There is no single authoritative list of the best PS4 games: critic rankings, Sony’s curated recommendations and editorial lists apply different criteria. These six are a cross-genre starting point, chosen for their critical or editorial recognition and the distinct experiences they offer—not as a definitive ranking.
Six PS4 games to start with
| Game | Best fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodborne | Challenging action and atmosphere | A gothic action-adventure RPG built around demanding combat and environmental storytelling. Sony and GamesRadar+ both include it in their recommendations. Sony’s January 2025 selection; GamesRadar+’s PS4 list. |
| God of War | Story-led action | A strong starting point if you want an action game with a prominent story. It appears in Metacritic’s all-time PS4 ranking and Sony’s 2025 PS4 download chart. Metacritic’s ranking; Sony’s chart. |
| The Last of Us Remastered | Narrative survival action | The PS4 remaster includes the Left Behind content, according to Metacritic’s game description. Metacritic’s ranking. |
| Persona 5 Royal | Role-playing with turn-based battles | Combines turn-based combat and social-simulation elements, with additional story content noted in Metacritic’s description. Metacritic’s ranking. |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Large-scale role-playing adventure | Sony’s curated selection highlights its changing open world and complex narrative. Sony’s January 2025 selection. |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Open-world play | It ranked first on Sony’s 2025 PS4 download lists for both the US/Canada and EU. That is evidence of recent Store activity, not a measure of quality or lifetime sales. Sony’s chart. |
How to choose the right one for you
- Choose by challenge: Bloodborne is the demanding-action pick. GamesRadar+ also recommends Dark Souls 3 for difficult-but-fair combat.
- Choose by story: God of War and The Last of Us Remastered suit story-led action; The Witcher 3 and Persona 5 Royal offer role-playing alternatives with different styles.
- Choose by world and activity: The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are open-world options. GamesRadar+ highlights Fallout 4 for exploration and crafting, and Monster Hunter: World for weapon variety and large-monster hunts.
- Choose by preferred approach: For stealth and consequential choices, GamesRadar+ points to Dishonored 2. For a shooter campaign with movement at its core, it recommends Titanfall 2.
These descriptions help narrow the field, but the sources do not establish comparable playtime, difficulty ratings or solo/co-op details for every title. Check the game’s current store or package listing for the edition and features you intend to buy.
What “best” means in these lists
Metacritic’s all-time PS4 page orders games by critic score, but its ranking is a changing aggregate rather than a universal verdict. Sony’s January 2025 PlayStation Blog selection is platform-owner curation. GamesRadar+ and TechRadar publish editorial recommendations. Each can help identify candidates; none makes personal fit, popularity and critical reception the same thing.
Sony’s annual PlayStation Store chart, published January 14, 2026, lists 2025 PS4 downloads separately for the US/Canada and EU. Sony says it counts Store purchases and excludes upgrades and games bundled with hardware. Its order reflects recent regional activity, not total copies sold or an objective quality ranking. Red Dead Redemption 2 led both lists; God of War, Grand Theft Auto V, Minecraft and A Way Out also appeared.
#1 Best Overall
- "Suspend mode" eliminates the load time on your saved game and allows you to immediately return to where you left off by pressing the power button.
- Enables the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a platform that is tuned specifically to their needs.
- Engage in endless personal challenges between you and your community, and share your epic moments for the world to see.
- Gamers can share their epic triumphs by hitting the "SHARE button" on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game.
Buying and playing on PS4 or PS5
For a used or new copy, check that the listing is for the PS4 edition and confirm its condition and included content. TechRadar’s guide, updated August 13, 2026, says almost all PS4 games can be played on PS5 and discusses physical editions; treat that as general guidance, not a guarantee for every title or setup. Verify compatibility for the specific game and console before buying. TechRadar’s PS4 recommendations.
If you want a collection of earlier games rather than a single original PS4 release, Sony identifies Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection as a 2015 PS4 release that gathers three earlier PS3 games. Check the product listing to confirm the edition and contents offered. Sony’s January 2025 selection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Playstation SONY 4, 500GB Slim System [CUH-2215AB01], Black, 3003347 (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31aelHds6gL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes a slim 500GB PlayStation4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, Power Cord and HDMI Cable.
- Play online with your friends, get free games, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Rank #4
- Incredible games. Endless entertainment.
- All new lighter slimmer PS4
- 1TB hard drive
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more
Rank #3
- Includes a new slim 1TB PlayStation 4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.
- Play online with your friends, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
- Mount is not included
Rank #2
- Incredible games; Endless entertainment.
- All new lighter slimmer PS4
- 1 TB hard drive
- Blu-ray technology, delivers exceptional video quality.
- Redefine your gaming expectations and immerse yourself in moments so intense your intuition takes over.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
