The PlayStation Store offers a variety of free content for users, primarily structured around the PlayStation Plus subscription service. This service has evolved over more than 15 years, with its current model focusing on providing free games and additional content to subscribers. While the service no longer supports PlayStation 3 and PS Vita games, it continues to offer free PS5 and PS4 content. The available free content can be broadly categorised into two main areas: a selection of free-to-play games that are permanently available without a subscription, and a rotating catalogue of free games and add-ons accessible through an active PlayStation Plus subscription. The structure and benefits of PlayStation Plus are divided into three distinct tiers, each offering a different level of access to free content.
Understanding PlayStation Plus Tiers and Their Offerings
PlayStation Plus is a premium subscription service that provides members with access to a variety of free content, including games, downloadable content (DLC), and other items. The service is structured into three tiers: PlayStation Plus Essential, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Premium. Each tier offers a different set of features and access levels to free content.
PlayStation Plus Essential
The Essential tier is the foundational level of the subscription. It provides members with a monthly selection of free games, typically three titles that are available for both PS5 and PS4. These games are available for the duration of the member's active subscription. For example, the free games for December 2025 included LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5), Killing Floor 3 (PS5), The Outlast Trials (PS4, PS5), Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5), and Neon White (PS4, PS5). Members can claim these games and add them to their library, retaining access as long as their subscription remains active.
PlayStation Plus Extra
The PlayStation Plus Extra tier includes all the benefits of the Essential tier, plus access to an expansive game catalogue. This catalogue is updated regularly with new additions. For instance, the additions for November 2025 included titles such as Grand Theft Auto V (PS5, PS4), Pacific Drive (PS5), Still Wakes The Deep (PS5), Insurgency: Sandstorm (PS5), and Thank Goodness You’re Here. This tier is designed for players who want a broader library of games to choose from without purchasing each title individually.
PlayStation Plus Premium
The PlayStation Plus Premium tier is the highest level of the subscription. It includes all the benefits of the Essential and Extra tiers, plus access to a Classics Catalogue featuring games from the PS1 and PS2 eras. Additionally, this tier offers exclusive game trials for the latest titles, allowing members to try games before purchasing them. This tier is aimed at enthusiasts who are interested in both modern and classic gaming experiences.
Subscription Pricing for UK Consumers
The cost of a PlayStation Plus subscription varies depending on the selected tier and the payment frequency. The prices are structured to offer better value for longer subscription periods. The following table outlines the subscription prices for each tier as provided in the source material. It is important to note that these prices are listed in US dollars in the source. For UK consumers, prices may vary due to regional pricing, taxes, and currency conversion. Users should check the official PlayStation Store for the most accurate and current pricing in British pounds.
| Subscription Tier | Monthly Price | Quarterly Price | Yearly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS Plus Essential | $9.99 | $24.99 | $79.99 |
| PS Plus Extra | $14.99 | $39.99 | $134.99 |
| PS Plus Premium | $17.99 | $49.99 | $159.99 |
How to Claim Free PlayStation Plus Games
To claim the free games offered through PlayStation Plus, an active subscription to any tier is required. The process for claiming these games is straightforward and can be completed directly on the PlayStation console or through the PlayStation mobile app.
For users with a PS5 console, the process involves the following steps: 1. On the PS5 home screen, hold down the left d-pad button to navigate to the PlayStation Plus tab. 2. Enter the ‘Monthly Games’ section. 3. Select the desired game and choose ‘Add to Library.’
Alternatively, the PlayStation app on a mobile device can be used to claim games: 1. Open the PlayStation app. 2. Tap on the Store icon. 3. Navigate to the ‘Subscriptions’ tab to access the free game offerings.
Once a game is added to the library, it remains accessible for the duration of the active subscription. It is recommended to claim the games each month to build a library of titles that can be played at any time while subscribed.
Free-to-Play Games on the PlayStation Store
In addition to the subscription-based free content, the PlayStation Store features a dedicated section for free-to-play games. These games are permanently free to download and play and do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription. A wide variety of genres and titles are available, catering to different player interests.
Some of the free-to-play games highlighted in the source material include: * Marvel Rivals (PS5) * Where Winds Meet (PS5) * VALORANT (PS5) * Fall Guys (PS5, PS4) * Overwatch 2 – Season 20: Vendetta (PS5) * Brawlhalla (PS4) * Apex Legends™ (PS5) * Fortnite (PS5) * Roblox (PS5) * Genshin Impact (PS5) * Destiny 2 (PS5) * The Sims™ 4 (PS5) * Rocket League® (PS5)
This list is not exhaustive, and the store regularly updates its free-to-play catalogue. These games often support in-game purchases but provide a complete core experience at no initial cost.
Monthly Free Games and Content Updates
PlayStation Plus free games are updated at the start of each month. The service typically offers three games per month, covering both PS5 and PS4 platforms, though the number can occasionally vary. Subscribers are encouraged to claim these games regularly, as they remain in their library for as long as the subscription is active. This provides a cost-effective way to access new games without purchasing them individually.
For example, the free games for January 2026 are listed as: * Need for Speed Unbound (PS5) * Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS5) * Core Keeper (PS5)
Need for Speed Unbound, developed by Criterion Games, is an arcade racer released in December 2022. It features separate single and multiplayer campaigns. The source material also mentions that the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers receive additional game catalogue additions each month. For instance, November 2025 saw additions such as Grand Theft Auto V, Pacific Drive, and Still Wakes The Deep.
It is important to note that the specific games and additions can change monthly, and users should always check the official PlayStation Store or PlayStation Blog for the most current information.
Accessing Free Content on the PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is the central hub for accessing all free content, whether it is a free-to-play game or a title included with a PlayStation Plus subscription. The store interface allows users to browse by category, platform, and subscription status. The "Free to Play" and "Subscriptions" sections are particularly relevant for finding no-cost content.
For users interested in exploring the available free content, the store provides filtering options to view games by platform (PS5, PS4, PS VR2) and to identify which titles are included with a PlayStation Plus subscription. The store also highlights new additions and monthly updates, making it easier for users to discover new free games and content.
Conclusion
The PlayStation Store provides UK consumers with multiple avenues to access free gaming content. The primary method is through a PlayStation Plus subscription, which is divided into three tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—each offering progressively more benefits, including monthly free games, a large game catalogue, and classic titles. The Essential tier offers three free games per month, while the Extra and Premium tiers provide access to an extensive library of additional titles. For those without a subscription, the store hosts a wide array of permanent free-to-play games. Claiming free PlayStation Plus games is a simple process that can be completed on a PS5 console or via the PlayStation app. To ensure access to the latest free games and content, users should maintain an active subscription and regularly check the PlayStation Store for monthly updates.