The PS Plus free games for January 2023 are available until February 6, meaning fans have about two weeks as of this writing to claim Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Fallout 76, and Axiom Verge 2. At that time, the PS Plus free games for January 2023 will be replaced with February's selection, which should be revealed around February 1 based on its typical pattern. Of course, PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers don't have to worry about the latest additions expiring soon, though they should keep an eye out for any games leaving the service. The general sentiment right now, of course, is curiosity regarding what February will bring.
January was a solid month, February could be yet another, but March is always exciting for PS Plus. For whatever reason, Sony tends to give away some of the best PS Plus games of the year in March, and while that's something to keep ears to the ground about, February comes first. It's uncertain yet what PS Plus will add next month, but here are some ideas that could do well on the service. There's no predicting which way Sony will go, of course, so fans will otherwise need to wait and see what Sony unveils.
PS Plus Free Game for February 2023: Dead Island (PS4)
Sometimes, PS Plus releases build anticipation for new reveals or releases. This happened, for example, when Battlefield 5 was added ahead of Battlefield 2042's reveal, and most recently, PS Plus' addition of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order ahead of Survivor' s release is definitely intentional. Another game that could benefit from this treatment is Dead Island 2, which is slated to release in April. After 11 or so years, and Dead Island 2 changing hands multiple times, replaying the first one via PS Plus right now would be a good way for fans to see how the franchise has grown. It is developed by a completely different studio from the first one, but the DNA is there, making a replay worthwhile.
PS Plus Free Game for February 2023: Salt and Sanctuary (PS4)
The Soulslike genre has always been popular and, if anything, last year's release of Elden Ring has reinvigorated much of the Soulsborne fanbase. Interestingly, there are a handful of titles that take the Soulslike formula and apply it to 2D games/platformers. One of the best within this specific niche is Salt and Sanctuary, which casts players as a shipwreck survivor who must survive while a centuries-old war surrounds them. Salt and Sanctuary reviews praised it for graphics and gameplay, and a sequel, Salt and Sacrific e, followed it last year. Playing through the original on PS Plus could give fans reason to also check out the sequel, although it wasn't received quite as well, but if nothing else, giving fans another Soulslike game would be welcome.
PS Plus Free Game for February 2023: Tunic (PS4/PS5)
Tunic casts players into the role of the adorable fox in an isometric action-adventure game that wears its Legend of Zelda inspirations on its sleeves. There is some difficulty to it, earning it some comparisons to Dark Souls too, but there is a god mode that makes it much easier for those wanting a cute little journey. Tunic would likely do well as the headliner of PS Plus, just because of the general appeal it has from a gameplay, story, and aesthetic point of view. While there are some complexities tied to it, like reading the game manual, the fact is that Tunic takes everything that inspires and then some to give itself its own identity, making it a worthwhile adventure for anyone.
PS Plus Extra and Premium Games for February 2023
The top tiers have perhaps slowed down in recent months, as the PS Plus Extra and Premium Games for January 2023 amounted to 13 games. Past months featured 20+, but that's natural as the subscription service settles into a more typical pattern and flow. Past months have seen the highest tiers add entire franchises, like the Yakuza/Like a Dragon games and Assassin's Creed, and there are a few other franchises that could benefit from similar treatment. Seeing Dragon Age appear after the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition graced PS Plus Essential would be a nice move, while adding the most recent Monster Hunter games would go a long way for the franchises. (Monster Hunter: World is available for PS5 owners on PS Plus Collection, but not to everyone.)
Meanwhile, there are plenty of classics that should grace the service, and as always, any PSP representation on PS Plus Premium is certainly welcomed. That seems to have picked up a bit more, but either way, any of the following would be great to see added next month (or those that follow).
PS1: Resident Evil 2 (the original), Mega Man Legends, Mega Man Legends 2
PS2: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
PSP: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
PS3: Rayman Origins, Prince of Persia (2008), Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2
PS4: Dragon Age: Inquisition, Monster Hunter: World
PS5: Monster Hunter: Rise, Aliens: Fireteam Elite
PS Plus subscribers get a handful of games every month.