PS5 backwards compatibility: Here's how it works

PS5 backwards compatibility - God of War
(Image credit: SIE Santa Monica Studio)

Unlike the last-generation, PS5 backwards compatibility is a lot easier to understand. Aside from a handful of games - which we'll get onto below - you can play any PS4 games on PS5 whether they're digital or disc-based. Not every game will be updated to offer extra features via PS5 backwards compatibility, but be safe in the knowledge that they're all there just waiting to be played if you so wished. 

We've updated the list of PS4 games not backwards compatible underneath, adding an asterisk to titles that are working on getting a title update.

  • DWVR*
  • Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
  • TT Isle of Man - Ride on the Edge 2*
  • Just Deal With It!
  • Shadow Complex Remastered
  • Robinson: The Journey
  • We Sing
  • Hitman Go: Definite Edition
  • Shadwen
  • Joe's Diner 

In all, PS5 backwards compatibility extends to well over 4,000 titles. There was some head-scratching when Sony revealed the list of games that wouldn’t be playable on the PS5 originally, as it was buried in a support page, but now that list is a little less mysterious. 

Thankfully, PS5 backwards compatibility is very easy to take advantage of on Sony's latest console. It's as easy as inserting the PS4 disc, redownloading it on your new console, or transferring your game from your old PS4. 

Here's a full guide on how to play PS4 games on PS5 that walks you through each option. 

Of course, should you not fancy playing PS4 games, there's a lot of  upcoming PS5 games to get your teeth sunk into. 

Sam Loveridge
Global Editor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+

Sam Loveridge is the Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar, and joined the team in August 2017. Sam came to GamesRadar after working at TrustedReviews, Digital Spy, and Fandom, following the completion of an MA in Journalism. In her time, she's also had appearances on The Guardian, BBC, and more. Her experience has seen her cover console and PC games, along with gaming hardware, for a decade, and for GamesRadar, she's in charge of the site's overall direction, managing the team, and making sure it's the best it can be. Her gaming passions lie with weird simulation games, big open-world RPGs, and beautifully crafted indies. She plays across all platforms, and specializes in titles like Pokemon, Assassin's Creed, The Sims, and more. Basically, she loves all games that aren't sports or fighting titles! In her spare time, Sam likes to live like Stardew Valley by cooking and baking, growing vegetables, and enjoying life in the countryside.