PS5 exclusives: Sony does them well, and they do them often. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all available and upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusives so that you can see which way the wind’s blowing.
PS5 exclusives are expected to be some of the most critically acclaimed and financially successful titles of this next generation of gaming. What are we basing this grand assertion on, you ask? Well, it comes down to history. Sony has built their reputation on the quality of their consoles’ games – and then making sure you can’t play them anywhere else.
Blockbuster series such as Uncharted, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, and The Last of Us perfectly demonstrate this strategy. These exclusive titles have helped make PlayStation the gaming giant that it is today and judging by this list of PS5 exclusives, that seems unlikely to change any time soon.
Upcoming PS5 Exclusives
Horizon Call of the Mountain – TBA
Announced fresh from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022, Horizon Call of the Mountain is an upcoming PS5 exclusive and the first significant game announced for PlayStation’s next-gen VR system and hardware, PSVR2. It’s a new adventure in the world set up by Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, an adventure where Aloy will not be the protagonist.
The new and improved PSVR is said to include a headset-based haptics system that will let players “feel a character’s elevated pulse during tense moments, the rush of objects passing close to the character’s head, or the thrust of a vehicle as the character speeds forward.”
If this game represents even half as giant a leap in VR game development as Half-Life: Alyx managed to pull off, it will be worth its weight in gold for Sony.
Pragmata – 2023
Pragmata looks extremely premium in an entirely abstract and mysterious fashion. It appears to be about a father/daughter astronaut team exploring an abandoned earth, as well as deep space.
At this stage, it’s difficult to say much more about the game because the promotional material doesn’t give much else away. For some reason, the trailer reminds me of Death Stranding, which could be fantastic or horrific depending on how you felt about that divisive title.
That’s what I’m going with – Pragmata looks fantastically horrific. We don’t currently have a solid Pragmata initial release date. However, as son as we get one we’ll post it!
Final Fantasy XVI – 2023
Final Fantasy XVI will be the first completely original game from the series to make its way onto a next-gen console. Currently, it is believed to be a PS5 exclusive, although there is some chatter that it may make its way to other consoles further down the line.
Either way, it will be the first Final Fantasy game set in the fictional world of Valisthea, though the series hallmarks such as warring factions, summonable monsters, and giant swords are all returning.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – 2023
We don’t have a considerable amount of information to go on in regards to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, other than it’s the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2020 hit Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Oh, and it’s been made abundantly clear that it will be a PS5 exclusive.
That said, we have a reveal trailer that Sony showed off at a showcase in September 2021, and it gives us a few hints. Firstly, it appears both Peter and Miles will be playable characters, and that series antagonist Venom will also appear. Secondly, the graphics look incredible in the most next-gen way possible.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (remake) – TBA
The original Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is perhaps the most acclaimed Star Wars video game of all time. Combing the rich storytelling of classic Bioware RPGs with George Lucas’s profound world lore is a match made in… a galaxy far, far away.
Currently, it appears the game will be a PS5 exclusive, as the trailer proudly proclaims that it is being ‘remade for PS5’. Although my money is on it coming to PC after an initial period of exclusivity, as Star Wars fans would almost certainly riot if it doesn’t.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL-RfE-ioJ8
Marvel’s Wolverine – TBA
Marvel’s Wolverine is still in the early stages of development but considering that Insomniac Games are at the helm, it’s fair to say the game is already getting some serious hype. That said, the question on the tip of everyone’s tongues appears to be ‘is the Wolverine game a PS5 exclusive?‘; to which the answer is reportedly ‘yes‘.
The game was revealed at Sony’s 2021 September showcase, teasing how much fun it will be to cause a heap of destruction as the game’s titular character. It should be noted that the trailer doesn’t show any in-game footage.
Available PS5 Exclusives
Ghostwire Tokyo
This one is bringing something a little spooky to the table. The majority of Tokyo’s population has vanished, replaced by otherworldly creatures and phenomena, and it’s up to you to get to the bottom of what’s going on.
During your first-person adventure, you will utilise magic spells and martial arts to defeat ghosts, demons, and urban legend-inspired enemies. Like Deathloop, Ghostwire Tokyo is being published by Bethesda, so don’t expect this to stay exclusive to PlayStation forever.
Demon’s Souls
The closest thing to a next-gen Souls game, Demon’s Souls, is a complete remake of the PS3 classic of the same name. It’s a beautiful, challenging experience that is probably the most persuasive of all the PS5 exclusives when choosing a console.
At the time of writing, there are few better reasons to own a next-gen console. Period.
Astro’s Playroom
Far more charming than anyone could have imagined, and a real people pleaser to boot. Astro’s Playroom is the perfect game to demonstrate what the PlayStation 5 is capable of – particularly the innovative DualSense controller, which really gets a workout.
The cute platformer comes preinstalled on every PS5.
Destruction AllStars
Destruction AllStars was Sony’s attempt to get in on the fast, competitive, online-focused game market that Fortnite has made its own. It wasn’t entirely successful.
Nonetheless, the game provides adrenaline-fuelled action with larger than life characters. A game for anyone that thinks NASCAR isn’t full of enough destruction.
Returnal
Returnal is a title I’ve had my eye on for quite a while. It’s a roguelike third-person shooter that incorporates psychological horror and sci-fi elements. You take control of Selene, an astronaut in search of distant alien civilisations who crash lands on an unidentified alien planet. Isolated and alone, it’s up to you to figure out how to get back to safety.
Complete with stunning use of the PS5 controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, Returnal is a must-have. A truly next-gen experience – perhaps the first of the generation.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
The Final Fantasy series has a long-running relationship with PlayStation, and the latest iteration of its iconic number VII is a hyped-up PS5 exclusive.
The original Final Fantasy VII Remake was a big hit on the PS4, and Intergrade offers improved graphics, performance, and a brand new chapter in the game’s story.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart brings all the series’ hallmarks – silly humour, addictive platforming, bombastic combat, and surprisingly charming characters – firmly into the next-gen.
The graphics and visuals are polished and an absolute joy to behold, while the gameplay is basically a tutorial in fun game mechanics. The end product is something Insomniac Games can be immensely proud of, further strengthening their reputation as one of the premier developers of action/platformer titles.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the first PS5 masterpiece that is fit for the whole family and, accordingly, shouldn’t be missed by anyone lucky enough to get their hands on the famously scarce console.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut
When Death Stranding first came out, it divided opinion. For some, it was the natural progression of Hideo Kojima’s mad genius persona- a work that aimed to stretch the very paradigm of what video games are and hint at what they could eventually become. Others thought it was basically an Amazon delivery simulator.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut expands on the original game by including a bunch of new game mechanics, missions, locations and technical improvements. The game already looked stunning on the PS4, but it looks even better now. However, those that weren’t fans of the original aren’t likely to find anything here that will change their minds.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
This upgrade of the PS4 favourite Ghost of Tsushima is extensive and comes with a DLC-sized price tag to match. New armour, new cosmetics, and new combat techniques are all on the menu, ready to compliment your adventures through Iki Island. Not to mention there are new story missions that will indeed keep you hooked.
While it seems likely that the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut will eventually make its way to PC, we will keep it on this list until such a time comes to pass.
Gran Turismo 7
Sony’s flagship racing series for over 20 years is getting ready to grace the PS5. Gran Turismo 7 is one of Sony’s most critical PS5 exclusives, at least from a strategic standpoint, because of Xbox’s successful Forza series.
Initially scheduled for a 2021 release, complications with COVID-19 have led to the game being pushed back until 2022. However, all you racing fans can start your engines now!
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
The Uncharted games, as well as their iconic hero Nathan Drake, need no introduction. These are pure adventure games that capture a similar magic to the Indiana Jones films, giving players the best place to fulfil their roguish dreams of discovery and treasure (until Uncharted 5 is released that is).
The Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection bundles together Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, both of which have been remastered for PS5, into a winning combo. And as luck would have it, this collection is a PS5 exclusive that’s available nowhere else.
Marvel’s Spider-Man (remastered)
The 2020 remaster of Marvel’s Spider-Man takes the added power of Sony’s PS5 and puts it to good use by improving the fidelity of an already great game. Exploring the streets of New York has rarely been this immersive, and the PS5’s DualSense features contribute to making combat a better overall experience.
Sure, it’s essentially the same game as before (with all the DLC included), but this PS5 exclusive is the version that you want.
Notable Cross-Gen PS4/PS5 Exclusives
While these games aren’t technically PS5 exclusives, they remain flagship titles for Sony. And while they will be available to buy for PS4 owners, these games will likely come packaged with visual and performance enhancements only available if you own a PS5.
And regardless of which consoles they’re releasing on, these are some of PlayStation’s biggest upcoming first-party exclusives, and many players will be experiencing them on the PS5. Here are the ones to watch out for.
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is quite simply the most beautiful video game I’ve yet experienced. The world swings and sways like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze. I’d say the graphics are lifelike, but they are far more beautiful than that tired description suggests.
Horizon Forbidden West, with its stunning depictions of nature and the tattered remains of civilisation, is a joy to behold. The graphics play a role in achieving this, but the art direction and narrative are equally as important.
The development team at Guerrilla Games have created one of the best reasons to own a PS5.
God of War: Ragnarok – November 9, 2022
The much-awaited sequel to 2018’s God of War reboot was initially thought to be a PS5 exclusive but was later confirmed by PlayStation’s Hermen Hulst to be a cross-gen game, meaning it will release on the PS4 and PS5 simultaneously.
Though like many of the other games in this grey zone between console generations, and from the stunning visuals showcased in the trailer, the PS5 will be the best place to play God of War Ragnarok when it eventually comes out.
We will do our best to keep this list up-to-date with newly announced PS5 exclusives, so be sure to check back in. Until then, happy gaming!
