In the realm of gaming, there’s a unique thrill to embarking on a solo journey, immersed in an alternate universe with only your skills and instincts guiding you. The PlayStation 5, with its cutting-edge capabilities, brings such journeys to life with exquisite details and compelling narratives that etch a lasting memory. But in a sea of countless games, how do you discern the cream of the crop?
We’ve done the work for you, diving deep into the PlayStation 5’s expansive library to curate the top 15 solo gaming experiences. From post-apocalyptic quests to superhero adventures, from strategic battles to cosmic escapades, these titles cater to every taste and captivate with their artistic prowess and compelling gameplay. So, tighten your grip on that controller, and prepare for a ride across infinite worlds!
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
“Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” sets the bar incredibly high for PlayStation 5 graphics, rivaling some of the most visually stunning games on the platform. Critics often liken the graphics to a Pixar movie due to their breathtakingly colorful and animated visual style – a comparison I find completely justifiable. Yet, the game’s appeal extends far beyond its extraordinary visual charm.
This intergalactic adventure game introduces us to two likable platforming characters who are on a mission to save the multiverse from the nefarious Dr. Nefarious and his evil cohort. Among the game’s weaponry, several guns stand out for their power and impact, such as the formidable Shatterbomb. Other whimsical weapons, like the Pixelizer, add a layer of fun by transforming enemies into harmless pixelated figures. The game’s storyline is not only engaging but also surprisingly emotive, adding an unexpected depth to this out-of-this-world adventure.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade
For RPG aficionados looking for a game to enjoy on their PS5, “Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade” is an unmissable experience. This game enchants with its exceptional visuals that create an immersive fantasy world. The combat system balances a rapid pace with strategic elements, ensuring an engaging experience from start to finish.
The captivating storyline is another highlight that will keep you engrossed till the very end. Coupled with a phenomenal soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s epic scope, the experience is truly enthralling. The Intergrade edition of the game adds an exclusive chapter featuring the character Yuffie, providing a fresh narrative arc that isn’t available on the PS4 version.
Astro’s Playroom
Looking for a game that is perfect for kids or one that indulges the playful spirit in you? Look no further than “Astro’s Playroom”, a delightful choice for gamers of all ages. This game truly shines in how it utilises the unique features of the PS5’s DualSense controller, like the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, to enhance the gameplay experience. These novel features create an immersive gaming experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Moreover, the platforming challenges it offers are among the finest on the PlayStation 5 platform. In a charming touch, “Astro’s Playroom” also pays tribute to iconic moments from the extensive history of the PlayStation universe. The best part? This joyous adventure is available for free download, making it a must-play game for every PS5 owner!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt, the central character of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”, might tread a morally ambiguous path at times, but his charm and allure are undeniable. Game studio CD Projekt Red bravely decided to end Geralt’s narrative arc with this game, paving the way for future Witcher titles to feature new protagonists.
Describing “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” as a fitting farewell to Geralt’s journey might even be underselling it. The game stands out as one of the best single-player experiences ever created, featuring an engaging narrative and an array of captivating side content. The PlayStation 5 version brings a slew of enhancements over its PS4 counterpart, making it an enticing proposition for those wishing to revisit this classic game or dive into it for the first time.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
“Disco Elysium: The Final Cut” is not your average RPG game. It takes bold strides in offering an unconventional gaming experience that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. This daring approach has resulted in a standout RPG game that every tabletop RPG fan should try. As expected, the ‘Final Cut’ version stands as the definitive way to play “Disco Elysium”, thanks to numerous modifications and improvements.
In the game, players assume the role of a detective grappling with memory loss, tasked with piecing together his shattered past. Players have the freedom to mold their character, Harry, as they prefer. The way you allocate your stats significantly influences the outcome of various events and actions in the game. The game’s dialogue is consistently brilliant, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into creating this underappreciated gem.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Series
Whether you’re an avid comic book enthusiast or just a fan of adrenaline-charged action games, the Marvel’s Spider-Man series by Insomniac Games is a solid bet. The exhilarating sensation of web-slinging in this game surpasses all its predecessors, adding a new depth to this iconic character’s abilities that even surpasses the classic Spider-Man 2 game for the PS2. You can perform awe-inspiring tricks in mid-air that provide an unparalleled sense of freedom. Not to mention the boss battles, which play a pivotal role and significantly ramp up the narrative’s intensity.
The game’s recreation of New York City is intricate and teeming with action, as you swoop through the dazzling cityscape, engaging enemies with a beautifully crafted combat system. Its sequel, focusing on the character Miles Morales, is equally impressive, if not more, enhancing the combat mechanics and weaving an emotional, high-stakes narrative. With Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered set for a standalone release on PS5, it’s the perfect time to delve into this exceptional series.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Yes, I dare to say it — this game surpasses even the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies. The characters in this game are skillfully fleshed out and manage to stand distinct from their Hollywood counterparts. Eidos Montreal’s rendition of Starlord undergoes a compelling character development journey, and the bonds between the group members are palpable, creating a deep, emotional connection.
Plus, the dialogue is genuinely funny, laced with the trademark humor of the Guardians. The third-person shooting gameplay is exhilarating, as you dart around adversaries using your jet boots and tactically command your squad. The boss battles in this game are momentous and feel incredibly rewarding, making this game a must-play.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Capcom has proven its prowess in breathing new life into classic Resident Evil games, and the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 is a shining example of that. Many gamers argue that it stands as the crown jewel among the remakes, with only the Resident Evil 2 remake giving it a run for its money. While not all changes in the remake are universally loved, the modifications made to the character Ashley are widely praised for reducing frustration, enhancing gameplay.
Moreover, the additional narrative depth given to secondary characters enriches the storyline significantly. However, the Resident Evil 4 remake transcends being a mere facelift; it could be considered a reimagining of the original, delivering a familiar yet distinctly unique gaming experience.
Returnal
Returnal is a groundbreaking roguelike game unveiled in 2021 by Housemarque, the renowned Finnish game developer known for masterpieces like Nex Machina and Matterfall. In this thrilling game, players enter the shoes of an astronaut who lands on an alien planet, playing from a dynamic third-person perspective. The game’s central character, Selene Vassos, finds herself in a relentless pursuit of a mysterious entity known as the White Shadow. Along her journey, she stumbles upon a time-loop that revives her each time she meets her end. This intriguing gameplay mechanism enables Selene and the players to progressively learn about the foreign planet Atropos and discover hidden abilities and weapons as the narrative unfolds.
Returnal’s striking blend of compelling narrative and riveting gameplay has earned it considerable praise. The game’s underlying mechanic, paired with its stellar visuals and immersive sound design, creates an unforgettable experience. The game didn’t just win the hearts of players but also the critical acclaim of the gaming industry, bagging multiple award nominations, and winning the prestigious BAFTA Games Award for Best Game. It managed to outshine heavy hitters like Deathloop and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Initially, a PS5 exclusive, Returnal, has now made its way to PC, making it accessible for gamers without the Sony console, provided their PC has the muscle to run the game.
God of War Series
Any PS5 owner with an appetite for captivating single-player games must explore the Norse God of War series. While the PS2 and PS3 editions didn’t resonate with me due to their repetitive action, puzzling narrative structure, and the aggressive demeanor of Kratos, the latest reboot-cum-sequel is a game-changer. It artfully reimagines Kratos as a father, and his evolution from a violent past to a more complex character is remarkably well-executed. The narrative brilliantly captures a coming-of-age tale for Kratos’ son, Atreus, adding an emotional depth to the series.
In terms of combat, the series opts for a slower, more strategic third-person approach that offers a deeper sense of immersion. Wielding Kratos’ axe is incredibly satisfying, and the progressive powers that Kratos gains make you feel invincible. Not to mention the breathtaking cinematic boss battles that are bound to leave you awe-struck.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is a visual spectacle, boasting stunning graphics that truly come to life on the PlayStation 5. This enhanced edition of the game offers numerous upgrades over the PS4 original, such as haptic feedback, support for higher resolutions and frame rates, and remarkably shorter loading times. It also includes the acclaimed Iki Island DLC, a must-play for fans of the base game.
At the heart of Ghost of Tsushima lies Jin Sakai’s compelling journey, serving as a testament to why single-player games remain a beloved genre for many. Jin battles both the invading Mongols and his own internal struggle with the morals and ideals imparted by his uncle. As players, we’re privy to his transformation into the Ghost, complete with the emotional turmoil accompanying it. This well-crafted narrative makes Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut a truly immersive experience.
Demon’s Souls
The iconic Japanese video game developer, FromSoftware, has risen to be one of the foremost forces in the gaming industry. While their initial acclaim sprouted from the “Armored Core” series, their real breakthrough came with the invention of a whole new genre – Souls-likes, through the release of “Dark Souls.” This genre of action RPGs is distinguished by its dark fantasy environments and notoriously challenging combat systems, often leading to player deaths numbering in the hundreds.
While “Dark Souls” catapulted this formula to the mainstream, the blueprint for this concept was initially exhibited in “Demon’s Souls.” Given its seminal role, it was only logical to remake this groundbreaking game for contemporary hardware, offering fans the chance to revisit or discover this gem that was first launched on PS3.
Under the expert stewardship of Bluepoint Games, the 2020 PS5 launch title, “Demon’s Souls,” experienced a comprehensive graphical revamp and numerous enhancements to its gameplay mechanics. Features like new customization options, a photo mode, and balance changes to the encumbrance system were introduced. These augmentations transform an already excellent game into an even more impressive experience, making “Demon’s Souls” a must-play for fans of FromSoftware’s recent offerings.
Elden Ring
Despite being notoriously challenging, “Elden Ring” rewards your efforts and patience with a sense of accomplishment as you vanquish formidable bosses and traverse a treacherous fantasy world. While I had never previously been drawn to the Souls series, Elden Ring struck a chord. The open-world format of the game lets you explore at your leisure, encounter new bosses, and progress at your preferred pace.
This freedom to explore and discover hidden areas, acquire incredible loot, and then brace yourself to take on a tough boss once again creates an addictive gameplay loop that is much more satisfying than the traditional linear approach of the Souls series. With this enhanced flexibility, you’re not bound to repetitively fight the same boss, making the experience more varied and less monotonous. The game’s world-building is also impressive, providing beautiful landscapes and stunning architecture for players to marvel at.
The Last of Us Part I
When it comes to narratives that stir deep emotions, “The Last of Us Part I” stands unparalleled. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, you play as Joel, a grieving father who forms a bond with a young girl named Ellie as they navigate through a world teeming with zombies, or as the game prefers to call them – the Infected. What sets these creatures apart is their unique ability to sense their surroundings, leading to many chilling moments as you stealthily navigate dark corridors.
One false move and these creatures will rush at you, testing your reflexes and sharpshooting skills. The game gets even more intense as you encounter other survivors, adding a layer of emotional heaviness as Joel and Ellie strive to stay alive. The astounding graphics further enrich the immersive experience, making “The Last of Us Part I” one of the best single-player games on PS5.
Horizon Series
The Horizon series, with its latest sequel, Forbidden West, is a dazzling display of graphic artistry. Set in a unique post-apocalyptic world populated by robotic creatures, the series has a striking appeal. Accompanying these eye-catching visuals are phenomenal performances from Ashley Burch (as Aloy) and the rest of the ensemble.
The storyline piques interest as it slowly reveals why our civilization collapsed centuries ago. “Horizon: Zero Dawn” set the bar high as an outstanding open-world game, offering players the thrill of upgrading their gear and strategically dismantling massive robots piece by piece. While “Forbidden West” is equally impressive visually, in my opinion, it doesn’t quite capture the same level of intrigue as the original.
