For avid gamers using subscription services, the thrill of accessing fresh titles on day one without additional costs can be exhilarating. This instant availability significantly enhances the perceived value of your monthly payments, allowing gamers to enjoy content they’d typically purchase at full price.
As a dedicated PlayStation fan, I have long recognized some gaps in Sony’s offerings compared to the more robust Xbox Game Pass. In response to this challenge, Sony has broadened its catalog with an increasing number of day-one releases. Though it doesn’t yet match Microsoft’s vast library, any influx of new games is a welcome enhancement.
If you’re on the fence about subscribing or renewing your PlayStation Plus membership, you’ve arrived at the right destination. This guide aims to shed light on the frequency of new day-one games available in the PlayStation Plus catalog.
With PlayStation Plus continuously evolving, we will keep this list updated with new day-one titles, incorporating both the Essential and Extra selections as well as complimentary games offered through the service.
Comprehensive List of Day-One PlayStation Plus Games
Game Title | Release Date | Developer | Publisher | OpenCritic Score | Currently Available on PS Plus Catalog? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Resogun | Nov 15, 2013 | Housemarque | Sony Computer Entertainment | 84 | Yes |
Rocket League | Jul 7, 2015 | Psyonix | Psyonix | 86 | No |
Bugsnax | Nov 12, 2020 | Young Horses | Young Horses | 75 | Yes |
Destruction AllStars | Feb 2, 2021 | Lucid Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | 62 | Yes |
Model | Mar 2, 2021 | Graceful Decay | Annapurna Interactive | 75 | No |
Oddworld: Soulstorm | Apr 6, 2021 | Oddworld Inhabitants | Oddworld Inhabitants | 66 | Yes |
Operation: Tango | Jun 1, 2021 | Clever Plays | Clever Plays | 74 | No |
Hunter’s Arena: Legends | Aug 3, 2021 | Mantisco | Mantisco | 61 | No |
First Class Trouble | Nov 2, 2021 | Invisible Walls | Versus Evil | 64 | No |
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout | Aug 4, 2020 | Mediatonic | Return Digital | 80 | No |
Stray | Jul 19, 2022 | BlueTwelve Studio | Annapurna Interactive | 84 | No |
Bye | Mar 21, 2023 | They are not rich | Kepler Interactive | 78 | No |
Meet Your Maker | Apr 4, 2023 | Behaviour Interactive | Behaviour Interactive | 75 | No |
Sea of Stars | Aug 29, 2023 | Sabotage Studio | Sabotage Studio | 90 | No |
Moving Out 2 | Aug 15, 2023 | SMG Studio, DevM Games | Team17 | 80 | No |
DKO: Divine Knockout | Dec 6, 2023 | Red Beard Games | Hi-Rez Studios | 70 | No |
Teardown | Nov 15, 2023 | Tuxedo Labs | Tuxedo Labs | 82 | No |
Animal Well | May 23, 2024 | Shared Memory | Bigmode | 88 | Yes |
The Plucky Squire | Sep 17, 2024 | All Possible Futures | Return Digital | 85 | Yes |
Dave the Diver (On Console) | Oct 26, 2024 | THE MINT ROCKET | THE MINT ROCKET | 89 | Yes |
FBC: Firebreak | TBA 2025 | Remedy Entertainment | Remedy Entertainment | Not Yet Released | Planned for Day One Release |
Spotlight on Resogun
Resogun holds the distinction of being the inaugural day-one release for PlayStation Plus, marking a significant moment in the service’s history. This title allowed players who claimed it upon release to own it outright, solidifying its legacy.
Its gameplay revives the classic Space Invaders formula, transforming it into an exhilarating modern experience. With swift, addictive action, it offers endless projectile-dodging fun, and it’s currently available on the PS Plus catalog for newcomers.
Exploring Rocket League
Once a pay-to-play game, Rocket League is now recognized for its free-to-play status under Epic Games. However, many players received it for free through their PS Plus membership, amplifying its popularity.
This unique fusion of soccer and RC racing was destined for success due to its highly engaging gameplay, appealing to both casual and dedicated gamers. The game now proudly stands as a cornerstone of the Esports community, a feat that can be partly credited to its early availability on PlayStation Plus.
Delving into Bugsnax
Launched alongside the PS5, Bugsnax quickly won over PS Plus members with its whimsical approach to gameplay. The game invites players to explore an imaginative island teeming with food-themed creatures.
As a researcher, your goal is to catch these quirky creatures while unraveling a mystery involving a missing person. It’s a charming title reminiscent of Pokémon Snap, boasting lighthearted gameplay that hides deeper, more intricate narratives.
Taking a Look at Destruction All-Stars
Destruction All-Stars pays homage to the demolition derby genre, similar to classics like Twisted Metal. Despite its intriguing gameplay that combines tactical competition with engaging visuals, it struggled to maintain an active player base.
While still playable today, the game has yet to ignite excitement among players and may be more suited for those who enjoy an adrenaline-fueled driving experience.
The Unique Experience of Maquette
Having participated in the playtesting phase of Maquette, I had high hopes for this Annapurna product. Its inventive fractal design creates engaging puzzles, but the narrative didn’t meet the expectations set by its compelling premise.
Though it may leave some players wanting more, Maquette is a commendable addition to the PS Plus lineup as a free title, serving as a thoughtful exploration of concepts in a unique setting.
Revisiting Oddworld: Soulstorm
For fans of the franchise, Oddworld: Soulstorm represents a nostalgic return, offering a contemporary take on the beloved series. Despite its underwhelming commercial performance, it deserves recognition for replicating the series’ signature atmosphere and puzzle-based gameplay.
This installment captures the essence of the Oddworld universe, making it worthwhile for longtime fans to explore while introducing new players to Abe’s world.
Operation: Tango: A Co-op Experience
Operation: Tango stands out in the realm of cooperative games, providing an engaging espionage experience. It relies on communication between players, where one assumes the role of an agent with essential information while the other performs crucial actions, relying on effective dialogue and teamwork.
This structure lends itself to humorous misunderstandings and creates dynamic gameplay, making it an enjoyable title for those who thrive on cooperative challenges.
Hunter’s Arena: Legends: A Cautionary Tale
Hunter’s Arena: Legends has earned a reputation as an underwhelming addition to PlayStation’s day-one catalog. Struggling to attract players amidst a crowded battle royale genre, it stands as an emblem of missed potential, showcasing an uninspired homage rather than a unique interpretation of the mechanics.
This title serves as a reminder that originality is essential in a competitive market.
Analyzing First Class Trouble
Like Hunter’s Arena, First Class Trouble strives to offer a unique multiplayer experience, favoring social deduction over action. Players work to uncover imposters aboard a luxury space station amidst a visually captivating aesthetic.
Despite its promising concept, the game struggled with initial reception, leading to dwindling player numbers. However, with the right friends, it can provide engaging moments that challenge social interaction.
The Fun of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
In contrast to its predecessors, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout burst onto the scene with excitement, benefitting from its initial availability on PlayStation Plus. This colorful and chaotic battle royale has players navigating obstacle courses, much like a digital version of Takeshi’s Castle.
Although its popularity has waned, it remains a lighthearted experience for those seeking whimsical competitive gaming.
The Impact of Stray
Stray, affectionately referred to as “the cat game,”became a viral sensation upon its day-one PS Plus release. While its fame may feel disproportionate, it undeniably stands out as a charming exploration of a dystopian world through the eyes of a feline.
Despite some limitations in platforming and gameplay variation, the game delivers a heartfelt narrative and delightful visuals that resonate with players.
Unpacking Tchia
Tchia generated considerable hype leading up to its launch, with day-one availability amplifying excitement. Although it doesn’t wholly meet high expectations, this indie title features a captivating New Caledonian backdrop and various engaging mini-games.
While it strays into familiar territory regarding gameplay dynamics and combat mechanics, it still offers a unique adventure worthy of exploration.
Meet Your Maker: The Ambitious Title
Meet Your Maker stands as one of the most ambitious multiplayer titles, enabling players to craft challenging courses for others to navigate. While the concept is commendable, execution issues resulted in a frustrating experience for many players, ultimately impacting its community and longevity.
Though it showcases innovation, it serves as a cautionary tale of the balance needed between creativity and player satisfaction.
Marveling at Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is arguably the finest day-one offering, blending the charm of classic JRPGs with modern mechanics. Set in the same universe as The Messenger, this title pays tribute to the golden era of role-playing games.
With a strong narrative, dynamic turn-based combat, and exquisite pixel art, the game captures the essence of nostalgia while introducing fresh elements. It is a must-play for anyone seeking a modern classic.
Quick Assessment of Moving Out 2
Fans of mayhem-filled co-op games will appreciate Moving Out 2, a sequel that amplifies the chaotic charm of the original. By turning the mundane task of moving homes into a frenetic experience, it captures the hilarity of cooperative gameplay.
This title is perfect for those who enjoyed Overcooked and are looking for another engaging multiplayer experience filled with unpredictable scenarios.
Exploring DKO: Divine Knockout
For fans vying for a notable platform fighting game on PlayStation, DKO: Divine Knockout aimed to fill a significant void. With a character roster designed for accessibility and an engaging art style, expectations were high from the outset.
Unfortunately, it struggled to capture and maintain an audience, underscoring the difficulties faced by new multiplayer titles vying for gamers’ attention.
The Destructiveness of Teardown
Teardown fulfills the fantasy of engaging in widespread destruction with its innovative use of physics and sandbox environments. Offering creative heists within destructible worlds, it delivers a satisfying sense of agency.
The game’s design encourages freedom and experimentation, allowing players to engage dynamically with their environments, enhancing replayability and fun.
Discovering Animal Well
Animal Well is a revolutionary entry in the indie genre, presenting a truly engaging Metroidvania experience. It draws players into a mesmerizing pixelated world filled with secrets and meticulously crafted puzzles.
This title exemplifies ingenuity, encouraging exploration while offering unique gameplay mechanics, solidifying its standing as a remarkable addition to PlayStation Plus.
Whimsical Adventures in The Plucky Squire
The Plucky Squire enchants players with its lively panache, showcasing a character named Jot, who must navigate both his storybook realm and the real world. This innovative blend of genres, combining top-down action with 3D platforming, offers a nostalgic charm.
Despite minor transitions between perspectives, its ambition and colorful aesthetics make it an ideal family-friendly racing experience to explore.
Dave The Diver: An Indie Phenomenon
While Dave The Diver didn’t debut as a traditional day-one release for PS Plus, its launch on consoles captured a market eager for delightful experiences. The game converges diving for fish and serving them in a sushi restaurant, shining through with its humorous writing and engaging mini-games.
With an engaging gameplay loop and a delightful art style, it ranks as one of the standout indie titles of 2023 worth diving into.
Leave a Reply