The PlayStation 5 continued to solidify its place as a powerhouse in the gaming world in 2024, delivering a lineup of titles that showcased stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and compelling narratives. From exclusive gems to cross-platform masterpieces, this year offered something for every type of gamer. Drawing from critical acclaim, player reception, and cultural impact, here’s a look at the top PS5 games that defined 2024.
Astro Bot
Taking the crown as the undisputed champion of the year, Astro Bot emerged as a love letter to PlayStation’s 30-year legacy and a masterclass in 3D platforming. Developed by Team Asobi, this full-fledged adventure follows the adorable robot Astro as he embarks on a galaxy-spanning quest to rescue his stranded bot crew. With over 50 vibrant planets to explore, each level bursts with creativity—featuring playful mechanics like balloon floating, rocket blasting, and time-stopping abilities. The game’s charm lies not just in its polished gameplay but in its heartfelt nods to PlayStation history, with cameos from iconic characters like Kratos and Aloy. Critics and players alike hailed it as a joyful triumph, earning it Game of the Year honors at The Game Awards and a lasting spot in fans’ hearts.
Black Myth: Wukong
A surprise hit that took the gaming world by storm, Black Myth: Wukong blended fast-paced action with the rich mythology of Journey to the West. Developed by Game Science, this visually spectacular title casts players as the Destined One, a monkey warrior wielding a magical staff against a roster of unforgettable bosses—like a tiger bathing in blood or a dragon-headed pig swinging electrified maces. Its Sekiro-inspired combat, paired with experimental abilities like summoning ape clones, kept players on their toes. While not a PS5 exclusive, its stellar performance on Sony’s console and its record-breaking launch made it a standout, earning it widespread praise and a top spot in 2024’s rankings.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The second chapter in Square Enix’s ambitious remake trilogy, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expanded the beloved classic into a sprawling open-world RPG. Picking up where Remake left off, it follows Cloud Strife and his companions across a vibrant world filled with memorable characters, intricate side quests, and addictive minigames like Queen’s Blood. The game’s refined combat system, bolstered by synergy skills, offered dynamic battles, while its emotional narrative deepened the legacy of the original. With breathtaking visuals and a soundtrack that tugged at heartstrings, Rebirth proved that this reimagining is more than nostalgia—it’s a modern masterpiece.
Stellar Blade
Shift Up’s Stellar Blade arrived with a bang, blending stylish action with a compelling sci-fi narrative. Players step into the boots of Eve, a warrior tasked with reclaiming Earth from monstrous invaders. Its combat—a fusion of Dark Souls-esque parries and Bayonetta’s flair—delivered visceral thrills, while its post-apocalyptic world dazzled with detailed environments and a soothing soundtrack. Though it sparked early buzz for its aesthetics, Stellar Blade won over players with its depth and polish, cementing its status as one of the year’s most exciting PS5 exclusives.
Helldivers 2
In a year crowded with lackluster live-service shooters, Helldivers 2 stood out as a chaotic, hilarious triumph. Arrowhead Game Studios transformed the top-down original into a third-person co-op extravaganza, pitting squads of up to four against hordes of bugs and cyborgs. Its tongue-in-cheek propaganda, relentless action, and friendly-fire mishaps evoked Starship Troopers vibes, while regular updates kept the community engaged. The game’s ability to balance absurdity with satisfying gunplay made it a multiplayer highlight of 2024.
Silent Hill 2 (Remake)
Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2 breathed haunting new life into the PS2 classic, delivering a horror experience that honored its roots while embracing modern sensibilities. Enhanced visuals and improved voice acting amplified the oppressive atmosphere of Silent Hill, as players once again followed James Sunderland through a fog-laden nightmare. Its psychological depth and refined mechanics made it a must-play for horror fans, proving that some stories are timeless when given the right care.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
While technically a DLC, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was so expansive and impactful that it earned a spot among 2024’s best. FromSoftware’s addition to their 2022 masterpiece introduced the Realm of Shadow—a smaller yet densely packed open world brimming with secrets, brutal bosses, and jaw-dropping vistas. Offering up to 30 hours of new content, it rewarded exploration and tested players’ skills, reinforcing Elden Ring’s reign as a defining PS5 experience.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
If you’re into deep narratives and quirky gameplay, this one’s a gem. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Infinite Wealth is the latest chapter in the Yakuza series, following Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu across Japan and Hawaii. It’s a turn-based RPG with a massive scope—think emotional storytelling paired with absurd side activities like running a resort or battling in a Pokémon-style “Sujimon” league. The PS5 version shines with fast load times and vibrant visuals, making the sprawling cities feel alive. It’s a hefty time sink, but the heartfelt character moments and wild antics make it unforgettable.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Cygames brought this action RPG to the PS5, and it’s a treat for fans of anime-inspired adventures. Set in a skybound world, you control a crew of quirky characters fighting massive monsters in real-time combat that feels like a mix of Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy. The co-op multiplayer lets you team up with friends, and the PS5’s power ensures silky-smooth performance during chaotic battles. Its art style pops, and the story, while straightforward, is elevated by charming voice acting and a killer soundtrack. Perfect for a weekend of flashy, feel-good fun.
Lego Horizon Adventures
This unexpected mashup from Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo takes the gritty Horizon universe and turns it into a lighthearted, co-op-friendly Lego romp. You play as Aloy, hunting robotic dinosaurs with a blocky twist, complete with snappy combat and arcade-style power-ups. It’s not as deep as the mainline series, but the PS5’s crisp visuals make it the best-looking Lego game yet. It’s a blast with a friend online or on the couch, offering a breezy 10-15 hour adventure that’s pure, silly joy.
Pacific Drive
For something offbeat, Pacific Drive by Ironwood Studios delivers a survival adventure with a twist: your car is your lifeline. Set in a supernatural Pacific Northwest, you explore a hazardous exclusion zone, scavenging parts to upgrade your station wagon while dodging anomalies like levitating rocks and eerie storms. The PS5’s haptic feedback makes every drive immersive, from the rumble of a failing engine to the tension of a collapsing reality. It’s a slow burn with a unique vibe—think STALKER meets The Long Drive—and it’s perfect if you love atmospheric experimentation.
Balatro
Don’t let its minimalist look fool you—Balatro by LocalThunk is a rogue-like deck-builder that’s absurdly addictive. It’s poker with a twist: you combine cards with wild joker effects to rack up absurd scores, all while chasing that “one more run” high. The PS5 version runs flawlessly, and its hypnotic visuals and synth soundtrack make it easy to lose hours. It’s a solo experience, but its clever mechanics and endless replayability earned it a cult following in 2024. If you like strategy with a dash of chaos, this is a must.
Why 2024 Stood Out
The PS5’s 2024 lineup showcased Sony’s knack for blending blockbuster exclusives with diverse third-party hits. Whether it was Astro Bot’s family-friendly brilliance, Black Myth: Wukong’s mythological spectacle, or Helldivers 2’s chaotic camaraderie, the year highlighted the console’s versatility. With the PS5 Pro enhancing visuals and performance, these games looked and played better than ever, making 2024 a memorable chapter in the console’s journey.
