If you own a PlayStation, there's a strong chance you have a PlayStation Plus subscription. If you don't, you could be missing out on some amazing games. The subscription service is constantly being updated to include Sony's brilliant first-parry titles, along with some indie gems and third-party support.
You might be wondering where to start if you're a new subscriber, but Metacritic handily compiles the best rated PS4 and PS5 games. The game catalogue can feel a little overwhelming at first - there are literally hundreds of games to choose from, depending on which tier you subscribe to. Using Metacritic's scores, you can get a good idea of what to play.
Each tier grants access to online play and cloud saves, but it's worth reminding yourself what else each tier offers:
- PS Plus Essential - Online play and cloud saves
- PS Plus Extra - Access to almost 400 PlayStation games
- PS Plus Premium - Access to almost 400 games, PS3 game streaming, Classics (PS1 and PS2), limited game trials.
Want to wander the Nordic wilderness yelling 'boy!'? Fancy battling blood thirsty monsters in a gothic world? We've compiled a list of the top ten games you can play right now, with your PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium subscription:
God of War - 94 Metascore
.png)
Advert
One of Sony's flagship titles, God of War (2018) is a sort of soft reboot of the franchise which saw many entries before this one. This action adventure is stunning to look at, features a lot of heart and continues to wow from start to finish. God of War is a 'must play' game, particularly for mythology fans as we see Greek and Nordic myths combine to tell an amazing story.
The Last of Us Remaster - 95 Metascore
The Last of Us has seen a resurgence recently due to the HBO series. If you want to see where it all began, the remaster of the first game is where to start. The story follows Joel and Ellie as they travel through an undead dystopian America, trying to get Ellie, who is immune to the virus, to doctors who can create a cure. What transpires is some of the most brutal and beautiful storytelling, as well as tight and tense action.
Tetris Effect - 93 Metascore
Advert
This hypnotic iteration of Tetris will blow your mind with its interactivity. What was once a game of falling blocks has become a kind of rhythm game, where movement and line deletion transform the soundtrack and playing field into a work of art.
Bloodborne - 92 Metascore
There's a reason why so many gamers want to see this remade or at least ported to PC. Bloodborne is perhaps the definitive SoulsBorne game. It perfected the formula of everything that came before it, combining the right level of action and mystery, throwing it all into a gothic world of snarling monsters. While so many of us await a sequel, it's worth jumping in and seeing what all the fuss is about.
Shadow of the Colossus - 91 Metascore
Advert
First released on PS2, Shadow of the Colossus became an instant classic. Much like Ico that came before, SotC thrived in a fantasy world that revealed little of its history. You're a knight who must set out across the countryside felling colossi; giant beings of fur, rock, metal. There's a somber tone to taking down each beast as you spend so long climbing them, finding their weak spots. The game overflows with emotion and pulls the player into this gorgeous world.
Inside - 91 Metascore
Inside is a puzzle platformer where you must guide our silent protagonist through a dangerous world in an attempt at freedom. It's a brooding title where shadows feel like the only safe place left to hide. Using only the environment around you, puzzles must be solved in order to move from one area to the next, and while there is no firm story, a subtle narrative will pull you in regardless.
Dragon Quest XI - 91 Metascore
Advert
Dragon Quest is perhaps a franchise that demands more fans. It's a series that once stood toe-to-toe with Final Fantasy and should do again. Perhaps the anime stylings distances the two, but this 11th instalment is a wonderful lesson in how RPGs should be made. A great story, brilliant combat and visuals that burst from the screen. Get it played!
Rayman Legends - 90 Metascore
If platformers are your thing, then Rayman Legends absolutely has to be downloaded. Aside from Mario titles, this is one of the finest platformers of all-time. Controls are tight and repsonsive, there's bags of imagination in every level and it poses some real challenges. Legends shouldn't be skipped by anyone, it has charm and heart by the truckload.
Mortal Kombat 11 - 90 Metascore
Advert
Fighting games can be a little hit and miss for some, but if you want to play one of the best, then PlayStation Plus gives you that option. With a great story, a brilliant cast - including some cameos from the world of Hollywood - and buckets of blood, Mortal Kombat 11 is worth checking out.
Horizon Zero Dawn - 89 Metascore
A franchise that is growing and flourishing, led by a superb protagonist. Horizon Zero Dawn is as beautiful as it is deep. This sprawling action game borrows RPG elements from some of gaming's greats and mixes it in with truly wondrous enemy designs, story beats and worldbuilding. It's a far flung future where machines dominate and humans are few and far between. One of the best games to grace the PlayStation.
As you can see, there are some killer first-party exclusives, a few classics from PlayStation history and a couple of indie darlings. There are too many games to list! Allowing ourselves a few honourable mentions, you can add hundreds more hours of great games:
Dreams - 89 Metascore
Final Fantasy 7 remake - 89 Metascore
Sea of Stars - 89 Metascore
What Remains of Edith Finch - 88 Metascore
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart - 88 Metascore
Topics: PlayStation, Playstation Plus, Free Games