Start with the rating, then match the game to the child
The easiest PS5 starter pick is Astro's Playroom, which comes with the console. For a shared couch game, start with Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Astro Bot is the stronger full-sized solo platformer, while LEGO Horizon Adventures gives two players a more action-focused campaign. These games have different ratings and difficulty levels, so the right choice depends on the child rather than the cover art.
The ESRB rating is a content guide, not a promise that a child will find the controls easy. E10+ means “Everyone 10+”; E means “Everyone.” Read the rating's content descriptors and look at a little gameplay before buying. Player counts below describe local play on one PS5, not online matchmaking.
| Game | ESRB | Players | Best fit | Before you buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astro's Playroom | E10+ | 1 | First PS5 game and short sessions | Comes with PS5; players take turns |
| Sackboy: A Big Adventure | E | 1–4 | Siblings or parent-and-child co-op | Later platforming stages can be demanding |
| Astro Bot | E10+ | 1 | A full solo adventure | It has combat and tougher optional stages |
| LEGO Horizon Adventures | E10+ | 1–2 | Two-player LEGO action | Contains fantasy violence and language |
| Overcooked! All You Can Eat | E | 1–4 | Quick family teamwork | Its timed kitchens can be stressful |
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | E10+ | 1 | Older or more confident action fans | Frequent blaster combat |
Ratings and player modes were checked against ESRB and PlayStation listings on October 13, 2026. Store availability, editions, and subscription inclusion can change; check the listing for your region before paying.
Best first game: Astro's Playroom
Astro's Playroom is a sensible first download because it is already on the PS5 and uses short, varied platforming levels to teach movement and the DualSense controller. It is single-player, so children who want to share one screen will have to trade turns. The ESRB rates it E10+ for fantasy violence. Being included with the console makes it easy to try before spending money on a larger game.
Best family co-op: Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy supports up to four local players, and its fabric-and-craft worlds make it inviting for a mixed-skill group. One person can help another through a tricky section without sending everyone into a public online lobby. It is rated E for mild cartoon violence and mild lyrics. Do not mistake that rating for “effortless”: later jumps and teamwork sections ask for patience.
If you need one two-player PS5 game for kids, Sackboy is the easiest recommendation here because local co-op is central to the experience and it also works when only one person wants to play.
Screenshot: PlayStation.
Best solo adventure: Astro Bot
Astro Bot expands the idea of Astro's Playroom into a full adventure with many worlds, powers, and secrets. It is a single-player game, and PlayStation explicitly says it is not multiplayer. The ESRB rates it E10+ for crude humor and fantasy violence. Parents should also know that the bright look hides some tricky optional challenge stages.
Duuro has an Astro Bot review if you want a longer impression before buying. If the child enjoyed Playroom's movement and wants more of it, this is the natural next stop.
Screenshot: PlayStation.
Best two-player action: LEGO Horizon Adventures
LEGO Horizon Adventures supports two people together on the couch or online. PlayStation says couch co-op needs two controllers but does not require PlayStation Plus; online co-op does. Its LEGO look is playful, though the E10+ rating includes fantasy violence and language. It is a better match for children who want combat and exploration than for someone who only wants a calm building game.
Screenshot: PlayStation.
Best short-session party game: Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Overcooked! All You Can Eat supports up to four local players. You prepare meals together while kitchens change around you. The ESRB rating is E, with mild cartoon violence, but the timer and constant communication can be more intense than the art suggests. It works best when everyone is comfortable laughing at failed orders. For a child who gets upset by countdowns, choose Sackboy instead.
For confident action fans: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a colorful solo adventure with large set pieces, frequent blaster fights, and adjustable difficulty. The ESRB rating is E10+ and notes fantasy violence, animated blood, and an alcohol reference. It is a good step up for a child who already likes action games, while the lighter first picks above are easier places to start. Duuro's Rift Apart review goes into the game's strengths and frustrations.
Before handing over the controller
Set up a child account and review PlayStation's family controls for game access, communication, play time, and spending. “Family friendly” does not tell you whether a game has public chat, online play, purchases, or difficult combat. Local co-op is often the simplest way to play together, but check how many controllers you need and whether the game is the PS5 edition you intended to buy.
For a broader list of games Duuro has reviewed this year, see our best PS5 games of 2026. That list is ranked by review score and is not a kids-only guide.
FAQ
What is the best PS5 game for kids to start with?
Try Astro's Playroom first because it comes with the PS5 and teaches the controller through short levels. Check its E10+ rating before deciding whether it suits your child.
What are the best two-player PS5 games for kids?
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the most approachable local co-op pick in this guide. LEGO Horizon Adventures offers two-player action, while Overcooked! All You Can Eat is better for a family that enjoys fast teamwork.
Is Astro Bot a two-player game?
No. Astro Bot is a single-player PS5 game. Players can take turns, but it does not have a local two-player mode.
