Top PlayStation 4 Games You Must Play

Sony’s PlayStation 4 library is massive and still going strong in 2025. With over 117 million units sold worldwide (as of mid-2022) the PS4 boasts an enormous, active, and vibrant player base. This means thousands of PS4 titles and ongoing new releases. In this article, we dive into the Top PlayStation 4 Games you simply must play. From critically acclaimed exclusives to multiplatform blockbusters, these games showcase the very best of the PS4.

Figure: A stack of popular PS4 game cases (Photo: Iain Campbell/CC BY-SA 2.0). The PlayStation 4’s library spans genres from action-adventure to RPGs, with many top titles still popular in 2025.

PlayStation 4 games cover every genre: epic RPGs, story-driven adventures, intense shooters, and more. Many of these titles can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store or redeemed via PlayStation Plus, making them easily accessible. Critically, these top games aren’t just fan-favorites; they also earn high scores in PS4 reviews and Metacritic rankings. Whether you’re playing on a PS4 or a backward-compatible PS5, this list of must-play PS4 games will help you discover high-quality experiences and hidden gems alike.

Why PS4 Games Still Matter in 2025:

Even as the PlayStation 5 enters its fifth year, the PS4 library remains huge and relevant. Sony reports that over 117 million PS4 consoles have sold worldwide. That makes the PS4 one of the best-selling consoles ever. As one TechRadar FAQ notes, the PS4 player base “is still enormous, active, and vibrant. Even in 2025 there are still games coming out for the console”. This longevity means countless PS4 titles continue to be played and even newly released, ensuring ongoing support and interest.

The PS4’s success has created a vast ecosystem:

• PlayStation Store & Digital Access: Thousands of PlayStation 4 Games – from AAA blockbusters to indie hits – are available on the PlayStation Store. Regular sales (like Days of Play and holiday promotions) offer discounts, making it easy to build a collection.
• Backward Compatibility: Many PlayStation 4 Games can be played on a PS5 with improved performance, so even PS5 owners keep buying PS4 titles.
• PlayStation Plus & Subscriptions: PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium plans include hundreds of PlayStation 4 Games to download. Sony highlights must-play PS Plus blockbusters (both PS4 and PS5) like Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves, The Witcher 3, Ghost of Tsushima, and more, ensuring top PlayStation 4 Games are readily available to subscribers.
• Strong Reviews & Awards: Many PlayStation 4 Games are highly rated by critics and fans. For example, Metacritic lists Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V at the top with 97 Metascores. Top-tier exclusives like God of War and The Last of Us Part II often win Game of the Year awards. This acclaim means PlayStation 4 games aren’t just popular – they’re recognized for exceptional quality.

In short, as of 2025 the Sony PlayStation 4 Games remains a worthy platform for gaming. Whether you already own a PS4 or are considering one to replay classics, there’s no shortage of outstanding titles to enjoy.

Top PS4 Games by Genre:

The PlayStation 4 Games library spans many genres. Below we highlight must-play titles in key categories, combining exclusives and multiplatform hits.

Action-Adventure & Story-Driven Games:

• The Last of Us Remastered (2014): A post-apocalyptic tale often cited as one of the “best video game stories ever told,” now in enhanced 4K on PS4. Follow Joel and Ellie on an emotional, survival-driven journey. (PS Plus often features this in its lineup.)
• The Last of Us Part II (2020): The sequel pushes storytelling further with powerful characters and intense gameplay. The TechRadar FAQ specifically recommends TLOU Remastered and TLOU II among games worth buying on PS4.
• God of War (2018): Kratos returns in this Norse mythology epic. Critics praise its new setting and characters, and the game often scores above 90 in reviews. (The saga continues on PS5, but the PS4 original is a must-play PS4 title.)
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020): A standalone adventure following Spider-Man (2018), with high-flying web-slinging action through New York City. Sony’s editorial (PS Plus guide) highlights the emotional story and refined gameplay from the Insomniac series.
• Ghost of Tsushima (2020): Set in feudal Japan, this samurai action-adventure is visually stunning and highly rated. Its Director’s Cut (included on PS Plus) invites players to master swordplay and stealth to save Tsushima Island.
• Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) & Legacy of Thieves Collection: Naughty Dog’s blockbuster treasure-hunting adventures deliver cinematic storytelling. Uncharted 4 takes Nathan Drake across the globe in a final quest, and the Legacy of Thieves remaster for PS5 includes Uncharted 4. Both are often recommended for any PS4 gamer.

Role-Playing Games (RPGs):

• Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018): Rockstar’s Western epic is often cited as a “once in a generation game”. It features an expansive open world, a deep story of outlaws, and stunning graphics. Even years after launch, TechRadar notes it’s still “one of the best looking games you can play in 2024”.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015): Geralt’s monster-hunting adventures offer a vast world and rich narrative. The official PlayStation blog highlights The Witcher 3 among must-play catalog titles. Its deep story and extensive expansion content make it a top PS4 RPG.
• Persona 5 Royal (2020): This Japanese RPG puts you in the role of a student with Persona powers. It’s widely acclaimed for its style, soundtrack, and engaging “life simulator plus dungeon crawling” gameplay. Persona 5 Royal offers even more content than the original Persona 5.
• Horizon Zero Dawn (2017): A unique setting where protagonist Aloy fights robotic dinosaurs in a post-apocalyptic world. TechRadar calls Horizon “a new PlayStation staple” when it launched, praising its visuals and gameplay. Its success spawned the PS5 sequel, but the original PlayStation 4 Games remains a must-play.
• Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020): Square Enix reinvented the classic with modern graphics and action-RPG combat. Fans of narrative-driven RPGs should experience Cloud Strife’s journey in this PS4 title (only on PlayStation).

Shooters & Action Games:

• Bloodborne (2015): A dark, gothic action-RPG from FromSoftware. If you enjoy Soulsborne games, Bloodborne is a speedier, aggressive take. TechRadar notes its “quick, agile combat” and Lovecraftian atmosphere. It’s often listed among the best PS4 games for its challenge and style.
• Doom Eternal (2020): id Software’s high-octane shooter pushes PS4 hardware with gore and speed. It’s a standout action game, as TechRadar says “shooter fans get a smooth, stylish adventure that’s distinctively Doom”. Its frantic gameplay and killer soundtrack make it a must for action lovers.
• Call of Duty Series (2010s-2020s): Franchise fans will enjoy entries like Modern Warfare (2019), Warzone, and Vanguard, which have active PS4 versions. While annual releases vary, CoD titles remain popular online multiplayer shooters on PS4.
• Fortnite, Apex Legends, and other free-to-play shooters: These battle royale games run on PS4 and have huge communities. They’re often updated with new content, making them must-haves if you enjoy competitive FPS.

Other Notable PS4 Titles:

• Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4 remasters): Includes Uncharted 1-3 remastered for PS4. Great way to experience this legendary action series if you haven’t already.
• Shadow of the Colossus (Remake, 2018): A beautiful PS4 remake of the classic PS2 game. It’s a short but unforgettable adventure fighting giant colossi.
• Ratchet & Clank (2016 Remake): A reimagining of the original Ratchet & Clank, with upgraded graphics and gameplay. Fun for all ages.
• Death Stranding (2020): Hideo Kojima’s polarizing but stunning “walking simulator.” TechRadar says it combines detailed worldbuilding and a unique story, calling it “one of the best PS4 games”. (Also on PS Plus lists.)
• Disco Elysium – The Final Cut (2021): An innovative RPG with a heavy emphasis on story, dialogue, and player choice. Praised as “one of the best written games ever made,” it’s a must for fans of narrative adventures.
• Indie hits: Hollow Knight, Celeste, Stardew Valley, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Journey (PS4 port) are all highly regarded indie games available on PS4. They often have high review scores and devoted fanbases.

List of Top 10 Must-Play PS4 Games (Ordered):

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) – Epic Western open-world; often rated 97/100.
2. The Last of Us Part II (2020) – Emotionally gripping story and refined gameplay.
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) – High-flying superhero adventure in NYC.
4. God of War (2018) – Critically-acclaimed Norse myth reboot with father-son story.
5. Ghost of Tsushima (2020) – Beautiful samurai action-adventure (Director’s Cut available).
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) – Vast fantasy RPG with deep narrative (including all DLC).
7. Persona 5 Royal (2020) – Stylish JRPG with life-sim elements and turn-based combat.
8. Bloodborne (2015) – Challenging gothic action-RPG known for intense combat.
9. Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) – Open-world RPG with robotic dinosaurs and a strong heroine.
10. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) – Cinematic treasure-hunting adventure, concluding Nathan Drake’s saga.

Each of these titles has garnered excellent PS4 reviews and awards, making them a safe bet for quality gameplay. Many of them are Sony PlayStation exclusives, highlighted by critics for their graphics, stories, and design.

Finding and Buying PS4 Games:

All of the games above are available through official channels:

• PlayStation Store: The digital storefront lets you purchase and download PS4 games instantly. The store often categorizes games by genre and has user ratings. Look for PS4 reviews on each title’s page. Big sales (Days of Play, Black Friday) offer discounts on top PS4 titles.
• Physical Copies: Brick-and-mortar shops or online retailers still stock PS4 discs. A physical collection can be enjoyable, as one TechRadar writer suggests: “A shelf filled with the best memory-givers and experiences makes for a conversation point”.
• PlayStation Plus: If you subscribe to PS Plus Extra or Premium, many top PS4 games are included at no extra cost beyond the subscription. For example, Sony’s PlayStation blog editorial lists The Last of Us Part I, Death Stranding, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, DOOM Eternal, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves, The Witcher 3, and Ghost of Tsushima as “must-play blockbusters” available through the PS Plus catalog. This makes PS Plus a great way to access top PS4 titles.
• Deals and Discounts: Keep an eye on promotions. The PlayStation Store has seasonal sales; game bundles and remasters can offer extra value (e.g., Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection bundles the first three Uncharted games). Even indie hits often see price drops, letting you try more games.

PS4 Titles vs. PS5 Games:

Most big PS4 games are playable on PS5 via backward compatibility, often with performance boosts (higher frame rates, faster load times). However, some newer exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West or God of War Ragnarök have PS5 enhancements. If you own a PS5, you can still enjoy the entire PS4 library. For PC gamers, many titles (e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, Death Stranding) have PC versions as well.

Whether on PS4 or PS5, these PlayStation 4 Games offer immense value. In fact, even in 2025 a TechRadar editor notes that these older-gen games are “still well worth playing” and contribute to a vast library that’s as accessible as ever.

FAQs:

What are the best PlayStation 4 games to play in 2025?

Top PlayStation 4 Games include blockbusters and critically acclaimed titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Persona 5 Royal. These games offer outstanding storytelling and gameplay. Others worth checking out are Ghost of Tsushima, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4, and The Witcher 3. Many of these appear on lists of the best PS4 titles and have high review scores (often in the 90s). The “PS Plus Game Catalog” also highlights many of these as must-play games.

Is the PlayStation 4 still worth buying in 2025?

Yes. With an “enormous, active, and vibrant” community of players, the PS4 remains a valuable console. New games are still released for PS4, and there is a huge backlog of high-quality games to enjoy. Plus, PS4 titles often go on sale. If you find a PS4 cheaply or already own one, you can experience almost a decade’s worth of top-tier games. And if you later upgrade to PS5, most PS4 games will carry over thanks to backward compatibility.

How can I find and buy PlayStation 4 games?

You can buy PS4 games digitally from the PlayStation Store on your console or online. The store lets you search by genre, see user reviews, and take advantage of sales. Physical retailers (or online marketplaces) sell PlayStation 4 Games discs. If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription (Extra/Premium), you get access to a large catalog of downloadable PS4 games at no extra charge, including many top titles. For best deals, watch for seasonal sales and bundle offers.

Are PlayStation Plus games free for PS4 owners?

With a PlayStation Plus (Extra or Premium) subscription, hundreds of PS4 games are included in the catalog. These aren’t permanently free – they require an active subscription – but you can download and play them as long as you remain subscribed. Sony’s editorial guide lists 20 standout titles available on PS Plus, spanning PS4 and PS5, such as Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, DOOM Eternal, and Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves.

Can I play PS4 games on PS5?

Yes, most PS4 games work on PS5 through backward compatibility. In fact, playing PS4 games on PS5 often grants better performance. So if you upgrade to a PS5, you can still play all your favorite PS4 games, plus enjoy improved load times and frame rates on many titles.

Conclusion:

The PlayStation 4 games library is one of the richest in gaming history, and its best titles remain must-play experiences in 2025. From gripping narratives in The Last of Us to open-world adventures like Red Dead Redemption 2, these PS4 games showcase the very best of the Sony PlayStation platform. Whether you’re a veteran PS4 owner catching up on classics or a new gamer exploring the console, this selection of top games offers genuine value and endless entertainment. Share this guide with fellow gamers and tell us in the comments: What are your favorite PS4 games?

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