As the launch lineup for any console tends to be, the PlayStation 5 doesn't have a ton of games just yet. Full on PS5 games will be coming, but for now you can bolster your collection with a variety of fantastic PlayStation 4 titles.
The great thing is that most of your PS4 games work on PS5, thanks to backwards compatibility. That means you can pick right where you left off on your favorite PS4 shooters with little to no issues on PS5.
Thanks to the PS5's backwards compatibility feature, you can play any PlayStation 4 title on the platform with no hurdles at all. Anything you played on your PS4 can be brought to the PS5 with no issues at all, and the same can be said for anything you haven't played yet.
Let's take a look at some of the best PS4 shooters you can play on your PS5 right now.
Battlefield 1
There are a few different Battlefield games to check out on PS4 and all of them are — at the very least — good (including Battlefield Hardline). But out of all the entries on PS4, we like Battlefield 1 the best.
It takes place during WWI and has a new take on the single-player campaign. The story mode is comprised of shorter "vignettes" with different characters rather than one over arching story with a single hero.
That, combined with the fantastic online multiplayer mode makes for action packed moments that hit hard -- whether you're a support player or someone who likes to be on the offense more. Battlefield 1 is Dice at the top of its game and we can't wait to see what the team does next.
Titanfall 2
It seems like the Titanfall series has been forgotten about, but that doesn't mean we can't jump back into the second entry in the series. Titanfall 2 is a game that extrapolated on the original in more ways than one, featuring a fully fleshed single-player campaign and a return to the beloved online multiplayer popularized by the first game.
One of the most memorable things about Titanfall 2 is its fast, frenetic gameplay — which often allows you to run along walls and chain together moves that make you feel superhuman at times.
It's a game that suffered from launching too close to other shooters in 2016 and as a result, underperformed in EA's eyes. That does not mean you should skip out on it, because it's one of the most unique shooters in years.
Overwatch
Hero shooters had certainly been around for a while when Overwatch debuted in 2016, but this game absolutely nailed the formula thanks to the fun balanced FPS gameplay and wonderful cast of characters.
Considering Overwatch is a live service game, it's important that its developer, Blizzard, has kept up with it and offered plenty of updates and in-game events to ensure it feels fresh. That's exactly what the team at Blizzard has done and their work should be commended.
But aside from the fun gameplay, this game wouldn't be as successful without its diverse, robust cast of characters. 32 in all, each one feels unique from a narrative perspective as well as in the way they play, giving you plenty of reasons to stick around and try all of them out.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Video games are built on iteration and Call of Duty: Warzone wears its inspirations on its sleeve. That isn't a knock as it builds upon other popular battle royale games and improves upon them,offering an intense and complex tactical FPS.
It almost feels like Rainbow Six at times, wherein you must be deliberate with your decisions as you try and survive against over 100 other players. The unpredictable nature of the way each match plays out leads to some action-packed moments that feel like once in a lifetime situations.
And all of that is nicely held together with that beloved Call of Duty gameplay, which even after nearly 20 years remains unmatched in the shooter space. Warzone isn't the first battle royale game, but it's certainly one of the best.
DOOM Eternal
While many games on this list are complex, DOOM Eternal shines because of its simplicity, at least from a moment-to-moment gameplay perspective. Sure, it's got a slew of upgrade systems, but when it comes to the way it plays, understanding DOOM Eternal is simple enough.
And running around obliterating demons never felt so good and is made even better with all the new weapons and gadgets you have at your disposal. Particularly the grappling hook, which implements a layer of verticality not present in the 2016 predecessor.
DOOM Eternal builds upon the foundation set by 2016's DOOM reboot and both are absolutely worth checking out, especially due to their metal soundtracks.
Metro Exodus
It's a shame Metro Exodus doesn't get talked about more because it's truly great. The best way to describe it is like a healthy mix of Fallout (with more polish) and Far Cry, with survival-horror elements.
It features an engaging story, an open world to explore, and all the crafting and weapon upgrading you could want. But the horror elements are what really draws us in — with a slew of tense moments that you can only overcome if you conserve ammo and supplies.
There are stealth mechanics, various branching story paths, and lots of upgrades to unlock, all tied together with a fantastic, but gloomy narrative. The entire Metro series, and Exodus in particular deserves more love.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Since the release of the original Resident Evil in 1996, each game has always been presented from a third-person perspective. That's why it was such a shock when it was announced that Resident Evil 7 Biohazard would be featured in first-person. And, to be frank, it's exactly the refresh the series needed at the time.
The first-person perspective made it feel scarier and much more personal. And with the shift away from traditional zombies introduced in the past, RE7 was a welcome change of pace that oddly enough felt more Resident Evil than many of the entries we got on the Xbox 360/PS4.
While this game is certainly a survival-horror game first, it has its action oriented shooter moments, as well.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein: The New Order is absolutely fascinating. Its alternate version of history is unsettling, the narrative and performances from its characters are exceptional, and the fantastic FPS gameplay ties everything together.
This game could have been bad, but MachineGames did a smart thing by doubling down on the story elements with The New Order, offering tense, and dramatic moments from beginning to end.
And of course, it's wildly cathartic to mow down Nazis in the most brutal way possible: dual-wielding two massive machine guns to ensure they're taken out effectively. Or perhaps you'd rather use a rocket launcher. Either way, The New Order gives you plenty of toys at your disposal. It's worth checking out its sequel, The New Colossus, too!
Far Cry 3 Classic Edition
All of the Far Cry games are good, but something about Far Cry 3 has stuck with us more than the rest. Maybe it's because of the exotic island on which the game takes place, or the satisfying FPS gameplay. Or perhaps it has to do with the game's iconic villain, Vaas.
Whatever the reason, there's a lot to love in Far Cry 3. Nowadays, open worlds are a dime a dozen, but in 2012 when this game debuted, it was a novel experience to see one as well done as this one. And sure, it's technically an Xbox 360/PS3 game, but the Classic Edition released for PS4 recently, featuring minor enhancements.
It has smart upgrade systems, tons to do, and a gameplay loop that makes it hard to put down. The other entries are definitely worth checking out, too, but Far Cry 3 is on a league of its own.
Apex Legends
The discussion around Apex Legends was incredible when it stealth launched in the winter of 2019. There was no marketing or hype -- it just randomly came out for free and exploded in popularity.
This battle royale takes a wonderful cast of characters (much like Overwatch) and mixes in the multiplayer survival elements popularized by Fortnite or PUBG. Though, Apex Legends is arguably a step up, thanks to its fluid gameplay. Sliding, jumping, running, and shooting just feels on point, making it tough to stop playing.
Each character has their own backstory and they all look, play, and feel different from one another, which is one of the games greatest strengths. Since Apex Legends is free, there's no excuse to skip this one.
The PS4 is home to a slew of excellent shooters that are absolutely worth your time -- but these are some of the best you can currently play on PS5. There are lots to look forward to that will launch for PS5 in the future, but in the meantime, you've got plenty to hold you over. Let us know some of your favorites in the comments below.
Published: Dec 30, 2020 10:44 am