The 12 Best Family Games on PS5

Here’s an unproven social theory: devices disconnect families.

Increasingly, the social dynamic that presents itself in many families across the world is that of family members retreating to bedrooms, nooks, or corners while thumbs twiddle frantically on silver screens of various sizes.

However, there are ways that these same devices can be an opportunity for family quality time. A movie night on a big screen is great but you can also play fun family video games that provide social engagement for all.

But you have to find the right games first; games that are appropriate for kids while being mature enough for parents too. That’s what I’ve done for you in this guide. Without further ado, check out these 12 best family games on PS5.

Frantics

• Genre: Party, Racing, Strategy, Simulation, Sports
• Developers: NapNok Games
• Release Date: March 6, 2018
• Platforms: PlayStation, Android
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

PlayLink gives us another intriguing game that ranks alongside Knowledge is Power and Hidden Agenda. That game is Frantics, a suite of 15 Arcade and Party mini-games for everyone.
It was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in June 2018.

Frantics allows four players at a time to take part in a tournament-style block of 15 games including Thrust Issues, Chair Riots, Bomb Slingers, and Hot-Rod Heroes. These games cover races, brawls, football, and even the odd secret mission assigned by a sly fox host.

Since it’s PlayLink-enabled, you’ll need to download the companion app on your phone or tablet in order to play. You will use your device as your main controller as you swipe or shake your way to winning precious crowns.

Three play modes exist for the game. You can play on your own, play in group mode, or play the Fox Party Mode, which is the most entertaining as it gives access to the Fox. Have him give you a secret mission that can earn you more crowns.

Crowns come when you win a mini-game and in the final showdown, these crowns count as one life each. You can also spend the crowns on getting useful Customizations that help you win the game ultimately.

Though mostly control-friendly, some games such as Friendless Runner are not as responsive to control through your phones or tablets.

However, the final result is a collection of mini-games certain to provide entertainment for all the family.

Monopoly Plus

• Genre: Casual
• Developers: Ubisoft Pune
• Release Date: November 25, 2014
• Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Windows, Amazon Luna
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer, Online multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

What family hasn’t had an evening of fun playing Monopoly and nibbling cookies? And if you’ve been a young ‘un with a dream to see yourself magically transported into a real-life Monopoly simulation, then Monopoly Plus has got you covered.

This Ubisoft-published board game joins games like Settlers of Catan to make the fun and effective transition from the table to consoles, and it is among the best family games for families.

What extras make the electronic version stand out?

Firstly, you get to explore a virtual 3D Monopoly City as all your favorite Monopoly features take living and breathing life around you. In this world, you can interact with all players, assets, and game features.

You may also bend the rules as you like. Fancy that you can do better than the classic game designers? Then design your own Monopoly game board courtesy of Monopoly Plus.

The multiple-language feature also allows this game to be enjoyed in virtually all major languages.

And that’s not all; you can play on your own, with family, or even with other players online. The single-player mode is basically facing off against the AI as you encounter levels that differ in difficulty depending on your preference.

In multiplayer mode, you can play up to 5 others with optional separate controllers. One drawback with online play however is that the game ends as soon as the host quits. It would be better if another player became the host.

Verdict? What can I say? It’s Monopoly… on PS5. Ka-Ching!

Monopoly Madness

• Genre: Casual
• Developers: Engine Software, Ubisoft
• Release Date: December 9, 2021
• Platforms: Xbox, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer, Online multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

If you’re sold on reliving the board game Monopoly electronically, take one step back on this list to Monopoly Plus. However, if your preference is a Monopoly-themed game that breaks all Monopoly rules, then welcome to Monopoly Madness.

What’s the story? Uncle Pennybags, or Mr. Monopoly, is away on a trip. This presents the perfect opportunity for you and other real estate Tycoon wannabes to make a buck or two while ignoring his fastidious rules.

In Monopoly Madness, you are one of six players with a simple function (ok, actually crazily zany, let’s face it). You are all in a frantic race to purchase real estate properties in Monopoly City that you then upgrade for profit.

And, oh yes, there is a time factor as you have to do all this before time runs out. In this game, time is almost literally money. (I suppose it’s that way in real life also anyway). You have to constantly be on the alert as new opportunities pop up every time.

There’s a story mode for some solo action, but the 6-player multiplayer mode is basically Monopoly meets Fast and Furious with a slice of SmackDown. Power-ups let you obstruct opponents, push them down, and do pretty much anything else to get in the lead.

This is a fun, short, and frantic game that definitely deserves to be considered one of the best family games on PS5.

Just Dance 2022

• Genre: Music, Party
• Developers: Ubisoft, Room8
• Release Date: November 4, 2021
• Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, Stadia, Nintendo Switch
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

If you’ve come across earlier versions of this game then Just Dance 2022 may hold little for you in terms of surprises. The 13th game in the Ubisoft Rhythm games series, Just Dance 2022 may just be the perfect game your family needs for a dance-off night.

Although the game has Kid Mode, it’s the Party Mode that is most suitable for vibing as a family as you take on some of the greatest musical hits of the past few decades.

Choose a body and its choreography and follow, it’s that simple. Not much has changed in terms of controls from the past versions of the game, and if you’ve not played it before it’s pretty easy to learn.

For Just Dance 2022 on PS5, you will need to use your phone camera connected to the game app. Another workaround is to go to the app store via your browser and get the PS4 version instead. Then, the game gets HD camera support.

Have you got someone physically challenged in the family? Not a problem. The shake-controller-and-get-points feature allows everyone to be involved, irrespective of physical disability.

The 2022 version also comes with extra universes as well as 40 brand new tunes like ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra, and Ciara’s ‘Level Up’. There is also, of course, the new block of choreography which provides a steady, easy-to-follow workout session for all.

Family dance night always steps in the right direction with Just Dance games, and this one is no different.

LEGO Brawls

• Genre: Fighting
• Developers: Red Games Co.
• Release Date: September 2, 2022
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer, Online multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

Super Smash Bros meets 3D pixel block art in this electronic fighting game, Lego Brawls. With its fun LEGO franchise-inspired characters and G-rated battle sequences, how could this not be on the list of the best family games on PS5?

Lego Brawls was released in September 2019 by publishers, The Lego Group, Lego Interactive, and Namco Bandai Games America Inc.

As can be expected, the story in this game is just an excuse for an all-out smash ’em up that takes place in the LEGO Universe.

The beauty of this game is that you can create your own champion from an estimated 77,289,215,065,920 combinations of customizable Lego action and mini-figures made available right from launch. That includes figurines from licensed LEGO pieces, e.g., Alien Conquest, and Ninjago. Other titles abound also.

Your self-built brawler has one function – knock out everyone and everything in its way. As you fight your way up, you will be ranked against other players across the world. You also can collect minifigs, emotes, and power-ups in the course of your battles.

Weapons are also firmly G-rated. For instance, the fish here are used for slapping your opponents and carrot guns are used to shoot.

You can host a game anytime or join an ongoing game hosted by another player online. As a kid safety feature, players are not allowed to interact verbally with other players.

Ultimate Chicken Horse

• Genre: Platformer
• Developers: Clever Endeavour Games
• Release Date: December 12, 2017
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer, Online multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

Is the family in the mood for a simple, fun party platformer? Then the 2D party game Ultimate Chicken Horse is your winning … er… horse.

Ultimate Chicken Horse was released in March 2016 by publishers Clever Endeavor Games and Merge Games.

Story-wise, well, there isn’t much of one. Players in this multiplayer have to brave obstacle courses, going up levels through different modes until they finish.

But here’s the kicker: the obstacles are positioned by you and other players.

Players get a box at the very start. Inside it are four objects that each of you can place as an obstacle wherever you want for everyone. Anticipate how you can get around these even knowing they’re there.

Also, as an added twist, if you all finish together, no one wins and you start over. Finish alone and you get bonus points.

If it sounds simplistic that’s because it really is. But players affirm too many times to ignore that this might be one of the best party games out there- for the right crowd that is.

In terms of gameplay, each player begins by choosing an animal. There are seven alternatives that you can tune up with unlockable costumes.

Each map for the hazard course has an end and a beginning. Game modes include Creative and Party modes.

While Ultimate Chicken Horse does not score too high in originality, its capacity for sheer fun and entertainment makes it not just a top party favorite but definitely one of the best family games on PS5.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

• Genre: Simulation, Casual, Strategy
• Developers: Ghost Town Games, Team17
• Release Date: November 10, 2020
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer, Online multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a digital version of a family restaurant kitchen run by a sitcom family with little experience at being chefs – or being a family. It is a compilation that includes the first two games in the series – Overcooked and Overcooked 2.

What good is a family game that is not multiplayer, right? Overcooked! All You Can Eat allows up to 4 players, so a decent number of people can be part of the chaotic fun all at once.

This family game is basically about a newbie chef(s) who has to train by providing a series of meals to demanding customers as he anticipates a food monster sometime in the future.

Various versions of the game have offered up different monsters such as a spaghetti monster. This time, the monster goes by the name “Unbreaded” and is some kind of bread-made giant.

Providing the meals is not the only challenge however as you have to circumnavigate obstacles that pop up around the kitchen too. Each meal successfully cooked and served takes you to another fresh level.

Other levels include the competitive level, and the most used controls come down to about three buttons for the most part.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat also comes with some pretty amazing art and graphics work. The meals served look absolutely scrumptious on the screen.

This game promotes the very essence of family. Doing a tough job with folks that you have to find a way to work with, and live with.

Gang Beasts

• Genre: Beat ’em up, Party
• Developers: Boneloaf
• Release Date: December 12, 2017
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Multiplayer: Local multiplayer, Online multiplayer
• Average Playtime: N/A

Gang Beasts is certainly not for the faint at heart. A typical ‘bash ‘em till they drop’ party game, it does take the beatings too much to heart. For instance, a typical fair game stunt is throwing opponents off speeding trucks.

Why then is this multiplayer in this list of best family games on PS5?

Well, because it can be played as a family- and a large one at that (up to eight players). Just don’t involve the under-9-year-olds or thereabouts in the family.

This action party game was published in May 2020 by Boneloaf, who also developed the game. The British independent game company chose to self-publish after an initial venture with Double Fine Presents.

Gameplay-wise, how does Gang Beasts stack up against the competition?

The first thing that works for this local multiplayer game is its basic premise, which is to the point and uncomplicated. As one of eight beasts, you are expected to be the last man, er, beast, standing.

In order to do this, you’re going to have to punch, push, pull, kick, and whatever else you need to do, to get all the other beasts off the fight arena. As said earlier this could be a speeding truck, a wrestling ring, or some sort of suspended platform.

Game mechanics can be grabbed spur-of-the-moment, and you can go from zero to punching in five seconds flat.

While it definitely may not be ideal for kids in the family, it’s a solid entertainment vehicle for the older folks in the clan.

Moving Out

• Genre: Puzzle
• Developers: DevM Games, SMG Studio
• Release Date: April 28, 2020
• Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Amazon Luna
• Multiplayer: Local co-op
• Average Playtime: 5 hours

Fun, bordering on hysterics while contending with extreme physics best describes the co-op moving house simulation, Moving Out.

This couch co-op was published by Team17, the same team responsible for Overcooked: All You Can Eat, which is another family fun favorite on this list.

Ever been part of the exciting, sometimes frightening, and always chaotic process that is moving homes? That’s Moving Out in brief summary.

Playing in local multiplayer mode, see if your team can accomplish the simple tasks of moving stuff from houses, offices, and farms to your moving van, battling the laws of gravity every step of the way.

Also, scale up your moving business while providing gainful employment to the fully customizable townsfolk.

A lot of the appeal of Moving Out’s 30 levels comes from its madcap quality so it needs to be asked: How cooperative are the controls in this game universe where physical laws have gone bonkers?

Surprisingly, pretty good, because excellence is a pattern, not an event, and developers SMG Studio and Devm Games have certainly shown a knack for the former.

Moving is easily executed with the left stick/d-pad and picking up objects is done with the R2 button. Naturally, there is a time element and things get done faster when you toss the furniture one after the other, hopefully without breaking something.

Great game, and on to the next one!

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

• Genre: Racing
• Developers: Beenox
• Release Date: June 21, 2019
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
• Average Playtime: 5 hours

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Is a re-engineering of the two-decades-old original kart racing video game. It is published by Activision and was released in 2019.

For a game whose ancestor is older than many of you reading this, it holds up pretty well. But does Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled bring anything to today’s gaming families other than nostalgia?

Well, the first thing to be noted is that this new iteration closely follows the tracks of the original. And that original was a pretty awesome package for its day.

The controls feel great, and the aesthetics are on point, especially on tracks that run along ice caves, underwater tunnels, and by desert pyramids. Skill-based drifts, power-ups, and weapons all look good and perform even better.

When you properly get into the game, you’ll see why a dose of 2020 tech is just the tune-up that the engine needed.

Some cases in point include power-sliding, which requires a high level of precision to execute. Also, some racing tracks demand near-F1 dexterity to make those tight twists.

Perhaps gamers back then were compelled to handle trickier maneuvers because of relatively less responsive controls? Some portions play a little too stiff for today’s gamers.

Luckily, you can choose lower levels of difficulty in Adventure Mode.

That said, the 13 extra tracks, the look, content, and gameplay alone, make this kart racer worthy to be placed among the best family games on PS5.

Rayman Legends

• Genre: Platformer
• Developers: Ubisoft Montpellier
• Release Date: February 2014
• Platforms: Windows, Wii U, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
• Multiplayer: Local co-op
• Average Playtime: 10 hours

Rayman failed the first time it was released in 2011 through no fault of its own, as the first of the series, ironically called Rayman Origins, was a great game.

That said, I’ll be judging Rayman Legends, published by Ubisoft in 2018, on its own merits, hoping to prove that it deserves this place among the best family games on PS5.

In the story, Teensies have been taken prisoner by nightmares while Rayman and his pals sleep in The Glade of Dreams. Murfy, the Greenbottle wakes the heroes, and it’s off immediately to save the Teensies.

Alongside the old, you’ll find new playable characters such as Funky Ray, Assassin Ray, and Champion Ray.

The action of Rayman Legends spans 120-plus stages, and underwater dives, while avoiding bombs, are only some challenges Rayman must face.

For a platformer, the game gets around nicely too. There’s a new world every time you need one to keep things fresh, and the quirky 2D/3D mixed art totally works.

Rayman’s repertoire of moves includes punching, hovering, and jumping. Murfy is also around when you need him to clear out obstacles in the way.

While you’re saving Teensies, remember also to vacuum up floating bugs called Lums for extra medals, and try to use the green bottle as the rewards are definitely worth it.

The 4-player multiplayer mode makes it ideal for family play, but online co-op is unavailable so your family needs to be around you.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

• Genre: Action, Platformer
• Developers: Asteroid Base
• Release Date: February 9, 2016
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
• Multiplayer: Local co-op
• Average Playtime: 5 hours, 30 minutes

If your family is looking for a game that truly presents the opportunity for solid teamplay then look no further than the space adventure game, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime.

This multiplayer video game was certified as excellent for best family games on PS4 mainly for its collective play potential, and it holds up very well on the PS5 too.

Although solo play is possible, it’s the multiplayer mode that makes this space shooter really soar. Multiplayer gameplay takes some getting used to but the end feeling of community is totally worth the space trek.

Running a ship that requires 7 people, even with a maximum of 4 players on co-op gameplay, takes some juggling. Various functions at the gun ports, shield station, and the main pilot deck, all make for some coordinated multitasking.

You might find yourself yelling at one or all of your partners but it’s our hope that this game will build family relationships and not divide them.

You might also find yourself belting out the catchy space tune as you dodge obstacles through space, save loving space bunnies that have been abducted, and defeat the evil anti-love forces.

The average 6 hours of playtime across two difficulty levels will fly past as quickly as a rocket as you work the ship on your way to save universal love while deploying the Yamato station to destroy anti-love creatures.

It’s not quite 10/10, but it’s definitely highly recommended!

If you’re interested in something that’s a bit more suited for you and your partner, check out the best PS5 games to play with your girlfriend or boyfriend next.