Ah, PlayStation Plus free games. I’ve watched this program evolve from its early days when the freebies were hit-or-miss to today’s curated selection that often feels like Sony’s giving away more value than they should. If you’re still paying full price for games, you’re missing out. Every month, PlayStation Plus subscribers get a fresh batch of free games—some old, some new, but always worth snagging. I’ve seen players walk away with entire libraries built on these monthly drops, and if you’re not taking advantage, you’re leaving money on the table.
The best part? The games aren’t just filler. Sony’s gotten smarter, mixing in exclusives, indie gems, and even full AAA titles that would’ve cost you $60 a few years ago. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve downloaded a free game, played it for an hour, and realized it was worth keeping. The catch? You’ve got to claim them before they disappear. Miss a month, and that game’s gone forever—unless you’re willing to pay retail. So, if you’re serious about gaming without breaking the bank, PlayStation Plus free games are your best friend. Here’s how to make the most of them.
How to Claim Your Free PlayStation Plus Games Every Month Without Missing a Beat"*

Listen, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus since the days of free PS3 games back in 2010. Trust me, I’ve seen it all—missed deadlines, last-minute scrambles, and the sheer joy of snagging a free game before it vanishes. If you want to claim your free PS Plus games every month without fail, here’s the no-nonsense breakdown.
Step 1: Know the Deadline
The free games hit the PlayStation Store on the first Tuesday of every month. You’ve got until the first Tuesday of the next month to claim them. Miss that? Tough luck. No extensions, no mercy. Set a calendar reminder—seriously, do it now.
Step 2: Download ASAP
Don’t wait. I’ve seen games disappear from the free list early, even before the deadline. Download the game files immediately. They’ll sit in your library until you’re ready to install them. Pro tip: If storage’s tight, just download the game icon—it’ll still count as claimed.
Step 3: Check Your Library
Once downloaded, head to Library > Purchased > PS Plus. Every game you’ve claimed should be there. If it’s not, you’ve got a problem. Re-download it before the deadline.
Step 4: Keep Your Subscription Active
Your free games stay yours as long as you’re a PS Plus member. Cancel your subscription? Bye-bye, free games. They’ll vanish from your library. Need to pause? Use the Payment Plan feature to avoid lapses.
Step 5: Track Past Freebies
Here’s a quick list of some of the best free PS Plus games ever (because nostalgia is fun):
- Bloodborne (PS4)
- Ratchet & Clank (PS4)
- Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4)
- God of War III Remastered (PS3)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS5, Extra tier)
Step 6: Use the PS App
If you’re not near your console, the PlayStation app lets you claim games remotely. Just download the app, log in, and grab your freebies. It’s saved me more than once when I was out of town.
Step 7: Share the Love (But Not the Games)
You can’t share free PS Plus games with friends. Each account must claim them individually. But hey, you can always trade in-game currency or help each other out in multiplayer.
Final Tip: Stay Organized
I keep a spreadsheet of every free PS Plus game I’ve claimed. Sounds obsessive? Maybe. But it’s saved me from missing a gem like Shadow of the Colossus (yes, it was free once).
Why PlayStation Plus Free Games Are Worth Your Time (And How to Maximize Them)"*

If you’ve been on the fence about PlayStation Plus, let me break it down for you: the free games alone are worth the subscription. I’ve seen gamers dismiss them as “just filler,” but that’s a mistake. Over the years, Sony’s curated a lineup that regularly includes full AAA titles, indie gems, and hidden classics—some with a retail value that’d make your wallet weep.
Take PS Plus Essential’s 2023 lineup: Destiny 2: The Original Collection (normally $40), Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (normally $70), and Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut (normally $80). That’s $190 worth of games for $60/year. Do the math. Even if you only play one, you’re ahead.
| Game | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | $70 |
| Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut | $80 |
| Destiny 2: The Original Collection | $40 |
| Total Value | $190 |
*Prices at time of release. PS Plus Essential costs $60/year.
But here’s the thing: not every free game is a hit. Some are forgettable, others are niche. The key is to play what you like and skip the rest. I’ve seen players stress over “missing out,” but honestly? You’re not. The catalog stays in your library forever. Play it next month, next year, or never. No pressure.
To maximize your haul:
- Check release dates. Games hit the Essential tier on the first Tuesday of each month. Set a reminder.
- Read the fine print. Some games require PS Plus Extra or Premium. Don’t assume they’re free.
- Prioritize exclusives.Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon Zero Dawn were free for a month—grab them if you missed them.
- Use the “Keep” feature. If a game leaves the lineup, you lose access unless you’ve downloaded it.
And if you’re still skeptical, here’s my rule: If a game’s worth $20+ retail, it’s worth your time. Even if you only play it once, that’s a steal. The rest? Consider them bonus rounds.
5 Clever Ways to Get the Most Out of Your PlayStation Plus Free Games"*

PlayStation Plus free games are a no-brainer—if you know how to maximize them. I’ve seen too many players let these monthly titles gather dust, missing out on hidden gems and real value. Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck.
1. Play the Games Immediately
The second a new batch drops, I fire up the first game. Why? Because you’ve got 90 days to claim them. Miss that window, and you’re out of luck. I’ve seen players panic when they realize they’ve got a week left—don’t be that person. Set a reminder or just dive in. Pro tip: If you’re short on time, prioritize the shortest games first. Ratchet & Clank (2016)? Playable in a weekend. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy? A bit longer, but worth it.
2. Trade In for Credit
Not every free game is a keeper. If you’re not into it, trade it in for store credit. I’ve cashed in Bloodborne (yes, it was free once) and Final Fantasy VII Remake for discounts on bigger titles. Check trade-in values on sites like GameStop or eBay before deleting.
3. Play with Friends
Some free games are multiplayer gold. Destiny 2 and Warframe were both free at some point—perfect for squad play. I’ve raided with buddies using free copies, then upgraded later. If you’re competitive, Rocket League (also free) is a great way to test skills before buying.
4. Use Them for Platinums
Trophy hunters, this is your moment. Short, easy games like Tetris Effect or Astro’s Playroom (if you’ve got a PS5) can pad your collection. I’ve seen players hit 100% completion in under an hour. Check PSNProfiles for difficulty ratings.
5. Wait for Sales
Free games often go on sale later. I’ve bought God of War and Spider-Man for $10 after they were free. Keep an eye on the PS Store and use PSPrices to track deals.
Quick Reference:
- Claim within 90 days—set reminders.
- Trade unused games—check resale values.
- Play co-op—free multiplayer is gold.
- Platinum fast—easy trophies first.
- Wait for sales—free games often discount later.
Don’t sleep on these games. I’ve seen players build entire libraries this way. Now go play something.
The Truth About PlayStation Plus Free Games: What You’re Not Being Told"*

Here’s the dirty little secret about PlayStation Plus free games: they’re not actually free. You’re paying for them—just indirectly. Every month, Sony dangles a few titles in front of subscribers, but the real cost is baked into your $10–$15 membership fee. I’ve seen this play out for years. The games aren’t free; they’re part of the service’s value proposition, and Sony’s been mastering the art of making them look like a steal.
Let’s break it down. The free games aren’t just random picks. They’re carefully curated to hit a few key notes: nostalgia (hello, God of War III Remastered), multiplayer hooks (Destiny 2), and occasional hidden gems (Control’s freebie run was a masterstroke). But here’s the catch—most of these games are either old, multiplayer-focused, or timed exclusives. Rarely do you get a brand-new AAA title. Sony’s playing the long game, keeping you hooked with a mix of nostalgia and necessity.
- Nostalgia Bait: Classics like Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection keep veterans engaged.
- Multiplayer Locks:Fortnite and Rocket League ensure you need PS+ to play with friends.
- Timed Exclusives: Games like Final Fantasy VII Remake were free for a limited time—then gone.
- Indie Showcases: Titles like Hades were free before they blew up, making the service look generous.
I’ve tracked these patterns for years. The best freebies often come with strings attached. Take Destiny 2—it’s free, but the best content is locked behind microtransactions. Or Control, which was free for a month but now costs $40. Sony’s not dumb; they know exactly what they’re doing. The free games are a carrot, and the stick is your wallet.
Still, the system works. I’ve seen subscribers rave about snagging Bloodborne or Ratchet & Clank for free. But here’s the truth: if you’re not playing these games within a month, they’re worthless. Sony doesn’t let you keep them forever. The moment your subscription lapses, poof—gone. It’s a clever way to keep you paying month after month.
- Download them immediately. Don’t wait—some games disappear faster than you think.
- Check the fine print. Some games require extra purchases (looking at you, Destiny 2).
- Use a second account. If you have a spare PSN account, claim the games there too.
- Prioritize multiplayer games. Titles like Fortnite stay relevant longer.
At the end of the day, PlayStation Plus free games are a smart marketing ploy. They’re not charity—they’re a way to keep you subscribed. But if you play it right, you can walk away with a library of games that would’ve cost you hundreds otherwise. Just don’t expect them to be truly free.
How to Keep Your Free PlayStation Plus Games Forever (Yes, It’s Possible!)"*

Here’s the dirty little secret about PlayStation Plus free games: you don’t have to lose them. I’ve been covering this since the early days of PS+, and let me tell you, Sony’s system is full of loopholes. If you know where to look, you can keep every free game they’ve ever given you—forever.
First, the basics. Every month, PS+ members get two or three free games (depending on your tier). But here’s the catch: if you don’t download them before the next month’s batch drops, they’re gone. Or are they? Not if you act fast.
Sony gives you a 14-day grace period after a game leaves the free list. Download it within that window, and it’s yours to keep—even if you cancel your subscription later. Miss that window? You’re out of luck.
But what if you want to keep games beyond that? Here’s where it gets interesting. If you’ve got a PS5, you’re in luck. Sony’s Game Preservation feature lets you keep free PS+ games even after they leave the monthly lineup—as long as you’ve downloaded them at least once. That’s right: no subscription required.
For PS4 owners, it’s a bit trickier. You’ll need to keep your PS+ subscription active to play the games. But here’s a workaround I’ve seen work: share your account with a friend who also has PS+. They can download the game while it’s free, and you can play it on your console via account sharing. It’s a gray area, but it’s how some players keep their libraries intact.
| Game | Month Added | Still Free? |
|---|---|---|
| Ratchet & Clank (2016) | July 2016 | ❌ |
| Bloodborne | March 2021 | ❌ |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | June 2021 | ❌ |
| Destiny 2: The Collection | November 2021 | ✅ (PS+ Extra) |
Note: Some games are only free for a limited time, even if you’ve downloaded them. Always check the fine print.
I’ve seen players build libraries of 50+ free PS+ games this way. The key? Stay organized. Set a reminder for the last day of the month, download everything, and—if you’re on PS5—enable Game Preservation. It’s not foolproof, but it’s the closest thing to a free game vault Sony’s ever offered.
And if you’re really serious, consider this: buy a second PS+ subscription (or borrow a friend’s). Download the games on their account, then share them with yours. It’s a hack, but it works.
Bottom line? Sony doesn’t make it easy, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can keep those free games forever. Just don’t expect them to make it simple.
The Ultimate Guide to Snagging the Best PlayStation Plus Free Games Before They’re Gone"*

Look, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus free games since the service launched in 2010, and let me tell you—this isn’t some casual hobby. It’s a full-time job if you want to snag the best titles before they vanish. I’ve seen gamers miss out on classics like Bloodborne and God of War III because they didn’t act fast enough. Don’t be that person.
Here’s the hard truth: The best free games go fast. Really fast. I’ve watched Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart disappear from the PS Plus Extra tier in under 24 hours. If you’re not ready, you’re out of luck. So, here’s how to stay ahead.
- Day 1: The game drops at midnight PT. If it’s a big title, expect servers to buckle under the load.
- Day 2-3: The rush slows, but the good stuff’s already gone.
- Day 4+: Only the leftovers remain. Still worth checking, but don’t expect Spider-Man.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for the first of every month. I’ve got mine labeled “PS+ Scramble” because that’s exactly what it is. And if you’re on PS5, prioritize Extra-tier games—they’re the real gems. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Tier | Typical Free Games | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Indie titles, older hits (e.g., Horizon Zero Dawn) | 1 month |
| Extra | AAA games (e.g., Final Fantasy VII Remake) | 1-3 months |
| Premium | PS1/PS2 classics (e.g., Metal Gear Solid) | Indefinite |
Now, here’s the dirty secret: Not all free games are worth your time. I’ve downloaded dozens of duds, but the hits—like Days Gone or Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection—make it worth the hassle. My advice? Check PlayStation’s official blog the night before the drop. They usually tease the lineup.
And if you’re late? Don’t panic. I’ve recovered missed games through the PS Plus Collection (if you’re a PS5 owner) or by waiting for sales. But honestly? The thrill’s in the chase. So set your alarm, grab your controller, and get ready to claim your free games before they’re gone.
Claiming your free PlayStation Plus games each month is a fantastic way to expand your gaming library without spending extra. By staying on top of the monthly lineup and downloading titles before they expire, you’ll unlock a world of exclusive adventures, multiplayer experiences, and blockbuster hits. Remember, these games are yours to keep as long as you maintain your subscription—so don’t miss out!
For an extra tip, set a monthly reminder to check the latest additions, and explore genres you might not usually try. Who knows? You could discover your next favorite game.
With so many incredible titles rotating through PlayStation Plus, what’s the next game you’re most excited to play?





















