The PlayStation 2 wasn’t just the best-selling console of all time—it was a goldmine of unforgettable games. Everyone remembers the big names like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, God of War, and Final Fantasy X, but the PS2’s massive library was filled with hidden gems that slipped under the radar.

If you’re looking to dig deeper into the console’s history, here are 10 of the most underrated PlayStation 2 games that deserve another shot in the spotlight.

10. The Mark of Kri (2002)

A violent and stylish action-adventure, The Mark of Kri blended brutal combat with a unique Polynesian-inspired art style. The game’s targeting system felt fresh for its time, and it delivered a mature story that set it apart from the flood of action titles.

9. Haunting Ground (2005)

If you love survival horror, this one’s a true gem. Often overshadowed by Resident Evil and Silent Hill, Haunting Ground put players in the role of Fiona, a young woman trapped in a creepy castle with only her dog Hewie as a companion. The psychological terror and unique dog-command mechanic made it unforgettable.

8. Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy (2004)

Before Control or even Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Psi-Ops gave players telekinetic powers that made combat insanely fun. Picking up enemies with your mind and throwing them across the room never got old. Sadly, this one flew under the radar despite being ahead of its time.

7. Shadow Hearts: Covenant (2004)

JRPG fans who skipped this one missed out big. Shadow Hearts: Covenant was a dark, quirky RPG with a unique Judgment Ring battle system and one of the most interesting settings in PS2 gaming. It blended horror, history, and humor in a way that most RPGs wouldn’t dare.

6. Freedom Fighters (2003)

What if the Soviet Union invaded the United States? That’s the premise behind Freedom Fighters, a squad-based third-person shooter that let players lead resistance fighters through occupied New York City. It had surprisingly smart AI and a story that feels even more relevant today.

5. Rule of Rose (2006)

A cult classic in the survival horror genre, Rule of Rose was controversial, dark, and hard to find. Its disturbing themes and emotional storytelling made it unforgettable, but its limited release and mixed reviews kept it from becoming a mainstream hit. These days, it’s one of the most sought-after PS2 titles for collectors.

4. Dark Cloud 2 (2003)

Yes, it got some attention, but nowhere near as much as it deserved. Dark Cloud 2 (or Dark Chronicle outside the US) was a brilliant action RPG with dungeon crawling, town building, time travel, and even fishing. It’s often overshadowed by bigger RPG franchises, but fans know this was a masterpiece.

3. Extermination (2001)

Sometimes called the “proto-Resident Evil 4,” Extermination was a survival horror game set in an Antarctic research base. While not perfect, it laid the groundwork for the over-the-shoulder horror action style that later became the norm. Definitely worth revisiting for horror fans.

2. Rogue Galaxy (2005)

From the creators of Dark Cloud, this sci-fi RPG is often described as “Star Wars meets anime.” With cel-shaded graphics, fast-paced battles, and tons of exploration, it was one of the last great PS2 RPGs. Unfortunately, it released late in the console’s life cycle, so many gamers missed it.

1. Okage: Shadow King (2001)

Few PS2 games were as charmingly weird as Okage: Shadow King. You play a boy possessed by a sarcastic evil shadow who wants to take over the world. The art style, humor, and quirky RPG gameplay made it stand out, but it never broke through commercially. Today, it’s remembered as one of the PS2’s most underrated adventures.

The PlayStation 2 library is so huge that it’s impossible to play everything. But these underrated gems show just how diverse and experimental the PS2 era really was. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror, RPGs, or action-adventures, there’s always a forgotten treasure waiting to be rediscovered.

What about you? Did you play any of these underrated PS2 classics, or is there another hidden gem you think should’ve made the list? Let me know in the comments!