These are the 10 best cheap games for PS4 and PS5

While games for the Nintendo Switch tend to be expensive on release, there are still loads of amazing games on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 that can be had for cheap. With the 10th birthday of the PS4 coming up and the PS5 slowly becoming more available, it’s worth taking a look at the back catalog of both consoles and finding the best cheap games.

Though Sony has a generally poor track record with backward compatibility compared to Microsoft and the Xbox consoles, PlayStation 4 games can reliably be played on the PS5. This means the PS5 had a robust catalog of games on launch due to the presence of backwards compatible PS4 games. It has also served to keep prices down on games released across multiple generations, letting players duck the $10 markup on games like Madden NFL 23.

But for those really looking to save money on games, what are the best cheap games on the PlayStation 4 and 5?

The best cheap games for PS4 and PS5

Before delving into our list of the best cheap games for PS4 and PS5, it’s worth defining the criteria for what constitutes a “cheap game.” Our price ceiling is $20. This may come from either a retailer like Amazon for physical copies or it might be the standard price for digital titles on the PlayStation Store. Because PS4 games are in-stock with so many retailers who have lower prices than the PlayStation Store, it’s worth considering both options.

Secondly, games from the PS Plus Collection will not be listed. PS5 owners who have an active PS Plus subscription gain instant access to 20 great games, including Persona 5, God of War, and Resident Evil 7. That makes it tough to recommend buying these games when so many users will have access to them at no real cost. With all that said, these are the best cheap games for the PlayStation 4 and 5:

10. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley – Gameplay Trailer | PS4

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No “best cheap games” list is complete without Stardew Valley. The definitive farm life sim of its generation is the best value in gaming, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay at a low price. For collectors and established fans, it’s worth checking out the Stardew Valley: Collector’s Edition which includes a physical copy of the game.

9. LittleBigPlanet 3

Sony’s cute platformer series continues to chug along on the PlayStation 4 with LittleBigPlanet 3. The game is an excellent all-ages option with intuitive gameplay that anyone can get into. Though Sackboy hasn’t become the mascot Sony was likely hoping he would, this is still a series worth playing.

8. Dark Souls 3: The Fire Fades Edition

Elden Ring brought a load of new players into the FromSoftware fandom. While Elden Ring is great, its developer is still defined by the Dark Souls series. Dark Souls 3: The Fire Fades Edition includes the base game as well as both DLC releases. It’s a stiff test for players, but the tight combat and amazing level design makes for a great experience.

7. Doom

The resurrection of the Doom franchise in 2016 was very well done and has led to a revival for the famous FPS series. The game features the gory greatness of the original, but it isn’t just pandering to nostalgia. There’s a lot to love here for anyone that plays shooters.

6. Ikaruga

Ikaruga – Announcement Trailer (Nintendo Switch)

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Speaking of shooters, Ikaruga remains a definitive shoot-em-up. The game simple to play, but addictively challenging. The game can be had affordably through the PlayStation Store and stands as one of the best cheap PS4 games. A rare physical version does exist, but it will cost a lot more.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience

Metal Gear Solid V has become the butt of many jokes over the last few years due to the troubled breakup between publisher Konami and developer Hideo Kojima. The game is in some ways incomplete, with clips showing what will happen in a “next chapter” that doesn’t exist. Despite that, the pure gameplay of Metal Gear Solid V is so great that it’s hard to put down, even without a clear end to the story.

4. Tekken 7

Tekken 7 is an enduring fighting game and remains relevant seven years removed from its release in arcades in 2015. It can be had at a low price these days, and it still remains one of the top titles in the fighting genre with an active base of players online.

3. Infernax

Infernax – Announcement Trailer | PS4

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There’s no shortage of excellent PlayStation 4 or 5 Metroidvania games, and many of them are cheap. Hollow Knight, Last Faith, and many others are deserving of your time. One we’re honing in on is a newcomer, Infernax. The game perfectly captures the energy of the original Castlevania, but with features that make it feel fresh and new.

2. Minecraft

While there are loads of spin-offs and special editions that might make this game seem more expensive, the base version of Minecraft starts at just $20 on PlayStation 4. The game was a pop culture phenomenon for good reason and it remains a force today. Pick up the starter version and consider upgrading from there.

1. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 – Kiryu Trailer | PS4

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Yakuza is beloved among its fans for its fun beat-em-up gameplay, hilarious dialog, and absurd stories. There’s a lingering debate about which game is the best in the series, but Yakuza 0 is unanimously held up among the best in the series by fans. The game is set in the 1980s and shows younger versions of the main cast of the original Yakuza. The Yakuza games are best enjoyed in order, but Yakuza 0 is a great standalone experience.

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