What are the best free games on PS5? With this evolving list, the Push Square community will be the ones calling the shots, ranking and rating the top free-to-play games on PS5.
The free-to-play model has really come into its own during the last few years, and it continues to grow, offering more diverse and high-quality games as time goes on. Many of the biggest games in the world are completely free, not even requiring a PS Plus subscription to play them. If you want to see what the fuss is all about with games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warframe, you can do so without spending a single penny.
Almost all free games are competitive online multiplayer games, but that's not always the case. On PS5, there are a handful of great multiplayer offerings that won't cost you anything, but there's more to it than that. There are one or two titles that aren't online at all, but can still be accessed for free — Astro's Playroom being the prime example.
Basically, what we're saying is that you can find lots of interesting and fun games to play on PS5 without opening your wallet. This list is all about showing you the best free games on PS5, and we've enlisted your help to define the order. See something on this page you don't agree with? You can use the search bar below to find your favourite free-to-play PS5 games and then rate them accordingly by clicking the star icon. These ratings are all fed into the running order, meaning this list will shift and change over time, depending on how the community rates each title.
A game will need at least 20 ratings before it will show up on this page. It's down to you if you want to see any changes, so visit a game's page or use the above search bar to make yourself heard.
Now, let's take a look, shall we? Below is a list of the best free games on PS5, defined by you.
10. Rogue Company (PS5)
If you're looking for a straightforward third-person shooter, Rogue Company will certainly fill that gap. From the creators of SMITE and Paladins, this is a more realistic free-to-play game from Hi-Rez Studios that focuses on squad-based matches for up to 12 players. Taking control of Rogues, each with unique abilities, you'll play objective-based rounds and tactical skirmishes, earning XP and in-game currency so you can get stronger and unlock better equipment. It's fairly straightforward and has decent third-person action that's worth giving a shot.
9. Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 (PS5)
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 is the newest iteration of Activision's free-to-play shooter. With that rock solid, signature Call of Duty gunplay at its core, this is inherently an entertaining multiplayer FPS on a massive scale. The main event is the battle royale mode, placing you alone or in squads on a giant map and fighting for survival. A new mode, DMZ, puts a more objective-based spin on things if you want a change of pace.
8. Genshin Impact (PS5)
Genshin Impact earned an estimated $2 billion during its first year on the market, and has gone on to become something of a cultural touchstone. Also available on smartphones, the PS5 version of this staggeringly popular RPG truly brings developer MiHoYo’s vision to life, with vibrant visuals and a slick, responsive refresh rate. Those not caught in its gacha trap may lament is pricey microtransactions and demanding investment levels, but this is unquestionably a signature service game with a huge and dedicated fanbase to boot.
7. Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition (PS5)
Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition stretches the definition of what a game is, but this interactive experience is well worth checking out. Whether you're a fan of Radiohead or not, this virtual tour through the band's music and artwork is a unique, eerie ride through the obscure. It's only a couple of hours long, it's totally free, and there's nothing else like it on PS5, so we'd absolutely recommend taking it for a spin.
6. Apex Legends (PS5)
Apex Legends remains a super popular free-to-play shooter, and for good reason. The core gameplay is excellent, and developer Respawn has been evolving and growing the experience ever since launch. Battle royale is its core mode but there are often alternative playlists to enjoy with any of the game's many unique characters.
5. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel (PS5)
If you enjoy the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game, odds are you'll love Master Duel. This is a nicely presented digital version of the card game you know and love, letting you battle it out against rival duelists in free-to-play online bouts. It also supports cross-play and cross-progression, meaning you can play against others on any platform, and carry your progress over to other machines. With over 10,000 cards included, you're able to rebuild your real-life decks and put them to the test in numerous tournaments. It's obviously a game for fans, but it also includes tutorials for beginners if you want to try Yu-Gi-Oh for the first time.
4. Destiny 2 (PS5)
Bungie's online shooter is still at the top of the pile when it comes to gunplay, although there's no denying that Destiny 2 is a tough nut to crack if you're completely new to the sci-fi sequel. Get stuck in, though, and you'll find an abundance of quality content to chew on. Campaigns, co-op missions, competitive multiplayer — it's a game that feels like it's fit to burst at points, and the aforementioned action is the glue that holds everything together.
3. Warframe (PS5)
It took a good few years to get there, but Warframe is now comfortably one of the most successful free-to-play titles in gaming. The sci-fi action RPG has been transformed into an absolute colossus by developer Digital Extremes. It boasts a truly immense amount of content to chew on, ranging from co-op enabled missions to full-on open world exploration. Admittedly, Warframe can be difficult to penetrate these days if you're a total newcomer, but a galaxy's worth of adventure awaits those who join the Tenno ranks.
2. Fall Guys (PS5)
What if there was a platformer in which up to 60 players compete in chaotic obstacle courses simultaneously? Turns out this madcap idea is genius, because Fall Guys is a cracking online multiplayer madhouse. Playing as a jellybean-shaped clutz, you're up against numerous others through a series of randomly chosen stages, featuring all kinds of platforming challenges. By process of elimination, the winner will be the last one standing, and success earns you lots of excellent costumes and bragging rights. Whether you play solo or team up with friends, this is a hilarious title for all ages, and the best bit? It's free-to-play.
1. Astro's Playroom (PS5)
As far as pack-ins go, Astro’s Playroom is exemplary. Inspired by Team Asobi’s critically acclaimed PSVR platformer Astro Bot Rescue Mission – itself originally introduced in The Playroom VR – this short-form platformer serves as an introduction to the PS5, specifically the DualSense controller. As you explore cutesy character Astro’s vibrant world, you’ll physically feel it in your fingertips, from the sensation of rain falling on the hero’s hard, steel exterior to the slippery surfaces of ice. All of this, alone, would make it a truly memorable experience – but the game also doubles as a kind of history lesson, exploring many of the most famous moments from PlayStation’s past. Simply put, it’s an extraordinary four to five hour escapade, and one that every new PS5 owner must play.
That's that: the best free games on PS5 according to the Push Square community. What do you think? Is your favourite free-to-play PS5 game on the list? If you think there's something missing from our PlayStation Game Database, please let us know, and don't forget you can help shape the list yourselves by rating games as you see fit. All that's left to do is share your own recommendations for the best free games on PS5 in the comments below.
Best PS5 Games
- Best PS5 Games
- Best Action Games on PS5
- Best Adventure Games on PS5
- Best Anime Games on PS5
- Best Arcade Games on PS5
- Best Co-Op Games on PS5
- Best PS5 Exclusive Games
- Best Fighting Games on PS5
- Best FPS Games on PS5
- Best Free Games on PS5
- Best Horror Games on PS5
- Best Indie Games on PS5
- Best Local Multiplayer Games on PS5
- Best Online Multiplayer Games on PS5
- Best Open World Games on PS5
- Best Platformers on PS5
- Best Puzzle Games on PS5
- Best Racing Games on PS5
- Best RPGs on PS5
- Best Single Player Games on PS5
- Best Sports Games on PS5
- Best Strategy Games on PS5
Comments 52
Having put well over 1000 hours into Genshin Impact I feel qualified to tell everyone that it's brilliant in so many ways, and yet i'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone. A wonderful game, with an amazing world to explore, but one specifically designed to eat up time.
I'd tell you more but i'm off to play Genshin Impact
Path of Exile is missing on that list.
What about eFootball?
......😭
I'm surprised Rocket League didn't make the cut.
@hobbes242 was about to post the same lol
Wait — Rocket League is a PS4 game. Sigh. My brain is still in holiday mode.
@Balosi Maybe we both need naps.
@hobbes242 Rocket League Sideswipe is brilliant too. But that’s just for mobiles. Still worth checking out though. You get a free battle pass and everything.
@BritneyfR_ee Good to know. Thanks!
If fortnite didn't have the building mechanic then I would play it regularly but I just can't get to grips with doing it quick so I die lol
Also I loved the save the world mode when it first came out but now its just re used events and nothing new what so ever
Warframe has PS5 version and still getting regular updates
Guns Up is decent too. Not much to it but quite addictive little game that can be a challenge
@Royalblues @UltimateOtaku91 apparently they’re working on a No Build LTM this season for people who hate building.
I don’t really mind building, like if you’re building ramps to climb steep terrain or climbing on rooftops and stuff. It’s the people who can throw up a 1:1 scale Empire State Building immediately after you start shooting them that are annoying 😂
@PlatinumGamer Guns Up isn't a PS5 game.
I didn't know that Genshin Impact have free free version for PS5, that's cool. Also from this game, from my opinion, only which is worth are: Destiny 2, Dauntless, Guns Up and this rogelike jrpg indie tittle...
Anyone else play Destiny 2 or Dauntless?!
@Integrity
🤣 🤣 🤣
I love Genshin Impact, but I keep getting screwed by the gacha. Saved up enough freemogems to try to get Eula 40 times (4x10 rolls), and I got a whole bunch of characters I already had.
ff14 can be played forever as trial version
@Royalblues The whole building mechanic turned me off immediately 😔
"Warfame can be a bit difficult to penetrate these days, if you're a total newcomer"
Couldn't disagree more with that statement. Warfame has never been easier to get into than it is now. I've put 1000's of hours into the PS version from launch day when it was absolutely obtuse.
I started a new account on Xbox recently and it's amazing how different the beginner experience is now with proper tutorials and a codex that explains everything you will ever need to know. It's as easy to get to grips with as any other game out there.
Maybe it doesn’t count technically but FFXIV should get a mention here. 2/5th of the game is playable for free which conservatively is hundreds of hours. It doesn’t require a CC and doesn’t require PS+.
Genshin is the free to play game that does everything it can to make you pay more money than all the pay to play games put together.
I quit after I realised just how much you had to spend to play anything other than the base characters (with a few caveats). For those who think £90 for a new game is a lot - prepare to be astonished at how much it can cost to get a 5 star extra character which you will play for a few days before being bombarded to start buying (gambling) on a new one.
If it was actually an MMO in terms of lots of people in the world together it may be forgivable, but as it’s essentially single player it’s really hard to justify the hundreds or thousands some fans plough into it.
Genshin is an absolutely fantastic game. I genuinely and sincerely think it has a better open world than both Breath of the Wild and Elden Ring.
If you pay the 5 dollars for the monthly blessing, it's a great deal.
You can probably justify the battle pass too, but it's skippable.
For the love of everything good in the world, do not buy primogems outright.
No Rocket League?
I'm surprised that dodgeball game isn't on the list!
Astro fully deserves that spot!
@Palleon I don't get it. I played it for a few hours and had a blast. Why would I need pay for 5 star characters to enjoy it? Does the game become impossible to beat without them? I've noticed that in many pay to win games, and I didn't get the impression that that was the case with Genshin Impact.
@This_Guy thanks for mentioning that. I will download it and give it a try. Can you get any of the trophies?
eFootball should be on the worst free games on PS5. With the update coming this week it might earn that spot on top. As it stands now it barely qualifieds as a playable demo.
@naruball - It doesn't necessarily force you to buy anything but for the endgame Spiral Abyss content you'll need 2 teams of maxed out or near maxed characters and certain 5* characters can make it much easier.
It can absolutely be done without them though and you'll definitely get a couple of 5* characters for free with the amount of gems you earn in-game.
However, the game does thrive on character FOMO and falling into the gatcha trap is ridiculously expensive. To 100% guarantee a single 5* from gatcha will cost £178.
@Shigurui I see. So, in other words, it's not necessary. Good to hear.
I'm not a fan of Genshin Impact. Did nothing for me.
Not sure how Destiny 2 is on this list let alone 2nd. I think the only things you can do in the free mode is play crucible the absolute worst bit of destiny and go to planets and do bounties and maybe one or two missions.
@PlatinumGamer Yeah its fun but my biggest issue that after a while its pay to win. It shows for me why free to play games are always crippled to keep it free to play.
And i get it there is no way to make money in another way. Maybe with FOMO and living of whales what it is for a lot of games. Gaming is as ethical as opening a bar next to a AA meeting but that wont phase the typical investors.
@Shigurui That makes that €70 for games look cheap. Free to play for me has always been free to pay.
Astro playroom is one of the games that deserves a full release the passion that went into that game is insane.
@Flaming_Kaiser - Totally agree mate, Genshin is absolute cancer if you get sucked into the gatcha. I've seen people blow upwards of $5000 trying to get a 5* weapon and fail to get what they wanted. Granted they were youtubers who made the money back in views but I can only imagine how badly it's wrecked the bank balances of some regular Joe's with gambling issues.
Path of exile is the best free to play game plus it got a ps5 patch to up the res and it runs at a rock solid 60fps..warframe is damn good too but i just dont have the time to get the most out of it..
Splitgate should be on this list
@Shigurui Thats why i sold Overwatch i was spending way to much with all the events. Im now playing Gems of War and its the same problem. And you pull your wallet in the end let me pay €60 and play without Gotcha crap and paywalls.
@Palleon Agreed.
Its marketing genius that publishers coined the phrase "Free to Play". And its media ineptitude that allowed them to get away with it.
I should think it only a matter of time before we have class action law suits and regulation to prevent such.
OK slightly tongue in cheek, but FTP is, imho, the most grotesque corner of our beloved hobby for all but a very select few examples of how to do it right (Fortnite, RL, Apex).
@lindos what did they get away with? What free to play game actually requires a payment to play?
Where did fortnite disappear to on this list?
Rumbleverse should be in here over knockout city in my opinion
i do wish the government would step in and insist that unless the full monty is available these be called free to start.
its a scam and PS should know better.
and applying same title to likes of astro is an insult. it should not be in this list.
@Shigurui If you issues with FOMO free to play games are just the worst i play Gems of War and i spend way to much on it. Its a reason. I stay away from all free to play because of this.
Ah Knockout CIty. Totally forgot about that game. Must download again.
I was blown away by how good Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition is. I downloaded it because I remembered the trailer from Sony's State of Play, expecting to delete it in a few minutes. Instead, I spend all day wandering around and listening to songs from a band I'm not a fan of, with visuals I'm not accustomed to. I have since downloaded it again recently and enjoyed it as much the second time.
Also, the amount of content stuffed into Warframe is frankly mind-boggling for a free-to-play game. I tried it a few months ago fully expecting to be assaulted by microtransactions but instead found it having fantastic production values with only light paid elements. I already decided that 2023 will be a year of finishing a bunch of long games, and Warframe may just make the list as a "turn off your brain for a few hours" kind of experience.
Free To Pay Games.
Astro is free to play but most of the rest have savage micro transactions as many of us have learned the more something is free to play the more heavy inapp purchase are.
astros playroom is a technical spectacle for real. amazing lil game that surprisingly blew me away. too bad i only one-and-done single players (unless its new game plus)
Genshin Impact would probably be rated higher if you didn't get screwed on the gacha. Seriously, over the course of the time Ayaka's current banner has been running, I've done about 15 wishes (x10), and I've been screwed on the 50/50. Even Pokemon Masters has better odds than this.
@BeerIsAwesome Realistically, rolling 40x will not get you a 5* character from the limited banner. You need to prepare about 70 rolls at least to even try for a 5*. And that's provided you don't land in the 50% chance of getting a character from the standard pool.
@UltimateOtaku91 I'm sure there is an option to play without building now.
I know for sure that option is on Xbox and switch. Not got round to playing it on PS5 yet.
Tap here to load 52 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...