In 2022, Sony decided to revampPlayStation Plus, combining the original service with PS Now. The result was a three-tiered system that permits PS5 and PS4 owners to pick their investment. If someone simply wants to play online, they can get the Essential tier, which also comes with a few games per month. The next level, Extra, grants access to hundreds of PS5 and PS4 games, a selection that is topped up every month. Finally, the Premium tier throws in a vast collection of classic titles from the PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP eras.
This article will prioritizePvP PS Plus gamessinceco-op projectshave their own discussion.
The listed completion times are sourced fromHowLongToBeat. Also, if it exists, a game’s Amazon Listing Page has been included in case someone prefers to pick up a physical copy.
Updated Aug 05, 2025 by Mark Sammut:PS Plus Essential’s April 2025 lineup includes a multiplayer game that is all about PvP, although some teamwork is advised.
PS Plus Essential’s April 2025 lineupconsists of two pretty good single-player games (RoboCop: Rogue CityandDigimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Hacker’s Memory) based on popular IPs that extend beyond gaming. The selection’s final entry is another licensed game, albeit one that is solely a PvP experience.The Texas Chain Saw Massacrefalls under the asymmetrical multiplayer genre, which consists of games that focus on lopsided matches pitting a group of (weak) players against a stronger opponent. While exceptions exist, these projects are generally associated with horror, with the solo player usually taking over some type of monster.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacreshakes things up by offering 4v3 matches, with the former being victims and the latter family members. Anybody familiar with the classic 1974 movie probably knows what to expect, and Sumo Nottingham did an impressive job of paying respect to the classic horror movie. The victims' goal is to simply escape from a map, which is easier said than done when members of the Slaughter family are roaming the area. Conversely, the family’s purpose is to kill all the victims, all the while keeping Grandpa fed.
Although an acquired taste,The Texas Chain Saw Massacreis a pretty decent example of an asymmetrical horror game, and it serves as a welcome alternative to something likeDead by Daylight. The title’s online community is not extremely active, but it is usually possible to find a match. Furthermore, the scene should receive a boost during April due to PS Plus, so this is the best time for newcomers to jump in.
Added to PS Plus Extra just one month after another popular medieval multiplayer game,Mordhauis a bit more niche thanChivalry 2, which is not inherently a bad thing. However, it does mean that matches are not always very easy to find on the PS5, especially since the game’s main community is on PC. Still, Triternion’s title is by no means dead on consoles, and its life will hopefully be expanded greatly by PS Plus.
New players will want to play through the tutorial, which teaches the basics of combat and a few other important details.Mordhauis a difficult game that is primarily played by a dedicated fanbase, so newcomers will need to prepare themselves for a fairly rough opening few hours until they start to get comfortable. The learning curve is steep but not insurmountable, and fun can be had along the way.
In terms of modes,Mordhauhas quite a few options, including a PvE horde that allows six players to join forces. While that is a nice option to have, PvP is the main attraction, and the most popular mode boils down to massive 24v24 battles. Supporting both first and third-person viewpoints, combat demands precision, both in terms of strikes and parries (which vary depending on the chosen weapon). Death comes quickly inMordhau, but that means victory is also always near. While it comes with a learning curve, this is one of thebest PvP PS Plus games.
Medieval warfare has rarely been this fun. At this point in its lifespan,Chivalry 2has a well-established community that regularly ensures its 64-person melees are filled up, allowing for epic battles across an array of maps and modes. Relative longevity can be a double-edged sword in multiplayer games, at least for newcomers who might be interested in taking their first steps onto a battlefield.
The thought of facing off against veterans who have 1000+ hours of experience can be discouraging, butChivalry 2is surprisingly accessible. Just to be clear, beginners will need to overcome a learning curve (and should 100% complete the tutorial) and be prepared to die plenty during their first few matches, which is just part of the process. However, the gameplay is not that overwhelming and does not prioritize realism, creating a system that rewards skill and expertise while still allowing room for upsets.
Most importantly,Chivalry 2is plain old fun. Battles often embrace glorious and hectic madness, and the modes contain enough variety to shake up the core loop. The class system focuses on archetypes rather than unlimited customization, and the options are unlocked gradually to encourage trying out different builds. In terms of thebest multiplayer PS Plus games,Chivalry 2is hard to beat.
Dead by Daylight, an asymmetrical horror game, pits four Survivors against One Killer, with the former needing to turn on generators as they attempt to outlast the night. On the surface, the gameplay loop might not sound all that special, butDead by Daylightkeeps things fresh by frequently introducing new Killersand Survivors.
Each of these characters brings something unique to the plate, requiring players to learn new strategies to take advantage of their chosen figure’s abilities or to counter their opponents. While the game has a dedicated community,Dead by Daylightis still reasonably accessible, even if newcomers might struggle during their first couple of matches.
FromSoftware’s Souls-like projects generally feature multiplayer, even if it is typically optional. Bluepoint Games’Demon’s Soulsremake retains this element, allowing players to take part in either PvP or online co-op sessions. Focusing on the former, players who are in soul form can invade someone else’s game by using a Black Eye Stone. At this point, they will appear as a phantom in the other user’s world, resulting in a fight for survival. The winner is rewarded with souls, and if the invader succeeds, they regain their human form. Only players who are in human form can be invaded, so the PvP aspect can be ignored by just remaining in soul form.
Alternatively, players can use a Red Eye Stone to send a signal to other worlds declaring that they wish to engage in a PvP duel. Once accepted, the player will be summoned to that world as a phantom. A Blue Eye Stone does essentially the same thing, although it is for co-op play rather than PvP action.
Bloodbornealso supports online PvP and co-op.
Debuting more than half a decade ago,For Honorhas more than proven its staying power, and the game’s appeal is not difficult to comprehend. Ubisoft’s title brings together some of the most iconic warrior archetypes from across history – Knights Samurai, Vikings, Wu Lin, and the Outlanders – and pits them in gory battles to determine who reigns supreme. This golden concept is backed by a deep melee combat system that blends immediacy with strategic complexity, permitting fights to feel both spontaneous and fair.
Although there is a single-player campaign that covers the basics of combat, multiplayer is undoubtedlyFor Honor’s reason for being. The game offers a solid selection of modes that permit players to decide whether they would rather work in a team or engage in solo battles. There are more than two dozen heroes available, all of which come with unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses; it might take a few hours, but every player should be able to find a warrior that suits them. Intimidating as this title can be at times, as one of thebest multiplayer games on PS Plus Premium and Extra,For Honoris worth the investment.
There are quite a few racing games on PS Plus Premium, and they cover a wide spectrum of styles. There are arcade racers likeSplit/Second: VelocityandWipEout: Omega Collection, kart classics such asJak X: Combat Racing, and a number of sims that strive for realism above anything else.Assetto Corsa Competizionefalls within the latter category; in fact, even amongracing sims, this game stands out for its unforgiving and grounded nature.
A driver will need to dedicate dozens of hours toward mastering a specific vehicle and track before they should even consider heading online to face off against other players. Thankfully,Competizionecomes with quite a long single-player campaign, so newcomers have something to do while they come to grips with the gameplay. Once they feel comfortable enough to jump online, players can look forward to competitive and clean races.
NetherRealm Studios’Mortal Kombat 11debuted on a polarizing note. On the one hand, the game presents a convincing case for having the deepest combat system in the franchise, one that slows things down to encourage strategic and smart play rather than combo spamming. The single-player story mode is also a ton of gory fun, delivering over-the-top mayhem in a way that onlyMortal Kombatcan. Honestly, the title is worth downloading just for the campaign, especially asMK11approaches the end of its lifespan with the impending launch ofMortal Kombat 1.
Fun as the story is,MK11has lasted for as long as it has due to its multiplayer. Any modern fighting game worth its salt will deliver a robust selection of online modes, and NetherRealm Studios did not hold back in this area. While the selection is not necessarily unique,MK11provides all the multiplayer staples someone might expect. Now, after all these years on the scene, the online sphere is dominated by veterans, which can be off-putting for newcomers. Still,MK11is one of thebest PS Plus multiplayer games.
Despite a somewhat rough launch,Conan Exileshas managed to establish itself as a prominent figure in the online scene, and part of the game’s appeal is its flexibility. At its core, Funcom’s project adheres to the survival genre’s fundamentals, which means a heavy focus on base building and resource management. However, the title also takes ideas from action RPGs for its combat system, along with providing a narrative framework to cater to people who might prefer a more focused experience.
Conan Exilesoffers a few different servers, including an option focusing on PvP. If someone jumps into this version of the game, they will need to prepare themselves for battles with other people, and these encounters can be cutthroat and overwhelming.Conan Exiles' universe is harsh and unforgiving to the weak, and that extends to PvP as survivors with underwhelming gear are unlikely to last long. Similar to PvE, PvP primarily revolves around defending or attacking bases.
PS Plus Extra has bothThe Divisiongames, and while the first title is worth playing due to its unique setting and solid narrative, the sequel is the better pick for multiplayer.The Division 2takes place in Washington D.C. and largely revolves around gang warfare. The central storyline will keep players busy for quite a while as they take on missions either solo or in co-op. Although not a requirement to finish the campaign, the latter is nonetheless one of the RPG’s selling points, especially since co-op highlightsThe Division 2’s versatile character-build options.
The Division 2also supports PvP multiplayer, and this element comes in multiple forms. Players can jump into a quick match through the “Conflict” menu, which offers a range of modes like Team Deathmatch. The map also has a few Dark Zones that revolve around PvP, turning these areas into free-for-alls where death could be around every corner.
