Best Multiplayer Games On PS Plus Extra & Premium

In 2022, Sony decided to revamp PlayStation 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.

While there are exceptions, anyone looking to play an online PvP game will likely need to subscribe to PS Plus Essential. The Extra and Premium tiers provide all the benefits found in the lowest tier, but they also include quite a few competitive titles that make use of that online accessibility. The available selection also covers a reasonably wide range of genres, so most people should be able to find something that interests them. Here are the best multiplayer PS Plus games.

This article will prioritize competitive games since co-op PS Plus projects have their own discussion.

The listed completion times are sourced from HowLongToBeat. Also, if it exists, a game’s Amazon Listing Page has been included in case someone prefers to pick up a physical copy.

Dead By Daylight

Metascore: 64

Dead by Daylight, an asymmetrical horror game, pits four Survivors against One Killer, with the former needing to turn on generators as they try to outlast the night. On the surface, the gameplay loop might not sound all that special, but Dead by Daylight keeps things fresh by frequently introducing new Killers and 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 Daylight is still reasonably accessible, even if newcomers might struggle during their first couple of matches.

Conan Exiles

Metascore: 68

Despite a somewhat rough launch, Conan Exiles has 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 Exiles offers 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.

Tekken 7

Metascore: 82

Tekken 7 is the most recent entry in Bandai Namco’s iconic franchise, although its sequel has been already announced. Tekken is synonymous with the PlayStation brand as the series was a staple of the PS1 and PS2 eras, producing some of the greatest fighting games of all time. Nowadays, the 3D fighter is a well-established property that delivers reliable and polished experiences, even if it sometimes struggles to eclipse other heavyweights like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.

Tekken 7 is nearing the end of its relevancy, and one can expect that most of its active community will migrate to its successor once that project hits store shelves. That said, there is still a lot to enjoy here, and the game is always good for a couple of matches. The single-player content is fine for the most part, but it largely serves as a tutorial for online contests. While the lobbies are hardly jam-packed with players, it should still be possible to find the occasional opponent.

Demon’s Souls (2020)

Metascore: 92

FromSoftware’s Souls-like projects generally feature multiplayer, even if it is typically optional. Bluepoint Games’ Demon’s Souls remake 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.

Bloodborne also supports online PvP and co-op.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Metacritic: 83 (PS3 Version)

GTA 5 was a massive hit when it debuted in 2013, and its popularity has hardly waned over the last decade. The single-player campaign is highly regarded and has played a significant role in maintaining the game’s success; however, GTA Online is Rockstar’s true moneymaker, and the mode has received regular updates since its debut. GTA 5 and its online spin-off are both on PS Plus Extra, and combined, they provide a near-unbeatable experience that can keep someone engaged for potentially years.

Set in Los Santos, players get to explore a massive sandbox while sharing the world with 29 other users. The map is littered with both PvP and PvE content, and GTA Online caters to competitive and co-op fans, granting a holistic experience that can satisfy most needs. Although interacting with other players is a central part of the experience, GTA Online does allow for solo sessions, so it can even be treated as a more direct extension of the single-player campaign.

Street Fighter 5: Champion Edition

Metascore: 82

With the release of Street Fighter 6, its predecessor became almost impossible to recommend, a reality that went beyond the natural progression of new releases. Street Fighter 5 garnered a fairly negative reputation due to its launch version containing barely any single-player content, and while things improved somewhat over the years, the game never fully reached a spot where it offered much to players who just wanted to jump into a few modes on their own. Generally, most fighting games are primarily multiplayer experiences, but very few modern releases prioritize their competitive scene as much as SF5; that said, casual players should still be able to have a decent time with the title.

Nowadays, the player base has dwindled considerably, and the ones that are still playing tend to be pretty good. SF5 does have a ranking system, so players should be largely going up against people who are at their level, although newcomers should probably ignore their win rate and just enjoy the ride. For all its issues, SF5‘s combat system was always on point, and the game is still fun to play despite now being an outdated model. Along with online multiplayer, the fighter also (obviously) supports local PvP, making it a valid pick for a random Tuesday night when a few friends are over.

For Honor

Metascore: 78

Debuting more than half a decade ago, For Honor has 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 undoubtedly For 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 the best multiplayer games on PS Plus Premium and Extra, For Honor is worth the investment.

Gigabash

Metascore: 73

Gigabash is an exciting prospect on paper and in execution. A Kaiju-themed arena brawler, the game brings together a respectable selection of fighters inspired by heavyweights in the massive monster and sentai sphere. The story campaign highlights four monsters, granting players an opportunity to rampage through a few locations while taking on a few other members of the roster. While it has a short shelf life, this mode works well enough as an introductory option, and if someone plans to stick to solo play, they should be able to get a few hours of fun. However, Gigabash is undoubtedly designed to be enjoyed in multiplayer, be it co-op or competitive. The former allows players to team up to engage in glorious monster mashes; meanwhile, the competitive portion supports up to four participants. The PvP mode supports team-based matches or just a standard survival of the fittest.

Gigabash‘s online scene has never been overflowing with activity, although it is not impossible to find matches either. That said, someone’s mileage will vary depending on their location and time of play. Consequently, the local multiplayer option is more dependable and generally amounts to a more consistent and enjoyable time. Admittedly, it might be difficult to bring together a group of people specifically to play Gigabash, but it could be fun to play a few matches in between more popular party games.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

Metascore: 85

Destiny 2 comes with an asterisk since its PvP, the Crucible, is generally not regarded as one of the game’s main selling points. The mode centers around playlists that offer a few permanent and cycling options, so Guardians always have some variety at their fingertips. Stuff like Control and Survival are staples, while modes like Iron Banner are available on occasion. Over the years, Destiny 2‘s PvP has garnered its share of criticism as it often does not get a lot of attention from Bungie (for instance, the Crucible was largely ignored by 2023’s Lightfall expansion); nevertheless, some fun can be had in these modes.

Ultimately, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is primarily worth playing for its story and PvE content, and the campaign can largely be played as part of a team. The PvP is just something extra on the side for those who want to shake things up, although there are players who spend the majority of their time in the Crucible as well.

Assetto Corsa Competizione

Metascore: 85

There are quite a few racing games on PS Plus Premium, and they cover a wide spectrum of styles. There are arcade racers like Split/Second: Velocity and WipEout: Omega Collection, kart classics such as Jak X: Combat Racing, and a number of sims that strive for realism above anything else. Assetto Corsa Competizione falls within the latter category; in fact, even among racing 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, Competizione comes 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.

Mortal Kombat 11

Metascore: 82

NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat 11 debuted 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 only Mortal Kombat can. Honestly, the title is worth downloading just for the campaign, especially as MK11 approaches the end of its lifespan with the impending launch of Mortal Kombat 1.

Fun as the story is, MK11 has 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, MK11 provides 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, MK11 is one of the best PS Plus multiplayer games.

Civilization 6

Metascore: 86

Civilization 6 is primarily known as a single-player game, which makes sense since a campaign can last a very long time. Nevertheless, Firaxis’ beloved turn-based strategy masterpiece supports both coop and PvP, and players can go up against their friends or strangers. Even though the latter is a valid option, there are a couple of things that work against it. Lobbies are still active, but newcomers will probably find themselves matching up with relatively experienced players. More importantly, since every match is a considerable time investment, people are more likely to drop out if the tide turns against them; conversely, a bad rollout might immediately put a participant on the back foot that makes it nearly impossible to catch up.

Issues aside, Civ 6‘s multiplayer can be a lot of fun, especially when played with a few friends. The game gives players a decent amount of options so they can tailor a match to suit their preferences. It is also possible to include AI opponents to create a fuller contest rather than just a straightforward one vs. one affair.

Tom Clancy’s The Division 2

Metascore: 82

PS Plus Extra has both The Division games, 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 2 takes 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 highlights The Division 2‘s versatile character-build options.

The Division 2 also 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.

Tetris Effect: Connected

Metascore: 93

Tetris Effect adapts the classic arcade game for modern consoles, delivering a faithful experience with a gorgeous presentation and a unique twist courtesy of a focus on music along with the implementation of zones. The vanilla version’s single-player content is great but Connected elevates the package’s value through its implementation of multiplayer. The game supports PvP and co-op, enabling players to decide whether they want to lift each other up or drag their opponent down.

Connected has a range of multiplayer modes, including a throwback to old-school Tetris that eliminates most of the game’s modern flourishes. The cooperative options are also a ton of fun and make great use of Tetris Effect‘s unique ideas.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Metascore: 87

Usually, fighters that have been out for a few years can be inaccessible to newcomers since their bases would largely consist of veterans and experts, but Arc’s Dragon Ball FighterZ has a relatively low entry barrier for beginners. Compared to the developer’s other anime fighters, this release streamlines its controls and mechanics. More importantly, the single-player campaign teaches the basics quite well; in fact, players who plan to play through the story should skip the practice mode as they will be taught the same stuff.

That is all well and good, but none of it would matter if Dragon Ball FighterZ was not great. Even though PS Plus Extra is hardly lacking in fighters, Arc’s project stands out from the crowd through its visuals and addictive gameplay loop. The title looks just as good, if not better, than its animated source material, particularly when a character executes a super attack. The combat is fast-paced but manageable, all the while offering more than enough depth for people who want to master the game’s nuances.

Metascore: 74

Although it launched to a somewhat mediocre reception, The Elder Scrolls Online is staring down a decade of success. Since 2014, the MMORPG has produced seven expansions, most of which were positively received by the community. Now, anyone looking to get the full experience will need to purchase the additional content individually or pick up the Necrom Collection, which contains the base game and all the currently released chapters (but not any future expansions). Due to the necessary investment, it does not make too much sense to not own the base game, especially since a copy can typically be found for a fairly low price.

So, what is the value of having ESO on PS Plus Extra? Primarily, its inclusion allows people who are on the fence to try out the game without having to drop any extra cash. They can sample the four base classes and experience the early quests and exploration. Although most of the expansions eclipse the vanilla content, the latter is still of high quality and serves as a more than adequate sample of the game’s fundamental mechanics. The project requires a PS Plus subscription regardless of whether someone owns a physical copy or not, so newcomers might as well give it a try before committing to the life-consuming MMO.

Wreckfest

Metascore: 79

Wreckfest is such a blast, especially for anyone who has been yearning for a new FlatOut or Destruction Derby game. Along with traditional races, Wreckfest has modes that task drivers with staying in one piece, something that is easier said than done when there are almost two dozen cars barreling directly at the player.

Wreckfest comes with a robust single-player campaign, one that accomplishes a lot more than just getting people accustomed to the game’s style of play. While local co-op isn’t available, Wreckfest does support online play, so players can look forward to destroying drivers from all around the world.

Riders Republic

Metascore: 77

Riders Republic seemingly came and went without making too much noise, which is typically a death sentence for an online-driven package like this. Fortunately, Ubisoft’s open-world game allows most of its content to be experienced with either other players or AI, so Riders Republic can still be enjoyed even during spells when there are not too many people online. Ubisoft has also supported the game well since its debut; for example, a March 2023 update added hoverboards.

Extreme sports games are rare in this day and age, and while not flawless, this 2021 release is a more than competent entry in the genre. Riders Republic includes a few different disciplines, tons of content, and a visually stunning environment to explore. As far as multiplayer games are concerned, this one is quite a relaxing and low-stress option.