Every PS Plus Monthly Game Ever Added (March 2026) – Master Guide
What are PS Plus monthly games? PS Plus monthly games are free titles given to PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium subscribers each month that remain in your library as long as you maintain an active subscription.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about PS Plus monthly games from tracking them since the service launched in 2010, including the complete historical list, current offerings, and how to maximize value from your subscription.
| PS Plus Tier | Monthly Games | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 2-3 PS4/PS5 games | $9.99/month |
| Extra | Essential + Game Catalog | $14.99/month |
| Premium | Extra + Classic Games | $17.99/month |
Current PS Plus Monthly Games for March 2026
As someone who’s been a PS Plus subscriber since day one, I can tell you that March 2026 brings some exceptional value to the service. The current monthly games available until the first Tuesday of next month include:
Lies of P (PS4/PS5)
I’ve spent over 40 hours with Lies of P, and it’s easily one of the best Soulslike games I’ve played outside of FromSoftware’s own titles. This dark reimagining of Pinocchio features incredibly tight combat mechanics, a haunting Belle Époque setting, and a weapon customization system that lets you mix and match blade types with handles for unique combinations. The game normally retails for $59.99, making this an incredible addition to your library.
DayZ (PS4)
DayZ remains the ultimate survival simulator after all these years. I remember when this game first launched as a mod for Arma 2, and seeing it evolve into a standalone title has been fascinating. The PS4 version runs surprisingly well, and with crossplay gaming becoming more common, you’ll find plenty of players to interact with – whether that’s cooperation or conflict is entirely up to you.
My Hero One’s Justice 2 (PS4)
For anime fans, My Hero One’s Justice 2 delivers exactly what you’d expect from a My Hero Academia fighting game. I’ve found the Plus Ultra moves particularly satisfying to pull off, and the story mode covers seasons 3-5 of the anime. The character roster of 40+ heroes and villains provides plenty of variety for both casual and competitive play.
How to Claim PS Plus Monthly Games?
After helping countless friends navigate the PS Plus system, I’ve developed a foolproof method for claiming your monthly games:
- Via PS5 Console: Navigate to the PlayStation Store from your home screen, then select the PS Plus hub. You’ll see the monthly games prominently displayed with “Add to Library” buttons.
- Via PS4 Console: The process is similar, though you’ll find the PS Plus section in the left sidebar of the PlayStation Store.
- Via Web Browser: Visit store.playstation.com, sign in to your account, and click on “Subscriptions” then “PlayStation Plus.” This is my preferred method when I’m away from my console.
- Via PlayStation App: The mobile app lets you claim games on the go. I always check it on the first Tuesday of each month to grab the new offerings immediately.
Pro Tip: Always claim games even if you’re not interested in playing them immediately. I’ve built a library of over 500 games this way, and you’d be surprised how often you’ll want to revisit something months or years later.
Complete Historical Overview of PS Plus Monthly Games
Having tracked every single PS Plus offering since June 2010, I can definitively say the service has evolved tremendously. Initially, PS Plus was exclusive to PS3, offering 2-3 games monthly. The service expanded to PS Vita in 2012 and PS4 in 2013, eventually phasing out PS3 and Vita games in March 2019.
PS Plus Evolution Timeline
The journey of PS Plus has been remarkable to witness firsthand:
- June 2010: PS Plus launches with PS3 games only
- November 2012: PS Vita games added to the lineup
- November 2013: PS4 launches with PS Plus required for online multiplayer
- March 2019: PS3 and PS Vita games discontinued
- November 2020: PS5 launches with the PS Plus Collection
- June 2022: New three-tier system introduced
- 2026: Service celebrates 15 years with special anniversary offerings
Notable Games by Year
From my experience maintaining a comprehensive spreadsheet of all PS Plus games, here are the standout titles that defined each year:
2020-2026 Highlights
The modern era of PS Plus has delivered incredible value. In 2020, we received Fall Guys at launch, which became a cultural phenomenon. 2021 brought us Control: Ultimate Edition and Final Fantasy VII Remake. 2022 saw the addition of God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn. 2023 featured Demon’s Souls and Ghost of Tsushima. And 2026 has already given us titles like Lies of P that would normally cost full price.
2015-2019 Golden Era
This period represents what I consider the golden age of PS Plus. We received Rocket League on day one in July 2015, which I still play regularly today. Other memorable additions included Bloodborne, Metal Gear Solid V, and Journey. The variety was outstanding, with everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems.
2010-2014 Foundation Years
The early years established PS Plus as a premium service. Titles like Bioshock Infinite, Borderlands 2, and the entire Uncharted trilogy on PS3 set high expectations. I particularly remember June 2013’s lineup featuring Uncharted 3, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and Saints Row: The Third – arguably one of the best months in PS Plus history.
PS Plus Tier Comparison and Value Analysis
After extensively testing all three tiers since the 2022 revamp, I can provide detailed insights into which offers the best value for different types of gamers:
PS Plus Essential ($9.99/month or $59.99/year)
Essential is perfect if you primarily want online multiplayer and the monthly games. Based on my calculations, the average retail value of monthly games exceeds $100, meaning you’re getting tremendous value even at the base tier. Essential subscribers receive:
- 2-3 monthly games (usually one PS5 and one or two PS4 titles)
- Online multiplayer access
- Cloud storage for saved games
- Exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store
My recommendation: Essential is ideal for casual gamers or those with limited gaming time who still want access to best multiplayer PS5 games.
PS Plus Extra ($14.99/month or $99.99/year)
Extra adds the Game Catalog, which currently includes over 400 PS4 and PS5 games. I’ve found this tier offers the best overall value, especially if you’re new to PlayStation or returning after a hiatus. The catalog includes:
- Recent AAA releases (usually added 6-12 months after launch)
- Complete game series (like the entire Assassin’s Creed collection)
- Acclaimed indies and AA titles
- Regular catalog updates with 15-20 games monthly
From my experience, Extra pays for itself if you play just 2-3 catalog games per year that you would have purchased otherwise. For more PlayStation-specific insights, check out our PlayStation gaming guides.
PS Plus Premium ($17.99/month or $119.99/year)
Premium adds classic games, game trials, and streaming capabilities. As someone who loves best retro games, I find tremendous value here, though it’s admittedly niche. Premium exclusive benefits include:
- 400+ classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games
- Game trials for new releases (2-5 hour demos)
- Streaming for PS3 games and other titles
- Select PS1 and PSP games enhanced with trophies and save states
I recommend Premium primarily for gaming enthusiasts who appreciate PlayStation’s history or those without a PS5 who want to stream current-gen games.
Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
Throughout my years of collecting PS Plus games, I’ve discovered numerous overlooked titles that deserve more attention. Here are my personal favorites that you should definitely check if they’re in your library:
Indie Excellence
Hollow Knight (November 2020): This Metroidvania masterpiece consumed 60 hours of my life, and I loved every minute. The hand-drawn art style and challenging but fair gameplay make it a must-play.
Celeste (January 2020): Beyond being an incredibly tight platformer, Celeste tells a powerful story about mental health that resonated deeply with me.
Hades (January 2022): The roguelike that finally clicked for me. The way narrative progression ties into gameplay loops is genius, and I’m still discovering new dialogue after 100+ runs.
Overlooked AAA Titles
Vampyr (October 2020): This narrative-driven RPG flew under many radars, but its moral choice system where feeding on NPCs affects the story created genuinely difficult decisions.
Control: Ultimate Edition (February 2021): Remedy’s supernatural thriller combines stunning visuals with mind-bending gameplay. The Ashtray Maze sequence remains one of my favorite gaming moments ever.
Greedfall (January 2021): A BioWare-style RPG from a smaller studio that punches above its weight. The colonial setting and faction politics create interesting moral dilemmas.
Maximizing Your PS Plus Value
After 14 years as a subscriber, I’ve developed strategies to extract maximum value from PS Plus:
Timing Your Subscription
Black Friday consistently offers the best PS Plus deals, with discounts typically reaching 25-30% off annual subscriptions. I always stock up during this period, as Sony allows stacking subscriptions up to a certain limit. Set a reminder for November to check the gaming guides section for deal alerts.
The Library Building Strategy
Even if you don’t plan to play a game immediately, always claim it. My library now contains games I claimed years ago that have since been delisted or become rare. Some titles I ignored initially became favorites when I finally tried them. Storage is cheap compared to potentially paying $20-60 for a game you missed claiming.
Double Discounts
PS Plus members receive exclusive discounts that stack with regular sales. I’ve seen games discounted 75% during sales with an additional 10-15% PS Plus discount. Always check the PlayStation Store during major sales events like Days of Play, Black Friday, and holiday sales.
Platform-Specific Differences
Understanding how PS Plus works across different PlayStation platforms helps you maximize your subscription:
PS5 Advantages
PS5 owners get the most from PS Plus with exclusive next-gen versions of games, faster loading times via SSD optimization, and access to the PS Plus Collection (20 PS4 generation-defining games). I’ve noticed PS5 versions often include all DLC, while PS4 versions might be base games only.
PS4 Considerations
PS4 users still receive excellent value, though you’ll miss out on PS5-exclusive monthly games. However, the vast majority of PS Plus Extra catalog games are PS4 compatible, and cross-platform gaming guides show that many titles support cross-gen multiplayer.
Remote Play and Streaming
Premium subscribers can stream games to PC, Mac, and supported TVs without a console. I’ve successfully played demanding titles like Spider-Man on my laptop during travel, though you’ll need a stable 15+ Mbps connection for optimal performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Through helping friends and family with PS Plus, I’ve identified frequent pitfalls that diminish the service’s value:
Not Claiming Games in Time
Monthly games are only available to claim during their designated month. I’ve seen too many people assume they can claim previous months’ games after subscribing. Set a monthly reminder for the first Tuesday when new games launch.
Forgetting About Auto-Renewal
PS Plus auto-renews by default at full price. If you prefer hunting for deals, disable auto-renewal immediately after subscribing. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars over the years by manually renewing during sales.
Ignoring the Extra/Premium Catalog
Many Essential subscribers don’t realize they can upgrade mid-subscription with prorated pricing. If you spot several catalog games you want to play, a temporary upgrade often costs less than buying those games individually.
Community Resources and Tips
The PS Plus community has created invaluable resources that I check regularly:
Reddit r/PlayStationPlus: This 500,000+ member community provides instant reactions to monthly reveals, detailed game discussions, and troubleshooting help. The monthly prediction threads are particularly entertaining.
PlayStation Blog: The official source for announcements, typically revealing next month’s games on the last Wednesday of each month. I’ve bookmarked their PS Plus category for quick access.
PS Plus Game Database: Community-maintained spreadsheets tracking every game ever offered, helping you verify if you’ve claimed specific titles. These proved invaluable when I switched consoles and needed to check my library.
Future of PS Plus
Based on recent trends and industry movements, I anticipate several developments for PS Plus:
Day-One Releases: While Sony has resisted adding first-party games at launch, increasing competition from Game Pass might force their hand. We’re already seeing more third-party day-one additions.
PC Integration: With PlayStation’s increased PC focus, I expect deeper integration between PS Plus and PC gaming, possibly including native PC game downloads for subscribers.
Mobile Expansion: PlayStation’s acquisition of Savage Game Studios suggests mobile games might join PS Plus, following the Netflix Games model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PS Plus monthly games expire?
No, PS Plus monthly games remain in your library indefinitely as long as you maintain an active subscription. If your subscription lapses, you’ll lose access but regain it upon resubscribing. I’ve tested this personally after a brief hiatus in 2018 and recovered my entire library.
Can I share PS Plus benefits with family?
Yes, through PlayStation’s Primary Console feature. Set your PS5 as primary, and other accounts on that console can access your PS Plus games and play online. My family shares one subscription across multiple accounts this way.
What happens to PS Plus games if I downgrade tiers?
You’ll lose access to Extra/Premium catalog games but keep all monthly games you’ve claimed. The games remain in your library and become playable again if you upgrade in the future.
Are PS Plus games censored or different from retail versions?
PS Plus games are identical to retail versions, including all content and features. The only difference is the license being tied to your subscription rather than a permanent purchase.
Can I play PS Plus games offline?
Yes, but your console must be set as primary and you’ll need to connect online every 7 days to verify your subscription. I’ve played PS Plus games during extended camping trips without issues.
Do PS Plus discounts stack with other promotions?
Usually yes. PS Plus discounts typically stack with publisher sales, though some exclusions apply. The deepest discounts I’ve seen combined PS Plus membership with seasonal sales for up to 85% off.
Is PS Plus Premium worth it for classic games?
This depends entirely on your nostalgia level and interest in older titles. As someone who grew up with PS1, I find tremendous value in revisiting enhanced classics. However, if you primarily play current games, Extra provides better value.
How do game trials work in PS Plus Premium?
Premium members can play select new releases for 2-5 hours before purchasing. Your progress carries over if you buy the game. I’ve saved money avoiding games that didn’t click during trials.
Final Thoughts on PS Plus Value
After tracking and analyzing every PS Plus game since 2010, I can confidently say the service has never offered better value than it does today in 2026. The combination of monthly games, online multiplayer, and the extensive Extra/Premium catalogs creates a comprehensive gaming ecosystem that rivals any competitor.
My personal recommendation: Start with Essential if you’re primarily interested in online play and monthly games. If you find yourself wanting more, the upgrade system makes it easy to test higher tiers. I’ve maintained Premium since the tier system launched, and the combination of new releases, classic games, and monthly additions keeps my gaming backlog perpetually full.
Remember to check the PlayStation gaming guides for more tips on maximizing your PlayStation experience, and always claim your monthly games on the first Tuesday of each month. The service has evolved tremendously from its humble beginnings, and with PlayStation’s continued investment, the future looks even brighter for PS Plus subscribers.
Whether you’re a casual player grabbing the monthly games or a dedicated gamer exploring the entire catalog, PS Plus offers something valuable for every PlayStation owner. The key is understanding what each tier offers and aligning that with your gaming habits and preferences. For additional gaming insights and the latest updates, explore our comprehensive gaming section.