The PlayStation 5 is Sony's latest gaming console, and if your kid is asking for one (or you already have one gathering dust while they play Fortnite on their phone), you're probably wondering: what games are actually worth it? And more importantly, which ones won't give you a heart attack when you see what they're playing?
Here's the thing about the PS5: it's an incredibly powerful machine that can deliver genuinely beautiful, engaging gaming experiences. But the PlayStation Store is also a minefield of games with unclear age ratings, surprise microtransactions, and content that ranges from "delightful family fun" to "why is there so much blood?"
This guide will help you navigate the good stuff, spot the hidden costs, and understand what you're actually buying before you hand over your credit card.
Let's be real: kids want PS5 games because their friends have them, because they saw someone playing on YouTube, or because the marketing is really, really good. But here's the part that might surprise you: some PS5 games are legitimately excellent for kids. We're talking games that teach problem-solving, encourage creativity, and actually have production values that rival Pixar movies.
The PS5 also has this weird cultural cachet right now. It's still somewhat hard to get (though much better than 2021-2022), and having one signals you're "serious" about gaming. For middle schoolers especially, this matters more than we might want it to.
Ages 6-9: Gateway Games
Astro's Playroom - This comes FREE with every PS5, and it's honestly delightful. It's a platformer that teaches kids how to use the controller while being genuinely charming. Zero violence, tons of creativity, and it takes about 4-5 hours to complete. Start here.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure - Think of this as Mario for PlayStation. It's cooperative (up to 4 players!), creative, and has that "one more level" quality without being manipulative about it. Great for siblings playing together.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits - This one's gorgeous and has some light combat, but it's more puzzle-focused and has a Studio Ghibli vibe. Better for kids on the older end of this range who can handle some mild fantasy violence.
Ages 10-12: The Sweet Spot
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - This is where the PS5 really shows off. It's a action-adventure game with cartoon violence (think Looney Tunes, not Mortal Kombat), incredible visuals, and genuinely funny writing. The gameplay is accessible but challenging enough to keep kids engaged.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales - If your kid loves Spider-Man, this is the move. Yes, there's combat, but it's superhero-style punching, not graphic violence. The story is actually touching, and Miles is a great role model. Just know: if they love this, they'll want the longer (and slightly more intense) Spider-Man games.
Minecraft - Yes, it's on PS5, and yes, it still holds up. If your kid hasn't discovered it yet, the PS5 version is beautiful and runs smoothly. Learn more about why Minecraft remains relevant
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Ages 13+: When They Want "Real" Games
Horizon Forbidden West - This is a big, open-world adventure with a strong female protagonist. There's combat with robot dinosaurs (yes, really), and it's rated T for Teen. The violence isn't gratuitous, and the story is surprisingly thoughtful about technology and nature.
Gran Turismo 7 - For racing fans, this is basically a racing simulator. It's realistic, requires patience and skill, and has zero violence. The catch? It's got a learning curve and can feel slow compared to arcade racers like Mario Kart.
Here's where things get tricky. PS5 games are expensive—we're talking $60-70 for new releases. But that's not always the full story:
Microtransactions and In-Game Purchases - Some games (looking at you, Fortnite and sports games like EA Sports FC) are "free to play" but make their money through constant in-game purchases. Skins, battle passes, loot boxes—it adds up fast. Learn how to set spending limits on PlayStation.
Online Multiplayer - Many games require PlayStation Plus ($10-15/month) to play online. This is separate from the game cost. If your kid wants to play Rocket League with friends, you're paying extra.
Digital vs. Physical - Digital games can't be resold or shared as easily. Physical games can be traded or sold back, but you need the disc version of the PS5 (which costs more upfront). There's no perfect answer here—it depends on your family's habits.
The PlayStation 5 has decent parental controls, but they're not on by default. Here's what to do:
- Set up a child account - This lets you control spending, set playtime limits, and restrict games by rating
- Turn off "Connect with Friends" features - Unless your kid is only playing with real-life friends, the social features can expose them to strangers
- Disable voice chat or require approval - Voice chat in online games can get toxic fast. Either turn it off or monitor it closely
- Set spending limits - You can require approval for any purchase, or set a monthly spending limit
Here's a full guide to PlayStation parental controls if you want to go deeper.
Look, I'm not here to tell you what your teen can handle, but these are games where you should at least know what you're getting into:
Call of Duty - It's rated M for Mature (17+) for a reason. Realistic military violence, strong language, and online play that can be genuinely hostile. If your 13-year-old is begging for this because "everyone has it," just know that's not actually true—and the online community can be pretty toxic.
Grand Theft Auto V - Also rated M. This one's been around forever, and yes, lots of kids play it. It's also got graphic violence, sexual content, and a worldview that's pretty cynical. It's not appropriate for younger kids, full stop.
Roblox - Wait, Roblox on PS5? Yes, it's coming. And while Roblox itself isn't inherently bad, the PS5 version will have all the same issues: user-generated content that varies wildly in quality and appropriateness, social features that need monitoring, and a monetization model that can drain your bank account if you're not careful.
The PS5 has some genuinely great games for kids—games that are creative, beautiful, and engaging without being manipulative or inappropriate. But it also has games that are expensive, potentially addictive, and designed to extract as much money as possible from players.
The key is being intentional: know what you're buying, set up parental controls before handing over the controller, and have conversations about spending and screen time before they become problems.
Start with the free stuff (Astro's Playroom), try some of the age-appropriate picks above, and pay attention to what your kid gravitates toward. Are they into creative building? Problem-solving? Story-driven adventures? Use that to guide future purchases.
- Set up parental controls - Seriously, do this first. Here's how.
- Start with one game - Don't buy a bunch at once. See what sticks.
- Check ratings - ESRB ratings aren't perfect, but they're a starting point. E for Everyone, E10+ for Everyone 10+, T for Teen (13+), M for Mature (17+).
- Talk about spending - Before your kid discovers Fortnite skins, have a conversation about in-game purchases and set clear boundaries.
- Consider alternatives - If the PS5 library feels overwhelming or too expensive, check out Nintendo Switch games—they tend to be more family-friendly and less expensive.
The PS5 can be a great addition to your family's entertainment, but it works best when you're informed and intentional about how it's used. And hey, some of these games are actually fun for adults too—Astro's Playroom is a legitimate delight, and I will die on that hill.