6 Unmissable PS5 Games Releasing in October

Following a September packed with heavy-hitting titles like Marvel’s Wolverine and Control Resonant, the steady stream of must-play video games shows no signs of slowing down. Next month brings an even stronger lineup of exciting releases, acting as the perfect prelude to the massive Zelda and GTA one-two punch arriving in November.

From high-speed galactic racing to a gritty “kungfupunk” epic, October offers a remarkably diverse slate of experiences tailored for every kind of player. Here are six standout games that PlayStation 5 owners will want to add to their wishlists immediately.

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1
Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition

Release date: Oct. 1

Ghost of Yōtei is making a triumphant return with its Complete Edition, launching nearly a year to the day after its original 2025 debut. The undisputed centerpiece of this release is the Echoes of Sekigahara expansion, which transports Atsu to uncharted territories in Ezo. Here, she teams up with Nagato—a figure tied to her past—to track down remnants of forces once loyal to the Snake. Additionally, the paid DLC introduces “Most Wanted,” a robust roguelike mode featuring fresh playable characters, including the iconic Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima. Meanwhile, a complimentary update arriving on the same day introduces brand-new tracks for Watanabe Mode alongside the serene Beauty of Yōtei mode, allowing players to fully absorb Ezo’s breathtaking landscapes.

2
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Release date: Oct. 2

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve marks a triumphant comeback for the revered flight-simulation franchise, which has been dormant since 2019. Players take command of an elite fighter squadron amid a fictional geopolitical conflict defined by high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled dogfights. Beyond the visceral thrill of aerial combat, the game emphasizes deep squad camaraderie, tasking you with making narrative-shaping decisions as their commander. Ace Combat 8 has already cemented itself as one of the year’s most critically acclaimed releases, with Polygon’s Giovanni Colantonio praising it for striking the “perfect middle ground between simulation and casual arcade action.”

3
Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Release date: Oct. 2

Star Wars enthusiasts are eating exceptionally well this season. Hot on the heels of August’s stellar Star Wars Zero Company comes Star Wars: Galactic Racer. This roguelike racing title successfully translates the breakneck, destructive arcade mechanics of the Burnout series into a galaxy far, far away. The vehicles are blisteringly fast and inherently hazardous, meaning you are just as likely to cross the finish line in first place as you are to experience a fiery wreck. As Polygon’s Giovanni Colantonio noted in his preview, “The races are exciting, the tracks are terrific, and there are plenty of Star Wars touches that fans of the series can nerd out over.”

4
Valor Mortis

Release date: Oct. 13

Developed by the studio behind the Ghostrunner series, Valor Mortis introduces a bold new vantage point to the Soulslike genre. While the vast majority of contemporaries adopt a third-person perspective, this title delivers intense, blade-swinging combat entirely in first-person. Stepping into the boots of a fallen soldier from Napoleon’s grand army who is resurrected with supernatural abilities, players must carve their way through a Europe ravaged by a mysterious plague that has mutated the populace into grotesque monstrosities.

5
Anomalith

Release date: Oct. 28

Anomalith evokes the aesthetic of a classic Resident Evil entry reimagined through a striking 3D anime lens. Blending traditional survival horror with third-person shooting mechanics, the narrative follows a teenager named Reona as she ventures into perilous Anomaly Zones to track down a missing friend. Naturally, these desolate sectors swarm with gruesome entities primed for combat, though Reona can wield otherworldly monstrous abilities of her own to secure a vital tactical advantage.

6
Phantom Blade Zero

Release date: Oct. 29

Director Soulframe Liang characterizes Phantom Blade Zero as a “kungfupunk” action RPG, a neologism capturing its unique fusion of classic wuxia and industrial steampunk aesthetics. Every movement is meticulously choreographed and captured via wire-fu stuntwork to honor the traditions of martial arts cinema, with action legend Donnie Yen lending his expertise to the production. The story centers on Soul, an assassin operating on a strict 66-day life extension who intends to expose a sprawling conspiracy before time runs out. Armed with an arsenal exceeding 30 primary armaments and over 20 “Phantom Edges”—specialized secondary tools scavenged from fallen foes—he will need every ounce of ingenuity to survive the game’s relentless barrage of punishing boss encounters.

Now past the halfway mark, 2026 has delivered an endless wave of stellar hits.

Source: Polygon