PlayStation Plus has undergone several iterations and changes since its introduction. Originally, the service wasn’t required for online play at all and rewarded subscribers with extra discounts and free monthly games. Once the PlayStation 4 generation began, it was required for online play, but still offered those same benefits.
Now, PS Plus is divided into three different tiers of subscriptions. The basic tier, PS Plus Essential, still gets three games per month added, while the Extra and Premium tiers will have a varying number of games added to their catalogs monthly. With hundreds of games in the catalog already and more coming and going all the time, even the most dedicated gamer won’t be able to play everything on offer. To help you get the most bang for your buck and so that no hidden gems fly under your radar, here are all the best games to play on PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium right now.
Recommended Videos
Best PS Plus Essential games
As is usually the case, everyone with the lowest tier of PS Plus gets three games for the month: two with PlayStation 5 versions and one with a PS4 version. Here’s what you can play in December:
It Takes Two
89%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
Hazelight Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
March 25, 2021
Anyone looking for a nice co-op game to play with a friend or family member over the holidays should make sure to download the amazing It Takes Two. While it is a platformer at heart, this title shifts gameplay styles every few minutes to keep things fresh and engaging while telling a mature story about a strained relationship. You play as Cody and May, a married couple contemplating divorce, who are turned into their daughter’s toys and need to find a way to restore their bodies. Each challenge requires teamwork and coordination to overcome so both players always need to pull their weight.
Aliens: Dark Descent
71%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Tindalos Interactive
Publisher
Focus Entertainment
Release
June 20, 2023
The Alien franchise has had some great games and some terrible games. While we know that Alien: Isolation 2 is coming eventually, Aliens: Dark Descent gives you a new perspective on horror. Played from a tactical perspective, you need to lead your team of marines through real-time combat missions on an Alien-invested Moon. You need to manage supplies, stress, and health to keep your team alive. Death is permanent here, so caution and strategy is the only way to escape.
Temtem
71%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure, Indie
Developer
CremaGames
Publisher
Humble Bundle
Release
September 06, 2022
There are plenty of Pokémon clones out there to choose from, but Temtem was one of the first to make a big name for itself. Just like the iconic monster-catcher, in Temtem you are training to be the best Temtem tamer by traveling the various islands, making friends, and battling your favorite team of monsters. Besides the single-player experience, you can also trade and battle friends online to see how your team stacks up.
Best PS Plus Extra games
The Extra tier is where you can download and play a massive library of both PS4 and PS5 titles. These games cycle in and out every month, though you never know how many will be added or removed at a given time. Here are some of the best ones available right now:
Demon's Souls
86%
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Bluepoint Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
Souls games have never been more popular, and this is a remake of the game that started it all. Not only is this remake just astoundingly beautiful to look at, but is as mechanically faithful to the original as possible. The only changes are to quality-of-life features, leaving the challenge of besting the levels, and bosses, all on your shoulders. It’s a little clunky in some ways but holds up remarkably well for a game over a decade old thanks to the new coat of paint.
Bloodborne
92%
Platforms
PlayStation 4
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
FromSoftware
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
March 24, 2015
Sticking on the Souls train, we have the other PlayStation exclusive from developer FromSoftware, the fan favorite that they refuse to update in any way: Bloodborne. This title is much more focused on aggression than the others in the series, as well as boasting a unique and detailed world that just oozes with mysteries and intrigue. You usually can’t tell where a Souls game’s story is going anyway, but this game goes places you’d still never guess.
The Plucky Squire
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
All Possible Futures
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Release
September 17, 2024
There are no official Zelda games on PlayStation, but The Plucky Squire looks like it has all the charm and sense of adventure you get from Nintendo’s iconic franchise. You will play as an adventurer named Jot who lives in a storybook only to discover the world beyond the pages. He must explore the 2D and 3D worlds to stop the evil villain Humgrump from rewriting the story so the heroes become destined to lose forever. Expect plenty of great puzzles, action, and mini-challenges to master on this adorable quest.
Night in the Woods
82%
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Infinite Fall
Publisher
Finji
Release
February 21, 2017
After dropping out of college, Mae returns to her hometown of Possum Springs, but must come to terms with the fact that things aren’t the way they used to be. Or perhaps it is really her that has changed. This game has a creepy undertone, and features a cast of anthropomorphic animals, but is really rooted in exploring a feeling of aimlessness and loneliness in the world that we all experience at one time or another. The fall vibes make it a perfect little cozy game to sit back and soak in.
Death Stranding: Director's Cut
89%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Kojima Productions
Publisher
505 Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
September 24, 2021
Hideo Kojima’s first game after breaking up with Konami was about as off the wall as everyone expected it to be. While some dismiss it as a walking simulator, the act of walking, climbing, scrambling, and tumbling across treacherous but stunning landscapes is far more engaging than it may look. In many ways, it is quite a therapeutic experience, so don’t come expecting a high-action thriller (though there are moments of it here and there). The story is uneven, but the highs are very high, making it a journey worth taking.
Space Engineers
65%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter, Simulator, Strategy, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Keen Software House
Publisher
Keen Software House
Release
February 28, 2019
If you think you’re smart enough to do some real rocket science, Space Engineers will give you the chance to prove it. This is a sandbox game set in the vacuum of space where you can engineer, build, and explore the far reaches of space, including multiple planets. Build dozens of ships, land vehicles, and entire space stations with the resources you collect from planets in either a survival or creative mode depending on how much you want the game to push back on you.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
85%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Naughty Dog
Publisher
Naughty Dog, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
January 28, 2022
If you somehow missed the latest Uncharted titles on PS4, you’re in luck because the two latest entries, Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy, have been bundled together and given a brand new coat of paint (plus some additional frames) for the PS5. Granted, this is the conclusion of the series, so it may not be the best place to start from a story perspective, but even with no prior knowledge, you can still enjoy the rollercoaster set pieces and swashbuckling adventure these titles provide.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
94%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
CD Projekt RED
Publisher
WB Games, Bandai Namco Entertainment, cdp.pl, Spike ChunSoft
Release
May 19, 2015
No doubt one of the best games of all time, The Witcher 3 is available on both PS4 and PS5. If you get the latter version, however, you will benefit from the next-gen upgrades that include faster load times, mods, ray tracing, and more. Either way, the core adventure with Geralt questing to find and save his adopted daughter, Ciri, is one of the most engrossing RPGs we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. Just try not to get too addicted to Gwent to finish the actual campaign.
Forspoken
59%
3.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Luminous Productions
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
January 24, 2023
Everything about Forspoken is interesting. It stars a young woman from New York who gets magically transported into a fantasy world called Athia where she develops her own magical skills and teams up with a talking cufflink. Exploring the world is a delight as you glide, float, and zip across the landscapes with your magic. And there is a ton of magic here to experiment with against the various enemies. The story is hit-and-miss, but the gameplay will keep you hooked.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
61%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Adventure, Indie
Developer
TiGames
Publisher
bilibili
Release
September 07, 2021
If you need a new, fresh Metroidvania in your life, look no further than F.I.S.T: Forged In Shadow Torch. Yes, the name is a dud, but the game is razor-sharp. You play as an anthropomorphic rabbit with steampunk equipment fighting back against the Robotic Legion. It has great platforming, satisfying upgrades, and a lush map you will love exploring.
A Space for the Unbound
82%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
Genre
Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Mojiken Studio
Publisher
Toge Productions
Release
January 19, 2023
It takes a special game to move players to the verge of tears and beyond, but that’s exactly what happened when we played A Space for the Undbound. Set in late ’90s Indonesia, this adventure-style game follows Atma and Raya’s relationship as they begin to develop special powers that push them to learn more about each other and the town. Saying much more would spoil the experience, but it is a short, sweet, and honest story that is very likely to resonate with anyone who plays it.
Doom Eternal
85%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter
Developer
id Software
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
March 19, 2020
The Doom franchise ripped and tore its way back into the limelight with its 2016 reboot, and the sequel, Doom Eternal turns the volume up to 11. The action is faster, the enemies deadlier, and your arsenal more varied. Doomguy has never felt so good to control, and the methods for you to dismantle the demonic enemies have never felt so disgustingly satisfying. If you’re an first-person shooter fan, there’s no excuse not to jump into this game and let off some steam.
Red Dead Redemption 2
93%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Rockstar Games
Publisher
Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games
Release
October 26, 2018
If you ever wanted to know what it was like to live in the Old West, Red Dead Redemption 2 would probably be the closest you could get to that experience. Set before the events of the previous game, you play as Arthur Morgan, a member of Dutch’s old gang. Being a Rockstar title, you can expect a fantastic, albeit very guided, main story across dozens of hours, locations, and mission varieties. On the other hand, the entire open world is yours to explore on horseback, soaking in the beauty of an untamed West.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
90%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Adventure
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
June 11, 2021
The classic PS2 franchise made a huge first impression on the PS5 with Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. This game really shows what the new hardware can do in all aspects. The graphics are on the level of an animated feature comet to life, the frame rate is rock solid, and the resolution is beautiful and even offers ray tracing, but the real showpieces are the rifts. The whole concept of this title is that the dimensions are falling apart, allowing Ratchet, and new protagonist Rivet, to seamlessly move from one dimension to the next. It is a trick so amazing that you may not believe it’s real. Oh, and it also helps that the game is a fantastically fun shooter with tons of personality and creative weapons and enemies.
The Jackbox Party Pack 9
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Puzzle, Strategy, Indie
Developer
Jackbox Games
Publisher
Jackbox Games
Release
October 20, 2022
We all know the Jackbox games by now. These party games are perfect to bring out on a game night with friends or family, even when no one else is a traditional gamer. You don’t even need a ton of controllers, or to be in the same room. All everyone needs is a phone to connect and have fun. This pack includes Fibbage 4, Quixort, Junkopia, Nonsensory, and Roomerang. None of these games are hard to learn and they will have everyone laughing and having a blast in no time.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
81%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
As it turns out, this slightly smaller-scale Spider-Man tale is the perfect size for a game like this. Acting as an introduction to playing as Miles’ Spider-Man, this game redecorates the entire map from the base game in a winter setting, adds new side missions and events, plus a gripping and personal story that could only work for Miles’ character. Everything you loved about the first game is back, from the swinging, combat, and upgrades to collectibles and suits to unlock. This is a full-on Spider-Man experience in a tight package that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
88%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
June 10, 2021
Aside from being an absolute mouthful to say out loud, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the best way to play one of 2020’s best games on your PS5. This already graphically impressive PS4 title has been upgraded to take advantage of your PS5 by doubling the frame rate to 60 fps, improving lighting and textures, and cutting down load times. Plus, this version also comes with the Intermission DLC starring Yuffie and takes place during the events of the main game.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut
94%
Platforms
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
August 20, 2021
It’s reductive to say, but if you wanted an Assassin’s Creed-style game set in Japan, you need to check out Ghost of Tsushima. The game is so much more than that, however, thanks to a strong narrative with strong characters and an open world that doesn’t waste your time with hundreds of collectibles and repeated side content. The main point of discussion this game brought up was its use of a guiding wind to direct players rather than waypoints and minimaps. By simply following the direction of the wind, you can fully focus on your samurai quest across the stunning island of Tsushima. Now’s the best time to check it out with Ghost of Yotei on the horizon.
Remnant II
79%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Gunfire Games
Publisher
Gearbox Publishing
Release
July 25, 2023
The first Remnant had a couple of rough edges, but was a great new take on the souls genre that focused on guns rather than swords. Remnant 2 irons out just about everything and expands the world and mechanics. You now have a host of new classes to unlock and level up, tons of loot and gear to find and upgrade, plus a randomly generated progression system that keeps the grind from wearing you down. This game shines brightest in co-op, so having it as part of the service should make it an easy sell to get your friends on board to go shooting tons of monsters and see if you can overcome the toughest bosses.
Cult of the Lamb
80%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Massive Monster
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Release
August 11, 2022
Beneath the cute art style and animal characters, Cult of the Lamb is a delightfully dark indie game. You play as a lamb under the control of an evil god who is tasked with building as large a cult as possible to worship it. The gameplay is mixed between Animal Crossing-like town building — with a demonic twist — and dungeon crawling to gather resources. It’s an addictive and cozy little game that might just steal your heart.
Returnal
86%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Housemarque
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
April 30, 2021
Coming from developer Housemarque’s arcade shooter roots, Returnal transplants the gameplay of a bullet-hell game into a third-person shooter with rogue-lite elements. That may sound like a little bit of a mess, but it all comes together in a smooth, satisfying but testing game. Running through randomly generated rooms, you will blast some of the most bizarre creature designs ever animated in fluid 60 FPS action, picking up new tools, slowly completing each zone, and learning a bit more about the story. Runs are not as short as your traditional rogue-lite, and there isn’t a huge amount of synergies to discover, but the core movement and shooting are so good you’ll be pulled through to see Selene’s journey to the finish.
Best PS Plus Premium games
The Premium tier’s exclusive games are all the PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 games you can download and stream. The lineup of PS1, PS2, and PSP games was fairly limited at launch but will grow as new games are added monthly. For that retro hit, here are the best games from past generations to try out.
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
79%
Platforms
PlayStation 2
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
September 23, 2002
The Sly trilogy on the PS2 was one of the most influential and unique games on the platform. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus introduced us to Sly, Bently, and Murray as a gang of thieves portrayed with a striking cel-shaded art style and comic book-inspired cutscenes. The gameplay of sneaking through levels with tons of movement abilities made you really feel like a stealthy raccoon on the prowl. The later games built on and improved everything this first game started, but that doesn’t mean the original should be skipped, especially since the sequels are both on the service and build off everything from the first game.
TimeSplitters 2
86%
Platforms
PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Free Radical Design
Publisher
Eidos Interactive
Release
October 09, 2002
We’re calling out TimeSplitters 2 here, but the entire trilogy dropped onto Premium at the same time so you don’t have to pick if you don’t want to. While the first game was a bit basic, the second and third really found their footing to become some of the most beloved and fun shooters of the generation. Jumping between time periods to play with all the different guns and genres of game is still a unique setup. But really, it was the multiplayer and extra modes that made these games so fun. With over 100 characters to play as, multiple maps, and tons of game modes, this game will take you back to the good old days of playing split screen with your friends.
Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
80%
Platforms
PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Cattle Call
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
March 20, 2003
Arc the Lad is a long-running, but criminally overlooked JRPG series. The PS2 entry, Twilight of the Spirits, is a great game with an amazing concept: You play as two brothers who are each human-deimos hybrids raised in different parts of the world. Deimos are the monster society of the world that uses magic, while humans use technology, but both racially judge the other. The journey swaps back and forth between these two perspectives, each overcoming their own plots until they finally intersect and have to put their biases aside to face a true evil. It’s great JRPG storytelling with a fantastic battle system.
Twisted Metal 2
75%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation 3
Genre
Fighting, Shooter, Racing
Developer
SingleTrac
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
October 31, 1996
Whether you’re anticipating the TV adaptation or not, the original two Twisted Metal games are absolutely worth going back to. This is where car combat really started, and it’s arguably still the best. Each character you play as has a unique story as they attempt to win the titular tournament with the promise of any wish being granted upon victory. However, those wishes are never quite granted in the way the characters expect, making it a treat to play through the game to see how their words are twisted.
Jeanne d'Arc
79%
Platforms
PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Tactical
Developer
LEVEL-5
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
November 22, 2006
The PSP had so many hidden gems, but Jeanne d’Arc is a name you had to be in very specific circles to hear. That lack of popularity wasn’t because the game was bad since it is considered a classic by just about everyone who did get their hands on it. You will relive the Hundred Years’ War in the 15th century as Jeanne engages in tactics-style gameplay. The artwork and story are dark and gripping, but the gameplay is just as brutal as it is addictive. Even if you’re not traditionally a tactics fan, this one is worth a shot.
Ape Escape
78%
Platforms
PlayStation, PlayStation Portable
Genre
Platform
Developer
SCE Japan Studio
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
May 31, 1999
One of the first games to require the dual analog controls of the original DualShock controller, Ape Escape is a charming action-puzzle game that helped put PlayStation on the map in its infancy. You run around trying to recapture escaped apes using various tools to snare them. Of course, this is still a PS1 game, so don’t expect the visuals to hold up, and the controls are slightly clunky but completely serviceable. You may not be so engrossed that you beat the whole thing, but it is certainly worth a download for nostalgia’s sake.
Tekken 2
Platforms
Legacy Cellphone, Zeebo
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Namco Bandai Games
Publisher
Namco Bandai Games
Release
November 02, 2006
OK, it may not be Tekken 3, but it is the next best thing. When fighters started to go in the 3D direction, the Tekken games paved the way and showed the rest how it was done. The roster of characters remains not only iconic but wildly diverse and fun. This fighter is deep but also very approachable for those who aren’t veterans of fighting games since you don’t have to memorize tons of motions or commands to have a good time.
Wild Arms
80%
Platforms
PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Media.Vision
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment
Release
December 20, 1996
JRPGs with an Old West setting are basically nonexistent, but Wild Arms paved the way for this odd mishmash of cultures in a fantastic JRPG that old-school fans will absolutely love. You play as a trio of characters, letting you get to know each of them intimately. Each one has its own ability to use outside of battle for traversal and puzzle-solving. It features a classic turn-based battle system, but with a dynamic camera thanks to being in 3D, and plenty of strategy and depth. It isn’t the longest game, either, making it an easy entry point to JRPGs as a whole. If that unique blend of West and East worked for you, then the only real way to scratch that itch is with the sequel. Wild Arms 2 features a brand new cast but is set in the same world. This time around, you control a larger party of six, but they’re all just as deep and important as the core three from the first game.
Ico
85%
Platforms
PlayStation 2
Genre
Platform, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
Team Ico
Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI)
Release
September 24, 2001
The first game by the developer of the same name, ICO is cited more than almost any other game as being a primary inspiration to some of the biggest games today. This game came before the same developer’s Shadow of the Colossus, and because of that is often overlooked But it’s just as emotionally resonant and will give you that same sense of loneliness, wonder, and curiosity. You play as a horned boy who is locked away in a castle as a kind of sacrifice, only to attempt to escape with a young girl you find there. Neither of you speaks the same language, so you travel around holding hands and fending off shadowy monsters with not much more than a stick trying to find a way to freedom.
F.E.A.R.
81%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Monolith Productions
Publisher
Sierra Entertainment, Vivendi Universal Games
Release
October 17, 2005
This one is for all you FPS lovers out there. F.E.A.R. is a strange concept of a horror FPS where the shooting is some of the best still to this day. This is all thanks to the implementation of slo-mo, which is not as rare as it was when this game first came out, but even now some shooters still get the feel of it wrong. In F.E.A.R., every bullet, every impact, animation, dust particle, and crack of your gun just looks and feels amazing. The environments are a bit bland by today’s standards, but only because they’re so reactive to everything you do in them. If you want to shove a shotgun into an enemy soldier’s gut, flick on slow-mo, and watch them turn into a cloud of red mist, F.E.A.R. remains the best way to do it.
