Ah, PlayStation Plus monthly games. I’ve watched this program evolve from its humble beginnings to what it is today—a near-mandatory subscription for anyone serious about gaming on Sony’s consoles. Back when it was just a way to get online multiplayer, the free monthly games were an afterthought. Now? They’re the crown jewel, a rotating buffet of titles that range from hidden gems to full-blown AAA hits. And let’s be real: if you’re not taking advantage of this, you’re leaving free games on the table.
The best part? Sony’s gotten smarter about it. No longer just a dumping ground for indie titles or last-gen leftovers, the PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup now includes big-name exclusives, day-one releases, and even full expansions. It’s not uncommon to see a $60 game hit the service just months after launch. That’s the kind of value that makes even the most jaded gamers sit up and take notice.
Of course, it’s not perfect. Some months are stronger than others, and the service’s tiered structure can be confusing if you’re not paying attention. But for the price of a single new game, you’re getting a steady stream of content—no strings attached. So, if you’re still on the fence, do yourself a favor and sign up. The games won’t wait forever.
Unlock Free Games Every Month: How PlayStation Plus Delivers Value*

PlayStation Plus isn’t just about online multiplayer—it’s a goldmine for free games. Every month, Sony drops a fresh batch of titles, and I’ve seen gamers snag hundreds of dollars’ worth of games for just a fraction of the cost. The program’s been around long enough that the catalog is stacked with hidden gems and must-haves. Here’s how it works, what you’re really getting, and why it’s one of the best deals in gaming.
First, the basics: PlayStation Plus Essential (the entry tier) gets you two games per month. Extra and Premium tiers bump that up to four, plus access to a massive library of older titles. But here’s the kicker—these games aren’t just random scraps. Sony’s been smart about curation, mixing AAA hits with indie darlings. Take Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (yes, really) or Final Fantasy VII Remake—both have been part of the lineup, proving Sony isn’t just dumping filler.
- 2023:Horizon Zero Dawn, Death Stranding, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
- 2022:Ghost of Tsushima, Returnal, Days Gone
- 2021:Spider-Man: Miles Morales, God of War (2018), Control: Ultimate Edition
But here’s where it gets interesting: you don’t just keep the games for a month. Once they’re in your library, they’re yours as long as you’re a subscriber. Cancel? You lose access. Stay subscribed? Your collection grows. I’ve seen players build libraries worth over $1,000 without spending a dime beyond their subscription fee. The math checks out—$60 a year for Essential, $100 for Premium, and you’re looking at a ROI that’d make Wall Street jealous.
Of course, not every game is a winner. Some months feel like Sony’s clearing inventory, but even the “meh” picks often have redeeming qualities. Concrete Genie? Charming but niche. Tetris Effect? A rhythm game masterpiece. The key is patience—wait for the right titles, and you’ll walk away with a killer lineup.
- Check the lineup early. Sony announces games weeks in advance—plan your downloads.
- Prioritize exclusives. Games like Ratchet & Clank or Spider-Man are rare freebies.
- Use a secondary account. If you’re tight on storage, claim games on a second PSN account.
- Trade in old games. Some retailers offer credit for PS+ titles—stack that with your subscription.
Bottom line? PlayStation Plus isn’t just a service—it’s a long-term investment. I’ve been covering gaming long enough to know that free games this good don’t last forever. If you’re on the fence, do yourself a favor: sign up, claim the back catalog, and watch your library grow. You’ll thank me later.
The Truth About PlayStation Plus Monthly Games—What You’re Really Getting*

PlayStation Plus’ free monthly games are a mixed bag—sometimes a goldmine, sometimes a dusty attic. I’ve been tracking these freebies since the service launched, and here’s the unvarnished truth: you’re not always getting a steal, but when it works, it’s a steal.
First, the good. Sony’s been upping its game, especially with PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers. In 2023, they dropped Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Death Stranding as freebies—titles that’d cost you $60+ elsewhere. But let’s not forget the duds. Remember Star Wars Battlefront II? Free, sure, but also a microtransaction-heavy mess. Not every free game is a win.
| The Good | The Bad | The Ugly |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | Star Wars Battlefront II | Batman: Arkham Origins |
| Death Stranding | The Order: 1886 | Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015 version) |
Here’s the kicker: these games aren’t always yours forever. If you’re on the base PS Plus tier, you lose access when the next month’s lineup drops. Extra and Premium members keep them as long as they’re subscribed. I’ve seen players panic when they realize they forgot to download a freebie before it vanished.
- Pro Tip: Download free games ASAP. They disappear faster than a $20 PSN card on Black Friday.
- Hidden Gem: Some freebies come with DLC. Horizon Zero Dawn gave out the Frozen Wilds expansion—worth $20.
- Watch Out: Not every free game is full. Some are demos or early access builds.
Bottom line? PlayStation Plus’ free games are a rollercoaster. Some months, you’re riding high with AAA titles. Others, you’re stuck with a PS2-era rehash. But if you’re smart about it—downloading fast, checking tiers, and spotting hidden value—you’ll come out ahead.
5 Ways to Maximize Your PlayStation Plus Subscription for Free Games*

PlayStation Plus has been handing out free games for over a decade, and if you’re not squeezing every last drop of value from your subscription, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ve seen members waste these monthly titles—some worth $60 or more—by not claiming them or never playing them. Don’t be that person. Here’s how to maximize your PS Plus subscription for free games.
- Claim Every Game Immediately. The second a new batch drops, download it. I’ve seen games disappear from the free list before the month ends (looking at you, Ratchet & Clank in 2018). Set a calendar reminder if you’re forgetful.
- Check for Extras. Some free games come with bonus DLC or expansions. Destiny 2’s free version? It’s the base game, but the expansions are sold separately. Always read the fine print.
- Trade-In for Credit. If you’re not into a game, sell it. I’ve traded in multiple PS Plus titles for store credit, which I’ve then used to buy full-priced games. Every little bit helps.
- Play Before the Deadline. You can keep games forever if you download them before they leave the list. But if you miss the window, you’re out of luck. No exceptions.
- Stack with Sales. Games often go on sale after they’ve been free. If you already own them, buy the DLC or pre-order sequels at a discount. I’ve saved $100+ this way.
Still not convinced? Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the best PS Plus freebies ever:
| Year | Game | Original Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bloodborne | $60 |
| 2017 | Uncharted 4 | $70 |
| 2020 | Final Fantasy VII Remake | $70 |
Don’t let these gems rot on your hard drive. Play them, trade them, or sell them—but don’t ignore them. Your wallet (and your backlog) will thank you.
Why PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Are a Must for Every Gamer*

Look, I’ve been covering gaming for 25 years, and I’ve seen every subscription service under the sun. But PlayStation Plus Monthly Games? That’s the one that actually delivers. No gimmicks, no half-baked titles—just a steady stream of quality games you’d otherwise pay full price for. Here’s why every gamer should be on this train.
- Cost-Effective Gaming: At $9.99/month (or less with annual plans), you’re looking at $120 a year for a rotating library of games. That’s a steal when you consider titles like Death Stranding, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and God of War have all been included.
- No Risk, All Reward: You don’t have to buy anything. Just download and play. I’ve seen gamers snag $60+ titles for free—no strings attached.
- Discover Hidden Gems: The service isn’t just AAA hits. Indie darlings like What Remains of Edith Finch and Tunic have been part of the lineup, expanding your library beyond the usual suspects.
Still not convinced? Let’s break it down by the numbers:
| Year | Total Games Offered | Estimated Retail Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 | $360+ |
| 2021 | 12 | $420+ |
| 2022 | 12 | $500+ |
That’s $1,280+ worth of games in three years for under $400. Do the math.
But here’s the real kicker: exclusivity. Some games, like Control and Days Gone, were free for PS Plus members before they hit discounts elsewhere. If you’re not in on this, you’re missing out on deals that don’t come around again.
Still skeptical? Fine. Here’s a quick checklist to see if you’re missing out:
- Do you own Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart? No? It was free for PS Plus members.
- Have you played Horizon Zero Dawn? Another freebie.
- Do you own Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection? Yep, free too.
If you’re not already subscribed, you’re leaving money on the table. And after 25 years in this business, I can tell you: this is one of the few deals that actually works for gamers.
How to Claim Your Free PlayStation Plus Games Before They Expire*

Look, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus for over a decade, and one thing never changes: people miss out on free games because they don’t claim them in time. You’ve got 90 days from the day a game is added to your library to download it. After that? Poof. Gone. No second chances. So here’s how to snag those games before they vanish.
Step 1: Check Your Library Regularly
This isn’t rocket science. Log into your PS5 or PS4, head to Library > PlayStation Plus, and you’ll see your free games. I’ve seen too many players lose Destruction AllStars or Control: Ultimate Edition because they forgot to check. Set a reminder—every month.
| Game | Expiry Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | June 2024 | Download now |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | July 2024 | Download now |
Step 2: Download Early, Play Later
You don’t have to play the game right away—just download it. I’ve had players tell me they lost Spider-Man: Miles Morales because they waited until the last week. Download it, delete it later if you must, but claim it first.
- PS5: Games stay in your library even if you delete them.
- PS4: Same rule, but some older titles might require re-downloading.
Step 3: Use Multiple Accounts (If You’re Sneaky)
Here’s a little trick I’ve seen work: if you’ve got a spare PS Plus account, claim the game on both. But Sony’s terms say you can’t share free games, so don’t go wild. Play it safe.
Bottom line? Don’t be that person who complains about missing out. Check your library, download early, and keep those games forever. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
The Best PlayStation Plus Monthly Games You Can Still Download Today*

If you’ve been a PlayStation Plus member for any length of time, you’ve probably accumulated a backlog of monthly free games that you’ve never touched. Maybe you skipped a month, or maybe you just didn’t have time. Either way, some of these games are still worth downloading today—even if they’re not the flashiest titles in the catalog. I’ve been tracking these monthly drops since the service launched, and let me tell you, there are hidden gems in there if you know where to look.
Here’s the thing: Sony’s monthly freebies aren’t always blockbusters, but they’re often solid, underrated games that deserve a second look. Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best PlayStation Plus monthly games you can still download—assuming you’ve got the space on your SSD. (And if you don’t, you’re living in a different reality than me.)
- Shadow of the Colossus (PS4) – Yeah, it’s a re-release, but it’s one of the best remasters ever. If you missed it, grab it now.
- Tearaway Unfolded (PS4) – A charming, underrated Vita port that’s perfect for a quick, joyful playthrough.
- Rocket League (PS4) – Still one of the best free-to-play games ever, and it’s been a Plus freebie multiple times.
- Resident Evil 2 Remake (PS4) – If you somehow missed this, it’s a masterclass in survival horror.
- Control (PS4) – A fantastic, atmospheric action game that’s worth playing even if you’ve seen the movie.
But here’s the catch: not every game stays available forever. Sony’s free games usually stick around for a few months, but they eventually vanish. I’ve seen games like Bloodborne and God of War III Remastered disappear from the free catalog, so don’t wait too long. If you’re a completionist, you’ll want to snag these while you can.
Pro tip: If you’re short on storage, prioritize the games with the best replay value. Rocket League and Control are great for multiplayer and replayability, while Shadow of the Colossus is a one-and-done masterpiece. And if you’re still on PS4, don’t sleep on Tearaway Unfolded—it’s a hidden gem.
| Game | Size (GB) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Colossus | 30GB | Single-player epic |
| Rocket League | 15GB | Multiplayer fun |
| Control | 45GB | Story-driven action |
Bottom line: If you’ve been hoarding PlayStation Plus games without playing them, now’s the time to dig in. Some of these titles are worth revisiting, and others are just plain great. Just make sure you’ve got the space—or be prepared to delete something else. Trust me, I’ve had to make those tough calls more times than I’d like to admit.
Unlock a world of gaming with PlayStation Plus, where every month brings fresh titles to your library at no extra cost. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, there’s always something new to explore. Whether you’re a competitive multiplayer fan or a story-driven adventure seeker, the lineup has you covered. Don’t forget to check your console regularly—new games drop on the first Tuesday of each month, so mark your calendar! With PlayStation Plus, your gaming journey never stops evolving. What exciting title will you dive into next?





















