The fastest way to check if a game runs on PS5

The quickest method is to search the PlayStation Store directly on your PS5 console or through the web version at store.playstation.com. Type the game title into the search bar, and the store will show you whether it is available for PS5, what it costs, and whether you own it already. If the game appears with a PS5 icon, it runs on that console.

You can also search on third-party sites like MetaCritic, IGDb, or the game publisher's official website — these list which platforms each game supports. Look for the PS5 logo or the text "PlayStation 5" in the platform section. This method works even if you do not own a PS5 yet and want to research before buying.

If you already own the game on PS4, check your library on the PS5 itself. Go to your profile, select "Your Collection," and look for the title. Many PS4 games have a free upgrade path to PS5, though not all do. The console will tell you whether an upgrade is available.

Key Takeaways

  • Search the PlayStation Store on your PS5 or at store.playstation.com to see when ready whether a game is available and what version you need.
  • The PS5 plays most PS4 games, but some do not work — the console shows you which ones in your library and which upgrades are free.
  • Third-party gaming sites like MetaCritic and IGDb list platform support for any game without requiring a console or account.
  • Some games have separate PS4 and PS5 versions with different prices, so check which one you are buying before you purchase.

PS4 games that work on PS5

The PS5 is backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games. Sony maintains a list of PS4 titles that do not work on PS5, and it is relatively short — fewer than 1 percent of PS4 games have problems. You can find this list on the official PlayStation website under "PS4 Games Playable on PS5."

If you own a PS4 game physically, you need a PS5 with a disc drive to play it. The all-digital PS5 model cannot read discs. If you own the game digitally through your PlayStation Network account, you can read and play it on any PS5 linked to that account, whether it has a disc drive or not.

Many PS4 games have received free upgrades to PS5 versions with better graphics, faster load times, or higher frame rates. Check your library on the PS5 to see whether an upgrade is available for games you own. Some publishers charge for upgrades, but most major releases offer them free to PS4 owners.

Games exclusive to PS5

Some games are built only for PS5 and do not have PS4 versions. These include titles like Astro's Playroom, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure. The PlayStation Store clearly labels these as PS5 exclusives, and they will not appear in your PS4 library even if you own them.

Exclusive games often showcase features unique to the PS5 hardware, such as the DualSense controller's haptic feedback or the SSD's fast loading. If you are deciding whether to buy a PS5, checking whether your most-wanted games are exclusive to that console can help you decide.

How to tell the difference between PS4 and PS5 versions

When you search the PlayStation Store, you may see the same game listed twice — once for PS4 and once for PS5. The store clearly labels which version you are looking at. The PS5 version is usually more expensive or the same price, while the PS4 version costs less or is sometimes free if the publisher is promoting it.

If you buy a PS4 version of a game, you cannot automatically play the PS5 version unless the publisher offers a free upgrade. Check the game's store page under "Editions" or "Upgrades" to see whether you can upgrade for free. Some games bundle both versions together at one price.

Read the game description carefully before you buy. It will state which console the version is for and whether upgrades are included. If you are unsure, contact PlayStation Support through the store or your account settings.

Regional and account restrictions

Games sold in one region may not work on a PS5 set to a different region. Physical discs are region-free on PS5, but digital games are tied to the PlayStation Network account that purchased them. If you buy a game through a US account, you can play it on any PS5 linked to that account, regardless of the console's region setting.

If you share your PS5 with other users, each person can play games purchased by any account on that console, as long as the console is set as the primary PS5 for at least one of those accounts. Check your account settings under "Users and Accounts" to see which console is your primary.

Games that may not run on PS5

Sony publishes an official list of PS4 games that have problems on PS5. Most of these games have minor issues like frame rate drops or audio glitches, not complete incompatibility. A small number do not work at all. Before you buy a PS4 game to play on PS5, search the title on the official PlayStation website to confirm it is not on the problem list.

If you own a game that does not work on PS5, you can still play it on a PS4 console. You can also contact the game's publisher to ask whether they plan to fix the issue or release a PS5 version.

Free-to-play games and PS Plus

Free-to-play games like Fortnite, Warzone, and Apex Legends are available on PS5 and do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. Search for them in the PlayStation Store and read them directly to your console.

Games included with PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium tiers are available through the PS Plus Game Catalog. Search the catalog in the PlayStation Store to see whether a specific game is included with your subscription tier. The catalog changes monthly, so a game you saw last month may no longer be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play my PS4 games on PS5?

Most PS4 games work on PS5, but not all. Search the game title in your PS5 library or check Sony's official list of incompatible games. If the game appears in your library with a PS5 icon, you can play it. Physical PS4 discs require a PS5 with a disc drive.

Do I have to buy the PS5 version if I own the PS4 version?

Not always. Many publishers offer free upgrades from PS4 to PS5 versions. Check your library on the PS5 — if an upgrade is available, you will see an option to read it at no cost. Some games require you to buy the PS5 version separately.

Where can I see all PS5 games?

The PlayStation Store shows all PS5 games available for purchase or read. You can also browse by genre, price, or release date. Third-party sites like MetaCritic and Steam (for comparison) list PS5 games with reviews and platform information.

What if a game I want is not on PS5?

Check whether it is available on PS4 and playable on your PS5 through backward compatibility. If not, you may need to play it on another console or wait to see whether the publisher releases a PS5 version. Some games remain exclusive to other platforms.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to play PS5 games?

You need PlayStation Plus to play most games online multiplayer, but not to play single-player games. Free-to-play games do not require a subscription for online play. Check the game's store page to see what subscription tier, if any, is needed.