With the economic inflation and the controversial raising of prices of games on the PlayStation 5, sometimes gamers must penny-pinch in order to enjoy games while still be able to eat! Luckily there are a large number of free PS5 games for to feast on, here’s our 15 picks.
1. Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 is the sequel to the highly successful free-to-play shooter Warzone back in 2020. One of the game’s most appealing aspects is its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, which will surely appeal to twitchy shooter fanatics but not those who enjoy grounded and realistic MilSim.
Along with a typical Battle Royale mode, Warzone 2.0 also has a Plunder mode in which players compete to amass the most money. Compared to the first game, the map is larger and more players participate simultaneously.
Proximity chat is a mechanic that many players may not have thought was necessary for an FPS or battle royale game, but it has greatly improved the overall experience in Warzone.
Being able to hear players who are in close proximity can lead to unexpected conversations and even some friendly banter between enemies. This crossplay feature also allows players to dick around, such as reciting poems to each other and offering opposing players temporary truces. The proximity chat feature has added an extra layer of fun and engagement to the Warzone gameplay. This particular feature is a common occurrence in MilSims.
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2. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 might be the most expensive free-to-play game for the PlayStation 5. While the base game is free, the expansions are extremely enticing to not say “Yes, I’ll buy that.” The game offers a range of weapons, vehicles, and other items for players to employ in combat and is set in a richly drawn science fiction extravaganza.
A variety of game types are available, including the classic Story mode, the cooperative Strike mode, and the competitive Crucible mode. Players can work together to take on difficult tasks and raids in the game. The social aspects of the game, such as the opportunity to play with friends and join parties, make it an enjoyable an experience for free (at the beginning).
3. Fortnite
Fortnite is a constantly evolving game that is difficult to summarize due to its frequent updates. The cartoonish Battle Royale features a wide range of crossovers, including real-life soccer star Neymar Jr. and fictional characters like Iron Man. The social aspects of Fortnite, such as the ability to play with friends and join parties, make it a fun and engaging experience. The game’s continuous updates, including new vehicles, weapons, and maps, keep the action fresh and exciting. Fortnite is also a standout title on the PS5, thanks to its cross-platform compatibility that allows players to compete against others on other consoles and platforms.
4. Apex Legends
To be brutally honest, Apex Legends offers a more polished and refined battle royale experience compared to Fortnite. Apex Legends is based on the Titanfall series and it’s pretty obvious given the transcendental movement. It is free to play and is supported by loot boxes and microtransactions.
Players jump off a plane to fight against 19 other teams of three or two or even soloists. The last team standing wins the game, and players can combine the abilities of Legendary characters to boost their chances of success. Additionally, a variety of weapons and tools are included. A context-sensitive communication interface is included in the game so that players may easily communicate with their teammates.
The game also has a variety of game modes, such as the well-liked Ranked mode that pits players against more experienced players, and Arenas mode players take on a single enemy squad in round-based combat. The game is renowned for frequent upgrades and new material, which keep it intriguing and new.
5. Warframe
Warframe is a free-to-play, third-person looter shooter in a sci-fi setting, similar to Destiny 2. However, Warframe differentiates itself through its in-game shop monetization and emphasis on satisfying melee combat.
Players take on the role of the Tenno, an ancient warrior who wields powerful Warframes. The game features parkour movement and nineteen worlds to explore with various quests. Warframe sets itself apart in the crowded genre with its focus on fast-paced and fluid gameplay that might as well be an action game like Devil May Cry.
Warframe is a true standout in the world of looter-shooters. With its fast-paced, third-person combat, and deep sci-fi setting, it offers a unique and exciting experience. The game’s open-world stages and objectives offer a ton of variety, and the action is always fierce and engaging. But what sets Warframe apart is its cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up and tackle difficult challenges together.
6. World of Tanks
You probably heard of this game through countless shilling from YouTubers and Twitch streamers. In fact, you might stumble upon auto-playing rollover video ads on gaming websites. Incessant ads aside, World of Tanks is actually a great free game on the PS5.
World of Tanks is a multiplayer game that puts players in the driver’s seat of powerful tanks, ready to engage in intense battles with other players. With a variety of game modes to choose from, including random battles, team-training battles, tank-company battles, team battles, stronghold battles, and special battles, the game offers a lot of variety for players to enjoy. The most popular mode is random battles, where two teams of 15 players face off on randomly selected maps, and the key to victory is collaboration and strategy. With over 500 tanks from 11 different countries to choose from, players can experience the evolution of tanks throughout history, from pre-World War II tanks to Cold War prototypes
7. Splitgate
Splitgate is a free-to-play first-person shooter game that combines elements of Portal and Halo to create a unique and fast-paced experience. Players can use weapons to create portals, allowing them to quickly move throughout the arena and outmaneuver opponents. The game offers a variety of weapons and skills to customize your playstyle and the multiplayer modes, including Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, offer diverse gameplay options. The maps in Splitgate are beautifully designed and provide a range of settings for battles. The game’s fast-paced action and portal mechanics make it an exciting and enjoyable experience and players can customize the game to their liking.
8. War Thunder
Do not confuse War Thunder with World of Tanks. War Thunder is a free-to-play multiplayer game that offers players the ability to engage in ground and air combat, while World of Tanks is primarily focused on ground combat with tanks. Both games feature a variety of game modes and well-designed maps, but War Thunder offers a more realistic experience with its damage system and flight/driving dynamics. Additionally, War Thunder offers both solo missions and campaigns, while World of Tanks is exclusively multiplayer. Both games are free to play but War Thunder has more options for customization and realism settings.
War Thunder is a thrilling multiplayer game that allows players to command tanks and aircraft in battle. The game is free-to-play but offers a variety of solo missions and campaigns for players to enjoy. The maps are well-designed and provide a diverse range of settings for combat. War Thunder offers different game modes, including the popular realistic mode that mimics real-world aircraft performance and dynamics, making the gameplay challenging and exciting. The game also has a realistic damage system and flight/driving dynamics, making it appealing to both casual and experienced players as it offers a wide range of realism and control settings.
9. Astro’s Playroom
Gamers might find Astro’s playroom as a glorified tech demo, or PlayStation Home with gamey parts. However, Astro’s Playroom is not just a throwaway pack-in game. It is actually for real, a good free PlayStation 5 game. It’s a 3D platformer that takes players on a journey through the history of PlayStation hardware, starting with the original PlayStation and ending with the PlayStation 5.
The gameplay is smooth and responsive, thanks to the PS5’s new DualSense controller. The haptic feedback is spot-on and really adds to the immersive experience. The game makes use of all the new features of the DualSense controller, including the adaptive triggers and the built-in microphone.
The graphics in Astro’s Playroom are top-notch and the game is filled with vibrant colors and detailed textures. The attention to detail is impressive, and players will enjoy exploring the different levels and uncovering all the hidden Easter eggs.
Astro’s Playroom also features a variety of collectibles, including PlayStation-themed artifacts and hidden items. The collectibles add an extra layer of replayability to the game and give players something to strive for beyond just completing the levels. The game’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of classic and new tracks that pay homage to the history of PlayStation. The music is catchy and adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Astro’s Playroom is a fun, polished platformer that showcases the capabilities of the new console and the DualSense controller. The game is a great showcase of what the PlayStation 5 is capable of, and it’s a great way to introduce new players, especially kids, to the world of gaming.
10. PlanetSide 2
Planetside 2 is a fantastic free-to-play first-person shooter game that offers a truly unique and thrilling experience. With its massive multiplayer battles, high-quality graphics, and deep customization options, it’s a game that is highly recommended to any frugal FPS fan. Whether you’re a hardcore player or just looking for a fun and engaging online experience, Planetside 2 is definitely worth checking out.
One of the best things about Planetside 2 is its customization level. Players can customize their weapons and vehicles to suit their playstyle, and there are a wide variety of options to choose from. The game’s class system also allows players to specialize in different roles, whether a heavy assault class or a stealthy infiltrator class.
11. Enlisted
Enlisted is a free-to-play multiplayer game that immerses players in the epic battles of World War II. With two campaign options centered around Moscow and the Normandy landing, players can experience different phases, characters, and historical events.
The game also features massive multiplayer battles with up to 100 players and destructible environments. The social elements, such as the ability to play with friends and join teams, add to the overall enjoyment of the game. The constant updates and new content, including vehicles, weapons, and maps, keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game’s stunning art direction and graphics make for a visually impressive experience. Compared to World War II games like War Thunder, Enlisted offers a more squad-based and immersive experience with player-driven economic and territorial management features that add depth to the gameplay.
12. Blacklight: Retribution
Blacklight: Retribution is a fast-paced, action-packed, free-to-play co-op shooter game developed by Zombie Studios. Players can customize their playstyle by choosing from a wide range of weapons, accessories, and perks, making it a thrilling and engaging experience. The game offers a variety of game modes, including Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, which provide a lot of gaming variety.
The social elements of the game, such as the ability to play with friends and join parties, make it an enjoyable and fun experience. Compared to Splitgate, both games are free-to-play and offer fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with various game modes and the ability to customize playstyle but Blacklight: Retribution offers a more traditional first-person shooter experience.
13. Dauntless
Dauntless is a free-to-play action RPG game available on the PS5 reminiscent of the Monster Hunte franchise. Players assume the role of a Slayer, a warrior who must hunt massive creatures that pose a threat to humanity in a post-apocalyptic fantasy environment. To defeat these creatures, players must employ strategy and teamwork, as well as a variety of weapons, each with their own unique characteristics.
The game’s frequent updates, which include new creatures, weapons, and equipment, keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. The social aspect of Dauntless, such as the ability to play with friends and join parties, makes it an enjoyable and engaging experience, especially for those who love the thrill of hunting massive beasts and the satisfaction of taking them down.
14. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG with Gacha elements, that is visually stunning and offers a vast open world to explore. It is often seen as heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game’s combat system is fluid and engaging, with a variety of elemental abilities and characters to choose from. However, the game is heavily reliant on gacha mechanics and the grind for high-level characters and weapons can be quite tedious.
But for the Otaku’s out there, it’s a dream come true with all the waifus and husbandos to collect. Overall, Genshin Impact is a solid RPG with a beautiful world and engaging combat, but it’s not for those looking for a more casual gaming experience, or those who have a gambling addiction.
15. Paladins
Paladins is a hero shooter that offers a unique and exciting gameplay experience, similar to the hero shooter genre but with the added element of card-based customization. Players can compete in 5-vs-5 matches with various unique heroes, each with their own special skills. Before each match, players can also assemble a deck of cards that allows them to empower their champions’ attributes and modify their skills. The cards can be earned through level-ups or purchased with real money.
The game also offers a variety of multiplayer modes such as Team Deathmatch and Payload, providing a lot of gameplay variation. Paladins offer a fun and engaging experience for players who enjoy the hero shooter genre in the vein of Overwatch and want to try something new with the added card-based customization.
