In 2023, Sony kept up its expansion of PS Plus, providing a wide range of games, from beloved indies and fun trials to major first-party AAA titles. Subscribers to the PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers had access to over 20 games each month, making the PS Plus subscription more than worthwhile. However, as longtime subscribers know, not all months are created equal, and some games stand out more than others.
Throughout 2023, PS Plus Extra stood out with its regular monthly additions, along with the nostalgic offerings in PS Plus Premium and the timely monthly releases in PS Plus Essential. Here are the top 15 games Sony gave away on the service in 2023, listed in the order in which they were made available.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS Plus Essential)
Added in January 2023
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Kicking off the year was 'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,' which was met with widespread acclaim. This Respawn Entertainment title not only marked a triumphant return for 'Star Wars' games but also arrived just in time for its sequel, 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,' which launched a few months later in April. The January lineup set a strong tone for the year ahead.
Horizon Forbidden West (PS Plus Extra)
Added in February 2023
Read Game Rant's Horizon Forbidden West Review
Sony added several first-party AAA titles in 2023, with the inclusion of 'Horizon Forbidden West' standing out. The game expanded on the original in numerous ways, and its addition to PS Plus provided an excellent opportunity for those who had been waiting to delve into the sequel, especially given its release alongside 'Elden Ring.' Furthermore, the game's 'Burning Shores' DLC launched just a couple of months later in April.
The Legend of Dragoon (PS Plus Premium)
Added in February 2023
'The Legend of Dragoon' was a highly anticipated addition for long-time fans. Despite showing its age, it remains a standout title in the PS Plus Premium lineup. Players take on the role of protagonist Dart as he endeavors to prevent the world's destruction through a blend of real-time commands and turn-based mechanics.
Tchia (PS Plus Extra)
Added in March 2023
'Tchia,' introduced to PS Plus Extra in March 2023, stands out as one of the most distinctive games on the list. This tropical open-world adventure features climbing, gliding, swimming, and boating mechanics, coupled with an engaging story. However, its most notable feature is the ability for players to take control of any animal or object they encounter, providing a unique gameplay experience.
Doom Eternal (PS Plus Extra)
Added in April 2023
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'Doom Eternal' offers players an opportunity to indulge in a fast-paced and frenetic gameplay experience within the 'Doom' universe. Despite being three years old, the game's inclusion in PS Plus in 2023 was a significant highlight.
Humanity (PS Plus Extra)
Added in May 2023
'Humanity,' a day-one addition to PS Plus Extra, is a puzzle game where players are guided by a Shiba Inu towards a specific goal. With its feature-rich gameplay and a level editor, the game provides an immersive experience for players.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (PS Plus Extra)
Added in May 2023
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Sony also offered the console exclusive 'Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart' to PS Plus subscribers in 2023, showcasing the capabilities of the PS5. The game's portal mechanic demonstrated the console’s ability to seamlessly transition between graphics and gameplay styles, providing an entertaining experience for players.
Rogue Legacy 2 (PS Plus Extra)
Added in June 2023
'Rogue Legacy 2' is a roguelike metroidvania game where players' descendants continue their journey, offering an addictive gameplay loop. The game's inclusion in PS Plus Extra provided fans with countless hours of gameplay.
Alan Wake Remastered (PS Plus Essential)
Added in July 2023
'Alan Wake Remastered' arrived on PS Plus at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the release of 'Alan Wake 2' a few months later. This allowed players to catch up on the series before the sequel's release, exploring the game's narrative within the broader 'Remedy Connected Universe.'
It Takes Two (PS Plus Extra)
Added in July 2023
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'It Takes Two' emerged as one of the best cooperative games in 2021, winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards. The game's engaging narrative and gameplay served as a testament to the storytelling potential of video games, offering an exceptional experience to players.
Death's Door (PS Plus Essential)
Added in August 2023
'Death's Door,' often likened to 'The Legend of Zelda' and 'Dark Souls,' provides an action-adventure experience with scalable gameplay mechanics. The game's simplicity and engaging gameplay made it a standout addition to PS Plus Essential.
Sea of Stars (PS Plus Extra)
Added in August 2023
Read Game Rant's Sea of Stars Review
'Sea of Stars' not only stood out as one of the best PS Plus games of the year but also one of the top games of the year overall. Claiming a spot on Game Rant's Top 10 games of the year, 'Sea of Stars' delivered a compelling narrative alongside engaging SNES-era gameplay with modern enhancements.
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut (PS Plus Extra)
Added in October 2023
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'Disco Elysium: The Final Cut' is esteemed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, and its inclusion in PS Plus in 2023 provided players with a unique role-playing experience. The game's blend of in-depth skill systems, dialogue, and ideology sets it apart within the RPG genre.
Teardown (PS Plus Extra)
Added in November 2023
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'Teardown' offers players an opportunity to engage in strategic destruction, with the game's heist mechanics enabling creative and destructive gameplay. Players can utilize various objects and explosives to create memorable moments, making 'Teardown' a standout addition to PS Plus Extra.
Grand Theft Auto 5 (PS Plus Extra)
Added in December 2023
Read Game Rant's GTA 5 Review
Despite being a decade old, 'Grand Theft Auto 5' continues to captivate audiences, leading many to revisit the game following the announcement of 'Grand Theft Auto 6.' The game's enduring popularity, marked by record-breaking sales, made its inclusion in PS Plus Extra a notable event in 2023.