Essential PlayStation 5 Games to Kickstart Your Gaming Journey

Dec. 25, 2024 — With the holidays in full swing, many gamers have found themselves unwrapping the highly coveted PlayStation 5. This cutting-edge console from Sony opens the door to a world of stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and an impressive library of exclusive titles. If you’ve just joined the PS5 community, here’s a roundup of must-play games to get you started, as highlighted by HowToGeek.

Astro’s Playroom and Astro Bot

According to HowToGeek, the journey begins with Astro’s Playroom, a delightful platformer pre-installed on every PS5. This game serves as a charming introduction to the console’s capabilities, showcasing the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. For those who enjoyed Astro’s Playroom, the full-length sequel, Astro Bot, is a must-play. Packed with inventive levels and playful cameos from PlayStation’s rich history, Astro Bot doubles as both an engaging platformer and a nostalgic museum tour, perfect for exploring what the PlayStation ecosystem has to offer.

Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth

Square Enix’s ambitious remake of the beloved Final Fantasy VII has been nothing short of groundbreaking. The first installment, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and its sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, deliver an immersive reimagining of the classic RPG, blending turn-based strategy with high-octane action. HowToGeek notes that these games breathe new life into iconic characters and locales while retaining the emotional depth and epic soundtrack that defined the original. While prior familiarity with the 1997 classic enhances the experience, newcomers can still enjoy these remakes as standalone masterpieces.

Helldivers 2: Co-Op Excellence

If multiplayer gaming is your forte, Helldivers 2 by Arrowhead Game Studios promises a thrilling co-op experience. As per HowToGeek, this third-person shooter blends intense bug-slaying action with political satire reminiscent of the film Starship Troopers. Designed for group play, the game emphasizes teamwork as players embark on missions to save Super Earth. With its addictive gameplay loop and strategic upgrades, Helldivers 2 is an ideal pick for fans of cooperative action games like Monster Hunter.

Gran Turismo 7 and My First Gran Turismo

For racing enthusiasts, Gran Turismo 7 stands as a pinnacle of automotive realism. HowToGeek highlights that the release of My First Gran Turismo—a beginner-friendly, free demo—makes it easier than ever to dive into this world. Featuring detailed tutorials, 18 cars, and three classic circuits, the demo is a perfect introduction to the full game. Gran Turismo 7, with its hyper-realistic graphics, extensive car collection, and faithfully recreated real-world tracks, is a dream come true for gearheads and casual racers alike.

Returnal: A Unique Roguelike Adventure

Housemarque’s Returnal takes players on a haunting journey through an alien world. Combining fast-paced third-person shooting with a roguelike structure, the game is an innovative addition to the PS5 library. As stated by HowToGeek, Returnal’s eerie atmosphere, inspired by sci-fi classics like Alien, and its challenging gameplay make it a standout title. The game’s seamless integration of narrative and mechanics ensures an unforgettable experience for fans of action-packed, story-driven games.

Stellar Blade and Demon’s Souls

Fans of action-heavy, challenging games will find Stellar Blade to be a captivating choice. Described by HowToGeek as a blend of NieR: Automata and traditional Soulslike gameplay, this title features intricate combat and a compelling post-apocalyptic setting. For those who prefer a more classic approach, the remake of Demon’s Souls on PS5 offers a visually stunning and faithful update to the game that started the Soulslike genre, complete with brutal difficulty and rewarding gameplay.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Ghost of Tsushima, originally a PlayStation 4 title, receives a significant upgrade in its Director’s Cut version for PS5. This samurai epic immerses players in a beautifully rendered feudal Japan. As noted by HowToGeek, its engaging open-world design, tense duels, and atmospheric missions make it a must-play. Unique features like haiku creation and a black-and-white mode pay homage to Akira Kurosawa’s cinematic legacy, adding depth to an already rich experience. With a sequel, Ghost of Yōtei, on the horizon for 2025, now is the perfect time to explore this masterpiece.

The Spider-Man Franchise

Sony’s Spider-Man series shines on the PS5 with three critically acclaimed titles. HowToGeek praises the seamless combat mechanics, exhilarating web-swinging traversal, and visually stunning representation of New York City. The franchise includes a remastered version of the original Spider-Man, the Miles Morales spin-off, and Spider-Man 2, which brings both heroes together to face Venom. Enhanced by the PS5’s ray tracing capabilities and rapid load times, these games deliver an unparalleled superhero experience.

The Horizon Franchise

Horizon: Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon: Forbidden West, offer breathtaking open-world adventures filled with robotic dinosaurs and gripping storytelling. HowToGeek highlights the franchise’s stunning visuals and intricate combat systems, making it a showcase for the PS5’s technical prowess. For younger players or those seeking a lighter experience, a Lego adaptation of Horizon: Zero Dawn adds a humorous and accessible twist to the series.

The God of War Saga

Rounding out this list is the critically acclaimed God of War series. The 2018 reboot and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, reinvent the franchise with a focus on Norse mythology and Kratos’ relationship with his son. As per HowToGeek, these games are defined by their visceral combat, emotional storytelling, and innovative single-shot camera presentation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, these titles offer an unforgettable journey through myth and legend.

With such a rich selection of games, the PlayStation 5 offers something for every type of gamer. From nostalgic platformers to cutting-edge RPGs, this console cements itself as a must-have for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.