Unleash Your PS5: 5 Must-Play PlayStation Plus Games You Need to Download Now

The PlayStation 5, with its lightning-fast SSD and stunning graphics, offers a gaming experience like no other. But with a vast library of titles available, where do you even begin? Enter PlayStation Plus, a subscription service that grants access to a rotating catalog of games, online multiplayer, and exclusive discounts. But with so many choices, deciding which games to download first can be overwhelming. Fear not, fellow gamer, for I’m here to guide you through the cream of the crop. This article highlights five must-play PS Plus games that will have you hooked from the moment you press start. Whether you’re into heart-pounding action, immersive RPGs, or mind-bending puzzles, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your controller, fire up your PS5, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable gaming journey.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I trust this random person on the internet?” Well, I’ve been a dedicated PlayStation gamer since the PS2 era, and I’ve spent countless hours exploring the vast world of PS Plus. I’ve sifted through the good, the bad, and the ugly to bring you this curated list of gems. These aren’t just games that are critically acclaimed; they’re games that I’ve personally played and loved. I’ll share my own experiences with each title, highlighting what makes them special and why they deserve a spot on your PS5’s SSD. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the five must-play PS Plus games you need to download right now.

1. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Ghost of Tsushima is a visual masterpiece. From the swaying bamboo forests to the snow-capped mountains, every inch of Tsushima Island is meticulously crafted. I remember spending hours just riding my horse through the countryside, soaking in the scenery. But Ghost of Tsushima is more than just a pretty face. The combat is fluid and visceral, allowing you to seamlessly switch between samurai and ghost stances to take down your enemies. The story is also surprisingly engaging, exploring themes of honor, duty, and sacrifice. The Director’s Cut includes the Iki Island expansion, which adds a whole new area to explore and a compelling new storyline.

Personal Experience: I was initially drawn to Ghost of Tsushima because of its stunning visuals, but I stayed for the gameplay and story. I particularly enjoyed the stealth mechanics, which allowed me to take down enemies silently and strategically. The Iki Island expansion was a welcome addition, offering a fresh challenge and a deeper dive into Jin Sakai’s past.

2. Returnal

Returnal is not for the faint of heart. This challenging roguelike will test your skills and patience as you die and restart repeatedly. But don’t let that deter you. Returnal’s gameplay loop is incredibly addictive. Each run feels different, thanks to the procedurally generated levels and the constant stream of new weapons and upgrades. The game’s atmosphere is also top-notch, with a haunting soundtrack and a mysterious sci-fi story that will keep you guessing until the end.

Personal Experience: I’ll admit, I died a lot in Returnal. But each death felt like a learning experience. I gradually improved my skills and unlocked new abilities, making each run feel more rewarding. The sense of accomplishment I felt when I finally beat the final boss was unlike anything I’ve experienced in other games.

3. Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Genre: Action-adventure, Open World Why You Should Play It: Swing through the streets of New York City as Miles Morales in this thrilling superhero adventure.

If you loved Spider-Man on PS4, you’ll adore Miles Morales. This standalone expansion builds upon the foundation of the original game, offering a fresh perspective on the Spider-Man mythos. Swinging through New York City feels even more exhilarating thanks to the PS5’s enhanced graphics and haptic feedback. Miles also has his own unique set of powers, including venom blasts and camouflage, which add a new dimension to the combat.

Personal Experience: As a huge Spider-Man fan, I was excited to step into the shoes of Miles Morales. The game perfectly captures the essence of being Spider-Man, with exhilarating web-swinging and satisfying combat. I also appreciated the story’s focus on Miles’ personal journey and his struggles to live up to Peter Parker’s legacy.

4. Demon’s Souls

Genre: Action RPG, Soulslike Why You Should Play It: A stunning remake of a classic, Demon’s Souls is a must-play for fans of challenging RPGs.

Prepare to die. That’s the tagline for Demon’s Souls, and it’s not an exaggeration. This brutally challenging RPG will test your skills and patience like few other games. But the sense of accomplishment you feel when you overcome its challenges is unparalleled. The PS5 remake is a visual masterpiece, with stunning graphics and atmospheric environments.

Personal Experience: Demon’s Souls was my first foray into the Soulslike genre, and it was a baptism by fire. I died countless times, but I kept coming back for more. The game’s world is so intricately designed, and the combat is so rewarding, that I couldn’t help but be drawn in.

5. Stray

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore a cyberpunk city as a cat? Stray answers that question with a unique and charming adventure. You play as a stray cat who must navigate a mysterious city populated by robots. The game’s atmosphere is captivating, and the puzzles are clever and engaging.

Personal Experience: Stray is a breath of fresh air. It’s a short and sweet adventure that offers a unique perspective on the cyberpunk genre. I loved exploring the city from a cat’s perspective, scratching furniture, knocking things over, and curling up for a nap.

Beyond the Big Five:

While these five games are a great starting point, PS Plus offers a vast library of titles to explore. Here are a few more noteworthy mentions:   

• Guardians of the Galaxy: A hilarious and action-packed adventure with a memorable cast of characters.
• Death Stranding Director’s Cut: A unique and thought-provoking experience from the legendary Hideo Kojima.
• Deep Rock Galactic: A cooperative first-person shooter where you play as space dwarves mining for resources.

Tips for Maximizing Your PS Plus Subscription:

• Check the PlayStation Plus game catalog regularly: New games are added every month, so there’s always something new to discover.
• Download games even if you don’t plan on playing them right away: You can keep the games in your library as long as you remain a PS Plus subscriber.
• Take advantage of the exclusive discounts and offers: PS Plus members get access to exclusive discounts on games and DLC.
• Try out the online multiplayer: PS Plus is required for online multiplayer in most games, so take advantage of it and play with your friends.

With its ever-growing library of games, PS Plus offers incredible value for PlayStation gamers. So, what are you waiting for? Download these must-play titles and embark on an epic gaming adventure today!