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5 Best Early Access Games on PlayStation 5 (2023)

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Early Access

It's not often that we get the chance to play the most anticipated new titles before they actually release. However, some games do offer that chance, which is why they are labeled “Early Access.” For those of us who can't wait any longer, games with Early Access provide us the opportunity to try them out just a few days before their official release, or if we're lucky, even months before. Either way, the sooner we can get our hands on the latest video game blockbusters, the better. So if you can't wait any longer to play the latest releases, read on because we have the five best Early Access games for PlayStation 5 for you, right below.

5. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 - Release Date Reveal Trailer

Baldur's Gate 3, is the series' peak Dungeons and Dragons-themed RPG. Gather your battle party, and together embark on a tale of fellowship, betrayal, survival, and sacrifice. Despite the full game's official release being August 31, 2023, if purchased in advance, you can get your hands on Act 1 to tide you over in the meantime. This includes approximately 35 hours of gaming time, which may be played in multiplayer mode with up to four players.

What's more, Baldur's Gate 3 will remain in Early Access until its official release. Don't worry about exhausting the fun either. Because the game is getting Act 2 and 3 with its full release, which is bringing a ton of more adventures to embark on. Not to mention that the more feedback creators receive during Early Access, the better the game will be when it is fully released. So, if you're intrigued by the fantastical world of Dungeons and Dragons, there's no reason not to pick up Baldur's Gate 3 in Early Access while you can.

4. LEGO 2K Drive

LEGO 2K Drive - Official Reveal Trailer

LEGO 2K Drive, one of the most anticipated racing games of the year, is offering up Early Access. That is, if gamers pre-order the “Awesome Edition” on PS5, they will receive the game three days before its official release date of May 19, 2023. However, Early Access typically comes at a cost. For LEGO 2K Drive's Early Access, that's a triple-digit price tag. The good news is you don't just receive Early Access with that copy. It also comes with the Year 1 Drive Pass, Aquatic Dirt Racer, 550 Coins, and more.

With such a versatile racing game, one that's sure to be a standout title in the genre, we feel the payoff is worth it. Plus, you get Early Access to that 1,000-piece chest to build any car, boat, or vehicle you can think of. That way, by the time everyone else jumps in on the action, you'll already have the coolest or weirdest-looking car on the block. Which you can then flex with on the streets of LEGO 2K Drives open world.

3. Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 - Open Beta Announce Trailer

Capcom's Street Fighter series, one of the most well-known fighting game franchises of all time, will release its sixth installment on June 2, 2023. Fans of the beloved series can hardly wait to get their hands on the jaw-breaking action. Thankfully, they don't have to wait until the game's full release either. Street Fighter 6 is offering up Early Access with a fully open beta test starting May 19th to May 21, 2023. That gives players 72 hours of Early Access content.

In all honesty, this is the third open beta test for Street Fighter 6 since the game was revealed. However, it's the last chance to try it out in Early Access for free, before having to purchase. So, if you're not fully convinced just yet, get in on the open beta to see if Street Fighter 6's knuckle-breaking action is worth it.

2. Wayfinder

Wayfinder - Official Extended Gameplay Trailer

Wayfinder, a new free-to-play, character-based, MMORPG was set to open up Early Access in May. However, Early Access has recently been pushed back to the summer of 2023.

According to WayFinder developers, the reasoning for this is that they “have been working hard preparing for the next Closed Beta and Early Access. Originally, we had announced that the Global Closed Beta would be this month and Early Access would be coming in May. With all the excellent feedback we have received from you, the community, we decided we need more time to polish the game and add new community requested features to give you the best experience possible for our biggest Beta yet.”

So, while MMO and RPG fans will have to hold on a little longer, the wait will pay off with a much more refined Early Access beta. So keep tuned to the Wayfinder website for further information on the game's new official Early Access launch date this summer.

1. Diablo 4

Diablo 4 - Official Beta Accolades Trailer

Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment's isometric action role-playing series, has been stirring the cauldron for quite some time with Diablo 4. The game has already had a handful of Early Access opportunities, all of which were met with praise from the community. And yet, Blizzard is offering players one last chance to get in on Early Access before Diablo 4's official release on June 6, 2023.

Player's who pre-order the Deluxe or Ultimate Editions of Diablo 4 will be granted Early Access on June 1. That's a whole five days before the game's official release. We know what you're thinking: that's plenty of time to grind and level a character before everyone else. However, it's good to note you can only play the Rogue, Sorcerer, Necromancer, Druid, and Barbarian classes in this Early Access. You do, however, have complete control over the map, plot, and character leveling. Nonetheless, in the case of such a long-awaited title, this Early Access is well worth it.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other Early Access games on PlayStation5 we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Riley Fonger is a freelance writer, music lover, and gamer since adolescence. He loves anything video game-related and grew up with a passion for story games such as Bioshock and The Last of Us.