If you've got a PlayStation 4 this late in the generation, you've probably played most of the big name games like Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Horizon: Zero Dawn, God of War, or Marvel's Spider-Man.
Even if you only recently picked up a new PS4, you're probably aware of most of those games. But there are plenty of lesser-known PS4 hidden gems waiting for you, which is why we put this list together.
Some of these games are PS4 exclusives, but even the ones that aren't are still worthy of your valuable play time. Check out these incredible PS4 hidden gems you don't want to miss!
14. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is the kind of game that makes others feel shallow by comparison. The deeply visceral feeling that comes from this small PS4 title makes for an unforgettable experience.
In essence, you explore a large house while 17-year-old Edith remembers the various ways that each member of her family died—memories that are triggered in their respective bedrooms.
The mystery of how each person passed and the unraveling of the elements results in some of the best storytelling in any game ever made.
13. Titanfall 2
The first Titanfall game was a launch title for the Xbox One, one that was met with some critical derision at the time. It had some glaring flaws that didn't feel worthy of its day one release.
So when Titanfall 2 arrived, it was a clear upgrade in every way. The gameplay was better, the concepts were honed, and the sheer intensity was upped. Sadly, sales were underwhelming.
Much of that failure had to do with the fact that Titanfall 2 went wider with its release. Because the original was Xbox-exclusive, many potential PS4 players had never played the first game and weren't too excited.
In retrospect, Titanfall 2 is now somewhat of a cult classic, helped along by its Steam release back in 2020. It's a shame that all future games in the Titanfall line were cancelled due to this one's failure.
12. No Man's Sky
Back when it first released in 2016, No Man's Sky reached an unprecedented level of hype never before seen in gaming at the time. People were so excited for the game's promised potential of advanced procedurally-generated content.
The map of No Man's Sky was expected to be the size of a small galaxy, one where every planet was available for exploration, filled with unique creatures and plants to be discovered.
However, all of that hype was immediately dispelled at launch. The game failed to the deliver its promised experience, leaving many players soured and disappointed. At launch, No Man's Sky was overly pointless.
But in the years since, No Man's Sky has continued to receive updates—and now that it has much more purpose, No Man's Sky is one of the greatest modern gaming experiences. It has built a dedicated following as a niche gaming title that's certainly worth checking out.
11. The Order: 1886
The Order: 1886 was supposed to be one of the PS4's core launch titles. It had detailed graphics, an interesting premise, and a steampunk feel that seemingly ensured it was going to be a smash hit.
However, when it was released, it received mixed reviews that really clawed into its flaws. Many potential players were driven away and others simply never heard of it, buried underneath bad press.
Even so, The Order: 1886 sold well enough and today it's remembered as a decent game that might've been a whole lot better with a few core tweaks and better marketing. It's still worth a play, even if it's primarily a glimpse into what could have been.
10. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments gave us the chance to dive into the mind of the greatest detective in literature. Unfortunately, it was almost unanimously ignored when it released in 2014 despite the weight of critical adulation that came its way.
At the time, gamers were too busy lapping up next-gen AAA titles and marveling at the impressive graphical prowess of the PS4. The quieter idea of Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments wasn't a good fit for the zeitgeist and it pretty much faded into obscurity.
Looking back, it should have been a bigger hit. The game really made players work out each case, challenging them to put together clues and find evidence littered throughout a cleverly detailed map.
If you've never played—or even heard of—Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments, it's still just as good now and it's worth checking it out, especially if you like the idea of playing as Sherlock Holmes.
9. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
When Odin Sphere Leifthrasir hit the PlayStation Store in 2016, it seemed that everyone would finally see how good the original game was. This was, after all, a much-needed remake with improvements.
Originally released for the PlayStation 2 to critically positive reception, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir sadly didn't find the revival it sought. It's still a hidden gem of sorts, but it's not too late to check it out.
8. Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2
There's more to fighting games on the PS4 than just Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken—if you know what you're looking for. How do you like the idea of anime-style fighters?
If the thought interests you, check out Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 (the updated version of Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator-). It comes with a solid tutorial that's helpful and effective, and it's just gorgeous to play thanks to its 3D-powered, 2D-style engine.
7. Toukiden: Kiwami
Love the idea of Monster Hunter where you get to roam a fleshed-out world and hunt vast varieties of monsters, except instead of hunting monsters you'd rather hunt oni? Then check out Toukiden: Kiwami!
Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore that resemble orcs, ogres, and trolls. In Toukiden: Kiwami, they're scattered across a fantasy world that's heavily inspired by medieval Japanese themes.
The entire Toukiden series is based on this concept, but Toukiden: Kiwami in particular is a great place to start—and as a bonus, you can often catch it on sale for just a few bucks.
6. Transistor
Anyone who's into indie games already knows and loves Bastion and its gravel-voiced narrator. Significantly fewer people know Transistor and its gravel-voiced weapon that's carried by the main character (and again voiced by Bastion's Logan Cunningham).
Transistor is one of the sleekest indie games of the last decade, where most of the gameplay centers on tactical battles that mix real-time gameplay with turn-based decisions.
5. The Deadly Tower of Monsters
The Deadly Tower of Monsters has you fighting through a fictional B-movie populated by monsters that look designed and animated by Ray Harryhausen. To make it even weirder, the director of this "film" offers commentary over the top as you play through it.
If you're a fan of twin-stick action games and/or beat-em-up games, The Deadly Tower of Monsters will be right up your alley. And if you like campy B-movie parodies, that's a delicious cherry on top!
4. The Surge
Love the punishing gameplay of the Dark Souls franchise but prefer settings that have more of a sci-fi flair? Both The Surge and The Surge 2 have Souls-like combat with a twist involving mechanical upgrades that reward you for cutting weapons and armor off of enemies.
If you've played the even-lesser-known Lords of the Fallen and enjoyed it, know that The Surge and The Surge 2 are considered spiritual successors to it!
3. Mad Max
Gameplay-wise, Mad Max is a perfectly fine open-world action-adventure game in a genre that's filled to the brim with plenty of other decent games of its ilk. What sets it apart? The setting!
Mad Max puts you in the shoes of Max Rockatansky, one of the survivors in a post-apocalyptic wasteland who fights against raiders while trying to make his way to peace in the fabled Plains of Silence.
Once this game gets its hooks in you, it becomes increasingly difficult to put down and stop playing. There's so much to explore here!
2. Mutant Football League
If you miss the days of NFL Blitz-style arcade football games and want a similar experience on modern consoles, Mutant Football League is as close as you're going to get on the PlayStation 4.
Mutant Football League does a good job of scratching that itch, even if it can feel a little unfair at times. And despite "football" in the name, this is a fantastic sports game for people who normally dislike them.
1. Gravity Rush 2
This sequel to the original PlayStation Vita-only Gravity Rush keeps the same gravity-defying gameplay while adding a much-needed bump in graphical quality.
If you're looking for a game with the charm of a JRPG but new—and slightly strange—gameplay, look no further than Gravity Rush 2.
