November marked a decade since the release of the PS4. Feeling old yet? Over those ten years, we’ve seen a stellar video game lineup appear. The PS4 library is the heavyweight of its generation – the fact that it’s still supported now is a testament to that.
It’s good to know Sony Interactive Entertainment has committed to releasing new PS4 games until 2025, giving gamers value for money and proving that there’s still life in the old dog.
Here’s our list of the ten best PS4 games of the decade. We’ve made sure there’s something for every gamer, including adventure games, action RPGs, survival horrors, and games designed for skill improvement.
1. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
- PS4 Release Date: August 31, 2015
- Genre: Stealth, Action
Metal Gear Solid V is the peak of Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid Franchise and is regarded by many as the gold standard for stealth games.
A greater emphasis on gameplay over story than other games in the series allows players to think creatively about missions. Do you go in all guns blazing, or are you playing a non-lethal stealth-only version of Snake?
Deciding how to approach a mission is part of the fun and offers replayability not seen in the series before.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- PS4 Release Date: May 2015
- Genre: Action Role-Playing
Considered by many to be the best game on PS4 and winner of multiple GOTY awards, there aren’t many open-world games better than this masterpiece by CD Projekt RED. With a colorful cast of characters, epic and often hilarious quests, and enjoyable combat, The Witcher 3 is a blast.
It bridges the gap for those unfamiliar with the series, so if you’ve never played the previous games, it doesn’t matter. You’ll soon immerse yourself in its medieval-style fantasy world inspired by Slavic and Norse mythology.
Huge enemy variety, fleshed-out characters, fun mini-games, and exciting combat options make this a game worth playing.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
- PS4 Release Date: February 18, 2022
- Genre: Action Role-Playing, Open World
Standing on the foundations of Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West elevates every aspect, creating one of the most fun PS4 games available. Combat and story progression in this game feel like achievements. There are various weaponry, side quests, combat abilities, and hidden secrets to find and unlock. There is also a lengthy main quest with an exciting DLC.
4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- PS4 Release Date: May 10, 2016
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter
Uncharted 4 puts you back into the shoes of the roguish Nathan Drake as he once again travels the world searching for treasure.
What starts as a typical storyline for an Uncharted game quickly becomes the most emotionally driven and character-centric entry into the franchise, resulting in one of the best PS4 exclusives ever. It’s an origin story and an epilogue, paving the way for Chloe Frazer in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.
Uncharted 4 is a game with many technical achievements – it looks, runs, and sounds like a dream on the PS4, pushing the machine to its limits while entertaining players with exciting gameplay and unique mechanics.
5. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
- PS4 Release Date: March 30, 2021
- Genre: Role-Playing, Narrative-driven
Disco Elysium is an open-world RPG that places you in control of an amnesiac detective investigating a mysterious death. It’s a sprawling interactive literary experience where your stats and a roll of a die determine the success of dialogue options and narrative actions.
Complex worldbuilding, massive branching dialogue trees, and some of the most unique storytelling mechanics in gaming are the driving forces behind this genuinely original game.
Gamers who appreciate incredible writing and voice acting will enjoy this tale – an adventure that’s laugh-out-loud funny, often existential, and sometimes just plain weird.
6. Days Gone
- PS4 Release Date: April 26, 2019
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival Horror
Unfairly slammed by critics, Days Gone is up there with the best PS4 games. Single-player experiences need polished gameplay to hold the player’s attention, and this one knocks all these criteria out of the park.
Days Gone takes a tired concept and breathes life back into it with its lively open world, fun mechanics, and engaging storyline.
The motorcycle controls like a dream, looting and crafting is quick and easy, and fighting zombie hordes is terrifying. Luckily, you’ll soon have many weapons at your disposal, making zombie clean-up fun and satisfying.
7. The Last of Us Remastered
- PS4 Release Date: July 29, 2014
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival Horror
Another game that features an exciting and unique take on the zombie genre, The Last of Us Remastered is an immersive horror game that will have you holding your breath as you sneak past sleeping Clickers and dens of the infected.
The upscaled base game has improved graphical fidelity, a higher frame rate, and quicker load times. It also includes a single-player DLC and map packs for the Factions multiplayer mode (although you’ll need PSN.) Once you’ve completed this adventure, check out The Last of Us Part II.
8. Elden Ring
- PS4 Release Date: February 25, 2022
- Genre: Action RPG, Open World
Elden Ring is an action game for people who love a challenge. Soulslike combat, savage enemies, immense level design, and an incredible array of weapons and spells make playing a demanding yet rewarding experience.
The only way to succeed at FromSoftware games is to, as fans say, “get good.” Put simply, practice to improve your skills, and you’ll find Elden Ring becomes more manageable. There’s no better feeling than finally beating a boss after hours of seeing “YOU DIED” displayed loudly across your screen.
9. Marvel’s Spider-Man
- PS4 Release Date: September 7, 2018
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World
PS4 adventure games don’t get much better than Marvel’s Spider-Man, a game that takes the tried and tested story of Peter Parker and gives it a fresh spin. While the heroes and villains are familiar, their stories are told in new ways – creating tragic characters that feel more relatable and less over the top.
Web-swinging is always the biggest draw in a Spider-Man game, and this game doesn’t disappoint. Movement is fast and fluid, a genuine thrill.
Spider-Man PS4 also debuts the video game version of Miles Morales, setting the stage for the Miles Morales spin-off and Spider-Man 2.
10. Persona 5 Royal
- PS4 Release Date: October 31, 2019
- Genre: JRPG, Social Simulation
Persona 5 Royal is a stylish JRPG set in modern-day Tokyo, with crazy attention to detail. With multiple playable characters, an intriguing story, and a spin on turn-based combat systems, Persona 5 Royal is a game that you’ll quickly get obsessed with.
The show’s stars here are the well-developed characters, assisted by a compelling storyline and an INSANE soundtrack.
Credit: Unsplash
Final Thoughts
The last decade has been excellent for the PlayStation 4, with a massive library of vibrant and exciting titles now available. We’ve carefully selected every game on this list – they all offer a unique take on different aspects of gaming, making them essential experiences for diehard PS4 and PS4 Pro gamers.
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