PS4 Games to Play While You Wait for the PS5

PS4 still has plenty of games worth playing before you move to a PS5. Waiting for PS5 stock is no longer the main issue. The better question is which games still make sense on the older console and offer a useful upgrade path later.

Many major PlayStation games work across both generations. Sony says most of the 4,000-plus PS4 games work on PS5 through backward compatibility, while some titles can be upgraded to a PS5 version.

PS4 Games That Still Hold Up

These five games remain strong choices because of their stories, controls, worlds, or online experiences. Each one also gives gamers a way to continue on newer hardware.

God of War Ragnarök is one of the strongest cross-generation PlayStation games to play before upgrading. It is available on PS4, PS5, and PC, so you can experience it without moving to newer hardware first.

The combat feels heavy, the story is personal, and the world offers plenty to explore. It is an easy recommendation if you enjoyed the 2018 God of War.

The PS5 version adds DualSense vibration and trigger effects, giving the newer console the better version.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains one of PlayStation’s best long-form RPGs. Its large world and lengthy story can fill weeks of free time.

The PS4 version is still worth playing, and owners of the original game can receive a free next-gen update. CD Projekt Red says the update adds visual and performance improvements, faster loading, cross-progression, and quality-of-life changes.

Disc owners should make sure their future PS5 has a disc drive. The disc must remain inserted to install and play the next-gen version.

Marvel’s Spider-Man is still one of the easiest PS4 games to recommend. Swinging through New York feels fast and smooth, while the story gives the action a strong foundation.

Its upgrade path requires closer attention. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is available on PS5 and PC, while Marvel’s Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition remains the PS4 version on PlayStation Store.

Check the edition carefully before buying if you want the improved version later.

Grand Theft Auto V continues to give gamers reasons to return through its story mode and GTA Online. The PS4 version includes the core experience, while PlayStation Store also offers a PS4 and PS5 bundle.

If GTA Online is your priority, check which version your friends use before buying. Multiplayer access, platform versions, and online progress may matter more than the edition shown on the box.

Control: Ultimate Edition combines third-person shooting, unusual powers, and a shifting building that rarely feels normal.

The PS5 version includes a performance mode targeting 60fps and a graphics mode with ray tracing at 30fps. It also supports DualSense vibration and trigger effects.

Check the edition before buying if access to the PS5 upgrade matters to you

🧾 Quick comparison

What to Check Before Buying

Check the game version before purchasing an older PlayStation title.

• Make sure the listing identifies the game as PS4, PS5, or both.
• Remember that PS5 Digital Edition cannot use PS4 discs.
• Check whether the PS5 upgrade is free, paid, or limited to a certain edition.
• Look for cross-save support if you want to carry your progress forward.
• For online games, confirm which version your friends use.

Sony also notes that PS5 games require DualSense controllers. DualShock 4 controllers work with supported PS4 games played on PS5.

You do not need to rush through every older game before upgrading. Start with games that offer strong value on PS4 and a clear path to PS5 later.

What PS4 game would you still recommend before buying a PS5?