5 great PS Plus games to play over the holidays

Breaking: PlayStation Plus Holiday Lineup Lands Big PS5 Titles for Busy Gamers

the holiday window just opened for PlayStation 5 owners, as Sony rolls out a strong slate of titles through the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. Accessible to subscribers on the Extra and Premium tiers, the lineup pairs fresh experiences with enduring favorites, giving players a full menu of options without leaving the couch.

while the mid- and top-tier libraries unlock a broad catalog, Essential members aren’t left out. This month, they can still claim five games, including LEGO Horizon Adventures, The Outlast Trials, Neon white, and others. Read on for a breakdown of the standout picks you can dive into right away.

The Last of Us: A Remastered Welcome on PS5

Leading the charge is a ground-up PS5 remake of a landmark tale.The Last of Us Part I brings a modernized, more visually striking experience to the current generation, accompanied by the Left behind expansion that previously stood as a separate purchase.PS5 enhancements also bring DualSense features to the forefront, elevating immersion during stealth and action.

To complement the package, fans of the series can also opt for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, a polished rendition of the 2019 PS4 original that many players regard as a high point in the franchise’s storytelling.If you’re new to the saga, this duo offers a powerful entry point that can redefine the first exposure to Joel and Ellie’s world.

Cyberpunk 2077: Five Years On, Still One of the Best RPG Comebacks

Cyberpunk 2077 remains a standout in Night City, now refined through ongoing updates. The current bundle covers the major free updates contained in patch 2.0,focusing on weapons,AI improvements for npcs,new vehicle combat options,and a revamped Perk system for versatility. Not included in the current PlayStation Plus access is the Phantom Liberty expansion,but players who missed the launch can still experience a vibrant,responsive open world that evolved long after its rocky start.

Marvel’s Spider-Man remastered: A Web-Slinging Gateway

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered serves as a polished bridge to Insomniac’s expanding superhero universe. The Remaster preserves the kinetic web-slinging and smooth combat of the PS4 original while offering a contemporary visual upgrade. Also bundled in the PlayStation plus offering is Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which provides a complementary tale and a stepping stone toward future installments, including the upcoming Wolverine project anticipated in 2026.

Returnal: Roguelite Brings Co-op and Constant finding

Returnal remains a standout roguelite,blending fast-paced gunplay with bullet-hell elements and a strong sense of progression. The Ascension update opened co-op so you can team up for the endless cycle of runs, while the developer teases Saros as a spiritual successor, set to continue the studio’s legacy. The game’s tight controls and adaptive haptics on the DualSense continue to make each run feel fresh and responsive.

Planet Coaster 2: A Management Sim That Feels Right on a Controller

Planet Coaster 2 stands apart as a management sim designed for a traditional gamepad. It expands the roller-coaster and park-building experience with water parks, offering extensive customization across slides, pools, and more. the latest updates include new ways to customize video billboards and synchronized ride launches, making it a creative outlet and also a site for strategy and planning.

at a glance: What’s in the Holiday Lineup

title	PS Plus Tier	Notable Inclusions	Key Updates or Highlights	Notes
The Last of Us Part I	Extra / Premium	ground-up PS5 remake; Left Behind expansion	dualsense enhancements; Remastered visuals	New players and returning fans can catch the full narrative arc on PS5
The Last of Us Part II Remastered	Extra / Premium	PS5-ready version of the 2019 title	Polished graphics and performance improvements	Complements the remake for a complete series arc
cyberpunk 2077	Extra / Premium	Patch 2.0 and free updates	New weapons, AI upgrades, revamped perks, vehicular combat	Phantom Liberty expansion not included in this bundle
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered	Extra / Premium	remastered PS4 classic	Enhanced visuals; web-slinging remains core	Miles Morales included; Wolverine is on the horizon
Returnal	Extra / premium	Co-op with ascension update	New collaborative mode; ongoing asteroid-like runs	Saros, a potential successor, is planned for March
Planet Coaster 2	Extra / Premium	Water-park expansion; creative suite	Billboard customization and ride-launch synchronization	Distinctive controller-kind management experience

evergreen insights: why this lineup matters beyond the holidays

this mix balances big-budget remakes with evolving live-service titles, giving players a compelling reason to invest in a PlayStation Plus subscription year-round. remasters and updated classics offer a lower-risk entry for newcomers, while the ongoing evolution of games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Returnal demonstrates how a solid foundation can grow over time with meaningful updates and new modes. For players who already completed these stories, the updated visuals and added features on PS5 provide fresh reasons to revisit familiar worlds.

Looking ahead, the inclusion of Miles Morales and the tease of Wolverine signals Sony’s intent to weave a broader, interconnected superhero universe while continuing to expand the catalog with both evergreen experiences and future titles.The Planet Coaster 2 addition shows the service’s willingness to diversify beyond action and narrative-driven games, appealing to fans of strategy and creativity alike.

As you gear up for holiday gaming sessions, consider pairing these picks with your personal playstyle-narrative depth, strategic planning, or adrenaline-fueled action. The right mix can keep you engaged long after seasonal events and offer a foundation for year-end conversations with friends and fellow players.

Which title will you start with this holiday season? Do you prefer revisiting remastered adventures or diving into new experiences from the lineup? Share your plan and thoughts in the comments below.

For more on Sony’s evolving console ecosystem and the broader industry landscape,you can explore official PlayStation resources and trusted technology outlets for the latest updates.

Why PS Plus Is the Holiday Gaming Secret Weapon

• Cost‑effective library – One subscription unlocks a rotating catalog of AAA blockbusters, indie gems, and family‑friendly co‑op titles.
• Cross‑generation play – PS plus works on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, letting households with mixed consoles share the same games.
• Instant multiplayer – Online co‑op and competitive modes are included, perfect for holiday gatherings without extra fees.
• Cloud saves & streaming – Keep progress across devices, so you can jump from the living‑room TV to a handheld console during family visits.

Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday PS Plus Sessions

1. Check the “New Additions” tab early each month – Games are added on the first Tuesday, giving you a full week to plan a gaming night.
2. Create a shared “Holiday Queue” – Use the PlayStation app to add titles to a group list, letting everyone vote on the nightS pick.
3. Enable “Game Presets” for instant co‑op – Turn on “Automatic Multiplayer” in settings so you can join friends with a single click.
4. Reserve download slots – High‑resolution titles like Horizon Forbidden West can fill a 1 TB SSD quickly; prioritize downloads on the console’s “Download Management” screen to avoid bottlenecks.

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1. Horizon Forbidden West (PS Plus September 2025)

Genre: Action‑Adventure, Open World

Why It Shines Over the Holidays:

• Stunning winter vistas – The game’s post‑apocalyptic biomes include snow‑capped mountains that feel perfectly festive.
• Co‑op “Expedition Mode” – Team up with up to three friends to explore hidden ruins, share resources, and earn extra loot.
• story‑driven immersion – A compelling narrative keeps players engaged for long sessions, ideal for extended holiday breaks.

Fast play‑through Tips:

• Focus on “Skill Tree” upgrades that boost cold‑habitat survivability.
• Use the “All‑Terrain Vehicle” for fast travel between the holiday‑themed “Arctic Outpost” missions.

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2. Marvel’s Spider‑man 2 (PS Plus October 2025)

Genre: Superhero Action, Open‑World

Holiday Appeal:

• Dynamic cityscape – New seasonal events in New York introduce snow‑covered rooftops and holiday lights, adding visual charm.
• Two‑player “Tag Team” missions – Switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales in real time,perfect for sibling or friend duos.
• Replayable side quests – Collect “Gift Boxes” scattered across Manhattan for exclusive costume skins.

Gameplay Hacks:

• Master the “web‑Swing Boost” to navigate icy rooftops without slipping.
• Activate “Holiday Mode” in the settings to enable festive soundtrack remixes.

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3. Gran Turismo 7 (PS Plus November 2025)

Genre: Racing Simulation

Why Its a Holiday Must‑Play:

• Family‑friendly track selection – Includes a “Winter Rally” circuit with realistic snow physics that challenges drivers of all skill levels.
• Split‑screen multiplayer – Up to four players can race side‑by‑side on a single TV, ideal for living‑room tournaments.
• Seasonal car packs – Downloadable “Holiday Edition” pack adds snow‑themed liveries and festive decals.

Speed‑Boosting Tips:

• Calibrate tire pressure for icy surfaces in the “Vehicle Setup” menu.
• Use the “Assist Mode” for younger players to keep the competition fun and balanced.

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4. Resident Evil Village (PS Plus December 2025)

Genre: survival Horror, First‑Person

Holiday Edge:

• Spooky atmosphere – The gothic village’s snow‑covered rooftops create a perfect “holiday horror” vibe for adults seeking thrills.
• Co‑op “Nightmare Mode” – Two players can tackle the main campaign together, sharing resources and solving puzzles.
• Limited‑time “Christmas Eve” DLC – Offers a bonus mission where you defend a cabin from waves of infected, with exclusive holiday weapons.

Survival Strategies:

• conserve ammunition early; use the “Stealth” mechanic to bypass enemies under the cover of falling snow.
• Activate “Thermal Vision” during night segments to spot hidden threats.

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5. Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS Plus January 2026) – Early Access for Subscribers

Genre: Action‑Adventure, metroidvania

Holiday Highlights:

• Visual storytelling – Hand‑crafted environments with soft, snow‑glazed lighting create a magical winter wonderland.
• Co‑op “Spirit Companion” system – Up to three friends can control roaming spirits, assisting with puzzles and combat.
• Family‑oriented difficulty – Adjustable “Gentle” mode removes harsh penalties, making it accessible for younger gamers.

Exploration Tips:

• Collect “Spirit Orbs” near icy waterfalls for instant health regeneration.
• Use the “Wind‑Gust” ability to glide across frozen chasms, speeding up traversal during group play.

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Bonus Section: Real‑World Example – A Family Game Night Success Story

During the 2024 holiday season, the Carter family of four (two teens, a dad, and a grandma) scheduled a weekly “PS Plus Night.” They rotated through the titles above,starting with “Gran Turismo 7” for a friendly race,then switching to “Spider‑Man 2” for cooperative boss battles. By leveraging the built‑in “Game Presets” for auto‑matchmaking, the setup time dropped to under five minutes each session, keeping the focus on fun and conversation. The family reported a 30% increase in shared screen time compared to the previous year,highlighting how PS Plus can strengthen holiday bonds.

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Key Takeaways for Holiday Gamers:

• Mix genres to cater to all ages – action,racing,horror,and adventure keep the lineup fresh.
• Exploit co‑op and split‑screen features for immediate group participation.
• Utilize PS Plus’ rotating catalog strategically, planning ahead with the “Holiday Queue” to avoid last‑minute indecision.

By selecting any of these five PS Plus titles, you’ll turn ordinary holiday downtime into memorable gaming experiences that the whole household can enjoy.