The 30 Best Games on PS4

Everyone remembers the console that dominated their formative years but people don’t seem to talk about the console that dominated the time where they transitioned into adulthood. I find this life milestone just as nostalgic since this was around the time I had to purchase all of my games myself. This made finding games a much more meticulous process as my minimum wage jobs wouldn’t allow for me to waste much money on games I wouldn’t like. The eighth generation of consoles arrived right as I was wrapping up high school and the PlayStation 4 was my console of choice.

The PlayStation 4 is known for many great games now that it seems we’re about halfway through the PS5’s lifecycle. Somehow. But it is also known for having a lot of games that aren’t worth your time. As I said, this console came out during my emerging adulthood, and purchasing a bad game at that time was much more disappointing than receiving one for Christmas. Luckily, I have you covered so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. Here are the 30 best games for the PlayStation 4.

30. Tales from the Borderlands

• Release Date — October 20, 2015
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Many people consider the Tales from the Borderlands to be the best Borderlands game, and I couldn’t agree more. One of the best parts of this choose-your-own-adventure style game is its ending. The game cleverly makes use of the choices you make to make them feel impactful in the game’s conclusion. Real, player expression through choice is what makes this genre great, and Tales from the Borderlands embodies that flawlessly.

29. Monster Hunter World

• Release Date — January 26, 2018
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

As the anticipated follow-up approaches its release date, I look back on Monster Hunter World very fondly. This was my introduction to the franchise and what a great introduction it was. The Monster Hunter series seemed daunting as I had friends growing up really into it and I can now see where they were coming from. As the online community likes to say, “Does it have a gun lance? Then it’s the best game ever made.”

28. Fez

• Release Date — March 25, 2014
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

People in my age group probably remember Fez for the embarrassing meltdown its developer had. That’s unfortunate because the game is actually one of the best indie titles of the last decade. How this game plays with perspective is really refreshing and feels like a no-brainer for platformers today. People really don’t talk about how influencing this title was for the platformers that came after it. Maybe we should’ve received a Fez2 huh, Phil?

27. Rayman Legends

• Release Date — February 18, 2014
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

I grew up on the Rayman. Well, specifically Rayman-Arena, but Rayman nonetheless. This takes that intellectual property and creates one of the best platformers in gaming history. Rayman Legends just embodies fun in a way that makes perfect sense if you’ve played it. If not, then the best way I can describe it is like the best roller coaster ride you’ve ever been on that feels like it never ends. A must-play for fans of the genre and a must-have for owners of the console.

26. Shovel Knight

• Release Date — April 21, 2015
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Where Fez is remembered for its developer in the worst way possible, Shovel Knight is known for its flawless kickstart campaign. Shovel Knight has everything a gamer could ever want. A lot of well-put-together content, a responsible responsive development team, and some of the best music to ever grace your ears. If you’re reading articles on gaming, I would bet money you’ve heard of this game. Play it if you haven’t yet.

25. Overwatch

• Release Date — May 23, 2016
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

I purchased Overwatch multiple times over the course of its lifespan and I don’t regret doing so. It is so unfortunate the sequel has completely bastardized what made the original great but there’s one thing Blizzard can’t take from us. The memories of this game’s launch. It was fun, fresh, and colorful; something the industry desperately needed and still needs to this day, to be frank.

24. Diablo III

• Release Date — August 19, 2014
• Metacritic Score — 90 (Universal Acclaim)

Blizzard just could not be stopped in this generation. Diablo III is one of those monumental releases for which it seems the world stops. When this game came out you couldn’t get away from it. Good thing it’s phenomenal from start to finish, with some of the greatest dungeon-crawling gameplay you can play nowadays. Luckily, if you haven’t played, it can be found for relatively cheap. It is also much better than Diablo IV.

23. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

• Release Date — December 4, 2020
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

The eighth generation of consoles had some of the best RPG releases since the PlayStation One era. Dragon Quest XI was just one of the many great games that were released during this window. Where Final Fantasy stagnated a bit in this era, Dragon Quest seemingly got better. This is a great entry point for those who have never played these games. After playing 11 you’ll want more and luckily the older titles are just as good.

22. flower

• Release Date — November 15, 2013
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

A unique entry on this list but an important one nonetheless. In the previous generation, and at number 24 on our PlayStation 3 list, there was another artsy title like this one. I believe this game deserves its spot here on this list for similar reasons. It might not resonate with people like other entries on the list but give it a chance and you’ll find it’s a very relaxing, emotional experience. There should be more games like flower.

21. Resident Evil 2

• Release Date — January 25, 2019
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

This game was my introduction to the classic Resident Evil titles and boy do I get it. Resident Evil 2 Remake might just be one of the best remakes of all time. Capcom perfectly captured the vibe of the original while modernizing it for a new audience. This game was so good it made me go buy all the other games. A horror standard and a great game all around.

20. NieR: Automata

• Release Date — February 26, 2019
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

One of, if not the most important games of modern gaming. Yoko Taro’s magnum opus, NieR: Automata beautifully combines phenomenal music and a gripping narrative with Platinum Games’ stylish action combat. Many players will pick this up and see it as just a fast action game where you play as an attractive robot but others will dig a bit deeper and see the beautiful soul hidden beneath the surface.

19. INSIDE

• Release Date — August 23, 2016
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

INSIDE is just as artsy as flower is, but plays more similarly to a traditional video game. Its atmosphere and horror elements give it a unique feel that is hard to replicate. This game is perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back cinematic experience. INSIDE also has one of the most shocking conclusions I have ever seen in a game so if you love twist endings and meta-commentary in your games, then this is for you.

18. Celeste

• Release Date — January 25, 2018
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

Celeste tackles important themes of anxiety, perseverance, and self-worth. The praise that this game receives is very much deserved because independent games are made for things like this. The video game medium is perfect for placing people in someone else’s shoes and for someone who’s never dealt with the issues present in Celeste, they are sure to understand once they roll credits. A masterpiece.

17. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine

• Release Date — May 30, 2016
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

It’s not often that a game’s expansion can outshine other full releases in its generation. The Witcher 3 expansion takes an already massive game and provides loads more content. The breadth and variety of all the content included are such good values. CD PROJEKT REDcould’ve released this as a full-fledged sequel. One of the best video game expansions of all time.

16. Shadow of the Colossus

• Release Date — February 6, 2018
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

Shadow of the Colossus is outright gorgeous. Visuals don’t matter when it comes to a game’s quality but they definitely can uplift a product when done right. We all know Shadow of the Colossus is great, but this PlayStation 4 remake completely repackaged it breathtakingly. Taking down the colossi in 4k is an experience I’m happy to have been alive for and everyone should experience it. Even if only one time.

15. Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

• Release Date — July 2, 2019
• Metacritic Score — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

Final Fantasy XIV had a rough start when it was originally released but once it reached its Heavensward expansion it hit its stride. Shadowbringers is a masterful expansion that showcases the potential of the MMO genre. Also, how this game flips the “hero saves the world” story trope is downright masterful. It’s debatably the best expansion in Final Fantasy XIV.

14. Divinity: Original Sin II

• Release Date — August 31, 2018
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

Before Larian were breaking records with Baldur’s Gate 3 they were breaking records with Divinity: Original Sin II. The title isn’t as good as the Baldur’s Gate 3 but a lot of its game design can find its roots here. It’s a great game to play if you’ve beaten Baldur’s Gate 3 and you’re just on the lookout for more things of a similar flavor. Divinity: Original Sin II is rough around the edges but it has just as much heart.

13. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Release Date — May 19, 2015
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

In every generation, the best game ever is released and this generation’s just happened to be The Witcher 3. Even though it doesn’t break out the top 10, this game’s impact is insurmountable. This title completely raised the bar for the open-world action RPG genre. I would argue it hasn’t been reached by another developer since. Some of the best worldbuilding of all time.

12. Undertale

• Release Date — August 15, 2017
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

The last truly monumental indie game, well I mean technically Omori is becoming just as big but Undertale was something truly special. Easily in the top 10 best games on PC so of course it would dominate the console space as well. Undertale is just that good. It’s hilariously written, has a very fun combat, and has a beautiful heartfelt message.

11. Bloodborne

• Release Date — March 24, 2015
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

People argue about the best FromSoft game all the time. Is it Elden Ring? What about Sekiro? PlayStation fans scream from the heavens that it is Bloodborne. Everything that makes the Souls games great is very much present in Bloodborne. It’s dark, difficult, and dripping in details and masterful worldbuilding.

10. Journey

• Release Date — July 21, 2015
• Metacritic Score — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

The PlayStation 4 added 1080p 60fps to one of the prettiest games in modern gaming. Other than those changes the rest of Journey is pretty much the same. It’s a cohesive minimalistic title that won’t clique for everyone. However, I think that’s part of the beauty.

9. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

• Release Date — May 10, 2016
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

The end of Nathan Drake’s tale was a long time coming. Naughty Dog dominated this generation with its high-quality releases and Uncharted 4 can hang with all of them. Naughty Dog has been chasing this film-like quality for their video games and this is the first time it feels like they nailed it perfectly. The gameplay is incredible and the graphics are even better.

8. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

• Release Date — September 1, 2015
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

This is Hideo Kojima’s magnum opus. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the pinnacle of stealth gameplay. Sure its story wasn’t the best in the franchise, however, its gameplay completely clears both its franchise and most other third-person shooters of the time. This title is a great entry point into the franchise, give it a try and experience peak gaming.

7. Persona 5

• Release Date — April 4, 2017
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

Persona 5 is so good it had people who hate JRPGs singing its praises. Effortly stylish, with some of the best battle mechanics the genre has to offer. Persona 5 will go down as one of the best games of all time. Also, with the soundtrack Atlus and their in-house composers created a moment in gaming with the release of Persona 5.

6. The Last of Us Part II

• Release Date — June 19, 2020
• Metacritic Score — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

The Last of Us Part II is polarizing, to say the least. Naughty Dog pushed the boundaries of realism in gaming with this release. A little too far in my opinion, but games will never be the same again. Love it or hate it, the title had everyone talking about its characters and twists. At the end of the day, The Last of Us Part II is one of the most important games of all time.

5. God of War

• Release Date — April 20, 2018
• Metacritic Score — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

One of the craziest comebacks of all time, God of War (2018) is truly a sight to behold. The game parades itself as a reboot before revealing that it is a continuation of the previous games. The maturity of Kratos and how his character has changed is beautiful. I understand many were disappointed he was no longer the maniac from the PS2 era, but growth is good and Kratos has inspired many.

4. The Last of Us Remastered

• Release Date — July 29, 2014
• Metacritic Score — 95 (Universal Acclaim)

Remastering The Last of Us was a no-brainer. The game was one of the most talked about releases of the seventh generation. This remaster gave it 4K support and a smooth 60 frames per second. The Last of Us already looked and played great but this made an already great game 1000 times better. A really good use of the new hardware.

3. Persona 5 Royal

• Release Date — March 31, 2020
• Metacritic Score — 95 (Universal Acclaim)

How does one improve an already perfect game? Well, ask Atlus because they took the already cemented best RPG of the PlayStation 4 and made it even better with Royal. This re-release has tons of new music and content. It was almost like a reward for fans of the original and more Persona is never a bad thing.

2. Grand Theft Auto V

• Release Date — November 18, 2014
• Metacritic Score — 97 (Universal Acclaim)

Are you tired of Grand Theft Auto V yet? Ever since its release, Rockstar has been endlessly putting out remakes and remasters of the smash hit title. This version did add a ton of new content and quality-of-life changes but honestly, Grand Theft Auto V is just a true masterpiece. The game is just that good, and if you’re reading this, you probably already know that.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Release Date — October 26, 2018
• Metacritic Score — 97 (Universal Acclaim)

While I said that The Last of Us is to blame for games becoming more and more realistic, Red Dead Redemption 2 is probably the reason The Last of Us is the way it is. There is just so much attention to detail in this game, Rockstar truly just might be the greatest developer of all time. This title is a masterclass in character writing, drama, and making lived-in worlds. Many fans, myself included, hope that this isn’t the end of the Red Dead franchise but until the next one maybe Rockstar can give Bully some love.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sony.