Our ranking of the best PS2 games is a true celebration of all of the fantastic releases that came to Sony's iconic console.
Now that we're in 2026, we're set to see the PS2 turn 26, having originally released in 2000. But even over two decades on, its influence can still be felt, and the many games it saw has a lot to do with that. Undoubtedly continuing to inspire the upcoming PS5 games we see today, we've put our heads together with the Retro Gamer team to bring you all of the biggest PS2 highlights.
This list of the best PS2 games was updated on February 5, and we stand by our rankings... but what's your take?
25. SOCOM 2: US Navy Seals
Developer: Zipper Interactive
Released: 2003
Zipper Interactive did a fine job bringing third-person tactical shooting to the PS2 with the original SOCOM: US Navy Seals, but this sequel improved on just about every aspect of it. The single-player experience featured better AI, more varied objectives, and additional weaponry over the course of its 12 missions.
Basically, everything in this title works neatly together to give you one of the best shooters on the platform. However, those who experienced it back in the day know that the real fun was to be had online, as it was one of the best-networked experiences available on Sony’s console. The servers are offline now, but a LAN option is available for the truly dedicated.
24. OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
Developer: Sumo Digital
Released: 2006
Sega AM2's driving game is a simple thing – you just need to drive wonderful Ferrari cars through absolutely beautiful scenery, taking advantage of one of gaming’s most satisfying drift mechanics as you go. That was all there was to it in the arcade, but Sumo Digital’s conversion adds so much more through the Coast 2 Coast mode, with all sorts of driving challenges to keep you busy.
If you like arcade racing games, you won't find many that are as joyous as this. In fact, this is easily one of the best racing games to come to the console back in the day. While the PC release has sadly seemingly been delisted from Steam, it's worth picking up for the PS2 if you have the console and you can get your hands on a physical copy.
23. Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Released: 2004
Sly Cooper is an icon, and no one can deny that fact. However, let's be honest: his first outing wasn't the easiest or most satisfying to pick up and play. In our minds, anyway, Sly 2: Band of Thieves is where this sticky-fingered raccoon truly found his stride. In the game, you follow the Cooper gang as Sly Cooper, turtle Bentley, and hippo Murray try to collect the pieces of the robot owl Clockwerk (aka the bad guy from the previous game). You get to control each character on certain heists, and all of them have different abilities that play into classic stealth game tropes.
Sly 2 is also much bigger than the first game in the series, lasting eight stages and five worlds. There is also freeform gameplay, giving you tons to explore and do outside of the main mission. In our throwback Sly 2: Band of Thieves review, we also praised how this PS2 gem is put together, writing: "The game is generally heaps of fun, the voice acting is splendid, and the '60s heist movie-style soundtrack gives the game a touch of class." Happily, you can still check this out today on the PS4 or PS5's digital store, or through the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
22. Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution
Developer: Sega
Released: 2003
After a good showing with its first release of Virtua Fighter 4, Sega’s updated version smoothed out the graphics, added a couple of extra fighters, and topped it off with substantial single-player content. The result was one of the best fighting games of its time, whether you were beating your friends down or facing off against foes in the virtual arcades of Quest mode, based on real-life pro players.
This series has a reputation for being impenetrable, but that’s not really justified. It’s actually very simple to learn, with just three main buttons and one of the best tutorial modes of its time. So don't let its reputation stop you from trying it out for yourself; this is a must-play experience for any PS2 lovers out there. While it's currently not available on modern consoles, it's worth trying to snap up second-hand if you can find it.
21. Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King
Developer: Level 5
Released: 2004
There's something very comforting about the PS2’s only major Dragon Quest game. As befitting a game from the quintessential Japanese RPG series, it remains an expression of the core of the genre, and (as we pointed out in our Dragon Quest: Journey of the Cursed King review) it was a perfect introduction for European players who got this as their first official game in the series.
It's a simple game, and even by the standards of the series, it has a straightforward plot. But there’s a value in being brilliant at the basics, and this game nails that in every aspect, from Akira Toriyama's attractive cel-shaded character designs to the top-notch localization. While we've seen more Dragon Quest remakes, you can happily revisit this one on iOS or Android, or alternatively through the Nintendo 3D release if you can't get your hands on an original PS2 copy.
20. Gran Turismo 4
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Released: 2004
If you wanted your racing games on the more realistic side, Gran Turismo 4 was way ahead of the rest of the console pack in its day. Polyphony Digital didn’t try to do anything particularly new or clever with the game and focused on improving the things that had made the series so popular to begin with.
With over 700 cars and more than 50 tracks to race on, Gran Turismo 4 is a game of truly mammoth proportions and one that looks absolutely phenomenal. The new B-Spec racing management mode was a fine addition to the on-track action, too. We've seen plenty of racing games come since this title, but it still captures our hearts and attention with each new playthrough. If you can find this second-hand out in the wild, it's worth picking up if you still have a PS2. You can read our Gran Turismo review for more details!
19. Tony Hawk's Underground
Developer: Neversoft
Released: 2003
You’ve got to give Neversoft credit – given how popular its skateboarding series was, it would have been easy to simply put out another formulaic entry. Instead, the team took a gamble and pushed the series in a bold new direction – creating one of the best sports games on PS2 by incorporating a more free-roaming style of play and a substantial story element that hadn’t existed in previous games.
While the game was clearly at its best when you were on your board, the ability to walk around and pick up challenges on the fly refreshed a series that was potentially in danger of becoming a little bit stale. These days, the only way to play is through owning an original copy, but there's already hopes growing that we could someday see a remaster after the likes of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 +2 and most recently, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 +4.
18. Kingdom Hearts
Developer: Square
Released: 2002
Smashing the beloved characters of Disney together with one of the most popular Japanese RPG series was bound to create some sort of fandom explosion, and it did just that – Kingdom Hearts still has very passionate fans today, and Kingdom Hearts 4 is even on its way. Of course, there’s no instant answer to how such a crossover should play, so Square did what it knew best and came up with this brilliantly presented and excellent action RPG.
It’s a delight to see Mickey and Donald visiting worlds like Agrabah and Halloween Town, as well as interacting with the likes of Tidus and Cloud from Final Fantasy. If you're looking to play the game that kicked off the series, you can thanks to the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX release on Xbox One, PS4, and Switch.
17. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
Developer: Insomniac Games
Released: 2004
The Tyhrranoids are attacking Veldin, and Ratchet's not going to stand for seeing his home planet besieged! However, he quickly discovers that there's more to this invasion than meets the eye, chiefly because of the manipulations of Dr. Nefarious.
The first two games in this series were both excellent, but it’s the extra polish and large range of weapons that earns the third game in the trilogy its place on this list. By this point, the balance between platforming and shooting has definitely tipped in favor of the latter, but when it looks and plays like a dream, who's complaining? Honestly, Up Your Arsenal is one of the best Rachet and Clank games you can play, but it's a little tricky to get a hold of these days. If you can find a second-hand copy for the original console, it's worth checking out.
16. Katamari Damacy
Developer: Namco
Released: 2004
The King Of All Cosmos got drunk and broke the sky, and now it’s your job to go down to Earth and fix it. How? By rolling up objects into progressively larger balls, which are launched into space to create new stars. Obviously.
The core action of accumulating larger and larger objects, from batteries to boats, is very satisfying indeed – but just as much fun comes from the game’s oddball sense of character. The King is an absolute hoot, and the deliberately low-polygon look to the game’s colorful graphics gives the whole thing a very surreal atmosphere from start to finish. Thanks to the Katamari Demacy REROLL remaster, you can try it out today on PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Switch.
15. SSX Tricky
Developer: EA Canada
Released: 2001
The first game in EA’s snowboarding series was a much-needed highlight of the PS2’s underwhelming launch line-up, but the sequel made it wholly redundant. The original game’s courses were all remixed and a couple of extra ones were added for good measure, while the showboating became even more outlandish with the addition of new Uber tricks.
Beyond that, everything that players loved about the first game made the cut the second time around, be it the vibrant characters or the boisterous racing action. The fact that it's still in the conversation for best snowboarding game ever says it all, really. And while it's currently unavailable to revisit on modern consoles, it's one game we'd love to see get remastered. We can always keep wishing, right?
14. Amplitude
Developer: Harmonix
Released: 2003
Harmonix was making great music games long before it struck plastic instrument gold with the Guitar Hero series, and Amplitude is a great example of that. This sequel to the extremely underrated Frequency tasked you with trying to get a song to auto-play by successfully playing certain sections of notes, across up to six instruments.
This frantic juggling act was enhanced greatly by the eclectic soundtrack, taking in the likes of David Bowie, Run DMC, Blink-182, Slipknot, and Garbage. Although the remake for PS3 and PS4 is out there, we think it’s hard to top the musical selection here. And yes, Guitar Hero isn't on our list because Amplitude just can't be beat. Read our Amplitude review for more details!
13. Okami
Developer: Clover Studios
Released: 2006
Capcom’s short-lived Clover Studio put out some great games, and Ōkami is one of the very best. This game puts players in control of Amaterasu, a sun goddess in wolf form whose goal is to save the land from darkness. This is arguably the closest thing to The Legend Of Zelda series that Sony’s console has, and it gives Nintendo’s classics a run for their money.
The game's unique visual style, inspired by classical Japanese artwork, gave it a cult appeal that ultimately saw the game converted to many other platforms despite the disappointing sales of the PS2 original. Happily, the Okami HD re-release on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch mean you can revisit this gem today. We love this game, but if you are still unconvinced about picking it up, read our Okami review.
12. Jak And Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Developer: Naughty Dog
Released: 2001
Having achieved great success on the PS1 with Crash Bandicoot, Naughty Dog decided to do something new for the next generation, and this was the result. Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is exactly the kind of collect-'em-up platformer that had been very popular in the previous generation but had the kind of open 3D environments that those older machines just couldn’t have achieved.
Of course, it still featured the polished game design we've grown to expect from Naughty Dog, and the charismatic characters were expertly brought to life in the game's plentiful in-engine cutscenes. It's worth noting that the sequels are quite different. These days, you can revisit The Precursor Legacy as part of The Jak and Daxter Collection on PS4.
11. Beyond Good & Evil
Developer: Ubisoft
Released: 2003
Tragically overlooked at the time of its release in 2003, this action-adventure has since come to be recognized as an excellent game that just didn’t quite get the sales push it needed. You play as Jade, whose planet is under assault from the DomZ – alien creatures that kill or enslave other creatures that they encounter.
After being sought out by resistance forces, she finds herself uncovering the true nature of the DomZ. While the game design was perfectly good, what really stood out for the time was the quality of the storytelling as well as Jade's appealing character. To us, this game is a must-play; we even wrote an article breaking down how Beyond Good & Evil is one of the best games ever made for you to read. And you can do just that easily thanks to the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition release on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and Switch.
10. Burnout 3: Takedown
Developer: Criterion Games
Released: 2004
Criterion's first two Burnout games were great arcade racers, but their spectacular crashes were always something to avoid. This third game managed to correct that injustice by making combat a key part of the racing. Nothing was off-limits – you could slam your rivals into walls, run them into oncoming traffic, or even drop down on them from above, all in the name of winning a race.
It was incredibly fast and graphically spectacular, of course, but the cathartic release of aggression was always the highlight for us – and if that ever got boring, you could always cause carnage in the Crash Junctions. While it's unavailable on current consoles, it's worth checking out if you can get your hands on an original copy. Read our throwback Burnout 3: Takedown review for more.
9. Devil May Cry
Developer: Capcom
Released: 2001
Getting the hack-and-slash right in 3D was something that developers struggled with for a long time, and Capcom was arguably the first to achieve it with this early classic for the PS2. Dante's first outing was originally conceived as a new direction for Resident Evil, but the game design became an original project incorporating a mixture of gunplay and close-range sword fighting, with emphasis on stringing together stylish combinations of attacks.
The action is as smooth as the combos, and the game immediately establishes Dante as one of Capcom's most beloved characters. Thanks to the Devil May Cry HD collection, you can revisit the first game alongside 2 and 3 (be sure to check out the third game, too). Read our Devil May Cry review for more insight into one of the best action games.
8. Ico
Developer: Team Ico
Released: 2001
Frequently cited as one of the best single-player games of all time, Fumito Ueda’s directorial debut is a must-play. Ico's basic design takes a lot from the likes of Prince Of Persia, with a mixture of platforming, puzzles, and combat at the heart of the action. Ico’s unique feature is that its titular character is tasked with the protection of a captive girl named Yorda, whose difficulty in traversing the environment is a key part of the game’s puzzles.
A full-game escort mission might sound like the worst thing ever, but trust us – this one’s worth it. Few titles are as captivating as this one, and every second of playing Ico is well worth your time. Unfortunately it's not available on current consoles these days, but if you find an original copy second-hand, it's worth grabbing. Check out our Ico review for more details about this classic!
7. Final Fantasy 10
Developer: Square
Released: 2001
The city of Zanarkand has been attacked by Sin, and suddenly, our hero ,Tidus, finds himself in the world of Spira. With no idea what’s going on, the talented Blitzball player sets out to discover what happened and prevent it from happening again, meeting plenty of friends along the way.
Final Fantasy 10 wasn't a radical gameplay evolution but made revolutionary changes to the presentation of the series. For the first time, it was possible to explore fully 3D environments, and key cutscenes featured both detailed real-time character models and the introduction of full voice acting, drawing you into the story. There's a good reason why FF10 is considered to be one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time, and thanks to the HD remaster, you can jump right into 10 on PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Switch.
6. God Of War
Developer: Sony Santa Monica
Released: 2005
Our first introduction to Kratos in the original God of War has held up very well over time, and feels especially good now that the series has moved on from its original Greek mythology theme. Of course, as mentioned in our five-star God of War review, we couldn't be happier about the changes made in the 2018 reboot which is well worth checking out if you haven't.
But "small" is not a word in the vocabulary of this classic brawler – absolutely everything is dialed up to eleven, from the detail of the scenery and dramatic musical score to the size of the bosses and, of course, the level of violence on display. Kratos will pluck the wings from smaller enemies and plunge the Blades of Chaos deep into larger foes, often as part of some wonderfully choreographed QTE sequences. Currently, God of War is available to play via streaming on PS4 and PS5 if you have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
5. Silent Hill 2
Developer: Team Silent
Released: 2001
While the original PlayStation game was great, it was Silent Hill 2 that really established the series as a major name in survival horror. Instead of revisiting the first game’s cast, new protagonist James visits the town after receiving a letter from his wife – who died three years prior to the start of the game.
Pyramid Head is rightly recognized as one of gaming’s most iconic monsters, but what really sets Konami’s sequel apart from other games in the genre is that it focuses on psychological horror rather than gore and tackles some pretty taboo themes in ways that video games rarely approach. There's no debating it: Silent Hill 2 is one of the best survival horror games ever made. Of course, a remake dropped in 2024 which has brought this classic into the modern era - you can learn more in our Silent Hill 2 remake review.
4. Resident Evil 4
Developer: Capcom
Released: 2005
After years of tank controls and fixed camera angles, the Resident Evil series desperately needed some fresh ideas, and Capcom delivered them at just the right time. That started with getting rid of the zombies – Los Ganados were clever, and they could even use weapons. Worse yet, the over-the-shoulder perspective meant you were much closer to the action. The game was a treat, and the action-packed QTE scenes meant that you could never entirely relax.
The switch to a more action-oriented approach to the series was a huge success and influenced countless other games, although we still count it among the best horror games on PS2. The game was so good that it even got a fancy remake, so you can play this PS2 game on various consoles. Check out our Resident Evil 4 remake review for more zombie-filled details.
3. Shadow Of The Colossus
Developer: Team Ico
Released: 2005
One of the best adventure games ever? Few games can ever really be described as solemn, but those of you who have experienced this legendary game will know why we use it here. Taking down the majestic giants of Shadow Of The Colossus is a task that never feels quite right, as satisfying as it can be to work out how to do it, and that mood is frequently reinforced with periods of silence and the ever-present desaturated color palette.
The PS2 often struggles to keep itself together while running this, so you may wish to look at the PS3 remaster and PS4 remake, but the impact here is undeniable. If you are a fan of taking down giants, you can read our Shadow of the Colossus review. And thank to a remaster, you can still experience this unforgettable adventure on PS4 today.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Developer: Konami
Released: 2004
After annoying some players by making Raiden the protagonist of Metal Gear Solid 2, this sequel set things right by shifting to the Sixties and following the more outwardly familiar character Naked Snake. Like the previous games in the series, Metal Gear Solid 3 emphasizes stealth over combat and is packed with clever touches – you can let a boss literally die of old age.
But it also differentiated itself by placing a heavier emphasis on survival, as you have to manage Snake’s hunger and tend to injuries. The later Subsistence edition is improved with full camera control and a range of extras, a release that helped establish MGS3 as one of the best stealth games of its era. And with the game making a comeback in 2025 thanks to a remake, it's entered the modern era - you can learn more in our Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Developer: Rockstar North
Released: 2004
Having dominated the best open world games scene since Grand Theft Auto 3 took the series into 3D, San Andreas felt like a victory lap for Rockstar North. The early Nineties setting and fictional state of San Andreas (comprised of takes on Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas) was the ideal backdrop for a tale of corrupt cops and gang warfare.
The game was a technical triumph too, with an enormous map, new gang warfare features, and extensive customization. Though it was recalled over the unused Hot Coffee minigame, San Andreas sold 17.33 million copies and is the console’s best-selling game. Thanks to the GTA: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition release, you can tuck into San Andreas on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Switch.
If you are ready to jump back into the present, check out our breakdown of all the new games coming our way.
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