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- Best overall: Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5
- Best budget: Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition
- Best premium: Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5
- Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5: Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black
- Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a strong pick for gothic exploration, methodical melee combat, and its included expansion.
- Returnal is the better fit for fast, replayable sci-fi action, with PS5 features and two-player online co-op.
- Both games are PS4 releases playable on PS5, but Returnal is a native PS5 game.
- Demon's Souls, Elden Ring, Lies of P, Nioh Collection, and DualSense add useful alternatives for different action-game preferences.
- Compare platform, included content, multiplayer, and combat style before choosing your Black Friday 2026 addition.
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition and Returnal are two excellent action picks, but they scratch different itches. Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition brings gothic horror, deliberate melee combat, and The Old Hunters expansion. Returnal serves up fast sci-fi shooting, shifting alien environments, and a built-for-PS5 presentation. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help you pick the right game for Black Friday 2026.
Here's the bottom line: choose Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition for dark world-building and close-range combat, or Returnal for a demanding shooter built around repeated runs. The guide also compares five related PlayStation picks, including story-rich action games and a controller upgrade. Check each product’s platform and included content so your next pickup fits your console, play style, and preferred way to play.
How We Picked
- Compared platform details, backward compatibility, and whether each game is a native PS5 release.
- Reviewed combat style, campaign structure, replay systems, and included expansions or game editions.
- Considered solo play, online co-op, and the specific type of player each product serves.
- Included alternatives that suit different tastes, from soulslike combat to faster action and shooting.
- Prioritized clear specifications and owner-feedback themes that help shoppers make a confident Black Friday 2026 choice.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Included content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition | Gothic melee action | PS4; playable on PS5 | 1 player | The Old Hunters expansion |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 | Sci-fi shooting and co-op | PS5 | 1 player; online co-op for 2 | Run-based campaign |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5 | Remade dark fantasy | PS5 | 1 player | Remake |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5 | Open-world exploration | PS5 | 1 player | Open world |
| NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5 | Dark soulslike action | PS5 | 1 player | Main campaign |
| Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 | Two samurai action games | PS5 | 1 player per main campaign | 2 remastered games |
| Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black | Second PS5 controller | Wireless PS5 controller | Not applicable | Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is the best gothic action pick for solo players who want challenging melee combat and a grim world, with 1 included expansion: The Old Hunters.
Best for: Gothic atmosphere, demanding melee combat, and expansion content
- Platform
- PS4; playable on PS5
- Players
- 1 player
- Included expansion
- 1: The Old Hunters
- Memorable gothic setting and creature design
- Fast, aggressive melee combat
- Includes The Old Hunters expansion
- PS4 release rather than a native PS5 game
- No difficulty setting for a gentler first run
Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a strong choice for players who enjoy demanding melee action, gothic exploration, and expansion content. The PS4 edition is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility.
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#2 · Top pick
Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is the best sci-fi shooter for players who want fast combat and run-based replay value, with online co-op for up to 2 players.
Best for: Fast shooting, shifting environments, and online co-op
- Platform
- PS5
- Players
- 1 player; online co-op for 2
- Audio
- 3D audio support
- Responsive shooting and movement
- Strong use of PS5 controller features
- Online co-op supports a second player
- Repeated runs are central to progression
- Combat intensity stays high
Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 suits players who want demanding sci-fi shooting, quick movement, and repeatable runs. Online co-op supports 2 players, making it a more social option than a strictly solo action game.
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#3
Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5 is the best remake pick for players who want punishing fantasy combat and striking visuals, with 1 player supported in its main campaign.
Best for: Dark fantasy, careful combat, and a PS5 remake
- Platform
- PS5
- Players
- 1 player
- Game edition
- 1 remake
- Detailed dark-fantasy environments
- Weighty, tactical combat
- Native PS5 release
- High difficulty rewards patience
- Solo play is the main campaign focus
Is Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5 is a good fit for players seeking a challenging fantasy adventure with a modern PS5 presentation. Careful stamina use and learning enemy patterns are central to its single-player campaign.
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#4
Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5 is the best open-world action pick for players who want a huge fantasy journey, with 1 expansive world to explore at their own pace.
Best for: Open-world exploration and flexible character builds
- Platform
- PS5
- Players
- 1 player
- Worlds
- 1 open world
- Broad exploration and build options
- Many approaches to difficult encounters
- Large, rewarding fantasy setting
- The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5's scale asks for a substantial time commitment
- Combat difficulty remains demanding
Is Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5 is a compelling choice for players who want open-ended exploration, flexible builds, and challenging boss fights. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5's large world offers more freedom to explore than the focused runs in Returnal.
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#5
NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5
The NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5 is the best Bloodborne-style alternative for players who want precise weapon combat and dark fantasy, with 1 single-player campaign.
Best for: Soulslike combat with a dark puppet-themed setting
- Platform
- PS5
- Players
- 1 player
- Campaigns
- 1 main campaign
- Distinctive dark fairy-tale atmosphere
- Weapon customization adds combat variety
- Native PS5 version
- Timing-heavy fights demand practice
- No online co-op in the main campaign
Is NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5 is a smart pick for players drawn to Bloodborne’s dark mood and challenging melee action. The NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5's single-player campaign builds combat around precise timing, weapon choices, and learning enemy patterns.
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#6
Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5
The Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 is the best value-style action bundle for players who want two demanding samurai adventures, with 2 remastered games included.
Best for: Long-form action and two samurai campaigns
- Platform
- PS5
- Games included
- 2
- Players
- 1 player per main campaign
- Includes Nioh and Nioh 2
- Deep equipment and combat systems
- Native PS5 collection
- Complex systems take time to learn
- Difficulty can feel relentless
Is Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 gives action fans 2 remastered samurai games in one collection. Pick it for demanding combat, detailed equipment systems, and a longer commitment than a single-game purchase.
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#7
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black
The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black is the best accessory for PS5 players who want another full-featured gamepad, with 2 built-in control options: adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Best for: A second PS5 controller and immersive controller features
- Connection
- Wireless
- Special features
- 2: adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
- Color
- Midnight Black
- Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
- Useful as a second controller
- Matches the PS5 console style
- Designed for PlayStation rather than Xbox
- A second controller is unnecessary for solo-only players
Is Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black is a practical PS5 accessory for local multiplayer or replacing a worn controller. Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback add supported gameplay effects in games such as Returnal.
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Which is better, Bloodborne GOTY or Returnal on PS5?
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is better for gothic melee combat, while Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is better for fast sci-fi shooting and co-op. Both deliver a tough action challenge, but their pacing and structure are very different.
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a PS4 release that plays on PS5 through backward compatibility. The Game of the Year Edition includes The Old Hunters expansion, adding more content to its eerie world. Returnal is built for PS5 and centers on repeatable runs through shifting environments. Online co-op supports up to 2 players.
Choose based on the action you want to play: close-range weapons and gothic exploration point to Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition; quick aiming, movement, and replayable runs point to Returnal.
Is Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition playable on PS5?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is playable on PS5 as a PS4 game through backward compatibility. The edition includes the main game and The Old Hunters expansion, so shoppers get the expanded Bloodborne experience in one edition.
The game focuses on a hunter exploring a nightmarish city, with aggressive melee combat and a world that rewards careful discovery. Players who enjoy gothic settings and learning tough enemy patterns get a focused solo adventure. Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is not a native PS5 release, so compare that platform detail with Returnal’s PS5 version.
For shoppers choosing between the two, the key question is combat preference rather than console access: both are playable on PS5, but only Returnal is a PS5-native game.
What makes Returnal different from Bloodborne?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is a third-person sci-fi shooter with run-based progression, while Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a gothic melee action game. Returnal prioritizes aiming, movement, and adapting to changing encounters; Bloodborne asks players to master weapons and close-range timing.
Returnal also supports online co-op for 2 players, an option Bloodborne shoppers should not assume comes with the same structure. Its PS5 presentation includes 3D audio support and features designed around the DualSense controller. Those features make Returnal a natural choice for players seeking a modern console shooter.
Choose Returnal for a high-speed shooter loop and sci-fi atmosphere. Pick Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition for exploration, creature design, and deliberate melee combat.
Which action games are good alternatives to Bloodborne and Returnal?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5, Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring for PlayStation 5, and NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5 are three strong alternatives for action fans. Each offers a different take on challenging combat and dark fantasy.
Demon's Souls suits players who want a PS5 remake and a focused, demanding adventure. Elden Ring suits players who want a large world and freedom to explore. Lies of P offers a dark puppet-themed setting with precise, timing-focused combat. Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 adds 2 samurai games for players who want a longer action commitment.
For a shooter-first alternative, Returnal remains the closest match in this lineup. For a controller upgrade, Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black adds a second PS5 gamepad with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
What should I compare before choosing a Black Friday 2026 game?
Compare platform, included content, and multiplayer before choosing a Black Friday 2026 action game. Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a PS4 edition playable on PS5 and includes The Old Hunters; Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is a native PS5 game with online co-op for 2 players.
Next, match the combat loop to your taste. Bloodborne, Demon's Souls, Elden Ring, Lies of P, and Nioh center on melee action and challenging encounters. Returnal emphasizes shooting, movement, and repeated runs. A DualSense controller is a sensible add-on for a second player or a replacement gamepad.
Read the listing carefully for the exact edition and platform. Physical and digital listings can have different packaging or delivery formats, while game content and compatibility remain the details that shape the buying decision.
Buying Guide
Choose the combat style first
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is for gothic melee action; Returnal is for fast shooting. Pick the combat loop you want to revisit, not just the genre label.
Check platform and compatibility
Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a PS4 release playable on PS5. Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is a native PS5 game.
Compare edition content
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition includes The Old Hunters expansion. Koei Tecmo Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 includes 2 remastered games. Confirm the exact edition in the product listing.
Decide whether co-op matters
Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 supports online co-op for 2 players. Several other games in this guide focus on a single-player campaign, so check multiplayer details before buying.
Add an accessory only when it helps
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black works as a second PS5 controller or replacement. The gamepad includes adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for supported titles.
FAQ
Is Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition better than Returnal?
Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is better for gothic exploration and melee combat. Returnal is better for fast shooting, run-based replay, and online co-op for 2 players. Both are strong PS5-playable action games.
Does Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition work on PS5?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is a PS4 game playable on PS5 through backward compatibility. The edition includes the main game and The Old Hunters expansion.
Is Returnal a PS5 exclusive?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is a PS5 game in this guide, designed around the console and its controller features. The game supports solo play and online co-op for 2 players.
Which game is better for co-op, Bloodborne or Returnal?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is the clearer co-op pick, with online play for up to 2 players. Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition is best known as a solo-focused action adventure.
What is the best Bloodborne alternative for PS5?
NEOWIZ Lies of P for PlayStation 5 is a close alternative for players seeking dark atmosphere and demanding melee combat. Sony Interactive Entertainment Demon's Souls for PlayStation 5 and Elden Ring also suit fans of challenging fantasy action.