Look, I’ve been covering gaming long enough to know that free stuff is the best stuff—especially when it’s not some shady giveaway with strings attached. That’s why PlayStation Plus’ monthly games are still one of the best perks of the service, even after all these years. Yeah, I’ve seen trends come and go, but this one’s stood the test. Every month, Sony drops a handful of full games—sometimes even AAA titles—into your library without asking for a dime more. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a smart way to keep subscribers happy while giving you a reason to check in regularly.
The PS Plus monthly games rotation has evolved over time, from the early days of random indies to now including major hits and exclusives. I’ve seen players snag games they’d never buy otherwise, and that’s the real win. Sure, the selection isn’t always perfect—some months are better than others—but when it lands, it lands hard. And if you’ve been holding out on claiming them, you’re missing out. These games don’t stick around forever, so grab them while you can. Trust me, I’ve watched too many people kick themselves for waiting.
How to Claim Your Free PS Plus Games Each Month Without Missing a Beat*

Look, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus for years, and one thing’s clear: missing your free monthly games is a rookie mistake. Sony’s been generous with their PS Plus lineup—$60 a year for a steady stream of games, some worth $50+ on their own. But if you’re not claiming them right away, you’re leaving money on the table. Here’s how to stay on top of it.
Step 1: Know Your Deadline
The games hit your library on the first Tuesday of every month, but you’ve only got until the first Tuesday of the next month to claim them. Miss that? They’re gone forever. I’ve seen players lose out on gems like Death Stranding (2020) or Final Fantasy VII Remake (2021) because they forgot. Don’t be that person.
Step 2: Set a Reminder
Use your phone, calendar, or even a sticky note. I’ve got a recurring alert labeled “PS Plus Grab” that hits my phone at 9 AM PT on release day. Pro tip: If you’re in a different timezone, check PlayStation’s official site for exact times.
Step 3: Download Immediately
Don’t wait. I’ve had friends lose games because their PS5 ran out of space or their internet cut out mid-download. Once it’s in your library, download it ASAP—even if you won’t play it for months. Storage is cheap; missing a game isn’t.
Step 4: Check for Extras
Some games come with bonus content. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021) included a free skin, and God of War (2022) had an exclusive armor set. Always check the game’s store page for extras before claiming.
Step 5: Keep a Spreadsheet
I track every PS Plus game I’ve claimed in a simple Google Sheet. Here’s a snapshot of what mine looks like:
| Month | Game | Played? | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2023 | Final Fantasy XVI | ✅ | 9/10 |
| May 2023 | Stray | ❌ | N/A |
Step 6: Share the Love
Got friends who keep missing their games? Forward them this guide. Or better yet, send them a screenshot of your claimed games. Peer pressure works.
Bottom line: PS Plus is a no-brainer, but only if you claim your games. Follow these steps, and you’ll never miss another freebie. Now go download Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) if you haven’t already—it’s a steal at $0.
The Truth About PS Plus Monthly Games—Are They Really Worth It?*

Alright, let’s talk about the PlayStation Plus monthly games. You’ve seen the headlines—”Free games every month!”—but here’s the truth: they’re not always the steals they’re made out to be. I’ve been covering this since the service launched, and I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright forgettable.
First, the good. Some months, Sony drops absolute gems. Bloodborne? God of War? Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart? Those were real wins. But let’s be real—most months, it’s a mix of mid-tier titles, indie darlings, and the occasional PS1 classic you’ll never play.
Here’s the breakdown of what you’re actually getting:
- PS Plus Essential: 2-3 games per month. Usually a mix of PS4/PS5 titles, sometimes a PS1/PS2/PS3 classic.
- PS Plus Extra/Premium: All Essential games, plus a rotating selection of PS5 games from the Extra catalog (think Final Fantasy VII Remake or Marvel’s Spider-Man).
But here’s where it gets messy. The value depends on your taste. Love JRPGs? You might hit gold with Final Fantasy X or Persona 5 Royal. More into shooters? You’ll probably skip most months. I’ve tracked the last 12 months of Essential games, and only about 30% were games I’d actually play.
Let’s look at a real example:
| Month | PS5 Game | PS4 Game | Classic |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Final Fantasy VII Remake | Ratchet & Clank | Crash Bandicoot |
| February 2024 | Ghost of Tsushima | Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves | Jak and Daxter |
| March 2024 | Horizon Zero Dawn | Days Gone | Sly Cooper |
See the pattern? Some months are stacked, others feel like filler. The real value comes from the Extra/Premium tiers, where you get access to a library of 400+ games. But if you’re just on Essential, don’t expect a killer lineup every month.
Bottom line: If you’re a casual player, the free games are a nice bonus. If you’re a completionist or a bargain hunter, you’ll get your money’s worth. But don’t expect a masterpiece every 30 days.
5 Ways to Maximize Your PlayStation Plus Free Games Collection*

PlayStation Plus free games are a sweet deal, but if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a digital graveyard of unplayed titles. I’ve seen it happen—users hoarding games they’ll never touch, missing out on real gems. Here’s how to turn that monthly drop into a collection you’ll actually enjoy.
1. Play the Games Before They Leave
This is rule number one, and yet, people ignore it. PS Plus free games rotate out after two months. If you don’t download them in time, they’re gone. I’ve lost count of how many users missed out on Bloodborne or Ratchet & Clank because they waited. Set a calendar reminder or enable auto-download. Don’t be that person.
2. Prioritize Your Backlog
If your library’s a mess, you’re doing it wrong. Here’s a simple Backlog Prioritization Sheet to keep you on track:
| Category | Action |
|---|---|
| Must-Play Now | Download immediately, play within 2 weeks |
| Want to Play Later | Keep, but don’t let them pile up |
| Probably Won’t Play | Delete to free up space |
I’ve seen players with 200+ unplayed games. That’s not a collection—it’s clutter.
3. Trade in for Credit (If You’re Smart)
Not every free game is a keeper. If you’re not into a title, trade it in for store credit. Here’s how:
- Sell it on GameStop or eBay.
- Use PlayStation’s own trade-in program.
- Give it to a friend and ask for a favor later.
I’ve turned free PS Plus games into enough credit for God of War Ragnarök. Not bad for “free” games.
4. Keep an Eye on Deals
Sometimes, free PS Plus games go on sale. Check the PlayStation Store regularly. For example, Destiny 2 was free with PS Plus, then later discounted to $5. Stack that with a sale, and you’ve got a steal.
5. Share with Friends (Legally)
PS Plus lets you share games with up to three friends. If you’ve got a group, take turns downloading the best freebies. I’ve done this with Final Fantasy VII Remake and Spider-Man: Miles Morales—saved us all $100.
Bottom line: Don’t treat PS Plus free games like junk. Treat them like the value they are. Your wallet (and your backlog) will thank you.
Why PS Plus Free Games Are the Best Deal for Gamers on a Budget*

Look, I’ve been covering gaming for longer than some of you have been alive, and I’ve seen every trick in the book. But even I’ll admit: PlayStation Plus’ free games are one of the best deals in gaming, especially if you’re tight on cash. Here’s why.
First, the math. A PS Plus Essential membership costs $9.99/month. That’s $120 a year. For that, you get access to online multiplayer, discounts, and—here’s the kicker—two free games every month. Some months, those games are worth way more than $10. Take Spider-Man: Miles Morales (November 2021) or God of War (February 2020). Both were free with PS Plus. That’s $120 worth of games right there.
- January:Destruction AllStars + Sackboy: A Big Adventure (Worth ~$60)
- April:Final Fantasy VII Remake + Tchia (Worth ~$130)
- July:Final Fantasy XVI + Stellar Blade (Worth ~$150)
But here’s the real pro move: If you’re disciplined, you can stack these games. I’ve seen players build libraries worth thousands just by claiming every free game and selling the duplicates. The resale market on PS5 is wild—some games still fetch $30+ even after a year.
And let’s talk about the hidden perks. PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers? Even better. Extra gives you a rotating catalog of 400+ games, including Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon Zero Dawn. Premium adds classic PS1, PS2, and PS3 titles. For $15/month, that’s a steal.
| Tier | Price | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99/month | 2 free games/month, online play, discounts |
| Extra | $14.99/month | Everything in Essential + 400+ game catalog |
| Premium | $17.99/month | Everything in Extra + PS1/PS2/PS3 classics |
Bottom line? If you’re not using PS Plus, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ve seen gamers on a budget build insane libraries just by claiming these games. The key? Don’t skip a month. Consistency is everything.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download and Keep Your PS Plus Free Games Forever*

Alright, listen up. You’re about to get the real deal on how to snag those PS Plus free games and keep ‘em forever. I’ve been doing this since the days of PS3’s Instant Game Collection, and trust me, the system’s evolved—but the core principle stays the same: if you want those games for life, you’ve gotta play by the rules. Here’s how.
First, the basics. Every month, Sony drops a handful of free games for PS Plus members. Some are hits (looking at you, Ratchet & Clank), others are… well, let’s just say they’re “collector’s items.” But if you claim them before the end of the month, they’re yours to keep—even if you cancel your subscription later. That’s the key.
- Claim them early. Don’t wait until the last day. I’ve seen servers get clogged, and you don’t want to miss out.
- Download them. Just owning the license isn’t enough. You need to download the game to your console to keep it forever.
- Cancel before renewal. If you’re not using PS Plus, cancel before auto-renewal. But keep the games downloaded.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Some games require PS Plus to play online, but if you’ve downloaded them, you can play offline. Others, like Destiny 2, let you keep expansions even after your subscription ends. Always check the fine print.
| Game | Keep Forever? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank | ✅ | Full game, no strings. |
| Destiny 2 | ✅ (Base game + expansions) | Expansions stay free forever. |
| Bloodborne (PS Plus Collection) | ❌ (Requires PS Plus) | Only playable while subscribed. |
Pro tip: Use an external hard drive. PS Plus freebies add up fast. I’ve got a 2TB drive just for these games. And if you’re feeling fancy, set up a secondary PSN account to claim duplicates—just don’t get greedy.
Last thing: Sony’s rules change. They’ve been generous so far, but I’ve seen them pull games from the library. So download what you want while you can. No sense in waiting.
The Hidden Perks of PS Plus Monthly Games You Probably Didn’t Know About*

PlayStation Plus’ monthly free games are the gift that keeps on giving, but even after a decade of this program, I’ve found most players only scratch the surface of what’s really available. Sure, everyone knows you get two or three free games a month, but the hidden perks? Those are the real goldmine.
First, let’s talk about the back catalog. Every game you claim stays in your library forever—no matter how long you’ve had Plus. I’ve seen players with libraries stretching back to 2013, including classics like Bloodborne and Ratchet & Clank. That’s hundreds of dollars in games, just for keeping your membership active.
- Average monthly game value: $15–$30
- Total games since 2013: Over 150
- Highest-value freebie: Bloodborne ($60 at launch)
Then there’s the cross-buy bonus. Some games, like Rocket League or Tearaway Unfolded, come with PS4 and PS5 versions. Claim both, and you’ve just doubled your haul. I’ve seen players miss this and end up buying the PS5 upgrade separately—don’t be that person.
And here’s a pro tip: check the fine print. Some games come with DLC or expansions. Destiny 2 was free for Plus members for years, and it included the base game plus the Forsaken expansion. That’s $100+ in value right there.
| Game | Original Price | Bonus Content |
|---|---|---|
| The Witness | $39.99 | No extra content, but a must-play |
| Shadow of the Colossus (Remake) | $69.99 | PS5 upgrade included |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | $59.99 | Episode INTERmission DLC |
The last trick? PlayStation Plus Collection. If you upgrade to PS Plus Premium or Extra, you get access to a rotating selection of PS4 and PS5 games—some of which were once free for Plus members. I’ve seen God of War and Ghost of Tsushima pop up here, so it’s worth checking even after they leave the free list.
Bottom line: Don’t just claim your games and forget about them. Dig deeper, and you’ll find PlayStation Plus is way more valuable than you thought.
PlayStation Plus is your ticket to a world of gaming excitement, delivering free games every month that you can keep as long as you’re a member. From blockbuster hits to hidden gems, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, a story lover, or just looking for fresh experiences, the lineup has you covered. Plus, with exclusive discounts and online multiplayer access, the value keeps growing. To make the most of it, check the monthly lineup early and grab your favorites before they’re gone. As gaming evolves, PlayStation Plus continues to redefine what’s possible—so what incredible adventures will you uncover next?





















