ony revamped PlayStation Plus in 2022, transforming the service into a compelling option for gamers seeking an instant game library through a monthly subscription. This move effectively merged PlayStation Plus with PS Now, a strategic decision given the latter’s initial struggle to overcome a lukewarm reception. Now, players have access to three subscription tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. While the Essential tier primarily offers online support and a handful of monthly free titles, the higher tiers, Extra and Premium, boast an extensive collection of games spanning PlayStation’s history.
Both PS Plus Extra and Premium cater to a wide range of gaming preferences. Their libraries encompass various genres, including open-world, horror, Metroidvania, action, and first-person shooter games, encompassing both AAA and indie titles. While the selection of survival games may not be as vast as other categories, it is noteworthy that the service includes some of the genre’s standout titles.
- Conan Exiles
Upon its initial release in 2018, Conan Exiles faced some challenges. However, Funcom’s survival game has since established itself as a notable player in the online gaming scene. It may not aspire to reach the levels of popularity attained by titles like Overwatch 2 or Fortnite, and that’s perfectly fine. What sets Conan Exiles apart is its challenging and mature gameplay, which incorporates mechanics and concepts that have sparked discussions over the years.
Conan Exiles adheres to the fundamental mechanics of survival games, featuring resource and meter management, intricate crafting, and combat. While primarily designed for online play, the game also includes a story to engage those seeking a single-player campaign experience.
- Dysmantle
True to its name, Dysmantle offers a unique take on the open-world RPG genre set in a post-apocalyptic zombie-infested world. While its setting and storyline may not be groundbreaking, Dysmantle distinguishes itself through its innovative destruction, gathering, and crafting mechanics. These elements combine to create a satisfying and evolving gameplay loop that spans several hours of play.
In Dysmantle, players are encouraged to deconstruct their surroundings to gather resources for crafting essential items. As players expand their arsenal, their ability to manipulate the environment grows, allowing them to dismantle previously resilient structures. Visually, the game employs an isometric camera angle reminiscent of titles like Diablo 3, contributing to its colorful presentation.
- Stranded Deep
Few settings scream “survival” more than a plane crash in the middle of a vast ocean. Stranded Deep embodies the quintessential survival game, excelling in its execution of core survival mechanics. After a crash landing in the Pacific Ocean, players find themselves stranded with only a lifeboat and limited supplies, forcing them to prioritize key survival elements: food, tools, and shelter.
While Stranded Deep offers accessibility options, its true challenge lies in permadeath mode. This mode intensifies the game’s difficulty, making even minor mistakes potentially lethal. Although restarting can be frustrating, permadeath elevates the tension, making Stranded Deep a unique and engaging survival experience.
- Far Cry Primal (Survivor Mode)
Far Cry Primal, set in 10,000 BC, distinguishes itself from the series’ typical entries by eliminating modern weaponry and vehicles, replacing them with primitive tools and rideable beasts. This shift lends a survival twist to the game, even though it retains core Far Cry mechanics. The game prioritizes exploration over an extensive narrative, allowing players to establish their tribe’s dominance in the prehistoric world.
For players seeking a challenge, Survivor Mode offers a significant increase in difficulty. It introduces permadeath for both the player and their animal companions, removes the minimap, implements a stamina bar, limits resources, and enhances the danger posed by predators. Survivor Mode transforms Far Cry Primal into one of the finest survival games on PS Plus, while the standard mode caters to those looking for a prehistoric open-world adventure.
- How To Survive 2
How to Survive 2 delivers a pure survival experience centered around surviving in a zombie apocalypse. Unlike games with complex narratives or rescue missions, How to Survive 2 focuses on exploration, resource gathering, item crafting, and fortifying bases against hordes of undead threats.
The game’s strength lies in its cooperative gameplay, with a mission-based structure that streamlines the survival experience. This change from the open-world approach of its predecessor enhances the overall gameplay and provides a compelling cooperative experience.
- Unturned
Unturned has maintained a surprisingly dedicated player base, particularly on Steam, with over 20,000 concurrent players. While not revolutionary in the zombie sandbox genre, Unturned’s appeal lies in its freedom and flexibility. Players must manage their food, weapons, and radiation exposure in a post-apocalyptic world.
While the PC version benefits from an extensive modding community, the PS4 version remains a decent option, particularly for solo play. Unturned remains one of the standout survival games available through PS Plus Extra.
- Frostpunk: Console Edition
Frostpunk stands apart from typical survival games, as it places players in charge of managing an entire group and city in a harsh, wintry environment. Players must balance productivity and morale while making crucial decisions, such as the placement of buildings to maximize heat distribution.
Frostpunk is unforgiving, especially during its initial stages, where mistakes can have severe consequences. Players must decide how far they are willing to go to ensure the survival of their city, making it a unique and challenging addition to the survival genre available on PS Plus Extra.
