For PlayStation fans, 2025 and the start of 2026 have been a whirlwind of opportunity—both for those who invest in Sony’s subscription service and for those who prefer to keep their wallets closed. Between the ever-expanding PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) library and a growing suite of genuinely compelling free-to-play titles, there’s no shortage of games to enjoy on the PlayStation 5. But how do these options stack up, and what’s the real value for players in this new era of digital abundance?
According to Push Square, a PS Plus Essential membership in 2025 delivered access to approximately $1,500 worth of games over the course of the year. For a yearly fee of $79.99, that’s a staggering amount of content—far more than most players could hope to finish in twelve months. As one writer put it, “It’s access to far more games than you’re ever going to play in a year’s time. It’s my literal job and I didn’t get to half of these.” The catch, of course, is that you only keep these games as long as your membership is active, but for many, the math is hard to argue with.
The 2025 PS Plus lineup has been a mixed bag—perhaps inevitably, given the sheer volume of titles. Some, like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, arrived with a splash on PS5 in April but quickly faded, with the publisher announcing no further updates almost immediately. As the Push Square review notes, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre announced no further updates as soon as it landed on PS5.” Yet that same month, subscribers also received Robocop: Rogue City, a game lauded as “a true love letter to the era to the movie and to the shooters of a bygone era.” For many, Robocop was a gem they might have missed were it not for its inclusion in the service.
Fast forward to December 2025, and the cycle of discovery continued with the addition of Killing Floor 3 to PS Plus. It’s a pattern familiar to long-time subscribers: games they might never have tried become new favorites, all for a flat annual fee. As the Push Square writer summed up, “PS Plus Essential was worth the money in 2025.”
But what about players who don’t want to pay for a subscription? According to Screen Rant, PlayStation’s roster of free-to-play games has never been broader or more diverse. These titles require no PS Plus membership to play, offering a parallel universe of entertainment for anyone with a PS5 and an internet connection.
Take Where Winds Meet, for example. Released on November 14, 2025, this Wuxia open-world action-adventure RPG from Everstone Studio and NetEase Games has been drawing comparisons to heavyweights like Elden Ring and Naraka: Bladepoint. While it avoids the now-ubiquitous Soulslike combat style, it leans into hack-and-slash action, signaling a possible shift in industry trends. Where Winds Meet is free-to-play and doesn’t require a PS Plus subscription, making it accessible to all.
Marvel fans have their own free-to-play haven in Marvel Rivals, a competitive hero shooter developed and published by NetEase Games. The game continues to expand, with new characters like Gambit and Rogue joining the roster in late 2025, and the highly anticipated Deadpool set to arrive in February 2026. PlayStation players have also enjoyed exclusive Marvel Rivals skins, a perk that keeps the game feeling fresh and community-driven.
For those who prefer something a little different, Infinity Nikki offers a unique blend of dress-up gameplay and gacha mechanics. As the fifth entry in the Nikki series, Infinity Nikki is free to play, and while gacha elements are present, they aren’t required to enjoy the game’s many outfits and mechanics. It’s a title that proves not every free game needs to be a shooter or a battle royale.
Speaking of gacha games, Honkai: Star Rail—released in April 2023—has remained a mainstay for fans of team-based RPGs. Developed and published by miHoYo (now HoYoverse), Honkai: Star Rail lets players experiment with different team compositions and playstyles, with plenty of room to explore before settling on a favorite. Its continued popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the gacha model, especially when the entry barrier is free.
No conversation about free PlayStation games would be complete without mentioning Fortnite. The Epic Games juggernaut has evolved far beyond its battle royale roots, now hosting virtual concerts and major in-game events that draw millions of players. Fortnite’s revenue comes from battle passes and microtransactions, but the core gameplay remains free, making it a cultural phenomenon as much as a video game.
Wuthering Waves, a newer entry in the free-to-play open-world gacha genre, launched on May 22, 2024, courtesy of Kuro Games. With its standout combat system and a growing fanbase, Wuthering Waves demonstrates how fresh ideas can still break through in a crowded field. Some players may find the current content offering a bit thin, but many appreciate the chance to jump in early, free from the fear of missing out.
Sports fans haven’t been left behind, either. Skate 4—officially stylized as skate.—landed on September 16, 2025, as a free-to-play skateboarding game from Full Circle and EA. While it might not dethrone classics like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, skate. carves out its own niche with microtransactions and a try-before-you-buy approach that lowers the stakes for newcomers.
Then there’s Astro’s Playroom, a delightful platformer pre-loaded on every PS5. As the predecessor to the 2024 Game of the Year winner Astro Bot, Astro’s Playroom serves as a charming introduction to the PlayStation ecosystem. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life really are free—at least if you’ve managed to snag a PS5.
Fans of cozy games and life sims have Palia, a free-to-play MMO from Singularity 6 that launched on August 10, 2023. With its focus on resource gathering, crafting, and seasonal progression, Palia offers a more relaxed alternative to the high-octane action found elsewhere on the platform.
Finally, Naraka: Bladepoint gives the battle royale genre a Wuxia twist, emphasizing strategic, complex combat and competitive PvP. Developed by 24 Entertainment and published by NetEase Games Montreal, it stands out as a sophisticated alternative to more straightforward shooters.
So, what’s the verdict for PlayStation gamers heading into 2026? Whether you’re shelling out for PS Plus Essential or sticking to free-to-play titles, there’s never been a better time to dive in. With $1,500 worth of games available through a $79.99 subscription, and a buffet of no-cost options that rival anything on the market, the only real challenge is finding time to play them all. For now, PlayStation’s approach seems to be working: more games, more variety, and more ways to play—no matter your budget or taste.
