After much hype and more than a little confusion, we finally know the PlayStation 5’s release date and price. However, in the minds of many fans who are desperately scrambling to secure a PS5 pre-order, the most important question that remains has to be “What PS5 launch games will I have to choose from on November 12?”
While the events of 2020 have almost certainly impacted Sony’s software plans for the PS5’s launch, we have to say that the PS5 launch lineup is shaping up to feature a surprising array of exclusives, ports, and other games that may soon find themselves on a shortlist of the year’s best titles.
So if you’re one of the lucky gamers who will add a PS5 to your console collection in November, here are the PS5 launch games you can expect to enjoy right away. Just keep in mind that this list doesn’t include the PS4 games that are compatible with the PS5 on day one.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Ubisoft recently made the surprising decision to release Assasin’s Creed Valhalla a week ahead of schedule in order to ensure that it launches alongside the Xbox Series X/S on November 10. That also means that it will be available on day one for the PS5 when Sony’s next-gen console is available in many regions.
While we wouldn’t expect Valhalla to take advantage of the PS5’s capabilities out of the gate, the next-gen version of the game will almost certainly benefit from the console’s incredible SSD and other quality-of-life features.
Astro’s Playroom
Not only is Astro’s Playroom a verified PS5 launch game, but it was recently confirmed that the title will be pre-loaded on all PS5 consoles.
Essentially an elaborate tour of the PS5 controller’s capabilities, Astro’s Playroom should still be substantial enough to tide you over even if you don’t get a copy of your preferred PS5 launch game right away.
Demon’s Souls
In case you weren’t excited enough for the Demon’s Souls remake, Sony just had to go ahead and make it an official PS5 launch game.
At the moment, we’d argue that Demon’s Souls is the best looking PS5 launch game from both a visual and gameplay perspective. Time will tell ultimately tell, but it feels safe to say that Soulsborne fans everywhere will want to treat Demon’s Souls as the PS5’s first “must-have” game.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light
Destiny 2 makes the leap to next-gen consoles, as Destiny 2: Beyond Light will be available as a day one PS5 experience.
This monumental expansion may essentially prove to help shape the next three years of Destiny 2 content. We’re excited to try it out, and we’re just as excited to see the ways that Bungie utilizes the PS5’s capabilities to enhance the already enjoyable core Destiny gameplay experience.
Destruction Allstars
Somewhere between Rocket League and Twisted Metal lies our next PS5 launch game, Destruction Allstars.
We haven’t seen enough of this title to make a fair assessment regarding its prospects, but car combat fans should find something to love in this blend of automobile action and melee madness.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
We’d be lying if we told you that we expected an upgraded version of Devil May Cry 5 to join the PS5’s launch lineup, but we’re more than happy to have an excuse to dive back into this action masterpiece.
Along with all currently available DMC 5 content, this Special Edition will include visual enhancements, new control options designed to utilize the DualSense’s unique abilities, a new difficulty level, a new mode, and the return of Vergil.
Fortnite
Granted, the biggest Fortnite story at the moment has nothing to do with next-gen consoles, but with PS5 fans safely outside of the Apple ecosystem, they should just simply be able to enjoy one of the biggest mainstream gaming sensations of the last 20 years.
Don’t expect Fortnite to benefit much from the extra power offered by next-gen platforms, but fans will certainly find plenty of reasons to download the free-to-play title on day one and maybe keep it as their “main” game until the PS5 library is expanded in 2021.
Godfall
If you haven’t been paying attention to Godfall, then we’d strongly advise you to use its recently confirmed launch title status as a good reason to start.
This looter shooter looks to combine the fluid action and rich visuals of Destiny with the depth of Diablo while incorporating a few new tricks of its own. More than just another looter shooter, what we’ve seen of Godfall thus far suggests it could be one of the best games of 2020.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
This spin-off/continuation of the Little Big Planet series should be enough to scratch the itch of old-school gamers everywhere who just don’t feel right unless they have a platformer to play on their new next-gen console.
Given the creative success of recent games in this franchise, we strongly suspect that A Big Adventure will be a visually exciting platformer for all ages. However, its the game’s co-op mode that may just push it over the top as a PS5 launch game.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
After sorting through all of the discussion regarding whether or not Spider-Man: Miles Morales is an expansion or standalone sequel, we’ve arrived at the conclusion that it’s one of the most exciting PS5 launch games.
This spin-off of the Marvel’s Spider-Man looks to retain all of the open-world and universe building elements that made its predecessor so great while exploring the ongoing mythology of one of the best characters in the Marvel canon.
Watch Dogs Legion
Watch Dogs: Legion hasn’t been getting quite as much attention as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and…some of the other things happening at Ubisoft, but what we’ve seen of the game so far suggests it will be a fascinating entry into a somewhat underrated franchise.
Again, manage your expectations so far as technical upgrades go, but those who were already planning on checking out Watch Dogs: Legion should find plenty of reasons to upgrade that experience to the PS5.