As 2025 kicks off, the gaming world is already buzzing with excitement about some of the most anticipated PlayStation 5 releases of the year. Titles like Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Grand Theft Auto VI are poised to define the PS5 gaming experience in 2025. If you’re a PlayStation Plus Extra subscriber, there’s even more reason to celebrate: the predecessors to these blockbuster titles are readily available in the subscription service’s extensive game catalog. This makes now the perfect time to dive into these iconic games and immerse yourself in their rich worlds as you prepare for their highly anticipated sequels. Here’s why these classics should be at the top of your must-play list to start the new year.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Sucker Punch Productions is set to release Ghost of Yotei later this year, bringing us another stunning open-world action-adventure game set in Japan. Although it’s not a direct sequel, playing Ghost of Tsushima beforehand is a great way to prepare for the experience. Ghost of Tsushima, the studio’s previous title, quickly established itself as a hallmark series for Sony, thanks to its breathtaking visuals and immersive world. The Director’s Cut, enhanced for the PS5, remains one of the most visually impressive games on the platform. While the story and gameplay might not resonate with everyone, fans of games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage or Red Dead Redemption 2 will likely appreciate its realistic and atmospheric open world. Exploring Ghost of Tsushima will not only deepen your appreciation for Sucker Punch’s craftsmanship but also give you insight into the foundation upon which Ghost of Yotei aims to evolve and improve.
The PS4 and PS5 versions of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut are available to PS Plus Extra subscribers. It’s also on PC.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut
Hideo Kojima, the legendary game designer, is set to release a sequel to his critically acclaimed 2019 game, Death Stranding, later this year. Titled Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the teasers so far have been as enigmatic and narratively complex as fans would expect from Kojima, making it a great time to revisit the original game’s lore.
The best way to prepare for the sequel is by playing the first game. Luckily, Death Stranding is accessible to a wide audience. Both the original PS4 version and the enhanced Director’s Cut remaster for PS5 are available through PS Plus Extra. The Director’s Cut, which features expanded content and enhanced visuals, is also available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
While its unique blend of survival horror, world-building, and package-delivering gameplay isn’t for everyone, Death Stranding remains a groundbreaking interactive experience that showcases Kojima’s unparalleled creativity. Whether you’re a returning player or new to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)
Grand Theft Auto VI is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated video games in history, with its launch expected this fall. If you’re eager to revisit the franchise before its release, now’s the perfect time to dive back into its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V. Available in the PS Plus Extra Game Catalog for PS4 and PS5, GTA V remains a masterpiece in open-world gaming. Its gripping single-player campaign and dynamic sandbox environment still offer hours of entertainment.
Meanwhile, GTA Online has grown into a massive live-service platform, rivaling juggernauts like Fortnite and Call of Duty, with countless updates and features that continue to attract players worldwide. The impact of the GTA series on the gaming industry is immense, often taken for granted, making now an excellent opportunity to relive the story and experience what makes it a cultural phenomenon.
You can enjoy Grand Theft Auto V on a variety of platforms, including PS4, PS5, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Whether you’re replaying it or experiencing it for the first time, it’s a great way to prepare for the arrival of GTA VI.