Top PlayStation Plus Games: January 2025

Sony's revamped PlayStation Plus launched in North America on June 13, 2022, offering three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. These tiers combine the original PS Plus with PS Now, providing varying levels of access to online play, free games, and a vast game library.

PlayStation Plus Essential ($9.99/month): This is the base tier, offering online multiplayer access, monthly free games, and exclusive discounts. It's essentially the equivalent of the old PS Plus service.
PlayStation Plus Extra ($14.99/month): Builds upon Essential, adding access to a catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games.
PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month): Includes all benefits of Essential and Extra, plus a library of classic PlayStation games (PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 titles), game trials, and cloud streaming (availability varies by region).

PlayStation Plus Premium boasts a library of over 700 games, spanning decades of PlayStation history. This extensive collection can be overwhelming to navigate, so highlighting key titles is helpful before committing to a subscription. Sony regularly adds new games, primarily PS4 and PS5 releases, but occasionally includes classic titles as well.

Let's explore some of the best games currently available through PlayStation Plus.

Updated January 5, 2025, by Mark Sammut: The January 2025 PlayStation Plus Essential games have been revealed, generating mixed reactions, though one title is considered a true classic.

Note: Our rankings consider not only game quality but also factors like their PS Plus addition date. Newly added games will be featured prominently, and PS Plus Essential titles receive priority if included.

Notable Games Leaving PS Plus Extra & Premium in January 2025

While the start of 2025's PS Plus Extra and Premium offerings remain to be seen, several major titles are departing on January 21st, 2025. Here are some of the most significant removals:

Resident Evil 2: Capcom's 2019 remake of the PS1 classic is widely considered one of the best in the series. This survival horror masterpiece features two compelling campaigns, following Leon and Claire as they navigate the terrifying Raccoon City outbreak. Players must manage resources, solve puzzles, and survive encounters with the relentless Tyrant and hordes of infected. While completing both campaigns before the removal date may be challenging, a single playthrough is certainly achievable.
Dragon Ball FighterZ: From Arc System Works, this anime fighting game stands out due to its accessible yet deep combat system. While the competitive scene is compelling, the offline content might feel repetitive after a time. The game includes three single-player arcs, potentially completable within a couple of weeks, though replayability may be limited.