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Before buying a PS4 game for a PS5, verify the exact game’s compatibility, make sure its format works with your console, and check any upgrade and save-transfer terms that matter to you. Most PS4 games work on PS5, but exceptions and title-specific limits make checking the individual game essential.
1. Confirm the exact game is compatible
Sony says the overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 PS4 games are playable on PS5, but not every title is. Search the current PS4-only games list and check the game’s PlayStation Store listing. Sony labels incompatible games “Playable on: PS4 only.” The list can change, so check close to purchase rather than relying on a general claim about PS4 backward compatibility.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Ghost of Tsushima - PlayStation 4 | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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God of War Hits - PlayStation 4 | $18.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics - PlayStation PS4 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Bioshock: The Collection Playstation 4 | $20.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - PlayStation 4 | $32.31 | Buy on Amazon |
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Compatibility also does not guarantee that every PS4 feature will work as before: Sony warns that some games may have unavailable features or errors and unexpected behavior on PS5. Keep the PS5 system software updated, and try the game before buying add-ons if you want to confirm the experience first.
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| Copy you are considering | What to check |
|---|---|
| PS4 disc | Your PS5 must have a disc drive. Insert the disc each time you play; a game update may also be needed. PS4 discs cannot be used with PS5 Digital Edition. |
| Digital PS4 game | For a compatible title, access the purchase from the PlayStation account’s game library. Check that you are using the account that owns it. |
Sony’s backward-compatibility guidance and PS5 ecosystem information explain these format differences. If choosing between disc and digital, verify the exact title and the terms for the copy you plan to buy; store availability and commercial terms can vary by game and region.
#1 Best Overall
- Available Now - Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, a new cooperative multiplayer experience inspired by Japanese folk tales and mythology.
- Beyond war, ancient beauty endures: Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure.
- The rise of the Ghost: Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima.
3. Separate PS5 playability from a PS5 upgrade
A compatible PS4 edition can play on PS5 without upgrading. An upgrade is a separate offer to obtain the PS5 edition, and its price or availability depends on the game and copy. Some offers are free, some cost extra, and some may be time-limited. Check the game’s listing and Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 upgrade instructions before paying.
- Disc-based upgrade: You need a PS5 with a disc drive, and the PS4 disc must remain inserted to play the upgraded digital PS5 game.
- PlayStation Plus game: A PS Plus game is not eligible for an upgrade unless its listing says otherwise.
- Digital purchase: Confirm that the upgrade offer applies to the particular digital edition and account you intend to use.
Do not assume that a PS5 upgrade is included just because the PS4 game runs on a PS5.
Rank #2
- Physical combat over the shoulder free camera brings the action closer than ever combat in God of war is up close frenetic and unflinching. Kratos' Axes powerful, magic and multi faceted is a brutal weapon as well as a versatile tool for exploration
- Midgard and beyond: Set within the untamed forests, mountains, and realms of Norse lore, God of war features a distinctly new setting with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods
- Vicious, physical combat with an over the shoulder free camera that brings the player closer to the action than ever before
4. Check whether your save can move to the edition you want
Sony supports moving saves to PS5 through console transfer and other methods; an active PS Plus membership also provides cloud storage for saves. Its transfer instructions cover console transfer and USB routes as well as downloads.
Moving a save onto the PS5 does not by itself mean it will transfer from the PS4 edition into that game’s separate PS5 edition. If continuing an existing campaign matters, check the game’s own instructions for importing or transferring saves before choosing which edition to buy or play.
Rank #3
- Experience your Favorite MARVEL vs. CAPCOM classics All in One – Enjoy 7 of your favorite classic titles that helped shaped the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM universe both single player and online.
- To enhance your playability experience, we incorporated the favorite added features from Capcom Fighting Collection including gallery mode, quick save, training mode for all fighting titles, and the high score challenge.
- This collection also includes rollback net code for a smooth and enjoyable experience online. Play casually or competitively through casual, ranked, or custom matches using rules of your choosing!
5. Check controller and VR requirements
Supported PS4 games on PS5 can work with DualSense, DUALSHOCK 4, and licensed third-party gamepads, but Sony cautions that not every controller works with every game. Check the specific title if you need a particular controller or accessory.
For PS VR games on PS5, Sony requires a PS VR headset, a PS4 Camera, and a Camera adaptor. It recommends DUALSHOCK 4 for the best PS VR experience; selected games may require PlayStation Move controllers or support the Aim controller. Confirm the game’s requirements and your accessories before buying.
Rank #4
- Remastered in 1080p
- Bio Shock main game and all single player DLC
- Bio Shock 2 main game and all single player DLC
- Bio Shock Infinite main game and all single player DLC
- Director's Commentary: Imagining Bio Shock, featuring Ken Levine and Shawn Robertson
6. Treat performance improvements as title-specific
Game Boost can give selected PS4 games higher or smoother frame rates on PS5, but Sony does not promise a boost for any individual title. Check the game’s own details rather than assuming a particular performance improvement. Sony’s compatibility guidance also recommends trying a PS4 game before purchasing add-ons for it on PS5.
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Best Value
- Miles morales discovers explosive powers that set him apart from his mentor, peter parker. Master his unique, bio-electric venom Blast attacks and covert camouflage power alongside spectacular web-slinging acrobatics, gadgets and skills.
- a war for control of Marvel's new York has broken out between a devious Energy Corporation and a high-tech criminal army. With his new home at the heart of the battle, miles must learn the cost of becoming a hero.
- Traverse the snowy streets of his new, vibrant and bustling Neighborhood as miles searches for a sense of belonging. When the lines blur between his personal and crime-fighting lives, he discovers who he can trust, and what it feels like to truly be home.
Quick pre-purchase checklist
- Search Sony’s current PS4-only list and the game’s Store page for the exact title.
- For a disc, confirm that your PS5 has a disc drive; for a digital copy, confirm access through the account that owns it.
- If you want the PS5 edition, verify the upgrade’s eligibility, price, and any time limit for your specific copy.
- If you need an existing save, check both the PS5 transfer method and the game’s PS4-to-PS5 save-import rules.
- Confirm any special controller, PS VR, Camera, or adaptor requirements.
- Do not count on a Game Boost improvement unless the title’s information confirms one.
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.
