The PlayStation Plus games catalogue is filled with popular AAA titles and a variety of hidden gem indie games that everyone should try out at least once. The service is restricted to the PlayStation consoles only, and every month, Sony adds new titles to keep it feeling fresh, allowing subscribers to try out new games, which they would otherwise have to purchase from the store.
Subscription services such as PlayStation Plus are a good way for indie developers to get discovered. It also gives users the chance to try out popular AAA titles that they’ve been contemplating buying for a while. That said, here are some titles you should try out if you’re subscribed to the service.
Key Takeaways
- PlayStation Plus is a tiered subscription service, with diverse offerings that include both indie games and AAA titles.
- This service is globally available but is restricted to the PlayStation consoles only.
- Although non-essential, you’ll need it to play most online games other than the free-to-play ones.
- The PS+ subscription service is available in a monthly, quarterly, and yearly subscription format.
- Games in the PS+ catalogue are free to keep for as long as you’re subscribed to the service.
Top PS Plus Recommendations For May 2026
The best PS Plus games for 2026 span various genres, including soulslike, sports, and indie titles. Once you’ve subscribed to the service, you can hold on to these games for as long as your subscription lasts. If PlayStation takes them off the catalogue, you’ll still be able to play them from your library.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Horizon Zero Dawn was a PlayStation exclusive at launch, but then it came to PC later on. The game follows the journey of an individual called Aloy, who is looking for her origin in a post-apocalyptic Earth, overrun by dinosaurs. It’s a third-person action RPG with combat mechanics that mainly focus on Bows. The storyline and the visuals are impressive, and the remastered version brings better visual refinement to the table, which is on par with the visuals of its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. The remastered variant was added to the PlayStation Plus service last month, and is something that you shouldn’t be missing out on.
FC26
FC26 is the latest installment in the globally popular football franchise. Despite being a sports title, it’s probably one of the most popular games that you will find on most consoles. In fact, the FC franchise is one of the most common games that most individuals play on consoles. The current edition has improved visuals and a lot of different modes for you to try out. This title has just been added to the roster and is a wonderful alternative to Football Manager, should you be interested in trying out a full sports title.
The Crew Motorfest
The Crew Motorfest is Ubisoft’s answer to Forza and GranTourismo. Its previous editions let you control cars, bikes, boats, and planes from major manufacturers all over the world, and this title is no different. It follows the Forza formula and is a very popular title amongst car sim fans. Unlike Need For Speed, it doesn’t really have a street racing aspect to it, but it does offer strong customisation options across all vehicle types. It also has a bi-weekly event system with specific challenges, where you face off against other racers in the community. It’s a very rewarding title and a must-play title for all the motorsports enthusiasts out there.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Unity is probably one of the best titles in the franchise because it does well on several fronts. Although it was quite buggy at launch, the game continues to be underrated. Unity captures the essence of the French Revolution well, and the combat and the parkour are the best in the franchise. It’s a treat and a history lesson that manages to enthrall everyone. There aren’t a lot of people playing it right now, so finding members for co-op missions might be a bit difficult, but the single-player missions are still available, and you can play it out however you want.
Bloodborne
Whatever you want to say about Bloodborne isn’t enough. After Demon’s Souls, this is the game that brought the Soulslike franchise into the light. The game is dark and unforgiving in terms of the combat, but once you’ve mastered how everything works, taking down a boss is one of the most satisfying feelings ever. The game has a cult-like following, and fans have been requesting a PC port. Although you can still play it on PC, it takes a lot of effort, and there is no official way to do so. That said, if you’re a true Soulslike fan, then this is one game that you should try out once you’ve got the PlayStation Plus subscription. If you’re just exploring the genre, check out the best soulslike games that you should try.
Ghost of Tsushima
In short, Ghost of Tsushima is absolute cinema. It’s probably one of the best games that the PlayStation catalogue has to offer. The story follows Jin Sakai, a samurai facing the invading Mongol army under the leadership of Khotun Khan, an individual related to Kubla Khan. The story follows Jin’s transformation into the Ghost of Tsushima, a warrior whom Japan and the Mongols learned to fear. The storyline and the gameplay are nothing short of spectacular, which makes the game a must-try whenever someone gets their hands on a PlayStation 5. Every single frame is cinematic, and the audio treatment just adds to the effect.
Control
Control is probably one of the most unique titles on this list. A sequel is on the cards, yes, but that does not mean you shouldn’t try the first one out. Control is a sci-fi shooter where your character has telekinetic powers. Everything happens within a building that’s been overrun by extradimensional entities, and you’re tasked with finding the root of the problem. It’s a very unique title, especially in terms of the gameplay, and comes with a very different flavor than what the regular shooters have to offer. The sequel picks up from where the current game left off and will build on the same gameplay that Control so elaborately built on. If you’re looking forward to Control 2, then be sure to try the first game, just to get a grasp of the gameplay and refresh the storyline for yourself.
Gris
Gris is a breathtaking masterpiece that proves video games are a legitimate form of high art. Unlike the high-octane titles on this list, Gris is a serene, narrative-driven platformer that follows a young girl dealing with a painful experience in her life. There is no combat or death; instead, the gameplay focuses on light puzzles and platforming as Gris’s world slowly regains its color. The hand-drawn art style and the swelling orchestral score create an emotional resonance that is hard to find elsewhere. It was a breakout hit for Devolver Digital and remains a must-play for anyone who appreciates visual storytelling and atmospheric design.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
Raji: An Ancient Epic is a refreshing action-adventure title that brings Indian mythology to the forefront of gaming. Developed by Nodding Heads Games, it follows a young girl named Raji who is chosen by the gods to stand against a demonic invasion and rescue her younger brother. The game’s art style is heavily inspired by Pahari paintings and Rajasthani architecture, giving it a distinct, vibrant look that stands out in the genre. The combat is fluid, utilizing a variety of divine weapons like the Trishul and the Bow, and is punctuated by shadow puppet-style cutscenes that narrate ancient myths. It is a culturally rich experience that offers a perspective rarely seen in mainstream gaming.
God of War
God of War reinvented one of PlayStation’s most iconic anti-heroes, shifting the series from Greek mythology to the frost-bitten realms of Norse legend. This title follows an older, more somber Kratos and his young son, Atreus, on a deeply personal quest to scatter his wife’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms. The gameplay transitioned from fixed-camera hack-and-slash to a “no-cut” third-person perspective, creating a seamless and immersive cinematic experience. The combat—centered around the satisfying weight of the Leviathan Axe—is visceral and tactical. With its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, concluding the Norse saga, the 2018 entry remains the essential foundation for one of the greatest father-son stories ever told in the medium.
All PlayStation Plus Tiers Explained
The PlayStation Plus service comes in three different tiers, namely: Plus, Extra, and Premium. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each service has to offer:
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| Feature | Essential | Extra | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (USD) | $9.99/ month | $14.99/ month | $17.99/ month |
| Annual Price (USD) | $79.99/ year | $134.99/ year | $159.99/ year |
| Online Multiplayer | Access to online play for most titles | Access to online play for most titles | Access to online play for most titles |
| Monthly Free Games | 3–4 games added to library monthly | 3–4 games added to library monthly | 3–4 games added to library monthly |
| Cloud Storage | 100 GB for game save data | 100 GB for game save data | 100 GB for game save data |
| Exclusive Discounts | Additional savings on PlayStation Store | Additional savings on PlayStation Store | Additional savings on PlayStation Store |
| Game Catalog | — | Access to 400+ PS4 & PS5 titles | Access to 400+ PS4 & PS5 titles |
| Ubisoft+ Classics | — | Curated selection of Ubisoft titles | Curated selection of Ubisoft titles |
Should You Buy a PlayStation Plus Subscription?
Buying a PlayStation Plus subscription is optional, but it’s a good investment, especially if you love playing video games on your console. First of all, without a PS Plus subscription, you will not be able to play any multiplayer games with your friends.
Additionally, subscribing to PlayStation Plus, especially the higher tiers, gives you access to a lot of games, which you would otherwise have to purchase. It’s a good investment, especially if you’re looking for a pocket-friendly gaming route. Some of the higher tiers let you try games for a few hours. So, if you’re unsure about purchasing them, you can always use this service to try out these games to see if you like them or not.
The PlayStation Plus catalogue is refreshed every month, so you’ll always have access to the newer games that are being added. Sony also removes some of the games from the service periodically, but if you’ve downloaded them to your library, they’re yours to keep for as long as you’re subscribed to the service. If, however, you’re looking to play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, or even Call of Duty Warzone, you do not need to subscribe to PlayStation Plus. These are free-to-play titles, so you don’t need the PS Plus service to play them online with your friends.
Just like the Xbox Game Pass, the PlayStation Plus is an essential service if you’re someone who spends a lot of time on their consoles or loves getting their hands dirty with the best PlayStation exclusives. You’ll save on a lot of money because you don’t have to buy games individually, which drastically opens up the number of titles that you can try out and keep for yourself. It’s a very non-commital service, which makes gaming affordable to a certain degree. But the only drawback is that it’s not available on PC for the time being. That said, if you’re still unsure about the service, you can always buy a PS Plus monthly subscription and see if it caters to your needs.
FAQs
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play online games?
Most online games require a PlayStation Plus subscription if you’re looking to play them with your friends. However, free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Warzone do not require a subscription.
Are PS+ games free forever?
Yes, PS+ games are free forever, but only as long as you’re subscribed to the service. If you discontinue the subscription, you’ll need to purchase these games to access them again, or you will need to renew your subscription.
How much does 3 months of PS+ cost?
Three months of PS+ costs as follows: Essential – $24.99; Extra – $39.99; Premium – $49.99.
Can you buy 1 year of PS Plus?
Yes, you can purchase a 1-year PS Plus subscription. This will last for a full duration of 365 days and will automatically renew if you don’t cancel it.
What is the difference between PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium?
Essential, Extra, and Premium are three different tiers of the PlayStation Plus subscription service. These three tiers have different offerings. Essential is the cheapest, while Premium is the most expensive one. Premium everything that Essential and Extra have to offer, along with some additional benefits.
