The PlayStation 4 got off to an early lead this generation, and a steady stream of exceptional first-party exclusives, complemented by robust third-party support, has kept it that way. Whether you just picked up a PS4 or have owned one since launch, we’re rounding up the best experiences you don’t want to miss in this continually updated feature.
Please note that while the list below contains 10 entries, we aren’t actually ranking them. If a game has made it this far (and managed to stay here), it’s a must-play, period. As such, we’ll be listing entries in reverse chronological order. Also, you’ll find a rundown of previous entries at the bottom of the list. While those titles have gotten bumped over time, they are still all great games in their own right and worth exploring if you’re already caught up on the latest hits.
Here are Game Informer’s picks for the top 10 games on the PlayStation 4.
The Last of Us Part II
Release: June 19, 2020
The Last of Us was a defining title of the last generation, and Naughty Dog’s sequel continues to push boundaries and set new standards for storytelling. The Last of Us Part II is a revenge tale on its surface, but its deeper themes revolve around love, empathy, and perspective – all reinforced by tense gameplay and phenomenal performances from the cast. As the story of Ellie and Joel unfolds, players move through an intricately detailed world and survive harrowing situations that impart a tangible sense of helplessness and desperation. You may not agree with all of your character’s brutal choices, but even through the gunplay and violence, the journey ultimately is more about challenging your heart than your reflexes.
Persona 5 Royal
Release: March 31, 2020
The original release of Persona 5 had enough depth, strategy, and story to keep players busy for 100+ hours. This expanded version of the stylish, turn-based RPG takes all that even further. Everything that made the first iteration great remains, but Persona 5 Royal also adds new characters, story threads, and mechanics to make the experience even more robust. Whether you’re acquiring and fusing new Personas, bonding with your fellow classmates, or just enjoying a night out in Tokyo, Persona 5 Royal sucks you into its world and keeps you entertained for the long haul.
Red Dead Redemption II
Release: October 26, 2018
We waited years for another rodeo in Rockstar’s open-world western series, but the results were worth it. Simply put, Red Dead Redemption II delivers the most immersive and meticulously detailed world the video game industry has seen yet. While not technically a role-playing game, Red Dead Redemption II's level of freedom and player agency allows you to completely lose yourself in the life of a frontiersman, whether you spend your days robbing trains and stagecoaches, or hunting and fishing on the outskirts of society. Arthur Morgan, along with Red Dead’s vast array of supporting characters, is brought to life by stellar performances and the unprecedented interactivity you have with them – from greeting strangers in the road and goading poker players into fights, to bonding over a campfire with your fellow outlaws. It’s not hyperbole to say Red Dead Redemption II is a generation-defining game that you shouldn’t miss.
Spider-Man
Release: September 7, 2018
Just months after Kratos axed his way to accolades, Sony had another exclusive hit on its hands. Spidey’s latest adventure sets a new high bar for open-world superheroes, thanks to a gorgeous recreation of NYC and fast and fluid combat. Insomniac did right by longtime comic book fans by including tons of nods to Spider-Man’s history, while also weaving its own compelling story and interesting takes on familiar characters. While some of the side activities became a bit repetitive, Spider-Man delivered dozens of hours of high-flying, web-slinging action that we won’t forget anytime soon.
God of War
Release: April 20, 2018
The video game industry has come a long way since God of War’s deity-beheading, vase-bumping antics, but thankfully so has Kratos. Santa Monica Studio’s reinvention of the series makes daring changes to virtually every aspect of God of War, from the new camera perspective to the more deliberate and tactical combat. The biggest change, however, lies with Kratos himself and his new role as father and guardian to Atreus. The duo’s relationship casts God of War in a whole different light and allows Santa Monica Studio to weave a mature and thoughtful story that stands among the best this generation has to offer. Thanks to Kratos’ continued penchant for slaughtering any creature that stands in his way, the new God of War still offers plenty of excitement as well, along with the most visually arresting battles to date.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Release: February 28, 2017
Guerilla Games has been supplying Sony with solid shooters since the PS2 days, but the developer’s decision to ditch Killzone for an open-world robot apocalypse changed everything. Horizon Zero Dawn has proven to be one of the best new IPs of this generation, introducing players to an exciting fusion of futuristic technology and prehistoric warfare. The intense combat, intelligently designed robot enemies, and gorgeous open-world vistas are just a few of the reasons pick up Horizon, while the multilayered mysteries at the heart of Aloy’s journey make it hard to put down.
Overwatch
Release: May 24, 2016
Blizzard’s hero-based competitive shooter has been out for years, and yet it remains one of the most frequently played games by the G.I. staff. Part of Overwatch’s longevity can be attributed to its pitch-perfect gunplay, deep roster of characters, and infinitely replayable Assault, Control, and Escort modes. However, what really keeps us coming back are all the improvements and additions Blizzard continues to offer, from countless balance tweaks to the host of new heroes and maps that have been added over the years, to the surprising and creative timed events. Not everyone on staff loves Overwatch’s implementation of lootboxes, but that doesn’t stop us from jumping back into the grind every time new costumes are introduced, and the additional revenue stream has kept Overwatch’s cornucopia of content updates free for all users. As long as Blizzard keeps updating Overwatch, we’ll keep playing it, making it an easy recommendation for competitive shooter fans.