Best PS5 games for beginners
The best PS5 games for beginners are Journey, Balatro and Stardew Valley. We include level 3 here because there are few level 1 and 2 games on PS5.
PlayStation 5 has fewer very gentle games than Switch, so this list reaches up to level 3. Level 1 and 2 games come first.
| Game | Level | Plays on | Tried & tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey | 2 · Easy | PS5, Computer, Phone / tablet | 97.7 · Hall of Fame |
| Balatro | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 97.5 · Hall of Fame |
| Stardew Valley | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.5 · Hall of Fame |
| Townscaper | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.3 · Hall of Fame |
| What Remains of Edith Finch | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 94.1 · Proven favourite |
| Minecraft | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 93.8 · Proven favourite |
| A Short Hike | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 92.8 · Proven favourite |
| Tetris Effect | 2 · Easy | PS5, Computer | 92 · Proven favourite |
| Beat Saber | 2 · Easy | PS5, Computer, VR | 91.7 · Proven favourite |
| Dorfromantik | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 89.3 · Proven favourite |
| Two Point Hospital | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 87.5 · Well liked |
| Gris | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 87.1 · Well liked |
About each game
Journey. Two-hour wordless trip across a desert. No way to fail.
Balatro. Poker-hand scoring with joker cards. No real money, but casino imagery.
Stardew Valley. Restore a farm and befriend villagers. Lots to learn but no rush.
Townscaper. A toy rather than a game: click to build pretty towns. No goals, no failing.
What Remains of Edith Finch. Explore a family home; each room is a short story. Themes of death.
Minecraft. Creative or Peaceful mode removes danger. Great for playing with grandkids.
A Short Hike. Climb a mountain in an afternoon. Very gentle introduction to 3D movement.
Tetris Effect. Classic Tetris with music and visuals; has relaxed 'chill' modes.
Beat Saber. Slice blocks to music in virtual reality. Easy settings are gentle; harder ones are very fast.
Dorfromantik. Place hexagon tiles to build peaceful villages. Calm, no time limits.
Two Point Hospital. Run a silly hospital. Light-hearted management.
Gris. Gentle 2D platformer about grief. No dying.
Not sure which one? Answer seven questions and we will match games to you.