Top 26 NEW PlayStation 5 Video Games Of 2021

2020 marked the year that we would see the PlayStation 5 hit the marketplace. Now it wouldn’t be until November that the console platform would release. That means 2021 would be the year for the big next-generation video game titles are released which would take advantage of the power and features of the PlayStation 5. If you already picked up the PlayStation 5 in 2020 or are planning on a purchase in 2021, here are some of the anticipated games coming out for the platform. You will want to check back often as we’ll continue to monitor this page and update it with new exciting video games as they are announced.

Disclaimer Update: Final Fantasy XVI, Cyberpunk 2077, and Horizon Forbidden West were removed due to delays.

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#26 WRC 10

• Developer: Kylotonn
• Publisher: Nacon
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: September 2, 2021
• Co-op:  N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

WRC 10 is a new release at the time of writing this description. This is an off-road simulation racing series where players go through a wide variety of intense courses. If you played the previous installment, you might see a bump up in visuals, but the developers also hope you notice some other upgrades. The development team this time around tried to put more focus on aerodynamic force and breaking across different terrains. But outside of trying to get the physics and feel of the car more accurate, the installment has added four new 2021 rallies. Players will get to race around Estonia, Croatia, Spain, and Belgium. You’ll also find that to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the championship, there is a bit more content here. This installment will also bring in some historical rallies and legendary vehicles from companies like Alpine, Ford, Subaru, and Audi.

#25 Subnautica: Below Zero

• Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: May 14, 2021
• Co-op:  N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Subnautica fans were treated to another installment with Subnautica: Below Zero. This time around, you’re not crash landing into a planet. Instead, you’re willingly venturing to a world in search of clues. When your sister ends up missing, and you’re not taking the word of a corporation, the only thing our protagonist does is roll up their sleeves and begin the investigation themselves. You’ll explore the ocean depths to find out what happened in old hubs long forgotten. Likewise, there are icy mountains to explore, so you’re not only sticking to the underwater or hubs in this game. With that said, this is still a survival title, so you’ll need to maintain vitals as you explore.

#24 Scarlet Nexus

• Developer: Bandai Namco
• Publisher: Bandai Namco
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: June 25, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Scarlet Nexus is an unusual game. This title is a bit like anime series visually and even the narrative. Within the game Scarlet Nexus, we’re tossed in an alternate world where mutated monsters have roamed around. Fortunately, there is a military organization that can battle against these creatures using their unique supernatural powers. It’s a fluid combat game, and the fact that you have supernatural powers gives our protagonist the ability to use telekinesis to launch projectiles with their mind. However, you’ll also join in with a party of characters, each with their unique power that you can take advantage of. Combat here seems to be the reason so many players enjoy this game, so if you like a new hack and slash kind of gameplay and find the premise a bit enticing, this is one game well worth checking into this year.

#23 Chivalry 2

• Developer: Torn Banner Studios
• Publisher: Tripwire Interactive
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: June 8, 2021
• Co-op: Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Those of you who enjoyed the first Chivalry might want to give its sequel a chance. Chivalry 2 is another multiplayer medieval hack and slash game. Players are tossed into the game where you’re using an assortment of weapons to destroy your opponent. Everything from bows and arrows, swords, clubs, hammers, and more are available. There are some goals to complete with your team during the chaos, but mainly the focus is slaying down the enemy. Fortunately, the game will also feel a bit active throughout the match as players who log off will end up getting replaced by an AI bot. If you haven’t played the first installment but are more familiar with Mordhau, then you might find this game to be a bit more accessible and easy to deal with.

#22 Kena: Bridge of Spirits

• Developer: Ember Lab
• Publisher: Ember Lab
• Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4
• Release Date: September 21, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a new action-adventure platformer that you can pick up right now. This is a title that puts players into the role of a young female spirit guide named Kena. Using her abilities, Kena is essentially going around the forest and helping spirits move on. But to complete her tasks, she’ll also have to battle against enemy spirits. Fortunately, Kena can pick up these small little creatures called Rot to aid her in various combat situations, such as using them to fire off arrows. You’ll find that this is also a relatively large open world to explore without loading screens. It’s worth venturing out because of some exciting locations, but we won’t spoil anything here. Overall, from a new indie development studio, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, shaped to be a rather great experience, albeit a shorter one.

#21 Little Nightmares 2

• Developer:Tarsier Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX, NS
• Release: February 11, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Within Little Nightmares, players stepped into the role of a young female girl trapped in some hellish nightmare. Players went through this game as a side-scrolling platformer filled with hazardous obstacles and freakish giant humans that opted to see our heroine’s demise. After going through a series of levels, the game ended with players left wondering what’s next. It was clear that there was more to this story for players to dive into, and thankfully the developers are brought out a sequel. Little Nightmares 2 is filled with the same feel and tone as the first game, which is excellent as the title became a worldwide hit. This time around, players will be stepping into a new role where that features a young boy with a paper bag over his head while being aided by the original protagonist. The two will be going through another dangerous journey filled with another set of unique hostiles.

#20 Lost Judgment 

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Publisher: Sega
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: September 24, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Judgment fans were given a new thrilling installment this year. Lost Judgment is a brand new installment that once again puts you into an investigator. You’re essentially solving different crimes with this game ranging from murders to sexual assaults. If the gameplay looks familiar, it’s a spin-off to the Yakuza franchise. That means when you’re not only exploring Japan and gathering clues, but you will also end up in some over-the-top flashy melee battles. This is also an open-world game, so while you have the primary campaign, there is side content to get lost within as well. From interacting with different new characters to completing a series of mini-games, Lost Judgment is a game well worth picking up on the PlayStation 5. Fortunately, you can play this game without going back and playing the first installment, but since this game brings over characters from the first game, you could go back and play Judgment to understand everyone better.

#19 Hitman 3

• Developer: IO Interactive
• Publisher: IO Interactive
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX/S, NS
• Release: January 20, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

The Hitman trilogy finally came to a close in 2021. However, fans can dive back into the next thrilling installment to this stealth series with Hitman 3 for both current and last-generation video game consoles along with the PC platforms. Players are once again stepping right back into the role of Agent 47 as he begins his hunt against all the leaders of Providence. This is still a third-person stealth game where the goal is to eliminate targets by going around some map regions without drawing attention. It’s all about knowing where the target is, the dangers that may pop up, how to disguise yourself, how to eliminate the target, and escaping the area without ever being noticed or suspected.

#18 Guilty Gear Strive

• Developer: Arc System Works
• Publisher: Arc System Works
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Arcade
• Release Date: June 11, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online/ Local

Guilty Gear fans were given a new installment this year. If you’re a fan of the franchise, then you’ll get some story continuation here. Guilty Gear Strive takes place after the events of Guilty Gear Xrd. Since the game launched, there has been plenty of positive feedback from fans. It’s a balanced fighting game with players having an easy time picking it up and going through the game. However, while it’s easy to pick up, some difficulty spikes will give players a tough challenge. Of course, with that said, there are some new visuals here with fluid animations. It might not appeal to everyone, but it’s a game worth looking into if you enjoy the fighting genre.

#17 Returnal

• Developer: Housemarque
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release Date: April 30, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

If you enjoy roguelikes, then you might find some enjoyment with Returnal. This is a third-person shooter that puts players into the role of a female space astronaut named Selene. Trapped on an alien planet, Selene is forced into an uphill battle as she attempts to gun down the hostile enemies that roam the area while seeking a way home. However, if Selene dies, then the game changes up a bit. You have to gather new gear and attempt to venture out further. What makes this game a bit more chaotic is the combat. It’s a bullet hell shooter, so you’re constantly looking around at enemies, watching them fire projectiles and having to dodge them. It’s not a game for everyone, but if this is your kind of gameplay forte, then definitely give this title a try.

#16 Resident Evil Village

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: May 7, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Resident Evil fans have been waiting on a new installment the minute they finished off Resident Evil 7. This Resident Evil Village installment picks back up shortly after the events of Resident Evil 7. Players are still taking the role of Ethan Winters, who gets his world destroyed once again. After picking up the pieces and starting a family with his wife Mia at the end of Resident Evil 7, Chris Redfield shows back up. Chaos begins, and Ethan reluctantly finds himself in a remote village. Searching for his missing daughter and answers to what happened when Chris arrived in his home unannounced, Ethan is forced into going through hell. This is still a first-person perspective Resident Evil game, and it has the usual tropes we come to know with this franchise. There are puzzles to solve, bosses to fight, and areas to explore. However, you might find it a bit interesting to see that there’s more variation in terms of enemies. I won’t spoil it all here, but you can expect anything from lycans to vampires.

#15 F1 2021

• Developer: Codemasters
• Publisher: EA Sports
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: July 16, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online/Local

A new F1 video game installment was released this year with F1 2021. In this game, players are given another simulation racing experience that goes over the F1 racing season. If you played previous installments, then you should know what to expect here. It’s a big focus around the vehicle, ensuring that you’re making the necessary tweaks to them so that you can get the best performance possible with each race. There are some new circuits here as well, which were previously supposed to be featured in the actual season but were skipped over because of the pandemic. Finally, if you’re looking to get more hands-on with your organization, there is My Team. This will put players in control of more behind-the-scenes aspects of F1 racing. For instance, you’ll be managing your crew and sponsorships.

#14 Death Stranding: Director’s Cut

• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release Date: September 24, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

After he departed from Konami, Hideo Kojima went on to make his studio, Kojima Productions. His first release was Death Stranding on the PC and PlayStation 4. However, it wasn’t long after that Hideo unveiled Death Stranding: Director’s Cut, an exclusive edition to the PlayStation 5. This particular edition adds new content into the mix for players to make use of. For instance, there’s a new bot that can help carry cargo, the ability to replay boss fights, and features unique to the PlayStation 5 itself. PS5 players will have faster loading times, better performance, visuals, and DualSense controls. If you played this game on the PlayStation 4, you might find the Director’s Cut edition worth the upgrade on PlayStation 5.

#13 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainmentw
• Platforms: PS5
• Release Date: June 11, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Ratchet & Clank fans finally got a new installment after the soft reboot of sorts from the PlayStation 4. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a bit toned down with the humor, but the platformer is still a solid game that you can get into without necessarily having to play the past games. Like the previous games, Ratchet & Clank are forced into saving the galaxy once again, but this time around, players have a new tool when battling the big baddies. Players can open up portals essentially, which can allow the players to snap into different areas. This could be brand new world levels or just getting through some obstacles that would normally prevent our protagonists from pressing on.

#12 Guardians of the Galaxy

• Developer: Eidos-Montreal
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S, NS
• Release Date: October 26, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

There are a few Marvel games in the works. One of them is coming out this year for the PlayStation 5 is called Guardians of the Galaxy. In this game, players are taking the role of Peter Quill, or otherwise known as Star Lord. In this unique narrative, Peter and his team are off seeking an easy payday. Usually, that sets off catastrophic events that force the group into saving the day. Unfortunately, this third-person action-adventure game doesn’t allow players to take the role of other iconic characters. Instead, characters like Rocket Raccoon or Drax are being controlled by AI. Meanwhile, players will be able to send out commands to them during battles. We even know that there are choices available for players to pick from throughout the narrative. Those choices, in particular, won’t bring a unique ending. Instead, they will alter some scenes or dialogue lines.

#11 Back 4 Blood

• Developer: Turtle Rock Studios
• Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: October 12, 2021
• Co-op: Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Fans of the Left 4 Dead franchise have a spiritual successor coming out into the marketplace. This installment throws players back into a world that is dealing with a zombie virus outbreak that turns people into mindless creatures called the Ridden. Just like Left 4 Dead, players are working together with a group of survivors tasked with taking out these hostile creatures using brute force. Made by the original developers of Left 4 Dead, Turtle Rock Studios, the team aims to expand on this game compared to their original work. We’re going to get more storylines, creatures, and even mechanics. For instance, there is a card deck system in this game where players will work to unlock cards. These cards will give players buffs to use on their character. However, the game AI will have its own share of cards to buff the Ridden as well. If you enjoyed games like Left 4 Dead or World War Z, this is another potentially great title to pick up.

#10 Battlefield 2042

• Developer: DICE
• Publisher: EA
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: November 19, 2021
• Co-op: Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Battlefield fans have been waiting on a new installment for a good little while now. Unlike Call of Duty, the Battlefield franchise does not have an annual release. Fortunately, 2021 will see the release of Battlefield 2042. This game installment, in particular, is all multiplayer-focused. If you enjoy competitive FPS, then this is one game you’re considering when it launches this November. For those already familiar with the franchise, then you can expect plenty of game modes making a return to participate online. This will be chaotic gameplay where environments will have tons of destruction and even some insane dynamic weather effects. However, it’s been heavily stated that the developers will quickly ban accounts if found harassing or cheating.

#9 Deathloop

• Developer: Arkane Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Platforms: PS5, PC
• Release: September 14, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Arkane Studios may be best known for its Dishonored series, but they have a brand new game out called Deathloop. This is an action-adventure title where players step into the role of Colt, an assassin that is trapped in a time loop. Set on an island, Colt only has one way to break the time loop, and that’s by eliminating eight specific targets before midnight; otherwise, the game restarts once again. However, going against these targets will be a challenge. Not only will Colt be working against the clock, but there is a slew of hostile enemies that are prepared to fire at Colt when spotted. Likewise, there is one person that’s not on his list but will prove to be a problem, and that is a female by the name of Julianna. This is another expert assassin that only has one target on her list, and that’s Colt. It’s a game of cat and mouse, but there is one neat aspect to this game that you’ll like to hear about if you’re hoping to play the game with a bit more competition. The role of Julianna can be taken control of by another player, which means that at any point, a player can drop into your game and attempt to hunt you down.

#8 It Takes Two

• Developer: Hazelight Studios
• Publisher: EA
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: March 26, 2021
• Co-op: Local/Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

From the developers of A Way Out comes It Takes Two. This is another cooperative multiplayer game that requires two players. Without spoiling too much here, the title focuses on the story of two parents that have fallen out of love. Transformed into small figurine toys, the duo must work together to get back to their normal bodies. With hopes of finding their love rekindling, the game narrative has players going through all kinds of small mini-game of sorts. You’ll constantly find the game throwing new mechanics into the mix, with puzzle-solving and platforming being more of the central focus. Regardless, you’ll need to work with your partner to complete the game as you attempt to figure out how to get around certain obstacles and enemies.

#7 Tales of Arise

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: September 10, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

The Tales franchise has been around for years, and now we finally have a new installment to pick up this year. After the 2016 release of Tales of Berseria, the latest game from the IP is Tales of Arise. Fortunately, this franchise mainly focuses on standalone stories, so you can pick up Tales of Arise without playing the past installments. It also looks like quite a few players have already picked up the game, as Tales of Arise had become the best-selling installment in the franchise history already. Overall, this game follows the story of two planets, one that is technologically advanced that essentially enslaved the other planet. Looking to overthrow tyranny, we’re following a group of heroes. One of the aspects that fans enjoy about this franchise is the combat. It’s a bit of a hack and slash type of game where you’re freely running around during combat with an enemy. You can dodge attacks, line up your own shots, and even have the aid of your other party members to help you out.

#6 Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights 

• Developer: Adglobe and Live Wire
• Publisher: Binary Haze Interactive
• Platforms: PC, NS, XBO, X/S, PS4, PS5
• Release Date: July 6, 2021 PS5
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a 2D action platformer. Set in an alternative medieval world, a mysterious rainstorm has hit the kingdom, which has turned everyone into mutated monsters. However, a young female named Lily manages to survive. Waking up in the local church building, Lily sets out on a journey to figure out what’s going on. Overall, the game is quite like Hollow Knight in terms of its gameplay, although most have found it to be a bit toned down. There is not as much platforming here, but there is plenty of combat where you’ll need to carefully dodge devastating attacks as you chip away at the enemy HP.

#5 Hades

• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Publisher: Supergiant Games
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: August 13, 2021 PS5, PS4, XBO, X/S
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Ever since Supergiant Games brought out their debut title, Bastion, the studio has continued to deliver hits. Bastion was a massive success, and their past works include Transistor and Pyre. Now their latest release is Hades. This is a roguelike dungeon crawler that puts players into the shoes of Zagreus, the son of Hades. Seeking to escape the underworld and reach his new home of Mount Olympus, our protagonist has a long, difficult road ahead. Players will have to fight off Hade’s minions that are trying to prevent Zagreus from leaving. While you will fight off these monsters as your progress, most will end up dying quite a bit. After death, you’ll start from the beginning again, but as you unlock new weapons and abilities, Zagreus should have an easier time getting further into his escape.

#4 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

• Developer: Square Enix
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Platforms: PS5
• Release Date: June 10, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

It took years for fans to convince Square Enix to remake Final Fantasy 7, but it finally came. The remake right now is only a portion of the original game. Since the studio is breaking the remake of Final Fantasy 7 in parts, it might be a good while before we get our hands on the complete experience. Outside of the base game, there is Final Fantasy 7 Remake Integrade. This is an enhanced edition of the remake for the PlayStation 5, and with it comes an arch based around Yuffie as the main protagonist. It’s a brand new adventure for players to go through, but this is the edition to get if you’re on the PlayStation 5. Remember that we’re dealing with parts here, and we’re still waiting on when we’ll get the second part for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. But with this edition, you’ll have the first section of the remake available along with the other campaign featuring Yuffie.

#3 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

• Developer: ZA/UM
• Publisher: ZA/UM
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, XBO, X/S, NS
• Release Date: March 30, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Disco Elysium is a game that’s already been available. It first came out in 2019, where it put players into the role of a detective that wakes up with a bad hangover and no memories of the night before. We soon discover that a murder case needs to be solved, and it’s here that our journey begins where we figure out what happened and perhaps a chance of redemption for our down on his luck hero. This is a top-down RPG title where players are wandering about in this world, meeting NPCs, taking on quests, going into conversations, earning experience points, and unlocking more skills to further aid you during the gameplay. Being such a massive hit, we have a new edition available with The Final Cut. With this edition, we get full voiceover work for all the characters, along with some new quests that had been cut out from the initial release.

#2 Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release Date: August 20, 2021
• Co-op: Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Ghost of Tsushima was released back in 2020, as an action-adventure game that puts players into the role of a samurai. You’ve likely seen this game already, as it was a bigger hit in 2020. However, this year it’s worth pointing out the Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut. This edition comes with the base game along with all the previous DLC releases. It also comes with new updates to the game, so you can expect features such as better lip-sync for Japanese voiceovers. DualSense attributes are added in as well, which will use the PlayStation 5 controller-specific features like the haptic feedback. The biggest reason to pick this game up over the base title is that there is additional storyline content based around the Iki island. This is a nearby island that was also invaded, giving our protagonist another area to fight off enemies.

#1 Far Cry 6

• Developer: Ubisoft
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XSX/S, Luna
• Release: October 7, 2021
• Co-op: TBA
• Competitive Multiplayer: TBA

The next mainline installment to the Far Cry franchise is coming out this year. Far Cry 6 will be throwing players into a fictional Caribbean island called Yara. A strong dictatorship regime controls Yara, with El Presidente Anton Castillo in control. So far, we know that the game will follow Anton Castillo as he teaches his son the importance of keeping a solid hand and tight grip on the nation as the chaos rages on. Meanwhile, players will be taking the role of a guerrilla fighter who is attempting to overthrow the regime and bring the nation of Yara back into a peaceful state. Far Cry 6 will be the most extensive map featured in the franchise yet. We’re sure that there will be a slew of NPCs to meet and missions to take on. Likewise, there are bound to be plenty of options to travel throughout the map when in need.