Best PlayStation Plus Games (January 2025)

This article discusses the PlayStation Plus subscription service and highlights some of its best games, focusing on titles leaving the service in January 2025 and a new Essential title.

The PlayStation Plus service, launched in June 2022, offers three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential provides online access, monthly free games, and discounts. Extra adds hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games to the Essential benefits. Premium includes all of the above, plus a library of classic games (PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3), game trials, and cloud streaming (in select regions).

The Premium tier boasts a vast library, exceeding 700 games spanning PlayStation's history. Navigating this extensive collection can be challenging, making knowledge of its highlights valuable before subscribing. Sony regularly adds new games, primarily PS4 and PS5 titles, occasionally including classic games.

Notable Departures from PS Plus Extra & Premium in January 2025:

Several significant games are leaving the Extra and Premium tiers on January 21st, 2025. The most notable are:

• Resident Evil 2 (Remake): Capcom's critically acclaimed 2019 remake of the PS1 classic is considered a top entry in the franchise. It's a primarily horror-focused experience with two campaigns following Leon and Claire's survival in Raccoon City. While completing both campaigns before the game's removal may be challenging, a single playthrough is achievable.

• Dragon Ball FighterZ: Developed by Arc System Works, this fighting game stands out due to its accessible yet deep combat system and the popular Dragon Ball license. While the online component is a major draw, the offline content, consisting of three single-player arcs, may become repetitive after a short time.

New PS Plus Essential Game (January 2025):

• The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe: This title is available from January 7th to February 3rd as a PS Plus Essential game.

The rankings within the article consider both game quality and their PS Plus addition date, prioritizing newer and Essential games for visibility. The article concludes by noting that the January 2025 PS Plus offerings are somewhat divisive, but at least one title is considered an all-time classic.