While it initially struggled to stand out against the massive launch titles of its competitor, the PlayStation Plus has been steadily growing into a behemoth in its own right, offering a rotating library of games ranging from Sony classics to brand-new third-party titles alike. Having evolved from a basic service into an excellent deal, PlayStation Plus offers access to hundreds of fantastic games through its subscription tiers.
Even out of the 100+ hours of free games included on the PlayStation Plus platform, a few titles rise to the top as universally beloved games that helped redefine or take full advantage of their respective genres. From classic Triple-A PlayStation titles to indie games included in the roster, you're missing out if you haven't tried any of these games at least once.
The Last Of Us Part 1 Is Still A Timeless Classic
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you've more than likely heard of The Last of Us and its post-apocalyptic setting before. Being one of PlayStation's most iconic titles that offers an engaging and emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, TLoU goes far beyond its humble zombie inspirations to break new ground with its story-focused narrative.
If you've missed out on the original game when it released in 2013, or just never had the chance to get around to it, there's no better time to try it out for the first time, as the remastered versions of both TLoU and TLoU2 are currently free for PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers.
Celeste Will Push Your Platforming Skills To The Test
Often described as a masterpiece by fans and critics alike, the description of indie platforming fails to capture the full experience that Celeste has to offer. Aside from having some of the best platforming mechanics out there, Celeste's music, story, and overall atmosphere will stick with you long past the credits roll.
Even if you've never been much of a platformer yourself, Celeste also has plenty of accessibility options that can let anyone enjoy the experience, with its free inclusion in PlayStation Plus Extra being the perfect excuse to give it a shot.
Hollow Knight Is Well Worth Your Time
While you've likely heard of Hollow Knight: Silksong taking the world by storm and practically blowing up the industry upon release, it's easy to overlook its predecessor that started it all in the first place. Easily matching up against some of the best metroidvanias on the market, this classic indie game is well worth your attention.
Whether you've only played Silksong or are looking for a way to jump into its universe for the first time, the free access to Hollow Knight Voidheart Edition on PlayStation Plus Extra is an excellent place to start with the series, with its charming aesthetics and hauntingly grim world in ruins still standing the test of time despite its more simplistic combat mechanics.
DOOM: Eternal Is A Great Way To Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
Even though the DOOM franchise has changed dramatically since its inception, DOOM: Eternal is generally regarded as the best of the bunch with its incredibly high-paced FPS gameplay. Even if you've never touched an entry in the series before, DOOM: Eternal is an excellent standalone experience that treats every combat encounter like a skill-based puzzle, rewarding players for quickly thinking on the spot.
Even if the bombastic gameplay loop and over-the-top style of DOOM: Eternal aren't your cup of tea, there are a few downsides to at least trying it out for yourself, as it's still one of the most intense FPS games on the market with a soundtrack that pulls you right into the action.
It's Hard To Find A Roguelike On Par With Dead Cells
If you're looking to scratch a roguelike itch or want a fast-paced action game to play in short bursts, look no further than Motion Twin's Dead Cells. Lying underneath the unique artstyle and smooth animations of Dead Cells lies a surprisingly tight and challenging combat experience that dares you to find the best possible build to survive its ever-increasing difficulty, with only a few skilled players ever finishing everything it has to offer.
With several free content updates, crossovers, and paid DLC like the most recent Dead Cells: Castlevania, there's plenty of additional content to jump into if you find yourself addicted after trying it for free on PlayStation Plus.
God Of War Ragnarök Pushed The Series To Greater Heights
Even if some fans of the series were hesitant about the drastic change in gameplay mechanics and tone of the reboot, God of War Ragnarök did a great job proving that it was the right move for the series. Expanding on the emotional storytelling, combat, and evolving character of Kratos, God of War Ragnarök is a perfect example of the fantastic offerings the PlayStation is capable of delivering.
While it's best to play the previous God of War before jumping into Ragnarök due to its continued character development and greater combat depth, both games are currently available on PlayStation Plus right now, saving you from having to wait before jumping right into the next game of the series.
Ghost of Tsushima Is More Than Worthy Of Its Accolades
Being one of PlayStation's best original exclusives in recent years, Ghost of Tsushima is a stunning open-world experience that feels like a playable love letter to classic samurai films. Even if some of the gameplay concepts and exploration will feel a little familiar to fans of the genre, Ghost of Tsushima still manages to deliver an immersive experience that takes full advantage of its historical setting.
With plenty of emphasis on giving you freedom in combat and choosing how you want to tackle combat, Ghost of Tsushima manages to balance the line between its gorgeous exploration and brutal combat in a way that's more impactful if you're able to experience it for yourself firsthand.
Bloodborne Is One Of PlayStation's Most Coveted Exclusive
There's a reason countless fans are constantly clamoring for a remake, or even just a simple hardware port for Bloodborne, as it's easily one of FromSoftware's most standout titles. Even if you've never played a Souls game before or are a diehard fan of the other games in the series, Bloodborne's Lovecraftian environments come to life even more thanks to its aggressive combat mechanics.
Having all the charm of its predecessors in spades while offering a unique spin on the formula, Bloodborne is still one of the best games PlayStation has to offer, especially if you can dip your toes into its incredibly rewarding world without having to worry if you're not a fan of its challenging gameplay style.
Cyberpunk 2077 Is Barely Recognizable From Its Release
Even if it was nowhere near a 7/10 on release, let alone a 10/10, Cyberpunk 2077 has changed dramatically since its inception, with its current state arguably surpassing its initial ambitious premise. Even if some areas, like police factions and the somewhat static environments, could still use some improvement, the overall experience has become one of the best RPGs you can find, let alone in the Cyberpunk genre.
Whether you've been avoiding the game due to its disastrous launch or could never find a reason to try it out for yourself, Cyberpunk 2077 is easily one of the best games you can try out with PlayStation Plus, even on the off-chance you're able to get sucked up into its dystopian vision of the future.
Shadow Of The Colossus Is Still An Awe-Inspiring Experience
Being a minimalistic experience that feels almost alien to play today, Shadow of the Colossus provides an incredibly unique experience that few games have been able to replicate over the years. Centered around tracking down and defeating 16 ginormous enemies that give modern games a run for their money, you'll need to utilize both parkour and puzzle-solving to best the ancient beasts.
With each encounter being as unforgettable as the last, Shadow of the Colossus is still a timeless masterpiece that every PlayStation Plus subscriber should try at least once, as the sheer level of scale and emotional atmosphere is best experienced firsthand
