[Top 10] PS5 Games with the Best Graphics

Updated:

24 Oct 2023

Since the release of the PlayStation 5 back in 2020, game designers have been utilizing its incredible hardware to produce the best stories that gaming has to offer and of course, visually amazing gaming experiences.

The PS5 has one of the strongest hardware in the market to date and with it comes its capability of producing some absolutely amazing graphics.

When it unveiled its Unreal Engine 5 tech demo back in May 2020, we knew that we would be in for.

Lifelike graphics and absolutely jaw dropping sceneries and character models are what makes up the bread and butter for the PS5 graphics capability. Let’s rank the best of the best, shall we?

These are the top 10 PS5 games with the best graphics.

10. Demon's Souls - 2020 (PS5)

We now know the Bluepoint can make the most hardcore reimagining of Chess ever created

The 2009 PlayStation 3 classic Demon's Souls, which basically started From Software’s rise to power in the game industry, has been beautifully and faithfully recreated in the Demon's Souls remake in 2020 which served as one of the PS5’s first must play exclusives.

Created by Bluepoint Games and released by Sony Interactive Entertainment, you could see right away that every element of the original game has been painstakingly recreated with respect to the source material by introducing it into the ninth generation of consoles with modernized gameplay and an outstanding visual overhaul.

As expected from a game that has “Demons” and “Souls” in its title, players are given wave after wave of hideous enemies and hard AF bosses in a gloomy and scary but beautiful landscape using mostly the same gameplay mechanics from the original.

The level design is a top notch creation from the developers making it one of the most intricate remakes to be created giving the players a sense of exploration and discovery that has been lost in remakes today.

The improved quality of life and enhanced graphics give the game a brand-new feel. Additionally, the online multiplayer capability has been improved, giving gamers a more streamlined experience.

All in all the Demon’s Souls Remake is a great launch title for the PS5 that really showcases the power of its hardware outright by giving gamers gorgeous visuals, reimagined classic locations, and gameplay that can satisfy new and old players alike.

Demon’s Souls Remake (PS5) 4k 60fps HDR Gameplay

9. Gran Turismo 8 - 2022 (PS4, PS5)

You’d think that this is a real life advertisement but nope that is in-game footage right there

The most recent installment of the Gran Turismo franchise and one of the most photorealistic games ever made, Gran Turismo 7, was developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2022.

The game offers an incredible roster of over 400 vehicles, including vintage and hypercars, each looking as stunning and as realistic as the cars that they are meant to represent, as well as a selection of international racetracks that actually look like real places.

With realistic lighting effects and intricate car models, the graphics are spectacular.

You’d never even expect that you were playing a game and that is no exaggeration. From the weather effects when you race like rain on the glass of the car to dirt particles and dust trails being left as you speed away.

The immersion you’ll experience when you play Gran Turismo 7 is unmatched in the racing games franchise.

The campaign mode is also of note as players can advance through a series of tasks and races to unlock new vehicles and improvements giving players a sense of progression throughout the gameplay

One of Gran Turismo 7’s most notable aspects is its customization options. The game has a robust tuning system that enables users to adjust their cars' performance to match their driving preferences.

Players can design and personalize their own car liveries using the game's livery editor.

From refined, realistic, and detailed racing with every rain drop and dust particle accounted for to a great campaign with a high level of customisation, it’s no wonder why Gran Turismo 7 stands atop the tippy top of quality in the racing genre.

Gran Turismo 7 PS5 Gameplay 4k 60fps

8. Returnal - 2021 (PS5, PC)

Laser gun vs. weird tentacle alien

Returnal was created by Housemarque and released by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2021 and plays as a sort-of combination between Dark Souls and a run and gun Doom clone and it surprisingly does well for it

Players take control of Selene, an astronaut who crash-lands on an exotic world and gets stuck in a time loop hence the name of the game.

Selene is forced to battle her way through the alien planet repeatedly thanks to the game's death mechanic.ach time you die you start at the actual beginning of the time loop.

Dark Souls fans are accustomed to this kind of mechanic but for new players it is a brutal and unforgiving mechanic that is strangely addicting.

The game mechanics, absolutely breathtaking graphics, and eerie soundtrack bring a sense of realism and eeriness that perfectly captures the feeling of being stuck in an alien world.

The story progressively materializes through audio logs scattered around the environment and different environmental hints.

The player is kept captivated and on edge by the game's fast-paced gameplay and brutal boss encounters. I

In addition, to make the experience more unpredictable and replayable, the game also has a procedurally generated world that creates a new map of the planet each time Selene resumes the loop, so not one playthrough is the same every time.

Dubbed as “Dark Souls in Space” by many gamers who have played it, it stands as a testament to how great and challenging a game that literally kills you every 10 minutes is until you get the hang of its patterns and intricacies in gameplay.

Immersive and ever changing, players who love a challenge and appreciate beautiful graphics will love Returnal.

Returnal (PS5) 4k 60fps HDR Ray Tracing Gameplay

7. Ghostwire Tokyo - 2022 (PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S)

My fantasy of being a dude who can shoot balls of energy from my hands can finally come true

Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo is a graphically stunning game that combines Japanese mythology and horror elements.

The players take control of a supernaturally gifted protagonist named Akito who must unravel the mystery of Tokyo's sudden population disappearance.

The graphics are as amazing as they get, especially on the PlayStation 5, and the ambiance of the game is extremely immersive. Neon lights illuminating a perpetually rainy Tokyo is accentuated by the games eeriness and atmosphere.

A fun fact regarding the rain in Ghostwire Tokyo is that each raindrop that falls from the sky is actually made up of Japanese symbols upon closer inspection.

Exploration, puzzle-solving, and fighting supernatural beings known as "Visitors” with the use of various spells and skills are the games main method of combat.

The spells and attacks that are used are all used via different hand signs and gestures that look like it comes directly from Naruto. It's simple to learn but difficult to master because of the intuitive controls and fluid fighting mechanics.

The game's inclusion of Japanese mythology and culture, which gives the story depth and richness, is one of its strengths.

The game's overall atmosphere is furthered by the sound design, adding to the immersion of the whole playthrough.

Ghostwire: Tokyo is an outstanding game that masterfully combines horror, action, exploration, and breathtaking graphics that showcases the strength of the PS5. Horror fans and lovers of Japanese mythology will surely love this offering by Bethesda.

GHOSTWIRE TOKYO Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PS5 Ray Tracing] - No Commentary

6. Stray - 2022 (PS4, PS5, PC)

As we’ve stated before, dedicated meow button is the best gaming innovation since the PlayStation

Developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, Stray transports you to a dystopian future where robots are now the rulers of the world and humans have gone extinct.

You take on the role of a cute little tabby cat that must explore the dangerous city of machines in order to learn what lies underneath its desolate streets.

The visuals in the game are fantastic, with a level of detail that makes the setting come to life.

Arguably creating a better looking cyberpunk world than, well, Cyberpunk 2077, the game accentuates its neon soaked streets and its rainy outskirts with an art style that is unique to Stray.

The soundtrack is also excellent, creating a brooding and ethereal symphony that perfectly matches the tone of the game.

As the titular Stray, you can overcome barriers by running, jumping, and even scratching at them. The controls of the game are simple and quick to learn with puzzles that are challenging but are not game breaking in any way.

Throughout the whole runtime of Stray you can encounter many hidden treasures and side quests to find in the game's open world, which can be explored at your own time.

Stray is a fantastic game that offers a distinctive and fun experience that almost beat out triple A heavyweights such as Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarok in claiming game of the year in 2022 .

Anyone with a PS5 should definitely play it because of its stunning visuals, exciting gameplay, and compelling plot. And of course, the meow button. I will forever mention the meow button when there's an opportunity to.

STRAY Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PS5] - No Commentary

5. The Last of Us Part 1 Remake - 2022 (PS5, PC)

You make every shot count, Ellie

9 years since its first release in 2013, The Last of Us returns to PS5 with a brilliant reimagining of its settings, characters, and story in full photorealistic and a brand new HD world.

The plot follows Joel and Ellie, who is immune to the Cordyceps infection, as they travel across a post-apocalyptic America that has been decimated by the mutated Cordyceps fungus.

The story of the remake follows the same story of the original with the only differences being in the graphics and the UI of the game.

The remake gives the opportunity for players new and old to revisit the world of The Last of Us with modern graphics and updated gameplay mechanics.

With new character models and locations that are more realistic and immersive than ever before, the game is breathtakingly beautiful.

Additionally, the gameplay has been improved mirroring that of the The Last of Us Part 2 system UI, becoming more fluid and understandable.

The Last of Us Part 1 remake offers gamers a chance to rediscover the classic in a more modern and gorgeous form with every character model updated and every emotion captured perfectly in the characters faces and voice lines.

The gore is as brutal as ever and gameplay is as smooth and satisfying as ever before. Fans of The Last of Us will surely love the remake as much as they did the original.

THE LAST OF US PART 1 REMAKE PS5 Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 FULL GAME [4K 60FPS] - No Commentary

4. Horizon: Forbidden West - 2022 (PS4, PS5)

As beautiful as it gets

The hotly anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn returned for a second outing in 2022 with Horizon: Forbidden West.

Aloy returns as she explores new areas, faces off against formidable new machines, and races to save the planet's biosphere that is rapidly deteriorating.

The game offers bright and varied locations ranging from lush forests to sun-baked deserts partnered with absolutely breathtaking visuals and top notch character models.

There are many different weapons and skills to learn from, ranging from the signature bow and arrow of Aloy to new ones like the Blast Sling.

Battles with the machine are as challenging as ever as you take on new enemies like the terrifying Tremortusk and the giant Slitherfang.

Horizon Forbidden West is one of PS5’s premier games and it definitely delivers in every way. It is a game that both fans of the original and newcomers should play because of its stunning visuals, captivating gameplay, and gripping narrative.

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST PS5 Gameplay 4K HDR ULTRA HD (Fidelity Mode)

3. Kena: Bridge of Spirits - 2021 (PS5, PS4, PC)

The Rot creatures in this game should be justification enough on why this deserves to be on the list

Developed and published by Ember Lab in 2021, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was released for the PS4, PS5, and PC to little hype but much fanfare when it arrived.

The visuals in the game are spectacular, with luscious settings, elaborate character designs, and stunning visuals that envelop the player in their own little slice of a Pixar-inspired movie turned into a game.

Characters in the game are fleshed out and beautifully rendered, with an art style that is evocative of animated movies made by Pixas as stated before.

The game also has an outstanding lighting system that gives the environments more depth and mood so they feel truly alive.

Gameplay wise, Kena: Bridge of Spirits combines fighting, exploration, and a lot of puzzle-solving, all of which are made more visually appealing by the game's outstanding graphics.

You are helped out by little black creatures called Rot that accompany you on your journey.

They can be used to enhance your attacks by turning your bow shots into powerful light arrows and turning your staff into a powerful hammer to decimate your foes.

The gameplay in the game is smooth and gratifying with each hit having a noticeable weight behind it further emphasized by the feedback you get on your controller.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an essential title for fans of gorgeous visuals and captivating gameplay. Already a standout PlayStation 5 game because of its beautiful aesthetics and interesting gameplay features inspired by southeast asian culture and classic animated movies.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5) 4K 60FPS Gameplay

2. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart - 2021 (PS5)

Who would ever guessed that Ratchet and Clank would look this realistic and good

Fast-paced action and gorgeous graphics come together in the visually stunning game Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart developed by the legendary Insomniac Studios and published by Sony.

The game captures your attention right away with its opening that already introduces its gorgeous particle effects and smooth lighting and graphics that boast the graphical capabilities of the PS5.

Every character has their own look and personality The graphics of the play area are equally remarkable, with each planet having its own unique aesthetic.

With its brilliant colors and realistic shadows, the game also makes excellent use of lighting to give the environments a sense of depth and realism.

The gameplay is enjoyable and the controls are quick and accurate. A whole new level of strategy is introduced to the game by the seamless transition between several rifts and the constant inclusion of new weapons and gadgets that make the gameplay exciting and original.

Rift Apart has been praised tremendously by media outlets since its release for its stunning visuals, incredible gameplay, and enjoyable storyline. Anyone who has a PS5 should definitely grab a copy of Rift Apart as it perfectly utilizes the capabilities of the console and more.

But there's one game that stands above all the rest of what the PS5 can offer and that is…

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5) 4K 60FPS HDR + Ray tracing Gameplay - (Performance RT mode)

1. God of War: Ragnarok - 2022 (PS4, PS5)

A stalemate to end all stalemates. Epic as all hell

Of course there can be nothing else at the top of this list other than the game that is literally sold as a bundle with the PS5 for its story and incredible looking visuals.

God of War: Ragnarok acts as the sequel to the 2018 soft reboot of the God of War franchise where we return to the lives of Kratos and Atreus as they survive Fimbulwinter and race against time to put a stop to Ragnarok and the tyranny of Odin over all the realms.

In terms of visuals, the game is nothing short of immaculate. All the realms that Kratos and Atreus visit are beautifully realized in stunning 4k 60fps and even made more so astonishing by the PS5’s ray tracing and performance mode capabilities.

Combat is fluid and rewarding with every kill and axe cleave registering almost on the richter scales with how realistic they feel on the controller.

Gameplay wise, it is similar to the 2018 entry but with minor tweaks. You can now play as Atreus in certain game sections and also be able to ride a dog sled and even a flying boat.

One standout scene in the whole game is at the very beginning where we are finally treated to the decades long wait to see Thor and Kratos go at it head to head.

Every punch, every hit, and every violent action is beautifully captured and every emotion is registered by the outstanding performances of Christopher Judge and Ryan Hurst respectively.

If you own a PS5, your first game must definitely be God of War: Ragnarok. Once you see how powerful the PS5 is and how beautiful it creates one of gaming's most luscious and gorgeous worlds, you’ll want to get more games from there on out.