Best PS Plus Games

On June 13, 2022, Sony launched its new PlayStation Plus in North America. Split into three tiers, this model combines the previous version of PS Plus with PS Now; depending on which level someone subscribes to, they will gain access to certain services and games.

• PlayStation Plus Essential ($9.99/month):This tier is the equivalent of the old PS Plus. A subscription includes online access, monthly free games, and discounts.
• PlayStation Plus Extra ($14.99/month):Along with the Essential tier benefits, Extra provides access to hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games.
• PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month):Along with the Essential and Extra tier benefits, Premium includes a library of classic games (PS3, PS2, PSP, and PS1), trials, and cloud streaming in certain regions.

PS Plus Premiumhas over 700 games covering more than two decades of PlayStation history. Such a huge collection can be overwhelming, and the PS Plus app does not make it very easy to browse through the library; as such, it can be useful to know this tier's highlights before investing in a subscription. Each month, Sony adds a handful of new games. While most of these are PS5 and PS4 releases, they are occasionally accompanied by a few classic titles.

Let's take a look at some of the best PlayStation Plus games.

Updated June 26, 2024:PS Plus Extra and Premium's June 2024 lineup contained quite a few exciting and time-consuming games. Monster Hunter Rise was the month's headlining act, but the selection also included a great pick for grand strategy fans.

Monster Hunter Rise

Metascore: 87

While no longer exclusive to PlayStation consoles, Monster Hunter will always be associated with Sony's brand to an extent. In recent years, Capcom has tried to lower the barrier of entry for the franchise, crafting projects that are more accessible in their opening hours, all the while retaining most of the earlier entries' depth. Monster Hunter Rise is the most beginner-friendly project in the series, and it comes with a short "campaign" that should teach the basics in roughly 10 hours. Just to be clear to people not familiar with Monster Hunter, finishing Rise's village quests and rolling the credits only means they have completed the tutorial. Now, they can focus on working through the Gathering Hub missions as they collect resources to craft better equipment, allowing them to take on harder quests that will reward higher-tier resources. Repeat the cycle until the end of time (or until it becomes dull).

Monster Hunter Rise has a fairly simple formula, but it is expected to perfection. Lasting less than an hour at most (and usually considerably shorter), quests drop players in open but not massive maps which will have a few major monsters, including that mission's specific target. Players will then have to track down the enemy and slowly whack away at their health, all the while utilizing the tools at their disposal. Eventually, the fun comes in the preparation for each hunt, crafting a loadout designed to fully target a monster's weaknesses while elevating the hunter's strengths. Rise has a robust selection of weapon types as well, and they all control differently.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Metascore: 97

Rockstar's portfolio is not over-represented by PS Plus, but the developer's biggest names are on Sony's service. Added back in May 2024 after already being removed once, Red Dead Redemption 2 is still a big deal, despite the game being more than 5 years old by this point. An ambitious prequel to 2010's decorated Western, RDR2 brings to life a unique period in American history: the end of the Frontier. The Van der Linde gang represents the dying Wild West, and Arthur Morgan specifically finds himself ripped out of time and in an era that no longer wants his type.

Offering a 50+ hour campaign, RDR2 is an open-world game that emphasizes character-driven storytelling, both in its main quests and also the optional content found across the map. The latter missions tell personal and often emotional stories, and they play a part in shaping Arthur Morgan's personality and (ultimately) destiny. The writing is superb, but that means nothing in the face of unenjoyable gameplay, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is a peculiar case. Rockstar prioritizes authenticity, delivering an immersive gameplay loop that highlights the tedium that makes up an outlaw's ordinary everyday existence. This decision can be somewhat polarizing, but it does make for a unique experience.

The Last Of Us: Remastered

Metascore: 95

While the PlayStation 3 had a somewhat slow start to life, the console bowed out in style. Naughty Dog's The Last of Usis a haunting action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with infected creatures. The narrative follows the grizzled Joel and the immune Ellie as they travel across the United States in search of a group rumored to be able to craft a cure.

The journey is tough, brutal, and unforgettable. Both of the main characters undergo a great deal of development, particularly Joel, while The Last of Usraises questions of morality through its ambiguous narrative. Even though PS Plus does not have the PS5 remake, the PS4 remaster of The Last of Us holds up well and offers a fantastic means to experience an industry-defining gaming story.

Bloodborne

Metascore: 92

FromSoftware has cornered the hard-hitting action RPG genre through its immaculate Dark Soulstrilogy, and that looks set to continue with Elden Ring. Out of all the studio's many great games, Bloodbornemight just be FromSoftware's magnum opus.

Boasting a Gothic aesthetic and reflex-based combat that demands aggression from players, Bloodbornedelivers a kinetic experience that delights on a visual, auditory, and gameplay level. Naturally, Bloodborneis not an easy game, but it is one of the most rewarding PS4 exclusives. Consequently, it is easily among the best games on PS Plus.

Crusader Kings 3

Metascore: 85

Paradox's Crusader Kings 3 is rightfully recognized as one of the best grand strategy games of all time, particularly due to its character-driven presentation that puts players in charge of a family tree rather than just a general nation. These types of projects have historically been PC exclusives, and while developers have started to create console ports in recent years, the transition is not always smooth. On PS5, Crusader Kings 3 works well enough to be playable, even if it comes with occasionally frustrating controls that naturally stem from Paradox's attempt to squeeze a keyboard-worth of inputs onto a gamepad. Nevertheless, the console version is a fine way to experience this fantastic title.

Now, even if played in its optimal setting, CK3 can be overwhelming, and newcomers must be prepared to go through some growing pains before they settle down into a satisfying rhythm. While not completely obtuse, the tutorial is fairly rough and inaccessible; however, the game is great enough to be worth sitting through a couple of unenjoyable early hours. Along with grand strategy gameplay, CK3 also falls within the RPG genre, with its characters having well-defined traits that not only impact their personalities but also influence their stress concerning the player's choices. While part of the equation, war is not emphasized in the game, with the focus being on interpersonal relationships, politics, and social management.

Celeste

Metascore: 91

Celesteis a highly regarded side-scrolling indie game with a steep learning curve and an absorbing narrative. As Madeline, players climb the Celeste mountain, taking on seemingly impossible challenges and dangerous foes in the process.

Celeste's campaign guides the character and players on an emotional journey of self-discovery. This voyage is not meant to be easy, and the game makes sure that it is not. The unforgettable story is accompanied by precise gameplay and a soundtrack that ranks among the most memorable of the late 2010s.

God Of War

Metascore: 94

There are a handful of PS Plus games that everyone with an account should play, and 2018's God of War should be at the top of that list. This "reboot" of the series sees Kratos living in a different part of the world, far from the Greecian roots players are used to seeing him in.

Kratos' move to Midgard gave developers a chance to shine a spotlight on some different gods, tapping into the deep Scandinavian folklore surrounding the Norse Gods and their mythology. With RPG elements, an incredible story, breathtaking visuals, and some awesome combat mechanics, God of Waris a must-play PS Plus game.

Dave The Diver

Metascore: 91

While not unheard of, Day 1 PS Plus arrivals are rare, with most months not featuring this type of release. Consequently, whenever an exception materializes, it is always a cause for celebration; more importantly, Dave the Diver is an exceptional exception. Technically, Mintrocket's indie darling has been around since 2023, but it had to wait until April 16, 2024, to make its PlayStation debut, so it still counts as a Day 1 addition. When this year comes to an end, Dave the Diver will almost certainly be remembered as one of the best PS Plus newcomers.

Combining restaurant management with fishing, Mintrocket created a package that feels oddly unique, despite sharing similarities with many other projects. As Dave, players have two general responsibilities: catch and serve fish. The former takes up the protagonist's days, forcing him to constantly make trips into an evolving ocean in search of materials that can be used to create sushi at his restaurant. Naturally, the nights are spent running the establishment, making sure that customers are satisfied. While the management aspect is not as deep as some other titles on the market, Dave the Diver gives players more than enough control to make these segments engaging. However, the fishing element is the game's highlight and adds the most replay value.

Resident Evil 2

Metascore: 91

Resident Evil is without question the most famous horror franchise in gaming, and it is eternally linked to the PlayStation brand. Premium subscribers can play through a healthy selection of entries from Capcom's license, including classics such as Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, polarizing sequels like Resident Evil 6, and HD remasters of masterpieces like Resident Evil 4. The Extra tier does not have quite as robust of a catalog, although it includes two notable projects in 2019's Resident Evil 2 remake and its sequel. When the main entries successfully shifted to a first-person perspective with Resident Evil 7, some fans might have feared that could spell an end for classic third-person releases; fortunately, Capcom relaxed those anxieties with a couple of stellar remakes.

2020's Resident Evil 3 is the weakest of Capcom's modern remakes, although it is still a solid action-horror game that does justice to the classic PS1 original. However, Resident Evil 2 is considerably more complete and satisfying, delivering a robust two-protagonist campaign that is consistently intense and terrifying. The controls are immaculate, the visuals are stunning, and the sound design is among the best in the genre – an argument could be made that Resident Evil 2 is almost the perfect horror game.

Animal Well

Metascore: 87

One of the best PlayStation Plus games to launch on Day 1, Animal Well is an inspired Metroidvania with simple but effective controls. For the most part, the game sticks very close to the genre's standard formula of unbound exploration, puzzles, platforming, and the gradual reveal of new items that provide access to different areas; however, Shared Memory succeeded in stitching these well-worn pieces together to create something that feels at least somewhat fresh. A big part of this comes down to Animal Well's haunting aesthetic and ambient music, which combine to create a campaign oozing in atmosphere and style, making up for a lack of a conventional story.

Although fun, the platforming sections are quite easy, with most of the jumps providing players with plenty of room for error. However, Animal Well is still pretty darn difficult due to its puzzles, very open nature, and clever boss fights. The game's brainteasers often require lateral thinking (and clever use of a slink), while the latter could cause players to feel lost on occasion. That said, the in-game map is detailed and useful.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Metascore: 88

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is among the most high-profile PS5 games available on PS Plus Extra. As a console exclusive, this reveal seemed destined to transpire sooner or later, although almost two years from the game's debut had to pass for this moment to arrive. Rift Apart might very well still be the most beautiful PS5 title on the market, a testament to Insomniac's mastery of technology and talent for creating vibrant and stunning worlds that would not look out of place in a Pixar movie.

Rift Apart backs up its good looks with fantastic gameplay and an enjoyable story that allows its lovable characters to shine. Although Ratchet and his robotic companion take center stage, they are accompanied by a new playable Lombax in the form of Rivet, who also comes with her own partner. In combat, the characters largely control the same; however, the game does a great job of establishing Rivet's own identity through her personality.

Ultimately, Ratchet & Clank lives and dies on the strength of its gameplay, and Rift Apart is right up there with the franchise's best efforts. Ratchet and Rivet have access to a wide assortment of fun weapons, all of which serve a purpose within the campaign.

Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Metascore: 91

While the Heroes and Builders spin-offs that are on PS Plus Extra are enjoyable, Dragon Quest 11 S is on a whole other level as it is one of the best JRPGs on the PS4. Set in a vibrant world brimming with style and personality, DQ11 delivers familiar but addictive turn-based combat, lovable characters, and a simple but effective storyline.

Rather than reinventing a wheel that has never been broken, DQ11 opts to modernize mechanics and concepts that have been successful for decades. Ultimately, this game just proves that Dragon Quest is timeless. The version on PS Plus Extra expands on the vanilla release in a few neat ways too, including a 16-bit mode.

Returnal

Metascore: 86

Housemarque is well represented by PS Plus Premium, with games like Resogunand Alienationbeing included in the service. As great as those releases are, the studio's crowning achievement is Returnal, a sci-fi PS5 roguelike that delves into horror territory. The third-person shooter centers around Selene, a pilot who becomes stuck on a planet and within a time loop.

As tends to be the case with this genre, death means going back to square one, although Returnal dives its story into halves that serve as respawn checkpoints. One of the best PS5 games on PS Plus Premium and Extra, Returnaljustifies a subscription on its own.

Undertale

Metascore: 92

The 2010s was the decade of indie games, so much so that it is near impossible to select the independent scene's crowning achievement for that period. That said, Undertale is undoubtedly one of the top contenders. Inspired by the Mother series, Toby Fox's RPG follows a child as they explore the Underground, a seemingly typical monster-filled setting for the genre. Obviously, players can decide to adhere to RPG tradition and massacre everything that moves, but they do not have to do that. Undertale does not force anyone to play a certain way, and players can follow a few different routes.

Blending meta-commentary with nuanced world-building and a strong narrative, Undertale is the full package. Anyone remotely interested in RPGs or just gaming in general should give this seminal project a try, and the game's player-driven structure means multiple playthroughs are encouraged.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Metascore: 85

Quite a few Vanillaware games are on PS Plus, and they are all worth playing. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is unlike anything else available on the streaming service, even if it does take ideas from a few different genres. Basically, this anime-inspired mecha title largely plays out like a visual novel, albeit with an integrated combat system to provide more interactivity than typical for this type of project. Narratively, the game revolves around teenagers who pilot robots to take on huge beasts, which is a description that makes the story sound more generic than it actually is. 13 Sentinels does an impressive job of exploring its characters, shining a light on each of its 13 pilots. The campaign is long, well-written, and ambitious.

The turn-based strategy combat works well without being too demanding or complicated. Even though it prioritizes storytelling, the game's battle system is not an afterthought either, and a satisfying progression system helps keep things moving along well. 13 Sentinels could be considered an acquired taste since it combines two niche genres in visual novels and strategy games. Still, all PS Plus subscribers should try the project since it provides such a singular experience.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Metascore: 81

AA games have become fairly uncommon in recent years, but when they do show up, they tend to be quite special. Kena: Bridge of Spirits is gorgeous considering a relatively small team developed it, and pretty graphics are far from the only thing this game gets right. The story follows a spirit guide who must free souls in order to stop the spread of corruption, which is slowly corroding a peaceful and beautiful village. As far as premises are concerned, Kena is nothing too unusual; however, the game creates a world overflowing with personality, both in terms of environmental detail and NPCs.

Following a classic action-adventure formula, Kena incorporates exploration, combat, platforming, and puzzles. While not bringing anything substantially new to any of these elements, Ember Labs generally does an admirable job in each area. The gameplay does suffer from the occasional difficulty spike when it comes to the story's bosses, but the fights themselves are largely enjoyable.

Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Metascore: 87

PS Plus Extra has all four modern Wolfenstein games, and the best one is arguably The New Colossus​​​​​​. Building nicely on The New Order's strong foundations, the sequel is bigger and generally better. Featuring an all-time great villain and an appreciation for scale and spectacle, The New Colossus is an action-packed blockbuster that looks, controls, and sounds great.

PS Plus does not have an overabundance of brilliant first-person shooters, but MachineGames' mainline Wolfenstein trilogy is now available in its entirety to Extra and Premium subscribers. When taken as a whole, these games are arguably the genre's best representatives on the service. William "B.J." Blazkowicz's journey is one filled with visceral action, gore, stealth kills, satisfying weapons, and glorious set pieces that put many Hollywood productions to shame. For the most part, these games tell entertaining stories that usually have just the right amount of cheese without coming across as try-hard.

Rogue Legacy 2

Metascore: 90

Roguelikes have grown exponentially in popularity over the last few years, and Rogue Legacy played a role in amplifying the genre's exposure. The sequel builds nicely on its predecessor's ideas, offering a more fine-tuned experience while not deviating too far from the beaten path.

Rogue Legacy 2 follows a knight as they try to power through an array of dungeons in pursuit of treasure. Naturally, they will eventually die, forcing players to start from scratch. The twist is that, rather than playing with the same character, players jump to the next generation, a process that is repeated whenever death comes knocking. Rogue Legacy 2 also slips into roguelite territory by incorporating permeant upgrades and abilities, so a new run is not a completely fresh start. While perhaps not the absolute biggest addition, this addictive roguelike was among the best PS Plus games of 2023.

Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection

Metascore: 87

Before March 2023, PS Plus Extra subscribers could already play the PS4's Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and its spin-off, The Lost Legacy; however, the Legacy of Thieves Collection presents PS5 owners with the ultimate versions of Naughty Dog's beloved action-adventure games. Now, to be clear, this package does not remaster the titles in many significant ways, at least when it comes to the graphics.

The main reason PS5 owners should play these iterations is due to their performance options, as they allow the games to run at a higher frame rate. Ultimately, if someone has already played through the entirety of Uncharted, they might not find much of a reason to return for the Legacy of Thieves Collection.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Metascore: 85

Insomniac Games' repertoire speaks for itself, and the developer's current focus is on Marvel's Wall-Crawler. 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man is a great open-world game with satisfying movement, acrobatic free-flowing combat, and a respectable narrative; unfortunately, on May 16, the game will leave PS Plus. However, at the moment, Miles Morales is not set to follow suit. Although it feels more like an expansion than a proper follow-up, the spin-off retains all of its predecessor's strengths, including the best web-swinging mechanics in gaming.

Miles Morales establishes its eponymous protagonist as a viable alternative to Peter Parker, expanding on the character's backstory and personality for players who might not be familiar with Miles' comic version. Short as it might be compared to the main entry, the game tells an engaging story that focuses on the hero's dual life, something he is only just starting to come to grips with since he is still new to this whole Spider-Man thing.