let's hop on some of the games with epic cinematics, and also must plays!
8. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
Now, let's jump on another little classic, but hard to ignore. Uncharted Series has defined the PS3 and PS4 era. They were Naughty Dogs previous games before they went to push with The Last of Us. Join Nathan Drake, Sam, and Chloe Frazer's globe-trotting treasure hunts, remastered for PS5. Pure blockbuster thrills from start to finish. Uncharted 2 was my favorite, especially the epic intro on Nathan's train scene!
This gameplay trailer has reached more than 7 million views. Watch this 15 minutes of epicness!
9. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
A dazzling showcase of the PS5's SSD, with dimension-hopping action, inventive weapons, and Pixar-quality visuals. I personally haven't played the other games in the past, but when I tapped into this game because it was free on PS Plus subscription, I was immediately hooked! This is not a for-kids-only game, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has something special to offer, and it may surprise you!
10. Returnal
A roguelike ithird-person shooter with tight gunplay, eerie atmosphere, and brutal difficulty. One of the most unique exclusives on the platform. Think about Souls games with a gun, this is how Returnal feels! The gameplay is unforgiving, but once you get the gist of it, it will be a little easier. (but most still find this game hard!)
The new game was also released! So, buckle up on your wallets - because there's way too many games to play! 😄😆
11. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Another one on the list! Cal Kestis returns with deeper lightsaber combat, more Force powers, and a galaxy worth exploring. A dream for Star Wars fans. I just don't understand why fans doesn't like his too much, but I do! I also love the previous game before this, Jedi Fallen Order. Be warned! This is not a hack and slash game! This is similar to a Soulslike game, so there's a degree of difficulty when dealing with the boss.
This is another game that I beat as well! The final boss was epic - truly, epic!
12. Rise of the Ronin
Team Ninja's open-world samurai epic set during the fall of the shogunate, packed with deep combat and meaningful choices. It is often compared to Ghost of Tsushima because they're both samurai games, but they cater to different gamer types. This game is hard, punishing, but highly rewarding when you defeat the uber-strong-damager bosses! The armors also don't mean much when the enemies hit you, so you need to be extra mindful when blocking and dodging.
This game is also impressive and a must-play!
13. Stellar Blade
Ohhh, another one on the list! Being on the 13th spot is not a thing, because Stellar Blade is freakin' good! It's a stylish, fast-paced action game with stunning visuals and demanding, combo-driven combat that rewards skillful play. This game is also offers a degree of difficulty! Actually, the bonus here is how sexy Eve and other characters, and gamers often relates this to "one-hand gaming". Why??? 😆😆😆😆
I also beat the story of the game and defeated the final boss! You'll love this game for sure!
As of publishing, the second game will be coming soon as well! I'm really looking forward to that!
14. Black Myth: Wukong
Based on Journey to the West, this action RPG delivers spectacular boss fights and jaw-dropping visuals rooted in Chinese mythology. Another epic, and hard-to-beat but highly rewarding game has been released! If you're into high-speed battles and wants to encounter bosses like in Elden Ring, then you're in the right place! BMW is one helluva great game that you will definitely enjoy!
I checked its selling price on FB marketplace, and this game rarely drops its price! That means this game is a really must-try!
Reimagined Classics & Modern Hits
15. Resident Evil 4 Remake
A masterclass remake that modernizes a survival-horror legend with tense action and incredible pacing. Reliving the good 'ol days of RE4! The gamers celebrated when this game was finally released. RE4 is one of the highest-rated games among the entire franchise, so you really should try this remake version.
I finished this game as well but wasn't able to play the DLC, Separate Ways - oh well! There's too many great games, and too little time! I wish I can retire early, so I can free up more time, and enjoy these wonders!🤩
16. Devil May Cry 5
The DMC series is one of our favorites! I can clearly remember the epic DMC3 start on the pizza stuff and Dante mercilessly defeating the enemy. And today, Capcom has released another gem! The pinnacle of stylish action combat. Rack up those SSS-rank combos as Dante, Nero, and V. You can play all of them and they have different fighting styles too. I also love the combo and also the soundtrack! Btw, I got this game for dirt cheap as sale as a digital game! You should score one as well!
17. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Lots of gamers have mixed reaction towards the AC series, but the Odyssey is one of the games that they love. What I liked about this is you can choose between two protagonists, Alexios or Kassandra. This is a true open-world setting where you can freely enjoy and feel like one of the Spartans. Not to mention that this game will easily burn 100 hours, but it's one of the games you must play!
18. Hogwarts Legacy
Developed by WB Studios, the ones responsible for Batman: Arkham series, they released this gem! Live out your wizarding fantasy in an open-world Hogwarts. Spellcasting combat and exploration make it a treat for fans.
I am a fan of wizard-genre anime series, so when I played this game, it immediately hooked me up! The intro of this game was good too! If you think this is corny, or just for kids, then you're mistaken! Give it a try, and you'll say that I am right! 😄
19. Death Stranding Director's Cut
Hideo Kojima's strange, hypnotic delivery-adventure across a hauntingly beautiful America. Unlike anything else. When I played this game, I find it really weird and I thought it was boring because the game is mostly traveling, reconnecting the UCA, and delivering packages from different sites. But the more you play the game, the more interesting and immersive it becomes! I enjoyed traveling, planning my routes and equipments, eliminating BTs, and also urinating! 😆 Haha, yes, there's urinate feature here!
20. Sifu
A brilliant kung-fu brawler with a clever aging mechanic that makes every death meaningful. Incredibly satisfying martial-arts combat. Sifu is also available on other platforms like Nintendo Switch but this game has gotten my attention because of its unique gameplay. Be aware, this game will literally test your DualSense to its limits!
More Great Action-Adventures to Explore
The list doesn't stop there. Here are seven more action-adventure gems worth your time on PS5:
- 21. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales — A tight, heartfelt standalone adventure.
- 22. Demon's Souls (Remake) — The stunning remake that launched alongside the PS5.
- 23. Stray — An atmospheric adventure where you play as a cat in a cyberpunk city.
- 24. Tomb Raider (Survivor Trilogy) — Lara Croft's modern, action-packed origin saga.
- 25. Lies of P — A gorgeous Soulslike retelling of Pinocchio with razor-sharp combat.
- 26. A Plague Tale: Requiem — A dark, emotional adventure through plague-ravaged France.
- 27. Atomic Heart — A bizarre, action-packed romp through an alternate Soviet world.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 is an absolute paradise for action-adventure fans. From Sony's cinematic first-party masterpieces to incredible third-party epics, there is enough here to keep you busy for hundreds of hours. The hardest part isn't finding a great game to play—it's deciding which one to start first!
Another good news: Most of these games are available to play when you're subscribed to PS Plus! That's helluva treat for us! You're welcome! 😎😆
Did your favorite make the cut? Which of these are already in your backlog? Let me know in the comments, and happy gaming! 🎮
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