If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can you play PS4 games on PS5?”, you’re not alone. With the release of the next-gen PlayStation 5, many gamers are excited about upgrading their hardware—but they also want reassurance that their favorite PlayStation 4 titles won’t be left behind.
Here’s the good news: You absolutely can play PS4 games on PS5, and in most cases, they perform even better. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 amazing facts that prove backward compatibility is not just a side feature—it’s a game-changer.
Let’s dive into all the details and eliminate the confusion once and for all.
Table of Contents
Yes, You Can Play PS4 Games on PS5—Most of Them, Anyway
Sony officially confirms that over 4,000 PS4 games are compatible with the PS5, meaning your existing library is largely safe. Whether you own physical discs or digital versions, you’ll be able to access and play them on your PS5 with minimal hassle.
So if you’ve been asking, “Can you play PS4 games on PS5?”, the answer is a confident YES—with only a few rare exceptions.
Playing PS4 Discs on the PS5 (Standard Edition)
If you own the PS5 Standard Edition with a disc drive, playing your old PS4 discs is simple:
Insert the PS4 disc into your PS5.
The console will install and play the game.
You must keep the disc in the drive when playing.
This process is seamless and doesn’t require extra steps. It’s a win for those with large physical game collections.
How Digital PS4 Games Work on PS5
Digital gamers also benefit. If you bought PS4 games from the PlayStation Store, they’re tied to your PSN account. When you sign into your account on the PS5:
Your game library will sync.
You can re-download any digital PS4 games.
Most titles work perfectly without modification.
So again, can you play PS4 games on PS5 if you’re a digital-only gamer? Absolutely.
Game Boost: How PS5 Makes PS4 Games Even Better
One of the hidden gems of the PS5 is the Game Boost feature, which improves the performance of select PS4 games. With Game Boost:
Frame rates become more stable.
Load times are significantly reduced.
Some games get higher resolution and visual clarity.
Titles like God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and The Last of Us Part II showcase how beautifully this works. So, not only can you play PS4 games on PS5, but you might prefer playing them on PS5 for the enhanced experience.
Save Data Transfers Are Smooth and Flexible
Your progress matters—and Sony knows it. There are three main ways to move your saved data from PS4 to PS5:
Cloud Saves: PS Plus subscribers can download cloud saves automatically.
USB Storage: Manually transfer saves using a USB drive.
Wi-Fi Transfer: Use Sony’s built-in data transfer tool to migrate everything wirelessly.
No matter the method, your game progress from PS4 will continue seamlessly on PS5.
Free Upgrades for Select PS4 Games
Some game publishers offer free next-gen upgrades. That means if you own the PS4 version, you can upgrade to the PS5 version at no cost. This includes games like:
Cyberpunk 2077
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Just check the PlayStation Store or insert the disc, and follow the upgrade prompts.
A Few PS4 Games Won’t Work—But It’s a Short List
Sony has listed only a handful of PS4 games that don’t work on PS5. These include:
Joe’s Diner
Shadow Complex Remastered
TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2
For the full updated list, check the official PlayStation support page. But in general, over 99% of PS4 games are playable—so the odds are in your favor.
Can You Play PS4 Games on PS5 With Multiplayer?
Yes—and cross-generation support is strong. You can:
Play online with PS4 friends while using your PS5.
Join cross-gen multiplayer lobbies for games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and FIFA.
Use the same PSN account to carry over your friends list and trophies.
This ensures a smooth transition without losing your community.
External Storage Options for PS4 Games on PS5
Here’s a smart tip: PS4 games don’t need to be stored on the PS5’s internal SSD. Instead, you can run them from an external hard drive:
Save internal space for PS5-only games.
Load PS4 games directly from USB 3.0 external drives.
Reuse your existing PS4 external storage with no hassle.
This flexibility is ideal if you have a large game library.
Can You Play PS4 Games on PS5 Using PS VR?
Yes, PS VR games designed for PS4 can be played on PS5. However, you’ll need:
Your original PS VR headset
The PlayStation Camera (not PS5 HD Camera)
A free camera adapter from Sony
Once connected, most VR titles will work as expected. PS VR2 games, however, are built separately for the new hardware.
Why You Should Absolutely Play PS4 Games on PS5
So, can you play PS4 games on PS5? The answer is a definitive YES—with big benefits. From smoother performance and faster load times to free upgrades and save data continuity, the PS5 honors your PS4 library in the best possible way.
Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or catching up on titles you missed, the PS5 offers an outstanding experience. It’s not just backward compatibility—it’s a better way to play your PS4 games.
Want to get the most out of your PS5? Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow gamers.
Also read: The ROG Xbox Ally Is Here — Redefining Gaming On the Go!