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PS4 still has plenty of games worth playing before you move to a PS5. The old “wait for PS5 stock” problem is not the main issue anymore. Now the better question is simple: which games still make sense on the older console, and which ones give you a better upgrade path later?
The good news is that many major PlayStation games still work across both generations. Sony says most of the 4,000+ PS4 games work on PS5 through backward compatibility, and some games can be upgraded to a PS5 version depending on the title.
🎮 PS4 games that still hold up
Not every game needs the newest hardware to be fun. Some games still feel great because the story, controls, and world design carry the experience.
Here are a few strong picks if you are still gaming on the older PlayStation.
⚔️ God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök is one of the best cross-gen PlayStation games to play before upgrading. It is available on PS5, PS4, and PC, so you are not locked out just because you have not moved to newer hardware yet.
The combat is heavy, the story is more personal than expected, and the world gives you plenty to explore. If you already liked the 2018 God of War, this is an easy pick.
Just know that the PS5 version adds DualSense features like vibration and trigger effects, so the newer console still has the better version.
🐺 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still one of the best long-form RPGs on PlayStation. If you want a game that can eat up weeks of free time, this is the one.
The PS4 version is still worth playing, but the PS5 version has a free next-gen update for owners of the original game. CD Projekt Red says the update adds visual and performance upgrades, faster loading, cross-progression, and quality-of-life changes.
If you buy it on disc, make sure your future PS5 has a disc drive. CD Projekt Red says disc owners need the disc inserted to install and play the next-gen version.
🕷️ Marvel’s Spider-Man
Marvel’s Spider-Man is still one of the easiest PS4 games to recommend. Swinging through New York feels fast, clean, and fun even before you factor in the story.
The main thing to know is the upgrade path. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is a PS5 and PC release, while Marvel’s Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition remains the PS4 version on PlayStation Store.
If you want the better-looking version later, check the PlayStation Store carefully before buying. The editions can be confusing if you are trying to plan for PS5.
🚗 Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is still active because the story mode and GTA Online keep giving gamers reasons to return. The PS4 version works fine if you just want the core game, but there is also a PS4 and PS5 bundle on PlayStation Store.
If you mainly care about GTA Online, check which version your friends use before buying. Online progress, platform versions, and multiplayer access can matter more than the box art.
🌀 Control: Ultimate Edition
Control: Ultimate Edition is the weird one on this list, in a good way. It mixes third-person shooting, strange powers, and a shifting building that never feels normal.
The PS5 version of Control: Ultimate Edition adds a performance mode that targets 60fps and a graphics mode with ray tracing at 30fps. It also supports DualSense vibration and triggers.
If you like strange sci-fi stories, this is worth grabbing. Just make sure you buy the right edition if you care about the PS5 upgrade.
🧾 Quick comparison
| Game | Best reason to play | Upgrade note |
|---|---|---|
| God of War Ragnarök | Big story and strong combat | PS5 version has DualSense features |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Huge RPG with tons to do | Free next-gen update for owners |
| Marvel’s Spider-Man | Fast movement and great story | Remastered version is separate |
| Grand Theft Auto V | Story mode and online play | PS4 and PS5 bundle exists |
| Control: Ultimate Edition | Strange sci-fi action | Ultimate Edition matters |
🕹️ What to check before buying
Before buying any older PlayStation game, check the version first.
- 🎮 Make sure the listing says whether it is for PS4, PS5, or both.
- 💿 If you buy a disc, remember that PS5 Digital Edition cannot use it.
- 🧠 Check whether the PS5 upgrade is free, paid, or tied to a certain edition.
- 🔁 Look for cross-save support if you plan to carry progress forward.
- 👥 For online games, check which version your friends are using.
Sony also notes that PS5 games can only be played with DualSense controllers, while DualShock 4 controllers work with supported PS4 games on PS5.
You do not need to rush through every older game before upgrading. Start with the games that still give you strong value now and a clean path later.
What PS4 game would you still recommend before buying a PS5?
