The PlayStation 5 community has never been shy about celebrating its favorite experiences, and Sony’s official Players’ Choice: Best of PS5 poll gave players a direct way to voice their opinions. When the results arrived, one title stood above the rest: God of War Ragnarok. The mythological action-adventure not only claimed the top honor, but also secured a second trophy for Best Graphical Showcase, proving that Kratos and Atreus had not only dominated critical conversations but also captured the hearts of everyday players.
As 2026 unfolds, the PlayStation 5 generation has matured into a vast library of player-favorite titles, but looking back at this poll shows how strongly the 2022 lineup resonated with fans. The survey arrived at a time when supply shortages were finally easing, making the console easier to purchase and allowing a broader audience to experience the latest Sony exclusives. That wider access made the poll feel even more representative of the PlayStation community as a whole.
A Poll Built on Player Passion
Sony divided the Players’ Choice survey into four distinct categories, each highlighting a different strength of the PS5 ecosystem. The Best Indie Game award went to Stray, the cat-focused adventure that charmed players with its quiet atmosphere, neon-soaked alleyways, and an unexpectedly emotional journey. Astro’s Playroom walked away with the prize for Best Use of the Wireless DualSense Controller, a nod to how cleverly it showcased haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and the tactile possibilities of the next-generation controller.
However, the biggest winner of the poll was unmistakable. God of War Ragnarok claimed two of the four awards, taking home both Best Graphical Showcase and Best PS5 Game. The result reinforced what fans had been saying since launch: the Norse sequel was more than just a technical marvel, it was an unforgettable narrative experience wrapped in some of the most polished combat and world design on the platform.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Indie Game | Stray |
| Best Use of Wireless DualSense Controller | Astro’s Playroom |
| Best Graphical Showcase | God of War Ragnarok |
| Best PS5 Game | God of War Ragnarok |
The Major Victory
The competition in the Best PS5 Game category was fierce. God of War Ragnarok defeated Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West, and Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut to secure the top spot. For Best Graphical Showcase, it overtook heavy hitters like The Last of Us Part 1, Elden Ring, and Horizon Forbidden West. While Sony did not reveal exact vote counts or margins, the fact that Ragnarok outperformed so many critically acclaimed titles spoke volumes about its impact on players.
To longtime God of War fans, this outcome was hardly a surprise. The game had already received widespread acclaim from critics before release, and players heaped praise on it from day one. It went on to win half a dozen awards at The Game Awards in its launch year, and Sony’s own PlayStation Blog named it Game of the Year. The Players’ Choice poll became yet another data point confirming that Sony’s first-party storytelling still held a special place in the hearts of console owners.
Why Ragnarok Stood Out
Part of the appeal came from the emotional weight of the story. God of War Ragnarok brought the Norse saga of Kratos and Atreus to a close, exploring themes of fatherhood, fate, and the consequences of violence. Players were treated to expanded realms, deeper character arcs, and combat that felt both brutal and thoughtful. The graphical fidelity also pushed the PS5 hardware, with sweeping vistas, detailed character models, and cinematic moments that made the game feel like a true showcase for the console.
Beyond its technical achievements, the game benefited from years of anticipation. The title had been delayed from its original 2021 release window, and fans were eager to see how the story would conclude. When it finally arrived, the extra development time showed in every detail, from the nuanced performances to the sprawling level design.
Looking Ahead for the Series
As players continue to revisit the world of God of War in 2026, the question of where the series goes next remains a topic of constant speculation. Both entries in the rebooted franchise have become massively popular, and the next installment will have enormous expectations to meet. Sony has not revealed concrete details about the future of the series, but one thing is certain: the player-driven praise for God of War Ragnarok ensures that whatever comes next will be watched closely.
The poll also highlighted the broader strength of the PS5 library. Indie gems like Stray found a passionate audience, while Astro’s Playroom demonstrated how first-party titles could showcase the unique features of the DualSense controller. Together with the blockbuster appeal of God of War Ragnarok, the results painted a picture of a platform where creativity, innovation, and cinematic storytelling could all flourish.
God of War Ragnarok is available now for PS4 and PS5.