When it comes to the library of older consoles, few can match the quality of PlayStation 4 games, with an epic back catalogue that encompasses almost everything a gamer will ever need. The greatest PS4 games are all-time classics, and more than a few PS4 games will easily rank in the top games ever made. Unlike previous generations, PS4 video games really diversified what was possible on Sony’s consoles, bringing more genres and unique experiences than ever before. Finding the best PS4 games of all time is no easy feat, with thousands released over the console’s life and even to this day. But, I have combed the back catalogue and put together this list of experiences you have to play on PS4.
Top PS4 Games
The top PS4 games come in many shapes and sizes, with this generation really expanding what was possible on consoles compared to less powerful machines. You’ll see the console classics of adventure games, RPGs, shooters and sports games, but the PS4 also had solid strategy, MMO and even VR options.
That breadth of genres did mean that some games needed extra hardware to run, with the exception of PSVR titles obviously requiring the extra headset to play, but outside of that, all PS4 games will run on original hardware or the final iteration of the device. For that reason, we won’t include PSVR only games on this list, but the rest are decided by critical and fan reception, longevity and a little personal bias.
15. Death Stranding
This 2019 game from Kojima Productions is less of a game and more an experience. It’s effectively a walking simulator where you deliver things around a massive open world, but the story is what makes this worth playing, building an incredible universe to explore. One for people who like the weirder things in life.
14. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Kojima is back again, this time as part of Konami with this 2015 stealth game that redefined the genre. As the iconic Snake, you explore a giant open world being stealthy and sneaky on a quest for revenge. It’s essentially a giant stealth sandbox, so great for anyone who thinks they could be a spy.
13. Ghost of Tsushima
Considered the last great PS4 exclusive, Sucker Punch’s samurai adventure from 2020 is an action adventure game where you run around and stab a lot of people with a katana. With a giant and atmospheric open world and a choice of fighting styles, this is a deep game perfect for any samurai fans.
12. Fallout 4
Bethesda’s post nuclear disaster shooter RPG gained a new lease of life after the TV series last year, but even when it launched in 2015 it was special. A post apocalyptic world that has more charm than many modern cities, this epic adventure is perfect for any adventurer who prefers guns to swords.
11. Persona 5 Royal
This 2019 edition of P-Studio’s epic JRPG is the best version you can get, giving the PS4 yet another all-time classic. The game is a traditional JRPG, with a story that follows high schoolers with special powers, and is surprisingly deep. This is a must-play for JRPG fans or a good start for genre newcomers.
10. Horizon Zero Dawn
In 2017, Guerrilla’s idea of putting robot dinosaurs in an open world surprised no one by being incredibly fun. It was probably more of a surprise no one did it before them. That resulted in this open world action RPG where you interact and take down these incredible creatures, making it great for dino fans.
9. Fortnite
Epic’s take on the battle royale genre in 2017 would define the massively popular genre, and is now more of a platform than a singular game, with a multitude of different experiences within it. This is perfect for every gamer, as its open development platform has something for everyone and continues to grow.
8. Marvel’s Spider-Man
Giving legendary developers Insomniac the Spider-Man licence turned out to be an inspired decision, with this 2018 web slinging action adventure proving so instantly. Swinging around the city as Spidey and beating up bad guys is incredibly satisfying, and to make it even better, the story is great too. A must-play for Spider-Man fans.
7. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Naughty Dog’s 2016 entry in the iconic franchise took a bit of a different turn, giving us an older Drake and a less outrageous story. But all the action adventure goodness of shooting, platforming and puzzles are still intact, making this a very fun and easy game to pick up and play for any gamer.
6. Bloodborne
A FromSoft souls-like that is perhaps the most unique, 2015’s Bloodborne takes the brutal difficulty and impossible to master combat and takes it to a strange gothic Victorian style location that is as creepy as it is beautiful. Any souls-like fan should play this, as its combat is unlike any other and the enemies memorable.
5. Grand Theft Auto V
Rockstar’s GTA V is one of the best games ever and deserves a place here, despite launching in 2013, before the PS4. With an epic open world that allows you to cause chaos as you see fit, and a solid story and cast of characters, this is the ultimate criminal fantasy simulator for over-18s.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
A fantasy RPG from 2015 where developer CD Projekt Red cemented themselves as a top studio. This is about as traditional as fantasy RPGs get, but it does things perfectly, with a massive world to explore, great combat and memorable characters that make you want to be a real Witcher. It’s perfect for RPG fans.
3. God Of War
The sequel launched on PS4, but you’d really only want to play this 2018 reboot from Santa Monica Studio on the old hardware. However, this game took the shouty God and turned him into a father with depth who still likes to brutally kill things. Great for anyone who likes killing big monsters.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar is back with a cowboy open world RPG that still hasn’t been bettered by a competitor, despite launching in 2018. It’s an old-timey tale of betrayal and lawlessness, but the star of the show is the open world that feels alive and realistic. A must-play for any open world fans.
1. The Last Of Us Part 2
The PS4’s best game by a mile. This 2020 sequel from Naughty Dog features one of the best stories in a game ever, that is matched by its gameplay that moves from all out action to stealth and exploration at a perfect pace. Everyone should play this, it’s that good.
Bottom Line
The PS4 will always be considered one of the best consoles ever, and the games on this list prove why. It has a ton of variety, and great options whatever you are looking for. It may be lacking in power these days, but there are still a lot of games you should play.
