Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Features

3 new PS Plus games that you should play this weekend (December 20-22)

By
Frey in Square Enix's Forspoken.
Square Enix.

The latest batch of new PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalog additions was released this week. As a result, PS Plus subscribers have a ton of new options when it comes to what to play as we approach what is many people’s holiday break. Games from this most recent batch are what I’m recommending people check out this weekend. One of the titles is technically a Christmas game, so it’s fitting to play this time of year, while my other recommendations are good options if you’re looking for something to play with others.

Forspoken

Forspoken - Official Launch Trailer

Square Enix’s Forspoken is a high-profile action RPG console exclusive that was released on PlayStation 5 in 2023. While its quip-heavy dialogue definitely isn’t for everyone, the way it incorporates the player’s magical abilities into combat and traversal is truly exhilarating. Dashing through large fields, surfing on top of water, and launching bullet-like streams of rocks at enemies is immensely satisfying. Forspoken’s Isekai adventure technically begins with the main character, Frey, being whisked away from New York City around Christmas. That technically makes this a Christmas game, giving you all the more reason to check it out this weekend.

Recommended Videos

The PS5 version of Forspoken is now available to PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers. It’s also on PC.

Related

Rabbids: Party of Legends

Rabbids: Party of Legends - Launch Trailer | PS4 games

Now that we know that a new Rayman game is in the works, we can appreciate the Rabbids games for what they are: light and breezy kids’ games that are meant to be fun for the whole family. Rabbids: Party of Legends really leans into that as a minigame collection that is meant to be played with others. If you’re looking for a party game to play over the holiday, but don’t own a Nintendo Switch and Super Mario Party Jamboree, then consider downloading and playing Rabbids: Party of Legends.

The PS4 version of Rabbids: Party of Legends is available now as part of the PS Plus Extra game catalog.

PHOGS!

Phogs! - Launch Trailer | PS4

Finally, if you’re looking for a lighthearded, wacky co-op game to play with someone else, PHOGS! offers up a good time. In PHOGS!, you control a pair of dogs linked together by their stretchy bellies and have to complete different platforming and puzzle challenges. Split control of the dogs with another person on the same controller, and you have the makings of a pretty hilarious co-op experience. It’s the perfect kind of game to play with your non-gamer friends to create memorable moments around the holidays.

PS Plus Extra subscribers can play the PS4 version of PHOGS! It’s also available on PC, Switch, and Xbox One.

Topics
Tomas Franzese
Tomas Franzese
A former Gaming Staff Writer at Digital Trends, Tomas Franzese now reports on and reviews the latest releases and exciting…

Editors’ Recommendations

3 new PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (March 21-23)
Sargon leaping with his blades and with blue streaks behind him.

After being spoiled with some massive titles hitting PlayStation Plus Essential to kick off the month, such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the second lineup of new titles is giving us a chance to catch up on some hidden gems that might've slipped us by on release. In all honesty, nearly every game coming to Extra and Premium this month is worth playing, with sports games, Metroidvanias, and indie games all getting representation. Still, we know gaming time is always at a premium so we made some tough calls to give you the three best new games on PlayStation Plus to play this weekend.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
We called Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown an early game of the year contender in 2024 and stand by that statement to this day. This game reimagines the classic action platformer as a Metroidvania in a way that makes us wonder why it hadn't been done years ago. The progression of abilities is perfectly tuned, with plenty of puzzle platforming challenges that test your critical thinking as much as your dexterity. Even the core combat and movement mechanics are tight and satisfying so the simple act of filling out the intricate map is enjoyable. It is both a perfect starting point for newcomers to the genre, while also a deep and challenging experience for veterans who want to find every secret.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S. Switch, and PC.
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles
Okay, the name Bang-On Balls: Chronicles might not immediately inspire confidence in this indie hit, but stick with us. You play as a ball in an open-world 3D action platformer where you are introduced to new mechanics in every level. Loosely based on historical locations, each level is an open hub where you are free to bounce, fight, and explore with your fully customizable ball hero. It is a modern-day revival of the old collect-a-thon genre without any of the downsides. It has enough variety and content to keep you happy alone but is even better in either 4-player online co-op or 2 2-player split-screen.

Read more
3 PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (March 14-16)
The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.

The beginning of March was light in upcoming PS5 games, but the long-delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows is right around the corner. But we still have an entire weekend to fill before it comes out, which is where your PlayStation Plus subscription pays off. The Essential games for March were incredibly strong, but the back catalogue of Extra and Premium games has the perfect selection to get you excited for all the biggest upcoming video games, like Death Stranding 2. Or, it could be the perfect way to find a fun, bite-sized game to hold you over until next week's releases hit and dominate your time. As always, I have hand-selected only the best games in PlayStation Plus for you to play this weekend.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut - Announcement Trailer | PS5, PS4

Even before Shadows was announced, Ghost of Tsushima was touted as being the Japanese AC game that Ubisoft should have made years ago. While that is a reductive way to frame it, there's no denying there are similarities, and the two will be directly compared. Whether you plan on playing Shadows or not, Ghost is a magnificent game that still boasts some of the best graphics on PS5. Exploring the vibrant island of Tsushima as you follow the wind and animals rather than waypoints gives you a deep appreciation for the world you're fighting for. If you missed out on the Director's Cut content, jumping back in for the Iki Island DLC is perhaps the best part of the experience.

Read more
3 new PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (March 7-9)
A dragon in Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Despite this first weekend in March being one hour shorter than any other, PlayStation Plus is giving us some massive games to fill our time with. The games coming to the Essential tier might be some of the best PlayStation Plus games we get all year and are more than enough to hold you over until the next upcoming PS5 game on your wishlist arrives. This includes the inclusion of one very recent PS5 RPG, a collection of classic retro titles, and a remastered entry in a long-running franchise. There's no time to waste this weekend deciding on what games to play, so let us give you the lowdown on the best new PlayStation Plus games to sink your time into.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Launch Trailer

That's right, less than six months after launch Dragon Age: The Veilguard is already being offered on PlayStation Plus Essential. The game suffered from some unnecessary controversy before launch, but the end product is a fun action RPG with great characters and plenty of reasons to invest yourself in this epic fantasy world. You will create your custom character known as Rook who leads the titular Veilguard in a quest to stop two ancient gods from destroying the world. With multiple classes to pick from, weapon types to try, and a lovable cast to grow your relationship with, this is a steal to get as part of your subscription.

Read more