Summary
The PlayStation 5 has some great games in its library. For all its faults, the modern gaming landscape has definitely produced some unforgettable experiences. But sometimes, these games end too soon. Sometimes, just when fans are at their most invested, the credits roll.
Luckily, many modern games have plenty of activities for players to pursue after they’ve beaten the main quest.From side contentto collectibles to hidden endings, fans can experience a lot of the game even after they think they’ve seen everything. Here are ten of the best games on PS5 for post-game content.
The expansive open world ofElden Ringlends itself well to post-game adventures. Even after the credits roll, fans will have dozens of caverns and dungeons to explore, and likely several side quests they’ve missed out on as well. Characters who have defeated the final boss are also an ideal level to embark on the game’s DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, which will reveal vital lore about the world of the game.
Of course,Elden Ringplayers who want a true challenge cantake on New Game Plus, a From Software tradition that lets players restart the game with all their gear and experience intact.Elden Ring’s enemies are scaled up in level and danger to provide an adequate challenge for these enhanced players, letting dedicated fans experience the whole adventure all over again.
Horizon Forbidden Westcontinues Aloy’s journey to save a world ravaged by unchecked robotics. The exotic world of the Forbidden West holds numerous secrets for players to uncover, along with side quests and minigames that players can get hooked on even after they’ve finished their main quest.
If players want to extend their adventures, they can journey throughout the map and ensure they’ve found every location they can. They can also chase up side activities like Machine Strike and the various hunting grounds scattered throughout the map. They can alsotake on theBurning ShoresDLC, which takes place after the final mission in the base game.
This illustrious remake was a launch title for the PlayStation 5, but it remains well worth replaying. The title rebuilds and reinvigorates every inch of the venerableDemon’s Souls, which was the precursor toDark Soulsand the progenitor of the soulslike genre. Fans who want to replay this historically significant game have some very striking options at their disposal.
In addition to the traditional New Game Plus system, which remains an excellent way to replay the game after beating it, players can also try a mysterious new feature known as Fractured Mode. This post-game replay option flips the entire world of the game horizontally, presenting a strange mirrored version of every location. This new challenge will test not only players' skills, but their coordination and muscle memory as well.
TheRatchet & Clankseries has beena major part of PlayStation’s history for some time now, andRift Aparttakes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s impressive hardware while at the same time venerating that rich history. This action platformer is rich with collectables and special goals for players to pursue on their journey through the multiverse, and this quest can easily continue after the credits roll.
After players have scoured the game for each and every collectible, unlocked every weapon, and upgraded all of their gear, they can take on Challenge Mode. This New Game Plus offering increases the difficulty of the game, but it also raises the level cap of the game’s weapon arsenal. By maxing out these newly increased weapon levels, players can unlock Omega variants, expanding their arsenal even more.
Sucker Punch’s immersive open world samurai quest features a dynamic world, engaging combat, and plenty of side content to uncover. Even once the credits role and Jin has completed his journey, there are plenty more Mongols to fight and secrets to uncover. Fans can also take part in the Legends multiplayer content, which adds strange supernatural elements to this otherwise historical game.
Fans who have truly masteredeverythingGhost of Tsushimahas to offercan move on to New Game Plus, which, like many other games, increases the challenge for players who have end-game gear and skills. It also unlocks new upgrades for players' weapons, as well as brand new cosmetics for them to collect.
Miles Morales' solo adventure may not be quite as expansive as the two mainline games in theMarvel’s Spider-Manseries, but it still has its fair share of side quests and collectibles for Miles to find as his bond with the city he’s sworn to protect grows stronger. Like in the mainline entries, players can continue to play to their hearts' content after the final mission, fighting crimes and digging up hidden treasures.
One of the game’s most striking side quests only starts after the credits roll. Memory Lane allows Miles to take one last journey through the streets of Harlem,learning about his family historyalong the way. It’s a heartfelt and emotionally charged quest, and well worth sticking around for after the game is done.
The notion of post-game content in a title likeHadesis already a little muddy, as some fans will argue that the game only really starts when the player beats the final boss for the first time. Enough successful runs in the game will, however, earn the player a conclusion to the game’s main conflict, and even an appropriately thematic credits sequence.
Of course, some fans will also claim that the game only really starts after players have reached this official ending. An entire second act to the game’s expansive storyline plays out across numerous runs after the credits roll. Players who want to see absolutely everything this game has to offer will need to complete multiple runs in order to truly reunite the Olympians and get the secret ending.
As a roguelike,Returnalis already an excellent option for post-game play. Even after players have finished the main story, they can still try new runs with new weapon types and upgrades. The game has a rich variety of tools and tricks to unlock, and players will have hours of content on their hands if they want to try them all.
There’s a much more significant reason to keep playing after the credits roll, though. BeatingReturnalunlocks secret story chambers on future runs. This lets players unlock new segments in the game’s sinister house, which allows them to get ultimate closure on the mysterious and ominous story surrounding the events of this mindbending roguelike.
Astro Bothas proven to be an absolute success for PlayStation. Its creative level design and extremely cheery presentation have made it an instant hit. With a roughly ten-hour campaign, though, some fans have been left wanting more after they’ve beaten the main story. Luckily, replaying finished levels can yield considerable rewards in the form of the game’s collectible robots and puzzle pieces. There are also secret challenge levels hidden in the overworld that will test players' platforming skills to the absolute limit.
If players collect absolutely everything the game has to offer, they can unlock the Final Encore level, a stunning and elaborate celebration of the player’s accomplishments. They can also complete a massive statue of Astro Bot that hides one final level;the Great Master Challenge, an intense gauntlet that serves as the final test for aspiringAstro Botchampions.
God of War: Ragnarokbrings Kratos' and Atreus' Norse tale to an intense and emotional end. Players might think that there would be nothing left to say after the credits roll, but they’d be quite wrong. There are numerous side quests and activities to take part in after the final mission, including some extremely challenging bonus fights and a deeply emotional final cutscene that provides closure on one of the saddest character arcs in the game.
The freeValhallaDLC is also an excellent post-game offering forGod of War: Ragnarokfans. This roguelike expansion lets Kratos explore a new infinite realm of challenges, both physical and emotional, and unlock new abilities along the way. It’s an excellent epilogue for a fantastic game, and well worth the challenge.
