Top Open-World Game Returns to PS Plus

As we roll into the end of May, the lineup for PS Plus might not seem all that thrilling, except for one standout title: Red Dead Redemption 2. After a break of almost two years, Rockstar Games’ epic open-world Western makes a return to the subscription service. If you haven’t conquered it yet, are you ready to try again?

Looking back, a lot of gamers likely already own this monumental game from 2018, given that it has surpassed 60 million copies sold. Yet, if you haven’t had the chance to experience it, now is the perfect opportunity to dive into one of the finest titles from the PlayStation 4 era. Oddly, there’s still no dedicated PS5 version, but that doesn’t take away from its compelling narrative, cinematic flair, and immersive depiction of early American life. It’s both overwhelming and utterly captivating.

Kirk Hamilton, a former editor at Kotaku, captured the essence of the game beautifully in his review, saying, "There is a pulse pumping through this techno-artistic marvel. This game has heart; the kind of heart that is difficult to pin down but impossible to deny. It is a wonderful story about terrible people, and a vivacious, tremendously sad tribute to nature itself. There is so much beauty and joy in this expensive, exhausting thing. Somehow that makes it even more perfect—a breathtaking eulogy for a ruined world, created by, about, and for a society that ruined it."

Taking on the main storyline should take around 50 hours, but for those who choose to savor every moment of its vast landscapes, the experience can stretch to nearly 200 hours. The last time we saw it on PS Plus, it stuck around for four months, which should give you plenty of time to explore.

Now, for what else is joining PS Plus in May 2024? Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t arriving alone on May 21. Here’s the complete list of newcomers:

• Red Dead Redemption 2 | PS4
• Deceive Inc. | PS5
• The Sims 4 City Living | PS4 (expansion only)
• Crime Boss: Rockay City | PS5
• The Settlers: New Allies | PS4
• Stranded: Alien Dawn | PS4, PS5
• Cat Quest | PS4
• Cat Quest II | PS4
• The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame | PS4
• Watch Dogs | PS4

Don’t overlook Cat Quest 1 and 2! Plus, there are three classics joining the Premium tier:

• 2Xtreme | PS4, PS5
• G-Police | PS4, PS5
• Worms Pinball | PS4, PS5

We also have some farewells to make this month, notably to Horizon Zero Dawn, Guerrilla Games’ acclaimed sci-fi open-world adventure. If you haven’t wrapped up Aloy’s initial journey, you’ll need to purchase the game before May 21.

With Horizon Zero Dawn being a first-party Sony hit, it could seem like an odd departure from PS Plus, especially as it sets the stage for Horizon Forbidden West and its expansion, Burning Shores. One theory for its departure is Sony might be gearing up for a PS5 remake. That would be quite unexpected, considering there’s already a fabulous free 60fps update for it, but hey, never say never.

Here’s the full list of what’s leaving in May:

• Abzu | PS4
• Ad1ft | PS4
• Ashen | PS4
• Darksiders: Warmastered Edition | PS4
• Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition | PS4
• Darksiders 3 | PS4
• Darksiders: Genesis | PS4
• Elex | PS4
• Elex 2 | PS4
• Final Fantasy VII | PS4
• Final Fantasy VIII Remastered | PS4
• Final Fantasy IX | PS4
• Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster | PS4
• Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | PS4
• Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition | PS4
• Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition | PS4
• I Am Dead | PS5, PS4
• Jotun: Valhalla Edition | PS4
• Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning | PS4
• Last Stop – PS5, PS4
• How To Survive 2 | PS4
• Minit | PS4
• Monster Jam Steel Titan 2 | PS4
• MX vs. ATV Legends | PS5, PS4
• My Friend Pedro | PS4
• Observation | PS4
• Sundered: Eldritch Edition | PS4
• Teardown | PS5, PS4
• The Artful Escape | PS5, PS4
• The Messenger | PS4
• This Is The Police | PS4
• This Is The Police 2 | PS4
• World of Final Fantasy | PS4
• Wreckfest | PS5, PS4

Though it’s a bit of a gloomy month for PS Plus Extra with such notable exits, at least we have Red Dead Redemption 2 making a comeback.