PS5 Exclusive Games: The Definitive Collection You Can’t Play Anywhere Else

Astro’s Playroom: A Launch Icon Made for DualSense

Game Details:

• Genre: Platformer, Tech Showcase

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Team Asobi

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Custom in-house engine (Japan Studio/Asobi Team)

• Player Modes: Single-player

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (pre-installed, not available anywhere else)

Astro’s Playroom isn’t just a free pack-in title—it’s a design statement. Crafted as a spiritual successor to Astro Bot Rescue Mission, this charming 3D platformer is both a celebration of the PlayStation legacy and a masterclass in hardware implementation. Each of its four main worlds is themed after a key PS5 component—the GPU Jungle, SSD Speedway, Cooling Springs, and Memory Meadow—making the entire experience feel like an interactive teardown of the system you’re playing on.

Where the game really shines is in its use of the DualSense controller. The subtle vibrations when walking on different surfaces, the resistance in triggers while pulling back on springs, and the use of the mic for wind-based mechanics make it feel like you're physically inside the game. These interactions aren’t just gimmicks—they're designed with careful intention, enhancing gameplay rather than distracting from it.

Level design is playful and tight, filled with clever puzzles and Easter eggs referencing Sony’s history, from Parappa the Rapper to Bloodborne. And despite its short length (you can beat the main content in 4–5 hours), Astro’s Playroom has a dense structure, rewarding multiple replays to uncover every artifact and hidden PlayStation relic.

It's not flashy, but it's foundational—a whimsical tech showpiece that helps define what the PS5 feels like at a tactile level. And you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.

Demon’s Souls (2020): A Remake That Raised the Bar

Game Details:

• Genre: Action RPG, Soulslike

• Release Year: 2020

• Developer: Bluepoint Games

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Custom in-house (remake framework based on original FromSoftware assets)

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Co-op, PvP Invasions

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (exclusive remake, not available on PC or other consoles)

Bluepoint Games didn’t just touch up an old classic with modern lighting and resolution; they rebuilt Demon’s Souls from scratch, and the result was breathtaking. Launched alongside the PS5, this remake instantly became the console’s most visually stunning game at the time—and arguably still holds that title. From the first steps in the desolate Boletarian Palace to the final boss encounter, it’s evident that this isn’t a remaster. It’s a full-scale resurrection of a genre-defining experience.

The remake preserves the original game’s punishing difficulty and cryptic world-building but elevates everything else. Visuals are dramatically enhanced with photorealistic textures, atmospheric lighting, and dynamic shadows. The environments drip with detail, from wind-blown ash in the Shrine of Storms to the grotesque, pulsating filth of the Valley of Defilement. And the animations—especially in combat—are weightier and smoother, making parries, dodges, and backstabs more impactful than ever.

The DualSense implementation is subtle but meaningful: you’ll feel the clash of blades, the draw of a bowstring, and even the ominous pulse of nearby demons. Fast loading times allow for quick retries, which is essential in a game where death is a frequent companion. It’s still a brutal game, full of traps, ambushes, and vague NPC storylines—but now, it’s all wrapped in a coat of next-gen polish that never compromises its soul.

There is no PC version of this remake, despite widespread speculation. As of 2025, Demon’s Souls (2020) remains firmly exclusive to the PS5, and honestly, it's hard to imagine it feeling this complete on any other platform.

Destruction AllStars: Chaotic Combat with Style

Game Details:

• Genre: Vehicle Combat, Multiplayer

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Lucid Games

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Unreal Engine 4

• Player Modes: Online Multiplayer, Training, Limited Single-player Challenges

• Platform: PlayStation 5 only

Destruction AllStars launched with less fanfare than other early PS5 titles, but it deserves more attention than it typically gets. Set in a futuristic arena sport where elite drivers smash each other to bits for fame and fortune, the game offers a unique blend of vehicular mayhem and on-foot action that isn’t quite like anything else on the market.

Each character, or “AllStar,” brings their own vehicle, abilities, and personality to the mix. Some can cloak themselves, others can detonate their car for maximum damage, and still others manipulate the battlefield in inventive ways. When your vehicle gets destroyed, you can leap out and continue the fight on foot, dodging traffic, wall-running, and hijacking rival cars mid-match. It’s chaotic, stylish, and layered with skill-based depth.

The environments are loud and colorful, filled with ramps, hazards, and destructible elements that keep each match dynamic. Graphically, the game makes smart use of particle effects and lighting to heighten the spectacle, all while maintaining a solid 60 FPS. The DualSense triggers respond to terrain and impact, adding a tactile punch to every crash.

Though it didn’t dominate the charts, Lucid Games has continued to update it with seasonal events, new characters, and limited-time modes. And unlike other games in the “live service” genre, Destruction AllStars remains tied exclusively to the PS5. There’s no PC version, no cross-platform counterpart—it exists as a bold, if underappreciated, experiment in PS5-first multiplayer design.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Two Heroes, One Exclusive

Game Details:

• Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Insomniac Games

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Insomniac Engine

• Player Modes: Single-player

• Platform: PlayStation 5 only

Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a technical and narrative evolution built entirely with the PS5 in mind. Unlike its predecessors (Spider-Man 2018 and Miles Morales), which were available on both PS4 and PS5, this entry is completely exclusive to PS5, and that design choice has allowed the developers to push the envelope in every way.

The game introduces dual protagonists—Peter Parker and Miles Morales—each with unique abilities, skill trees, and narrative arcs. The ability to switch between them almost instantaneously is made possible by the PS5’s ultra-fast SSD, eliminating loading times and allowing players to experience New York City in a seamless, uninterrupted way. This is more than a gimmick—it’s a core part of the game’s identity.

Combat has evolved with new gadgets, animations, and abilities. Peter’s symbiote powers add aggression and brutality, while Miles continues to wield bio-electric venom strikes that stun and dazzle enemies. The AI is smarter, the boss fights more cinematic, and the story darker and more emotionally layered than ever before. Venom plays a central role—not just as a villain, but as a narrative force that reshapes Peter’s identity and the tone of the game.

From a visual perspective, Spider-Man 2 is a benchmark title. With support for ray tracing, dynamic weather systems, and real-time reflections on glass and water surfaces, it sets the standard for open-world visuals in 2025. And while many Sony exclusives eventually find their way to PC, Insomniac and PlayStation have made it clear: this one is PS5 only.

It’s not just a superhero game—it’s the most confident, polished, and ambitious expression of Insomniac’s vision to date.

Horizon Call of the Mountain: A VR-Only Expedition

Game Details:

• Genre: Action-Adventure, First-Person VR

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Guerrilla Games & Firesprite

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Decima

• Player Modes: Single-player

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (via PS VR2 only)

Set in the rich world of Horizon, Call of the Mountain breaks from the third-person perspective of Aloy’s stories and instead immerses players in a first-person VR journey as Ryas, a disgraced former Shadow Carja soldier seeking redemption. Developed by Guerrilla in collaboration with Firesprite, this title serves both as a spinoff and a showcase of what PS VR2 can deliver.

The gameplay centers on climbing, archery, and exploration. Verticality plays a major role in level design, as you’ll often find yourself scaling cliffs, rappelling down ruins, and maneuvering through narrow ledges—all in first-person. Combat is handled via intuitive bow mechanics that feel tactile and satisfying thanks to the DualSense-inspired PS VR2 controllers, which replicate tension when drawing the bowstring and resistance during heavy impacts.

Visually, Call of the Mountain is a stunner. The environments—lush forests, icy peaks, and abandoned Cauldrons—feel alive in a way few VR titles can claim. You can reach out and touch the world, examine artifacts, or simply stare down the neck of a towering Tallneck from a first-person view. That sense of scale is overwhelming—and only possible in VR.

Most importantly, this game is only playable on PS5 with PS VR2. There is no flat-screen version, no PC VR port, and no alternative console adaptation. It's not just a new take on a popular IP—it's a tailored VR experience designed solely for Sony’s latest tech.

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR – PS5 Horror Reinvented

Game Details:

• Genre: Rail Shooter, Horror, VR

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Supermassive Games

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Unreal Engine 4

• Player Modes: Single-player

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (PS VR2 exclusive)

Supermassive Games has always walked the line between cinematic horror and interactive storytelling. With Switchback VR, they steer that formula back into the rails—literally. A spiritual successor to Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, this PS VR2-exclusive takes players on a haunted rollercoaster through the twisted worlds of the Dark Pictures Anthology.

It’s not just about jump scares (though there are plenty). The game uses eye tracking to trigger horror elements when you're not looking at them—a feature that plays directly into the psychology of fear. In one level, for example, a room of mannequins only move when you blink or look away, escalating tension in ways unique to VR.

Gameplay is on-rails shooting with branching paths, meaning your aim and reaction time aren’t just for show—they change how the story plays out. Shooting is satisfying, with realistic feedback from the PS VR2 Sense controllers. Reloading, weapon switching, and environmental interactions all feel grounded in the moment.

The visuals are sharp, even by VR standards, with well-modeled monsters, grotesque lighting, and richly textured environments. From cursed ghost ships to satanic caves, every level draws from existing lore while adding its own unique set piece.

Unlike the mainline Dark Pictures titles, which are multiplatform, Switchback VR is only available on PS5 via PS VR2. It is a dedicated, standalone exclusive with no current or planned release outside Sony’s hardware. If you want to scream your way through it, you’ll need a PlayStation 5—and some serious nerve.

Firewall Ultra: Next-Gen Tactical Shooting in VR

Game Details:

• Genre: Tactical Shooter, Multiplayer, VR

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: First Contact Entertainment

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Unreal Engine 5

• Player Modes: Online Multiplayer (PvP and PvE)

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (PS VR2 exclusive)

Built as a full sequel to Firewall Zero Hour, Firewall Ultra stands at the forefront of competitive VR shooters, but unlike its predecessor, it's available only on PS5 with PS VR2—and that exclusivity makes all the difference. Designed around the PS5’s SSD speed, 3D audio, and DualSense-like haptics in the new VR2 controllers, Firewall Ultra is not a minor upgrade—it’s a ground-up reimagining for a new generation.

The core concept remains familiar: a 4v4 tactical shooter in which one team defends a digital objective while the other attacks. But Ultra changes the game by adding a new PvE mode, persistent character upgrades, enhanced enemy AI, and dedicated servers, improving the core experience dramatically. With smooth reload mechanics, weapon customization, and deeply immersive gunplay, it’s easily one of the most refined shooters available in VR today.

The PS VR2’s eye tracking lets players quickly swap weapons, mark enemies, and interact with UI elements more naturally. Environments are tighter and more detailed than before, from dimly lit server rooms to outdoor urban zones with realistic lighting and destructible elements. Each map feels like a modern tactical playground, tailored for strategic movement and tight angles.

Sony has made it clear—there are no current plans for a PC VR version. Firewall Ultra is tied to the PS5 ecosystem, and it remains one of the strongest arguments for Sony’s continued investment in high-end virtual reality shooters.

Synapse: Speed, Style, and Psychic Power in PS VR2

Game Details:

• Genre: Action Shooter, Roguelite, VR

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: nDreams

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Proprietary (nDreams engine optimized for PS VR2)

• Player Modes: Single-player

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (PS VR2 exclusive)

Synapse is one of those rare titles that perfectly blends abstract art direction with tight, fluid gameplay. Built exclusively for PS VR2, this roguelite shooter stands out with its high-contrast black-and-white visual style, neon-accented explosions, and a kinetic gameplay loop that encourages speed, experimentation, and psychic flair.

In Synapse, you take on the role of an elite operative diving into the subconscious mind of a rogue agent. Environments are surreal and ever-shifting—perfect for the game's mind-bending themes. With one hand, you fire standard weapons; with the other, you unleash telekinetic powers that let you throw enemies, pull platforms, or crush objects in midair. The controls are smooth and immediate, and the game’s fast pace rewards aggressive improvisation.

Unlike many VR shooters, Synapse feels empowering from the first run. The enemy AI is smart enough to challenge but never overwhelms unfairly, and the game’s progression system offers tangible rewards without making you grind. Every death feels like a learning moment, and every new power-up adds depth to your loadout.

Its exclusivity is significant: Synapse is not available on PC VR platforms or any other console. It was built specifically for the capabilities of PS VR2 and only functions within the PS5 architecture. It’s sleek, stylish, and sharp—and if you’re looking for something that fully utilizes VR’s freedom of motion and spatial awareness, Synapse is among the best exclusive experiences PS5 has to offer.

C-Smash VRS: Arcade Sports Reimagined for VR

Game Details:

• Genre: Arcade Sports, VR, Rhythm

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Wolf & Wood / RapidEyeMovers

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

• Engine: Unity

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

• Platform: PlayStation 5 (PS VR2 exclusive)

A bold reimagining of SEGA’s Cosmic Smash, C-Smash VRS delivers a VR-exclusive fusion of racket sports, rhythm game mechanics, and minimalist sci-fi visuals. Unlike traditional VR sports titles, which often try to simulate real-world games, C-Smash VRS embraces a more abstract, arcade-style design—where the rules are loose, and the focus is flow.

You’re placed in sleek, futuristic courts suspended in glowing geometric voids, armed with a single virtual racket. As the ball rockets toward you at increasing speeds, you're not just reacting—you’re dancing, lunging, and improvising with rhythm. The physicality is real, and it’s exhausting in the best way. Despite the minimalism of its visuals, the haptic feedback, 3D audio, and adaptive resistance from the Sense controllers make it feel tangible and immediate.

The game offers multiple modes, from solo challenges to intense online competitive matches. There’s even a Zen mode for meditative practice. And while it pays homage to its arcade origins, C-Smash VRS isn’t stuck in the past. Its design feels modern, elegant, and deliberately tuned for VR's future.

As of 2025, there is no other way to play this game. No PC VR port has been announced, and no flat-screen version exists. C-Smash VRS is tailor-made for PS VR2, and it thrives within that ecosystem. It's one of the few VR games that nails both competitive gameplay and pure aesthetic design.

Neptunia reVerse: A JRPG That Stayed on PS5

Game Details:

• Genre: JRPG, Turn-Based

• Release Year: 2021

• Developer: Idea Factory / Compile Heart

• Publisher: Idea Factory International

• Engine: Neptune Custom Engine

• Player Modes: Single-player

• Platform: PlayStation 5 only

Neptunia reVerse is more than just another JRPG—it’s a franchise celebration, a mechanical remix, and a strategic refinement of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1, designed specifically for PS5. Released exclusively on the platform, it doesn’t rely on high-end graphics or cutting-edge physics. Instead, it focuses on what the Neptunia series does best: parody, customization, and lighthearted combat.

The game includes over 100 playable characters, more than any other entry in the series. It features a new ‘Arrange Mode’ that allows players to tweak balance and party structures right from the start, catering both to returning fans and those who prefer streamlined progress. Combat remains turn-based but offers more visual flair and faster transitions, thanks to the PS5’s processing power and quick load times.

The story is self-aware, packed with meta-humor and fourth-wall breaking gags that poke fun at gaming culture, industry trends, and even console wars themselves. It’s niche, sure, but its sense of identity is strong, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything but what it is—a JRPG for fans, by fans.

What truly stands out here is that Neptunia reVerse is not a cross-gen release. It never came to PS4 or PC. Despite the franchise's history on multiple platforms, this entry remains a PS5-only release, locking it into the console’s exclusive library as a rare modern JRPG that didn’t jump to other platforms.

R-Type Final 3 Evolved: Classic Shoot-’Em-Up, Evolved

Game Details:

• Genre: Side-Scrolling Shoot-’Em-Up

• Release Year: 2023

• Developer: Granzella

• Publisher: NIS America

• Engine: Unreal Engine 5

• Player Modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer

• Platform: PlayStation 5 only

R-Type Final 3 Evolved is a love letter to fans of old-school arcade shooters. It brings with it everything you'd expect from an R-Type game: brutal difficulty, highly stylized enemy patterns, and that satisfying loop of trial, error, and explosive success. But it also delivers so much more—using the PS5’s horsepower to evolve the experience into something that feels both nostalgic and new.

This entry bundles the full content of R-Type Final 2 and adds exclusive PS5 content, including seven new stages developed specifically for this version. The visual overhaul is substantial, with enhanced particle effects, new ship designs, and highly detailed bosses that dominate the screen. Music, too, has received attention—each stage's theme is composed to drive momentum and tension, adapting to your progress and performance.

A ship customization system allows deep personalization, and online leaderboards let you compare your runs with others globally. The game supports both performance and quality modes, ensuring that even during chaos-heavy moments, the framerate remains steady.

Importantly, R-Type Final 3 Evolved has not seen a release outside the PS5. No PC version. No Xbox port. No Switch downgrade. It’s an exclusive package for fans who want the definitive R-Type experience delivered through the most powerful console available.

PS5 vs. PS5 Pro: Do Exclusives Play Differently?

The original PlayStation 5 was officially released on November 12, 2020, marking the start of Sony’s ninth-generation console era. Since then, its library has grown to include a wide range of exclusives—some of which we’ve covered in this article.

In November 2024, Sony released the PS5 Pro, a more powerful mid-generation upgrade—not a replacement or next-gen console. And while it improves technical performance across many titles, the exclusive games themselves remain exactly the same.

There are no PS5 Pro–exclusive games, and everything runs on both systems. However, the PS5 Pro delivers significant visual and performance upgrades for players who want to push their gaming to higher resolutions or more stable frame rates.

What the PS5 Pro Enhances:

• 4K/8K resolution support via advanced AI upscaling

• Improved ray tracing and lighting effects in supported titles

• More stable performance, with better frame rates across demanding scenes

• Larger internal SSD (2TB) for expanded storage

• PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to sharpen visuals intelligently

So if you’re swinging through the skies of Spider-Man 2 or fighting for survival in Demon’s Souls, the gameplay will be identical—but it may look and run better on PS5 Pro if you have the hardware to support it. No matter which version of the PS5 you own, you're getting access to the same library of fully exclusive titles that define the console.