More and more games are providing you with vast open worlds to explore, filled with plenty of side quests and activities that take you all around the giant map. This is great, but it can be a little too much at times, especially if every game is like that.

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Sometimes, you may want a more linear experience where you don't have to spend hours roaming around. This often allows for more focused storytelling, detailed environments, and better pacing. In fact, some of the best PS5 games fit into this category. And it's a diverse bunch, as everything from a horror game to an action-adventure title can be linear. Here are some of the greatest ones.

6 Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4

Survival Horror Released March 24, 2023 Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Powered by Expand Collapse

When you’re on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter, like Leon is in the Resident Evil 4 Remake, there’s not much time to wander around and see the sights. So, it’s no surprise that this horror-action game is linear. There is some backtracking at times, and you are free to explore areas, but you’re mostly encouraged to keep moving forward toward your objective.

Unfortunately for you, on the way, you typically run into a bunch of infected monsters that you must bypass. Fighting them is a lot of fun due to the game’s enjoyable shooting mechanics. Equally pleasant is the upgrade system and inventory management. The characters and story aren’t bad, either.

5 Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Action-Adventure Released October 26, 2021 Developer(s) Eidos Montreal Publisher(s) Square Enix Powered by Expand Collapse

In Guardians of the Galaxy, the titular team is on a mission to acquire a rare animal at the request of a collector named Lady Hellbender. Things go south, though, when they accidentally release a dangerous alien entity. This leads to problems for the entire galaxy, forcing the team to live up to their name.

You control the leader of the crew, Peter Quill. Not only do you fight as him, you also send out instructions to the others. It makes for a unique combat system. When not in combat, you roam around visually impressive and diverse locations. There's a bit of exploration, but it mostly consists of small side paths leading to items. When you veer off the beaten path, your teammates hilariously comment on it. The narrative is a little less linear, as you do make choices that can impact how things play out, but most of them only slightly change the adventure.

4 It Takes Two

It Takes Two

Action Adventure Released March 26, 2021 Developer(s) Hazelight Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Powered by Expand Collapse

It Takes Two is a co-op game about a married couple that gets turned into small dolls. They don’t want to be toys, so they go on an adventure to become human again. Because they’re toy-sized, this adventure takes place in and around their home, as previously ordinary areas look wondrous when you’re that tiny.

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Each level takes place in a different place as you seamlessly transition from one area to the next. Along the way, you solve a bunch of puzzles and get through some platforming sections. You do so with the help of whatever gameplay mechanic you’re given for that specific level, as it changes each time. For example, on one level, you have the ability to shrink, while on another, you use magnets. The level design is incredible, making this not only one of the best linear games but also one of the greatest co-op games on the PS5.

3 A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Action-Adventure Stealth Released October 18, 2022 Developer(s) Asobo Studio Publisher(s) Focus Entertainment Powered by Expand Collapse

Following on from A Plague Tale: Innocence, A Plague Tale: Requiem follows siblings Amicia and Hugo de Rune. The two are stuck in a problematic situation, as the world is filled with plague rats and Inquisition soldiers who may rip the kids apart if they get hold of them.

Amicia can defend herself and her brother a little bit, but the duo must use stealth to bypass enemies. As for the rats, getting past them typically involves completing a puzzle. Both the stealth and puzzling mechanics are well-designed and enjoyable. The game isn't as linear as the original title since areas are bigger and there are more paths to take. That said, this is still certainly a linear experience.

2 The Last Of Us Part 1

The Last of Us Part 1 is arguably one of the most famous games on the PS5 these days due to the success of the HBO series. It follows the same story as the show, as it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world and revolves around a man and a young girl. These two begrudgingly work together to get the special girl to a safe place for the good of humanity.

Along the way, you get to witness some of the best writing and storytelling of any PlayStation 5 game. You’ll also experience some satisfying gameplay that mixes stealth with third-person shooting mechanics. There’s a bit of exploration in the game as you attempt to find supplies, but it’s a linear experience overall.

1 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Third-Person Shooter Adventure Released May 10, 2016 Developer(s) Naughty Dog Publisher(s) Sony Powered by Expand Collapse

It's strange to call Uncharted 4 a linear game, as it's the most open of any in the series. Yet, overall, it's still fairly linear since there is no open-world, and you're always strongly encouraged to proceed to the objective.

You do so while controlling legendary treasure hunter Nathan Drake, who has come out of retirement to help his long-lost brother deal with some trouble. The two set out on a journey to locate Henry Avery's lost treasure. While doing so, you shoot a lot of bad guys and climb plenty of structures. It's all satisfying and fun. Plus, the story and characters are compelling. As such, it's one of the best PlayStation exclusives ever.

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