Summer heat is here, and whether you’re chilling in an air-conditioned room or hiding from the sun with your curtains drawn, your PS console deserves some serious love. Forget plane tickets and overpriced resorts — some of the best getaways this season are happening on-screen.
We’ve broken down the best PS and PC games to play this summer into six categories — all killer, no filler. From laid-back open worlds to blockbuster adrenaline bombs, here’s your essential PlayStation playlist. Dive in, because this is your season to game like a legend.
Vacation Mode: Games That Feel Like a Getaway
Number 5: Tchia
A tropical adventure inspired by New Caledonia. You play as a young girl who can soul-jump into animals and objects, letting you explore a lush island however you want. Climb palm trees, play a ukulele, or sail into the horizon — it’s freedom in its purest form.
Perfect for: Beach-day vibes, fans of Wind Waker, and anyone needing a break from grey cityscapes.
Tchia is more than a tropical sandbox — it’s a soulful coming-of-age tale steeped in indigenous culture and magic realism. With hand-drawn visuals, folk instruments, and a native-language cast, the island feels like someone’s cherished memory. The soul-jumping mechanic adds creative freedom — glide as a bird, light fires as a coconut — all encouraging playful curiosity. With no rush or pressure, just discovery and calm, Tchia turns every moment into a peaceful summer escape.
Number 4: Sable
No combat. No grinding. Just you, your hoverbike, and a gorgeous alien desert world. With Moebius-inspired art and chill vibes, Sable is a coming-of-age story soaked in sunlight and mystery.
Perfect for: Solo exploration, photo mode junkies, and those craving peaceful discovery.
In Sable, you play as a young girl on a rite-of-passage journey through a serene alien desert, where there’s no combat — just quiet exploration, ancient ruins, and personal discovery. With its pastel visuals, customizable hoverbike, and gentle storytelling, the game invites you to slow down, meet odd characters, and lose yourself in a meditative world that feels like a graphic novel in motion — perfect for peaceful summer wandering.
Number 3: Lake
You’re a 40-something woman who leaves her tech job to deliver mail in her hometown. That’s it — and it’s amazing. Drive around a cozy lake town, meet quirky locals, and rediscover what matters.
Perfect for: Slow mornings, emotional stories, and stress detox.
In Lake, you step into the quiet life of Meredith Weiss as she returns to her hometown in 1986 to deliver mail — but beneath the simple routine lies a gentle story of self-reflection, past connections, and personal choice. With no pressure or drama, the game lets you shape Meredith’s days, whether through heartfelt conversations or tranquil drives through golden forests, making it a calm, cozy retreat from the intensity of most games.
Number 2: Season: A Letter to the Future
A young traveler bikes through a world on the brink of change, recording memories before they vanish. Stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and a sense of urgency wrapped in peace.
Perfect for: Reflective souls, calm adventurers, and visual poetry lovers.
Season follows Estelle, a thoughtful girl on a bicycle journey to capture memories of a vanishing world — not to change it, but to preserve it. With a camera, recorder, and journal in hand, you document the fading beauty around you, meeting strangers and collecting moments along the way. Its watercolor visuals and gentle pace create a meditative experience, where quiet observation replaces action, making it a deeply emotional and reflective ride through a world on the edge of goodbye.
Number 1: Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Not the most chill pick, but Tsushima’s vibrant forests, golden fields, and cinematic combat make it feel like a samurai vacation. The Iki Island DLC adds new depths without overwhelming.
Perfect for: Feudal vibes, horseback rides, and dramatic sunsets with a katana in hand.
Ghost of Tsushima is as much about stillness as it is about swordplay — an open world where you follow the wind, not a map, and lose yourself in golden fields, swirling sakura, and silent shrines. The Director’s Cut deepens the experience with Iki Island, where Jin confronts his past amid myth and memory. With new abilities, emotional storytelling, and painterly beauty, it’s a meditative blend of action and reflection — a journey that feels both vast and deeply personal.
Sweat Optional: Low-Stress Titles That Still Hit
Number 5: Stardew Valley
Yes, it’s been out forever. But no summer list is complete without this cozy king. Build your farm, fish at the docks, and woo villagers at your own pace. Zero pressure, endless charm.
Perfect for: Controller-in-one-hand, lemonade-in-the-other kind of gaming.
Stardew Valley is more than a farming sim — it’s a digital deep breath. You set the pace, choosing between planting crops, mining caves, or chatting with quirky villagers as the days roll gently by. Its charm lies in the small things: changing seasons, evolving friendships, and the peaceful rhythm of rural life. Whether you’re returning or playing for the first time, it’s a timeless summer retreat — your own cozy world where the biggest decision might just be ducks or goats.
Number 4: Unpacking
It’s a game about unpacking boxes and placing items in new homes. That’s it. And yet, it’s wildly emotional, meditative, and satisfying.
Perfect for: Late nights, ambient playlists, and mindfulness without the yoga mat.
Unpacking transforms moving into a quiet, emotional story told entirely through objects. With no dialogue or scores, you unpack someone’s life across years, discovering their joys, heartbreaks, and growth just by placing familiar items in new spaces. Beloved mugs, photos, and stuffed animals reappear with silent weight, creating a narrative shaped by memory. Gentle lo-fi music and soft sound design turn the experience into a meditative reflection on change, home, and who we become — one box at a time.
Number 3: Journey
One of PlayStation’s most iconic experiences. Short, silent, and breathtaking. Your anonymous co-op partner? Could be anyone — and that’s the magic.
Perfect for: A single-sitting game that will leave you thinking for days.
Journey is less a game and more an emotional pilgrimage. As a silent robed traveler crossing vast deserts toward a glowing mountain, you learn through exploration, movement, and music — without maps, dialogue, or instructions. Occasionally, another real player may join you, anonymous and wordless, forging a fleeting but powerful connection through shared silence and simple gestures. With its stunning visuals, Grammy-nominated score, and minimalist design, Journey delivers a profound experience in under two hours — a short summer escape that can leave a lifelong impression.
Number 2: Spiritfarer
A game about ferrying souls to the afterlife doesn’t sound chill — but it’s full of hugs, cooking, fishing, and heartfelt stories. You’ll cry, but gently.
Perfect for: Quiet emotional evenings and fans of Studio Ghibli vibes.
Spiritfarer casts you as Stella, a gentle guide for souls transitioning to the afterlife — but instead of darkness, you sail a vibrant archipelago on a cozy, customizable boat. You care for whimsical spirits by cooking, gardening, hugging, and listening to their stories, helping them find peace before saying goodbye. With its tender animation, relaxing soundtrack, and quietly profound themes, Spiritfarer turns the act of letting go into something beautiful, offering a summer experience that’s both comforting and deeply emotional.
Number 1: The Sims 4
Build your dream summer mansion, throw pool parties, or cause drama. No wrong way to play. With tons of expansion packs, you’ll never run out of stories.
Perfect for: Full control, chaotic creativity, and endless replayability.
The Sims 4 is a versatile sandbox that lets you create everything from calm family life to wild social chaos, adapting to your mood with smooth console controls and deep customization. The true magic lies in the stories you craft—whether a sunny picnic or a vampire romance during a storm. With expansions like Island Living and Seasons, your summer can be a tropical escape or a sci-fi adventure. Play for minutes or hours—here, the only rules are yours.
High Heat, High Stakes: Blockbusters That Deserve the A/C
Number 5: Resident Evil 4 Remake
It’s hot. You’re sweating. Might as well turn up the tension. RE4’s remake is terrifyingly gorgeous and smoother than ever. Classic horror meets modern polish.
Perfect for: Gamers who like their summer with a side of adrenaline.
Resident Evil 4 Remake reimagines the classic survival horror with stunning detail, enhanced controls, and smoother gunplay while preserving the original’s tense atmosphere of limited ammo and relentless enemies. From sneaking past hostile villagers to intense boss fights, the game delivers a perfect blend of chilling suspense and fast-paced action, making it an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat summer experience—just don’t forget to keep the lights on.
Number 4: Final Fantasy XVI
Epic fights, gods at war, and a protagonist with a tragic past. It’s Game of Thrones meets JRPG, with stunning cutscenes and a dark fantasy world that won’t let you go.
Perfect for: Those who want 60+ hours of deep lore and fire-spitting drama.
Final Fantasy XVI returns to the series’ darker roots with a mature, story-driven adventure centered on Clive Rosfield’s quest for vengeance amid war-torn kingdoms and legendary Eikons. Blending classic JRPG storytelling with modern, skill-based combat, it offers fluid, intense battles that challenge players strategically. The richly detailed world of Valisthea, filled with ancient lore, conspiracies, and epic battles, is brought to life through cinematic presentation and a haunting orchestral score, making it a gripping summer experience you won’t forget.
Number 3: Spider-Man 2
Swing through New York in the blazing sun. Fast, fluid, and cinematic — with double the heroes and a lot more Venom. One of PS5’s best.
Perfect for: Superhero fans, city slickers, and those who crave motion.
Building on everything fans loved, Spider-Man 2 lets you play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, each with unique abilities that keep gameplay fresh. The open-world New York feels more alive than ever, with bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and dynamic weather adding to the immersion.
Combat is fast and satisfying, combining acrobatics, web-slinging, and powerful gadgets in smooth, cinematic action. With Venom as a major antagonist, the game amps up the chaos and stakes. Whether swinging through skyscrapers, battling bosses, or exploring hidden spots, Spider-Man 2 delivers an irresistible summer adrenaline rush.
Number 2: The Last of Us Part I
Yes, you’ve probably played it — but the remake hits harder. If you want emotional weight, tactical gameplay, and the ultimate survival story, there’s nothing better.
Perfect for: Quiet nights, headphones on, world off.
Naughty Dog’s remake of The Last of Us Part I revitalizes the post-apocalyptic story with stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and smarter AI, putting you back in the shoes of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a dangerous world full of infected and hostile survivors. Every decision and bullet matters in this emotionally raw tale of love, loss, and survival, delivering a cinematic and intense experience perfect for immersive summer nights.
Number 1: God of War: Ragnarök
Winter vibes in the summer? Trust us — it works. Kratos and Atreus’ final journey is raw, emotional, and filled with breathtaking fights.
Perfect for: Epic storytelling, mythological beasts, and father-son feels.
God of War: Ragnarök delivers a powerful conclusion to the Norse saga, blending intense combat and deep narrative moments that explore the bond between Kratos and Atreus as they face gods, monsters, and world-ending prophecies. The polished combat mixes brutal strikes, magic, and parrying, while the vibrant, dangerous world—from icy fjords to fiery realms—is full of secrets and challenges, making Ragnarök an epic, emotional summer adventure that lingers long after the final battle.
Old but Gold: PS Classics That Deserve a Summer Replay
Number 5: Shadow of the Colossus
A hauntingly beautiful experience that’s just as powerful now. Take down giant colossi in a barren, mythic world.
Perfect for: Nostalgia hits and quiet grandeur.
The Shadow of the Colossus remake is more than a visual upgrade — it’s a deeply immersive reimagining of a PlayStation classic, stripping away dialogue and HUD to focus on you, your horse Agro, and epic battles against towering colossi that feel like ancient gods. The game blends silence, stunning landscapes, and moral complexity, questioning whether you’re hero or invader, while cinematic music and breathtaking design create a profound, lonely summer escape that stays with you well beyond the final credits.
Number 4: Bloodborne
Dark, punishing, and still unmatched in atmosphere. If you’ve never finished it, summer is the time to finally conquer Yharnam.
Perfect for: Long nights, cold drinks, and stylish horror.
Bloodborne is a thrilling nightmare set in the plague-ridden city of Yharnam, where fast-paced, aggressive combat demands precision and nerve amid gothic architecture, foggy streets, and grotesque enemies. Its genius lies in transforming classic horror into cosmic mystery, weaving a cryptic narrative as rich as its eerie world — making summer the perfect time to dive into this beautifully terrifying journey of fear, beauty, and mastery.
Number 3: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Action, treasure, banter — and one of the most visually stunning games ever made. Feels like a summer blockbuster in playable form.
Perfect for: Indiana Jones fans, thrill-seekers, and lovers of tropical set pieces.
Uncharted 4 is peak PlayStation storytelling, blending cinematic adventure with emotional depth as you step into Nathan Drake’s shoes for one last globe-trotting treasure hunt across stunning landscapes, from Scottish highlands to Madagascar’s pirate ruins. Packed with thrilling gunfights, intense chases, and clever puzzles, the game also explores themes of legacy, sacrifice, and brotherhood, making it the perfect summer escape for those craving heart-pounding action and heartfelt moments all from the comfort of their couch.
Number 2: Persona 5 Royal
School’s out, time to steal hearts. With style, depth, and a soundtrack that never quits, this JRPG masterpiece is worth the time investment.
Perfect for: Sinking 100 hours in style.
Persona 5 Royal isn’t just a game—it’s a full summer experience. You play as a high school student by day and a Phantom Thief by night, exploring surreal mind palaces to reform corrupt hearts. Beyond turn-based combat, the game shines in its social simulation—hanging out with friends, working jobs, and leveling up stats—all choices shaping your journey.
This enhanced edition adds new characters, deeper stories, and a powerful epilogue, while its jazzy soundtrack keeps the vibe alive. For anyone ready to dive deep and lose themselves for weeks, Persona 5 Royal offers stylish, soulful gameplay that never quits.
Number 1: Red Dead Redemption 2
Technically not a PS exclusive, but worth it. If summer gives you time, there’s no better journey than Arthur Morgan’s. The pace is slow, but the payoff? Immense.
Perfect for: Long weekends and cinematic immersion.
Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a game — it’s an immersive journey as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw caught between loyalty and redemption in the fading Wild West. From vast snowy mountains to lively bayous, the world feels alive and detailed, letting you hunt, fish, rob trains, or ride peacefully across stunning landscapes.
The game’s deliberate slow pace invites you to savor quiet moments like brewing coffee or tending your horse, but when the story’s drama hits, it hits deeply with masterful writing and unforgettable characters, making RDR2 a mature, emotional experience perfect for a full summer dive.
Couch Mode: Best Local Co-op for Summer Hangouts
Number 5: Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Absolute chaos in the kitchen — in the best way. Screaming at your friends has never been so fun.
Perfect for: Group nights, party vibes, and cooking disasters.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat serves up chaotic multiplayer fun by combining the first two games, remastering them in 4K, and including all DLC. The gameplay is frantic and hilarious—cooking, plating, and serving orders under pressure while navigating kitchens on moving trucks, in fires, or drifting down rivers.
It challenges your reflexes and teamwork, turning every session into a riotous test of coordination and patience. Whether couch co-op or online, it’s the perfect recipe for summer laughs and bonding, even if you burn a few virtual pizzas along the way.
Number 4: It Takes Two
The GOAT of modern co-op. Emotional, funny, inventive. Built from the ground up for two players.
Perfect for: Couples, besties, or anyone willing to communicate (or argue).
It Takes Two isn’t just a co-op game—it is the co-op game, blending inventive gameplay with a heartfelt story about two tiny dolls, representing divorcing parents, navigating a magical, oversized world filled with wild challenges.
Each level reinvents mechanics, from battling angry toolboxes to riding frogs, keeping the experience fresh and endlessly creative. What sets it apart is how the emotional journey is woven tightly with cooperative play—puzzles, timed jumps, and chaotic set pieces demand teamwork, making communication essential and fun.
Number 3: Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Wholesome platforming with tons of charm. Like LittleBigPlanet, but tighter and cleaner.
Perfect for: Younger players or nostalgic adults.
If sunshine had a gaming form, it would be Sackboy: A Big Adventure — a vibrant, tightly crafted 3D platformer full of creativity, catchy music (including a Bruno Mars level), and clever co-op mechanics that bring pure joy from start to finish.
Perfect for families or anyone seeking a fun, lighthearted challenge, Sackboy is basically a warm summer hug in game form.
Number 2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Side-scrolling, pizza-fueled beat-em-up fun. Retro in the right way.
Perfect for: 90s kids and arcade junkies.
Shredder’s Revenge perfectly captures the golden era of arcade brawlers, letting you control the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and friends as you brawl through pixel-perfect New York City with fast, flashy combat and unique moves for each character.
Featuring vibrant levels, slick animations, and a killer chiptune soundtrack, it’s a fresh yet nostalgic blast. Its real summer magic shines in co-op—whether couch or online—offering joyful, chaotic sessions filled with quick action, high replay value, and classic pizza-powered healing that keeps the fun rolling. Cowabunga!
Number 1: Diablo IV
Yes, it’s intense. But playing co-op on the couch while grinding dungeons in a heatwave? Perfection.
Perfect for: Loot lovers, co-op chaos, and staying inside.
Diablo IV returns to its dark, gothic roots with a vast open world full of desolate wastelands, cursed forests, and blood-soaked cathedrals to explore solo or with friends. Whether riding horseback across zones or diving into procedurally generated dungeons, the game constantly challenges your skills and builds with intense action and sinister encounters.
Perfect for summer, it offers flexible pacing—you can jump in for quick stronghold clears or lose yourself optimizing your character over a whole weekend. With endless replayability and a thrilling, immersive atmosphere, Diablo IV turns hot days into epic, adrenaline-fueled adventures.
That’s your ultimate PS summer playlist — six categories, five picks each, and endless hours of gameplay. Whether you’re seeking calm lakeside vibes or controller-melting boss fights, this summer is all yours. Stay cool, stay safe, and game on. Hit that power button — paradise is just one click away.
