Early Black Friday sale live at PlayStation Store — 19 PS5 games deals I’d buy now
Essential Picks sale returns to the PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store Essential Picks sale has returned and is a precursor to the digital storefront's inevitable Black Friday deals. And while we expect the impending seasonal sales will offer deeper discounts on loads of the best PS5 games, there are still a handful of deals in this early Black Friday sale worth buying right now.
Contrary to its name, the Essential Picks sale is missing several must-play PS5 games, and we definitely wouldn’t classify this as one of the strongest PlayStation Store sales of the year. However, with more than 2,000 total discounts across PS5 and PS4 games as well as DLC and in-game currencies, there are definitely a few gems among the many discounts here, and I’m rounding up my nine favorite picks down below.
The PlayStation Store Essential Picks sale runs until Saturday, Nov. 18, so be sure to have made your selections by then. Alternatively, if you’d rather shop for physical PS5 games, there are plenty of early Black Friday PS5 game deals available right now.
Best deals in the PlayStation Essential Picks sale
Star Wars Jedi Survivor (Deluxe Edition): was $89 now $62 @ PlayStation Store
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is arguably the best Star Wars media in years. Playing once again as Jedi-in-hiding Cal Kestis, this galaxy-spanning third-person action-adventure game combines satisfying lightsaber combat with rewarding exploration and also packs a highly cinematic story that will thrill Star Wars fans both new and old. The Deluxe Edition includes exclusive cosmetic items inspired by Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.
Demon's Souls: was $69 now $29 @ PlayStation Store
Return to the unforgiving land of Boletria in Demon's Souls, a full PS5 remake of the PS3 original. The precursor to the best-selling Dark Souls franchise, this brutally-challenging action RPG requires serious patience but the feeling of jubilance you'll get from slaying one of its mighty bosses is almost indescribable. Just be warned, this is one seriously tough video game.
Madden NFL 24 (Deluxe Edition): was $99 now $49 @ PlayStation Store
The latest entry in EA Sports' long-running football simulator is currently on sale at Amazon. Just be aware that in order to get this discount you'll need to check the coupon box. Madden NFL 24 is the most comprehensive digital recreation of the sport to date offering increased control and realism as well as a suite of new modes. This Deluxe Edition includes 4,600 Madden Points for the highly popular Ultimate Team mode.
Marvel's Midnight Suns (Digital Plus Edition): was $79 now $31 @ PlayStation Store
Marvel's Midnight Suns is one of the most overlooked games on PS5. It brings together a roster of iconic Marvel superheroes to battle the demonic Lilith via strategic turn-based battle. But when you're not engaged in combat you can build your relationships back at home base which in turn makes your heroes stronger. This Digital Plus Edition includes 11 additional cosmetic skins.
Dead Island 2: was $69 now $48 @ PlayStation Store
Dead Island 2 offers players a sun-soaked playground crawling with the undead. Using just about any weapon you can get your hands on, it's your job to slay your throughway Hell-A from the mansions of Beverly Hills to the boardwalk of Venice Beach. Fully playable in co-op, Dead Island 2 is a rip-roaring open-world game full of zombies to slaughter, survivors to assist and powerful loot to collect. Just don't expect much more than mindless zombie-bashing fun.
Hitman World of Assassination: was $69 now $27 @ PlayStation Store
Bundling together the entire Hitman reboot trilogy, this Hitman World of Assassination package boasts a staggering amount of content. Stealth through 20 individual locations from an English countryside manor to a sun-soaked Miami racetrack, and complete missions in various inventive ways as Agent 47 stalks his prey. This package is the ultimate Hitman experience.
Far Cry 6: was $59 now $14 @ PlayStation Store
Far Cry 6 doesn't break from the franchise's established formula, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Stepping into the boots of new playable protagonist Dani Rojas, you're on a mission to liberate the island of Yara from a ruthless dictator. And you achieve your goals by blowing up just about everything in sight as is tradition in Far Cry.
Resident Evil Village: was $39 now $15 @ PlayStation Store
The latest chapter in the beloved Resident Evil series sees Ethan Winters travel to a sinister European Village in order to recuse his daughter from unimaginable terrors. Experience pure survival-horror gameplay, and crank up the immersion with the free VR mode playable on PSVR 2. Resident Evil Village is one of the spookiest experiences on PS5, and as it's Halloween week now is the ideal time to enjoy this horrifically good horror.
Watch Dogs Legion: was $59 now $8 @ PlayStation Store
Reclaim London from a controlling force looking to exploit the citizens of the historic city in Watch Dogs Legion. You can recruit any character you see wandering the streets and use their unique abilities in your quest to overthrow the sinister Albion. Hack cameras, override drones and more as you build a resistance force that can take back the city of London from its oppressors.
Like a Dragon Ishin (Deluxe Edition): was $69 now $34 @ PlayStation Store
This spin-off from the popular Yakuza franchise moves the action to the 1860s as a samurai seeks to change the course of history in their search for justice. Despite its historical setting Like a Dragon Ishin! is still very much a Yakuza game with a cast of eccentric characters and loads of side activities to distract you from the main path.
Planet Coaster: was $49 now $9 @ PlayStation Store
Let your imagination run wild in Planet Coaster. This theme park management sim lets you design your own parks, as well as create intricate coasters that will delight and thrill your guests. If you want a more structured experience there is also a full single-player campaign, or venture over to the sandbox mode to create without restrictions.
Gotham Knights (Deluxe Edition): was $89 now $22 @ PlayStation Store
Batman is dead and in Gotham Knights, his proteges must strike out on their own to protect the crime-riddled city after the sinister Court of Owls emerges from the shadows. Play as Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood or Robin and gear up to explore Gotham either solo or with a co-op partner in this content-rich action game.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla: was $59 now $15 @ PlayStation Store
Become Eivor, a Viking warrior on a quest to conquer the untamed wilds of England, in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Raid and loot villages for better gear, and take on numerous quests for important historical figures. If you're looking for a game you can sink dozens of hours into, Valhalla is an excellent choice. If you want to see all the game has to offer it'll take you more than 100 hours. Plus, there are several optional DLC packs available to extend that playtime even further if you crave more.
Stray: was $29 now $19 @ PlayStation Store
One of 2022’s unexpected cult hits, Stray casts you as a curious cat in a world filled with humanoid robots. There’s a lot to like in this cyberpunk adventure, from its visually striking setting to its nonverbal storytelling, to its dedicated “meow” button. The gameplay is simple, but some platforming and puzzle challenges should keep players engaged during Stray’s relatively short playtime.
LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga (Deluxe Edition): was $69 now $23 @ PlayStation Store
The whole galaxy is yours to explore in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Experience your favorite moments from across all nine Star Wars chapters in adorable LEGO brick form, and unlock more than 300 playable characters. This is also an excellent pick for co-op play sessions and is especially well-suited for younger players taking their first steps into the world of gaming. The Deluxe Edition includes seven extra character packs.
EA Sports PGA Tour (Deluxe Edition): was $84 now $33 @ PlayStation Store
Take to the green in EA Sports PGA Tour. This impressive golfing simulator is the home of the majors with the exclusive license to several real-world tournaments including the iconic Masters series. There are more than 30 courses to play and a full career mode that is sure to hook you. It's just a shame the tutorials are a little lacking which makes your first few hours a little rough.
Rollerdrome: was $29 now $14 @ PlayStation Store
Step into the arena in this third-person action game that plays sort of like Tony Hawk mixed with Doom. Set in the year 2030, Rollerdrome is now the nation's favorite sport and you're on a quest to become the undisputed champion. But you'll also have to unravel the mysteries of the Matterhorn corporation that oversees the event. This high-octane shooter will leave you breathless but eager to continue playing in the hopes of setting a high score.
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion (Deluxe Edition): was $69 now $41 @ PlayStation Store
A full HD remaster of the beloved PSP original. Crisis Core Reunion is a dramatic prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII game. You play Zack Fair, a young soldier who is destined to save the world and interact with iconic characters like Cloud and Sephiroth. It's not the visuals that have dramatically improved, Crisis Core has also never played this well thanks to an improved battle system. This Deluxe Edition includes access to the game's soundtrack and a digital original art book.
Steelrising (Bastille Edition): was $59 now $20 @ PlayStation Store
Taking clear inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Steelrising is a pretty difficult action-RPG set in 18th-century France. You play a mechanical soldier who brushes shoulders with many of the biggest players in the French Revolution. To succeed in your quest you'll need to fight fearsome foes and accrue precious resources to meet the challenges that await you. The Bastille Edition includes a full DLC expansion chapter as well as a cosmetic set and a new weapon.
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Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.