Best PS5 Games On PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium (December 2023)

In June 2022 in North America, Sony launched a revamped version of PlayStation Plus that combines the previous model with PS Now. Split into three tiers, subscribers who invest in PS Plus Extra or Premium gain access to a wide selection of PlayStation games. While the library has hundreds of PS4 titles, it also includes quite a few PlayStation 5 releases, something PS Now did not offer.

With each new month of additions, PS Plus Extra adds a couple of PS5 titles, ensuring the library continues to expand. So far, the selections have been decent, and they have arguably been getting better as the current generation progresses. Consequently, what are the best PS5 games on PS Plus Extra?

If available, links to a game’s Amazon page will be included just in case someone prefers to own a physical copy. HowLongToBeat was used as a source for each game’s length.

PS Plus Essential December 2023

Lego 2K Drive, PowerWash Simulator, Sable

• 	Sable	PowerWash Simulator	LEGO 2K Drive
  Released	2021-09-23	2021-05-19	2023-05-19
  Developer(s)	Shedworks	FuturLab	Visual Concepts
  Genre(s)	Adventure	Simulation	Racing
  How Long To Beat	8 Hours	40 Hours	8 Hours
  Metascore	76	84	74

In most months, PS Plus Essential includes one free PS5 game that stands above the rest, but December 2023 is something of an exception. Even though the titles are niche compared to other projects that have been given away through the subscription service’s lowest tier, all three games are worth noting in their own right, and they could be able to satisfy hard-to-reach itches.

If forced to select the “biggest” name of the bunch, Lego 2K Drive would be it. Launching in May 2023, the racing game is a relatively fresh face, and it garnered a positive but not glowing reception at launch. Set in a gorgeous open-world and emphasizing vehicle customization, 2K’s title debuted with a lot of positives, but some of its flaws might have discouraged interested parties from investing. Although eternally popular and often quite accessible, racers will never be for everyone, but they can be entertaining for a few hours.

If nothing else, PowerWash Simulator delivers exactly what its title promises. While it might not sound that enticing on paper, the game executes its concept well, offering a relaxing experience that focuses on cleaning locations with a side of business management. The latter is straightforward and largely exists to add a sense of progression to the campaign, which is reasonably lengthy without being overwhelming.

PS Plus Essential’s December 2023 lineup concludes with Sable, another open-world game. Unlike many of the genre’s offerings, this release prioritizes exploration and puzzles above everything else, including the exclusion of a combat system. With a beautiful presentation and a tranquil tone, Sable is well worth a playthrough.

Horizon Forbidden West

Metascore: 88

The PS Plus Extra lineup for February 2023 had its share of big names, and quite a few of these new additions to the tier came with native PS5 versions. Resident Evil 7, Scarlet Nexus, Outriders, and The Forgotten City are not only good games in their own right, but they also cover a wide range of genres and gameplay styles. As entertaining as those titles are, Horizon Forbidden West was undoubtedly the month’s standout game.

The sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is larger and, arguably, better. In search of a way to save GAIA, Aloy heads west in pursuit of Sylens and becomes embroiled in a conflict between two tribes. Horizon Forbidden West has a massive and lavish open-world, fine-tuned combat, and epic enemy designs, particularly for the robotic dinosaurs. Narratively, the game delivers the goods as well, building nicely upon its predecessor’s groundwork. Along with just being one of the best PS Plus PS5 games, HFW‘s debut might demonstrate how Sony plans to treat first-party exclusives moving forward.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Metascore: 88

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was one of the first projects to truly come across as a next-generation experience, and the game is still among the console’s standard-setters. Insomniac has been on fire over the last few years, and while Spider-Man has hogged most of the spotlight, the studio regularly produces the goods whenever it returns to its other flagship IP.

Rift Apart is, fundamentally, just another Ratchet & Clank adventure that delivers exactly what most fans have come to expect from the franchise. Along with stunning graphics, the game has fast-paced and satisfying gunplay, enjoyable platforming, lavish worlds, and charming characters. Although not lacking in new ideas, including the introduction of a second playable character, Rift Apart mainly seeks to perfect the formula rather than reinvent it. The result is a polished, confident, and delightful third-person shooter.

Moving Out 2

Metascore: 82

PS Plus Extra’s PS5 games library is quite impressive, but the service has generally struggled in one key area: Day One additions. Even though titles like Stray and Tchia launched directly on Sony’s subscription platform, they were exceptions to the rule rather than demonstrations of a new trend. However, August 2023’s inclusion of two Day One games felt more significant since it suggested that Sony could be prioritizing these types of releases moving forward, even if the projects themselves were arguably smaller releases than their predecessors. That being said, the games are notable in their own right.

Sea of Stars is an RPG that harbors back to the 16-bit era, which some might argue still represents the genre’s heyday. The other August 2023 Day One freebie was Moving Out 2, a co-op party game that builds smartly on the foundations of its highly-regarded predecessor. As its name implies, Moving Out 2 gameifies the moving process and tasks players with handling the transferring duties of a town. Obviously, the routine involves removing furniture from a house, delivering the pieces to a new location, and then carrying them into their new home. The concept might sound simple on paper, but players will quickly realize the game’s physics are purposefully off and that keeping everything in one piece is anything but easy. Also, Moving Out 2 includes trips to different dimensions, a change that highlights the sequel’s drive to go bigger and sillier than ever before.

Technically, Moving Out 2 is playable solo, although this option does not hold up that well. Just to be clear, the game is mechanically fine in single-player, but the gameplay loses a lot of its charm when co-op is not involved. Therefore, this title is mainly for family or friends who want to have a few laughs alongside an occasional burst of frustration.

Sea Of Stars

Metascore: 87

One of 2023’s nicest surprises, Sea of Stars managed to make a splash despite being surrounded by huge releases like Armored Core 6 and Starfield. The indie turn-based RPG comes from Sabotage Studio, and it is a prequel to 2018’s The Messenger. While the games take place in the same universe, they are otherwise wildly different, and they are both great titles in their own right. Paying homage to classic JRPGs, Sea of Stars tells a gorgeous pixilated adventure set on an island, with the story’s protagonists being two warriors who are powered by the moon and sun.

Sea of Stars‘ narrative is well-written and engaging, and while initially somewhat prototypical, it goes in a couple of unexpected directions as it moves along. The turn-based combat system is very solid and contains just enough depth to remain interesting throughout the reasonably lengthy campaign, and it even incorporates some real-time elements. Overall, Sea of Stars is comfortably one of the best indie PS5 games on PS Plus, if not the outright best.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

Metascore: 87

Launching in 2017, Destiny 2‘s life has been a rollercoaster. The game debuted to a fairly positive reception, but it did garner quite a bit of belated criticism. Over the years, Bungie has regularly produced expansions, and while most of them were net positives, releases such as Lightfall failed to live up to expectations. Nowadays, Destiny 2‘s base game is free-to-play, and it provides newcomers with a decent sample of what they can expect if they decide to invest in a fuller experience. It should be said that Destiny 2‘s free version is rather light in content and only provides a small taste of the overall package.

In 2022, Bungie was picked up by Sony, so it was only a matter of time before the developer’s live-service juggernaut found itself on PS Plus Extra. The game’s sixth expansion, The Witch Queen, has been added to the subscription service, allowing players to experience one of Destiny 2‘s strongest entries. Rich in lore, action, and excitement, The Witch Queen represents the first-person shooter at its best, and it can be accessed even if someone does not have the other expansions. That said, they will need to install the base Destiny 2 game.

Rogue Legacy 2

Metascore: 90

It took a while but Rogue Legacy 2 finally made its way to the PS5 and PS4 in June 2023, debuting directly on PS Plus Extra. On the surface, the sequel to 2013’s influential roguelite might not seem to take all that many risks as it largely sticks to the same core formula; however, the game plays out like a perfected version of the original Rogue Legacy, which was and still is fantastic. As before, players are randomly assigned a class as they head into massive levels in search of loot and bosses. When death comes calling, they can pick from three new characters who will have different classes and personality traits. While they must start exploring from scratch, players can use their acquired loot to purchase upgrades, so they are not constantly returning to zero.

Rogue Legacy 2 emphasizes the differences between its classes way more than its predecessor, to the point that each one feels completely unique. Simply trying out the various options is fun, especially since most classes are fairly complex and take a while to master. Variety is also provided through the many traits, relics, and upgrades, all of which can greatly alter a build or run. The stages are expansive, ambitious, and detailed, ending with memorable boss fights that will test anyone’s skills.

Doom Eternal

Metascore: 87 (PS4)

Premium subscribers can check out the classics, starting from the 1993 original release and concluding with Doom 3. Meanwhile, Doom Eternal is part of the Extra tier, along with its predecessor. Id Software knocked 2016’s Doom completely out of the park, and the developer could have simply opted to rethread the exact same ground for the sequel; thankfully, Doom Eternal carves its own identity.

While still ultimately the Doom everyone knows and loves, this entry shakes things up by emphasizing the Doom Slayer’s range of motion, even including things like a grappling hook. These abilities work beautifully within combat, providing players with more options than ever before. Even with a fairly forgiving dodge function, Doom Eternal still packs a considerable punch, especially since ammo is reasonably limited. The campaign does include a few polarizing platforming and traversal sections, but they do not take much away from the overall experience.

Tchia

Metascore: 77

While PS Plus Extra has not had many Day One additions, the few games to make the cut have been of high quality. Tchia serves as a prime example of this trend, and the indie darling should not be skipped by anyone interested in not just open-world projects but adventure games in general. Awaceb’s title drops players on a gorgeous tropical island that looks like paradise but comes with a fair few threats. While not devoid of a main campaign, Tchia is at its best when the story takes a backseat to exploration.

The core mechanic involves Tchia temporarily jumping into the bodies of living creatures and inanimate objects. Along with playing a part in solving puzzles, this feature greatly changes the way the world is viewed and traversed. Tchia’s unique ability is also at the heart of the combat system, which is simple but entertaining. While it might not have the name recognition of some other PS5 PS Plus games, Tchia is one of the service’s highlights.

Humanity

Metascore: 86

Debuting directly on PS Plus Extra, Humanity might not make as wide of a Day 1 splash as Stray, but the puzzle game is nonetheless a big get for Sony’s service. Cast as a dog that must shepherd humans across dozens upon dozens of levels, players spend their time setting up directions to try and keep the crowd safely moving along. Although this might sound simple in theory, Humanity consistently introduces new mechanics, ideas, and options to maintain a steady challenge.

Ultimately, this 2023 release is an acquired taste that won’t hit the spot with everyone; however, any fans of puzzle games should give it a look. Humanity has an eye-catching look, deceptively deep gameplay, and surprisingly intriguing themes, especially for its genre.

Teardown

Metascore: 78

Tuxedo’s Teardown‘s November 2023 console debut coincided with its PS Plus Extra launch, and it is a fine addition to the service’s library. As suggested by its name, the game focuses on destruction, granting players access to a range of tools and vehicles they can use to cause widespread mayhem. It is a simple concept executed well and elevated by a neat voxel art style. Teardown‘s heart is its sandbox mode, which distills its formula down to its purest form. In these fairly expansive maps, players can just wreak havoc, and it is satisfying and cathartic.

People who prefer a more curated experience can check out a single-player campaign that plays out like a quirky heist and mob romp. Most of the levels change the formula in some way, and this mode does a great job of highlighting the gameplay’s different features in preparation for the free-flowing sandbox. While a fairly niche project in the grand scheme of things, Teardown is a blast that works well for both long and short sessions.

Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection

Metascore: 87

PS Plus Extra launched with the PS4 versions of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Lost Legacy, but the PS5’s Legacy of Thieves Collection was added as part of the subscription service’s March 2023 lineup. Now, the last-generation iterations are still absolutely fantastic, comparing favorably with most titles released over the last 5 years. Consequently, the “remaster” package does not bring too many changes, although the ones that are implemented make enough of a difference to establish the Legacy of Thieves Collection as the definitive way to experience these two stories.

Fueled by the power of the PS5, Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy now support multiple performance modes, allowing players to decide whether to prioritize 4K or 60 fps. The visuals have also been tweaked ever so slightly to give both games an overall cleaner and more immersive presentation. These improvements enhance two titles that were already considered masterpieces.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Metascore: 81

AA gaming has been on the decline since the end of the PS3 era, and only a handful of modern releases fall within the bracket. However, a couple of projects do try to walk the line between indie and triple-A, with Kena: Bridge of Spirits serving as a prime example. Ember Lab’s action-adventure title is visually impressive by any metric, dropping players into a fully realized fantasy world that has some absolutely gorgeous locations. In fact, the art style and special effects are arguably the game’s strongest features.

That said, the rest of the experience is by no means underwhelming. Gameplay-wise, Kena is cut from the same bow-wielding cloth as Tomb Raider and Horizon Forbidden West, although it also mixes in some staff-themed melee attacks. While somewhat repetitive, the combat is generally fun and surprisingly challenging, particularly when it comes to the campaign’s bosses. Alongside battles, the game relies heavily on puzzles and exploration, both of which are handled well.

Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition

Metascore: 89

More than a decade after the release of DMC 4, Capcom finally blessed the world with a proper sequel, the release more than lived up to the hype. The base version of Devil May Cry 5 features three playable characters – Nero, Dante, and V – who all control completely differently from each other.

Consequently, the campaign barely ever has a dull moment since it is constantly switching combat systems, with each one offering a fair amount of depth. The Special Edition takes things to the next level by throwing Vergil into the mix, and the legendary character is a delight in battle. DMC 5 is a must-play for any action fan, and it is comfortably among the best PS5 PS Plus games.

Inscryption

Metascore: 87

At a glance, Inscryption might appear to be a fairly typical card-battler, albeit one with a darker aesthetic than the norm for the genre. And, in some ways, the game is just that, but there is so much more to this package than meets the eye. Inscryption‘s card system might not hold too many surprises for people familiar with tabletop projects, but it is generally well-executed and addictive in a way that only these types of games seem to be.

Structured as a roguelite, players find themselves going up against a rather strange figure and a host of other opponents as they seek to win a series of matches. Each victory rewards new cards and upgrades, but multiple losses will send players back to square one. Inscryption does not stop at just a compelling battle system, and the game encourages players to explore beyond the table in order to piece together their circumstances. Yes, this is a card game with a story, and it is well done.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Metascore: 89

Square Enix’s decision to remake one of the most beloved JRPGs in history was a risky move, but the 2020 remake does a great job of justifying its existence. The PS5 Intergrade version comes with the base game and the Intermission DLC, which features Yuffie as a playable character. Combined, the project should be able to keep a player entertained for a few weeks at the minimum, even if the campaign itself is relatively linear.

FF7‘s story is well-known by this point, and the remake starts out by retreading most of its predecessor’s early chapters. However, the narrative does gradually begin to divert, setting things up for a potentially surprising sequel. The latter is scheduled to drop in early 2024, making this the perfect time for PS Plus subscribers to play through the first entry.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

Metascore: 74

PS Plus has added quite a few Ubisoft games, most of which fall within the open-world genre; however, one of the very best additions to the service is an exception. Debuting in 2015 on last-gen consoles and PC, Rainbow Six Siege has more than proven its staying power. The multiplayer-focused tactical shooter pits two teams against each other in cutthroat battles that leave little room for error. The gameplay is considerably faster than most shooters under the Tom Clancy umbrella, a distinction that has served the game well over the last few years.

At this point in its existence, Rainbow Six Siege has a firmly established playerbase who know its ins and outs like the back of their hands. Consequently, newcomers are likely to feel overwhelmed during their few (dozen) matches. The game comes with a steeper learning curve than most mainstream shooters on the market, but it is arguably worth the effort.

The War Of Mine: Final Cut

Metascore: 82

The gaming industry is not lacking in war games, particularly in the first-person shooter and strategy genres. PS Plus is no exception, with the service having a number of titles that fit the bill; however, there is nothing else on it quite like This War of Mine. Generally, most games are designed to be entertaining and fun, even if they might tackle heavy subjects, but 11 Bit’s project is cut from a different cloth.

Players are put in charge of a group of survivors who are just looking to see another day while waiting for a ceasefire to be reached that puts an end to the ongoing war. As such, they will need to fortify their shelter to withstand threats from the conflict in general and other desperate people, all the while heading outside to search for resources.

This War of Mine is brimming with tension and anxiety, regularly forcing players to make tough decisions that can have dire consequences. While lacking a conventional story, the game is wildly replayable since a playthrough’s survivors are randomly selected, and they each come with a few traits that can be detrimental or useful in the middle of a war zone.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Metascore: 79

LittleBigPlanet has been mostly dormant in recent years, with the franchise’s only notable project being a 2020 spin-off. A launch title for the PS5, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a traditional 3D platformer that oozes charm out of every fiber of its being. Gameplay-wise, Sumo Digital delivered responsive controls and a respectable array of moves and powers to keep things interesting. The game not only plays well in single-player but also supports co-op, to the point that some levels require a second user (although most of the content can be tackled by solo players).

In the grand scheme of things, PS Plus does not have all that many 3D platformers, especially ones synonymous with the PlayStation brand. The likes of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro are not available on the subscription service, and Sackboy is one of the few games that can fill the void left by these absent franchises.

Metascore: 81 (PS4)

The eternal RPG, Skyrim will never die. Ever since debuting in 2011, Bethesda’s masterpiece has been ported to seemingly every system under the sun, to the point of being available on three PlayStation generations. The PS5 and PS4 Special Edition versions come with the base game and most of the DLC, along with a range of enhancements that take advantage of the newer consoles’ capabilities. While they do not drastically alter the experience, they polish and fine-tune the campaign just enough to justify their existence.

More than a decade after its original arrival, Skyrim is still incredible, largely thanks to its captivating open-world that emphasizes exploration and freedom. The main story is nothing special, but it is only a minor part of the overall package, and players can ignore these missions and still enjoy a full and satisfying adventure. The game’s customization, world-building, side quests, and lore are all among the RPG genre’s best efforts, and they combine to create a timeless epic with very few peers. Skyrim is one of the best PS5 games on PS Plus simply because it is among the greatest titles of all time.

Dead By Daylight

Metascore: 64

Dead by Daylight is one of the most popular multiplayer games of the last few years, and its frequent updates and expansions have kept the project in the public discourse.

Four Survivors must work together to turn on generators and escape before they are hunted down by a Killer. Players are free to pick from a wide selection of both Survivors and Killers, all of which come with unique abilities that greatly alter the flow of matches. Dead by Daylight‘s roster includes quite a few iconic faces, including Silent Hill‘s Pyramid Head, Hellraiser‘s Pinhead, and The Ring‘s Sadako Yamamura.

Judgment & Lost Judgment

Metascore: 83 (Judgment)

While Yakuza has shifted away from its beat ’em up origins, that does not mean Sega has completely turned its back on the classic play style. Since 2019, the old ways have been kept alive by Judgment, a spin-off series that focuses on a lawyer-turned-PI who takes on cases that start complex and gradually become overwhelmingly so.

Judgment and its sequel are both very good games in their own right, and they largely succeed in capturing the magic of the mainline entries while still offering something new that sets them apart from Yakuza. They offer great central storylines, solid combat, and a wide range of fantastic side activities. The latter quests and minigames are especially fun, as they tend to be in this franchise.

Returnal

Metascore: 86

Housemarque’s Returnal is a sci-fi epic about Selene, a space traveler who visits a strange planet and becomes ensnared in a time loop. This plot point serves as narrative justification for the third-person shooter’s roguelike structure; as Selene explores Atropos’ six biomes, her demise will signal a return to the beginning.

Returnal has fantastic gameplay, which is hardly surprising considering the studio’s previous releases like Alienation. The story builds an engrossing sense of mystery while cleverly diving into Selene’s history and mental state.

Demon’s Souls

Metascore: 92

When the PlayStation 5 debuted, Bluepoint’s Demon’s Souls remake was the main reason to pick up the console. Since then Sony’s system has welcomed quite a few great projects, but this launch title continues to be one of the PS5’s crowning achievements.

FromSoftware’s 2009 original is also on PS Plus Premium, and as game-changing as that PS3 classic is, the remake’s improved gameplay and enhanced environments make it the version most worth playing on the subscription service.

Control: Ultimate Edition

Metascore: 85

Remedy Entertainment has a track record of producing ambitious games with addictive combat and fascinating stories. In many ways, Control represents the studio at its best and most intriguing. The game is set in the Federal Bureau of Control, a government building devoted to investigating and storing the strange and otherworldly; unsurprisingly, things go desperately wrong and it is up to Jesse Faden to clean up the mess.

Armed with a shape-shifting gun and an array of satisfying powers, Jesse traverses the FBC’s halls as reality twists and turns around her. Control‘s gameplay is incredible, and this world’s lore demands to be explored.

Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy

Metascore: 80

Following the disappointing Marvel’s Avengers, one would have been forgiven for being skeptical about Square Enix’s Guardians of the Galaxy; thankfully, this single-player game is far superior to its live-service sibling. As Star-Lord, players get to experience a planet-hopping adventure packed with humor, action, and flashes of emotion.

While it is a bit disappointing that only Peter Quill is playable, GOTG‘s combat system blossoms nicely as the campaign progresses and players become more familiar with its intricacies. Narratively, this game should please both fans of the comics and the MCU movies.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Metascore: 85 (PS4)

TMNT has a long and uneven video game legacy. The franchise has produced a few all-time classics, along with a couple of underwhelming titles that should have been a lot better. During the last two decades, the Turtles’ gaming adventures have frequently failed to deliver, to the point that the license stopped producing console games for a few years. Thankfully, 2022’s Shredder’s Revenge not only turned that momentum around but can also stand alongside the best TMNT projects of yesteryear that it sought to emulate.

Tribute Games’ title proudly wears its influences out in the open. Ripped right out of the ’90s arcade beat ’em up scene, Shredder’s Revenge delivers simple but addictive gameplay, gorgeous retro visuals, and a hard-as-nails campaign. The game has seven playable characters, all of whom have unique quirks that set them apart from their peers and combine beautifully in co-op. The stages are packed to the brim with references to TMNT‘s extensive history; in fact, Shredder’s Revenge is just a huge love letter to the franchise. Also,

Ghost Of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Metascore: 87

Talk about a fantastic way to conclude the PS4 era. Ghost of Tsushima is a majestic open-world action game that expertly blends visuals, story, and gameplay to create an experience that feels complete. Inspired by the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in the 1270s, the eponymous ghost refers to Jin Sakai, a samurai who seeks to free his home and regain his honor.

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut packages the base game with the Iki Island expansion, adding roughly 10 hours of content to what is already quite an expansive campaign. Except for its plot, the DLC is of mostly high quality, and the same could be said for the Legends multiplayer mode.

Wreckfest

Metascore: 79

Modern destruction derby games are, sadly, in short supply. Twisted Metal has been dormant for a decade, the last good FlatOut game came out in 2008, and Burnout has been reduced to a fleeting memory of a bygone era. Mad Max was one of the best vehicular combat games of the 2010s, and driving is just one (awesome) part of a larger whole in that title.

Since debuting in 2018, Wreckfest has established itself as the default modern vehicular combat game due to a lack of competition. However, if vehicular combat were still an active genre, Bugbear’s release would have risen to the top regardless as it is simply that fun of a game.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Metascore: 85

Miles Morales builds upon 2018’s stellar Marvel’s Spider-Man; in fact, the two releases are so similar that the spin-off can feel a bit like an expansion. That said, the game’s fundamentals are so unbelievably strong that they help nullify these criticisms.

As the titular hero, players get to swing around New York City during Christmas, all while they work through a deeply personal storyline that does a brilliant job of endearing Miles Morales to people unfamiliar with his comics. Like Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of the strongest PS4 titles on Sony’s subscription service, Miles Morales is among the best PS5 games on PS Plus​​​​​​ Extra.

MORE: The Best Games On PS Plus Premium