CNET has updated its list of the best PlayStation 5 games as of December 2025, highlighting titles like Astro Bot and new additions such as Ghost of Yotei. The roundup features a mix of exclusive and cross-platform games across genres, emphasizing PS5's hardware strengths. Astro Bot tops the list for its joyful platforming and PlayStation nostalgia.
Overview
CNET's December 2025 list of the best PS5 games showcases the console's robust library, built on advancements like DualSense haptics and fast SSD loading. The selection spans platformers, RPGs, and shooters, with a focus on unique experiences that leverage PS5 capabilities. Recent updates added several 2025 releases, reflecting ongoing support for the platform over four years since launch.
Top Picks
Astro Bot leads as a whimsical 3D platformer from Team Asobi, released September 6, 2024. It draws inspiration from Nintendo classics, featuring creative levels with power-ups like balloon floating and time-stopping. The game integrates DualSense features, such as gyro controls and wind simulation via controller input, earning praise for its joyful creativity and PlayStation cameos.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a debut RPG from Sandfall Interactive, arrived April 24, 2025. Set in Lumiere, players join Expedition 33 to battle the Paintress, who erodes humanity's lifespan. It blends JRPG tropes with French flair, offering deep combat customization, parrying mechanics, and acclaimed music with dynamic tracks.
New Additions
The December update includes Ghost of Yotei, a standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima from Sucker Punch Productions, set for October 2, 2025. Players control Atsu seeking revenge against the Yotei Six in a snowy Japanese landscape, with upgraded combat including dual katanas and rifles.
Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware's roguelike co-op spin-off releasing May 30, 2025, sets heroes against Nightlords in the Lands Between. Runs last up to an hour, emphasizing team builds and meta-progression.
Other newcomers: Metal Gear Solid Delta (August 26, 2025, Konami remake of Snake Eater with survival stealth), Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (June 26, 2025, Kojima's sequel expanding connections to Australia), and Days Gone Remastered (April 25, 2025, Bend Studio's zombie survival with new modes).
Established Favorites
Classics like God of War Ragnarök (November 9, 2022) continue to shine for narrative depth, while Helldivers 2 (February 8, 2024) delivers co-op horde shooting. The list balances exclusives with multi-platform hits, aiding players in choosing amid PS5's growing catalog.