If you have a PS5 games in 2026, the issue usually isn’t a lack of games. It’s picking which ones are actually worth playing.
Every year adds more trailers, more promises, more hype. Most of it blends together. Some games live up to it. Some don’t. And a lot of them fall somewhere in the middle: fine, but forgettable. This list isn’t about that middle ground.
At this time, the best PS5 games of 2026, according to the ranking, are these ones. Games with such high ranks in Google searches are usually popular among gamers for several months after release, and they are still seen in “what should I play next?” threads all over the internet. Some are enormous blockbusters while others are more discreet, slower-burning games that catch you off guard in the middle of the story.
Moreover, I will indicate the best target audience for every game since it is a matter of personal preference. A 100-hour RPG is not the desired choice for everyone. Not everyone enjoys demanding combat. Let’s get into it!
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Best for: RPG lovers, story-first players, choice-driven gameplay
Baldur’s Gate 3 is still everywhere on the lists. The reason is simple. Player choices actually change what happens next. Not just dialogue. The whole situation.
It’s very deep. At times, it might be too much. Yet it is a very rewarding experience for the players who are fond of contemplating their moves and accepting the outcomes.
Certainly, it is among the best PS5 story games that can be played on PS5, mainly if the players are of the type who enjoy interacting with and wandering in fantasy worlds that feel alive and responsive.
2. Elden Ring
Best for: Challenge seekers, exploration fans
To the year 2026, Elden Ring still holds tight to its popularity and is not planning to release it. It is still one of the most played games for PS5, primarily because no other game in the open-world genre rewards the player’s curiosity as much as this one does.
The game does not give you hints or markers to show your path. On the contrary, you have the liberty to choose a path of your own. You could even end up in a scenario where death is your only way of acquiring knowledge. It is not for everyone, but if you are one who cherishes the challenge of a deep and good game, it still is the best pick for you.
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Best for: Action fans, comic lovers, cinematic gameplay
Quick. Smooth. Entertaining in a way that does not demand anything from you. Flying through New York still feels amazing, the fighting continues to be really good, and changing between Peter and Miles keeps the action moving at a good pace. It is one of those top PS5 games of the current time that is almost universally recommended.
4. God of War Ragnarok
Best for: Story-driven players, fans of cinematic combat
The way the human part of the conflict is depicted is what makes this game, despite being an action game, emotionally harder than most. The fights are strong, sure.
But what sticks is the relationship between the father and son. The weight of fate. The sense of duty. It’s still one of the most absorbing stories you can play among the top PS5 games 2026.
5. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
Best for: Horror fans, action-survival balance
This remake not only gave an old classic a new remake but also a new life by implementing modern techniques of storytelling and gaming. If you are into horror that doesn’t use cheap tricks, this is a game that you simply cannot miss.
6. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Best for: JRPG fans, long-form storytelling
Large, imaginative, and far from assuming in its richness. Rebirth boldly takes on the task of enlarging the FF7 universe, sometimes, though a bit too adventurous, but mostly coming out of it positively. The fighting system is a great blend of strategy and action, and the world is so vast and lively that it can not be compared to any other. The good news is that for RPG fans on PS5, this game is going to be one of the top PS5 games in 2026 for sure.
7. Alan Wake 2
Best for: Psychological horror fans, slow-burn storytelling
It is weird, uncomfortable and at times intentionally disorienting. But if you are a fan of intricate plots and atmospheric rather than jump scare type of horror, then you should certainly consider Alan Wake 2 as your top choice.
8. Horizon Forbidden West
Best for: Open-world fans, sci-fi storytelling
Stunning world. Invincible gameplay. Enormous robots. It is no longer the latest, but it is still one of the best PS5 adventure games for those who prefer vastness without losing quality.
9. Demon’s Souls (Remake)
Best for: Hardcore players, Souls newcomers
It continues to be the most impressive visual representation of the PS5’s capabilities. It is a tough journey, but still, it is a fair one, and it is a good opportunity if Elden Ring felt like too much.
10. Cyberpunk 2077 (Phantom Liberty Edition)
Best for: Open-world RPG fans, narrative depth
The tale of Cyberpunk’s redemption is authentic. The game finally feels whole with the updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion. It is a believable world, morally ambiguous, and flooded with side quests that sometimes overshadow the main plot.
11. The Last of Us Part I
Best for: Story-focused players, emotional narratives
There isn’t a lot to add. The story is still strong. If you never played it, 2026 is still a good time to do that on PS5.
12. Returnal
Best for: Skill-based gameplay, fast reflexes
Difficult. Rapid. Habit-forming. Returnal offers little explanation and no slowing down at all for you. However, if it takes a while to get there, it becomes one of the most gratifying gameplay loops on the system.
13. Gran Turismo 7
Best for: Racing fans, simulation lovers
The game is mostly a simulation rather than an arcade game; however, its quality and smoothness are very high. In case you are a fan of realistic and precise games, then this one is one of the top PS5 games right now.
14. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Best for: Classic AC fans
Stealth features have returned, with maps reduced in size and missions made more difficult. It is not a revolution, but still, it is refreshing.
15. Lies of P
Best for: Soulslike fans, gothic aesthetics
Dark. Chic. Unexpectedly sentimental. It attains a lot from the Souls games but manages to establish its own character. A good choice if you are up for a challenge without FromSoftware’s magnitude.
16. Hogwarts Legacy
Best for: Harry Potter fans, casual RPG players
It is a game with disputed opinions, but its popularity is recognized. The best aspect of it is exploration.
17. Dead Space (Remake)
Best for: Survival horror purists
Intense, mood-setting, and super refined. It is definitely one of the most recommended PS5 games for horror lovers.
18. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Best for: Star Wars fans, action-adventure players
Offers a lot of improvements over Fallen Order, especially in the combat and exploration departments.
19. Street Fighter 6
Best for: Competitive players, fighting game fans
Everyone would feel comfortable with the game, and the veteran players would also find it interesting. A rare balance.
20. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Best for: Story-driven open worlds, visual immersion
Graphics still look wonderful. The atmosphere can be vibrant, and it’s also capable of being quiet, meditative and deadly at the same time when required.
Final Verdict
The PS5 game collection has grown. The game makers are already familiar with the console capabilities. That is why the most popular PS5 games are not only visually more attractive but also more assured. They experiment. They take their time whenever necessary. They trust the player. And that’s why many of these titles remain among the top 10 PS5 games discussions year after year.
If you like tracking games over time, not just launch week noise, places like RouteShopping help. Rankings change. Trends shift. Gaming Blogs usually catch that stuff before social media does.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the most anticipated PS5 game of 2026?
Currently, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is ranked first in most anticipated games. Hideo Kojima fans have been waiting for ages, and even the mere trailers have generated massive conversations. Close behind are Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (mainly because of nostalgia) and Elden Ring Nightreign, which has Souls fans watching every update closely. There isn’t one single winner here, but those three keep coming up the most.
Which game is no.1 in PS5?
If you look at what people are actually logging into every month, Fortnite still sits at the top. New releases come and go, but Fortnite doesn’t really drop off. Updates keep rolling in, events keep pulling people back, and those random crossovers help too. It’s not always the loudest game online, but when you count active players, it keeps ending up in first place.
Which game will be popular in 2026?
New games matter. Old ones don’t disappear. That’s usually how it goes. Some newer titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Split Fiction are getting attention early. People are curious. Reviews are decent. That helps. But then you look at what players actually open at night. It’s still GTA V. Still Call of Duty. Still Fortnite. In 2026, hype doesn’t last long. A big launch week means nothing if people stop playing after. The games that stay popular are simple in one way. People come back to them. Again and again.
What are the highest rated PS5 games?
God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part I, Spider-Man 2, and The Last of Us Part II are among the top games in the opinion of critics on most of the review platforms. These games are also the winners of the best storytelling awards, along with considerable gameplay. They might have been released years ago, but they still keep making it to the “best of” lists, which is definitely an indication of their power to last.