If you’ve just finished a new release and want another sci-fi shooter on PS5, choose by the kind of play you want next: Returnal for demanding solo runs, Helldivers 2 for squad missions, or Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 for a mix of campaign co-op, replayable PvE, and PvP. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is the first-person campaign candidate, but check its current PlayStation Store availability in your region before planning to play it.
Which PS5 sci-fi shooter fits your next session?
| Game | Best fit | Perspective and format | Players and online notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returnal | Solo-first, high-intensity action | Third-person; roguelike runs and alien-world exploration | Online co-op supports up to two players; PlayStation Plus is required for online play, according to PlayStation’s product page. |
| Helldivers 2 | Coordinated squad missions | Third-person; cooperative team shooter | Team up with up to three friends; available on PS5 and PC, and launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025, according to PlayStation. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 | Several ways to play with a group | Campaign, replayable PvE missions, and competitive PvP | Campaign and PvE support up to three players; PvP is 6v6, according to PlayStation. |
| Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 | First-person, branching solo campaign | Fast-paced first-person shooting | Two playable characters are described on the PlayStation Store listing; current release status and regional availability are not established here. |
Returnal: choose it for solo runs and bullet-hell combat
Returnal is the clearest pick if you want a challenging solo follow-up rather than a conventional campaign. PlayStation describes it as a third-person roguelike shooter on a transforming alien planet. Its run-based structure, bullet-hell combat, and mystery-led story make each attempt part of a larger exploration.
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Online play is optional. If you want company, the official product page lists co-op for up to two players and says PlayStation Plus is required for online play. The same page highlights DualSense features: adaptive triggers support alternate firing modes, while haptic feedback adds tactile cues. These features enhance play but do not require a second controller.
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Helldivers 2: choose it for coordinated squad shooting
Helldivers 2 is built around cooperative third-person missions, making it the strongest fit here if your next game is mainly about playing with friends. PlayStation describes loadout customization and stratagems—support options called into a mission—as central parts of the team shooter. You can team up with up to three friends.
It is not the pick on this list for a solo-led campaign. PlayStation lists it for PS5 and PC; its official page also notes that it launched on Xbox Series X|S on August 26, 2025. If you’re choosing a game specifically to play on PS5, the PC and Xbox availability does not change its cooperative format.
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Space Marine 2: choose it for campaign, PvE, and PvP variety
Space Marine 2 offers the broadest mix of group formats in this shortlist. Its campaign can be played solo or with up to two friends, and its separate replayable PvE missions support up to three players. For competitive matches, PlayStation lists 6v6 PvP.
That combination makes it a practical option if your group wants to move between story missions, repeatable co-op action, and player-versus-player matches. The official mode descriptions establish those formats; they do not establish that one mode is better than another. Digital editions, add-ons, subscription-catalog inclusion, and prices can change, so check the current PlayStation Store listing for your region before buying.
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Boltgun 2: check availability before choosing this first-person option
If first-person shooting is the deciding factor, Boltgun 2 is the candidate to investigate. The PlayStation Store describes it as a fast-paced first-person shooter with a branching single-player campaign, two playable characters, and weapon-driven combat.
The available listing information does not establish its release timing or whether it can currently be purchased in your region. Confirm that the game is available in your local PlayStation Store before treating it as an immediate follow-up.
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How to decide
- Want a solo challenge? Choose Returnal for third-person bullet-hell combat, roguelike resets, alien exploration, and a mystery-led narrative.
- Want to play with friends? Choose Helldivers 2 for coordinated squad missions, or Space Marine 2 if you also want a campaign, replayable PvE, and 6v6 PvP.
- Prefer first-person shooting? Check whether Boltgun 2 is available in your region; its listing describes a branching solo campaign.
- Need online co-op? Returnal’s official page says PlayStation Plus is required for online play. Check each game’s current store listing for applicable online requirements and regional terms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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