There is something weirdly satisfying about playing sports video games that is hard to find in any other genre. Some gamers even go as far as to spend their whole life just playing that one specific sports game and won’t even consider playing anything else. It could be because of the adrenaline rush that they feel while scoring successfully or simply because they like playing as their favorite athletes. No matter what the reason is, it is undeniable that sports games have had a large impact on gamers and are one of the most successful genres in the medium.
In the past few years, sports games have evolved a lot owing to the availability of powerful consoles like the PlayStation 5. Game developers make use of the console’s advanced features and churn out games that offer new ways to enjoy games — for example, on Gran Turismo 7, when you hit the brakes during a race, you can actually feel the resistance and feedback of the braking system through adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller. Or when you use PlayStation’s Pulse 3D headset, you can precisely hear the cars moving around you in the 3D space. Features like these add a whole new dimension to the already existing interactive medium that a video game is.
In this article, we’re going to give our list of the 7 best sports video games that have impressed us with their features and gameplay.
Do I Need PS Plus to Play PS5 Sports Games?
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Best Sports Video Games for PS5
If you haven’t played any sports games before, then there is no reason not to give them a try. Pick a game, or even better, pick all of them. This is a list of our favorites, and we’re sure you’ll find something that you’ll like. Let’s take a look at it.
Best Overall
Gran Turismo 7
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Despite being the 8th game in the franchise, Gran Turismo 7 stands on top of not just racing games but also one of the best sports games on the PS5. GT7 is an immensely satisfying and immersive game that delivers a real-life racing simulation that is hard to beat by any other on the Sony console. The game features over 400 different types of cars from over 60 manufacturers, all of which are meticulously designed and modeled. Over the years, more cars have been added to the game through various updates. Of course, a lot of these cars are locked and will need you to put in hours and grind for them, or just buy some credits through real money — it’s up to you.
There is no one factor that drives (pun intended) the game towards immersion, it’s everything about it. Everything from the audio design, handling of the cars, their responses on different tracks, the visual damage, and the graphics, are extremely impressive. To add more to that, the game has over 39 different racetracks all with thoughtfully built environments that are a marvel to look at. Ever since its first installment, the game has been developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., which is a first-party studio for Sony, making it one of the best arcade sports video games for PS5. And once you combine and play it with a gaming steering wheel, you’ll never want to go back to using a controller.
Best Skateboarding
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2 is the remake of the original Tony Hawk Pro Skater games which was released back in 1999 and 2000. It wasn’t the first skateboarding game but it was definitely one of the games that made the sport popular in video games. Although it’s been four years since this game was released, most gamers still prefer to play this game over others. For anyone who has played the original games, this game invokes a sense of nostalgia, making it an obvious choice to pick.
The game is completely remade from the ground up using the latest technologies available to cater to both old and new audiences. It offers fast-paced gameplay, cool tricks, epic combos, and one hell of a soundtrack playlist. The game also includes a lot of different pro skaters to play including everyone’s favorite Tony Hawk. You can even create your own skater by utilizing the “Custom Skaters” option, which isn’t really that expansive but should get the job done if there is a need for it. There are a total of 19 levels in both the game combined, which ensures versatility and replayability. You can hop on your skateboard and play your heart out alone or you can play with your friends online, making it all the more enjoyable. There is also a leaderboard system, so if you want to be on that board, there’s no better time to show off your combos than now. This is one of the best sports games for PS5.
Best Soccer
EA Sports FC 24
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
The EA Sports FC is one of the most popular sports games in the sports genre. Earlier the franchise was known as FIFA, but after EA ended its partnership with FIFA, they named the series FC. This marked a new era of soccer games all while retaining the core mechanics from its predecessors. The game retains all its modes including Career and Clubs, making long-time fans feel right at home.
The stand-out feature of this game is the implementation of HyperMotionV. It is a new AI technology developed by EA that mimics the movements of real-life players and their signature moves by collecting data from real matches. This offers players to experience unique gameplay with realistic movements and interactions on the field. With all these features, no matter what mode you play, you’re going to enjoy the gameplay thoroughly. For the first time in over 30 years of the franchise, FC 24 has included women in the Ultimate Team, which received mixed responses from the player base. It’s up to you whether you like it or not. Now the part that can’t be ignored is its egregious monetization. The game still includes a wide variety of packs which will require you to spend real-life money, leading to a deep hole in your pocket if you’re not careful. If you can get over that part, the game still feels and plays like FIFA, which makes it the best pick for a soccer video game.
Best Basketball
NBA 2K25
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
While EA Sports FC was one of the popular ones, NBA is the most popular sports video game across all platforms. Every year, 2K releases a new version of the game, and every year, they have an impressive sales record. This year’s NBA 2K25 is no different because they’ve made a lot of improvements to the gameplay and animation, ensuring a smooth and realistic gameplay experience. In the past, NBA games have been criticized for aggressive monetization, lack of polishing, and new features, leaving players disappointed. While the monetization remark may still hold, the gameplay aspect of it is definitely improved.
With NBA 2K25’s newly introduced mechanic called Rythem Shooting, the process of scoring has become more natural and satisfying. This allows the gamers to observe the character’s movement and release the right stick at the right time, enabling them to make a perfect shot. And with a roster of your favorite athlete’s animation, you’ll have plenty of ways to score in style. The game also has vastly improved the graphics and audio design which makes the game more immersive. Additionally, it also has a MyCAREER mode for gamers who enjoy single-player mode and want to build their personal NBA star from scratch. And for those who’re curious, yes, the game has MyTEAM mode where you can collect player cards and also play different multiplayer modes to win rewards. For any NBA fans, this game is a no-brainer!
Best Wrestling
WWE 2K24
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
WWE 2K24 is an excellent addition to the already popular and also one of the longest-running franchises in gaming. Just like a lot of other sports games, WWE receives a yearly release from 2K and still manages to perform exceptionally well. This game is extremely fun and lets gamers live their childhood fantasy of playing as and against well-known WWE stars. There are a lot of well-known faces in the game that you’ll appreciate if you’re a fan of the sport.
WWE 2K24’s graphics and animation are improved significantly when compared to 2K23. The gameplay is smooth and the AI plays so much better, adding a sense of fun, challenge, and realism. With its decent story on the MyRISE career mode, you can build and customize your own player, and take him all the way to the final championship. And when you don’t want to play against the computer, you can always play against other players online. On top of that, there is also a Universe Mode that lets you have your own WWE shows, manage rivalries, championships, and more! This is an excellent mode for gamers who like to manage players and like that type of simulation. WWE 2K24 also has its share of microtransactions and player cards to collect, which is not for everyone.
Best Racing
Riders Republic
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Ubisoft’s Riders Republic is an exhilarating open-world sports game that allows players to take part in multiple extreme sports activities like mountain biking, wingsuit flying, skiing, and so much more. Developed by Ubisoft, the game was released in 2021 but the graphics and gameplay still hold up very well. For a sports game like this, it’s very much underrated and definitely needs some attention to it.
Riders Republic has a very diverse gameplay that allows players to seamlessly switch between different sports. One moment you could be biking down a mountain and other you could be gliding through the sky on your wingsuit. This is a unique blend of multiple sports and playstyles to cater to everyone’s needs. Everything from cold and breezy mountains to the hot and rocky desert, there are a lot of diverse environments to play in. The game can also be considered an MMO since each server can hold more than 50 players, who can play any sport of their choice at any given time. And it wouldn’t be much of a sports game without customization, right? Thankfully, one of the key aspects of Riders Republic is its character customization, allowing players to choose different outfits and customize their gears to suit their personality. This is one of the best sports games for PS4 and PS5!
Best F1
F1 24
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
F1 24 on the PS5 is an intense F1 racing simulation that offers the closest resemblance to the sport. And especially when you use a driving wheel to play it, it elevates the complete experience. The 2024 version of the game saw some major improvements from its predecessor, so if you haven’t tried it, you should definitely do it.
The game has a total of 20 famous F1 racers and 10 teams, giving you enough variety to take part in the races. You can also customize your teams and fine-tune their cars, giving you complete control over how the cars look and how they feel while driving. The physics and the sound design have a major hand in making it immersive. You will hear the authentic sound designs of all the F1 cars that are second to none. It also includes both career modes and multiplayer modes, adding layers of excitement. Whether you’re new or pro at this game, this is something that nobody should miss.
Are All PS5 Sports Games Multiplayer?
Although all of the above games do have multiplayer modes, they are not limited to it. Most of these games offer single-player modes with decent storylines that will help you take your character up the rank, all the way to the championships.
How We Chose the Best Sports Video Games for PS5
These games were chosen by our team of gamers who have played a wide range of sports games over the years. During the test period, the team played and tested a lot of games before finalizing these seven. The games were chosen on factors like gameplay, replayability, customization, performance on the PS5 console, and so much more. They also consulted other industry experts to learn about their experience with these games. So, rest assured that you will enjoy the game no matter which one you choose here.
FAQ
What is the number one sports game on PS5?
Gran Turismo 7 is currently the number one PS5 game in the sports genre.
Can I play FIFA online without PlayStation Plus?
To utilize the online multiplayer feature, it is mandatory that you need to have a PlayStation Plus membership.
Can you play PS4 version of games on PS5?
Yes, PS5 has backward compatibility that lets you play your PS4 games on the PS5.
