Zombie games are a dime a dozen on the PS5, some better than others. Today, we’ll put to rest the debate about the best and worst zombie games on Sony’s mammoth PS5. Before we do, we’ll also see why people like the genre so much, despite it reaching an oversaturation point.
Perhaps it’s the thrill of the suspense and the sudden twists in the story or the zombie diversity with uniqueness. Whatever the case, zombie games on the PS5 are in high demand. We can’t say we’re complaining, though, as we love playing them.
Why Are Zombie Games on PS5 So Popular?
With the advancement of the hardware of gaming consoles, especially the PS5, developers can truly flex their creative muscles. Sure, zombies have always been present in pop culture, but video games with zombies are more prevalent now than ever. We’re seeing what the PS5 hardware can do for games with the titular undead abominations.
The graphical fidelity of zombie games is spectacular these days, and the astonishingly intuitive gameplay mechanics are the icing on the cake. The stories and acting performances within zombie games, with immersive sound design and musical scores, are top-notch. These elements combine on the PS5 to give gamers excellent zombie games, which is why they’re so popular.
Which Zombie Games Are the Worst and Best on PS5?
Before we dive into our list, we’d like to disclose a couple of things about our picks. Big hits like The Walking Dead and the recent The Last of US have profoundly affected people. This is why they’re not a part of today’s list, as obviously, they’re the popular and generic choice these days. Plus, it’s a short list of only 4 games, so not every game will make the cut.
Secondly, the games we pick will have divisive reviews or critical acclaim, but there won’t be a middle ground. So, if we miss out on any favorites, tough break, but we’re sticking to our guns. We have a list of top PS3 zombie games if you want to know which ones are top-tier. We’ll let’s not waste any more time and start our list of best PS5 zombie games.
4. Metal Gear Survive – One of the Worst Zombie Games Ever on PS5
Kicking things off, we have the critically panned, and rightfully so, the one and only dreadful Metal Gear Survive. A zombie game on the PS5 that Konami, in their infinite wisdom, or lack thereof, was thinking would ride the coattails of Metal Gear Solid. A plan that, through the power of hindsight, we can confirm hilariously and epically ends in failure.
Let’s find out the cause(s) behind Metal Gear Survive; the dumpster fire that is, or mercifully was and will never see the light of day again.
Metal Gear Survive – Uninspired, Generic, Repetitive, Unfulfilling, and Blandness Hamper Konami’s Trademark Franchise
Right off the bat, using Metal Gear Solid as a blueprint to pivot into the zombie games genre on PS5 wasn’t smart. A huge fan base loves the Metal Gear Solid games because of Mr. Hideo Kojima’s involvement. Konami cut him loose, then removed his name from all future entries and credits of past games. A dirty move that was met with backlash.
That’s not the worst of it, though, as what Konami brought to the table with Metal Gear Survive was utter garbage. The stealth mechanic was now necessary to sneak past and eliminate zombies with horrendous A.I. The zombies feel like bland cardboard cutouts. The extreme difficulty where you must watch your oxygen level and tedious means to unlock any decent upgrade sour the experience.
Always Online Requirement, Greedy Microtransactions, and Boring Gameplay Bash Any Redeeming Qualities of Metal Gear Survive
The gameplay and controversy aside, Metal Gear Survive also fumbles because of corporate greed at its finest. Players must always have a stable internet connection, so if you’re ever offline, well, too bad you’re not playing the PS5 zombie game. Also, the game’s punishing difficulty was a deliberate attempt to goad players into buying its upgrades to make things easier.
We’re not kidding when we say Metal Gear Survive is the worst zombie game ever. The whole design feels like a blatant milking the cash cow attempt. Anyway, if you’re looking for a palette cleanser after looking up Metal Gear Survive, here is a list of 6 zombie games that are actually good.
3. Days Gone – The Biggest Case of Verging on The Cusp of Greatness, But Falling Short
Moving on from our last entry for our list of PS5 zombie games, we have one that deserves praise. However, it also could have benefited from a longer development cycle. We’re talking about Days Gone, the underrated zombie shooter that feels half-baked. Of course, many staunch defenders will call the game a masterpiece; we respectfully say that’s a stretch.
Sure, there is fun gameplay and a very engaging story, but there are flaws at the same time. You check out our list of games like Days Gone for alternative recommendations. For now, let’s see what holds Days Gone back.
Days Gone – A Mis-mash of Excellent Game Ideas That Deliver An Undercooked Zombie Game On the PS5
The great thing about Days Gone is that despite a depressing zombie setting, it doesn’t hold back the sense of fun and adventure. Players take on the role of Deacon St. John, a drifter and former bounty hunter who is a lone wolf. He keeps to himself and is on the road on his signature bike. The plot sees him get involved in a political struggle when he gets a letter from his deceased wife.
While the plot may seem intriguing enough, the importance of Deacon’s role feels forced. Moving onto the gameplay, the open-world setting is a nice touch, but it feels empty most of the time, especially when you’re on the road. The odd zombie encounter can feel fun, but they’re spread out far too thin.
The crafting mechanics feel surface-level and simple, with little to no innovation for a AAA first-party zombie game from Sony on the PS5. Also, while it’s innovative that the bike must be retrieved manually, it can also feel frustrating as you have to walk all around without fast travel initially. Also, story missions locking behind repetitive side-missions are definitely not a good idea.
The Comparison to The Last of Us Ultimately Takes Away The Shine of Days Gone
Let’s address the elephant in the room regarding Days Gone. Even though we agreed not to include The Last of Us in our list of best PS5 zombie games, we gotta talk about it. It was always an uphill battle for Days Gone to release around the window of The Last of Us’s height of popularity. The obvious comparisons were inevitable.
Both games have similar tones, but the lack of polish of Days Gone is abundantly clear. The emotional beats of the story of The Last of Us trump anything Days Gone puts out. In terms of riveting and compelling characters, once again, The Last of Us has it beat. Days Gone feels fun on its own, but it doesn’t do enough to stand out from The Last of Us.
2. Dying Light 2: Stay Human – The Runner-Up PS5 Zombie Game On Our List
Coming in as the runner-up game on our list, we have Dying Light 2: Stay Human. The zombie survival game is fun, high-octane, and, most of all, a unique gaming experience on the PS5. The fantastic parkour system comes back with refinement, while the gory massacre of zombies also makes a grand return.
We have nothing but praise for Dying Light 2: Stay Human; here’s why that is the case.
Dying Light 2 Proves Innovation Can Still Happen in Zombie Games on the PS5
The immediate attention-grabber of Dying Light 2: Stay Human is its off-the-chain combat and parkour and how they come together. The action is dynamic, and every choice has consequences in the story. Multiple factions are vying for power in the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, with our character having the power to tip the scales.
Becoming the center of attention comes with a price. The protagonist must tread on eggshells and deal with nasty, unholy creatures, especially at night. Another refreshing aspect of Dying Light 2: Stay Human is the implementation of excellent campaign co-op multiplayer. Dying Light 2: Stay Human is a zombie game on PS5 that is a ton of fun to play.
The Fast-Paced Intensity, Traversal With Satisfying Zombie Kills, and An Engaging Storyline Make Dying Light 2 Brilliant
The brisk nature of combat in Dying Light 2: Stay Human makes players always stay alert. The political scheming and backstabbing will create a tense stand-off for players who want to reach the best ending. While at night, it’s always frantic acrobatics and chaotic slaughter of zombies.
Night-time exploration is 100 percent risky, but there is always more reward that accompanies it. The hordes are deadlier than in the previous Dying Light game, and the level design is also much more complex. The lack of heavy projectile weapons, at least not until late make in Dying Light 2: Stay Human a genuinely new and innovative zombie game on PS5
1. Resident Evil 2 Remake – The Best Zombie Game on PS5
Finally, the number one game on our list, we cap things off with Resident Evil 2 Remake. It’s a PS5 game that everyone can agree is one of, if not the best, zombie game ever. Resident Evil 2 Remake is a game dripping with claustrophobic anxiety and modern-day horror ambiance.
Here’s why we find Resident Evil 2 Remake the best zombie game on PS5.
Resident Evil 2 Remake – The PS5 Game Makes Standard Zombies Terrifying Again
The biggest draw of Resident Evil 2 Remake is its attention to detail in the graphics department. The simplistic walker zombies feel threatening as they move around awkwardly in the darkness, slithering towards the player abruptly. Their grotesque designs only add to their repulsiveness, and the gnawing sounds of them flesh-eating will make your skin crawl.
If you think the generic zombies are the only threat in the game, think again. The terrifying Mr. X is another relentless antagonist and will show up when you least expect him to. Plus, the licker is another sly creature that will terrify players. When you boil down all the elements together, the cohesiveness of Resident Evil 2 Remake makes it the best zombie game on PS5.
The Story Thrusts Players Within An Intriguing Plot That Hooks Them Immediately
Resident Evil 2 Remake isn’t just scary moments and abominations coming after the player. No, what makes Resident Evil 2 Remake such an awesome PS5 zombie game is that the story is brilliant. The characters Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield both get their moments to shine. Plus, a brief stint by Ada Wong also happens, who we pick as the best girl in Resident Evil.
The conspiracy story of Resident Evil 2 Remake is a callback to the original game, which makes it a faithful reimagining. Fans who love the PS1-era Resident Evil 2 zombie game will love the PS5 version. The conclusion is a satisfying one which leads into Resident Evil 4. Our friend has a list if you’re looking for games similar to Resident Evil 4 Remake.
Final Thoughts About the Zombie Games on PS5
That concludes our short list of zombie games on PS5, which are much more challenging than longer ones. We hope you enjoy reading about each of our picks; let us know your thoughts in the comments below. If you like more zombie game recommendations, we’ve got you covered, as we have the entirety of zombie games on Xbox 360 ranked.
Our choices are diverse, and they don’t conform to trends. We hope you find a new favorite zombie game from today’s list. Until next time, stay safe, keep slaying those zombies, and happy gaming, everyone.
