Holiday 2023 Gift Guide – Great PS4, PS5 Games To Buy This Holiday Season

Holiday 2023 Gift Guide – Great PS4, PS5 Games To Buy This Holiday Season – With the holiday season now upon us, there is no shortage of great PlayStation games that you can give to your loved ones. Including only the very greatest PS4 games and PS5 games, our 2023 PlayStation holiday gift guide will ensure that you get the best gifts this holiday season. Also don’t forget all PS4 games mentioned in this guide can be played on PS5 too! For further reading, you can check out our in-depth PS5 guide, PS4 games that give free PS5 upgrades guide, all the best PS5 games available, all PS5 games that have enhanced graphics, PS5 games that support crossplay, PS4 games that run at 60 FPS on PS5 and our feature which details all the PS5 games that perform better than the Xbox Series X versions.

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Alan Wake 2

• What is it – The long awaited sequel to 2010’s survival horror effort Alan Wake (which only recently saw a PS4 and PS5 release in 2021 as Alan Wake Remastered), Alan Wake 2 surpasses its beloved predecessor in just about every way. Leveraging a dual narrative mechanic where players take control of troubled writer Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson, Alan Wake 2 goes in heavy on the atmosphere, survival horror gameplay beats and some of the best visuals you’ll see this year.
• Who would like it – Fans of Alan Wake, survival horror games and horror movies.
• Available on: PS5 only

Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon

• What is it – The latest instalment in the long-running Armored Core series, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a fast-paced, third-person perspective mech battler where players must take down armies of mechs and other massive machines in an eye-blistering war where skill and tactics will win the day. Not for the faint of heart, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is one of the best mech action games you can buy right now, period.
• Who would like it – Fans of the Armored Core games and games which involve mechs.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

• What is it – The latest entry in Ubisoft’s hugely popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Mirage doesn’t just whisk players off to the glistening, golden rooftops of ninth century Baghdad, but so too does it return to the series basics with a focus on stealth and reworked parkour. Devoid of the action RPG style bloat of the more recent entries in the series, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the perfect gift for the gamer in your family and friends that just won’t stop reminiscing about ‘how good the series used to be’.
• Who would like it – Fans of Assassin’s Creed and stealth games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

• What is it – Ubisoft’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora puts players in the blue skin of a brave Na’vi warrior tasked with protecting the lush wilds and homeworld of Pandora from the encroaching expeditionary military forces. A breathtakingly beautiful open world first-person action adventure shooter (try saying that really fast five times in a row), Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora lets players venture across the boundless beauty of Pandora, laying waste to vicious enemies with bow and arrow, traps and a range of human weapons, in addition to soaring through the skies on the back of a fearsome Mountain Banshee. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is the ultimate Avatar fantasy.
• Who would like it – Fans of the Avatar movies, Far Cry games and open world games.
• Available on: PS5 only

Baldur’s Gate 3

• What is it – Widely regarded as the best game of 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a sprawlingly epic fantasy adventure without compare. Letting players minutely customise their hero, Baldur’s Gate 3 has you venturing out into a gargantuan fantasy realm as you seek to destroy and ancient evil that threatens the destruction of everything you hold dear. At more than 200 hours long and absolutely awash with a bounty of player choice, endlessly deep and well-written characters (not to mention a wonderfully judged sense of humour), Baldur’s Gate 3 is the adventure game you’ve been waiting for. Oh, and you can gain an ability that lets you talk to animals too – only to realise that when you speak to a group of domestic cats you realise that they were always the murdering psychopaths you thought they were.
• Who would like it – Fans of Dungeons & Dragons, RPGs, Lord of the Rings and massive adventures.
• Available on: PS5 only (Currently available as a digital purchase only – so why not buy them some PSN credit?)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

• What is it – Activision’s Call of Duty juggernaut franchise rolls on and its latest instalment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, looks set to be another smash hit with fans of FPS games this year. Providing a direct continuation to the plot of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a furious shooter that caps off the remake of this classic trilogy. If you have a relative or friend who likes their Call of Duty, you can’t go wrong with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
• Who would like it – Fans of FPS games, Call of Duty games and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Cyberpunk 2077

• What is it – Even though Cyberpunk 2077 released nearly three years ago now, the sheer amount of work that has gone into redeeming what was essentially a broken product which dramatically undelivered at launch, now means that Cyberpunk 2077 is finally worthy of your time and money. To be clear, while you can still purchase Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4 you should only do so to get the free upgrade to the PS5 version. I say this because if you’ve only got a PS4, Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t just still terrible on Sony’s last-gen machine, but it also doesn’t have access to the new Phantom Liberty expansion either. For everyone else though, Cyberpunk 2077 is now in fine form, providing wannabe cyberpunk adventurers with a beautifully expansive action RPG set in a cyberpunk dystopia drowning in neon, violence and themes of transcendence. If you know someone who has been waiting for Cyberpunk 2077 to get its act together, you can now purchase for them safe in the knowledge that their wait is over.
• Who would like it – Blade Runner, action RPG games, adventures and cyberpunk games and movies.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Dead Space

• What is it – A full blooded remake of one of the most terrifying survival horror games ever made, Dead Space is an ultraviolent, third-person shooter that has players blasting a pathway through the USG Ishimura, an expeditionary ship that has uncovered an ancient marker that has caused an evil to emerge from beyond our reality. Mesmerising, disturbing and yet so, so satisfying, Dead Space is a must-have for fans of dark science fiction, third-person shooters and survival horror games.
• Who would like it – Fans of the Dead Space games and survival horror games.
• Available on: PS5 only

Diablo IV

• What is it – The next entry in Activision Blizzard’s dungeon crawling behemoth, Diablo IV encourages players to pick up their sword, prepare their spells and join forces with their friends as they head into the mouth of Hell to tackle Lilith, the resurgent Mother of Hatred. Boasting a massive visual uplift over its predecessor, together with the ability to use mounts and a range of all new foes to tackle and monsters to destroy, Diablo IV is catnip for anybody that either enjoyed the Diablo games or just has a penchant for dungeon crawlers in general. Whoever you buy this for, tell them that they will be giving up potentially hundreds of hours to this demon-slaying epic.
• Who would like it – Players who love DIablo II and Diablo III, in addition to hack and slash games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

DualSense Edge Wireless Controller

• What is it – With the DualSense Edge controller Sony has taken all of the features that made the DualSense so exceptional and given the player complete power to tailor it however they like, in addition to the provision of a generally more premium feel and keenly felt heft than the standard DualSense controller. Though the battery life has taken a hit in comparative terms to its predecessor, the DualSense Edge nonetheless justifies its high-end price point further still with a roundly impressive carry case and stick replacement feature that means you’re getting far more than just a pro controller in a box. An elegantly engineered controller that doubles down on the industry leading features of the DualSense by empowering the player to customise them however they like, the DualSense Edge is a toweringly capable pro controller that effortlessly justifies its premium price point with aplomb.
• Who would like it – Players that want to refine their game and those who wish to game professionally on their PlayStation 5 console.
• Available on: PS5 only

EA Sports FC 24

• What is it – With EA losing the FIFA licence this year (this is why you won’t see an EA FIFA 24 game), EA has instead gone at it alone and developed a new game that no longer has the FIFA licence. Though this is certainly a blow for fans of the FIFA games of years past, EA Sports FC 24 nonetheless brings the goods with a broadcast level presentation and a revamped engine that makes everything from dribbles to crosses and corners feel much more responsive and look more lifelike than ever before. Put simply, if you’ve got a football fan in your family or social circle looking for their annual EA FIFA hit, this is precisely what they’re looking for.
• Who would like it – Fans of EA FIFA games and football games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Everspace 2

• What is it – It speaks to the level of ambition on display here – not to mention a tolerance for risk – that Everspace 2 essentially jettisons the roguelike mechanics of the first game in favour of a much more open and looter focused shooter and is all the better for it. A superior space combat sequel in every way, Everspace 2 delivers on the premise hinted at in its predecessor with aplomb, even if the story campaign that anchors its super looter shooter beats seems to be little more than window dressing for the other impeccable aspects of its design. If you know someone who enjoys charting the cosmos, upgrading their ships and blowing apart those that belong to their enemies, Everspace 2 is absolutely the ticket.
• Who would like it – Fans of space games, The Expanse and other space sci-fi television shows.
• Available on: PS5 only

Final Fantasy 16

• What is it – Representing a complete departure from the usual Final Fantasy fare, Final Fantasy 16 is not only much more linear than its predecessors, but it also places an emphasis on blistering real-time combat and the sort of dark fantasy storylines that even Game of Thrones would blush at. With some stunning best in class visuals and a collection of the most epic battles the Final Fantasy series has ever seen, Final Fantasy 16 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for their next Final Fantasy fix, or even for those lapsed fans that have wanted something a little more adult and cutting edge from the long running JRPG franchise.
• Who would like it – Fans of Final Fantasy games, Devil May Cry games, Game of Thrones and dark fantasy games in general.
• Available on: PS5 only

Hogwarts Legacy

• What is it – A stunning recreation of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy gives players their very own invitation to come and study at Hogwarts. The twist though, is that you’ll do so in the late 19th century, where Dumbledore is young and the forces of the Dark Arts have just begun to marshal themselves. Quite simply, Hogwarts Legacy is a masterclass in fantasy-RPG goodness, backed up by a faithful and stunning recreation of one the most beloved fantasy worlds of modern fantasy literature. Yes, some quests are a bit naff and you get the feeling some of the characters could be given more attention, but with so much to do, a fantastic main quest packed with interesting twists and turns, not to mention the chance to become a badass wizard or witch along the way, Hogwarts Legacy is a must-have for RPG and Potter fans alike.
• Who would like it – Fans of Harry Potter and open world adventure games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

It Takes Two

• What is it – From the same developers that conjured up the great Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons and much more recent (but no less brilliant) co-op effort A Way Out, It Takes Two is easily one of the best split screen games you can buy right now on any system. With each player cast as a squabbling parent that has been transformed into a diminutive child’s doll, It Takes Two riffs on Honey I Shrunk The Kids as it presents players with a series of unique and deeply fun challenges that have you facing off with a band of rebellious squirrels, a deeply sarcastic book that’s trying to help (but really isn’t) and much more besides. The absolute embodiment of great split-screen gaming, It Takes Two is simply sublime and remains a sure-fire hit for some co-op fun over the Holiday period.
• Who would like it – Fans of co-op games, local multiplayer games and platform games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Like A Dragon: Ishin

• What is it – A remake of Yakuza: Ishin, a much requested series spin-off that we thought we would never see in the West, Like A Dragon: Ishin is a superb action RPG that takes players back in time to the Bakumatsu period (mid-1800s or so) of Japan and once more has players indulging in a bevy of hugely satisfying real-time combat and all manner of wacky side quests against the sumptuous backdrop of 19th century Edo. More than that, fans of the Like A Dragon (formerly – Yakuza) series will get a kick out of familiar faces such as Kiryu and Majima take on new historical roles and personalities in this hard-hitting series spin-off.
• Who would like it – Fans of the Yakuza games, action RPGs and samurai movies.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Like A Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name

• What is it – Zeroing in on the stretch of time between Yakuza 6 and the forthcoming Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like A Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name is the latest bone-breaking instalment in the Like A Dragon (Yakuza) games, but this time it centres in on long-time series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and what he got up to when he was, well, pretending to be dead. A slightly smaller effort than many of the other games in the series, Like A Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name is nonetheless another super solid outing in the series that deftly blends face-smashing street combat with an array of high tech, secret agent gadgetry. What’s not to like?
• Who would like it – Fans of the Yakuza games and action RPGs.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

• What is it – Full of emotional highs that will make you get out of your chair and cheer at the screen in a way that few games have managed to achieve in recent memory, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 represents Insomniac Games operating at the apex of its considerable powers. Spectacular and amazing, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a superior, spectacle stuffed action adventure that provides players with the ultimate superhero fantasy. Full of surprising heart and delicate moments that balance beautifully with the sort of blockbuster superhero bombast that its developer has refined to a fine art, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a toweringly polished, unparalleled third-person action adventure masterwork that redefines the superhero video game genre at large and is better than the previous two games in every way imaginable. This is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
• Who would like it – Fans of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Marvel, Comics, Superhero games
• Available on: PS5

Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol.1

• What is it – Arguably the godfather of stealth gameplay, the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol.1 brings together Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater in one tremendous package for stealth fans to enjoy. In addition to packing in all of those legendary titles, Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol.1 also includes a wealth of bonus material for each game too, making it an unmissable prospect for any fans of the long-running series.
• Who would like it – Fans of Metal Gear Solid and stealth games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Monster Hunter Rise

• What is it – The latest entry in the globally popular Monster Hunter franchise and previously only available for Nintendo Switch, Monster Hunter Rise brings an all new land, cast of characters and veritable avalanche of new missions and monsters for players to tangle. Know somebody with an itch to play a new Monster Hunter game, or even someone who would like to play a massive open-world action RPG? Monster Hunter Rise has your back.
• Who would like it – Fans of the Monster Hunter games and action RPGs.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Mortal Kombat 1

• What is it – A new beginning for the legendary Mortal Kombat series, though Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the story of its universe, it nonetheless boasts the same award-winning core fighting engine that fans have loved for years, albeit with the noted addition of the new Kameo system which allows you to call a fellow fighter to hop in and help you mid-battle. In addition, Mortal Kombat 1 brings an all-new level of violence to the table which surpasses anything the series has seen to date. All in all, Mortal Kombat 1 is the perfect gift for that Mortal Kombat fan in your life.
• Who would like it – Fans of Mortal Kombat and fighting games.
• Available on: PS5

NHL 24

• What is it – Bringing a full-throated revamp to the Chel gameplay experience along with an entirely redone physics engine, NHL 24 is arguably the most realistic that the sport of ice hockey has ever been on PlayStation consoles. Refreshed for an all-new generation of gamers and hockey fans, NHL 24 is a must-have for all fans of the sport.
• Who would like it – Fans of ice hockey, the NHL and previous EA NHL games.
• Available on: PS4 and PS5

Octopath Traveller II

• What is it – An outstanding achievement from start to finish, Octopath Traveler II is soaringly excellent JPRG which takes what made the original such a success and builds on it. It may feel more of the same but why fix something if it isn’t broken? Fans of classic JRPGs will discover that it doesn’t get much better than Octopath Traveller II.
• Who would like it – Fans of Octopath Traveller and JRPGs.
• Available on: PS4 and PS5

PlayStation VR2 Headset

• What is it – A beguiling marriage of raw power, innovative design and a solidly varied, PSVR 2 manages to set a ridiculously high bar for others to follow and is easily the most compelling piece of tech I’ve got in my living room right now. Gaming in VR on console has never been this clear, detailed or was able to be felt quite so palpably. For anyone looking to get their hands on cutting VR gaming technology there is no other choice than Sony’s superb PlayStation VR2 headset.
• Who would like it – Fans of virtual reality and the original PlayStation VR.
• Available on: PS5 Only

Resident Evil 4

• What is it – A masterful remake of one of the best Resident Evil games ever made (not to mention one of the finest survival horror titles ever), Resident Evil 4 not only deftly maintains the essence of its classic source material, but it also meaningfully iterates upon it too, adding new areas, new enemies, redesigning certain encounters and of course, applying a gorgeous coat of current-gen paint to the proceedings. If you’re buying a gift for someone who enjoys Resident Evil games, you can’t really go wrong with Resident Evil 4.
• Who would like it – Fans of Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil games and survival horror games.
• Available on: PS4 and PS5

Red Dead Redemption

• What is it – With Red Dead Redemption 2 selling somewhere in excess of 55 million(!) copies since its release back in 2018, it’s clear that gamers everywhere have a big appetite for more witty and bloodthirsty adventures in Rockstar Games’ take on the Wild West. A re-release of Red Dead Redemption which originally shot its way onto PS3 consoles back in 2011, Red Dead Redemption on PS4 lets a whole new generation of players catch up with the story of John Marston after the events of Red Dead Redemption 2, which is technically a prequel to the first game that has been re-released here. A truly evocative take on the Wild West, together with Rockstar’s typical whip smart dialogue, great quest design and engaging gunplay, PS5 owners get to experience Red Dead Redemption in its best form, thanks to a razor sharp 4K resolution which runs at a super smooth 60 frames per second.
• Who would like it – Fans of Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar games and westerns.
• Available on: PS4

RoboCop: Rogue City

• What is it – Developed by Teyon, the same talented group of folks that brought us the surprisingly excellent Terminator: Resistance, RoboCop: Rogue City is another attempt by that same developer to capitalise on the popularity of an 80s action icon – and much like its work on Terminator: Resistance, RoboCop: Rogue City excels, providing fans and genre fans alike with an accomplished genre effort. As the titular RoboCop, Rogue City essentially has you taking control of a walking tank, as you stalk through the streets of Detroit, laying waste to criminals, throwing them through walls, out through windows and enforcing the prime directives in the most brutal way you can. Fans of the RoboCop movies and first-person shooters in general will lap this up.
• Who would like it – Fans of RoboCop movies and first-person shooters.
• Available on: PS5 only

Sea Of Stars

• What is it – Sea Of Stars is an excellent, retro-inspired RPG any fan of the JRPG genre should play. With feel-good characters, intricate and engaging combat, a stunning soundtrack, and beautiful world with a wonderful sense of adventure, friendship and love, there is so much to adore here. While the story doesn’t break any new ground, its characters are all charming and endearing, to the point where you would feel like you would want to follow them to the ends of the world and beyond. Sea of Stars is essential for fans of JRPGs.
• Who would like it – Fans of JRPGs.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Sonic Origins Plus

• What is it – A must-have for Sonic fans everywhere, Sonic Origins Plus is a sprawling, multi-game collection featuring 16 classic Sonic titles, including Sonic the Hedgehog 1, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Sonic CD, along with 12 classic Sonic Game Gear games. In addition, Sonic Origins Plus not only adds in a whole bunch of all-new content for fans everywhere, but so too is Amy Rose (for the first time ever) offered as a playable character in Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, while Knuckles also makes his debut in Sonic CD too, with levels that have been redesigned to effectively leverage his very particular set of skills. For that true Sonic fan in your life, the Sonic Origins Plus collectible premium physical edition is a tremendous gift, not least because it includes a 20-page artbook of classic art and a beautifully illustrated reversible cover that will throw them back to the classic 1990’s era of Sonic the Hedgehog. Put simply, there’s no better gift for a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog than Sonic Origins Plus this holiday season.
• Who would like it – Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and platformer games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Sonic Superstars

• What is it – Sonic Superstars is clearly a game made with a lot of love and passion for the Sonic community as a whole. New additions to the formula help to really set this entry apart from its predecessors and blaze new ground for a hopefully promising future. Co-op play is included in a way that’s both intuitive and approachable for players who may have never encountered a Sonic game before, making Sonic Superstars a fantastic jumping on point. With its eye-opening 2.5D visuals and stunning presentation, Sonic Superstars is a resoundingly solid new entry for the series that fans will certainly enjoy, as well as their friends. In essence, Sonic Superstars is one of the freshest and most enjoyable take on this long-running franchise that’s come along in a good, long while.
• Who would like it – Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and platformer games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

• What is it – The direct sequel to 2019’s superb Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues the story of maturing Jedi Cal Kestis and his loyal BB-8 droid as they make their away across the galaxy, escaping the clutches of the Galactic Empire all the while uncovering the ultimate fate of the Jedi order. By crafting a massive galaxy to explore with an epic story that borrows and explores past Star Wars lore, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor improves on its predecessor and surpasses it in every way, providing Star Wars fans with the sort of epic action adventure effort that would have been the stuff of dreams just a few years ago. Want to make a Star Wars fan happy this holiday season? Grab them a copy of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and watch that smile reach from ear to ear.
• Who would like it – Fans of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars and third-person action adventure games.
• Available on: PS5 only (PS4 version is due out sometime in 2024)

Street Fighter 6

• What is it – Comfortably sitting atop the apex of Capcom’s legendary and long-running Street Fighter series, Street Fighter 6 takes the franchise to all-new heights with reworked visuals, fresh fighters and an ambitious RPG-lite style story mode. In particular, what makes Street Fighter 6 a better game than its predecessors is its accessibility. Having diverse control systems for different ability levels and modes that don’t rely on other players but actually feel meaningful. Street Fighter 6 is undeniably the most complete Street Fighter experience yet and a perfect gift for a loved one that fancies themselves some Street Fighting shenanigans.
• Who would like it – Fans of Street Fighter games and one-on-one fighting games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5

The Last of Us Part 1

• What is it – Given the massive success of The Last of Us Part 2 and the incredible viewer response to HBO’s The Last of Us television show, it makes sense on a few levels that PlayStation Studios would remake and re-release its first title in The Last of Us franchise. A PS5 exclusive remake with the power of that console in mind, The Last of Us Part 1 is a tremendously well-judged remake that ably separates itself from 2014’s The Last of Us Remastered by offering massive upgraded visuals, accessibility options and other such changes that arguably make it the definitive version of one of the best games ever made. If you’re looking for a stirring, brutal, visceral and emotionally crushing survival horror adventure, The Last of Us Part 1 is absolutely up there for series veterans and new fans alike.
• Who would like it – Fans of The Last of Us on HBO, The Last of Us Part 2, third person combat games, great stories and apocalyptic narratives.
• Available on: PS5 Only

WWE 2K23

• What is it – The highest rated wrestling game in more than a decade, WWE 2K23 sits at the head of the table as the best sports simulation game on the market and it isn’t even close. Fine tuning last year’s entry to an impressive level of detail, and adding a layer of realism that is needed in a simulation game, WWE 2K23 brings an array of modes, including the highly addictive MyGM, the introspective MyRise, an improved Showcase mode, together with an extensive creation suite to name just a few. A fantastic take on the WWE pro-wrestling spectacle, fans of both the real-life WWE broadcast and wrestling games in general, will find themselves spoilt with WWE 2K23’s gargantuan and impressively polished offering.
• Who would like it – Fans of WWE, pro wrestling and WWE 2K games.
• Available on: PS4, PS5