25. inFAMOUS 2 (PS3)
After the series got off to a promising start, inFAMOUS 2 is one of those sequels that improves basically everything, taking the franchise to the next level. Cole MacGrath is charged with stopping an almighty force from wiping out the country, and to do that, he'll need the help of some friends (and maybe enemies too). The morality system is still present, and you'll unlock brand new superpowers depending on the path you choose, giving Cole much more variety — and he even gets better melee combat to boot. With better gameplay, a more interesting setting, improved visuals, and an engaging story, it's a pitch-perfect sequel.
24. Resident Evil 4 HD (PS3)
Originally released for the GameCube, but later ported to the PS3 and practically every other platform on the planet, Resident Evil 4 is one of those landmark releases that changed the industry forever. Veteran director Shinji Mikami completely transformed the traditional survival horror gameplay loop, transforming it into a tense and taut third-person shooter which would go on to influence series like Uncharted and many more. This all-time classic set in rural Spain starts strong with a famous cabin encounter, and just gets better from there. An utterly essential title.
23. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix (PS4)
Stuffed with extra content, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix (try saying that three times fast) features not only two of the most beloved action RPGs in history, but also Re:Chain of Memories from the Game Boy Advance, and Birth By Sleep from the PSP. The game hasn’t aged as gracefully as others on this list, but there is undeniable magic here and, of course, a huge sequel to dive into.
22. Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4)
Square Enix actually did it. It actually remade Final Fantasy VII, and the result isn't a complete disaster. In fact, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a fantastic action RPG. It may not cover the whole story of the original, but it greatly expands on characters, themes, and plot points included in the Midgar arc. Its crowing achievement is its outstanding combat, which blends real time movement and action with time-pausing command menus. It feels like the evolution of Final Fantasy's classic Active Time Battle system, and it's amazing. What a time to be alive.
21. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)
Up until Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart released, Insomniac Games’ dynamic duo had been wilting in the wilderness a little bit. The PS4 reboot, Ratchet & Clank, was well-received – but it felt lightweight compared to classic series entries, like Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. Fortunately, while Rift Apart doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, it does deliver the series’ first full-scale adventure in well over a generation. This is a game that feels great to play, thanks in part to stunning DualSense integration and some of the glitziest special effects this side of the galaxy. It’s a little more throwaway than many of the PS5’s other exclusives, but its thoroughly entertaining while it lasts, and the introduction of new characters like Rivet mean there’s a lot of life left in this series yet.
20. Final Fantasy IX (PS4)
Many a Final Fantasy fan would tell you that Square's series peaked with Final Fantasy IX. An indisputable PlayStation classic, it first released as an utterly outstanding swansong for Sony's first console. A masterfully crafted world is inhabited by excellent characters, and it's all placed alongside more traditional RPG mechanics, refined to near perfection. With superb story pacing that whisks you from one gripping scenario to the next, it's still incredibly hard to fault Final Fantasy IX.
19. Grand Theft Auto V (PS4)
A game so popular that it’s existed through three console generations, GTA 5’s unstoppable commercial success makes Los Santos the most iconic open world game ever made. Its ambitious multi-pronged campaign – starring downbeat middle-aged gangster Michael, witty wannabe Franklin, and bonafide psychopath Trevor – is littered with memorable moments, including a bank heist and a jewellery store robbery. But it’s online where the title has earned its longevity, offering a multiplayer suite unlike anything else available.
18. Ratchet & Clank Collection (PS3)
A hefty package that includes the original Ratchet & Clank PS2 trilogy remastered for PS3, the simply titled Ratchet & Clank Collection was a sure-fire hit with fans. With crazy intergalactic adventures spread across three surprisingly distinct games, this was a great way for players to catch up with the wisecracking duo ahead of their various PS3 escapades.
17. Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)
A role-playing game with action more fulfilling than most corridor shooters, Guerrilla Games’ heritage with first-person shooters means that Horizon Zero Dawn’s sizeable quest list is one you’ll actually enjoy clearing. The real surprise here, though, is the richness of the post-apocalyptic world that protagonist Aloy inhabits; this is a science-fiction story set against a tribal backdrop, and it marries these incongruent themes masterfully. An incredible effort from the Dutch developer.
16. Horizon Forbidden West (PS4)
With Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games had to deliver something pretty special to top the beloved first game. Fortunately, by improving on its weakest areas and tightening the design, the sequel more than lives up to Aloy's debut adventure. A huge, varied open world is home to not only brilliant new machines to fight, but also some of the series' most interesting and fleshed out human tribes. Between beautiful settlements, old world ruins, and natural environments, the world is a pleasure to explore with Aloy's new traversal methods. The main story manages to pack in some big surprises while the supporting characters and missions are vastly improved, and there's more than ever to do outside of some of the best combat in any open world title. It's, somehow, a better game than Zero Dawn in almost every way.
15. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (PS4)
It's hard to fault the Uncharted PS3 trilogy — especially when all three games have been neatly compiled into one remastered package. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a no-brainer if you're on the market for cinematic action. While the first Uncharted is a bit shaky by more modern standards, it's still interesting to revisit the adventure that started it all. Meanwhile, Uncharted 2 and 3 remain genre-defining in a lot of ways, which is a testament to Naughty Dog's commitment to quality.
14. Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time (PS3)
Ratchet & Clank put in a solid shift on PS3 with multiple games garnering high praise, but Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is considered by many to be the generational highpoint. Introducing a host of new gameplay mechanics — including the ability to fly Ratchet's ship between planets — and putting a strong emphasis on a wisecracking story, for many this is still the series' benchmark.
13. God of War Collection (PS3)
God of War Collection remasters the original PS2 games God of War and God of War II, placing them together in one essential 720p package. Released shortly before God of War III, this collection presented a perfect opportunity for fans to refresh their memories of Kratos' original adventures. These are fantastic action games, even today.
12. Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)
The sequel to Guerrilla Games' breakout hit, Horizon Zero Dawn, is bigger and better than its immediate predecessor in every single way. Horizon Forbidden West may retread familiar territory with its open world RPG adventure, but it improves upon the writing, introducing a worthwhile cast of characters for heroine Aloy to bounce off. New combat and exploration wrinkles, including a grappling hook, intensify the action, while the eponymous Forbidden West is a diverse sandbox, bursting with varied biomes and secrets to discover.
11. Demon's Souls (PS5)
Sony comfortably hooked the enthusiast crowd by adding Demon’s Souls to the PS5’s launch lineup. FromSoftware’s legendary action RPG – which would go on to spawn the so-called Soulsborne series and, eventually, even Elden Ring – was snubbed by the Japanese giant during the PS3 era, as it felt early builds were simply not up to snuff. Publishers like Atlus and Bandai Namco eventually picked it up, and it went on to become a cult classic. Perhaps as a tacit admission that it made a mistake, its recruited tech specialists Bluepoint Games to remake the game for a modern era – and the results are remarkable. This version uses original PS3 code to make for an incredibly authentic experience, but its visuals are among some of the best you’ll find on Sony’s new-gen console. It’s an extraordinary blend of old and new that comes highly recommended.
10. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut (PS4)
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut repackages one of the greatest open world games of the PS4 era. A breakout hit for first-party developer Sucker Punch, this expanded re-release includes a new idyllic samurai sandbox named Iki Island, and forces protagonist Jin Sakai to face some painful memories. This is the definitive version of one of PlayStation Studios’ crowning PS4 achievements.
9. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (PS5)
A compilation including two of the PS4’s most beloved games was destined to be well-received, and while the absence of PS3 era adventures like Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves prevents this from being definitive, it’s still an absolute must for thrill seekers. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End paints protagonist Nathan Drake as a weary buccaneer on one final score, while the even more refined Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – originally intended as DLC – acts as a kind of Greatest Hits album, with series stalwart Chloe Frazer serving as a superb step-in for Nate. Series creator Naughty Dog could have done more to upgrade these greats for the PS5 console, but there’s no question this collection is a must-play.
8. Final Fantasy VII (PS4)
The game that made Final Fantasy the juggernaut property that it is today, Final Fantasy VII is still the most popular and most revered instalment in Square's series. Now, let's be real for a just a minute: there are parts of Final Fantasy VII that have not aged well. The visuals are all over the place and the controls are wonky, but it's a classic RPG that's still fit to burst with charm and quality. Its battle and materia systems are timeless, and its cast of characters is outstanding. There's a reason why Square Enix is still milking Final Fantasy VII nearly 25 years after its original release.
7. Resident Evil 2 (PS4)
Resident Evil 2 is the quintessential remake. Understanding what made the PS1 classic so unforgettable back in 1998, it faithfully recreates that survival horror experience and takes it to new heights two decades later. The Raccoon Police Department has never looked better, but the undead zombies it houses are more frightening than ever. Mr X takes on a new lease of life as he patrols Raccoon City, but the sort of weaponry at your disposal might just be enough to match him. It may leave some features and enemies by the wayside, but Resident Evil 2 successfully brings back that classic, memorable experience — turning it into an instant classic on PS4.
6. Resident Evil 2 (PS5)
The differences between Resident Evil 2 on PS4 and PS5 are few and far between, but its everlasting quality remains. This is still a spectacular remake of the 1998 survival horror classic, modernising Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield's first adventure with a third-person camera and vastly updated visuals. The Raccoon Police Department has never looked more terrifying with a native 4K resolution and ray tracing on PS5, so leave enough room to peek over the covers and experience one of the best horror experiences around.
5. Bloodborne (PS4)
The spiritual successor to FromSoftware's supremely popular Dark Souls property, Bloodborne fuses the lip-smackingly satisfying combat of its predecessors with a frighteningly fast pace, resulting in the most intense action on the PS4. Harrowing Lovecraftian-like fiends and larger-than-life bosses vie for the attention of your Saw Blade, as the dingy districts of Yharnam intertwine. A steep difficulty curve can make this occasionally putrid escapade appear off-putting, but soldier through the skin and sinew and you'll find a bloodbath worth submerging in.
4. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut (PS5)
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut repackages one of the greatest open world games of the PS4 era on the PS5. A breakout hit for first-party developer Sucker Punch, this expanded re-release includes a new idyllic samurai sandbox named Iki Island, and forces protagonist Jin Sakai to face some painful memories. With improved presentation and stunning DualSense support, allowing you to physically feel the clash of steel-on-steel in your fingertips, this is the definitive version of one of PlayStation Studios’ crowning achievements.
It represents an interesting change of direction for the team, which during the PS2 era was best known for its cutesy mascot platformers, Sly Cooper. Moving into the PS3 era, the Seattle studio cut its teeth in the open world arena with inFAMOUS, a superhero series spanning a variety of unique powers, including the unusual Video and Neon abilities of inFAMOUS: Second Son.
There are similarities between all three series, despite the obvious deviations in setting and tone. Ghost of Tsushima, as zen as it can be, has a very aggressive combat system, which sees you cutting through Mongols rapidly and using all manner of samurai gadgetry to make your approach. While it’s not necessarily the game’s strongest asset, you can approach many skirmishes in stealth – or simply challenge your adversaries head-on to a duel.
As a sandbox, there are few surprises in Tsushima and its expanded Iki Island, although the way points of interest are presented is particularly original. Rather than rely on compasses and maps, the developer uses the wind to guide Sakai to key regions of interest, while wildlife like birds and foxes will lead the way to Hot Springs and collectibles.
It all makes for a serene experience during exploration, accentuated by the otherworldly visual style. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut presents a romantic glimpse into historical Japan, but its virtual tourism is arguably unmatched, making it one of the greatest open world adventure games you can currently play on PlayStation – or any console for that matter. A surprisingly robust online suite, named Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, rounds out the package impressively.
3. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (PS4)
A fitting end to one of PlayStation's finest franchises, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End spins a more mature yarn without losing any of the bombast that has defined the brand over the past decade. Naughty Dog proves yet again that its lightyears ahead of all other developers in the story-telling stakes, and while some slow pacing may put off adrenaline junkies, the Californian company deserves kudos for allowing its latest to breathe, building towards a crescendo that feels both final and fulfilling.
2. The Last of Us Remastered (PS4)
Some of the finest of feathers in Naughty Dog's well-groomed plume, The Last of Us Remastered is not just an improved version of one of PlayStation's greatest ever games – it's arguably one of the most impressive releases of all time. An all-rounder that marries tense gameplay with compelling characterisation and sublime presentation, Joel and Ellie's cross-country escapade is as sombre as it is heart-warming.
1. God of War (PS4)
They only went and did it, didn’t they? God of War was as washed up as a Greek god after the fall of Olympus, but Sony Santa Monica found a way to reinvent protagonist Kratos and inject him into an all-new mythology at the same time. This alternate take on PlayStation’s bald-headed barbarian leans heavily on story, but it never forgets what made the series sing to begin with: fantastic action, larger-than-life set-pieces, and a fantasy world that’s begging to be explored. For our money it's the best PS4 exclusive on the market.
And that just about does it for our list of best PS Plus games! This selection represents the cream of Sony's subscription crop, spanning all platforms, from PS1 all the way through to PS5 and everything in between. Remember, this page will auto-update as games are rotated in and out of PS Plus' subscription tiers, and it's all dependent on your rankings, so if you're not happy with a particular game's placement, do something about it. You can rate a game by selecting the star next to its boxart, or by using the search utility at the start of this article. And remember, you can find a list of All PS Plus Games through the link.
With all that said, thanks for referring to our list of best PS Plus games, and remember to check back regularly to see which games our community considers utterly essential.
Comments 52
Just a quick note we'll be massively expanding this list and creating others as we move forward, so keep your eyes out for that!
Can anyone tell me whether the games on the top tier will remain in place for the duration you pay for the Tier, or will they drop off after a while just like the now old PS NOW service?
Not really too bothered about the PS1 or PS3 games, just want to be able to play the most recent AAA games at my own pace and not be restricted by a time and day that they will be removed, for example Returnal or Valhalla.
TIA guys
@Wiggo None of those games you mentioned are due to expire but obviously no one can say they'll be there forever. We'll update our guide with any upcoming expiry dates: https://www.pushsquare.com/guides/all-ps-plus-games
And the top 3 are in the PS Plus Collection for PS5 users, which you get with the Essential tier.
@get2sammyb Thanks very much.
I am still so confused by it all haha.
I am in the U.K. and I am searching for Resi 7 and can't see it anywhere.
I'll get used to it in no time I guess.
I can't believe Disaster Report 4 isn't in there
@Darylb88 Be sure to rate it!
I like God of War but I wouldn't put it top and in the past I've been a little down on Ghost of Tsushima despite enjoying it but having gone back for the expansion I've found a new appreciation for it. To be fair it is a great collection of games overall
This is like the first PushSquare list in ages that Ghost of Tsushima DC hasn’t been on top
@Deoxyr1bose I know, crazy isn't it?!
@PenguinLtd Agreed, if you just got a PS5 or PS4 today though the value is insane.
I’m still on the fence whether or not to buy Premium for a couple months, but in the meantime, I’m lucky enough to have the majority of these games loaded up onto my PS5.
Unfortunately, I missed most of the PS4 generation, but since picking up Sony’s latest console a few months after it launched, I’ve played what are now two of my favourite ever games, namely The Last of Us Part II and God of War 2018. I also finished Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut last month and loved it so much that I even got the platinum trophy. And I really don’t usually go for those. I’m currently playing the Resident Evil 2 remake for the first time and having an absolute blast, but once that’s wrapped up, I’ll be moving on to either Red Dead Redemption II or Persona 5 Royal.
Once they’re done and dusted, if there’s nothing else new to play, I may well go with one of the new tiers and finally get around to playing some of the rest of the PS4 library that I’ve been wanting to play, such as Days Gone, Gravity Rush 2, The Last Guardian and WipEout Omega Collection. I’m gutted that I never had the chance to play these games when they originally released, but I sure am having a blast checking them off my backlog. Plus, Astebreed looks right up my street, too!
@Wiggo @get2sammyb I thought it was as simple as they will get expiry dates eventually and then you lose access, but reading on the PlayStation store on console, it actually said something like download it and keep for as long as you are subscribed. So if you have a lot of space on an SSD it could help ease the worry of expiry dates, as anything you want you can download while it's available.
That's how I take it at the moment. Rather than the old system of click redeem on everything and get to keep it, if it's downloaded it seems like it's safe forever (whilst subscribed) even if it's removed from the downloadable catalogue for others who don't have it stored.
Exciting times though on PlayStation 😁
Enjoy Valhalla, just try to not get burned out 🤯 which to be honest is easy enough if you enjoy the time exploring open world's out of combat between objectives, because it's a really great looking game and it's packed full of content
@Ravix Much appreciated good Sir.
Kingdom:, Two Crowns is a game in the Extra tier I think anyone should check out. It has gorgeous pixel art that uses it in a very impressive manner and has addicting gameplay. Great little game to try outside of AAA offering.
God of number 1.god of g.o.a.t. 🐐. 👑.resistance 1 and 2 is needed.word up son
RDR2 and Spidey are at the top for me but it's splitting hairs among a number of unbelievable titles.
Not enough quality content to upgrade to any of those higher levels. Still, game pass is MUCH better value for money. Sony are just recycling and trying to catch up.. We give you "the game" as part of your ps plus, we give you the same game as part of PS5 collection, we give you the same game again if you pay more and upgrade to "extra"..
Not trolling, just expressing my opinion (I dont even own xbox).
I'm really gutted that MGSV4 Guns Of The Patriots and MGS HD Collection have disappeared....hoping they're back soon
I've been playing Death Stranding from PS Plus for the first time and I'm absolutely loving it. Also enjoying AC Valhalla which I would have never touched otherwise. Very happy with the service so far
@get2sammyb hey man. Dont know if you'll know an answer to this but figured its worth a shot. Observer redux doesnt seem to be included in the extra tier. It says you need premium. I thought it would be include to download in the extra tier being a ps5 game. Have you seen/heard anything on that?
Of course PS Exclusives would have to top on "PushSquare" when we know RDR2 is supposed to be #1 😜
Missing 7 of the 30 games listed only because I didn't want them. I am always surprised how many people miss such great games. Most of them have seen prices below $20.
Its also a bit annoying that while other accounts on the same console can play the games, they cant access the library themselves to download them as you can with gamepass. My kids have been pestering me all night to log in and download them different things. Bit of a 1st world problem but hopefully something they allow later on just to make my life easier 😂
@Weebleman Hmm, it's Extra in USA but appears to be Premium in Europe. There's a few weird discrepancies like this, annoyingly.
@get2sammyb Maybe its something that will get adjusted over the coming days, wouldnt be a Sony roll out without the odd weird thing popping up. Its quite a big change to roll out in one go i suppose so might be something they tweak in the coming days. Plenty to be on with in the meantime though eh.
Appreciate the response 👍
Did Europe get shafted? Several games missing, ones that are listed on the official page. Demon's Souls ps3 for example.
I got my PS5 in June 2021 (didn't have a PS4) and I've already played most of the top tier games on this list. Can't complain though as they were amazing, and having them on PS Plus means I can share them with my brother on his PS4.
I really really really really want a 60fps patch for Red Dead Redemption 2.
Hopefully it will get more day one games not first party but smaller games like gamepass if not its just another psnow only with less games
@ApostateMage never gonna happen
@Barrymore so many games missing don't not have premium if you are in the uk! It's nothing like the USA one
@carlos82 I agree, God of War wasn't a bad ge by any means, but I definitely don't understand it being seen as one of the best of all time. Also Bloodborne and Demon's Souls only at #15 and #14!?
Bloodborne should definitely have been at least Top 1 on the list
Wow, there are only 6 of the 30 that I haven’t played. And of those, I already own 5 of those 6. 😅 Resistance 3 is the only from the list that I have never played and don’t already own.
So suffice it to say, this is why I may not upgrade my sub just yet.
So I can play the PS5 version of Mile Morales but only PS4 version if Spiderman? Is that right? That's a shame, I'd been looking forward to dropping back in to NYC in super shiny mode.
I caved in and payed like 15 for the next 6 months, getting my money's worth with Returnal alone. Beat the second boss today. What a rush! Some reads you want to throw to controller, but when you succeed it just feels awesome.
For someone new to gaming i’d recommend PS+ over Game Pass. Simple reason the games are better. Game Pass has day 1 exclusives which is great as a few are really good but PS exclusives are on another level. Only difference they’re not day 1. If PS put exclusives on day 1 the hit would be huge. Less money means less investment for future games. The quality would drop. I don’t mind paying £50-£60 a few times a year for games that will blow my mind.
Guardians of the Galaxy was the game that secured my subscription and boy, did it not disappoint! A GOTY contender for me for sure. Finally playing Lost Legacy and that is also fantastic. With Stray coming this month I must say this service has really surprised me. I’ve got tons of games I’m really looking forward to.
I think binding of isaac is the best plus game I've ever played, then hell let loose. I recently upgraded to extra and am enjoying stray and look forward to seeing more quality games.
Why is the same game both 4th and 5th?
What's the point in having Miles Morales twice, and also GHost of Tsusihma?
Shout out to Dragon Quest Builders. It's such an unobvious and obscure action JRPG outside of Japan, and it was a bigger hit in the west on Switch for some reason. Because of weird graphics, probably, but looks can be deceiving as they say.
The gameplay loop gets addicting as hell once you get the hang of the controls. There are 2 of them independent of each other.
@get2sammyb are y'all working on an easier way for switching pages or trimming down on the massive scrolling for the ranking articles? I enjoy going through them but it seems a bit much to go from the bottom to the top 10.
I understand the ps4 games needing to be here, but there's got to be a way to remove duplicate entries aross ps4 and 5.
Still those double entries such as Ghost of Tsushima. Is it a bug or is there a thought behind it?
God of War (2018) will always take the top spot. That game is a masterpiece.
Hard to believe that ALL these amazing games are available to me at any time and I don't play a single one of them. Granted I would love to play Fallout New Vegas again if it wasn't in streaming form.
The simple fact of the matter is I already own probably every AAA first party title on this list, and as a rule of mine, I do not replay open world games very often. God of war, ghost of Tsushima and horizon are all amazing games, but they are just too big and too long for multiple play throughs... For me.
I am currently having a blast with The Quarry when I'm not on psvr2
Have had ps plus premium for a fairly long time, but never played god of war. My dad uses it for strange indie games, despite growing up with Super Mario Bros. Don’t use the service as much as him, I used it most when the Sonic games were on the previous model, but I should dip my toes in again.
BloodBorne still holds a solid 5th position. I’ve also read it’s hard to play because of the low framerate. Should I wait for an update for the PS5 or just go for this version?
I don't agree with some rankings (e.g. Uncharted and GoW are too high and Spiderman Miles Morales is too low) but it's a great list nonetheless.
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