5 Essential PlayStation 5 Games Coming Out in 2022

PlayStation users have been treated to quite a hearty basket of exclusives this year, with plenty more announced for the pile next year. And while the vast majority are still wrapping their heads around the new specs embedded within the next-gen hardware, devs are lightyears ahead, already mapping out an entire pipeline of new IP's and sequels.

2022 will see in another huge batch of games for both PS4 and PS5, with a whole lot more ready to be unveiled as the seasons unravel into 2023. As it stands today, however, there are five in specific that have continued to keep us on tenterhooks since being announced. So, keep your eyes peeled and your wallets on standby — because these are absolutely essential purchases for 2022. It's time to get the pre-orders in! Let's go!

5. Stray

After filling the hooves of a goat and rampaging around towns headbutting groins for what felt like a century, it was only natural for us to want something a little more, say — story-driven. Luckily for us, BlueTwelve Studio stepped up to the plate and rose to the occasion, bringing us a sneaky glimpse of Stray in the process. And while we haven't seen a great deal of the feline-based adventure since its conception — we have clocked enough compelling details to keep us on tenterhooks. But what are they? Well, here's what the dev has let slip already.

“Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly,” the official post from BlueTwelve reads. “Roam surroundings high and low, defend against unforeseen threats and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place inhabited by nothing but unassuming droids and dangerous creatures.”

Stray is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC sometime in early 2022. Apparently.

4. Hogwarts Legacy

For years, Harry Potter fans have begged and begged for a homage to the wizarding world through a video game. And seeing as EA pretty much botched every Potter game they ever attempted, it was only fair for Warner Bros. to step up their game and deliver something fans would actually want to see. And that, my friends, is where Hogwarts Legacy waltzed in. Finally.

“Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world,” Avalanche states on their website. “Embark on a journey through familiar and new locations as you explore and discover fantastic beasts, customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents, and become the wizard you want to be.”

Hogwarts Legacy will release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in early 2022.

3. Horizon Forbidden West

For a short while, Horizon Zero Dawn flew under the radar, succumbing to the likes of Resident Evil 7 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, both of which launched at a similar time. After finding its feet and drawing a few eyes, however, developer Guerrilla were finally able to hurl Aloy and her vibrant world into the spotlight, effectively igniting the flame for an ambitious sequel. Fast-forward three years and we're finally able to watch the next big thing come to fruition. Come February 18, Horizon Forbidden West will launch on PS4 and PS5. And yes, we're pretty excited for it.

“Traverse distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and encounter astonishing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon,” Guerrilla Games write. “Uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past…one that will change Aloy forever.”

Horizon Forbidden West releases on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on February 18, 2022.

2. God of War: Ragnarok

Coming to an end next year is Kratos and Atreus's Norse tale in God of War: Ragnarok. After Sony Santa Monica made the announcement and shot down any hopes of the reboot filling out a trilogy, attention for the upcoming instalment quickly tripled in eyes, effectively ramping up the pressures for the developer in the process. But then, given how well received the 2018 chapter was — our expectations definitely aren't dwindling in the pits for Ragnarok.

“The freezing winds of Fimbulwinter have come to Midgard, making survival for Kratos, Atreus, and Mimir in the Norse wilds even more challenging than before,” the PlayStation Blog reads. “Together, Kratos and Atreus will have to make a choice about which path they will take. Whatever they choose will define the fate of all those living in the Nine Realms as Ragnarök approaches.”

God of War Ragnarok launches on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in 2022.

1. Sifu

A game that sprung from the blue during the PlayStation State of Play event was Sifu, a combat-heavy tale with a harsh focus on Kung-Fu and its accompanying lessons. Although only letting a few details slip during the showcase, streamers were quick to flock to developer Sloclap for the full scoop on the next big project. The bottom line is: if you enjoyed Absolver — then you're going to love Sifu. Hopefully!

“The hunt for the assassins of your family will take you through the hidden corners of the city, from gang-ridden suburbs to the cold hallways of corporate towers. You have one day, and countless enemies on your way. Time will be the price to pay.”

Sifu launches on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC on February 22, 2022.

So, what are you looking forward to playing next year? Let us know over on our socials here. You can follow the updates for the above games over on their Twitter handles.

Finished with the PlayStation division? Looking for more content? You could always take a look at one of these lists:

5 Best Triple-A PC Games You Can Play For Free

5 Worst Video Game Endings of All Time