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

By Tomas Franzese Published December 20, 2024 7:30 AM

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.

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

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.

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As a Gaming Staff Writer at Digital Trends, Tomas Franzese reports on and reviews the latest releases and exciting…

Gaming

3 new PS Plus games you should play this weekend (November 22-24)

The protagonists of GTA V pose for the camera.

This week, we finally got a massive batch of new games added to the PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra game catalogs. It's a fantastic bunch of titles, thanks to the inclusion of some AAA heavy hitters like Grand Theft Auto V, as well as great retro classics, and even some standout indies. As there's a wealth of games to choose from, you might be having some trouble deciding which ones to check out first. I'd start with any of these three titles, which are all among the best games on PS Plus.
Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V needs little introduction, as it's one of the most iconic and bestselling video games ever. If you haven't played it before, know that this is one of the most entertaining open-world games ever made, with a strong main story about three men drawn back into a life of crime. On top of that, there's its nearly infinite online mode. Whether you're concerned with actually completing missions or just want to drive around and mess with the citizens of Los Santos, GTA V offers some of the most fun sandbox gaming available. Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to release sometime in 2025, so now is the perfect time to revisit the last GTA title to better understand the high bar GTA 6 and every other future release from Rockstar Games will need to live up to.

Gaming

3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (November 22-24)

A cockpit view in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

While November has been a quieter month for Xbox Game Pass, this week saw three games launch on Xbox to the benefit of Game Pass subscribers. One is the latest entry in Microsoft's longest-running video game series, another is the long-awaited sequel to a supernatural horror cult classic, and the last one is a popular fantasy MMO that has finally made its way to Xbox Series X/S with bonuses for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, but aren't sure what you should be playing this weekend, these are the three most obvious choices.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Xbox Games Showcase 2024

Before Microsoft started releasing video game consoles, it made flight simulators. This storied hardcore flying simulation franchise is getting a new entry this year, aptly named Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The latest entry in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series builds upon the strong foundation of its revival in 2020. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 not only sees improved environmental simulation, visuals, and physics, but lots of new content as well. There are now missions where players can participate in aerial firefighting, search and research, and more. While the appeal of simulators like this one is someone niche, those looking for a new flight simulator will adore this game.

Gaming

Play these 3 PS Plus games this weekend before they leave (November 15-17)

Key art for Red Dead Redemption 2.

A new batch of games will be added to the PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra game catalogs next week, but many notable games will also leave Sony's gaming subscription service before that happens. Fans of Rockstar Games in particular will be disappointed as two of the studio's games are leaving PS Plus Extra's catalog ahead of 2025, which will potentially see the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. If you own a PS5, aren't picking up Lego Horizon Adventures, and are wondering what you should be playing this weekend, consider checking out any of these games leaving PS Plus.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 Launch Trailer

Rockstar's most recent game as of 2024, Red Dead Redemption 2, is an excellent open-world western. A prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption, it follows Arthur Morgan, who's part of Dutch van der Linde's gang alongside John Marston, as the sun sets on the Wild West and their gang slowly falls apart due to infighting, death, and questionable decisions from leaders like Dutch. It's an amazing story emboldened by a vast open world with a stunning amount of attention to even the smallest details. It's worth a revisit if you need to remind yourself why Rockstar is considered one of the best developers in the game industry and why you should truly be excited for GTA 6. If you don't own it, you don't have much time left to get that refresher for free.

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