Top Must-Play PS5 Games of 2023 on PlayStation Plus

Sony introduced a new version of PlayStation Plus in June 2022 in North America that merges the previous model with PS Now. The new version is divided into three tiers, with subscribers opting for PS Plus Extra or Premium getting access to a vast collection of PlayStation games. The library comprises numerous PS4 titles and several PlayStation 5 releases that were not previously available on PS Now. PS Plus Extra keeps expanding with a couple of PS5 titles being added each month. The selections have been impressive so far, with some including Day One releases. This begs the question, what are the top 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.

June 2023: Jurassic World Evolution 2

Jurassic World Evolution 2 allows players to fulfill their dream of creating a dinosaur theme park, although this aspect of the game becomes more apparent after the initial campaign mode. While the campaign may be lackluster, it serves as a tutorial for players to learn the basics. However, once Chaos Theory mode becomes available, players can experience alternate-reality takes on the Jurassic Park movies in vast and ambitious stages that are a ton of fun. In this mode, players can collect and create iconic dinosaurs while attempting to prevent widespread carnage in their amusement park. Despite the complexity that building sims can present, Jurassic World Evolution 2 is fairly accessible compared to other games in the genre. The game gradually introduces new mechanics while providing stunning visuals that rival some of the movies.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 is part of PS Plus's June 2023 lineup, and the game will be available between June 6 and July 3.

Horizon Forbidden West

The PS Plus Extra lineup for February 21, 2023 boasted an impressive roster of top-tier games, including Resident Evil 7, Scarlet Nexus, Outriders, and The Forgotten City, all of which were available in native PS5 versions. While each game offered unique gameplay experiences across various genres, it was Horizon Forbidden West that truly stole the show.

As a sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West is even grander in scale and scope, following Aloy's quest to save GAIA by venturing westward in pursuit of Sylens. Enmeshed in a conflict between two tribes, Aloy must navigate a vast and breathtakingly beautiful open world, engage in finely tuned combat, and face off against epic robotic dinosaurs that leave a lasting impression. Not only is the gameplay top-notch, but the story builds upon its predecessor's foundation to deliver a truly satisfying narrative experience.

Not only is Horizon Forbidden West one of the best PS Plus PS5 games available, it also serves as a testament to Sony's commitment to producing high-quality, first-party exclusives moving forward.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was a standout title in May 2023's PS Plus lineup. As one of the first games to truly showcase the capabilities of the next-generation console, it has set a new standard for gaming experiences. Insomniac, who has been consistently producing quality titles, has once again delivered with this game. While Spider-Man may have received more attention, Ratchet & Clank remains one of the studio's flagship IPs.

Rift Apart is more than just another Ratchet & Clank adventure, it's a refined and confident addition to the beloved franchise. With breathtaking graphics, satisfying gunplay, and charming characters, it delivers everything fans have come to expect and more. While introducing new ideas such as a second playable character, the game primarily focuses on perfecting the winning formula rather than completely reinventing it. The result is a polished and delightful third-person shooter that is sure to please both old and new fans alike.

Doom Eternal

In April 2023, Doom fans were in for a treat as five games were added to PS Plus, including the original 1993 release and Doom 3 for premium subscribers. Additionally, Doom Eternal was added to the Extra tier, which exceeded expectations as it carved out its own unique identity rather than simply replicating its acclaimed predecessor. The game highlights the Doom Slayer's agility and range of motion, offering players a plethora of new options including a grappling hook that seamlessly integrates into combat. Despite the game's forgiving dodge function, ammo remains limited, making battles all the more intense. While some may find fault with the platforming and traversal sections, they don't detract from the overall experience.

Tchia

Tchia is a standout addition to the PS Plus Extra library, showcasing the platform's commitment to quality over quantity. This indie gem is a must-play for fans of adventure games and open-world projects alike, offering a stunning tropical island setting that comes with its fair share of dangers. While there is a main campaign, Tchia truly shines when players are given the freedom to explore and discover on their own terms.

Tchia's gameplay revolves around a core mechanic that allows players to temporarily embody living creatures and inanimate objects. This unique feature not only plays a crucial role in puzzle-solving but also offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate and explore the game's world. Additionally, Tchia's ability is central to its combat system, which, though simple, is still engaging and enjoyable. Despite not having the same level of brand recognition as other PS5 PS Plus games, Tchia is undoubtedly one of the standout titles available on the service.

Humanity

Humanity, a puzzle game debuting on PS Plus Extra, may not have the same Day 1 impact as Stray, but it's still a significant addition to Sony's service. The game puts players in the role of a dog tasked with guiding humans through numerous levels, requiring strategic direction to ensure the safety of the crowd. Though the concept may seem straightforward, Humanity continually adds new mechanics, ideas, and options, creating a challenging experience for players.

While the 2023 release may not appeal to everyone's taste, puzzle game enthusiasts should consider giving it a try. With its visually striking design, deceptively complex gameplay, and compelling themes, Humanity stands out from others in its genre.

Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection

The PS Plus Extra service was introduced alongside the PS4 versions of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and The Lost Legacy. However, it wasn't until March 2023 that the PS5's Legacy of Thieves Collection was added to the subscription service's lineup. While the previous-generation games were already excellent, the remaster package adds some notable changes that elevate the experience even further. As a result, Legacy of Thieves Collection is now the definitive way to play these two incredible stories.

Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy have received a boost in performance with the power of the PS5. Players can now choose between prioritizing 4K or 60 fps with the new multiple performance modes. In addition, the visuals have been subtly improved to create a cleaner and more immersive presentation. All of these enhancements have only added to the already established masterpieces that these two games are.

The Quarry

For horror enthusiasts, Supermassive Games' impressive resume of spine-chilling titles on PS Plus is a must-see. Although The Quarry may not quite reach the levels of Until Dawn, it's still a loving tribute to classic slasher movies that fans will appreciate. However, whether or not players will enjoy this 2022 horror game depends on their overall fondness for the genre and their willingness to simply sit back and let the story unfold in a cinematic fashion.

The storyline of The Quarry revolves around a group of teenagers spending a night at the titular location, but they soon discover that they're not alone and that their survival is far from guaranteed. Players have the power to make choices that directly impact the plot, even determining who will survive until the next daybreak.

Deathloop

Deathloop is a first-person shooter game that revolves around the time loop concept. The main character, Colt, is an assassin who has to eliminate eight targets in a single day. If he fails, the day restarts, but the reset is not just a game mechanic, it's an integral part of the story. The game is developed by Arkane, the team behind successful titles such as Dishonored and Prey. Arkane's signature blend of enjoyable gunplay, versatile powers, and stealth are all part of Deathloop's blueprint.

Deathloop is undoubtedly Arkane's strongest effort in terms of gameplay, with a puzzle-like element that encourages replayability. As players gather more information, they can pave their way to a perfect run. The campaign also boasts a well-developed story that progresses nicely throughout the game.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Kena: Bridge of Spirits stands out as a rare example of a game that successfully straddles the line between indie and triple-A. Despite the decline of AA gaming in recent years, Ember Lab's action-adventure title impresses with its stunning visuals that transport players to a fully-realized fantasy world. The art style and special effects are undeniably the game's strongest features, capturing the attention of players and immersing them in the experience.

Beyond its impressive visuals, Kena's gameplay is also noteworthy. The game draws inspiration from popular titles like Tomb Raider and Horizon Forbidden West, featuring bow-wielding combat mixed with staff-themed melee attacks. While the combat can be repetitive at times, it remains engaging and surprisingly difficult, especially during boss battles. Additionally, the game's puzzles and exploration elements are well-crafted, providing players with a satisfying challenge that complements the combat.

Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition

Capcom's Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition was the standout addition to PS Plus Extra's January 2023 lineup, bringing gamers a long-awaited sequel to the popular DMC 4. The game delivers on the hype with three distinct playable characters – Nero, Dante, and V – each with their own unique playstyle and abilities.

Consequently, the game never fails to keep players engaged as it constantly switches up its combat systems, each one with its own unique depth. With the addition of Vergil in the Special Edition, the already legendary character adds even more excitement to battles. For any fan of action games, DMC 5 is a must-play and easily ranks among the top PS5 PS Plus titles.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

The July 19 lineup for PS Plus Premium and Extra was a crucial opportunity for Sony to showcase its dedication to the subscription service through their post-launch additions. Fortunately, the selection did not disappoint, especially for fans of Ubisoft and Square Enix. Among the impressive newcomers was Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, which even on its own, is worth subscribing for a month.

Intergrade comes with the 2020 base game and its Episode INTERmission DLC, which features Yuffie as a playable character. This package offers a plethora of content that can keep players occupied for a long time, even if they only stick to the main story. With its stunning visuals, immersive real-time combat, and a captivating storyline that deviates from the original 1997 game, FF7 Remake Intergrade is undoubtedly one of the best games on PS Plus for PS5.

Borderlands 3

Despite the lengthy development process, Borderlands 3 from Gearbox Software managed to live up to the hype as a first-person shooter. While opinions on the story may vary, the gameplay is undeniably the strongest aspect of the main series. The game boasts an impressive roster of vault hunters, an abundance of loot that seems never-ending, stunning visuals, memorable NPCs, and enjoyable side missions.

Enjoyable both as a solo adventure and in co-op, Borderlands 3 offers players a generous amount of customization options through its skill system, allowing them to tailor their hunter to suit their individual play style. Although it may not be as fast-paced as other shooters like Call of Duty, the gunplay in Borderlands 3 is nonetheless incredibly satisfying and entertaining.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

PS Plus has added a variety of Ubisoft games to their collection, with many falling into the open-world genre. However, one game that stands out from the rest is Rainbow Six Siege. Originally released in 2015 on last-gen consoles and PC, this multiplayer-focused tactical shooter has proven to have lasting appeal. The game pits two teams against each other in intense battles that require precision and strategy. Unlike other Tom Clancy games, Rainbow Six Siege has a faster gameplay pace that sets it apart.

With a dedicated playerbase, Rainbow Six Siege can be intimidating for new players. The learning curve is steep, especially when compared to more mainstream shooters. But for those willing to put in the effort, the game offers a unique and rewarding experience.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

LittleBigPlanet has been relatively quiet in recent times, save for a spin-off released in 2020. As a launch title for the PS5, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a classic 3D platformer that exudes charm in every aspect. The game boasts responsive controls and a diverse range of moves and abilities to keep gameplay engaging. Not only is it enjoyable for solo players, but it also offers co-op mode, with some levels requiring a second player. However, most of the content can still be tackled alone.

Ghostwire: Tokyo

The PS5 Plus game, Ghostwire: Tokyo, may not be of the highest quality, but it is a valuable addition to PS Plus Extra. Tango Gameworks' game has its flaws and has divided opinions, with its plot revolving around Akito, a possessed boy with a range of abilities. His mission is to release captive spirits from a mysterious man, while battling ghosts in the desolate city.

Although Ghostwire: Tokyo's first-person gameplay has some moments of brilliance, it may not be a game that will appeal to everyone. The game's exploration element, while atmospheric, may not offer much in terms of discoveries. As a full-priced game, Ghostwire: Tokyo may not be an easy sell, but as part of PS Plus Extra, it is highly recommended.

Bugsnax

Bugsnax, the surprise hit game from Young Horses, launched alongside the PlayStation 5 and quickly became a fan favorite. Set on the mysterious Snaktooth Island, the game invites players to explore and capture the titular creatures. But this is no easy task - each Bugsnax has its own unique habits and behaviors, requiring players to strategize and adapt their approach. With the right tools and skills, players can become expert Bugsnax hunters and uncover the island's many secrets.

Bugsnax boasts a vibrant and playful art style that is suitable for all ages, but don't be fooled - the storyline is not afraid to incorporate some unexpected dark elements. The Snaktooth Island setting offers a delightful playground for exploration, filled not only with fascinating Bugsnax creatures but also with NPCs who provide unique quests to undertake. Although it may not be the most substantial PS5 PS Plus game, this 2020 release is definitely worth experiencing, particularly because it won't consume too much of your time.

The Medium

The Medium expands upon Bloober Team's existing collection of horror games, which includes the Silent Hill 2 remake. While not the most terrifying title in their portfolio, The Medium stands out as one of their most polished and satisfying releases, alongside Observer: System Redux (also available on PS Plus Extra). The story centers around Marianne, a medium who can traverse the spirit world. This mechanic is crucial to the gameplay, with the split-screen feature allowing players to follow Marianne in both realms. With the emphasis on exploration and puzzles rather than action, The Medium's focus on personal storytelling is well-executed.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Special Edition

Despite being over a decade old, Skyrim still remains a beloved game and a major player in the RPG genre. With its recent addition to Sony's subscription service, it wouldn't be surprising to see a surge in downloads for the game, possibly overshadowing even the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts.

The Special Edition of Skyrim not only includes a remastered 2011 version, but also features the DLC packs Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. This means that players who have only played the base game can now enjoy a plethora of new content. Despite certain aspects feeling outdated compared to more modern games, Skyrim's stunning world, vast customization options, and engrossing storytelling remain as captivating as ever.

Stray

Stray's recognition as the first Day One title for PS Plus Premium and Extra is noteworthy, indicating a positive shift for Sony's service. However, it's important to acknowledge that the inclusion of BlueTwelve's game in the list of PS Plus Extra's top PS5 titles is not solely due to its debut status. Boasting an ambitious and charming third-person adventure gameplay, Stray's open-world cyberpunk city setting and puzzle-solving emphasis make it a visually stunning and captivating experience.

Dead By Daylight

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.

Players are given the thrilling opportunity to choose between the roles of a Survivor or a Killer in Dead by Daylight. Working together, four Survivors must activate generators to escape before being hunted down by a relentless Killer. The game boasts an impressive selection of both Survivors and Killers, each with their own unique abilities that can drastically alter the outcome of matches. Among the roster of iconic characters are Pyramid Head from Silent Hill, Pinhead from Hellraiser, and Sadako Yamamura from The Ring.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

In December 2022, PS Plus Extra added two new PS5 Yakuza games: Like a Dragon and the Judgment spin-off. The latter offers a thrilling detective experience that incorporates Yakuza's signature beat-'em-up combat, making it a great choice for fans of the classic gameplay. On the other hand, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces a fresh perspective to the franchise, featuring a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, a comical but endearing Yakuza member who dreams of becoming a hero.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon adopts a turn-based combat system inspired by games like Dragon Quest, with direct references to Square Enix's popular franchise. As always, the writing in Yakuza games is crucial, and Like a Dragon delivers a compelling storyline that hooks players from the start and keeps them engaged until the end credits roll. The side quests are equally entertaining and can switch between comedic and emotional tones with ease.

Returnal

Housemarque's Returnal is a gripping science fiction adventure that follows the journey of Selene, a brave space explorer who finds herself trapped in a mysterious planet caught in a never-ending time loop. The game's unique narrative premise serves as an ingenious foundation for its roguelike gameplay, where Selene must navigate through Atropos' six distinct biomes, each with their own set of challenges and enemies, with each death sending her back to square one.

Returnal offers an exceptional gaming experience, as expected from a studio with a track record of impressive titles such as Alienation. The narrative skillfully unravels Selene's past and psyche, creating an immersive and intriguing sense of enigma.

Demon's Souls

The Demon's Souls remake by Bluepoint was the standout title upon the PlayStation 5's release, and it remains one of the console's greatest accomplishments despite the arrival of numerous impressive games. While the original 2009 release from FromSoftware was a seminal title on the PS3, the updated gameplay and visuals of the remake make it the definitive version to experience on the PS Plus Premium subscription service.

Control: Ultimate Edition

Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment, showcases the studio's penchant for ambitious games with captivating combat and engrossing storylines. The game's plot revolves around the Federal Bureau of Control, a government facility tasked with investigating and containing the supernatural. As expected, things take a turn for the worse and it's up to the protagonist, Jesse Faden, to restore order.

Armed with a gun that can morph into various shapes and a host of impressive abilities, Jesse navigates through the FBC's corridors as the very fabric of reality bends and warps around her. The gameplay in Control is nothing short of spectacular, and the richly detailed lore of this world begs to be fully explored.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

Despite the oversaturation of Ubisoft open-world games, Immortals Fenyx Rising maintains a high standard of quality that could appeal to those growing tired of the Assassin's Creed and Far Cry franchises. Set in a fantastical world inspired by Greek Mythology, players must stop the villainous Typhon while being narrated by Prometheus and Zeus. While the game's story can be polarizing, its combat, visuals, puzzles, and environments provide consistently enjoyable gameplay. Taking inspiration from Breath of the Wild, Immortals Fenyx Rising strikes a satisfying balance between Ubisoft's quirks and refreshing new elements.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Sim racing games have a massive following, but they are also considered niche. Assetto Corsa Competizione is one of the most challenging games in this genre, mainly due to its steep learning curve. To be competitive in this GT-focused racer, players must put in a lot of effort to master not only their car but also the tracks they will be racing on. It's not an easy game to get into, but the rewards are worth it for those who stick with it.

Assetto Corsa Competizione sets itself apart with its impressive attention to detail, which extends to its stunning graphics. In addition to a rewarding solo career mode, the game offers a robust online multiplayer experience that will keep players engaged for hours on end.

Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy

Square Enix's Guardians of the Galaxy has proven to be a breath of fresh air after the lackluster Marvel's Avengers. As the single playable character, Star-Lord, players are taken on an exciting journey across various planets that is bursting with humor, action, and touching moments.

Although it may be a slight letdown that players cannot control the other Guardians, the combat system gradually becomes more engaging and enjoyable as the campaign progresses. The narrative is sure to satisfy fans of both the comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 11 by NetherRealm was a strong contender for the title of the best fighting game on the PS4, and the Ultimate version is now vying for the same crown on the PS5. The game has slowed down from its previous iterations, resulting in a more vicious, tactical, and challenging combat system that still remains relatively accessible to players of all skill levels.

MK 11's story mode is delightfully cheesy and sure to provide hours of entertainment for single-player enthusiasts. But for those seeking more, the game's active multiplayer scene is where the real fun begins.

The Artful Escape

In The Artful Escape, Francis faces an internal conflict between following in his uncle's footsteps as a folk singer or pursuing his passion for shredding on the guitar. This conflict is what drives the game's storyline, as Francis embarks on an intergalactic journey with a sentient brain. Through exploring diverse and stunning worlds, Francis overcomes his self-doubt and finds his own path. While the platformer gameplay may not be particularly challenging or innovative, it complements Francis's story, and players can unleash some impressive guitar riffs with just the press of a button.

Ghost Of Tsushima: Director's Cut

Ghost of Tsushima is a masterpiece that offers a seamless blend of stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and immersive gameplay. Set during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in the 1270s, the game follows the journey of Jin Sakai, a samurai who embarks on a perilous mission to liberate his homeland and restore his honor. It's a fitting end to the PS4 era, leaving players in awe with its sheer brilliance.

Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut bundles the original game with the Iki Island expansion, which adds approximately 10 hours of extra gameplay to an already expansive storyline. Despite having a less engaging plot, the DLC maintains high quality and the same can be said for the Legends multiplayer mode.

Deliver Us The Moon

The depletion of Earth's natural resources forced humanity to turn to the moon for a solution, where they discovered Helium-3. This isotope proved to be the answer to their crisis. However, when the energy transmission from the moon to Earth suddenly halts, an astronaut is sent to the moon in a bid to restore it.

The premise of Deliver Us the Moon is intriguing and rife with tension, given the apocalyptic nature of the situation. The protagonist's solitude further enhances the gravity of the narrative. Gameplay primarily revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving, with the latter being well-crafted and engaging, although not particularly challenging. Ultimately, the game is a story-driven experience, and it delivers in that regard.

Wreckfest

Unfortunately, modern destruction derby games seem to be few and far between. It's been ten years since the last Twisted Metal game, the most recent good FlatOut game came out in 2008, and Burnout is now just a distant memory of the past. Mad Max was a standout vehicular combat game of the 2010s, but it's important to note that driving was just one amazing aspect of the game's larger experience.

Bugbear's release, Wreckfest, has become the go-to game for modern vehicular combat enthusiasts, mainly due to the lack of competition in the genre. However, even if there were more contenders, Bugbear's offering would undoubtedly stand out as a thrilling and enjoyable game.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales

The sequel to 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man, Miles Morales, may feel like an expansion due to its similarities to its predecessor. However, the game's exceptional core mechanics make up for any perceived lack of originality. Players assume the role of the eponymous hero as he traverses a snowy New York City and tackles a deeply emotional narrative that effectively introduces Miles Morales to those unfamiliar with the source material. As one of the standout titles on Sony's subscription service, Miles Morales rightfully earns its place among the best games available on PS5.