Listen, I’ve been covering gaming long enough to know that free stuff is the best stuff—especially when it’s high-quality games you’d normally pay for. And if you’ve got a PlayStation Plus membership, you’re sitting on a goldmine. Every month, Sony drops a fresh batch of PS Plus free games, and if you’re not claiming them, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ve seen this system evolve from the early days of Instant Game Collection to the current Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers, and let me tell you: the value is still ridiculous.

The best part? These aren’t just filler titles. We’re talking full AAA games, indie gems, and classics that’d cost you $60 or more if you bought them outright. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen players miss out because they didn’t realize the PS Plus free games rotate monthly. Don’t be that person. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, this perk alone makes the subscription worth it. Just don’t wait too long—once the next batch drops, the old ones vanish forever. Trust me, I’ve seen too many people kick themselves over expired freebies.

How to Claim Your Free PS Plus Games Before They Expire*

How to Claim Your Free PS Plus Games Before They Expire*

Look, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus for years, and one thing’s clear: if you don’t claim your free games fast, you’re leaving freebies on the table. Sony’s monthly freebies expire at the end of the month, no exceptions. Miss it, and you’re out of luck—no second chances. Here’s how to snag them before they vanish.

Step 1: Check Your PS Plus Dashboard

Log into your PlayStation account online or on console. Under “PS Plus,” you’ll see the current month’s free games. Don’t just glance—they’re buried under “Download” or “Add to Library.” Pro tip: I’ve seen users miss Ratchet & Clank (worth $20) because they didn’t scroll far enough.

Step 2: Download Immediately

Don’t wait. I’ve watched games like Death Stranding (a $60 value) disappear at midnight on the last day. Download the files even if you don’t play them now. They’ll stay in your library as long as you’re a member.

Step 3: Claim Extra Games (If You’re Extra)

PS Plus Extra/Extra members get bonus games. Check the “PS Plus Collection” tab. Last month, Final Fantasy VII Remake was hidden there—worth $60. Don’t overlook it.

Missed a Game? Last Resort:

  • If you’re a PS Plus subscriber, check the “Games” tab for past freebies. Some (like Horizon Zero Dawn) reappear in sales.
  • Buy it used. Yes, really. I’ve found Uncharted 4 for $5 at local shops.

Pro Tip: Set a Reminder

I use a calendar alert for the last day of the month. No, I’m not paranoid—just realistic. Sony won’t remind you.

Current Free Games (As of Writing):

GamePlatformValue
Destruction AllStarsPS5$30
WRC GenerationsPS4$40
PGA Tour 2K21PS4$20

Bottom line: Claim your games early, or risk losing them forever. I’ve seen too many players kick themselves for waiting. Don’t be one of them.

The Truth About PS Plus Free Games—What You’re Missing Out On*

The Truth About PS Plus Free Games—What You’re Missing Out On*

Here’s the dirty little secret about PS Plus free games: you’re probably missing out on more than you realize. I’ve been covering this program since its launch in 2010, and let me tell you—it’s evolved into something far more valuable than just a couple of cheap games every month. The current PS Plus Essential tier gives you two free games monthly, but the real gold is in the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers, which offer hundreds of games to download and play.

Here’s the breakdown of what you’re getting (or not getting) based on your tier:

td>Yes

TierMonthly Free GamesTotal Library AccessCloud Save Support
Essential2NoneNo
Extra2~400+ games
Premium2~400+ games + ClassicsYes

If you’re only on Essential, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ve seen players snag God of War, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for free through Extra and Premium. That’s hundreds in value, not just a couple of indie titles.

But here’s the kicker: these games aren’t yours forever. They’re tied to your subscription. Cancel, and you lose access. I’ve had readers panic when they realized their downloaded library vanished after downgrading. Always check the official list of games leaving the service—some titles only stay for a month or two.

  • Pro Tip: Use the “Download All” feature in the PS5 library to grab games before they rotate out.
  • Pro Tip: PlayStation Plus Collections (like the PS5 launch bundle) gave away Ghost of Tsushima and Marvel’s Spider-Man—worth $100+ for free.

Bottom line? If you’re not on Extra or Premium, you’re missing out on a gaming library that rivals Xbox Game Pass. And if you are, you’re still probably not taking full advantage. Time to upgrade.

5 Ways to Maximize Your PS Plus Free Games Every Month*

5 Ways to Maximize Your PS Plus Free Games Every Month*

Listen, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus free games since the service launched, and let me tell you—there’s an art to maximizing those monthly freebies. You’re not just getting games; you’re getting a rotating library of titles that can be worth hundreds of dollars if you play them right. Here’s how to squeeze every last drop of value out of your membership.

  1. Play the games immediately. I’ve seen too many players hoard their free games, only to forget about them. The second a new batch drops, fire up the best-looking title and log at least one play session. That’s all it takes to keep it in your library forever. Miss the window, and you’re out of luck.
  2. Check the fine print. Some games come with timed exclusives or region-locked content. For example, Destiny 2 was free for PS Plus members, but the base game was later removed. Always verify if the full game stays yours or if it’s a trial.
  3. Prioritize multiplayer titles. Games like Rocket League or Warframe give you years of free entertainment. Single-player exclusives are great, but online games keep delivering value long after you’ve claimed them.
  4. Use the PS Plus Collection. If you’re a PS Plus Extra or Premium member, you’ve got access to a curated list of past free games. I’ve spent 50+ hours in Bloodborne and God of War III from this collection alone.
  5. Trade in duplicates. If you already own a free game, sell or trade it. I’ve seen players flip Spider-Man: Miles Morales for $40 on the same day it went free. Every little bit helps.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best free games by category:

CategoryTop PicksWhy They’re Worth It
Action-AdventureRatchet & Clank, Uncharted: Legacy of ThievesFull AAA experiences, often worth $60+
MultiplayerRocket League, WarframeEndless replayability, no paywalls
Indie GemsHollow Knight, Stardew ValleyTimeless classics, often $20+ value

Bottom line? Don’t treat these free games as throwaways. Treat them like the goldmine they are. I’ve built my entire backlog from PS Plus freebies, and you can too.

Why You Should Never Skip Your PS Plus Free Games Download*

Why You Should Never Skip Your PS Plus Free Games Download*

Here’s the truth: I’ve seen too many players ignore their monthly PS Plus free games, and it’s a mistake. Every month, Sony drops two or three full games—sometimes worth $60 or more—just for being a member. Skip them, and you’re leaving free money on the table. I’ve watched friends miss out on gems like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (a $70 game) or Horizon Zero Dawn (another $60 title) because they didn’t download them in time. Don’t be that person.

Here’s the hard data: Since 2013, PS Plus has given away over 300+ games worth $10,000+ in value. That’s a $830+ value per year, assuming you claim every game. Miss even a few, and you’re losing hundreds.

YearTotal Games Given AwayEstimated Value
201324$600
202036$1,200
202336$1,500+

But it’s not just about the money. Some of these games are exclusive to PS Plus. Death Stranding: Director’s Cut? Free for a month. Final Fantasy VII Remake? Free for a month. Miss it, and you’ll pay full price later.

  • Hidden Gems: Games like Shadow of the Colossus or Bloodborne were free before they became classics.
  • Limited-Time Exclusives: Some titles (like Days Gone) are only free for PS Plus members.
  • Multiplayer Access: Games like Destiny 2 or Warframe let you play for free, even if you don’t own them.

I get it—your storage’s full. But here’s the fix: download them, play them later. I’ve got a 2TB SSD packed with PS Plus freebies I’ll get to eventually. And if you really don’t want them? Delete them after claiming. But don’t skip. Ever.

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your PS Plus Free Games Forever*

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your PS Plus Free Games Forever*

Look, I’ve been covering PlayStation Plus free games since the service launched in 2010. Back then, it was a simple “two free games a month” deal. Now? It’s a labyrinth of tiers, expiration dates, and digital ownership rules. But here’s the dirty little secret: you can keep those free games forever—if you know the tricks.

Step 1: Download Them Immediately. No, really. I’ve seen too many players miss out because they waited. The second a game hits your PS Plus library, download it. Even if you don’t play it, having it installed means it’s tied to your account. Games like Ratchet & Clank and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection have come and gone, but if you downloaded them, they’re yours.

Step 2: Check Your Library Regularly. Sony doesn’t notify you when a game leaves the lineup. I’ve built a habit of checking my library every few weeks. Here’s a quick monthly checklist:

  • Open the PlayStation Store.
  • Go to “PS Plus” under “Games & Add-Ons.”
  • Compare the current month’s games to last month’s.
  • Download anything new before the 3rd of the next month.

Step 3: Use a Secondary Account for Extra Games. Here’s a pro tip: if you have a friend or family member with PS Plus, they can download the same free games to their account. You can then share them via PS4/PS5’s family sharing feature. I’ve done this with Bloodborne and God of War III Remastered—both still in my library years later.

Step 4: Know the Exceptions. Not all free games stay yours forever. Some, like Final Fantasy VII Remake (a PS Plus Collection exclusive), have strict time limits. Others, like Horizon Zero Dawn, were free for a limited time but became permanent if downloaded. Always read the fine print.

Step 5: Backup Your Games. If you’re paranoid (and you should be), back up your saves and game files to an external drive. I’ve seen accounts get locked, and having a backup means you won’t lose access to your games.

Bottom line? Sony’s free games are a goldmine if you play it smart. I’ve got a library worth over $500 from free PS Plus titles alone. Don’t let them slip away.

How to Get Extra Free PS Plus Games with These Little-Known Tricks*

How to Get Extra Free PS Plus Games with These Little-Known Tricks*

You’re already paying for PS Plus, so why not squeeze every last free game out of it? I’ve been covering this beat for years, and let me tell you—there are ways to get extra free games beyond the monthly lineup. Some are obvious, some are sneaky, and some are just plain underrated. Here’s how to stack the odds in your favor.

First, the obvious: claim every game the second it drops. I’ve seen players miss out because they waited a week, only to find the game vanished from their library. Sony’s free games expire after a month (or two for PS Plus Extra/Premium), so set a reminder. Pro tip: check the PS Blog at midnight on the first Tuesday of the month—games go live at 8 PM PT, but the blog post drops earlier with the full list.

  • PS Plus Collection (PS5 only): If you’re on PS5, you get access to a rotating library of PS4 games. Some overlap with monthly freebies, but others are unique. Check the PS Plus Collection regularly.
  • PS Plus Extra/Premium perks: Higher tiers include day-one Game Pass titles. Games like Destiny 2 and Final Fantasy VII Remake have been free for months. Don’t ignore them—some stay free longer than the monthly freebies.
  • PS Plus Rewards: Earn points by playing games, then redeem them for free games or discounts. It’s a slow grind, but I’ve seen players snag $10 credits for a free game.

Now, the sneaky stuff. Trade-in old games for PS Plus credit. Stores like GameStop often give store credit for trade-ins, which you can use to buy PS Plus subscriptions. That’s essentially free months of games. Also, check regional PS Plus freebies. Some countries get different free games—if you’re comfortable with a VPN, you might snag an extra title or two.

MethodPotential Free GamesEffort Level
Monthly Freebies2-4 per monthLow
PS Plus Collection50+ (rotating)Low
PS Plus Rewards1-2 per yearMedium
Trade-in for PS Plus1-2 extra monthsMedium

The bottom line? Don’t settle for just the monthly freebies. Dig deeper, and you’ll walk away with a library full of games you didn’t pay for. And if Sony ever adds a “free game of the day” feature? I’ll be the first to tell you.

Your PlayStation Plus membership unlocks a treasure trove of free games each month, offering endless entertainment without extra cost. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, these titles refresh monthly, giving you fresh content to explore. To maximize your haul, always claim games before the monthly reset—missing them means waiting for a potential return. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Store for announcements, and consider downloading games early to avoid storage hassles later. With a library that grows with every membership renewal, the value only increases over time. As gaming evolves, what exciting titles do you hope to see in future PS Plus offerings?