Wondering what to play next on your PlayStation 5? Our experts have sorted through countless titles to bring you the definitive list of must-play games for August 2025. From epic RPGs to dazzling platformers and thrilling horror, there’s something for every gamer. Which hidden gem are you excited to discover?
The PlayStation 5, now well into its lifecycle, continues to offer a compelling and diverse library of titles for gamers worldwide. While the initial years might have seen a slower release of must-play exclusives compared to previous generations, the console’s current catalog boasts a rich array of experiences, from sprawling RPGs and innovative platformers to gripping horror and competitive fighters. This curated list for August 2025, heavily influenced by the expert insights of the Polygon team, guides both new and seasoned PS5 owners through the essential games available, with a notable update on August 28 that added the confounding puzzle mystery, *Animal Well*, to our top indie recommendations for the year.
Among the most impactful releases is *Alan Wake 2*, a bold and successful return for Remedy Entertainment that masterfully blends methodical detective thriller elements with reality-bending cosmic horror. This sequel, which fluidly allows players to switch between protagonists Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson, represents a significant leap forward in blockbuster horror gaming, weaving a meta-mystery about its own creation while delivering a deeply unsettling narrative experience.
For those seeking a unique challenge, *Animal Well* stands out as a strange and spooky puzzle adventure that invites comparisons to indie classics. This Metroidvania-style game unfolds in a spectral forest, tasking players with building out a 2D platforming map, collecting gear, and deciphering an intricate, self-contained language of puzzles. Its gorgeous, translucent pixel art and seven-year development by Billy Basso culminated in a truly original and rewarding experience that demands keen observation and note-taking.
Team Asobi’s *Astro Bot* elevates the charming tech demo into a full-fledged, dazzling platform game, setting a new benchmark for Sony’s in-house developers. Expanding on the beloved *Astro’s Playroom*, this title is a non-stop riot of invention, a technical showcase for the DualSense controller’s capabilities, and a heartfelt homage to PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. It joyfully celebrates the brand’s history, especially the creations of the now-defunct Japan Studio, ensuring that their creative spirit lives on.
The monumental success of *Baldur’s Gate 3* on PS5 proved that hardcore Dungeons & Dragons-based role-playing games can thrive on console. Larian Studios meticulously adapted its critically acclaimed title, delivering a game rich in storytelling, character development, strategic turn-based combat, and unparalleled player choice. Offering split-screen co-op and a vast, reactive world, it has cemented its place as one of the best role-playing games of all time, captivating a global audience primed by the resurgence of D&D culture.
Beyond these highlights, the PS5 boasts a diverse array of other essential titles. *Cyberpunk 2077* completed a remarkable turnaround, transforming into a definitive first-person shooter-RPG thanks to significant updates and the compelling *Phantom Liberty* expansion. Meanwhile, Hideo Kojima’s *Death Stranding Director’s Cut* maintains its uniquely unsettling vision of a post-Stranding world, combining painstaking gameplay with a powerful, technologically isolated atmosphere. FromSoftware’s *Elden Ring* also revolutionized the action-RPG genre, expanding the Soulslike formula into an epic open-world adventure without sacrificing its characteristic depth and challenge.
Racing enthusiasts have much to celebrate with Forza Horizon 5, a superlative open-world racing series now available on Sony’s system, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse events, and robust live-service support. Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo 7, while experiencing initial missteps, evolved into one of the most satisfying and accessible entries in the series, endearing players with its unique blend of photorealistic simulation and a charming single-player Café mode that celebrates automotive culture. For collaborative action, Helldivers 2 delivers a perfect, no-frills online co-op experience, blending tactical combat with satirical humor and a community-driven progression system, showcasing what live-service games truly should be.
The console’s lineup further expands with the critically acclaimed roguelike dungeon crawl *Hades*, known for its deep combat and engaging narrative rooted in Greek myth. The *Like a Dragon* series continues its ambitious saga with *Infinite Wealth*, offering an expansive and emotionally rich adventure in Hawaii. Capcom impresses with *Monster Hunter Wilds* and the stellar *Resident Evil 4 Remake*, both demonstrating the developer’s mastery of action-RPG and horror genres, respectively. *Returnal* remains a standout showcase for the DualSense, offering a challenging roguelite experience with stunning visuals and immersive haptic feedback. Finally, *Spider-Man 2* delivers a slick, enjoyable superhero adventure with ambitious storytelling, while *Street Fighter 6* sets a new high water mark for fighting games with its accessible controls and deep combat, ensuring broad appeal.
