What truly sets the PlayStation 5 apart from other consoles? For many gamers, the answer lies in the exclusive titles—the games you simply cannot play anywhere else. These aren’t just games; they are high-budget, cinematic experiences built from the ground up to showcase the PS5’s incredible power.
But here’s the tricky part: with so many amazing exclusives launching, how do you decide where to spend your hard-earned cash and precious gaming time? It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which adventure is worth diving into first. You want the best bang for your buck and the most memorable gaming moments.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down the must-play PS5 exclusives, explaining what makes each one special. By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap to the best games only available on PlayStation 5.
Top Ps5 Exclusive Recommendations
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
- Seek your fortune and leave your mark on the map in the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection.
- Uncover the thrilling cinematic storytelling and the largest blockbuster action set pieces in the UNCHARTED franchise
- Delivered by award winning developer Naughty Dog, the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection includes the two critically-acclaimed UNCHARTED 4: A Thief's End and UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy.
- Each story is filled with laughs, drama, high octane combat, and a sense of wonder - remastered to be even more immersive.
- Live the adventure like never before with the features and incredible speed of the PlayStation 5 console.
- Available at Amazon only, the CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 - MIRROR EDITION includes the game on disc + tuckbox, an exclusive SteelBook featuring Verso and Alicia, and 3 of a possible 10 exclusive character artcards.
- Reactive Turn-based Combat: In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions enhance the heart of turn-based combat. Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and character synergies. Open an active dimension in combat - dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system.
- "Tomorrow Comes": With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, and their fellow Expeditioners as they embark upon a desperate quest to break the Paintress’ cycle of death. Follow the trail of previous expeditions and discover their fate. Get to know the members of Expedition 33 as they learn to work together against impossible odds.
- A Hauntingly Beautiful World: Explore an enchanting realm populated by surreal adversaries. Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield, discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. Find allies of fortune in creatures of legend and recruit special companions, access new travel methods and discover secret areas in the World Map.
- Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack.
- Embark on a galactic quest and explore more than 50 planets in search of ASTRO’s lost crew!
- Dash, swing, and rocket-punch your way through this journey, with all-new power-ups.
- Feel the world come to life via your DualSense wireless controller.
- Team up with iconic PlayStation heroes to save the galaxy!
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content - The Rogue Infiltrator Character Pack includes cosmetics for Kay and Nix.
- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
- Remastered for the Playstation 5 Console - Take on the trials of Sam bridges with advanced combat, more character actions and a competitive Ranking system for special player challenges.
- Expanded content - Make use of additional weapons and vehicles, take on new enemy types and explore new locations such as the firing range and racetrack, featuring extra missions and minigames.
- New discoveries - experience an extended storyline through new missions in an expanded area.
- Unique social strand system - stay connected with other players from around the globe. (Internet and account for Playstation network required.)
- Discover where the journey began - Experience the original brutal challenge, completely remade from the ground up. All presented in stunning visual quality with enhanced performance, this is the world of Boletaria as you have never seen it before.
- Become the Slayer of Demons - Venture to the northern kingdom of Boletaria – a once prosperous land of knights, now beset with unspeakable creatures and ravenous demons. Meet strange characters, unhinged and twisted by the world around them, and unravel the unsettling story of Demon’s Souls.
- Face the world’s greatest warriors in ferocious PVP combat - With online invasions adding to the danger of your quest. Or play cooperatively by summoning allies to aid in your fight against the demons. Active PS Plus subscription required for online multiplayer.
- An epic dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them.
- This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix.
- Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.
- Titanic Clashes - When rival Dominants come head to head, epic battles between their Eikons ensue!
- Eikonic Action - Clive utilizes the powers of multiple Eikons in breakneck battle!
The Ultimate Buying Guide for PS5 Exclusives
So, you own a PlayStation 5! That’s awesome. Now you want those special games only the PS5 can play. These “exclusives” show off what the console can really do. This guide helps you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a PS5 exclusive, look closely at what it offers. These games are built just for the PS5, so they should look and feel amazing.
Stunning Graphics and Performance
- 4K Resolution: Check if the game runs in sharp, clear 4K. This makes everything look crisp.
- High Frame Rate (FPS): Aim for games running at 60 frames per second (FPS) or higher. Fast action feels smooth when the FPS is high.
- Ray Tracing: This fancy feature makes light and shadows look super real.
Using the DualSense Controller
The PS5 controller is special. Good exclusives use its unique features.
- Haptic Feedback: Feel the rain, the crunch of gravel, or the tension in a bowstring. This immersion is key.
- Adaptive Triggers: Feel resistance when pulling a trigger or pressing a gas pedal.
Fast Loading Times
The PS5’s speedy SSD means games load almost instantly. Ensure the exclusive takes advantage of this. You spend less time staring at loading screens.
Important Materials (Game Content and Design)
Unlike buying a physical toy, “materials” here mean the game’s core design and story.
Story and World Design
- Narrative Depth: Does the story grab you? Look for games with strong characters and interesting plots.
- World Size: Are you exploring a detailed, living world, or a small, focused area?
Gameplay Mechanics
How do you play the game? Some exclusives focus on fast combat, while others focus on puzzles or careful exploration. Match the mechanics to what you enjoy most.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some games shine brightly; others fall short. Pay attention to these quality markers.
What Makes Quality Better?
- Polish and Bug Fixes: A game that has been updated often runs better. Fewer crashes mean higher quality.
- Sound Design: Great music and realistic sound effects pull you deeper into the game world.
What Can Lower Quality?
- Repetitive Tasks: If you do the same boring mission over and over, the quality drops.
- Poor Optimization: If the frame rate constantly stutters or drops during busy moments, the game is not well-made for the console.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you plan to play.
Single-Player Immersion
If you love getting lost in a great story alone, look for cinematic, narrative-driven exclusives. These often provide the best use of the DualSense features.
Quick Action Sessions
If you only have 30 minutes after school, choose an exclusive with easy-to-jump-into gameplay, like a fast-paced action game or a short challenge mode. You don’t want to wait through long cutscenes.
PS5 exclusives are your ticket to the best PlayStation has to offer. Choose wisely based on your favorite types of games!
PS5 Exclusive Buying Guide FAQ
Q: What exactly makes a game a “PS5 Exclusive”?
A: A true PS5 exclusive means the game is only playable on the PlayStation 5 console when it first launches. Sometimes, older games might come to PC later, but they debut only on PS5.
Q: Do I need a 4K TV to enjoy these games?
A: No, you do not strictly need a 4K TV. However, the games look much better on a 4K screen because that is how they are designed. They still look great on a standard 1080p TV.
Q: Are PS5 exclusives always more expensive than cross-platform games?
A: Often, yes. Because these games are built from the ground up just for the PS5 hardware, the development costs can be higher. They represent Sony’s biggest investments.
Q: How important is the DualSense controller for these exclusives?
A: It is very important! Developers spend extra time making sure the haptics and adaptive triggers feel unique. Playing without the DualSense means missing a huge part of the experience.
Q: Should I wait for a sale before buying a new exclusive?
A: If you are patient, waiting for a sale is smart. However, if you really want to experience the game right away with everyone else, buying at launch gets you into the community discussion faster.
Q: What if an exclusive is also on PS4? Is it still worth buying on PS5?
A: If a game is on both, the PS5 version is almost always better. It will load faster, look sharper, and usually run smoother. The PS5 version gets the full technical treatment.
Q: How do I check the frame rate or resolution settings before buying?
A: Look at the back of the game box or read the game’s official product page online. Developers usually list “Performance Mode” (aims for 60 FPS) or “Fidelity Mode” (aims for 4K resolution).
Q: Are there any free PS5 exclusives I can try first?
A: Sometimes, Sony offers free games or demos that show off the console’s power. Always check the PlayStation Store for free trials or small, exclusive demos.
Q: Does buying digital or physical matter for exclusive games?
A: No, it does not affect the game quality. Digital downloads install directly, while physical discs install and then require the disc to play. Both versions are the same game.
Q: What is the best way to determine if an exclusive fits my gaming style?
A: Watch gameplay trailers that show actual gameplay, not just cutscenes. Read reviews that focus on how the game *feels* to play, especially regarding the controller.