Which PS4 Games Don't Work On PS5?

The PS5 is backwards compatible with most PS4 games and can even offer a mixture of improved load times, enhanced visuals, and better frame rates. While Sony says the vast majority of PS4 games will be playable on the new system, a select few titles will not be compatible with the next-gen console, and we now know exactly which those are.

A support page on the official PlayStation website initially listed 10 games that would not be playable on PS5, but that number has dropped to eight games as of December 2020. The list includes some VR content, and it doesn't feature any enormous titles. The games you'll likely want to keep playing when you get your PS5 will still work. Joe's Diner fans are in for a rude awakening, though. We hate to be the ones to break this news, but you will have to keep your PS4 available in order to keep playing it. However, if a game is on the list, it could be removed later. Likewise, games could be added in the future if they are released for PS4 at a later date, though this is very unlikely.

It initially looked as if these 10 games would be the only ones that didn't work, but Ubisoft subsequently shared its own list with a handful of game that purportedly were incompatible. These are listed below, and include several VR games and entries in the Assassin's Creed franchise. Ubisoft has since removed a post listing them from its website; the games in question are listed below with an asterisk. Based on reports, these Ubisoft games do at least boot up, but it's possible you could encounter some issues as you play. You may want to wait for potential updates in order to get them to run more smoothly. Newer Ubisoft games will work more smoothly on PS5.

In our PS5 review, we noted that we found occasional glitches in non-Ubisoft games, such as a visual bug in Batman: Return to Arkham. Your mileage may vary, and it's possible some of these issues could be patched in the future. However, we don't suggest getting rid of your PS4 quite yet.

PS5-Incompatible PS4 Games

• Assassin's Creed Syndicate*
• Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India*
• Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China*
• Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia*
• Risk*
• Star Trek Bridge Crew*
• Werewolves Within*
• Space Junkies*
• Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma - Volume One
• TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2
• Just Deal With It!
• Robinson: The Journey
• We Sing
• Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
• Shadwen
• Joe's Diner

All you need to do to play a backwards-compatible game on PS5 is put it into the disc drive, download it from PSN, or transfer it via external storage from PS4. Should there be a PS5 upgrade available, Sony also detailed that process. Even some PS4 games will see better performance via Game Boost without a PS5 upgrade.

Your PS Plus saves stored in the cloud will transfer from PS4 to PS5. This means that if you have a game you've only half-finished on PS4 and want to continue playing on PS5, you can install it on the new console, download your save data, and pick up right where you left off. This will be extremely useful for any games including via the PlayStation Plus collection that you may have played in the past, as the digital versions will be available right away on PS5. You must have a PS Plus subscription in order to use cloud saves. This differs from Xbox, which lets anyone with a free Xbox Live account make use of cloud saves.

You'll be able to keep using a DualShock 4 controller to play the PS4 games, though it won't work on PS5 games. PlayStation Move and PlayStation VR Aim controllers will be supported, as well. You'll want to keep your PS4's camera available, as well, as you'll need it to play these games. It appears the PS5's own camera will serve other purposes, possibly for enhancing the streaming experience.

Microsoft is also supporting the vast majority of Xbox One games on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, with the exception of Kinect-only games. The same backward compatible original Xbox and Xbox 360 games playable on Xbox One will be playable on the new hardware, as well. It doesn't appear more will be added.

PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition both released on November 12. Check out our guide on where to buy a PS5 for the latest information on how to secure an order.