If you’re someone who pays for a gaming subscription service, and you really like to get your money’s worth, then you’ll probably feel like there is nothing better than a new game dropping straight into the catalog for you to play without needing to break the bank.

It’s a wonderful feeling and really helps to justify the constant stipend that leaves your account on a monthly basis, as one new game you would otherwise have paid full price for can justify practically half a year’s subscription.

As someone who is a PlayStation boy at heart, I am acutely aware of Sony’s shortcomings, and one of them has always been that their subscription service has always paled in comparison to Xbox Game Pass in terms of value.

However, in recent years, they have attempted to combat this by offering a wider variety of day-one releases, and while they don’t offer quite as many as their Microsoft rivals, some are still better than none.

So, if you’re considering committing to or renewing your PlayStation Plus subscription and want to see just how often new games pop up on the service on day one, you’re in the right place.

As Playstation Plus is an ever-changing product and new games come thick and fast, we will endeavor to update this list regularly with any Day One releases that pop up on the catalog. We will be including both Essential and Extra additions on this list, as well as the Free Games given away courtesy of the service.

Every Day One PlayStation Plus Game

Resogun

Resogun was the first ever game to drop on day one via Playstation Plus, and is one of the few games that, if claimed at the time, you owned outright. So, in PlayStation Plus terms, it’s a real relic.

However, the same can’t be said of the timeless gameplay, as this bullet hell epic essentially takes the age-old Space Invaders formula and drags it into the modern age of gaming.

The gameplay is fast-paced, slick, and insanely addictive, and best of all, it’s currently on the PS Plus Catalog if you weren’t around all the way back in 2013. So, if you’re a fan of dodging seemingly endless amounts of projectiles, this is the one for you.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

When it comes to endlessly replayable Roguelikes that we all go back to time and time again, The Binding of Isaac is a game that sits top of the pile.

This is because Edmund McMillin’s timeless masterpiece is a game that is so easy to pick up and play, but thanks to the game’s depth of systems and seemingly endless items and power-ups, every run feels distinct from the last. With the only constant being that you need to deal with your religious mother before she deals with you.

It’s a dark and twisted game, but one that delivers these demonic themes in a rather cartoonish and lighthearted way, not too unlike Cult of the Lamb. And this is even more true of Rebirth, which adds an extra layer of polish to the original.

These days, Repentance+ is the definitive way to play TBOI, but back in the day, this was a very welcome gift from PlayStation Plus, and one that I still personally get a lot of use out of.

Rocket League

It may be easy to forget that Rocket League used to be a pay-to-play game, considering its FTP Epic Games-owned status these days, but it was very much the case. That is, unless you picked it up for free courtesy of a PS Plus Subscription.

Many did, and that was a huge factor as to why this soccer meets RC racing hit took off. But, to its credit, it would have likely succeeded regardless due to the addictive and unique gameplay that is easy to pick up but a real task to master, which is exactly what you want from an Esports title.

These days, Rocket League is a free-to-play title and a staple of the Esports scene, but who knows whether that would have been the case if Psyonix didn’t give this one away to PS Plus subscribers nearly a decade ago.

Worms Rumble

Ever since the halcyon days of gaming in the 90’s, the Worms series has been around, offering its unique brand of 2D tactical turn-based combat.

It’s a game that you would think would be left in the past because of its rudimentary format, but time and time again, the chaos and unadulterated fun that the Worms series brought would be enough to keep fans coming back for more. But, that all ended with the introduction of Worms Rumble.

The game maintained the chaos and calamity of a classic Worms outing, but decided to make this a 2.5D, real-time battle Royale title. Which, as you might have guessed, was received rather poorly.

While offering decent, fluid gameplay, it was another story of an online battle Royale being pushed out to die as fans didn’t like their beloved franchise being gutted and repurposed into a live service cash cow.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that a classic Worms title would be happily received even in today’s modern gaming age, but this was too far removed from that to ever succeed.

Bugsnax

It would be quite some time after Rocket League before we would see another Day One Drop from Sony, but in alignment with the launch of the PS5, all PS Plus subscribers were treated to a new cozy smash hit in the form of Bugsnax.

Bugsnax is a game all about exploring an island bursting at the seams with cute, food-themed bugs, and your job as a journalist and researcher, is to catch and collect these bugs, not to mention find a missing person that you’re just dying to interview.

It’s a game that has gameplay not too dissimilar to Pokemon Snap, where catching each critter is a puzzle in and of itself. Plus, despite the cutesy vibes, it actually hides a dark narrative under the surface.

It may not have been a system seller when the PS5 launched, but it was a nice little bonus for those who got their hands on a PS5 early.

Destruction All-Stars

I think it’s safe to say that most of us will be familiar with the destruction derby sub-genre courtesy of the Twisted Metal franchise, which really paved the way for more demolition derby hits. However, not every game in the sub-genre can be a smash hit, as proven by Destruction All-Stars.

It’s a shame that this game didn’t hold a player base, really, as the core gameplay is actually rather interesting, offering a tactical, last-man-standing sort of feel with an arena-based drive-to-survive format.

Everything feels rather fluid and bombastic, and visually, the game looks pretty sharp, too. But, as is proven by far too many live service games, you need that initial spark, and Destruction All-Stars failed to excite fans.

It’s a game that can still be played today, and personally, I think it still has something to offer driving game fans. But, as you might have gathered, mileage may vary.

Maquette

As someone who actively helped with the playtesting for Maquette, this is one that I was very excited about long before any of the hype for this Annapurna title was realized. However, despite this initial excitement, this all but faded when I played the final product.

To Maquette’s credit, the concept is phenomenal, as the game uses fractal map design to create worlds within worlds, and a handful of incredible initial puzzles that use this fractal design to great effect.

However, as the game goes on, the puzzles become more obtuse and disjointed, and critically, far less satisfying to complete. Not to mention, despite an eye-catching art style, the core narrative is rather lukewarm, to say the least.

It’s one I can’t wholeheartedly recommend due to its flaws and shortcomings, but as a free game via PS Plus, it wasn’t the worst thing we have ever received as a free title. Not by a long shot.

Oddworld: Soulstorm

As someone who grew up during the PSX boom, I know just how much of a cash cow Abe’s Oddessy was back in the day, and ever since, there has been a steady stream of 2D platformers starring the lovable Mudokon.

So, naturally, it was only right for Sony to give fans a modern Oddworld title to usher in the PS5 era, and while it does hit a lot of the same notes of the series to date, I think even Sony would say they expected more of a return from this one.

However, despite the relatively dismal financial return on this one, Soulstorm is still a credible entry in the Oddworld collection, and one that captures the oppressive vibe of the world Abe inhabits, as well as delivers the minion-based puzzle platforming the series is famous for.

It’s mad to even say this, but due to the lukewarm reception of Soulstorm on launch, this one could actually be considered a modern underrated gem. So, if you liked the Oddworld games of old, this one is more of the same with some modern polish.

Operation: Tango

As any co-op gamer will know, these games are at a premium these days due to the demands on the developer that co-op games bring. And, due to this shortage, it’s even less likely that a subscription service will hand deliver one to you.

However, that is exactly what Sony did when they gave PS Plus subscribers Operation Tango, an espionage-fuelled co-op title oozing with class.

It’s a game that riffs on the Keep Talking And No One Explodes formula, as one player will have access to key information, while the other will need to perform all the crucial spy-like actions. But, the only means of delivering that info is via speech.

This inevitably leads to weird interpretations, clumsy mistakes, and chaos throughout, meaning this spy epic is less James Bond and more Johnny English, but deep down, that’s what we all really want.

Hunter’s Arena: Legends

They can’t all be winners, and Hunter’s Arena: Legends is the real runt of the litter amongst the current PlayStation Day One Releases.

Part of the problem was down to the fact that most battle royales worth their salt at the time of release were and still are free to play; however, that only tells part of the story here.

Because, when you take a step back and look at Hunter’s Arena for what it is, it’s just a rather bog-standard and uninteresting attempt to cash in on the Battle Royale craze.

Sure, with a bit more unique ideas this could have been a For Honor adjacent multiplayer hit worth checking out, but alas, it wasn’t to be.

It’s an overcomplicated, uninteresting, and unsatisfying title, and the quicker we all forget about it, the better.

Hell Let Loose

If you’re someone that is into tactical shooters, but don’t vibe with the cartoonish and cel-shaded hero shooters of today, then you’ll likely be very familiar with Hell Let Loose, a day one title from Team 17 that really leans into the horrors of war through a focus on realism.

Players will need to be methodical about their approach in battle, communicating with their team, managing their respawns, and making the most of what’s available around them to excel.

In fact, the game is so tactically demanding that I would dare to say that if you aren’t willing to play with a mic on, you might as well not bother. It’s meant to be a slow-paced and methodical title where you play your role, so if you want a Battlefield clone, this ain’t it.

But, if that’s your vibe, you’re in luck, as unlike a lot of multiplayer games on this list, this game still has a cult following. Meaning you can still hop on for a game and immerse yourself in the brutality of WW2.

Deep Rock Galactic

The life of a miner is a dangerous one. You go deep down into the earth, you do laborious work, and all the while, you hope the canary keeps singing, and the whole thing doesn’t crumble down on you.

Deep Rock Galactic is a dangerous mining experience, too, but for a completely different reason. You see, in this procedurally generated mining epic, you’ll be scavenging for resources while a bunch of alien nasties try to make the mine your permanent resting place.

It’s a game where teamwork is key, planning an exit strategy is vital, and character customization is very important to make sure the enemies around you go down before they take a chunk out of you.

It’s a visually striking game with a deeply satisfying gameplay loop, and with the regular updates the game receives, it seems like DRG has the juice to keep going on and on.

Rock and stone, my friends. Rock and stone.

Arcadegeddon

Here’s another game to add to the pile of now-dead and forgotten multiplayer games, but of those listed, Arcadegeddon still has a little fuel in the tank for those who can get a couple of friends together.

This co-op shooter offers a mix of PVP and PVE gameplay as you work through a series of biomes in a bid to rid Gilly’s new game of the viruses that plague the system. The gameplay is simple, intuitive, and quite satisfying initially. But initially is the key word there.

The issue that caused this game to drop off the map is that so many players liked playing the game for a first few hours, but soon lost interest in the whole affair.

Despite the awesome soundtrack, polished gunplay, and sharp visuals, the game lacked any sort of unique gimmick or edge that makes players keen to come back for more, and that, combined with a rather uninspired progression system, meant this one never quite hit the heights it might have.

First Class Trouble

From one Day One multiplayer flop to another, but in the case of First Class Trouble, at least there was an attempt to provide something engaging to potential players.

First Class Trouble is a social deduction game, akin to the likes of Among Us, and the goal here is to catch the imposters that would dare pose as a first-class resident aboard the ISS Alithea.

In theory, it’s a cool concept with a space-based epic meets Bioshock aesthetic, and the more complex gameplay and tasks within each game is a real boon for anyone that wants more depth than something like Among Us.

However, the game wasn’t all that well-received at launch, and sadly, the developers decided to leave the game to rot, which has led to the game’s slow demise as very few players can be found in the lobbies today.

However, if you can wrangle a few friends to play, this one still has a lot to offer and might just teach you a thing or two about the dangers of classism.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

Contrary to the last two entries, not all the day-one multiplayer games on Playstation launched to a dismal reception, and in fact, Fall Guys probably benefited from the choice to drop on PS Plus just as much as the aforementioned Rocket League, as it got loads of eyes on this zany title.

Fall Guys is essentially if Takeshi’s Castle was a video game, as it places you in a loaded lobby with lots of players, and your goal is to complete a series of tasks and obstacle courses accurately to avoid being eliminated from the game.

So you need to be an astute platformer, a keen puzzle solver, a team player, and even then, one chaotic moment could cost you dearly. But, that’s part of the charm of this incredible Epic-owned hit.

It’s not quite as popular as it was when it first exploded onto the scene, but it’s still well worth checking out if you’re in the mood for some wacky, competitive co-op.

Stray

We all know this game as ‘that cat game’, which took over the internet upon launch, and its day one status on PlayStation Plus certainly helped achieve that monumental status as a ‘break the internet’ game.

While I feel that it’s perhaps a slightly undeserved game of such acclaim, it has to be said that it’s a game that’s better than it has any right to be and far exceeds any other feline-fueled game of its ilk.

The game offers an incredible dystopian setting, a surprisingly touching story, and a runtime that doesn’t overstay its welcome, all wrapped up in the neat little bow that is meme-worthy cat animations.

Sure, the platforming is stilted, and the gameplay lacks a lot of variety, but all in all, it’s an indie game well worth diving into if you get the chance.

Humanity

It’s rare that you see a puzzle game come along that does something truly unique. But, as demonstrated by games like Humanity, sometimes you don’t need to be different; you just need to take an old classic and make it better.

For those unaware, Humanity is essentially a re-imagined, more modern version of Lemmings, where you run around as an ethereal Shiba Inu and guide your humans from A to B.

This starts slowly by simply guiding the slew of humans around basic obstacles, but as you progress, the game really milks this premise for all it’s worth with lots of hazards, environmental obstacles and more to really get those synapses firing and your brain juices flowing.

If you’re looking for a story, you’re barking up the wrong tree here, but if you’re in the market for meticulously crafted puzzle design, then Humanity has this in spades.

Tchia

Tchia was a game that I was immensely excited about ahead of launch, and when I heard that it would be a day-one drop, I was elated, to say the least.

But, as with all games that get immense hype, it can be hard to live up to it, and that was the case with Tchia, which wasn’t the world-beater I had hoped for. However, it still is an indie open-world title with a lot to offer.

With the awe-inspiring New Caledonian setting, the wealth of mini-games, and the Pixar-esque storyline, there is plenty to sink your teeth into here. Plus, the soul-jumping mechanic is one of the most unique traversal mechanics in gaming history.

However, it is a game that is destined to give you open-world fatigue. It’s a game with absolutely terrible combat mechanics, and it’s a little derivative of modern Zelda titles in places. That said, though, even if it is a mixed bag, it’s still worth checking out, in my humble opinion.

Meet Your Maker

As far as the multiplayer games on this list go, this one is easily the most ambitious of them all, and it’s a shame that it didn’t quite take off.

Meet Your Maker was a game cut from the same cloth as games like Super Mario Maker, where players would be able to create deadly obstacle course levels for other players to take on, and then those taking on said challenge would race to get the best time possible.

It effectively combined the creative aspects of a Media Molecule game like Dreams with the intense nature of a first-person shooter, and for all the world, it seemed like a nailed-on hit.

However, due to a high skill ceiling, a terrible ranking system, and a troubled onboarding process, everyone who wanted to give this game a chance was ultimately left annoyed and frustrated, leading to the near-extinct player base today.

Rogue Legacy 2

As a huge fan of the original Rogue Legacy that allowed you to establish your family lineage by exploring, fighting baddies and inevitably dying due to a stupid genetic trait, I was thrilled to see Rogue Legacy 2 drop as a day one title on PS Plus.

I had high expectations for this game to outdo the original in all departments, and to its credit, it pretty much does just that.

It has more custom options, more upgrades, better combat, a wealth of new bosses to take on, and a bigger world to explore. All the while retaining the charm, simplicity and fun factor of the original.

So essentially, it’s everything you could ask from a direct sequel. Its one you could finish in 10-20 hours, but one you’re far more likely to pour 100+ hours into, and that, is a sign of an excellent Roguelike.

Sea Of Stars

Serving as my personal pick for the best PS day one offering ever, Sea of Stars is a JRPG epic set in the same universe as The Messenger, and offers players a retro meets modern adventure that feels like a love letter to Chrono Trigger, and the golden era of JRPGs.

The game is keen to be more than just a Chrono Trigger clone, and knows when to shoot for nostalgia and when to innovate. For example, the game uses retro pixel graphics but with the addition of modern lighting effects. Or you have the classic turn-based combat with the addition of dynamic inputs.

Not to mention, this game weaves a 30+ hour campaign that is chock full of epic boss encounters, memorable moments, corny writing, and everything else you could ever wish for from a classic JRPG.

It’s truly an indie game masterpiece that captures the lightning in a bottle that JRPGs seemed to bottle so frequently in the 1990’s. So, if you want a nostalgia trip with a whole bunch of modern tricks up its sleeve, Sea of Stars is a brilliant option.

Moving Out 2

If you’ve ever played the chaotic co-op game Overcooked, you’ll know that Team17 has some pedigree when it comes to co-op games that will make you lose all your friends in a violent rage.

Overcooked is definitely the flagship franchise in this regard, but Moving Out is a game that plays second fiddle beautifully and offers an equally frantic and fun experience centered around moving houses.

Anyone who has done it will know that it’s a laborious and unenjoyable task, but Moving Out makes it a calamitous and cartoonish blast, and the sequel takes this framework and dials it up to eleven.

It’s all about working fast and efficiently while avoiding all the silly hazards that would stop you from loading the moving van. So, if you’ve milked Overcooked for all it’s worth, this one is a great alternative.

DKO: Divine Knockout

If you’re a PlayStation user and you love fighting games, you’ll likely be acutely aware of the lack of standout platform fighters to play.

This was something that DKO: Divine Knockout sought to remedy, essentially trying to fill the Super Smash-shaped hole over on PlayStation, and initially, it all looked very promising.

The game had a decent roster of balanced characters, an art-style that was reminiscent of games like SMITE, and simple character kits to master, making it all feel accessible.

However, much like the other multiplayer games on this list, the game wouldn’t get the traction it needed, and the developers all but abandoned the project and watched it slowly die.

Thankfully, there are still quite a few indie platform fighters holding down the fort, but it’s a little disappointing looking back, as this could have been something.

Teardown

Ever since the days of Crysis chugging along on your ill-equipped PCs of yesteryear, we all longed for a game where we could blow everything in sight to kingdom come, and Teardown is a game that gives us everything we could ever want.

Using LEGO-adjacent world design and particle physics, players can plan grand heists and destroy literally everything in the scene down to the tiniest molecule as they go about securing the goods.

Think of this one as a much more action-packed and loud take on Shadows of Doubt, as this offers a sandbox world to shape or destroy as you please. Not to mention, it has a pretty nifty campaign mode, too.

It’s a game for all the cool guys that don’t look at explosions. So slip on some black shades and calmly walk away from the demolition you’ve all so willingly caused.

Foamstars

2024 was the year for live service games launching and dying in record time, with Concord taking the gold medal in that race for mediocrity.

However, Foamstars more than held its own in the chase for this unwanted accolade, as this game aimed to be the PlayStation’s own version of Splatoon. However, due to a severe lack of marketing, and the fact that this now Free-to-Play game started life as a $30 game, it failed to attract a strong player base.

It’s a shame, as the gameplay was actually pretty competent and really did feel a stone’s throw away from the Nintendo-exclusive inspiration. However, if you don’t have the numbers as a live service game from the get-go, it’s very hard to steady the ship from there.

But, if you still want to see what this game is all about, you’ll need to act fast, because support ended this month, and that usually means that the servers won’t be long on meeting the same fate.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau

When you commit to a Metroidvania, usually that means you’ll be committing to an insane slog, complete with insanely difficult platforming, bosses, and end-game content.

So, it was very refreshing when Tales of Kenzera came along and offered an all-killer, no-filler approach with a runtime of little over ten hours. However, during this runtime, the game packs in a wealth of storybeats, testing platforming sequences, and lots of tribal folklore, all of which making the game a joy to behold.

It’s a Metroidvania that doesn’t reinvent the wheel, with its most creative gimmick being the ability to switch between elemental skills on the fly to solve puzzles and fight enemies.

However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the game offers a great beginner-friendly entry point to the world of Metroidvanias, all the while offering a touching tale steeped in African culture. It didn’t pull up any trees in the Metroidvania world, but it just might pull at your heartstrings.

Animal Well

When it comes to debut indies, they don’t get much more revolutionary than the likes of Animal Well, a Metroidbrainia that does the unthinkable and actually uses a Metroidvania format to make that stupid genre name make sense.

Animal Well is an enigmatic Metroidvania that places you in a surreal pixel menagerie, and only through exploring, experimenting and problem-solving will you be able to make sense of this alien setting.

The game is full of secrets, meticulously crafted puzzles, and a wealth of items that re-invent the wheel when it comes to Metroidvania powerups.

it’s a deceptively dark, atmospheric, and unapologetically clever title that is easily one of the best day-one offerings ever on Playstation, and it’s well worth playing via the PS Plus catalog today.

The Plucky Squire

Rarely do you get a game that truly captures the feel of childhood whimsy. But, in a year where we had more than our fair share of family-friendly hits, we were gifted The Plucky Squire as a day one PS release.

This game sees you play as Jot, a storybook hero who has been unceremonially kicked out of his storybook by his nemesis, and only by learning how to navigate the real-world beyond your storybook home will you be able to save the day.

This leads to gameplay that meshes traditional top-down Zelda hack-and-slash and puzzles with outlandish 3D platforming and mini-games.

I will concede that the jump between perspectives isn’t always seamless, but the ambition here is incredible, and to deliver a game that lives up to this ambition is quite a feat.

It’s a cozy, colorful, and worthwhile indie game that is well worth playing, and if you have a kiddo to sit down and play with you, all the better, as this is one for the whole family.

Harry Potter Quidditch Champions

Ever since the success of Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup many moons ago, folks have been dying for a Quidditch game. So much so that there was uproar when Quiddich was omitted from Hogwarts Legacy for seemingly no reason.

But, the reason was that this game was in the pipeline, and was going to focus solely on offering an authentic and fleshed out Quidditch experience.

This game did a reasonable job of achieving just that, with a 3v3 setup not too dissimilar to Rocket League, allowing players to choose whether they wanted to play the role of the Seeker, Beater or Chaser.

It’s a game that has seen dwindling numbers since release, but it still has enough life at the time of writing for you to get involved and master flying on a broom. So, jump into the action, and we swear, it won’t end up like that world cup match in the Goblet of Fire, unless you beat me online, in which case, it might.

Dave The Diver

We do have to specify right away that Dave The Diver was very much a smash hit of 2023, so a true day one release this one was not when it arrived on PS Plus in 2024.

However, in terms of this game’s jump to consoles, Dave The Diver was available on day one, and it was a real boon for PlayStation fans, as they already knew they were getting an absolute gem without any need to take a chance on an unknown little indie.

Dave The Diver is a wonderful game that has a dual approach. Half of your in-game day is spent diving and catching fish, and then your evenings are spent serving up these delicious creatures in your local sushi restaurant.

The gameplay loop is excellent, but remains fresh throughout, thanks to the cartoonish writing, the silly mini-games, and the rewarding sense of progression throughout. It’s one of the best cozy indie games of modern times, and one you absolutely need to check out.

Death Note Killer Within

You would think that, with the immense success and eventual rapid decline of Among Us, the era of the social deduction game would be well behind us.

However, as games like Goose Goose Duck have proven, there is still a hunger for party games such as this, and Death Note Killer Within aims to use a beloved anime IP to break the mold and introduce a wealth of new players to the subgenre.

The game places you in two equally matched teams, and through lies, deception, and social niceties, each team will aim to get their hands on the coveted Death Note. Then, from there, you can probably guess the rest.

It’s a game that really captures the essence of the anime and fully leans into the need for mind games and trickery among players. Sure, it’s not a looker, but mechanically,y it’s a star and well worth a look.

Lost Records: Bloom And Rage

For the longest time, Don’t Nod has been trying to capture the lightning in a bottle, which was Life Is Strange, when it first arrived on the scene. However, it seems that after the rather lukewarm latest entry in the storied series, it may be time for it to pass the torch to the new ‘choices matter’ game on the block, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage.

This game feels like a love letter to nineties nostalgia in the same way that Stranger Things was a time capsule sending us all back to the eighties. With small town vibes, dual-timelines to navigate, and a colorful cast to get to know as you explore Velvet Cove.

It’s essentially Life is Strange but with a little more punk-fuelled bite to it, so if you happen to be a fan of Don’t Nod’s story-driven epics, then this is more of the same, and I mean that in the best way possible.