Highlights

  • Sci-fi genre thrives in modern media with limitless possibilities for immersive futuristic worlds in movies, books, and games.
  • PS5 elevates sci-fi gaming experiences with haptic feedback, 3D audio, and adaptive controllers for enthralling stories and gameplay.
  • Games like Stray, Borderlands 3, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, DOOM Eternal, and Cyberpunk 2077 excel on PS5 with enhanced features.

The sci-fi genre has prospered in modern media, appearing in movies like Planet of the Apes, books such as Red Rising or games like Mass Effect. The possibilities of such an ample genre are limitless, having literal and figurative space for futuristic worlds that immerse their audience like no other type of content. In terms of gaming, there have been so many spectacular science fiction adventures that it becomes hard to really assess all the games in the genre.

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However, with the release of the PlayStation 5, a lot of sci-fi games received another level of immersion through the console's haptic feedback, 3D audio, and adaptive controllers. Therefore, there are certain sci-fi journeys that were made for the console that are just too good not to acknowledge. Despite the PS5 still being somewhat early in its lifespan, the console already has so many science fiction games that are worth experiencing, either because of their enthralling story, distinct gameplay, or creative use of PlayStation features.

10 Stray

Experience Life As A Cat In A Futuristic World With No Humans

Stray
Stray

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S
Released
July 19, 2022
Developer(s)
BlueTwelve Studio
Genre(s)
Adventure

Playing as a stray cat in a futuristic world where humans have mysteriously disappeared, Stray is not only a great sci-fi adventure, but also one of the best indie games on the PS5. The world of robots, machines, and cats is beautifully gloomy, making this sci-fi game a singular experience.

Stray is the epitome of innovation through simplicity, with the PlayStation 5's features only enhancing the joy of playing as a cat that can meow, claw, nuzzle, and do so many feline activities. Using the console's functions in the best way possible, this sci-fi game scratched and clawed its way to the top.

9 Borderlands 3

A Stylistic Apocalypse With A Sense Of Humor

Borderlands 3 Wallpaper
Borderlands 3

Released
September 13, 2019
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Genre(s)
First-Person Shooter , Action , RPG

With a beautiful art style, playful humor, a post-apocalyptic world, and multiplayer modes, Borderlands 3 is definitely a lot of fun wrapped in a distinct science-fiction theme. In an action-packed first-person shooter, players go on an addicting, challenging item hunt with smooth mechanics and an absurd number of unique guns to mess around with.

Playing this on the PS5 means better graphics, speedy load times, and tension triggers on the DualSense that take the immersive interplanetary adventure to another level. The looting, exploring, and fighting make this a beautifully-entertaining science fiction adventure.

8 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

A Fight Against The Empire Throughout The Galaxy Far, Far Away

Cal Kestis faces towards a rocky outcrop with his lightsaber ignited
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X
Released
April 28, 2023
Developer(s)
Respawn Entertainment
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure , Soulslike

Being a Jedi is no easy feat, but it can definitely be a fun one. As one of the best Star Wars games, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor brings new moves, iconic characters, and recognizable locations (as well as brand-new ones). Following Cal Kestis and his trusty droid BD-1, players get to visit planets, explore Jedi lore, and fight the empire using the Force.

In particular, the PS5 experience provides players with well-textured visuals, but also haptic feedback that makes the simple act of igniting a lightsaber have a realistic rumble that is incredibly satisfying.

7 DOOM Eternal

Bloody Combat Heightened To Hellish Standards On The PS5

Doom Slayer aka Doom Guy in Doom Eternal

Building on a well-established science fiction foundation laid by its predecessors, DOOM Eternal is a brutal first-person shooter that works intrinsic mechanics into combat to give a powerfully-chaotic feel to the game. With a bloody fighting style that lives up to the standards of Hell itself, the player fights hordes of demons in an adrenaline-pumping installment.

In Doom Eternal, players have access to a massive weapon arsenal that gets even more immersive with the PS5's trigger implementation. Despite not being released as a PS5 exclusive, this sci-fi FPS was able to implement the PS5's console features to make the stakes in the game feel even higher.

6 Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart

A Soft Sci-Fi Showcase Of The Best PlayStation 5 Aspects

ratchet-and-clank-ratchet-rift-apart
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Platform(s)
PC , PS5
Released
June 11, 2021
Developer(s)
Insomniac Games
Genre(s)
Platformer , Third-Person Shooter

Overall, the Ratchet & Clank collection is one of the greatest when it comes to soft sci-fi experiences, yet Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart still represents the very best of the franchise. Continuing with some of the most ingenuous and hilarious weapons in gaming, a comedic approach, and entertaining space-based missions, this game is a joy throughout.

Not only does it stand out as a great sci-fi adventure, but as one of the first PS5 exclusive games, it makes great use of all the console's features, including insanely-fast load times to allow Ratchet (and Rivet) to instantly leap between dimensions. With a world that does not try to follow the rules of physics, Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart provides players with one of the most original sci-fi adventures on PS5.

5 Helldivers 2

Spread Democracy, Fight Bugs, And Defeat Killer Robots

Helldivers 2 Squad Wallpaper
Helldivers 2

Platform(s)
PC , PS5
Released
February 8, 2024
Developer(s)
Arrowhead Game Studios
Genre(s)
Shooter

Fighting against Automatons and Terminids in a galactic battle to spread Democracy is as sci-fi as it gets, and it's something this innovative shooter is all about. Helldivers 2 may stand out for its humor, but it will see the main character dying over and over again on epic space missions.

Guided by their duty, players will have a unique science-fiction game in their hands, with gameplay of a quality to be revered. Minus the server issues upon launch, this game can only get better, especially in terms of its PS5 features, with developer updates and improvements rolling out on a constant basis.

4 Cyberpunk 2077

The Cyberpunk Game That Keeps Evolving On The PS5

cyberpunk 2077 v looking over night city
Cyberpunk 2077

Released
December 10, 2020
Developer(s)
CD Projekt Red
Genre(s)
RPG , Action

It's no secret that Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough release, especially on the PS5, with many treating the game as a victim of its own hype, having a distinct concept that made so many people excited before its launch. Despite all the peculiar glitches, unexpected crashes, and unfinished elements on the PS5, the game managed to eventually live up to its concept.

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Not only does it provide players with one of the best open world games on the PS5, but Cyberpunk 2077 has managed to create a plethora of experiences for players to dive deep into as a mercenary in Night City. This is a true cyberpunk game with secrets to uncover, a great narrative, and creative character customization, all set in a fictional dystopian society.

3 Returnal

The Best Of The PlayStation 5 In A Roguelike Planetary Timeloop

returnal-director-leaving-housemarque-after-15-years
Returnal

Platform(s)
PS5 , PC
Released
April 30, 2021
Developer(s)
Housemarque
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter

As one of the hardest games published by Sony, it is easy to see why this is not only a great science fiction adventure, but also a game that uses the console's features to their fullest. Returnal is a Roguelike game that has protagonist Selene stuck in a time loop as she tries to escape a horrific alien planet filled with inhospitable foes, great gadgets, and intense fights.

The use of the console features, in particular the adaptive triggers, make this adventure more immersive as well as more terrifying and exhilarating. Returnal is especially fun for Roguelike fans that also want a great narrative wrapped in a unique sci-fi environment.

2 Dead Space

Survive A Spaceship Filled With Horrifying Creatures

dead-space-isaac-clarke-armor
Dead Space (2023)

Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
Released
January 27, 2023
Developer(s)
EA Motive
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

As one of the darkest sci-fi games on the PS5, Dead Space puts players on a sinister spaceship filled with deadly monsters, Necromorphs, capable of scaring just about anyone. Controlling the engineer Isaac Clarke, players tiptoe through a sci-fi horror journey with incredibleworld-building elements that, on the PS5, feel more real than should be allowed.

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While remakes do not always live up to the original game, this title enhanced a lot of the elements that made the 2008 Dead Space so beloved, all while further heightening the game's darker aspects and twisted creatures. Necromorphs losing limbs is all part of the experience, but players have to make sure they don't lose their minds as they struggle to survive.

1 Horizon Forbidden West

A PS5 Exclusive Where Past And Future Clash In A Post-Post-Apocalyptic Landscape

aloy-tallneck-horizon-forbidden-west
Horizon Forbidden West

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
February 18, 2022
Developer(s)
Guerrilla Games
Genre(s)
Action , RPG

Robotic interpretations of extinct creatures, a fierce and firey protagonist, deep and detail-oriented gameplay, and a post-post-apocalypse tribal future, all make Horizon Forbidden West a perfect science fiction adventure for players to embark on. Building on the vast map filled with ruined landmarks, distinct enemies, and technological tribes featured in the first game, this sequel managed to upgrade on an already great first installment.

While the clash of past and future is part of one of the most engaging storylines on the console, the PS5's features enhance it every way. The perfect combination of science fiction with the DualSense's haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and incredible visuals and sound design bring out the uniqueness of Guerrilla's world, and makes it a reality for players.

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