The PlayStation 2 has over 4300 games. It’s tough to decide which ones are the best PS2 games. On top of that, every gamer has their own idea of what makes a game the best, right?
But if you’re thinking about playing some classic PlayStation 2 games in 2024, we’ve compiled a list to help you choose the best titles. This list is based on recommendations from gamers worldwide.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the list!
34 Best PS2 Games You Should Play
Here are the best PS2 games of all time that will be fun to play today:
1. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Sports
- Developer: Neversoft
- Rated: T (Teen)
Look at all the best PS2 game recommendations, and you’ll definitely see Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3. Who doesn’t love feeling the excitement of landing a perfect kickflip?
The good PS2 game was released back in 2001 and managed to sell more than 4.41 million copies. With big names like Chad Muska and Bucky Lasek, you can pull off awesome moves like Caspers and Handstands.
When you play this PlayStation 2 game, you’ll notice the revert mechanic. It lets you link back-to-back vert tricks together, making it way more interesting.
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Rating: M (Mature)
This PlayStation 2 game is addictive. You’re going to have a blast playing the open-world games that let you check out three big cities: Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
But it’s not just about exploring. This game puts you in the tough streets of Los Angeles, where gangs and corrupt cops rule.
You play as Carl Johnson, also known as CJ, a former gang member who gets pulled back into the street life. You will explore a world of friends, foes, and hard choices. Can you make it to the top or end up getting caught up in the mess?
3. Resident Evil 4
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
- Rating: M (Mature)
This Sony PS2 game may not seem very special now. But when it was first released, Resident Evil 4 was one of the best PlayStation 2 games.
Why? Gamers loved its iconic over-the-shoulder camera view for the main characters.
And that’s not all. The game is about Leon S. Kennedy’s journey to save the president’s daughter from a strange cult in the Spanish countryside.
Yes, it’s not just about engaging in fast-paced combat with different weapons and enemies. It’s also about becoming part of the story and facing challenges with creative strategies and quick reflexes.
4. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Stealth Action
- Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
- Rating: M (Mature)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the sequel to the game released for PlayStation 1 in 1998. This PS2 game is known for its complex story and a surprising twist.
If you’re into getting lost in deep thoughts and exploring big questions, then this game’s for you
The PS2 game kept up the stealth-action vibe but added in some cool new features like a first-person aiming mode, a better close-quarters combat system, and a bigger focus on non-lethal takedowns.
The game features two main characters: the legendary Solid Snake and the newcomer Raiden. Both are cool. But, you’ll find Raiden is more fun to play because of his unique gameplay and fresh outlook.
5. Gran Turismo 3
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Racing
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
- Rating: E (Everyone)
Looking for some racing action on the PS2? Gran Turismo 3 is a great choice. It came out in 2001 and is still a popular racing game for the PS2.
The visuals were stunning, especially for that era. It really pushed the boundaries of what consoles could do back then. The game had 150 beautifully crafted cars and realistic environments.
Don’t stick to the standard tracks. This awesome PS2 game has some legendary tracks ready to be checked out. Once you beat certain challenges, you’ll get to the High Speed Ring, famous for its quick turns, and the tough Apricot Hill Raceway.
6. Madden NFL
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Sports
- Developer: EA Tiburon
- Rating: E (Everyone)
What’s the next PS2 sports game? It’s not soccer, but American football. Madden NFL is on our list because it has positive review for its great gameplay, music, and more.
The PS2 game features a franchise mode that lets you manage your favorite team through seasons, making decisions on player signings, trades, draft picks, and game strategies.
What sets it apart? It comes with fun mini games that give you a break from the usual back-to-back gameplay, like the Two-Minute Drill or the Gauntlet.
7. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Action, Hack and Slash
- Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
- Rating: M (Mature)
If you’re a fan of Devil May Cry games, you’ll enjoy Devil May Cry 3. In this PS 2 game, you’ll battle demons with Dante and his twin brother, Vergil.
The game stands out as one of the greatest PS2 games ever because of its innovative Style system. You can choose from being a Swordmaster, Gunslinger, Trickster, or Royal Guard, and pick the way you like to fight.
The game has more villains and exciting scenes, keeping you on the edge. And the music by Tetsuya Shibata has upbeat rock that match the game’s fast-paced action and cool atmosphere.
8. God of War II
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Developer: Santa Monica Studio
- Rating: M (Mature)
Rest assured, we won’t leave out God of War II as one of the top PS 2 games. It’s just too good to ignore. But, keep in mind that this game is rated for mature players. It may not be suitable for kids.
When you play the game, you’re going for a wild journey through Greek myths. You step into the shoes of Kratos, the god of war, on a quest for payback against Zeus.
The game is filled with thrilling action, magic, and huge battles. Want to replay and find hidden secrets? Yes, you can. Need to improve your combat skills and aim for high scores? You can do that, too.
9. Virtua Fighter 4
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Fighting
- Developer: Sega AM2
- Rating: T (Teen)
Dating back to 1993, this series is a legend. Many gamers think this is one of the top PS2 games. We’re on board with that and think it’ll still be a blast to play in 2024.
The game first came out as an arcade game on Sega NAOMI 2. Its PlayStation 2 version was a big success, selling more than 1.7 million copies.
Virtua Fighter 4 brought in 14 new fighters, including Lei Fei and Vanessa Lewis. It is often compared to Street Fighter, but don’t forget that the game has an awesome 3D fighting action.
If you prefer playing alone, try Quest Mode. It offers a deeper solo experience with a clear plan to improve your skills, earn rewards, and master the game.
Read: Types of Gamers
10. SSX 3
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Sports
- Developer: EA Canada
- Rating: E (Everyone)
Not a fan of skateboarding? Well, you should definitely give the snowboarding game SSX3 a shot. It’s one of the best PS2 games to play in 2024.
This game’s open-world layout gives you more freedom to explore and find hidden areas and challenges. You can easily lose track of time and not even realize you’ve been sitting for hours.
This PS2 game introduces new “Uber Tricks” with complex and eye-catching moves to master. The three-level Uber Trick system enhances the fun and challenge of the trick contests.
11. Okami
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Clover Studio
- Rating: T (Teen)
Okami is a stunning PS2 adventure with a Japanese twist. This game welcomes you with enchanting sounds and a unique sumi-e ink wash painting art style.
In this game, you play as Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess in wolf form. Your mission? Fight demons and bring peace to the land.
This PS2 game is really fun. Okami mixes action-adventure, platforming, and puzzle-solving. And the visuals are just breathtaking.
The special feature we won’t forget is the magic brush. It lets you paint on the screen to solve puzzles in a special way during your adventure.
12. Soul Calibur II
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Fighting
- Developer: Project Soul
- Rating: T (Teen)
Soul Calibur II is one of the top notch 3D weapon-based fighting PS2 games. It has many different characters, each with their own style, weapons, and personality. You can pick your favorite character and start playing right away.
Do you want to go solo in the game? No problem. Just dive into the story-driven Weapon Master mode for a great single-player journey. You can explore the game, complete missions, and unlock new weapons and items to level up your character.
If you’re not into the Weapon Master mode, there are many options to choose from, such as Arcade, Versus, Time Attack, and Survival mode.
Read: What is Smurfing in Gaming
13. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Rating: T (Teen)
The Prince of Persia game is always a hit, not just on Nintendo Switch but also on PlayStation. And we think Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is one of the best PS2 games ever.
If you like action-adventure games, you’ll see where we’re coming from.
The game mechanics are the first thing that grabs your attention when you start playing. The Dagger of Time gives the Prince the ability to rewind time, slow down enemies, and freeze them for a bit.
It’s awesome and innovative.You’ll notice it brings a whole new twist to the strategy and puzzle-solving parts of the game.
14. Final Fantasy XII
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
- Developer: Square Enix
- Rating: T (Teen)
Each new release of Final Fantasy is always a hit. It’s one of the most popular video game series, with 70 million units sold. If you’re a gamer, you’ve definitely heard of it.
Some gamers like Final Fantasy X for its story, while others prefer Final Fantasy XII for its stunning graphics and many missions. It’s your call. But we recommend Final Fantasy XII.
The visual is stunning. And if you’re interested in the Gambit system that allows players to program AI actions for their team, you should give it a go.
Read: Best Games in the World
15. Guitar Hero II
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Music Rhythm
- Developer: Harmonix Music Systems
- Rating: T (Teen)
When it’s time to rock ‘n’ roll, Guitar Hero II is the classic game you can’t miss. The game is awesome, with addictive rhythm gameplay.
This sequel includes over 64 rock songs and 6 different game modes, slightly fewer than its Xbox 360 version with 98 songs. But, you can still enjoy playing legendary songs like Sweet Child of Mine.
Guitar Hero II let you play with friends in new ways like Cooperative and Face-Off. If you’re new to the game, it’s easy to get started with different difficulty levels, from Easy to Expert.
16. Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Platform Adventure, Third-Person Shooter
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Rating: T (Teen)
After Going Commando did really well, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal continued the success. The game is mostly the same, with Ratchet & Clank fighting Dr. Nefarious, who wants to turn Tyhrranoids into Robonoids.
So what’s new? The game introduced various unique weapons that can be upgraded in different ways like the R.Y.N.O., Plasma Whip, and Disc Blade Gun.
As a platformer game, you’ll be in for a treat as it mixes jumping, fighting, and solving puzzles. Plus, the storyline is full jokes, making it eben more entertaining and fun to play.
17. Twisted Metal: Black
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Vehicular Combat
- Developer: Incognito Entertainment
- Rating: M (Mature)
If you you are looking for one of the best PS2 games in the Vehicular Combat genre, Twisted Metal: Black is the way to go. This game was way darker than the first one in the Twisted Metal series.
You get to pick from a variety of drivers with their own unique vehicles and weapons. And your goal is to take down your opponents and come out on top in the arena.
The car fights are fast and crazy. You can pick machine guns, missiles, flamethrowers, and energy blasts, or anything else, to take down your enemies. Plus, the game’s hardcore soundtrack, with bands like The Rolling Stones, adds to the game’s unique vibe.
18. Shadow of the Colossus
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Team Ico
- Rating: T (Teen)
Shadow of Colossus ranks among the best PS 2 games. It was first supposed to be an online game, but ended up being a solo adventure.
The game’s story is about a guy named Wander who’s trying to rescue a girl named Mono by beating the Colossi.
When you start playing the game, you’ll see how the simple design and storytelling make you feel alone and amazed. This will help you focus on the Colossi and the deep emotions of the adventure.
If you’re into more than just sword fighting and archery, sorry, this game isn’t for you. The game is all about exploring, solving puzzles, and using strategy instead of just fighting.
Read: How to Become a Gaming Streamer
19. NBA Street Vol. 2
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Sports
- Developer: EA Canada (under the EA Sports BIG label)
- Rating: E (Everyone)
Looking for some great PlayStation 2 games that are okay for the whole family and rated E? NBA Street Vol. 2 could be just what you’re after.
Imagine having a blast playing arcade-style basketball with crazy moves, jaw-dropping dunks, and awesome trick shots.
This game includes NBA stars like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, along with new characters and the late Kobe Bryant.
Don’t want to go head-to-head with those famous players again? It doesn’t really matter. This PS2 game comes with three different modes: Pick Up Game, NBA Challenge, and Be a Legend.
20. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Platform Adventure
- Developer: Naughty Dog
- Rating: E (Everyone)
Choosing Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy as one of the PS2 games to play in 2023 is a safe bet. The game offers a mix of innovative gameplay mechanics, a great art style, and an engaging storyline.
You play as Jak, exploring vibrant environments and solving puzzles. It’s a platformer at heart, with elements of brawling and ranged combat.
Made by the famous Naughty Dog, it’s one of the best PS2 games ever made. It’s packed with Scout Flies, Power Cells, and Precursor Orbs to reward you and makes you play longer.
21. Rayman 2: Revolution
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Platformer
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Rating: E (Everyone)
Those classic platformers from the early 2000s were the best, right? And Rayman 2: The Great Escape remains a top fun PS2 game today.
Rayman, the hero without arms or legs, will guide you through a humorous adventure to save the world from the evil Admiral Razorbeard and his robot pirates.
This PS2 game is awesome. You’ll explore different worlds like jungles and underwater caves, and meet interesting characters with secrets to discover.
Why play Rayman 2 as one of the best PS2 games of all time? It brings back the charm of old platform games with engaging gameplay and memorable characters.
22. Burnout 3: Takedown
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Racing
- Developer: Criterion Games
- Rating: E (Everyone)
If you’re looking for some high-octane action and intense gameplay, Burnout 3: Takedown is the way to go. The adrenaline rush you get from pulling off a perfect takedown is unmatched in the racing genre.
You read it right. The game really pushes you to smash up your opponents’ cars and gives you a thrilling feeling of speed. Its amazing visuals provide an unparalleled racing adventure, way before NFS Most Wanted came out.
Burnout 3 had a bunch of different game styles to choose from, like Race, Eliminator, Road Rage, Burning Lap, and Crash Mode. Pick the game mode you like the most.
23. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Racing
- Developer: EA Canada
- Rating: T (Teen)
Not into Gran Turismo 2 or Burnout 3? Then get ready for the legendary Need for Speed: Most Wanted. This is one of the best racing game that will have you hooked from start to finish.
Some people think this game is one of the best in the NFS series. It has exciting races in the pretend city of Fairhaven. We understand why they like it so much.
The game lets you experience different weather conditions and pick from a wide range of cars, like Mazda RX-8, Toyota Supra, and Lamborghini Murciélago.
Do you want to fine-tune your ride to suit your driving style? Sure, you can do that. Most Wanted is one of the best PS2 games that delivers an unforgettable racing experience.
24. Medal of Honor: Frontline
- Year: 2002
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- Developer: EA Los Angeles
- Rating: T (Teen)
History buffs have always been fascinated by the Normandy battle. Maybe that’s why games like Medal of Honor: Frontline were so popular, letting players dive into the exciting world of war.
Medal of Honor: Frontline is a thrilling first-person shooter set during World War II. You play as Lieutenant Jimmy Patterson, an OSS soldier.
This PS2 game stands out for its cinematic and intense warfare, emphasizing real-world actions. Players can also experience multiple endings based on their actions in the game.
25. Tekken 5
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Fighting
- Developer: Namco
- Rating: T (Teen)
If a game sells more than 6 million copies, then you can say it’s one of the best PS2 games you should check out. We’re talking about Tekken 5, a top fighting game.
Many things could’ve contributed to that success. Maybe it’s the better gameplay, like faster moving faster. Or maybe it’s the new Crush System.
What about the characters you can pick to play this PS2 game? There are up to 32 fighters to choose from, including some unlockable ones like Anna Williams and Baek Doo San.
Or do you like Christie Monteiro, who makes Capoeira look amazing with her Gancho Chibata moves?
26. Sly 2: Band of Thieves
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Platform Stealth
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
- Rating: E (Everyone)
What’s a great PS2 game to play this year? Sly 2: Band of Thieves is a good choice. It’s a stealth-action platform game with a unique episodic structure.
This game is awesome because every episode takes you to a different place and wraps up with a huge robbery. Paris, Prague, India, and the Canadian wilderness. Each place has its own vibe and set of challenges and chances to discover new things.
This PS2 game is hilarious, with clever jokes and fun animations. You’ll find its light mood makes it enjoyable. Plus, it’s suitable for all ages (E).
27. SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Third-Person Tactical Shooter
- Developer: Zipper Interactive
- Rating: T (Teen)
Why SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs is one of the top PS2 games on our list? One of the reasons is it offers a realistic military combat experience, perfect for tactical first-person shooter fans.
In this game, you go on solo missions to defeat enemies. The missions need a mix of sneaking and fighting. You can use quiet weapons, night vision goggles, and cover to stay unseen. But get ready for some intense battles too.
Want to play with your friends? Sure. This PS2 game is popular because of its online multiplayer mode. You can have strategic battles with up to 16 players.
28. Bully
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
- Rating: M (Mature)
Just by checking out the intro, you’ll see right away that this PS2 game is unique. Bully, from Rockstar Vancouver, takes you on an open-world journey in the lively world of Bullworth Academy.
You play as Jimmy Hopkins, a rebellious teen who has been sent to school to shape up. The story explores themes of social hierarchy, bullying, mischief, and pranks.
You can explore the school,talk to friends, and do different things like fight, use weapons, ride bikes, and complete tasks. The game mixes the open world of a GTA game with a new school environment.
It’s highly recommended for its special environment, captivating plot, and great open-world game.
29. Star Wars Battlefront II
- Year: 2005
- Genre: Action Shooter
- Developer: Pandemic Studios
- Rating: T (Teen)
The movie is awesome, but is the PlayStation 2 game just as good? We think so. Star Wars Battlefront II: Galactic Conquest is one of the best PS2 games ever made based on the movie.
In this game, you’re going to dive into the best Star Wars battle ever. You can be heroes like Jedi and Sith, and team up with Chewbacca or Emperor Palpatine. You’ll see awesome spaceships and have exciting lightsaber fights, too.
The game has different modes to keep you entertained for hours on end. Test your skills in the solo campaign, then go head-to-head with other players in exciting online battles.
Read: What is Cloud Gaming
30. Kingdom Hearts II
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Square Enix
- Rating: T (Teen)
Kingdom Hearts II is an engaging role-playing game where Sora, Donald, and Goofy look for their friends.
This PS 2 game combines elements from Final Fantasy and Disney, featuring beloved Disney characters from movies such as “Aladdin,” “Tarzan,” “Hercules,” and “Alice in Wonderland.” The game has amazing 3D graphics and quick action-RPG fights.
In the game, there were different activities and mini-games to try out, like gathering materials, joining tournaments, and completing Gummi Ship missions.
31. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
- Year: 2005
- Genre: First-Person Shooter (FPS)
- Developer: Free Radical Design
- Rating: M (Mature)
What if you could play an FPS game that also had a time-traveling adventure? If that sounds cool, you should check out TimeSplitters: Future Perfect.
In this game, you went with Sergeant Cortez on his journey through various eras to stop the TimeSplitters and rescue people. The story was packed with funny conversations, and surprising turns.
This is one of the best PS2 games that combines fast-paced action with creepy horror elements, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
32. Winning Eleven 7
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Sports
- Developer: Konami
- Rating: E (Everyone)
Winning Eleven 7, or Pro Evolution Soccer 3 in Europe, was a big hit, selling nearly 2.8 million copies. It’s definitely a top pick for anyone looking for a great PS2 game to dive into this year.
The gameplay is realistic, especially with the ball physics and tactical options. You can even customize formations, player roles, and instructions to create a unique playing style that suits you.
This game has 100 teams, 21 stadiums, and awesome customization. It still gives you a great experience today. The graphics might not be as fancy as today’s soccer games, but it’s one of the best for the PS2 era.
33. Silent Hill 2
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Developer: Konami
- Rating: M (Mature)
Silent Hill 2 is a killer survival horror game, set in this spooky town covered in fog. In this game, you play as James Sunderland. You’ll be bought into the dark story, diving deep into themes of loss and guilt.
Silent Hill 2 maintains the combat mechanics from the first game. So the controls will feel familiar and let you really get into the suspense.
Remember, resources are scarce as you wander through the eerie town. On top of that, the game has multiple endings based on what you decide and do as you go through the story.
34. ICO
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Team ICO
- Rating: T (Teen)
ICO and Silent Hill 2 came out around the same time. If you were a PS2 fan back then, you had to choose between two games. Unless you were steering clear of Silent Hill 2 due to its Mature rating.
The mechanics of this PS2 game are simple, but its minimalist design, soft colors, and huge, open areas are really good. It’s a visual treat in 3D.
In the game, you are ICO, a kid with horns who is thought to be cursed. You get stuck in a castle and meet Yorda, a princess who is also trapped. You both need to find a way to get out.
Read More: Best Switch Games You Should Try
Which PS2 Games Would You Like to Play First?
PS2 games will still be favorites amongst gamers. And guess what, a huge collection of today’s games comes from PS2 games.
We already give you an exhaustive list of the best PS2 games of all time, from sports and racing games to action-adventure games to platformers. It is not about if you want to play, but which one to play first.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is highly recommended, but Need for Speed: Most Wanted provides an immersive gaming experience. We leave it to you to decide, and happy gaming. But remember, you can make money gaming as a content creator!
So try to benefit from what you do, stay updated on the newest trends from our blog, and see you in our next article!
