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April 22, 2025 11:41 AM
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Top 10 Must-Play PS5 Games in 2025 – From Elden Ring to Final Fantasy

Alright, let's cut to it: you’ve got a PS5, which basically means you're holding a sleek, silent powerhouse in your hands. But that beast of a console is only as good as the games you feed it. And lucky for you? The PS5 library in 2025 is absolutely stacked. We’re talking genre-defining, tech-pushing, emotionally wrecking titles.

I’m not just tossing a list your way. I’ve lived in these games—rage quit in them, cried in them, cheered like a lunatic when I beat that one impossible boss. These are the must-plays. The ones that make you feel like you're not just playing a game—you’re inside one.

Let’s dive in.

1. Astro Bot

Astro Bot isn’t just a charming platformer—it’s a PlayStation tribute wrapped in joy. It’s got nods to every era of Sony gaming, but what really makes it pop is how it shows off what the PS5’s DualSense can do. You literally feel the world—grass crunching, raindrops pinging, ice slipping.

Every level is bursting with clever design, and the smile you’ll have while playing? Pure nostalgia meets innovation.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to the DualSense controller, start here. It’s the best demo for haptics and adaptive triggers on the system.

2. God of War: Ragnarok

This game is a war cry and a lullaby rolled into one. Kratos and Atreus return in a saga that’s bigger, darker, and more emotionally loaded than ever. That first Thor fight? Straight-up legendary.

The combat hits like a truck, but the story hits harder. You’ll cry, you’ll yell, you’ll stare at the screen during quiet moments and just feel things. Ragnarok delivers on every level—visually, narratively, emotionally.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Explore the realms. Some of the best bits are hidden behind side quests.

3. Elden Ring

You haven’t truly suffered (or triumphed) until you’ve played Elden Ring. It’s FromSoftware’s magnum opus—a brutal, beautiful open-world RPG that throws you into the deep end and dares you to swim.

Every ruin has a story. Every boss is a brick wall. But when you break through? It’s euphoric. The PS5 makes the world feel seamless, from snowy peaks to burning castles. And even in the madness, there’s poetry.

Pro Tip: Embrace failure. Elden Ring doesn’t punish you—it teaches you. Keep going.

4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

This isn’t just a remake—it’s a reimagination. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expands the world, the characters, and the lore while keeping the heart of the original intact. It’s visually stunning, with real-time combat that feels like dancing with a blade.

The characters feel like old friends and new allies all at once. Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia or diving in for the first time, it’s a full-course RPG feast.

Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the side quests. They’re rich with lore, laughs, and loot.

5. Spider-Man 2

Swinging through NYC has never felt this good. Whether you’re Peter or Miles, the fluid web-slinging, fast combat, and emotional storytelling create a superhero fantasy dream. And the DualSense adds just enough buzz to make every zip feel alive.

The main story packs real heart, and the villains? A-list. But honestly, I’ve spent hours just swinging through the skyline like a kid on Red Bull.

Pro Tip: Master the air tricks. It doesn’t just look cool—it builds focus for combat.

6. Baldur's Gate 3

This game redefines what it means to have freedom in an RPG. Everything is a choice—from what spell to cast to which way you handle a moral dilemma. And the best part? It’s all reactive. Fail a check, and the game leans in. Succeed, and new doors open.

On PS5, it runs like a dream. Deep story, phenomenal writing, and a cast of characters that’ll either become your besties or worst enemies.

Pro Tip: Save often. Like, obsessively. You’ll want to experiment—and you’ll thank yourself when things go sideways.

7. Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon’s sequel ramps up everything: world size, machine designs, and Aloy’s arc. It’s open-world eye candy, but with substance. The environments are a joy to explore—from underwater ruins to mechanical jungles.

Combat is layered and satisfying, especially when you’re laying traps and taking down towering robo-beasts. And Aloy? She’s grown, she’s fierce, and she’s got one of the best arcs in gaming.

Pro Tip: Upgrade your focus early. Hidden datapoints reveal deep lore you won’t want to miss.

8. Alan Wake 2

A twisted, psychological horror adventure wrapped in Remedy’s signature weirdness. Alan Wake 2 is stylish, scary, and clever as hell. The dual narrative between Alan and newcomer Saga Anderson keeps things tense and fresh.

Light mechanics, layered puzzles, and a narrative that dances between dimensions—it’s a dream for fans of horror and mystery. If you liked Control, this is your next trip down the rabbit hole.

Pro Tip: Keep your flashlight batteries stocked. And pay attention to manuscript pages—they hint at what’s coming.

9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2025)

CoD might be a known quantity, but Modern Warfare III on PS5 feels next level. Lightning-fast loading, buttery framerates, and pulse-pounding set pieces. Whether you're grinding in multiplayer or soaking in cinematic campaign moments, it's loud, fast, and polished to perfection.

This year’s iteration adds more dynamic mission design and smarter AI, making it more tactical than ever. It’s blockbuster gaming at its finest.

Pro Tip: Adjust your haptic settings in the DualSense menu—feeling each bullet might be awesome or distracting, depending on your style.

10. Persona 5 Royal

It’s slick. It’s stylish. It’s got heart. Persona 5 Royal is one of the best JRPGs ever made, and it runs beautifully on PS5. You’re a student by day and a Phantom Thief by night, navigating relationships, schedules, and surreal dream-world dungeons.

The art style pops, the turn-based combat is refined and rewarding, and the soundtrack? Instant classic.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to do everything in one playthrough. Prioritize character bonds (Confidants)—they’ll make combat easier and unlock bonus story content.

These games aren’t just popular—they're experiences that push the PS5 to its limits and remind you why you bought this beast in the first place. Whether you’re a trophy hunter, a lore junkie, or someone who just wants to get lost for a few dozen hours, there’s something here that’ll hit exactly right.

So yeah—cancel your plans, stock up on snacks, and get gaming.

Stick with us for more legendary lists and PlayStation breakdowns at Land of Geek Magazine!

#PS5MustPlays #BestPS5Games2025 #EldenRing #GodOfWarRagnarok #LandOfGeekGaming

Posted 
Apr 22, 2025
 in 
Gaming
 category