PlayStation 5 has developed a massive roster of sports games since launching in 2020. It’s largely dominated by yearly releases such as Madden and FIFA, but plenty of smaller, quirkier sports games can be found hiding behind some of those big names — making PS5 the perfect destination for armchair athletes or sports aficionados.
Whether you’re biding time for an upcoming season or just want a fun multiplayer title, here are the best sports games on PS5. These cover just about every major sport, including football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and more.
Further reading
- The best sports games on Nintendo Switch
- The best sports games on Xbox Series X
- The best PS5 games for 2022
Riders Republic
22%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Racing, Simulator, Sport
Developer
Ubisoft Annecy
Release
October 28, 2021
Riders Republic is essentially a biking, snowboarding, and skiing game all wrapped up into one. You’ll jump onto an assortment of gear to explore the great outdoors, including locations inspired by some of today’s most popular National Parks. Scattered between the snowcapped peaks and dense forests are hundreds of quests. Some task you with taking part in a high-stakes race; others want you to pull off incredible tricks and rack up a high score. But whatever you’re doing, Riders Republic is always a blast, thanks to intuitive controls, a constant sense of progression, and a gorgeous backdrop for the action.
MLB The Show 22
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
SIE San Diego Studio
Publisher
MLB Advanced Media
Release
April 05, 2022
MLB The Show has long been the go-to title for baseball fans, and the 2022 installment is arguably the best one yet. Beyond the usual assortment of on-field action, MLB The Show 22 lets you build your own stadium, tackle a lengthy career mode, and more. It looks better than ever too, thanks to the support for 4K and 60 frames per second.
EA Sports UFC 4
70%
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Fighting, Sport
Developer
EA Vancouver
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
August 14, 2020
MMA is a brutal sport, and that physicality is expertly captured by UFC 4. Whether you’re looking to pin down your opponent for some “ground and pound” or throw punches from a distance, the game does a great job of perfecting each fighting style. There have also been re-works to takedowns and clinch control, which now offer more dynamic animations and better mimic the sport.
OlliOlli World
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Sport, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Roll7
Publisher
Take-Two Interactive, Private Division
Release
February 08, 2022
OlliOlli World feels more like an arcade game than a sports game. You’ll dive into a series of colorful levels, each one filled with more obstacles, hazards, and challenges than the last. As you complete these missions, you’ll unlock new gear to help customize your character. The key to success is fast reflexes and learning every move in your skillset — failure to ollie, grind, or kickflip at the right time typically results in a less-than-perfect run.
FIFA 22
80%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
EA Vancouver
Publisher
EA Sports
Release
September 30, 2021
The latest entry in the belove FIFA franchise is all about HyperMotion. This new tech uses mocap data to create ultra-realistic movements on the pitch. Aside from the technical improvements on PS5, it’s still the same old FIFA. Tight controls, a deep FIFA Ultimate Team experience, and enjoyable multiplayer (both cooperative and competitive) make FIFA 22 one of the best soccer games on PS5.
NHL 22
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Sport
Developer
EA Vancouver
Publisher
EA Sports
Release
October 11, 2021
Enjoy the sport of hockey without the threat of losing any teeth. NHL 22 saw the series jump to the Frostbite engine, which offers a radically worked (and improved) on-ice experience. Fluid movement, slick animation, and unique Superstar X-Factors make this entry a huge leap forward — especially when coupled with the processing power of PS5.
Knockout City
77%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Shooter, Sport, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Velan Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
May 21, 2021
Dodgeball is a sport that gets everyone’s attention until they graduate high school, at which point no one thinks about it ever again. Velan Studios aimed to fix that with Knockout City — an over-the-top dodgeball game that has you gunning for opponents in high-stakes showdowns. Throwing, dodging, catching, and coordinating with your teammates are the keys to victory, although you’ll also need to master the intricacies of each unique map. The game recently went free-to-play, so be sure to give it a home on your hard drive.
PGA TOUR 2K21
70%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
HB Studios, Illogika Studios
Publisher
2K
Release
August 21, 2020
PGA Tour 2K21 is a faithful recreation of the peaceful (and rage-inducing) sport. Thankfully, both newcomers and golfing veterans can find success in this game, which offers dozens of tutorials to help get you up to speed. You can also dive into a bunch of local multiplayer modes such as Alt-Shot and 4-Player Scramble, which brings a bit of arcade fun to the realistic sim.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2
88%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
Vicarious Visions
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 04, 2020
What else is there to say? The legendary Tony Hawk series was reborn with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 as the first two entries in the series got the remake treatment for new-generation consoles. Much of the arcade action remains intact, although a few niceties from later installments were added to modernize the classics (such as reverts and new tricks).
NBA 2K22
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
Visual Concepts
Publisher
2K
Release
September 09, 2021
NBA 2K22 lets you live out your hoop dreams, thanks to the MyCareer and MyTeam game modes. The former sees you climbing the “corporate” ladder and trying to become an NBA superstar. The latter has you piecing together your dream team and vying for a championship every season.
WWE 2K22
3.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Simulator, Sport
Developer
Visual Concepts
Publisher
2K Sports
Release
March 11, 2022
Another entry on this list, another game from 2K. This time it’s of the pro wrestling variety, with WWE 2K22 marking a return for the franchise after taking a year off following the disastrous WWE 2K20. This entry is a huge step in the right direction, with a new gameplay engine, updated controls, dozens of superstars, and enough content to keep you busy for years.
Madden NFL 22
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Sport, Strategy
Developer
EA Tiburon
Publisher
EA Sports
Release
August 20, 2021
Madden NFL 22 set out to capture the spirit of gameday, offering Home Field Advantage modifiers that can swing the momentum in your favor, new on-field reactions, different “broadcast” styles for each stadium, and an improved crowd that reacts to each on-field action. It’s still the same Madden you’ve grown to love, but this time with fancier graphics and a few new wrinkles to master.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill
72%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator, Sport, Indie
Developer
Megagon Industries
Publisher
Thunderful
Release
October 23, 2019
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping arcade game, consider giving Lonely Mountains: Downhill an install. The game sees you jumping on a bike and barreling down mountains at breakneck speed, trying to reach the finish line as fast as possible. Mix in some fun challenges and plenty of customization options, and it’s easy to lose track of time in the gorgeous world of Lonely Mountains.
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