Best PlayStation Plus Games If you’re a PlayStation owner, you’ve probably heard of PlayStation Plus. But in case you’ve been sleeping on it, PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription-based service that not only lets you play online multiplayer but also gives you access to a library of games that is frankly jaw-dropping. With three different tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—there’s something for everyone. And if you’re wondering what the best PlayStation Plus games are, you’re in for a treat.
There are hundreds of games available through the service, and while it’s impossible to play them all, we’ve gone through the catalog to bring you the best of the best. Whether you’re into gripping storylines, adrenaline-pumping action, or relaxing open-world exploration, PlayStation Plus has something that’ll get you hooked. Let’s break down the top picks and explore why these titles deserve a spot in your digital library.
Action and Adventure Games That Hit Hard
PlayStation Plus has no shortage of action and adventure games. If you’re the kind of gamer who loves getting immersed in a cinematic storyline, solving puzzles, and smashing enemies, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Some of the best PlayStation Plus games fall into this category simply because they combine gameplay and narrative so well.
Take titles like Ghost of Tsushima or Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. These aren’t just good games; they’re masterpieces. Ghost of Tsushima drops you into feudal Japan, where you play as Jin Sakai, a samurai torn between honor and the need to protect his people. The visuals are breathtaking, and the combat feels like poetry in motion. On the other hand, Miles Morales lets you swing through the streets of New York with the finesse and energy only Spidey can bring. The story is emotional, the characters are well-developed, and the soundtrack? Absolute fire.
What makes these action-adventure titles stand out in the PlayStation Plus catalog is the polish and depth they bring. You get AAA experiences without paying extra, and for many players, that’s the kind of value that makes a subscription worth it. You can dive into a world that feels alive and stay there for hours without realizing time has flown by.
RPGs That Let You Live a Second Life
If role-playing games are your jam, then the PlayStation Plus library will feel like a treasure trove. RPGs let you become someone else, live in a different world, and make choices that matter. Some of the best PlayStation Plus games in this genre have you questioning your moral compass, crafting the perfect build, or simply enjoying hours of engaging dialogue and exploration.
Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Persona 5 Royal are prime examples. The Witcher 3 is a legendary title that needs no introduction. With its massive open world, richly developed characters, and epic quests, it’s a game that can easily eat up hundreds of hours. The dialogue is sharp, the voice acting is on point, and the choices you make change how the story unfolds. Then you have Persona 5 Royal, which combines traditional turn-based combat with a stylish Tokyo high school sim. It sounds niche, but trust me, it’s one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have.
The RPG selection on PlayStation Best PlayStation Plus Games continues to grow, offering both western and Japanese styles. These games are ideal for anyone who enjoys digging deep into lore, upgrading their character, and going on epic journeys. It’s more than gaming; it’s like stepping into another world where you call the shots.
First-Person Shooters That Bring the Heat
There’s nothing quite like the rush of a good first-person shooter. The best PlayStation Plus games in this category are all about high-stakes combat, twitch reflexes, and often, intense multiplayer experiences. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi battlegrounds or gritty, realistic warfare, you’ll find a shooter that fits your style.
Games like DOOM Eternal and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War are top-tier choices. DOOM Eternal is all about speed and brutality. You’re the Doom Slayer, and you’re here to rip and tear through demon hordes with an arsenal that’s as fun to use as it is devastating. The game doesn’t let up and keeps your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. Black Ops Cold War, on the other hand, blends classic COD multiplayer with a solid campaign and the fan-favorite Zombies mode.
What makes these shooters shine on PlayStation Plus is the constant stream of updates and their replayability. These aren’t games you finish and forget; they’re games you keep coming back to, especially with friends. Whether you’re climbing the leaderboards or just blowing off steam after a long day, FPS games are a must-have in your collection.
Horror Games That Keep You Up at Night
Looking for something that’ll raise your heart rate differently? Horror games are a staple in the PlayStation Plus lineup, and some of the best PlayStation Plus games in the horror genre are truly unforgettable. These titles know how to mess with your head, build tension, and deliver unforgettable scares.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Until Dawn are excellent entries. Resident Evil 7 brings the franchise back to its survival-horror roots with a first-person perspective that makes every shadow and sound feel like a threat. It’s creepy, intense, and surprisingly emotional. Until Dawn, meanwhile, plays out like an interactive horror movie where your choices determine who lives and who dies. The game is filled with jump scares, eerie atmospheres, and plenty of “what would you do?” moments.
Horror games on PlayStation Plus are perfect for late-night sessions, especially if you’re into storytelling with a twist. They offer an experience that’s hard to replicate in any other medium. With headphones on and lights off, you’re not just playing a game—you’re surviving it.
Open-World Games You Can Get Lost In
Sometimes, all you want is a world that you can explore at your own pace. Open-world games are a huge part of what makes PlayStation Plus so appealing. These are the titles that let you do things your way, whether that’s completing main missions, taking on side quests, or just soaking in the scenery.
Red Dead Redemption 2 and Horizon Zero Dawn are must-plays. Red Dead Redemption 2 is like stepping into a living, breathing Western. Everything from the weather to the wildlife feels real, and the story of Arthur Morgan is one of the best told in gaming. Then you have Horizon Zero Dawn, where you play as Aloy, a hunter in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robot dinosaurs. It’s as wild as it sounds, and it plays beautifully.
The best PlayStation Plus games in the open-world category offer unmatched freedom. You can spend hours exploring, customizing your character, or just chilling and enjoying the view. They’re perfect for players who love a good mix of story and sandbox gameplay.
Indie Games That Deserve the Spotlight
Don’t sleep on the indie titles. Some of the best PlayStation Plus games come from smaller studios that pour their hearts into crafting something unique. These games might not have the massive budgets of AAA titles, but what they lack in scale they more than make up for in creativity and charm.
Titles like Hades and Celeste are fantastic examples. Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler with fast-paced combat and a surprisingly deep story centered around Greek mythology. It’s super addicting and rewards skillful play. Celeste, on the other hand, is a platformer who tells a touching story about mental health and self-discovery, all wrapped in tight, challenging gameplay.
Indie games on PlayStation Plus are perfect palate cleansers between bigger games. They’re often shorter but pack a punch, making them ideal for players who want something different. Plus, supporting indie developers helps keep the gaming ecosystem diverse and exciting.
Fighting Games That Pack a Punch
For those who love competitive play, fighting games are where it’s at. The best PlayStation Plus games in this genre let you test your reflexes, learn combos, and master a roster of unique characters. Whether you’re into old-school arcade vibes or modern esports-level mechanics, there’s something here for you.
Tekken 7 and Mortal Kombat 11 are heavy hitters. Tekken 7 continues the saga of the Mishima family with fluid mechanics and a huge cast of fighters. The game is balanced for newcomers and pros alike. Mortal Kombat 11 doesn’t just bring the gore; it also brings a robust story mode and deep customization options for each fighter.
Fighting games on PlayStation Plus are perfect for couch co-op or online matches. They offer that quick pick-up-and-play fun but also have enough depth to keep you coming back to hone your skills. It’s a genre that’s easy to get into but hard to master, which makes it incredibly rewarding.
Platformers That Bring the Nostalgia
If you grew up playing games like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, you’ll be happy to know that platformers are alive and well on PlayStation Plus. These games offer a blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving that’s as fun now as it was back in the day.
Ratchet & Clank and LittleBigPlanet 3 are standout choices. Ratchet & Clank brings high-energy action, witty dialogue, and a wide array of outrageous weapons. It’s a joyride from start to finish. LittleBigPlanet 3 is more laid-back but incredibly creative, letting players build their levels and explore a world full of charm.
Platformers are some of the best PlayStation Plus games for families or anyone looking for lighthearted fun. They’re accessible, entertaining, and full of personality. And let’s be real, sometimes you just want to double-jump your way through a colorful world without all the heavy drama.
Strategy Games for the Thinkers
Last but not least, let’s talk strategy. These games are all about planning, tactics, and outsmarting your opponents. The best PlayStation Plus games in the strategy genre make you think several moves ahead, whether you’re managing resources, commanding armies, or navigating political intrigue.
XCOM 2 and Civilization VI are top picks. XCOM 2 throws you into a desperate battle against alien invaders where every decision counts. One wrong move and your squad could be wiped out. Civilization VI lets you build an empire from the ground up, making choices that affect everything from culture to military to diplomacy.
Strategy games on PlayStation Plus are a bit of a hidden gem. They may not have the flash of an action title, but they offer depth and replayability that’s second to none. Perfect for when you’re in the mood to use your brain a little more than your thumbs.
