There is no single objective “best” PS5 remake or remaster: the right pick depends on whether you want a game rebuilt from the ground up, an enhanced version with meaningful new modes, or a lighter visual update. This shortlist compares what changes in each game, so you can choose by scope and play experience rather than label alone.
What counts as a remake or remaster?
A useful rule of thumb is that a remake substantially rebuilds or reworks an older game, while a remaster enhances an existing release’s presentation and may add features without reconstructing the whole game. The terms are not universal industry standards, so the details matter more than the label. Push Square’s explanation of the distinction is a helpful starting point.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster - PlayStation 5 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Turok Trilogy Bundle - PlayStation 5 | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Thing: Remastered - PlayStation 5 | $29.87 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Starring Lara Croft - PlayStation 5 | $32.94 | Buy on Amazon |
When comparing games, consider four things: how much was rebuilt, whether new playable content was added, what the PS5 version changes technically, and whether its upgrades matter more to first-time players or returning fans.
Which PS5 remakes are worth playing?
The Last of Us Part I
This is the clearest example here of a ground-up remake. PlayStation calls it a faithful remake rebuilt using Naughty Dog’s PS5 technology, with modernized gameplay mechanics, improved controls, and expanded accessibility options. It retells the original’s story, making it a natural starting point for newcomers who want the first game in a modernized form. PlayStation’s product page lists its September 2, 2022 release date and a Standard Edition on Blu-ray disc. The page also says there is no upgrade path from the PS3 or PS4 versions; owning an earlier version does not grant an upgrade entitlement.
#1 Best Overall
- Access to “The Vault”. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated collection of various types of development material and in-game assets showcasing the rich history of this iconic title.
- Engaging first-person ground combat featuring ten weapons and twenty types of enemies.
- Advanced 3D rendering enables updated lighting and atmospheric effects.
- A variety of power-ups are made available to the player, including health, shields, weapons and ammunition. For combat, the player may use fists, explosive landmines and thermal detonators, as well as blasters and other ranged weapons.
- Includes immersive environmental puzzles and mazes.
Silent Hill 2
PlayStation describes this as a complete PS5 remake of the 2001 PlayStation 2 survival-horror game. It is a strong candidate if you want a major older horror title revisited as a remake, rather than simply a sharper presentation of the original. The consulted PlayStation editorial guide does not provide detailed technical specifications, so it is best to judge it here by its remake scope and genre rather than assume particular performance or accessibility features.
Ratchet & Clank
PlayStation identifies this as a remake of the first game in the series. It offers a lighter-action contrast to the darker, narrative-heavy examples on this list. If you want a remake with an action-adventure focus, this is the clearest fit among the titles covered by PlayStation’s guide to modern remakes.
Rank #2
- Completely 3-D Virtual World: Run, jump, climb in any direction in a fully 3D world, with the ability to independently look and aim your weapons up, down, or sideways.
- Intelligent Enemies Programmed for Ferocity: Variable aggression profiles make each enemy behave uniquely.
- 14 Monstrous High-tech Weapons: From the Grenade Launcher, Plasma Pulse Rifle and Alien Weapon, to the Quad Rocket Launcher and, the mother of all guns, the Atomic Fusion Cannon!
- Advanced Interactive Backgrounds with Particle Technology: Cobwebs sway. Bubbles form rings on the water's surface. Bullets ricochet. Trees explode into flames and crash to the ground. Waterfalls boil with foam.
- Bionically Engineered Dinosaurs: Razor-toothed Raptors. Artillery-packing Triceratops. Alien Infantry and a Laser-Guided T-Rex. Following your every move with head-tracking technology.
Which PS5 remasters add substantial new ways to play?
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
This PS5 version builds on the PS4 release rather than presenting itself as a ground-up remake, but it adds a substantial set of modes and technical options. PlayStation lists native 4K output in Fidelity Mode, upscaled 4K in Performance Mode, an unlocked frame-rate option for compatible VRR displays, improved loading, accessibility features, DualSense support, the No Return survival mode, and Lost Levels. No Return gives returning players a distinct mode to play, while Lost Levels adds material beyond the original release. The game launched January 19, 2024, according to PlayStation’s product page.
Days Gone Remastered
Bend Studio’s PS5 remaster focuses on presentation and performance updates: improved graphical fidelity, longer foliage draw distance, enhanced shadows and lighting, Tempest 3D Audio, VRR support, and Quality and Performance modes. The announcement does not describe new playable content, so its appeal is chiefly to players who want the existing game enhanced on PS5 rather than a new campaign or mode. Bend Studio Creative & Product Lead Kevin McAllister announced that it would arrive April 25, 2025: “Days Gone Remastered rides onto PlayStation 5 April 25, 2025!” The PlayStation Blog announcement provides the listed changes.
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Rank #3
- In 20 frightening levels, lead your team against terrifying monsters, from the scuttling head-spiders and human-like walkers to gigantic multi-tentacled beasts.
- Advanced trust/fear interface adds a new level of interaction – How you influence your teams psychological state determines whether or not they will co-operate with you.
- Experience brand new dynamic lighting, specular mapping, shadows, depth of field complemented by improved models, textures and environments to create a deep level of immersion.
- Use awesome firepower like machine guns, explosives and flamethrowers to torch your enemies. Brand new Achievements.
- Quality of Life Gameplay enhancements to improve your experience. Choose multiple paths to solve problems that lie ahead and accomplish goals. Antialiasing, Per Pixel Lighting, 4K Resolution and up to 120 FPS included on PlayStation 5.
Which PS5 game mixes remastered content with a new adventure?
Sonic X Shadow Generations
This collection pairs two experiences. PlayStation describes the included Sonic Generations content as remastered, with remastered 2D and 3D stages, upgraded visuals, and bonus content, alongside a new Shadow adventure. That makes it a particularly clear option for players who want both a refreshed older game and new material, rather than a remake of the full package. See PlayStation’s editorial selection for its description.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What other PS5 remakes and remasters should you consider?
Persona 3 Reload
Push Square includes Persona 3 Reload in its PS5 remakes-and-remasters list. That list is based on community ratings and uses a rating threshold for inclusion; it is not a universal expert ranking. The evidence here does not establish the official scope of Persona 3 Reload’s remake, so treat it as an additional candidate to investigate rather than as a technically specified example. Push Square’s list explains its community-rated approach.
Rank #4
- See the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any time.
- Travel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many more!
- Experience Lara’s Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Croft’s past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearance.
- Languages: Voice: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean; Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified).
Oblivion Remastered
TechRadar’s 2026 PS5 roundup describes Oblivion Remastered as a transformative upgrade, citing reworked leveling, modernized combat, and major visual improvements, and says it sits close to a remake. That is an editorial characterization, not a settled industry classification. It is worth considering if you want an extensive overhaul, but the label alone should not substitute for checking which changes matter to you. TechRadar’s roundup provides that assessment.
How to choose between these PS5 updates
- Choose a ground-up remake if you want a substantially reworked version of an older game: The Last of Us Part I, Silent Hill 2, and Ratchet & Clank are the clearest examples in this shortlist.
- Choose a remaster with added modes if you already know the original and want new ways to play it: The Last of Us Part II Remastered stands out for No Return and Lost Levels.
- Choose a presentation-focused remaster if your priority is playing an existing game with updated visuals and PS5-specific technical features: Days Gone Remastered’s announcement highlights fidelity, audio, VRR, and display modes.
- Choose a mixed package if you want both updated older content and a new experience: Sonic X Shadow Generations combines remastered Sonic Generations content with a Shadow adventure.
These are examples, not a definitive ranking. PlayStation’s editorial selection and Push Square’s community-rated list use different approaches; neither establishes a universal order. Release status, editions, prices, and physical stock can change, so check the relevant PlayStation product page or current store listing before buying. PlayStation’s PS5 games catalog includes upcoming listings as well as released games, so a catalog entry alone is not proof that a title is currently playable.
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