25. Fallout: New Vegas (PS3)

Bethesda handed RPG veterans Obsidian Entertainment the Fallout licence after Todd Howard and the gang were done with Fallout 3, and Fallout New Vegas is the result. It's somehow even more technically questionable than its predecessor, but New Vegas makes up for the bugs with a much heavier emphasis on role-playing. The open world title boasts loads of branching questlines, forcing you to bet on distinctly unique factions, all of whom are warring over the Mojave wasteland. At its best, New Vegas is a truly engrossing RPG.

24. Returnal (PS5)

Not that it needed to, but with Returnal, Housemarque has proven itself an incredibly capable studio. This PS5 exclusive is a frantic, ultra-tight third person shooter dressed up with some rogue-like elements to add variety and unpredictability to the mix, and the result is wonderful.

Trapped in a loop on a hostile alien world, Selene is forced to relive her fateful crash landing each time she dies. There's an amazing sense of accomplishment as you slowly progress through challenging boss encounters and explore six diverse environments full of randomised weapons, perks, and power-ups. It feels amazing to play, especially with amazing support for the DualSense's features, and the addictive gameplay is complemented by an enigmatic story that will leave you guessing.

The best part is that's just the start. A slew of additional modes flesh out Returnal, giving you a few extra ways to play when you're done with the single player campaign. The daily challenge mode provides all players with a fixed loadout and room layouts, with the goal of amassing the highest score possible by exploring and playing skilfully. Beyond that is the Tower of Sisyphus, an endless arcade mode that similarly tasks you with getting the highest score you can, only there's more of a sense of urgency. You're rewarded not just for skilled play but for fast play — your multiplier will start to tick down if you loiter for too long. The Tower also contains additional story, adding more layers to the mysterious narrative the main game offers.

Finally, there's two-player online co-op. This allows you to join or invite another player and go through the main campaign with a companion, potentially alleviating some of the challenge. While it isn't the primary focus of Returnal, the co-op works splendidly; resources are shared between you, forcing you to make decisions on who gets what, and a revival mechanic lets you bring each other back into the fight. It's just as much fun taking on the world of Atropos with a friend as it is alone, if not more so.

Whether you're in it for the world class gameplay, the atmospheric sci-fi setting, the intentionally mysterious story, or the variety of extra modes, Returnal is among the most robust, rewarding, and addictive games on PS5.

23. 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.

22. Ridge Racer Type 4 (PS1)

The Ridge Racer series is pretty consistent in quality, but many would argue the pinnacle is Ridge Racer Type 4. This incredibly stylish arcade racer remains a beloved classic today, thanks to its satisfying drifting, engaging career mode, and gorgeous presentation. It has obviously been surpassed technically speaking, but R4 remains an icon among racing games.

21. 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.

20. 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.

19. Pistol Whip (PS5)

Rhythm games and virtual reality go together wonderfully, and one of the best examples of that is Pistol Whip. Revamped for PSVR2's bells and whistles, this flashy game is essentially an on-rails shooter set to music. It's a simple idea but executed so well, oozing style and allowing the player to pull off some super cool moves. Firing your guns to the beat and dodging incoming attacks with perfect timing is endlessly satisfying, and the Hollywood-inspired levels are all a treat to look at, too.

18. 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.

17. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition (PS5)

Seven years later, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still one of the absolute best RPGs around. This updated PS5 version only adds a little bit of new content in the form of costumes and a (actually fantastic) quest inspired by the Netflix series, but the visuals are better than ever thanks to improved assets, textures, lighting, and even a dedicated ray tracing mode. What's more, a number of small gameplay improvements really add up, resulting in the definitive edition of Geralt's generational adventure. If you've got the urge for yet another replay, then it's best done on PS5 with what is the best looking and best playing version of The Witcher 3.

16. 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.

15. 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.

14. 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.

13. 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.

12. 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.

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. 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.

7. 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.

6. 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.

5. 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.

4. 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.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the game that every RPG will be measured against going forward - and we don't think that it'll be beaten for quite some time to come. Using its vast open world as shockingly well realised set dressing rather than a map that houses a tedious amount of objective markers, CD Projekt Red's masterpiece is all killer and no filler. Side quests are just as fleshed out as the main story, and your choices can have severe consequences throughout. Add in two expansions that are better than most full games, and you have the complete RPG package.

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.

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