Sony Interactive Entertainment
Fan anticipation is running high for Sony’s next-generation console, the PlayStation 5.
On September 16, 2020, the launch dates for the PS5 standard and digital editions were finally confirmed – November 12, 2020, for the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, while November 19, 2020, will be the day both PS5 consoles launch in Europe, the Middle East, South America, Asia, and South Africa. And on those major launch days, a slew of must-have titles will be playable as soon as you power your PS5 on. Thankfully, Sony has prepped a fine collection of first-party exclusives for its ardent fanbase alongside some quality third-party games worth checking in for.
Check out the list below for a better look at all the games coming to PS5 on day one.
Note – PS5 backward compatibility will work with 99-percent of the PS4 library.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
The next chapter in the lengthy Assasins’s Creed saga will transport players to the age of the Vikings. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla puts players in the role of a male/female warrior named Eivor, who must embark upon a bloody campaign against the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. This newfound assassin’s journey will feature the same action RPG elements featured in the past two Assassin’s Creed games and also bring back some fan-favorite features. Conquest Battles, the presence of settlements, and naval navigation will thankfully make their return. Plus fans can look forward to engaging in all sorts of Viking themed activities, such as drinking contests and their own version of roast battles! Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will be an eye-opening experience, no doubt.
Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla here.
Astro’s Playroom
Developer: SIE Japan Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Fans and critics alike were shocked by the amazing quality of the PS VR exclusive, Astro Bot Rescue Mission. The extremely immersive platforming and unique DualShock 4 controller gameplay implementation players were introduced to in that predecessor wowed everyone who experienced it. The upcoming sequel Astro’s Playroom will incorporate the same likable mechanics featured in the previous game. But for this go-round, Astro Playroom’s will step away from the realm of VR and take full control of the DualSense Wireless Controller’s signature capabilities. And as an added bonus, Astro’s Playroom will come as a pre-downloaded title on everyone’s PS5 for free.
Bugsnax
Developer: Young Horses
Publisher: Young Horses
Development studio Young Horses’ super quirky adventure game Bugsnax caught everyone by surprise with its initial reveal. The game’s premise of exploring a mysterious island in a bid to discover and capture half-bug, half snack animals grabbed the interest of the gaming public. And once the PS5 arrives on launch day, those curious onlookers can finally experience Bugsnax for themselves. Over 100 Bugsnak creatures are available to find and munch on. The hilarious part of that whole ordeal is that fact that the local Grumpuses take on the physical properties of whatever Bugsnak they consume, so be prepared to witness some crazy looking characters as you engage in island feasting.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Bugsnax.
Demon’s Souls
Developers: Bluepoint Games, SIE Japan Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Before Dark Souls morphed into the surprise hit that gaming masochists everywhere flocked to, Demon’s Souls truly kicked things off for the “Soulbourne” sub-genre. And in 2020, PS5 owners will get the chance to revisit the harsh realm of Bolateria in a beautiful remake. The game’s punishing difficulty, dreary world, and somber mood all make their return and look all the more stunning on PS5. This Demon’s Souls remake retains everything that was featured in the original release and breathes new life into it with a new visual sheen and fine-tuned combat mechanics. See if you have it in you to defeat the demon Vanguard in HD on day one of your PS5 ownership.
Destruction All-Stars
Developer: Lucid Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive
Destruction All-Stars looks like a crazy mashup of games such as Destruction Derby, Twisted Metal, Overwatch, and Rocket League. The game’s excitement-filled original sport features a cache of zany characters who get embroiled in vehicle-based challenges. Massive crowds will gather as you and your extreme cohorts get embroiled in tons of vehicular mayhem. Destruction All-Stars looks like it’ll be the surprise hit of the PS5’s extensive launch lineup for speed freaks everywhere.
Buy Destruction All-Stars here.
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Once fans got done playing through the demon-filled adventures of Nero, Dante, and V in Devil May Cry 5, they made a lofty request for the game’s talented developers – GIVE US VERGIL AS A PLAYABLE CHARACTER! On day one for PS5 owners, those same fans will get their wish granted with the digital launch of Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition. A playable Vergil isn’t the only thing coming with this updated rendition of the classic action game – new gameplay modes are arriving in the form of the Legendary Dark Knight difficulty and the even faster-paced Turbo Mode. The Deluxe Edition bonuses and EX Color Pack costumes will also be coming with this definitive, next-gen version of Devil May Cry 5.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition.
Fortnite
Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Epic Games
Epic Games’ uber-popular battle royale shooter is coming to PS5. And there’s no need to freak out about all your progress being left behind once you upgrade to Sony’s new console – all your unlocks and in-game purchases are coming along for the next-gen ride. And once the Unreal Engine 4 becomes a part of Fortnite, a slew of graphical enhancements and even more mechanical improvements will truly make it feel like a next-gen experience.
Godfall
Developer: Counterplay Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
You’ve most likely dabbled in the world of looter shooters such as Borderlands and Destiny. But Counterplay Games’ original IP Godfall is ditching firearms in favor of bladed weaponry. This self-described looter slasher transports players to a mystical realm powered by the elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Spirit. In order to prevent an apocalyptic event that threatens those very same elements and the people that rely on them, you’ll build up your own warrior and join other warriors from the exalted Knight’s Order. Your war against a great evil will see your custom knight arm themselves with all manner of longswords, dual blades, polearms, war hammers, and greatswords. Godfall is obviously being set up as PS5’s version of Warframe.
Madden NFL 21
Developer: EA Tiburon
Publisher: EA Sports
EA’s long-running digital gridiron simulation is taking its on-field action to the next level. And with this franchise upgrade comes an uptick in its graphical prowess and so much more. Madden NFL 21 features the same refined football gameplay fans have enjoyed for decades, plus it throws in a new stick skill ball-carrier system and additional pass rush moves to freshen up the overall feel and presentation. Alterations to the game’s player celebrations and tackling maneuvers have also been included, which will most likely look even closer to real-life now that they’re being powered by PS5 console hardware.
Maneater
Developer: Blindside Interactive
Publishers: Tripwire Interactive, Deep Silver
Blindside Interactive’s “SharkPG” Maneater is getting the next-gen upgrade treatment. And if you happen to already own it on your last-gen PS4 console, then you’ll be able to move on to the next-gen version free of charge. This new and improved version of the quirky underwater action RPG will arrive with the benefit of supporting ray tracing, native 4K HDR resolution at 60 frames per second, and new lighting effects. That means surfing the seas as a rabid shark and leaving all sorts of bloody carnage in your wake will look even better on your PS5.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Maneater.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Insomniac Games is expanding upon its Spider-Man universe by putting Miles Morales in the main role of New York City’s wall-crawling savior. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales will transport players to Harlem, where a tech war has broken out between The Tinkerer’s Underground faction and the Rexxon energy corporation. Miles will have to deal with both groups’ hunger for supremacy and deal with a host of other Spidey villains along the way. This standalone Spider-Man adventure comes with a special bonus for anyone who decides to purchase the Ultimate Launch Edition. That bonus goodie is Marvel’s Spider-Man: Remastered, which is getting all the expected bells and whistles now that it’s coming to PS5.
Buy Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales here.
NBA 2K21
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Sports
Just like EA with its Madden NFL franchise, 2K Sports is going all-in on next-gen consoles with its trademark sports simulation series. NBA 2K21 is going above and beyond past iterations’ graphical realism and is looking to make a big impression on launch day PS5 owners. All the bells and whistles featured in the current-gen version, such as a new MyCareer story, big MyTeam changes, and an entirely new beach area to play around in online, will make the move to next-gen. Keep this in mind, though – your MyCareer progress won’t carry over from the current-gen version. However, your MyTeam progress will.
Observer: System Redux
Developer: Bloober Team
Publisher: Bloober Team USA
The initial version of Observer garnered plenty of adoration from those who experienced its dark cyberpunk stylings. Thankfully, this first-person indie adventure game is coming to PS5 with a number of welcome improvements and even more story content to boot. Observer: System Redux places you back into the role of a future police detective who’s looking to get to the bottom of a murder mystery by hacking into the minds of others. And through these hacks is where you’ll gather all the clues you require by actively reliving people’s final moments. Observer: System Redux improves upon the base game by offering three new sidequests, gameplay enhancements, and a slew of quality of life improvements.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Observer: System Redux.
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Frontier Developments
Running a theme park can be an overwhelming undertaking. Not everyone’s built to manage the day to day operations of a massive setting jam-packed with park patron pleasing attractions. But if you think you have the creative and business-minded know-how needed to succeed at such a job, Planet Coaster: Console Edition will let you live out your real-world aspirations. This PC to next-gen console port eases gamers into its complex experience with redesigned interfaces and controls. Players can choose to enjoy a less stressful casual mode, engage in a fast-paced challenge mode, or get fully immersed in all their theme park construction duties via the game’s extensive career mode. Planet Coaster: Console Edition is the ultimate thrill ride for old school fans of Theme Park World.
Buy Planet Coaster: Console Edition here.
PlayStation Plus Collection
On day one, PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to play the folowing PS4 games on their PS5 – God of War (2018), Bloodborne, Monster Hunter: World, Final Fantasy XV, Fallout 4, Mortal Kombat X, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Ratchet & Clank (2016), Days Gone, Until Dawn, Detroit: Become Human, Battlefield 1, inFamous: Second Son, Batman: Arkham Knight, The Last Guardian, The Last of Us Remastered, Persona 5, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
LittleBigPlanet’s lovable mascot is moving on from the realm of 2.5D platforming to a 3D one. And what makes his new foray into this evolved rendition of hop and bop adventuring so welcoming is the presence of four-player co-op action. Sackboy and his equally wholesome buddies will explore a myriad of colorful worlds as they pick up all sorts of collectibles, smash baddies, and avoid stage hazards at a fast pace. Sackboy’s going to need all the help in the world within this expanded LittleBigPlanet adventure.
Buy Sackboy: A Big Adventure here.
The Pathless
Developer: Giant Squid
Publisher: Annpurna Interactive
If you found plenty of enjoyment in developer Giant Squid’s ABZÛ, then the studio’s follow-up release should keep you equally satisfied. The Pathless takes place on a magical island that’s been disrupted by encroaching darkness. Your role as a masterful archer comes into play as you and your trusty eagle make an effort to wipe away that harmful element. Beating back a myriad of evil spirits small and large makes up the majority of your extensive time spent with this striking action/adventure epic. The Pathless has all the makings of a strong second effort from Giant Squid that should grab the attention of The Legend of Zelda fans everywhere.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase The Pathless.
Watch Dogs: Legion
Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
The latest Watch Dogs sequel is going even bigger than before. DedSec is back to fight the power and this time, their clash with the powers that be will take place within a fictionalized rendition of London. What makes Watch Dogs: Legion such a huge step up above its predecessors is the ability to recruit a huge array of NPC’s and utilize their skillset in a multitude of ways. Hacking, shooting, and driving will be a part of your mission objective as you liberate London’s freedom-seeking populace. Watch Dogs: Legion is giving players more of a reason to care about NPC’s and take on every side quest imaginable in order to bring them to DedSec’s cause.
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See Also
- PS5 Console: Release Date, Price, and Everything You Need to Know
- PS5: The Future of Gaming – The Gameplay Trailers You Need to See
- PS5 Showcase (September 16): The Gameplay Trailers You Need to See