The 34 Best Games On PlayStation Plus Premium Right Now

PlayStation Plus Premium might not have been the first game subscription service to hit the scene, but it's certainly shaping up to compete with other programs, like Xbox's Game Pass. Though the PlayStation Plus upgrade system caused an uproar when it was first introduced in mid-2022, the service ultimately gave fans what they really wanted: a combination of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now, which had featured older PlayStation titles via a streaming service. Gamers who opt in for the Premium tier of PlayStation Plus have access to both older classics in the PlayStation library and newer titles offered for a discount – or better yet, free – with the basic membership.

The Premium tier allows gamers to access a vast collection of titles from the PS4 and PS5, but they're not all winners. This list compiles the best of the best out of what's featured in PlayStation Plus Premium. If you have a membership (or are thinking of upgrading), here's what you absolutely have to play.

"Death Stranding" is a difficult game to explain to people. It follows Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he makes deliveries across the wasteland of the United States, avoiding deadly rain and meeting a cast of ominous characters along the way. In many ways, "Death Stranding" is about balancing Sam's cargo as he walks across lush landscapes, but it's also about the ways in which people connect to each other, and why those links are so important. 

When "Death Stranding" initially released, it received a slew of low reviews because critics and fans alike weren't sure how to interpret the game's bizarre plot or slow-moving gameplay. Ultimately, director Hideo Kojima told the New York Times that he felt that Americans were comfortable with his previous "Metal Gear Solid" work, and expected "Death Stranding" to be more of the same. It was anything but — and that wasn't ultimately a bad thing.

"Death Stranding" is a strange game, sure, but it's also a game that teaches players how to slow down and think about their every move, while also learning how to be considerate for others (who can choose to leave items or structures for fellow gamers to enjoy in a sort of shared world). The "Director's Cut" edition adds a ton of quality of life improvements and some bonkers new modes, including racing segments and stealth action missions.

• Release Date: Nov. 8, 2019
• Genre: Action-adventure
• Game Modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS5)

"Final Fantasy 7" is arguably one of the most popular "Final Fantasy" games ever produced, as well as one of the most popular RPGs ever. If Square Enix could only pick one "Final Fantasy" game to remake, of course the company would choose "Final Fantasy 7." However, the end result was still unlike anything gamers expected.

Instead of retreading the same ground in a turn-based JRPG with modern graphics, Square Enix opted for an action RPG that uses the original narrative as a skeleton. Combat has more in common with "Kingdom Hearts" than "Final Fantasy 7," but that change in genre injects adrenaline into each battle.

While the original "Final Fantasy 7" is a globe-spanning adventure, the remake sticks to the beginning city of Midgar. This lessened scope might seem like a downgrade at first glance but, it actually gives many characters more screentime and development — especially those who didn't appear outside Midgar in "Final Fantasy 7." Plus, the remake introduces a new meta side plot in which (spoilers) characters acknowledge the original game's events and actively try to avoid making the same choices. That's one novel way to use audience expectations against them.

• Release Date: April 20, 2020
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4), 89 (PS5)

An early release for the PS4, "Infamous: Second Son" was a stunning graphical showcase for the console (as noted by GameTrailers). The game takes place in a detailed rendition of Seattle, where superhumans known as "Conduits" are at odds with an agency known as the D.U.P. A first for the franchise, "Second Son" features a different main character. Delsin is the cocky star who wields the ability to absorb other powers.

There are similarities to other superhero games like the "Batman: Arkham" series and "Spider-Man," but "Second Son" is wholly unique. A near-endless skill tree makes building Delsin up feel immediately engrossing. Skill trees are available for the smoke, neon, video and concrete powers that Delsin acquires along the way.

Seattle is a massive area, and Delsin has to destroy enemy bases in order to minimize the occupancy level of the D.U.P. On top of that, there are plenty of collectibles, combat encounters, graffiti tags, and traversal options to keep things fresh and exciting. This Sucker Punch project is an essential experience for those into superheroes and action.

• Release Date: March 21, 2014

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 80 (PS4)

One of Ubisoft's most popular and long-running video game franchises is "Assassin's Creed," which follows characters reliving their assassin ancestors' memories as they stalked prey throughout history. The series really began hitting its stride with 2009's "Assassin Creed 2," set at the height of the Renaissance in 15th century Italy and introducing protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ezio would go on to star in a full trilogy of "Assassin's Creed" games, remastered and compiled by Ubisoft in 2016 with "Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection."

Containing "Assassin's Creed 2," "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood," and "Assassin's Creed: Revelations," this compilation showcases how each title evolved the series in its own way, from tower defense missions to running assassins' guilds worldwide. As Ezio travels from Florence to Rome and Istanbul, all of the historical settings are brought to life in immersive maps and the gameplay remains as intuitive and exciting as ever. For those looking to revisit the glory days of "Assassin's Creed," when everything in the series still felt new and fresh, "The Ezio Collection" presents one of the franchise's golden eras in one complete package.

• Release Date: Nov. 15, 2016

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player

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• Metacritic Score: 72 (PS4)

The first "God of War" released in 2005 and was a bloody, mature spin on hack and slash titles. That game introduced audiences to the anti-hero Kratos and turned him into a PlayStation icon. However, the soft reboot, also titled "God of War," was a transformation for the series that let longtime fans see a new side of the character.

2018's "God of War" is a huge departure for the series. While the action is still fast-paced and visceral, the series-standard isometric camera that let players see all the carnage has been traded for an over-the-shoulder perspective. This exchange makes every blow feel more impactful. Moreover, instead of slaughtering monsters and exploring locations based on Greek legends, the game's enemy roster and vistas are ripped from Norse mythology.

The reboot's most important additions are focused on narrative. Instead of pursuing revenge as in previous titles, the story revolves around Kratos trying to be a good father for his son. While this change provides plenty of room for character development and plot twists, it also gives "God of War" veterans an extra layer of appreciation, since they know what he was like before he settled down.

• Release Date: April 20, 2018
• Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 94 (PS4)

For many gamers, "Dark Souls" put FromSoftware on the map, but without "Demon's Souls," "Dark Souls" might not exist. The original "Demon's Souls" released in 2009 exclusively on the PlayStation 3 and introduced many hallmarks of the "soulsborne" sub-genre, such as tough-yet-fair enemies, stamina-centric combat, and setpiece bosses. "Demon's Souls" isn't quite as balanced as its spiritual successors, but it's still a fun adventure. But there's always room for improvement.

Bluepoint Games was behind the "Demon's Souls" remake and added many of the upgrades you see in remasters. The studio completely overhauled the graphics and lighting engine, implemented better music and voice recordings (with the original actors when possible), and improved overall game performance. However, many of the original game's mechanics were kept intact. Bluepoint Games gave PlayStation 5 owners as authentic an experience as possible, albeit without low frame rates or long load times.

• Release Date: Nov. 11, 2020
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Game modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer (up to 6)
• Metacritic Score: 92 (PS5)

After the Ubisoft mascot duked it out with the Rabbids, in "Rayman Raving Rabbids," Rayman went back to his 2D roots. "Rayman Legends" was a critically acclaimed hit, boasting quirky cartoonish graphics, unlockable characters, and a variety of bizarre challenges. What's more is how the entire game can be enjoyed solo or with the friends.

Yes, the game is a run and jump side-scroller, but Rayman also packs some fighting moves. There's a spin move, a charge punch, a stomp, and even a hover move. Basically, Rayman has a lot in his artillery, but his toolset isn't the only diverse part of the game. Levels themselves are varied; stealth missions follow speedy chases, and epic boss fights are around ever corner. The real kicker is the addition of music-based levels, stages that are played to the beat of infectious popular songs. Players will almost never find themselves doing the same thing twice.

Completionists will also find a lot of reasons to go back, since doing so will unlock additional costumes and characters. There are even added levels from the game's predecessor, "Rayman Origins!" As side-scrollers go, "Rayman Legends" is easily in the upper echelon, thanks to its constant experimentation.

• Release Date: February 18, 2014

• Genre: Side-scroller

• Game modes: Single-Player

• Metacritic Score: 90 (PS4)

One of the best entries in the long-running series, "Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag" combines stealth with pirate action for a match made in heaven. The world of "Black Flag" is absolutely massive and offers multiple islands to explore, but what it does best is refine systems that have become staples in the franchise.

As Edward Kenway, players will have the ability to manage their own ship and crew in a giant RPG-like experience as they search for a mysterious treasure. Ship combat is crucial: Enemy forts can be taken out with some strategic cannon fire, while enemy ships can be boarded and conquered, leading to hectic fights and big spoils upon victory.

Of course, Kenway also has the typical assassination, parkour, and combat skills from older "Assassin's Creed" games. The "Assassin's Creed" series has explored a number of time periods, but there's something about the pirate-centric setting of "Black Flag" that just feels right.

• Release Date: November 12, 2013

• Genre: Action, Stealth

• Game modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 88 (PS3), 83 (PS4)

The original "Final Fantasy 12" released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 and played like a mix of classic "Final Fantasy" and the then-recent MMORPG "Final Fantasy 11." Combat took place on the game map and removed some of the busy work by letting characters auto-attack and follow preset behaviors called "gambits." Critics and fans alike praised the worldbuilding and narrative of "Final Fantasy 12," but the game was far from perfect. Instead of remastering "Final Fantasy 12" as with older "Final Fantasy" titles, Square Enix improved the experience.

"Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age" provides all of the upgrades fans have come to expect from remasters, such as better graphical fidelity, widescreen support, and faster load times, but the biggest and most important changes are the completely reworked license board and job system. Instead of giving each character the same board and starting them off at different positions, the game implements classes, each with their own abilities and boards needed to unlock them. Players can also mix and match classes and skills. Instead of making all characters essentially play the same by the endgame, "The Zodiac Age" makes characters feel more varied.

• Release Date: July 11, 2017
• Genre: RPG
• Game modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 86 (PS4)

Before "Skyrim," fans of Bethesda's acclaimed "Elder Scrolls" fantasy series had "Oblivion" to point to as the series' high point. Following the assassination of Tamriel's emperor, the kingdom falls into chaos as fiery portals open across the realm, each unleashing fiendish monsters from a hellish dimension known as Oblivion. The player character scrambles to find a way to relight Dragonfires around Tamriel and install a new emperor to prevent the forces of Oblivion from completely overwhelming the kingdom.

With a completely open-world environment and loads of side quests, "Oblivion" is a completely immersive experience that allows players to explore Tamriel and address the main quest at their own pace. "Oblivion" offers full customization of characters — more than just in regard to physical appearance, but also in the ability to learn and improve upon a myriad of skills and progress through various guilds. A fantasy world easy to get lost in, "Oblivion" still retains a certain charm and its presentation and gameplay hold up after a decade since its initial release.

• Release Date: March 20, 2007

• Genre: Action RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 93 (PS3)

"Final Fantasy" is one of the franchises that helped elevate the original PlayStation over its competitors in the mid '90s with the success of "Final Fantasy 7." Then the iconic RPG series was brought to new heights on the PlayStation 2 with "Final Fantasy X." Square Enix remastered the instant classic game and its 2003 direct sequel "Final Fantasy X-2" in high definition for the PS3 — and later, the PlayStation 4 — in a single, well-received compilation. With its technical presentation dramatically improved and new features added, "Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD" is the definitive way to experience both games.

"Final Fantasy X" and its sequel take place in the fantasy world of Spira, following a young athlete named Tidus who is whisked away from his home to this mystical realm. "Final Fantasy X-2" follows Tidus' girlfriend Yuna as she sets out to ease tensions between the factions of Spira in the tumultuous period after the villainous Sin's defeat. Both games feature a combat system that revamped the previous games' mechanics and a dazzling story that has stood the test of time.

• Release Date: May 12, 2015

• Genre: RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 84 (PS4)

"XCOM" is easily one of the best and most-loved turned-based tactical RPG franchises, but one installment stands above the rest. 2016's "XCOM 2" follows the 2012 reboot of the series by developer Firaxis Games and ups the already-challenging difficulty from its predecessor by making the game's battles even more unpredictable. Through the slight revisions to its combat and new weapons and enemy types added to bolster the game's content, "XCOM 2" became a masterclass of the genre.

Set 20 years after the events of "XCOM: Enemy Unknown," "XCOM 2" reveals that the governments of Earth eventually submitted to the extraterrestrial invasion from the previous game. Forced to go into hiding and on the run, the elite fighting force of XCOM engages the alien overlords in guerilla warfare in a desperate battle to retake their planet. With a surprising amount of variation and gameplay depth in each mission, "XCOM 2" offers plenty of replayability for players who can handle the challenge.

• Release Date: Sept. 27, 2016

• Genre: Tactical RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player, Two-player online multiplayer

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4)

"Hollow Knight" is one of those rare indie games that crossed over with mainstream audiences. Now that it is part of PlayStation Plus Premium, there is no reason for subscribers who are fans of platformers or metroidvanias to not check it out for themselves. Players will be rewarded with a deep and beautiful world full of hand-drawn graphics, loads of charm, and a ton of creativity in its atmospheric environments. "Hollow Knight" also has a somber story buried in its mysterious world and unique characters. 

For players who want a challenge, "Hollow Knight" also has plenty to offer. The game's 2D take on stamina-based combat is highly reminiscent of the "Dark Souls" series. To explore the world and slay the vast cast of unique enemies throughout the game, players have to master an array of mechanics and abilities. The game is difficult but fair, and overcoming the game's myriad challenges is extremely challenging for players who manage to persevere through the hardships and toils of the world of Hallownest.

• Release Date: February 24, 2017

• Genre: Action, Metroidvania

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS4)

While having very little to do with the original title it was rebooting, "Prey" from Arkane Studios challenges the player with surviving on a space station besieged by a hostile alien race with strong psychic abilities. While exploring the station and uncovering the history of the player's character and the station itself, players also have to manage resources, upgrade weapons, and even take on the aliens to survive. 

In true Arkane fashion, players are then able to combine all of these disparate elements with one another to navigate the game world and overcome challenges in whatever way they want. This makes "Prey" feel extremely open, as the game's engine is built to allow for freedom and player expression through how they interact with the space station and the enemies that are trying to hunt them down at every turn. The game also features a lot of survival horror elements, with limited resources serving to heighten the tension.

• Release Date: May 5, 2017

• Genre: Action, Horror

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 79 (PS4)

Players looking for a deep and involved grand strategy game need look no further than "Stellaris," which places players in control of a galactic empire led by one of a multitude of alien races. Players then have to grow and manage their empire across numerous solar systems, all while building fleets of starships, researching new technologies, and navigating tense politics with outside forces. 

A single match of "Stellaris" can take many hours to complete, but achieving victory is extremely rewarding. As noted in Polygon's review, is especially impressive just how well the console edition of "Stellaris" translates the grand strategy title to being playable with a controller. Dedicated players who want more options or challenge also have a library of expansions and DLC to choose from, which can drastically change and shape the game with the addition of numerous features.

• Release Date: May 9, 2016

• Genre: Real-time strategy

• Game Modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer

• Metacritic Score: 77 (PS4)

Sony boasts an impressive array of first-party exclusives, but few are as widely acclaimed and beloved as "Bloodborne." The game takes the groundbreaking combat systems of the "Dark Souls" series and makes it more fast-paced and aggressive. Combat is filled with guns, shape-changing weapons, and even magical artifacts that pull their power from a parallel dimension. Using their unique build players have to fight through streets infested with mutated monsters and slay horrifying boss creatures that tower above the player character. 

Like most FromSoftware games, "Bloodborne" presents players with a fully-realized setting filled with esoteric lore and hidden remnants of the lives that once flourisged in the fallen city of Yharnam. The world of "Bloodborne" is a beautiful gothic cityscape that is brimming with tragedy and sorrow. Its tone may not be for every player, but it offers a challenging, strange, and fascinating experience.

• Release Date: March 24, 2015

• Genre: Action, Horror, RPG

• Game Modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer (up to 5)

• Metacritic Score: 92 (PS4)

Compared to some of his other superhero counterparts, Spider-Man has a surprisingly solid track record of quality video games that could give Batman a run for his money. The friendly neighborhood webslinger made a splash on the PlayStation 4 with "Marvel's Spider-Man," which was later remastered and packaged with its DLC as "Marvel's Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition." Engaging, accessible, and just a lot of fun to pick up and play, this "Game of the Year Edition" is the definitive way to experience the game.

"Marvel's Spider-Man" takes place after Peter Parker has graduated from college. He's now a seasoned superhero, but still a relatively young man trying to make ends meet in Manhattan. As a super-powered street gang expands their activities around the city, familiar foes and new supervillain surface around town to challenge the wallcrawler. With its intuitive navigation, combat, and stealth gameplay mechanics, genuinely thrilling boss fights, and an exciting open-world environment, "Marvel's Spider-Man" is a knockout adventure title.

• Release Date: Nov. 12, 2020

• Genre: Action-adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PS4)