PS Plus Premium has a library of over 700 titles, but which are the best games on Sony’s subscription service?
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.
PS Plus Premium has 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.
What are the best games on PS Plus Extra? What are the standout PS Plus Premium classic games?
Each entry states whether the game is also accessible with a PS Plus Extra subscription. Also, if a game is on Amazon, a link to its listing page has been provided in case somebody prefers to own a physical copy. July 2023: Alan Wake Remastered
Developer
Remedy Entertainment
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Third-Person Action-Adventure
Release Date
October 5, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes & Essential
After more than a decade, Remedy announced Alan Wake 2, with the sequel to the 2010 Xbox 360 console exclusive set to debut in October 2023. PlayStation owners had to wait quite a while to experience the original title, but the game finally entered Sony’s ecosystem in 2021 via a remaster. Set in the unsettling town of Bright Falls, Alan Wake follows a writer who finds himself living through events very similar to his most recent novel, which he has no memory of writing. Also, his wife has gone missing, a turn of events that drives Alan forward.
Remedy is well-known for its cinematic and story-driven projects, and Alan Wake sits alongside the studio’s greatest achievements in these areas. Graphically, the game still puts to shame many modern titles, particularly through its facial animations and lighting. The main reason to play this cult classic is its story, which rarely misses a beat as it weaves a dark and intriguing mystery with seldom a dull moment.
As part of the PS Plus Essentials’ July 2023 lineup, Alan Wake Remastered will be available to download until August 1, 2023. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Developer
Insomniac Games
Platform/s
PlayStation 5
Genre
3D Platformer, Third-Person Shooter
Release Date
June 11, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Added to PS Plus Extra in May 2023, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is among the most high-profile PS5 games to be introduced to the service. 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 the 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. Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
Developer
Ember Lab
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Action-Adventure
Release Date
September 21, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
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 it was developed by a relatively small team, 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
Developer
MachineGames
Platform/s
PlayStation 4
Genre
First-Person Shooter
Release Date
October 27, 2017
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
April 2023 PS Plus Extra selection included two Wolfenstein games: The Old Blood and The New Colossus. Although only an expansion, the former is arguably just as good as any of MachineGames’ recent entries in the franchise; however, if someone wants a full Wolfenstein experience, they will need to jump into 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
Developer
Cellar Dollar Games
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Roguelike
Release Date
June 20, 2023
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
PS Plus’ June 2023 additions include Far Cry 6 and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, which are huge games by most metrics; however, the month’s standout project is Rogue Legacy 2 since it will be making its PS5 and PS4 debut on the same day it launches on Sony’s service. 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. Tchia
Developer
Awaceb
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Action-Adventure, Open-World
Release Date
March 21, 2023
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Launching directly on PS Plus Exra, Tchia is a stunning open-world game, and that goes beyond just its vibrant presentation. Set on a tropical island, the title follows the eponymous girl as she goes on an important adventure to free her home from the control of a dictator. The story is straightforward but memorable, mainly thanks to its roster of characters. Tchia herself is especially endearing.
Tchia’s main mechanic is liberating in the best possible way. The protagonist has the ability to jump into both living and non-living entities, allowing her to temporarily take control of her targets. While this concept has been done before, Tchia expertly uses the freedom afforded by this idea to heighten its explorative element, encouraging players to experience the world from a wide range of perspectives. Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection
Developer
Naughty Dog, Iron Galaxy
Platform/s
PlayStation 5
Genre
Action-Adventure
Release Date
January 28, 2022
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
Prior to 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 do 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. Humanity
Developer
Tha Ltd.
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Puzzle
Release Date
May 16, 2023
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Launching directly on PS Plus Extra, Humanity is an endearingly bizarre puzzle game that follows a dog as it tries to navigate hordes of humans around various scenarios and obstacles. Literally barking orders, Shiba Inu must earmark a path for the crowds to follow since if they are left to their own devices, they will blindly make a beeline to their doom. At any given point, Humanity can flood the screen with hundreds of humans, paving the way to a satisfying flow of bodies once a level has been solved.
Although decently popular, puzzle games are still relatively niche, and many projects struggle to find the right balance between accessibility and challenge. Humanity succeeds in walking this tightrope by gradually expanding the scope of its brainteasers in a way that facilitates the introduction of new components and ideas without overwhelming players. Even though it takes inspiration from older games, Humanity is nevertheless a singular entity brimming with originality and creativity. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Developer
Insomniac Games
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Open-World Action-Adventure
Release Date
November 12, 2020
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
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. Inscryption
Developer
Daniel Mullins Games
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Roguelike, Deck-Builder
Release Date
August 30, 2022
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Roguelikes have taken over the indie scene over the last decade, and PS Plus has quite a few of the genre’s heavy hitters. Dead Cells, Enter the Gungeon, and Slay the Spire are all fantastic projects that can keep someone entertained for months on end, and they are all fairly popular in their own right. While perhaps not as well known as those titles, Inscryption deserves to be mentioned alongside them, although it is unlike most other roguelikes on the market.
For one, the game focuses quite a bit on its story, one that comes with a few shocking and well-executed twists that will not be spoiled here. Gameplay-wise, Inscryption plays out like a tabletop card game with a deck-building mechanic. Although not especially unique, this system is polished, fun, and works well; more importantly, it is just part of a much larger whole. Horizon Forbidden West
Developer
Guerrilla Games
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Open-World Action-Adventure
Release Date
February 18, 2022
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Horizon Forbidden West
Almost exactly a year following its debut, Horizon Forbidden West has come to PS Plus Extra. While there is way too little data to try and pinpoint a trend, this addition could be an indication of how Sony plans to handle first-party projects moving forward.
Horizon Forbidden West tells the next chapter in Aloy’s story, and Guerrilla Games largely opted to fine-tune the original game’s mechanics. With a bigger open-world, refined combat, and a better-paced campaign, the sequel presents a convincing argument that it surpasses its predecessor. Combined, HZD and HFW can easily keep players entertained for more than 100 hours. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Developer
Tribute Games
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Beat ‘Em Up
Release Date
June 16, 2022
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
While not without a few low points, TMNT has a long and storied history in gaming. The property is predominantly known for its ’90s beat ’em ups, with games like Turtles in Time holding up well today. Shredder’s Revenge pays homage to these classics, all the while delivering an approachable experience capable of attracting people who did not grow up in arcades. Boasting a vibrant and gorgeous pixel art style, the 2022 release matches cartoonish visuals with flashy combat that is easy to grasp but surprisingly difficult to master.
With seven playable characters who are not palette swaps, Shredder’s Revenge is quite replayable, which makes up for its fairly short campaign. Although solo players will not feel like they are missing out, the TMNT game supports and shines in co-op, allowing up to 6 people to work together to take on the Foot Clan. The Legend Of Dragoon
Developer
Japan Studio
Platform/s
PlayStation 1
Genre
JRPG
Release Date
June 14, 2000
Available With PS Plus Extra
No
A beloved PS1 cult classic that JRPG fans have spent years hoping would receive a remake or a sequel, The Legend of Dragoon is, at least, now accessible on modern consoles. Ambitious for its era, Japan Studio’s project had great visuals, which are still charming in their own way. Although not too far removed from the genre’s other late ’90s releases, the game’s turn-based combat system has a few unique features that set it apart from the crowd. For instance, players need to time button prompts during attack animations to earn a boost.
The Legend of Dragoon is one of the best games on PS Plus Premium. Hopefully, the service continues to add these sorts of titles in the future. Devil May Cry 5
Developer
Capcom
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Hack and Slash
Release Date
March 8, 2019
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
Devil May Cry was a staple of the PS2 era, and those games’ HD versions and Devil May Cry 4 have been on PS Plus Premium since the service’s launch. In January 2023, the franchise’s most recent entry was finally added to PS Plus Extra, including the PS5’s Special Edition. Personal preference will dictate someone’s preferred entry in the series, but DMC 5 is undoubtedly a contender for that crown.
In a risky move, Capcom opted to include three playable characters who all have wildly different playstyles. Nero and Dante are both melee-focused fighters, although they are still nothing alike. The latter might have the most complete combat system in the hack and slash genre, which is saying something. The third character, V, only stars in a couple of chapters, but his range-based abilities provide a nice change of pace. The Special Edition even makes Vergil playable. Kingdom Hearts Collection
Individual Games
Developer
Square Enix
Platform/s
PlayStation 4
Genres
Action-Adventure, RPG, Rhythm
Release Dates
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Kingdom Hearts All-in-One Package
Sony has announced a stacked line-up of games for PS Plus Extra and Premium’s November 2022 additions. Titles like The Division 2, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Oddworld: Soulstorm are big deals in their own right, but the month’s highlight is Kingdom Hearts. Except for some browser games, Square Enix’s entire franchise will be available to Extra and Premium subscribers. Overall, this selection contains eight games and three cinematic experiences; if someone were to accompany Sora, Goofy, and Donald for a full adventure, they will have to dedicate roughly 200 hours.
Kingdom Hearts is infamous for splitting its story among various platforms, making it unnecessarily complicated for fans to get the full picture. In recent years, Square Enix has taken steps to rectify this issue by releasing compilations that brought lesser-known entries onto consoles like the PS4. With Kingdom Hearts joining PS Plus Extra, it has never been simpler to jump into this universe. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim — Special Edition
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
RPG
Release Date
October 26, 2016
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition
Skyrim has been around for more than a decade, and yet the game is still a big deal. From November 15, PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers can take on the mantle of the Dragonborn and start their journey in Skyrim. The Special Edition is generally considered the definitive iteration of Bethesda’s masterpiece, and the 2016 release was included in 2021’s Anniversary Edition that came out on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Skyrim’s longevity lies in its ability to immerse players in a fully realized world that makes exploration fun and satisfying. The combat might be a bit dated compared to more recent RPGs, but the game makes up for it through customization and build options. Even if most people have already experienced everything the campaign has to offer, Skyrim debuting on PS Plus makes the service’s library seem more complete. Deathloop
Developer
Arkane Lyon
Platform/s
PlayStation 5
Genre
First-Person Shooter
Release Date
September 14, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Deathloop
The marquee game of PS Plus Extra’s September 2022 line-up, Deathloop is an addictive first-person shooter with a time loop premise. Colt is an assassin tasked with eliminating eight targets in one day, a mission that resets whenever the protagonist meets his end. As the campaign progresses, Colt unlocks new powers and gadgets, giving players a varied arsenal that grants freedom in how they can plan kills.
Deathloop builds on Arkane’s previous projects like Dishonored and Prey, particularly in its combat system. The gameplay is accessible but challenging and rewards people who are willing and able to master Colt’s range of skills. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Developer
Square Enix Business Division 1
Platform/s
PlayStation 5
Genre
Action JRPG
Release Date
June 10, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is a huge get for PS Plus Extra subscribers, particularly those who love action JRPGs. The 1997 original helped put the PS1 on the map, and while the remake takes quite a few creative liberties with both the story and gameplay, it still respectfully pays homage to FF7’s legacy. Focusing on Midgar, the modern game chronicles Cloud Strife’s early days as part of AVALANCHE, showcasing the resistance group’s attempts to undermine Shinra’s authority.
Over the last decade, Square Enix has firmly shifted towards real-time action over turn-based combat, and FF7 Remake serves as the strongest representative of this gameplay style. As a sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has been officially announced, this is the perfect time for newcomers to jump into the remake train, and PS Plus is the ideal platform to do so. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Developer
Arc System Works
Platform/s
PlayStation 4
Genre
Fighting
Release Date
January 26, 2018
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Dragon Ball FighterZ
There are roughly a billion Dragon Ball games, and some of them are pretty great. However, for the longest time, the franchise seemed incapable of putting out a proper competitive fighter. Dragon Ball FighterZ changed that forever, with Arc crafting a project that could show up in eSports events alongside Street Fighter 5 and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Dragon Ball is synonymous with flashy battles where a wayward ki blast could potentially blow up a planet, and FighterZ captures this element beautifully. Visually, the game not only echoes the source material but, at times, even looks better. Unlike some of Arc’s other fantastic games, FighterZ’s combat system is relatively easy to grasp, although it is still hard to master. The single-player campaign is split into three non-canon arcs, and, while enjoyable from a fan-service point of view, overstays its welcome. However, Dragon Ball FighterZ is all about its online scene. Ghost Of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Developer
Sucker Punch Productions
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Action-Adventure, Open-World
Release Date
August 20, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Insomniac’s Ghost of Tsushima ended the PS4’s life as Sony’s main console on a high, and the Director’s Cut is just a better version of that already great game. Taking place during the Mongolian invasion of Japan, This samurai epic tells a tale of revenge as Jin Sakai seeks to protect Tsushima Island.
Ghost of Tsushima might be the most beautiful game on PS Plus Premium, and it is not just a looker. The hack and slash combat system is a great deal of fun, managing to be deep and also cinematic. Narratively, the title does not do anything too out of the ordinary, but the unique setting helps set GOT apart from the many other open-world games on the market. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Developer
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Open-World, JRPG
Release Date
November 10, 2020
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
PS Plus Extra’s Yakuza collection received a major expansion in December 2022 with the arrival of two mainline entries and a spin-off. All three games achieve greatness in their own right, but Like a Dragon stands out due to its relevance to the franchise’s future. Although not devoid of familiar faces, the 2020 game effectively launched a new era for the series, one built on a turn-based combat system inspired by Dragon Quest. The game also introduced a new protagonist and hub city.
Newcomers to Sega’s franchise can jump directly into Yakuza: Like a Dragon without prior knowledge of the series. They can then enjoy a lengthy and engrossing story filled with nuanced characters and devastating moments. The game also offers charming side quests along with a small but dense open world. Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Developer
Square Enix
Platform/s
PlayStation 4
Genre
Turn-Based JRPG
Release Date
December 4, 2020
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
PS Plus Extra’s October 2022 lineup included five Dragon Quest games, all of which have something to offer in their own right. While the Heroes and Builders spin-offs are enjoyable, the month’s biggest addition is undoubtedly Dragon Quest 11 S, which 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. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
Platform/s
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Genre
Tactical Multiplayer Shooter
Release Date
December 1, 2015
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege — Deluxe Edition
Ever since launching in 2015, Rainbow Six Siege has been one of the leading first-person shooter games on the market. Ubisoft’s multiplayer-driven title had a somewhat rough start, but its strong tactical gameplay eventually saw the project garner a dedicated playerbase that has hardly dwindled over the last 5 years.
As it has been out for so long, Rainbow Six Siege is filled with veterans by this point. Consequently, new players might feel like they are drowning in the deep end during their first few playthroughs. However, Ubisoft’s FPS is great enough to justify sitting through these early growing pains. Returnal
Developer
Housemarque
Platform/s
PlayStation 5
Genre
Roguelike
Release Date
April 30, 2021
Available With PS Plus Extra
Yes
Amazon Listing Page
Returnal
Housemarque is well represented by PS Plus Premium, with games like Resogun and Alienation being 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.
