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- Best overall: Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5
- Best budget: Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5
- Best premium: 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5
- Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5: Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5
- Death Stranding Director's Cut suits solo players who want a cinematic journey and a 1-player campaign.
- It Takes Two is the clearer pick for two-player co-op, with local and online play.
- Split Fiction, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Returnal offer distinct co-op alternatives.
- Match the game to your play style first, then compare the edition, platform, and included features.
Death Stranding Director's Cut and It Takes Two deliver very different kinds of adventure, so the better Black Friday 2026 pick depends on who will play and how. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around solo campaigns, co-op, family play, and cinematic action.
Death Stranding Director's Cut is built around one player's journey; It Takes Two is designed for two players working together. Below, you will find both games and six alternatives for PS5, with clear picks for different players and concise buying advice.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's player count, co-op options, and campaign focus.
- Reviewed listed platform features, including PS5-specific support where relevant.
- Considered accessibility for newcomers, families, solo players, and experienced gamers.
- Used product specifications, reviews, and owner feedback to identify useful differences.
- Selected games with distinct play styles instead of repeating the same recommendation.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Players | Co-op | Play style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 | Cinematic solo adventure | 1 | No | Open-world adventure |
| Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 | Two-player teamwork | 2 | Local and online | Co-op adventure |
| Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5 | Co-op story adventure | 2 | Local and online | Co-op action adventure |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 | Solo platforming | 1 | No | 3D platformer |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 | Solo action platforming | 1 | No | Action platformer |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 | Challenging action | 1–2 | Online, up to 2 | Third-person action |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 | Family co-op | 1–4 | Local and online | 3D platformer |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5 | Two solo campaigns | 1 | No | Action adventure |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5
The 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 is the best cinematic solo adventure for players who want a focused journey, with a 1-player campaign and expanded Director's Cut content.
Best for: Solo players who enjoy cinematic stories, exploration, and deliberate delivery missions.
- Players
- 1
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Edition
- Director's Cut
- Play style
- Open-world solo adventure
- A distinctive, story-led adventure with a strong sense of atmosphere.
- Director's Cut adds content and gameplay options to the original journey.
- PS5 features support a more immersive play experience.
- The deliberate pace and delivery-focused gameplay are not for every player.
Is the 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for solo players who want a cinematic open-world adventure. The 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5's 1-player structure and expanded Director's Cut content make it a strong alternative to a two-player co-op game.
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#2 · Top pick
Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5
The Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 is the best co-op adventure for two players who want teamwork and variety, with 2-player local or online play.
Best for: Couples, friends, and families looking for a shared co-op campaign.
- Players
- 2
- Co-op
- Local and online
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- Co-op adventure
- Built specifically around two-player cooperation.
- Frequent gameplay changes keep the campaign feeling fresh.
- Friend's Pass supports inviting a partner online.
- The full experience requires a second player.
Is the Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 is worth buying when two people want a dedicated co-op campaign. The Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5's 2-player design supports local and online play, making teamwork central rather than an optional extra.
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#3
Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5
The Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5 is the best newer co-op pick for two players who want imaginative set pieces, with a 2-player cooperative campaign.
Best for: Co-op partners who want a story-driven adventure with changing worlds.
- Players
- 2
- Co-op
- Local and online
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- Co-op action adventure
- Designed around two-player cooperation from start to finish.
- A varied science-fiction and fantasy setting gives each section a different feel.
- Friend's Pass supports online play with a partner.
- Solo players do not get a traditional single-player campaign.
Is the Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for partners seeking a two-player story adventure. The Electronic Arts Split Fiction for PlayStation 5's cooperative campaign and shifting fantasy and science-fiction settings make it a strong alternative for players comparing It Takes Two.
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#4
Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 is the best cheerful solo platformer for players who want polished, accessible action, with a 1-player adventure.
Best for: Families, platforming fans, and players who want a bright solo game.
- Players
- 1
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- 3D platformer
- Campaign mode
- Single-player
- Easy to pick up, with inventive platforming ideas.
- Bright presentation works well for a broad range of players.
- A strong choice when the group wants to take turns rather than play co-op.
- The campaign is designed for one player, not shared co-op.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for players who want a polished solo platformer. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot for PlayStation 5's 1-player design favors short, focused play sessions and accessible fun over the two-player teamwork found in It Takes Two.
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#5
Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is the best cinematic action platformer for solo players, with a 1-player campaign and rapid world transitions.
Best for: Players seeking colorful action, platforming, and a single-player story.
- Players
- 1
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- Action platformer
- Campaign mode
- Single-player
- Combines platforming, shooting, and a story-led campaign.
- PS5 hardware supports fast transitions between settings.
- A lively alternative for players who want action rather than slow exploration.
- The campaign is a solo experience with no co-op mode.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for a solo player who wants fast, colorful action. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5's 1-player campaign offers a more immediate pace than the methodical journey in Death Stranding Director's Cut.
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#6
Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is the best demanding action pick for players who enjoy replayable runs, with 1-player play and 2-player online co-op.
Best for: Action fans who enjoy challenging combat and repeat runs.
- Players
- 1–2
- Co-op
- Online, up to 2 players
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- Third-person action
- Responsive combat and a strong science-fiction atmosphere.
- Online co-op gives partners a way to tackle the campaign together.
- Run-based structure suits players who enjoy learning through repeat attempts.
- The Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5's difficulty and repeat-run structure are less welcoming to casual players.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Returnal for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for players who want challenging action and replayable runs. The game supports 1-player solo play and online co-op for up to 2 players, giving it more flexibility than a strictly solo campaign.
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#7
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 is the best family co-op pick for approachable platforming, with support for up to 4 players.
Best for: Families and groups who want friendly, shared platforming.
- Players
- 1–4
- Co-op
- Local and online
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- 3D platformer
- Supports groups of up to 4 players.
- Approachable platforming makes it easy to share with newer players.
- Local and online co-op support different ways to play together.
- The lighter tone and platforming focus offer less dramatic storytelling.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for families who want a friendly co-op platformer. Up to 4 players can join the adventure, making it a better group pick than the 2-player focus of It Takes Two.
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#8
Sony Interactive Entertainment Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5 is the best bundled cinematic action pick for solo players, with 2 story campaigns.
Best for: Solo players who want cinematic action and multiple campaigns.
- Campaigns
- 2
- Players
- 1
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Play style
- Action adventure
- Includes two story campaigns in one collection.
- Mixes exploration, action, and cinematic set pieces.
- A clear choice for solo players who want a substantial story focus.
- The collection does not offer a co-op campaign.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for solo players who want cinematic action. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PlayStation 5's 2 campaigns offer more story content in one collection, while both games remain single-player experiences.
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Which is better: Death Stranding Director's Cut or It Takes Two?
Death Stranding Director's Cut is the stronger choice for a solo player, while It Takes Two is the better fit for two people; both games serve different play styles. Death Stranding Director's Cut centers on exploration, deliveries, and a cinematic story. It Takes Two builds its campaign around cooperation and shared problem-solving.
Choose the 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 if you want to play alone and enjoy a slower, atmospheric journey. Choose the Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 if you have a regular co-op partner. Here's the bottom line: player count matters more than a general ranking between these two games.
Which game is best for solo players?
Death Stranding Director's Cut, Astro Bot, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart are 3 strong solo choices on this list. Death Stranding Director's Cut emphasizes story and exploration, Astro Bot brings approachable platforming, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart leans into fast action and cinematic presentation.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection also suits solo players who want 2 campaigns in one package. Returnal is a stronger match for players who enjoy a demanding combat loop and repeat runs. It Takes Two and Split Fiction are built around 2-player cooperation, so solo buyers should start with the single-player options instead.
Which games are best for co-op and family play?
Sackboy: A Big Adventure supports up to 4 players, while It Takes Two and Split Fiction focus on 2-player co-op. That difference makes Sackboy a natural group pick for families and friends who want a shared platforming adventure. It Takes Two and Split Fiction suit partners seeking a campaign structured around teamwork.
Returnal adds online co-op for up to 2 players, though its demanding action is a different fit from a light family platformer. Check whether your group prefers local play or online sessions before choosing. Worth it for most players who already have a co-op partner, It Takes Two delivers a particularly clear shared-play focus.
Which PS5 features and game styles should buyers compare?
All 8 picks in this guide are PlayStation 5 games, but their player counts and core modes vary. Compare the number of supported players first, then decide whether you want a solo campaign, couch co-op, or online multiplayer. The game’s style matters too: platforming, exploration, and action create very different sessions.
Death Stranding Director's Cut offers an open-world solo journey, while Astro Bot and Sackboy focus on platforming. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart combines action and platforming, Returnal centers on challenging combat, and Uncharted offers cinematic action. Checking the full product edition and platform listing helps ensure you choose the version that matches your console and play plans.
How should you choose a Black Friday 2026 game?
A good Black Friday 2026 game choice starts with the player count, the platform edition, and the kind of campaign you want. A solo buyer should compare Death Stranding Director's Cut, Astro Bot, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, and Uncharted. A co-op buyer should focus on It Takes Two, Split Fiction, Sackboy, or Returnal.
Compare the product listing carefully for the exact game title and PlayStation 5 edition. Then match the game to your available play time and preferred difficulty. For a shared gift, consider whether the recipient has a co-op partner. For a solo gift, select a campaign style that fits their interests rather than choosing by title recognition alone.
Buying Guide
Choose by player count
It Takes Two and Split Fiction are built for 2 players, while Sackboy supports up to 4. Check the listed player count before buying so the game matches your household, friend group, or solo plans.
Pick a campaign style
Death Stranding Director's Cut emphasizes story and exploration; Astro Bot and Sackboy focus on platforming. Compare the gameplay style, not just the genre label, to find a better fit.
Check local and online co-op
It Takes Two, Split Fiction, and Sackboy offer ways to play together locally or online. Confirm the current product listing and the setup you need before choosing a co-op game.
Match difficulty to the player
Returnal is the demanding action pick, while Astro Bot and Sackboy offer more approachable platforming. Consider the recipient's experience and preferred challenge level.
Verify the exact edition
Compare the full game name, platform, and included edition on the listing. Death Stranding Director's Cut is a specific expanded edition, while Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection includes 2 campaigns.
FAQ
Is Death Stranding Director's Cut better than It Takes Two?
The 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 is better for solo players who want an atmospheric story, while Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 is better for two-player co-op. Choose by player count and preferred gameplay, not by a single overall ranking.
Can you play It Takes Two alone?
Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 is designed as a 2-player co-op adventure, so it is not a traditional solo campaign. The game suits a pair of friends, partners, or family members who want to play together locally or online.
Which game on this list supports 4 players?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 supports up to 4 players. The co-op platformer is a family-friendly option for groups, while Electronic Arts It Takes Two and Split Fiction focus on 2-player cooperation.
Which game is best for a solo PS5 player?
The 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 is a strong solo pick for players who want a cinematic, open-world journey. Astro Bot, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection are alternatives for platforming or action.
Are Death Stranding Director's Cut and It Takes Two both PS5 games?
Yes. The 505 Games Death Stranding Director's Cut for PlayStation 5 and Electronic Arts It Takes Two for PlayStation 5 are both PS5 games. The key difference is their design: one is a solo adventure, and the other centers on 2-player co-op.
Which co-op game is better for a family?
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sackboy: A Big Adventure for PlayStation 5 is a strong family pick because it supports up to 4 players and focuses on approachable platforming. Electronic Arts It Takes Two suits a pair of players who want a more focused 2-player story adventure.