Discover the Best PS5 Exclusive Indie Games: A Curated Selection for Discerning Gamers

The indie game scene has seen an incredible rise in recent years, but indie games shine brightest on the PC platform. As the word exclusive usually means first-party games for consoles, there aren’t lots of exclusive PS5 indie games, that’s why you will see some titles that are just console exclusive!

These smaller, more experimental games often focus on innovative gameplay, unique art styles, and compelling storytelling—attributes that make them stand out in a crowded gaming market. Thanks to the PS5’s powerful hardware, indie developers now have access to unprecedented capabilities, such as the fast SSD, advanced graphics, and immersive feedback from the DualSense controller. This has enabled the development of some truly remarkable games that take full advantage of the console’s potential. In this article, we will take a look at 12 of the best PS5 exclusive indie games. These titles stand out for their gameplay innovation, artistic design, and narrative depth. They are games that truly utilize the PS5’s hardware and showcase how indie games are not just thriving on the platform but also pushing boundaries in gaming.

Best PS5 Exclusive Indie Games

 1. Returnal

• Explore a mysterious alien planet while battling deadly creatures in this fast-paced, third-person shooter.
• Unravel the secrets of your character’s time loop as you fight to survive and escape.
• Face ever-changing environments and fierce enemies with fluid, intense combat mechanics.

At the top of our list is Returnal, a rogue-like third-person shooter developed by Housemarque. This game is a visual masterpiece, leveraging the PS5’s hardware to create an atmospheric world filled with eerie alien landscapes and explosive action. The game uses the power of the DualSense controller to deliver haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making every shot and action feel incredibly immersive. The story, following Selene as she relives the same alien planet day after day, is equally gripping. The narrative is told through environmental storytelling, audio logs, and cutscenes, weaving a compelling tale of survival and mystery. Returnal is a perfect example of how indie developers can push the boundaries of gaming while staying true to their roots.

 2. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

• Guide Kena, a spirit guide, through a vibrant world to restore balance and help lost souls find peace.
• Explore lush landscapes filled with stunning visuals, puzzles, and emotional storytelling.
• Engage in fast-paced combat and platforming, while befriending adorable spirit companions called Rot.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an indie title that combines action-adventure with emotional storytelling in the number of the best PS5 exclusive indie games. Developed by Ember Lab, the game centers on Kena, a young spirit guide tasked with helping lost souls move on to the afterlife. The game’s art style is gorgeous, drawing inspiration from Pixar and Studio Ghibli films, and is brought to life by the PS5’s advanced graphical capabilities. The world is vibrant and filled with lush forests, mystical creatures, and challenging enemies. Utilizing the PS5’s SSD, Kena boasts quick load times, which are essential for smooth and seamless transitions between exploration, puzzles, and combat. The DualSense controller enhances the emotional experience, with subtle vibrations and responsive triggers that mimic the feel of using Kena’s magical powers. Kena is a heartfelt journey that showcases the emotional depth indie games can deliver.

 3. Astro’s Playroom

• Embark on a delightful adventure through colorful worlds that celebrate the history of PlayStation.
• Use the unique features of the PS5’s DualSense controller for an immersive and interactive experience.
• Explore creative levels filled with hidden secrets, puzzles, and fun references to gaming culture.

Astro’s Playroom is a happy-go-lucky 3D platformer and a love letter to the PS5’s hardware at the same time out of the best PS5 exclusive indie games. This game was developed by Team Asobi and comes bundled with every PS5 console as a bonus. The game is brilliant to play and gives you a sample of the enchanting world of Astro Bot as you navigate through the internals of PlayStation. Two features of the DualSense controller stand out here – adaptive triggers and haptic feedback; they give a real sense of jumping, swimming, and manipulating objects. Astro’s Playroom is yet another delightful title for every player and an excellent example of platforming filled with opportunities to explore the peculiarities of the PlayStation 5 console.

 4. Nex Machina

• Battle hordes of enemies in an action-packed, top-down twin-stick shooter.
• Master fluid movement and precise shooting to survive waves of relentless robotic foes.
• Enjoy vibrant, futuristic environments and explosive, neon-lit action in a visually stunning world.

Nex Machina is another offering from Housemarque within the best PS5 exclusive indie games, and it shares some similarities with indie games with the twist of being a twin-stick shooter. This title ramps up the speed and boasts stunning visuals, making it an excellent fit for the PS5’s capabilities. It’s all about arcade-style boss battles where the combination of challenge and artistic flair truly defines Nex Machina. Set in a futuristic world that subtly nods to cyberpunk, the game is awash in neon lights and features cybernetic foes, delivering an action-packed experience that’s full of movement and excitement. The DualSense controller enhances combat, giving players a tangible feel for the action through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

 5. Oddworld: Soulstorm

• Guide Abe through dangerous environments to save his fellow Mudokons from oppressive forces.
• Use stealth, strategy, and platforming skills to navigate complex levels and outsmart enemies.
• Experience a unique blend of social commentary, quirky characters, and action in a visually striking world.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is a remake of the classic Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus, brought into the modern era with stunning visuals and updated gameplay mechanics. This side-scrolling platformer features Abe, a lovable yet unlikely hero, as he tries to save his people from the clutches of a cruel corporation. The PS5’s SSD ensures quick load times, while the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback of the DualSense controller enhance the game’s immersive experience. The game is challenging, with a focus on stealth, puzzles, and platforming. Soulstorm also features an engaging narrative with themes of revolution and freedom.