The 30 Most Underrated PS5 Games

The PlayStation 5 library has expanded significantly since its launch, offering a diverse array of experiences ranging from massive blockbusters to smaller, innovative projects. While high-profile titles often dominate the spotlight, several games have flown under the radar despite offering compelling gameplay and unique narratives. These underrated titles represent a variety of genres, from high-octane action to meditative exploration, each providing a distinct reason for players to revisit them. This list highlights the most overlooked entries on the platform that deserve a second look from the gaming community.

‘Wanted: Dead’ (2023)

‘Wanted: Dead’ follows a week in the life of the Zombie Unit, an elite Hong Kong police squad on a mission to uncover a major corporate conspiracy. Developed by Soleil and published by 110 Industries, the game blends brutal melee combat with third-person shooting mechanics. Players take on the role of Lt. Hannah Stone, navigating a cyberpunk version of Hong Kong filled with dangerous enemies. The experience emphasizes high difficulty and stylized action inspired by classic hack-and-slash titles.

‘Gungrave G.O.R.E’ (2022)

‘Gungrave G.O.R.E’ is a third-person shooter that brings the classic action franchise into the modern era with over-the-top firepower. Developed by Iggymob and published by Prime Matter, the game follows Beyond the Grave, a resurrected anti-hero who wields twin pistols and a weaponized coffin. Players blast through waves of enemies in linear levels that emphasize destructive spectacle and flashy execution moves. The title focuses on providing a visceral, arcade-like experience with a heavy emphasis on continuous shooting and stylized gore.

‘Dolmen’ (2022)

‘Dolmen’ is a Soulslike action RPG that takes place on the alien world of Revion Prime, where players must recover samples of a powerful crystal. Developed by Massive Work Studio and published by Prime Matter, the game features a combat system that requires managing both stamina and energy for ranged and melee attacks. Players can switch between different elemental states to adapt to various enemy types and environmental hazards. The experience focuses on challenging difficulty and a dark atmosphere inspired by cosmic horror themes.

‘Scars Above’ (2023)

‘Scars Above’ is a sci-fi action-adventure game that follows Dr. Kate Ward, a scientist stranded on a hostile alien planet. Developed by Mad Head Games and published by Prime Matter, the title blends third-person shooting with tactical combat and elemental interactions. Players must use Kate’s scientific knowledge to craft tools and exploit the weaknesses of the local flora and fauna. The narrative focuses on uncovering the mystery of the Metahedron, a massive structure that appeared in Earth’s orbit before transporting her team to the unknown.

‘Forspoken’ (2023)

‘Forspoken’ tells the story of Frey Holland, a young New Yorker who is transported to the land of Athia after discovering a sentient bracelet. Developed by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, the game emphasizes a combination of magical parkour and elemental spellcasting. Frey must use her newfound abilities to navigate the landscape and defeat the corrupted Tantas who once protected the realm. The title features an expansive open world and a combat system that allows players to customize their magical arsenal.

‘Soulstice’ (2022)

‘Soulstice’ is an action game that follows the journey of Briar and Lute, two sisters reborn as a Chimera with superhuman strength and spiritual powers. Developed by Reply Game Studios and published by Modus Games, the gameplay involves controlling both characters simultaneously to execute combos and magical defenses. Briar handles physical attacks with various weapons, while Lute provides support and crowd control with her spiritual abilities. The game is set in a dark fantasy world and features a combat system reminiscent of classic character-action titles.

‘Steelrising’ (2022)

‘Steelrising’ is an action RPG set in an alternate-history 1789 Paris, where the French Revolution is suppressed by a mechanical army. Developed by Spiders and published by Nacon, the game follows Aegis, an automaton serving as Marie Antoinette’s bodyguard. Players must navigate the city’s streets and engage in challenging combat against the King’s clockwork soldiers. The title features a deep customization system for the protagonist’s combat abilities and a narrative that explores the intersection of history and technology.

‘Evil West’ (2022)

‘Evil West’ places players in the role of Jesse Rentier, a vampire hunter operating in a dark fantasy version of the American Old West. Developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Focus Entertainment, the game features a mix of melee combat and third-person shooting with steampunk-inspired gadgets. Players must fight through hordes of monsters to save the United States from a growing supernatural threat. The campaign can be played solo or in cooperative mode, offering a visceral action experience centered on specialized combat tools.

‘Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin’ (2022)

‘Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin’ is an action-oriented reimagining of the original ‘Final Fantasy’ narrative. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Square Enix, the game focuses on Jack Garland and his companions as they seek to destroy the entity known as Chaos. The combat system combines traditional RPG elements with fast-paced mechanics and a robust job system. Players can customize their playstyle by switching between various classes and upgrading their gear through challenging encounters.

‘Wild Hearts’ (2023)

‘Wild Hearts’ is a monster-hunting adventure set in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan, where players hunt giant nature-infused beasts called Kemono. Developed by Omega Force and published by Electronic Arts, the game introduces a unique building mechanic called Karakuri. Players can construct various tools and traps in real-time to gain tactical advantages during intense battles. Whether playing solo or with friends, the experience emphasizes strategy and adaptation to overcome formidable creatures.

‘Ghostwire: Tokyo’ (2022)

‘Ghostwire: Tokyo’ takes place in a modern-day Tokyo where the population has vanished and been replaced by supernatural spirits from Japanese folklore. Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game features a first-person combat system known as Ethereal Weaving. Players control Akito, who is possessed by a spirit detective, as they work to stop a sinister occultist responsible for the event. The open-world environment is detailed and atmospheric, blending traditional culture with a neon-lit urban setting.

‘Deliver Us Mars’ (2023)

‘Deliver Us Mars’ is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure that serves as a sequel to the title ‘Deliver Us The Moon’. Developed by KeokeN Interactive and published by Frontier Foundry, the story follows Kathy Johanson on a mission to recover stolen colony ships. Players must navigate the harsh Martian landscape, solve environmental puzzles, and overcome physical challenges like rock climbing. The narrative focuses on Kathy’s personal journey and the survival of the human race in a dying solar system.

‘Asterigos: Curse of the Stars’ (2022)

‘Asterigos: Curse of the Stars’ is an action RPG inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, featuring a young warrior named Hilda. Developed by Acme GameStudio and published by tinyBuild, the game allows players to combine different weapon types to create unique combat styles. Hilda explores the cursed city of Aphes to find her missing father and uncover the secrets behind the city’s downfall. The title offers a vibrant world filled with diverse biomes and challenging boss encounters.

‘Thymesia’ (2022)

‘Thymesia’ is a challenging action RPG that follows Corvus, a protagonist who uses plague-themed weapons to fight through a fallen kingdom. Developed by OverBorder Studio and published by Team17, the game features a fast-paced combat system inspired by the Soulslike genre. Players can seize diseases from enemies and transform them into powerful abilities to use in battle. The narrative centers on recovering Corvus’s lost memories to understand the cause of a devastating plague.

‘Martha Is Dead’ (2022)

‘Martha Is Dead’ is a dark psychological thriller set in 1944 Italy during the height of World War II. Developed by LKA and published by Wired Productions, the game explores themes of trauma and grief through the eyes of Giulia. The gameplay involves photography, interacting with traditional Italian folklore, and navigating the blurred lines between reality and psychological breakdown. Its atmospheric setting provides a look at the impact of war and personal tragedy on the human mind.

‘Trek to Yomi’ (2022)

‘Trek to Yomi’ is a cinematic action game that pays homage to classic Japanese samurai films with its black-and-white visual style. Developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital, the game is presented with fixed-camera perspectives. Players control Hiroki, a swordsman who journeys to the underworld to protect his village and his loved ones. The combat system is deliberate and lethal, emphasizing timing and parrying in stylistic side-scrolling encounters.

‘Immortals of Aveum’ (2023)

‘Immortals of Aveum’ is a first-person magic shooter that places players in the role of Jak, an Unforeseen who joins an elite order of battlemages. Developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, the game replaces traditional firearms with various types of spellcasting. Players navigate a world caught in a perpetual war for control of magic, utilizing red, blue, and green spells to defeat enemies. The title features a cinematic campaign with a focus on fast-paced, ability-driven combat.

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ (2024)

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ tells the story of Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith, two ghost hunters in 17th-century North America. Developed by Don’t Nod and published by Focus Entertainment, the game explores the weight of their decisions after Antea becomes a spirit. Players switch between both characters to use physical weapons and spiritual powers in combat against supernatural threats. The narrative focuses on the burden of choice and the lengths one will go to for a loved one.

‘Tchia’ (2023)

‘Tchia’ is an open-world adventure inspired by the culture and landscapes of New Caledonia, featuring a tropical archipelago. Developed by Awaceb and published by Kepler Interactive, the game includes a soul-jumping mechanic that allows the protagonist to possess animals or objects. Players explore the world, play the ukulele, and engage in physics-based combat against cloth enemies. The narrative is a coming-of-age story that emphasizes the importance of heritage and environmental preservation.

‘The Pathless’ (2020)

‘The Pathless’ follows an archer and her eagle companion as they seek to lift a dark curse from a sprawling forest island. Developed by Giant Squid and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game features a unique archery mechanic that facilitates high-speed movement. There is no traditional map, encouraging players to navigate by landmarks and the eagle’s vision. The experience focuses on fluid traversal, light puzzle-solving, and large-scale boss encounters against corrupted spirits.

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ (2020)

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ takes the iconic character from the ‘LittleBigPlanet’ series and places him in a fully 3D platforming environment. Developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game offers a variety of levels across themed worlds. Players can experience the journey solo or with up to three friends in local and online cooperative play. The title is known for its creative level design, whimsical soundtrack, and extensive character customization options.

‘Rollerdrome’ (2022)

‘Rollerdrome’ is a blend of third-person shooting and roller-skating action set in a dystopian future. Developed by Roll7 and published by Private Division, the game challenges players to perform stunts to replenish their ammunition while fighting off enemies in lethal arenas. The cel-shaded visual style is inspired by 1970s comic books and French art styles. Players take the role of Kara Hassan as she competes in the deadly titular sport to uncover corporate conspiracies.

‘Solar Ash’ (2021)

‘Solar Ash’ follows Rei, a Voidrunner who attempts to save her home planet from a massive black hole called the Ultravoid. Developed by Heart Machine and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game focuses on fluid movement and high-speed traversal across surreal landscapes. Players must skate through gravity-defying environments and battle colossal remnants to stabilize the rift. The vibrant art style and synth-heavy soundtrack contribute to its dreamlike quality.

‘Jusant’ (2023)

‘Jusant’ is a meditative climbing game that tasks players with ascending an immeasurably tall tower filled with the remnants of a past civilization. Developed and published by Don’t Nod, the game features a tactile climbing mechanic where players control each hand individually. Along the way, players are accompanied by a small water creature that helps reveal the history of the structure. The experience is entirely wordless, relying on environmental storytelling and a soothing atmosphere.

‘The Talos Principle 2’ (2023)

‘The Talos Principle 2’ expands on the philosophical themes and puzzles of its predecessor in a world where humanity is extinct. Developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital, the game challenges players to solve environmental riddles using new mechanics like mind-transfer. The narrative explores the nature of consciousness and the responsibilities of a new civilization of robots. Its expansive world offers a mix of linear progression and hidden secrets for explorers.

‘Pacific Drive’ (2024)

‘Pacific Drive’ is a survival game where the player’s only companion is a station wagon as they navigate the Olympic Exclusion Zone. Developed by Ironwood Studios and published by Kepler Interactive, the title emphasizes vehicle maintenance and resource management. Players must scavenge for parts to upgrade their car and survive supernatural anomalies within the zone. The “road-lite” structure focuses on the bond between the driver and their machine in a hostile environment.

‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ (2021)

‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ is an action-adventure game that follows a young spirit guide on a quest to find a sacred mountain shrine. Developed and published by Ember Lab, the game features a distinct art style reminiscent of animated feature films. Kena is accompanied by small spirits called the Rot, which assist her in combat and environmental puzzles. The gameplay balances exploration with challenging boss battles that require precise use of magical abilities.

‘Deathloop’ (2021)

‘Deathloop’ follows Colt, an assassin trapped in a time loop on the island of Blackreef, who must eliminate eight targets before the day resets. Developed by Arkane Lyon and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game combines immersive sim elements with fast-paced action. Players must gather information and learn the routines of their targets to execute the perfect sequence of kills. Meanwhile, a rival assassin can invade the game to hunt Colt down and preserve the loop.

‘Returnal’ (2021)

‘Returnal’ centers on Selene Vassos, an explorer who crash-lands on the planet of Atropos and finds herself trapped in a time loop. This third-person roguelike shooter was developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. As Selene dies and restarts her journey, the world around her changes, forcing players to adapt their strategies and gear. The game utilizes the unique features of the PlayStation 5, including haptic feedback and 3D audio, to create an immersive sci-fi atmosphere.

‘Sifu’ (2022)

‘Sifu’ is a focused martial arts adventure that tells the story of a young Kung Fu student on a path of revenge. Developed and published by Sloclap, the game features a unique aging mechanic where the protagonist grows older with every death. Players must master precise timing and environmental awareness to overcome hordes of enemies and five powerful bosses. The title received praise for its deep combat system and authentic representation of Pak Mei Kung Fu.

Share your favorite overlooked titles from this console generation in the comments.