PlayStation Exclusives: Games That Demand Multiple Playthroughs

29 December 2025

PlayStation exclusives have built a reputation for delivering some of the most memorable gaming experiences out there. Whether it’s a deep and emotional narrative, masterfully designed gameplay mechanics, or just secrets that are oh-so-satisfying to discover, these games often leave us craving more. But here’s the thing—some of these exclusives aren’t just games you can replay; they’re games you need to replay. Why? Because hitting "New Game" again uncovers layers that you probably missed the first time around.

So, grab that DualSense or dust off your PS4 controller, because today, we’re diving into the world of PlayStation exclusives that demand multiple playthroughs. Ready? Let’s level up.

What Makes a Game Worth Replaying?

You might be wondering, "Why would I replay a game I just finished?" Great question. Replayability in gaming isn’t just about doing the same thing twice. It’s about uncovering what you missed, reliving an unforgettable story, testing yourself in harder modes, or making different choices that completely change the narrative. The best games reward you for a second, third, or even fourth trip through their worlds.

PlayStation exclusives, in particular, have mastered the art of weaving replay value into their DNA. Whether it’s hidden collectibles, alternate endings, or gameplay systems that change drastically in New Game Plus, there’s always something new waiting for you. Let’s check out the heavy hitters.

1. The Last of Us Part II

Let’s kick things off with a game that shook the gaming world: The Last of Us Part II. If you thought one playthrough was enough to soak in everything this masterpiece has to offer, think again.

This game isn’t just about its gut-punch of a story (though that’s a huge part of it). The narrative is so nuanced that a second run often reveals just how brilliantly Naughty Dog crafted it. You’ll notice subtle dialogue changes, environmental storytelling you missed the first time, and character arcs that feel even richer on repeat. Plus, playing through New Game Plus with all your upgrades? Chef’s kiss.

Then there’s the gameplay. The stealth-combat mechanics are so finely tuned that experimenting with different strategies on subsequent playthroughs feels like a whole new game. Were you a sneaky shadow the first time? Maybe try going full Rambo next time. Trust me—it’s worth it.

2. Ghost of Tsushima

If beauty had a name, it would be Ghost of Tsushima. This open-world samurai adventure was already a visual masterpiece the first time you played it. But here’s the thing: you didn’t see everything. Not even close.

On your first run, it’s easy to get caught up in Jin’s gripping story of honor and revenge. But on a second playthrough, you can truly take the time to explore every inch of Tsushima's breathtaking landscape. Those quiet moments—watching cherry blossoms fall, composing haikus, or just taking in the sunsets—hit differently when you’re not rushing through the story.

Oh, and let’s talk about combat. Did you stick to your trusty katana the whole time? Maybe try out the ghost weapons or master a stance you didn’t use much on the first run. The variety in combat systems makes every replay feel fresh. Plus, with the addition of the New Game Plus mode, you can keep all your sweet gear and just keep slicing through Mongol hordes like a true legend.

3. Bloodborne

Ah, Bloodborne. If you’ve played this Gothic horror masterpiece, you already know one playthrough is never enough. In fact, I’d argue this game was built for multiple playthroughs.

The first time you play, let’s be real—you’re just trying to survive. FromSoftware’s signature punishing difficulty means you’ll probably miss a lot while you’re dodging werewolves and cursing at your screen. But once you’ve beaten it and know what to expect? That’s when the game really opens up.

There’s so much lore hidden in Bloodborne that you probably didn’t even scratch the surface on your first go. Each area, enemy, and item tells a story, and piecing it all together is like solving a massive puzzle. And then there are the multiple endings—how are you going to settle for just one? Plus, New Game Plus ramps up the difficulty, so if you thought it was hard the first time, buckle up.

4. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn gave us one of the most compelling sci-fi worlds ever created. But let’s face it—there was so much going on during that first playthrough that you definitely missed a thing or two.

First off, Aloy’s story is packed with twists, turns, and a lore-rich history that’s honestly hard to fully appreciate in one go. A second playthrough lets you catch all the small details that make the world of robotic dinosaurs so believable.

And then there’s the combat. Did you really master every weapon and trap on your first run? Be honest. On a second playthrough, you can experiment with new strategies or take down machines you avoided the first time because they were just too intimidating (looking at you, Thunderjaw).

Oh, and don’t forget about the Frozen Wilds DLC. If you haven’t tackled that yet, do yourself a favor and dive in—it’s an absolute treat on your second run.

5. Persona 5 Royal

Listen, I don’t think anyone finishes Persona 5 Royal just once. This JRPG is massive. Completing it the first time is like barely finishing a marathon—you’re so focused on crossing the finish line that you probably didn’t even notice all the incredible sights along the way.

A second playthrough allows you to form bonds with characters you might’ve ignored the first time around (sorry, Mishima). You can also max out all your Confidants and Persona fusions without stressing about the clock. And let’s not forget the New Game Plus perks—tons of stuff carries over, making it easier to focus on all the juicy side content.

But the biggest reason to replay? That extra "Royal" content. Trust me, there’s enough new material here to make a second run feel like a whole new game.

6. God of War (2018)

If you thought Kratos’ journey through Norse mythology was breathtaking the first time, just wait until you replay it. God of War (2018) is one of those rare games where every detail feels meticulously hand-crafted, and a second playthrough lets you truly appreciate just how much love Santa Monica Studio poured into this masterpiece.

For starters, the relationship between Kratos and Atreus grows even deeper when you know how the story ends. On your first run, you’re just following the journey. On your second, you’re connecting the dots.

Then there’s the combat. Did you fully embrace the Leviathan Axe? How about the Blades of Chaos? A second playthrough is the perfect time to explore different playstyles, master the skill tree, and maybe even tackle the game’s harder difficulty modes. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the Valkyries—they’re the ultimate "get-good" challenge if you didn’t beat them all before.

7. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Nathan Drake’s swan song is the perfect blend of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. But let’s be real: you didn’t catch all the treasures or Easter eggs your first time through Uncharted 4. Don’t worry—we’ve all been there.

The game's cinematic storytelling makes it easy to get swept up in the narrative and overlook the insane attention to detail in its environments. A second playthrough gives you the chance to slow down, enjoy the incredible vistas, and go on a true treasure hunt.

And let’s be honest—did you really nail the stealth sections or figure out all the combat tricks right away? Yeah, me neither. Revisiting Uncharted 4 is like rewatching your favorite action movie; it never gets old, and you always find something new.

Why These Games Are Worth Your Time (Again)

Here’s the thing about PlayStation exclusives: they’re not just games; they’re experiences. And the best experiences are worth revisiting. Whether it’s to uncover hidden layers of narrative, experiment with new gameplay strategies, or just soak in the beauty of these worlds, every new playthrough offers something special.

So, the next time you’re staring at your PlayStation dashboard wondering what to play, maybe you don’t need to buy something new. Instead, fire up one of these gems and rediscover why they’re some of the best games ever made.