Best PS5 Games 2025: Critic Picks and Reddit Favorites

There’s a moment every PS5 owner knows: scrolling through the store, a stack of games on sale, but no clear winner. Whether you’re hunting for the next big exclusive or a multiplayer hit that’ll keep your friends online, the PS5 library in 2025 is deeper than ever. This guide mixes critical scores from Metacritic (industry-standard review aggregator) with what real players are buzzing about on Reddit to help you find exactly the right game.

Games in GameSpot’s best PS5 list: 50 ·
Release years covered by Metacritic PS5 list: 2011–2026 ·
PlayStation.com feature: Best PS5 games of 2025

What is the no. 1 PS5 game?

Top-rated games on Metacritic

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — 93 Metascore on PS5 (GameSpot (games editorial site))
• Split Fiction — 91 Metascore on PS5 (GameSpot (games editorial site))
• Forza Horizon 5 — 92 Metascore on PS5 (TheGamer (gaming features site))

As of mid-2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 holds the highest Metascore among PS5 releases, according to GameSpot’s Metacritic roundup. The turn-based RPG edged out even the big open-world ports.

The pattern: exclusives and high-profile cross-platform titles dominate the very top. A 90+ Metascore today nearly guarantees mainstream buzz.

User favorites on Reddit

Reddit consensus on the no. 1 PS5 game is harder to pin down — no single thread dominated 2025’s voting. However, r/PS5 community polls regularly highlight Spider-Man 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 as fan favorites, with ongoing discussions about Helldivers 2 as a surprise hit. (Reddit discussions cited anecdotally; no verified aggregate poll available for 2025.)

Current hype games

• Split Fiction — trending for its co-op storytelling (GameSpot (games editorial site))
• Hollow Knight: Silksong — still anticipated, spotted in Metacritic roundups (GameSpot (games editorial site))
• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — biggest critical darling of the year

The implication: critical consensus and community hype are diverging in 2025, making it essential to choose a source that matches your priorities.

What are the top 10 PS5 games?

Based on Metacritic scores and community mentions, here’s a curated top 10 that balances critical acclaim with player popularity.

List of top 10 games

The table below ranks each game by Metacritic score, with genre and source attribution for verification.

* Scores from 2022–2023 releases, included as they remain top-rated on PS5.

What this means: the top five entries are a mix of 2025 debuts and older titans, proving that longevity matters as much as novelty in player interest.

Criteria for ranking

• Metacritic score — primary weight. Tier 1 source.
• Reddit popularity — anecdotal but reflects real player sentiment.
• Genre diversity — ensures something for every taste.
• Exclusive status — PS5 exclusives get extra consideration.

Mixed genres included

From RPGs to racing and co-op shooters, the top 10 spans seven genres. No single type dominates — 2025’s strength is variety.

Which is the best PS5 game to buy?

Factors to consider

• Single-player vs multiplayer — do you play alone or with friends?
• Story depth vs gameplay loop — narrative-heavy (Baldur’s Gate 3) vs action-replay (Helldivers 2)
• Graphics fidelity — PS5 exclusives often push hardware (Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök)
• Price — new releases at $70, older titles discounted

Best for different preferences

• Best story: Baldur’s Gate 3 or God of War Ragnarök
• Best multiplayer: Helldivers 2 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
• Best graphics: Spider-Man 2 or Forza Horizon 5
• Best value: PS Plus Extra catalogue (dozens of top titles included)

Price and value

New AAA PS5 games cost $69.99. Older titles drop to $20-$40. Consider PS Plus Extra ($14.99/month) for access to a rotating library of hits like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Returnal.

What PS5 should I buy in 2025?

PS5 vs PS5 Slim vs PS5 Pro

• PS5 (original) — discontinued but available second-hand. Same performance as Slim.
• PS5 Slim — smaller, detachable disc drive. $449 (disc) / $399 (digital). The standard choice.
• PS5 Pro — rumored for late 2025, with enhanced ray tracing and 8K support. No official price yet.

Sony has not announced PS6, but the PS5 Pro is expected to be the premium option for performance enthusiasts. (Eurogamer (gaming hardware analysis))

Storage considerations

PS5 internal storage is 825GB (original) or 1TB (Slim). Modern games like Call of Duty take 150GB+. Consider adding an M.2 SSD (NVMe) for $100–$200.

Bundles and deals

Holiday 2025 bundles often include Spider-Man 2 or Call of Duty. Watch for GameSpot (games editorial site) deal roundups.

The pattern: the Slim is the safe bet, while the Pro targets performance seekers who can wait for pricing confirmation.

Will the PS5 last for 7 years?

Expected lifecycle of PS5

PlayStation generations typically span 6–7 years. PS4 lasted 2013–2020 (7 years). PS5 launched in 2020, so a 2027–2028 end aligns with tradition. (Eurogamer (gaming industry analysis))

Comparison to previous PlayStation generations

• PS1: 1994–2000 (6 years)
• PS2: 2000–2006 (6 years)
• PS3: 2006–2013 (7 years)
• PS4: 2013–2020 (7 years)
• PS5: 2020–expected ~2027 (7 years)

Impact of PS6 rumors

Sony has not announced PS6. Rumors suggest a 2027–2028 release. Even then, PS5 will likely get new games for 2–3 years after PS6 launch, as PS4 did. (GamesRadar (gaming news outlet))

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the pack with a 93 Metascore on PS5 this year.”

GameSpot (games editorial site)

“Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 achieved a 92 Metascore, proving that great racing games transcend generations.”

TheGamer (gaming features site)

The 2025 PS5 library is defined by both critical darlings and community-driven hits. For buyers in 2025, the choice is clear: pick a game that matches your play style, not just the score. The implication: whether you trust Metacritic or the Reddit hivemind, there’s a title waiting for you.

For those looking beyond this year’s lineup, our guide to upcoming PS5 titles offers a comprehensive look at what PlayStation fans can expect next.

Frequently asked questions