The once-popular gaming trend of offering free demos for upcoming or released games is making a big comeback, much to the delight of players. Typically, publishers release free demos prior to the full version launch, allowing customers to sample them at no cost and decide if they’re interested in purchasing.
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Below, you’ll find some of the best free demo versions available forPS5on the PS Store, ranked by the Metascore of their respective full versions. We’ve only highlighted the biggest releases of the past few years, with each demo offering at least a solid hour of gameplay. Keep in mind that there are many more free demos waiting for you to explore in the ‘Demos’ section of the PS Store.
10Forspoken
An open-world action-adventure game with a unique magic combat system and an intricate realm to explore.
Forspokenis a typical modern open-world game, offering a vast environment to explore and a fast-paced combat system that really sets it apart from the competition. While the setting, lore, anddialogue may feel somewhat lacking, it’s still an enjoyable experience, with combat that offers just enough depth for thrilling encounters and the ability to find your own style.
In this demo, players can sample the title’s open-world structure and activities, experimenting with diverse elemental combat skills against various enemies. However, progress made in the demo doesn’t carry over to the main game, as it simply doesn’t cover its opening.
9Outcast: A New Beginning
An open-world action-adventure sequel to the 1999 cult classic, set in an alien world full of ancient mysteries.
A New Beginning is an AA game with aspirations of reaching triple-A status. While it’s not flawless, it offers a well-realized world ripe for exploration, especially with the protagonist’s jetpack. Fans of Outcast will appreciate the inclusion of temples and puzzles.
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The demo for this sequel could be more enticing, though. Despite the hefty download, players are granted access to three time-limited game modes. While this showcases the full range of mechanics, some may find the 20-minute duration for exploration and story modes too short (though they are replayable). Additionally, progress in the demo does not carry over to the full version.
8Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
A hardcore action spin-off aimed at fans of the soulslike genre that features an incredibly satisfying and deep combat.
Fans of the soulslike genre andTeam Ninjagames will feel right at home inStranger of Paradise. The game throws you straight into intense and tough combat challenges alongside your companions. While the story, characters, and narrative are important in thisFinal Fantasytale, the core experience lies in its satisfying and demanding combat.
In this demo, you’ll play through the title’s opening sections. All progress and obtained loot carry over to the full game, so players needn’t worry about spending too much time exploring or getting used to the combat system and controls.
7Outriders
A high-speed looter-shooter set on another planet, emphasizing supernatural skills and devastating weapon perks.
Outridersis an action-packed shooter with an abundance of loot to collect and enemies to defeat. It allows you to experiment with your build by offering different skill paths for each class, along with incredible weapon perks that you’re able to combine as you wish. The story is surprisingly cinematic, featuring memorable characters and unique areas to explore with your companions.
In this demo, players can try out each of the game’s starting classes, experiencing the opening chapter and a few starting missions. This demo offers several hours of gameplay, and progress can be carried over to the full version as well.
6Stellar Blade
A sci-fi action game with a dynamic combat system, appealing characters, and tough bosses.
The full release of Stellar Blade is still ahead of us, but judging from the game’s captivating and highly popular demo, it’s poised for success. With stunning visuals, captivating characters, and a surprisingly deep combat system featuring multiple skill trees, the title is set to become one of the standout offerings in the PS5’s action library.
In this demo, players can experience the spectacular opening chapter and the first hour of Eve’s journey, with the option to carry their progress over to the full game upon release. Given the title’s difficulty, players should be prepared to invest some time in facing the initial challenges posed by the available bosses.
5Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
An exemplary 2D side-scrolling metroidvania that features both exciting battles and refined platforming.
Earlier this year,Ubisoftsurprised fans with the sudden release of a newPrince of Persiagame, with The Lost Crownarguably becoming one of the best in this acclaimed series. While it isn’t directly connected to any existing entry, it offers a full set of features fans expect from the franchise.
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In this demo, players experience a slice of the game’s features and mechanics, but they won’t play through the opening, meaning progress won’t transfer to the full version. However, during the demo, players will experience everything this title has to offer: intense combat encounters, exciting platforming, and time-manipulating mechanics.
4Final Fantasy 16
This JRPG prioritizes a dynamic action system above all else, offering the most epic Kaiju standoffs ever.
This cinematic RPG is renowned for its epic Kaiju battles, which areamong the most impressive on-screen gaming momentsever. With a sprawling world of politics, diverse characters, and a combat system easily rivalingDevil May Cry 5, it offers a rich experience inspired by HBO’sGame of Thrones.
You can carry your progress into the full version, as the demo covers the initial chapters from the protagonist’s tragic youth. Additionally, to fully showcase its combat, there’s a separate mid-game episode where you face tougher enemies, including one ofFF16’s main bosses.
The latest chapter in the legendary franchise features over-the-top battles full of destruction and aggression.
The last couple of years have been great for fighting game fans, with several major releases being nothing short of masterpieces. With its diverse character roster and outstanding visuals,Tekken 8is one such title, surpassing fan expectations and marking a confident step forward for the entire genre.
The Tekken 8 demo is a real treat, offering gameplay as one of four characters across five different modes. Unfortunately, progress made during the demo will not carry over to the full version, but players have the opportunity to experience the robust hand-to-hand combat mechanics to their fullest.
2Street Fighter 6
A striking fighting game with revolutionary features like World Tour and Battle Hub, as engaging for newcomers as it is for veterans.
Street Fighter 6is another stellar entry in the iconic franchise, boasting impressive graphics, music, sound, controls, and outstanding style. With new features like a full-fledged open-world adventure available in the campaign, it represents a notable step forward in the genre’s evolution, pushing the boundaries of what was possible before.
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This demo offers generous content, allowing players to experience not only the fighting mechanics with several characters available, but also toembark on their own World Tour adventurewith a custom character. While progress doesn’t carry over, you may transfer your created avatar to the full game.
1Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Rebirth is a new peak for the series, offering robust combat, the best cast of characters yet, and a vast world full of various mini-games.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthcould end up as the highest-rated game of the year, and rightfully so. With its enormous and colorful open world,reimagined iconic characters with more depth, exciting combat, and dozens of new mini-games, it promises a 100-hour journey like no other.
The demo offers two episodes with plenty of things to do. Nibelheim guides you through the title’s opening chapter and its progress carries over to the full version. Additionally, there’s the middle-game area of Junon for exploration and combat activities, though progress here doesn’t transfer to the full version.
