The year 2025 delivered an astonishing array of titles to PlayStation 5 players, showcasing diverse genres from sprawling epics to intimate indie experiences. Superheroes, ancient warriors, nimble insects, and dedicated couriers all graced our screens, each vying for attention in a highly competitive year for gaming. Here at iGV, we’ve carefully reviewed and deliberated, narrowing down the field to what we believe are the five most deserving games, ultimately crowning one as the definitive best PlayStation game of 2025. We also want to shine a light on several exceptional honorable mentions that came incredibly close to securing a top spot.
In an age where platform exclusivity is becoming less common, and titles often span multiple systems, we’ve expanded our criteria for this year’s PlayStation-specific awards. Our selections aren’t limited to Sony’s first-party exclusives; instead, they represent the crème de la crème of games launched on the PS5 in 2025, regardless of their developer or publisher. So, without further delay, let’s unveil the finest PlayStation title of the year!
Honorable Mentions
While only five games can make our primary list, 2025 saw many other fantastic releases that deserve recognition. One early standout was Hazelight’s Split Fiction, an endlessly imaginative co-op action-platformer that impressed with its inventive design and compelling two-player mechanics. Its clever puzzle design and dynamic teamwork narrowly missed a top-five position. We also saw remarkable indie successes like Blue Prince, a mind-bending mansion full of intricate puzzles offering a tranquil yet challenging experience, and the frenetic brick-breaking action of Ball X Pit, both demonstrating indie gaming’s vibrant creativity. Towards the end of the year, two major shooters made a significant impact: Battlefield 6, which triumphantly returned to large-scale, chaotic multiplayer combat, and Arc Raiders, whose addictive “just one more extraction” loop captivated players for hours. Finally, two narrative-driven titles, Atomfall and Silent Hill f, captivated us with their unconventional storytelling, crafting unsettling atmospheres and gradually unfolding mysteries that kept us engaged.
What’s your pick for Best PlayStation Game of 2025?
With so many incredible experiences available, deciding on a single “best” can be tough. We’ve made our choice, but we’re eager to hear from you. Cast your vote below for the PlayStation game you believe stood out most in 2025!
Runner-Up – Hollow Knight: Silksong
The wait finally ended in 2025, as Hollow Knight: Silksong emerged from the shadows, and it was everything fans hoped for and more. Team Cherry’s long-awaited follow-up proved to be a challenging yet deeply rewarding adventure, expanding upon its predecessor’s beloved Metroidvania formula. The stunning, interconnected insect world of Pharloom is a delight to explore, brimming with intricate secrets and hidden passages. Navigating these demanding environments with Hornet, the new protagonist, feels fluid and exhilarating, thanks to her unique set of agile movements, including a versatile diagonal dart that truly redefines traversal. Combat shines brightly as well, encouraging a more aggressive and dynamic playstyle. Hornet’s diverse abilities allow players to actively engage the game’s formidable bosses, presenting some of 2025’s most memorable and satisfying encounters. Overcoming these tough creatures unlocks a profound sense of achievement, cementing Silksong as an exceptional title.
Runner-Up – Dispatch
The episodic superhero narrative of Dispatch masterfully rekindled the magic of beloved visual novels from a decade ago. This heartfelt redemption story centers on Robert Robertson, a once-mighty hero now without his iconic mech suit. Players navigate his intricate personal and professional relationships within the Superhero Dispatch Network, a crucial aspect of the unfolding drama. A significant part of the game involves recruiting and managing a quirky team of reformed supervillains, guiding them through various crime-stopping missions. This unique real-time sim management layer adds depth to each chapter, requiring players to strategically upgrade their squad’s abilities and deploy them on suitable assignments. From the fiery Flambae to the internet sensation Mommy Malevola, the diverse cast brings infectious energy to every scene. However, Dispatch truly shines as Robertson’s life outside the office crumbles, and players must make pivotal dialogue choices to rebuild his world. Featuring stellar voice acting from Aaron Paul as Robbie and Laura Bailey as the scene-stealing Invisagal, this game guarantees an engaging and memorable experience.
Runner-Up – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach finally delivered on the full potential hinted at by its predecessor, refining and expanding Hideo Kojima’s unique vision. This sequel amplified the action, reminiscent of Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid legacy, while retaining its signature atmosphere of isolation and connection in a fractured world. Setting Sam Porter Bridges’ journey in Australia, “On the Beach” introduces a vastly expanded arsenal of combat options, from silenced sniper rifles to advanced mechanical companions, allowing players unprecedented freedom in tackling postal orders. This liberation extends to traversal as well, with innovative methods for navigating treacherous landscapes, including vast monorail systems and exhilarating coffin hoverboards. Beyond the enhanced gameplay, the game retains its characteristic “weirdness,” largely driven by Troy Baker’s exceptional return as the enigmatic villain Higgs. Ultimately, however, it’s the profound themes of love and loss that dominate, woven throughout the spectacular set pieces. Léa Seydoux’s subtle yet powerful performance as Fragile beautifully anchors the evolving relationships between her, Sam, and baby Lou, making it a narrative tour de force and one of 2025’s finest PlayStation titles.
Runner-Up – Ghost of Yotei
Following up on the critically acclaimed 2020 hit, Ghost of Tsushima, was a monumental task, but Sucker Punch gracefully exceeded expectations with Ghost of Yotei. This thrilling sword-slashing epic masterfully preserved the elements fans adored from the original while enhancing nearly every aspect in creative and engaging ways. The dynamic combat system, already a highlight, became even deeper with the introduction of new weapons and skills, refining the familiar dance of dodging, blocking, parrying, and striking. A particularly satisfying addition is the disarming mechanic, allowing protagonist Atsu to deftly knock blades from her enemies’ hands. Yet, it’s Atsu’s compelling narrative as a wandering ronin that truly drives Yotei’s momentum. What begins as a straightforward quest for vengeance blossoms into a far more intricate and beautiful saga. Exploring every corner of its breathtaking historical Japanese map, players are immersed in an unparalleled sensory experience, where both the visual artistry and rich audio design contribute to an unforgettable adventure.
Winner – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
And the winner is… Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! It truly stands out as an exceptional achievement. Sandfall Interactive’s magnificent tribute to classic Final Fantasy titles from gaming’s golden age expertly fuses that timeless RPG blueprint with a modern flair. Boasting incredible visual style, a soaring orchestral score, and a battle system that brilliantly marries traditional turn-based mechanics with exciting real-time action elements, every encounter is a thrilling spectacle. However, style alone isn’t enough; Clair Obscur’s true strength lies in its profound narrative and richly developed characters, ensuring it resonates long after the credits roll. Jennifer English delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Maelle, the emotional core of Expedition 33’s story, while Ben Starr’s Verso serves as a compelling counterpart. The game intricately unravels complex themes of grief and the essence of love, all against the ominous backdrop of the Gommage – a yearly doomsday clock. Its wonderfully cinematic presentation ensures it sits comfortably alongside Sony’s biggest first-party blockbusters.
Drawing inspiration from the original PlayStation’s rich library of Japanese RPGs and evolving those concepts for the future, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 delivers an all-time great video game story supported by a combat system as satisfying as it is nuanced. It is, without a doubt, our clear choice for the Best PlayStation Game of 2025.
What was your favorite PS5 game of 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! For more iGV awards, including our selections for the best Xbox and Nintendo games of the year, explore the links provided.
iGV Awards 2025: The Winners
Delve deeper into each award category. Our dedicated pages reveal the specific criteria for each accolade and offer detailed insights into the major winners and many deserving runner-ups.
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