Joybuy Insights

PS5 Games Buying Guide: Choose the Right PlayStation 5 Games for Your Home

Buying PS5 games can be surprisingly complicated. A familiar franchise may appear in several editions, a physical disc may still require a large download and an attractive “deluxe” package may include digital extras that are unavailable in your region.

The right choice depends less on marketing language and more on practical details: genre, age rating, game mode, edition contents, storage requirements and online access. This guide explains what to check before purchasing, followed by recommendations matched to different types of UK players.

Common traps when buying PS5 games

1. Assuming every PS5 game works offline

Many PlayStation 5 games are designed primarily for solo play, but updates may still be needed after inserting a disc. Multiplayer titles also commonly require an internet connection and, for online console play, an active PlayStation Plus subscription.

Check whether the product supports:

  • Single-player offline gameplay
  • Local co-op or split-screen play
  • Online multiplayer
  • Optional or mandatory downloads
  • Access to DLC through a voucher code

For example, a physical copy of Astro Bot is listed as a single-player PS5 game disc, with internet access optional for updates. By contrast, online modes in games such as Tekken 8 and Elden Ring: Nightreign require online connectivity, with PlayStation Plus needed for online multiplayer.

2. Paying for an edition without checking what is included

“Deluxe”, “Gold” and expansion editions can offer additional value, but the contents differ considerably. Some include DLC on the disc, while others provide a PSN voucher code. A voucher may have account or regional restrictions, so UK shoppers should check compatibility with their PlayStation Network account before redeeming it.

The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, for instance, combines the base game with its expansion. Black Myth: Wukong includes the base game disc alongside a voucher for Digital Deluxe Edition content. These are different arrangements, despite both offering extra content.

3. Choosing by graphics alone

4K visuals, ray tracing and faster loading are useful PS5 features, but they do not indicate whether a game suits your preferred style. A visually impressive open-world game may not be suitable for someone wanting short evening sessions, while a story-led title may not appeal to someone seeking competitive multiplayer.

Look at the game’s core loop: exploration, platforming, combat, stealth, puzzles, character development or team competition. This gives a clearer picture of how the game feels to play than resolution claims alone.

Key specifications to check before buying

Genre and play style

Use genre labels as a starting point, but read the feature list carefully. PS5 action games can range from superhero combat to cinematic survival experiences. PS5 adventure games may focus on open-world exploration, linear storytelling or platforming.

  • Action and superhero:Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
  • Action RPGs:Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, Black Myth: Wukong and Hogwarts Legacy
  • Narrative adventure:Split Fiction, God of War Ragnarök and The Last of Us: Part I
  • Horror:Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – Gold Edition and A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead
  • Fighting:Tekken 8
  • Platforming and family play:Astro Bot, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and TMNT: Mutants Unleashed

PEGI age rating

The PEGI rating is a key purchasing check in the UK. It reflects the game’s content and is not a measure of difficulty. Several story-led and horror titles in this selection are rated PEGI 18, including The Last of Us: Part II – Remastered, Silent Hill 2, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, God of War Ragnarök and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – Gold Edition.

For younger players, Astro Bot and Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed have more family-oriented positioning, although parents should still review the listing and packaging for the applicable regional rating.

Physical disc, storage and account requirements

A PS5 game disc can reduce reliance on a full digital purchase, but the console normally installs game data to its internal storage. Large games may also require substantial free space for installation and updates. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, for example, lists a minimum file size of 98 GB.

Before ordering, check:

  • Whether the product is a physical PS5 game disc
  • If the box contains a code instead of, or alongside, the game
  • Whether the product is an import or region-free edition
  • The language options for audio and text
  • Whether online play requires PlayStation Plus
  • Available console storage

Our Top Recommendations by player profile

MATCH FOR: Budget-Conscious Starters
Marvel Spider-Man: Miles Morales PS5

Marvel Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5)

Why This Fits Their Persona: A standalone superhero adventure, so newcomers do not need to complete an earlier game before starting. It combines story missions, open-world activity and direct action in a manageable single-player format.

How It Avoids the Trap

The listing clearly identifies it as a standalone adventure rather than requiring a bundle or previous franchise purchase.

Key Advantage & Pros

Includes Performance and Fidelity modes, DualSense haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and accessibility options. PEGI 16.

MATCH FOR: Premium Quality Seekers
The Last of Us Part II Remastered PS5

The Last of Us: Part II – Remastered (PS5)

Why This Fits Their Persona: Suits players looking for a cinematic single-player experience with additional modes beyond the main story.

How It Avoids the Trap

The edition name specifies the remastered PS5 version and its added content, helping buyers distinguish it from the original release.

Key Advantage & Pros

Adds No Return, Deleted Levels, Freeform Guitar and Speedrun modes, alongside PS5 visual and accessibility improvements. PEGI 18.

MATCH FOR: Specific Use-Case/Heavy Users
Battlefield 6 PS5

BATTLEFIELD 6 (PS5)

Why This Fits Their Persona: Designed for players who want a long-term multiplayer game with large-scale modes, squad play and a separate single-player campaign.

How It Avoids the Trap

The listing separates campaign and multiplayer features and states the online player capacity, making the intended usage clearer.

Key Advantage & Pros

Offers Conquest, Breakthrough, Rush and other multiplayer modes, plus Battlefield Portal and selectable PS5 performance modes. PEGI 16.

MATCH FOR: Family Players
Astro Bot PS5

Astro Bot (PS5)

Why This Fits Their Persona: A colourful platformer with accessible controls, single-player play and more than 80 levels suited to relaxed household gaming.

How It Avoids the Trap

The product details identify it as single-player with no mandatory online features, reducing surprises for families without a PlayStation Plus subscription.

Key Advantage & Pros

Uses DualSense haptics, adaptive triggers and motion controls, with a physical PS5 game disc and optional internet for updates.

More PS5 games to compare

For open-world action, consider Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, Horizon Zero Dawn Remake or Hogwarts Legacy. Players seeking PS5 RPGs can compare Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, Black Myth: Wukong and Hogwarts Legacy by difficulty, exploration and character customisation.

For PS5 horror games, Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – Gold Edition and A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead offer different approaches to tension, from psychological storytelling to resource management and sound-based stealth. For local multiplayer, TMNT: Mutants Unleashed supports two-player couch co-op, while Tekken 8 focuses on competitive fighting and online modes.

Looking for More Options?

We have compiled a complete, real-time list of products that fully satisfy these strict selection criteria and UK safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions

Do PS5 game discs need an internet connection?

Usually, the disc installs the main game to the console, but updates may require the internet. Online multiplayer also needs an internet connection and may require PlayStation Plus. Check the individual product listing for offline play and update requirements.

How much storage do PS5 games need?

Storage varies considerably. The physical disc does not necessarily contain every installed file and patches can increase the required space. Check the listed file size where available and keep additional free storage for updates.

Are PS5 games suitable for children?

Check the UK PEGI rating and content descriptors before buying. A family-friendly platformer and a PEGI 18 horror or action title are intended for very different audiences. Also review online communication, in-game purchases and flashing-light warnings when relevant.