A well-written story and interesting characters can turn a game with okay mechanics into an enjoyable one. In this ranking, we take a closer look at the best story-driven, single-player games on the PlayStation 5.
25. The Forgotten City
Following the popularity of its original Skyrim mod, this stand-alone adventure recreates the fall of Rome some two thousand years ago. It has time travel and moral conundrums that will leave you scratching your mind for hours, yet it shouldn't be taken seriously as historical authenticity.
24. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
Part visual novel, part [REDACTED]. Without telling much of its story, you become emotionally invested in Doki Doki's endearing cast of characters in their budding literature club. If you enjoy mysteries, this console version of the original will keep you on your toes.
23. Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
A magical journey inspired by Pixar's visual aesthetic. Purge evil spirits in the name of love and friendship in its 10-hour campaign. It’s cute, emotional, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Just look at these adorable critters.
22. Life Is Strange: True Colors
Yet another entry from the Life Is Strange series. New character Alex takes the limelight in a coming of age story with a supernatural twist. With five episodes ready to go and an extra story DLC, get to know these everyday people in a fictional Haven Springs. Don’t even get us started on its spellbinding soundtrack.
21. Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales
The other web-slinging hero gets his own story in this PlayStation exclusive. In an open-world recreation of New York, Miles Morales adjusts to his newfound responsibilities. With the PS5’s cutting-edge hardware, swing from building to building and take down thugs with superhero swagger.
20. Control: Ultimate Edition
Weird doesn’t even cut it. Control’s bizarre third-person action pits you against evil Refrigerators and Flamingos. Unravel the mysteries behind The Oldest House in a game that feels like a fever dream. This Ultimate Edition comes with two story DLCs and enhanced graphical modes for that sweet 4K 60fps.
19. Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy
Not to be confused with its MCU counterpart, this version of the Guardians of the Galaxy doesn’t have Chris Pratt. Instead, it’s an original story featuring our favorite ragtag group of heroes. From a talking raccoon… to a talking tree, this sci-fi trip ranks among the best Marvel games out there with a playscore of 8.80
18. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft’s tried and tested Assassin’s Creed formula enters the Viking age. Valhalla delivers over 100 hours of open-world gameplay. There’s a hotbed of activities for you to do whether you’re sieging castles or assassinating key historical figures with your signature hidden blade.
17. Lost Judgment
A Yakuza spin-off that stands on its own. Remove Majima and Kiryu in the equation and you get a gripping detective story. Acting as a sequel to its 2018 original, Lost Judgment immerses you in a new collection of cases to crack using fresh and updated combat.
16. HITMAN 3
Speaking of detective stories, HITMAN 3 hasn’t lost its steam after almost 3 years. It’s the end of Agent 47’s story, but that doesn't mean it's all over. With seven creative chapters to follow, our bald-headed agent isn’t retiring anytime soon.
15. Stray
The cute cat game everyone loves. As we jump from rooftop to rooftop– and meow to our heart’s content, its heavy themes of humanity trapped in a broken world hits us right in the feels. With its 6-hour campaign, it doesn’t linger for too long. But nothing stops you from revisiting the world again just to admire the sights and meow once again.
14. Resident Evil Village
From cute cats to giant vampire mommies, videogames have come a long way huh. Resident Evil Village is an amusement park of horrors ready to make you shit your pants. Its first person perspective doesn’t help at all, now with the monsters coming straight to your face. Its survival-horror at its peak and it receives a playscore of 8.87
13. Tales Of Arise
Not only is this the latest game of the Tales series, it’s also its most ambitious. Tales Of Arise 40-hour story is full of action, drama and betrayal. Like most JRPGs, its cast of characters offer a fresh palette of personality to its magical fantasy world.
12. A Plague Tale: Requiem
The second chapter of A Plague Tale might keep you occupied if you're not terrified of rats. Requiem, a blend of third-person action and stealth gameplay, develops the relationship between Amicia and Hugo as they endure Europe's dark ages.
11. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT
This Director’s Cut is the definitive edition of their first adventure as father and son. It’s packed with new upgrades to keep the deliveries more convenient and it comes with a special mission that oddly reminds us of Kojima’s other project. This is perfect now that Sam and BB might be coming back in its inevitable sequel.
10. The Nioh Collection
If you’ve had enough of the Dark Souls games, this two in one package of Team Ninja’s Nioh could be for you. Yeah, it’s like Dark Souls, but taking place in 1600 Japan. And it’s not just ‘normal’ Japan either. It’s filled with Yokai and other monsters out to kill you at first sight. I guess this is just like Dark Souls?
9. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Now that we’re talking about Japan, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is the perfect game to talk about right? Considered as a soft-reboot of the series, it no longer has real-time combat. Instead, you’re gonna have to wait your turn before you smack your enemies. It’s still as hilarious and crazy as its predecessors and nothing can take that away from a series known for it.
8. Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade
An enhanced edition to one of the best JRPG stories. You could say that this is a Remake of a Remake? Cloud and his buddies get to enjoy a smooth 60 frames per second to beat the Shinra goons to a pulp. Not only that, Intergrade also comes with a story DLC centered around everyone’s favorite Wutai ninja, Yuffie.
7. Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection
Why not choose this bundle if you're trying to decide which Uncharted game to buy on sale? You can get Uncharted 4 plus its stand-alone adventure, Lost Legacy, for the price of one. Follow Nathan Drake’s final adventure in A Thief’s End, or enjoy Chloe and Nadine’s different journey in the other. Both fantastic titles that are enhanced for the PlayStation 5.
6. Ghost Of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Another PlayStation exclusive getting an upgrade for the PlayStation 5. Ghost Of Tsushima: Director’s Cut polishes Jin Sakai’s blade with better performance and enhanced visuals. Plus, additional DLC content takes him to Iki Island, where new activities and side-quests await.
5. The Last Of Us Part 1
Perfect timing now that the HBO show is up. Part 1 is a Remake of Naughty Dog’s award-winning series. Joel and Ellie’s adventure gets the same visual and gameplay treatment as Part 2. It comes with more quality of life changes to its combat and better graphics this time around.
4. Horizon: Forbidden West
Definitely the best-looking PlayStation exclusive to date. Horizon: Forbidden West looks and feels better on the PlayStation 5. The performance boost and faster loading times make Aloy’s journey to the Forbidden West an adventure worth taking. If you’re not taking down machines with your bow and arrow, the gorgeous vistas alone can make you stop and get that photo mode ready.
3. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
The latest sci-fi adventure from this dynamic duo comes exclusively to the PlayStation 5. Rift Apart tests Ratchet & Clank’s friendship as they travel to dazzling new dimensions without the worry of loading screens. It feels like watching a movie, yet you’re playing everything in real-time.
2. Hades
The best single-player game that’s not a PlayStation exclusive. Hades redefined what a Roguelike should be. Its relatable cast of characters is coupled with its addictive gameplay. Even if you’re not invested with its many Greek characters, you can still see yourself taking down the Underworld’s worst in multiple runs.
1. God Of War Ragnarok
But even a demigod like Zagreus isC no match for Kratos, the god-killer himself. God of War Ragnarok is the best single-player game for the PlayStation 5. The father and son duo’s journey across the Norse realms is an unforgettable feat in gaming history. It’s a redemption story to one of the greatest characters in gaming, and signifies the next-step of gaming with its thoughtful writing and satisfying combat.