PS Plus Premium Games for December 2023 Free: The Ultimate Lineup Guide

Introduction

PlayStation Plus subscribers received an early holiday gift in December 2023 with one of the most stacked game catalog updates of the year. Sony delivered a massive lineup of PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free to subscribers, headlined by the legendary Grand Theft Auto V and the action-packed Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin .

This update brought significant value to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers, offering over 20 titles across both the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. The December 2023 release, available from December 19, featured an impressive mix of AAA blockbusters, indie gems, and beloved retro classics, making it arguably the strongest monthly update of the year .

Whether you’re a longtime PlayStation Plus subscriber or considering upgrading to the Premium tier, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the PS Plus Premium games for December 2023. We’ll explore each title, compare subscription tiers, and help you maximize the value of your PlayStation Plus membership.

The timing was particularly strategic, as the December update arrived shortly after the stunning reveal of the GTA 6 trailer, reigniting interest in Rockstar’s iconic franchise . This created a perfect storm of excitement around GTA V’s addition to the service, allowing new and returning players to revisit Los Santos ahead of the next installment’s anticipated release.

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Understanding PlayStation Plus Subscription Tiers

Before diving into the PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free, it’s essential to understand how PlayStation Plus subscription tiers work. Sony restructured PlayStation Plus in 2022 into a three-tier system, each offering different benefits and game access levels .

PS Plus Essential

The foundation tier provides access to monthly free games, online multiplayer, cloud storage, and exclusive discounts. Subscribers receive three to four games each month that can be added to their library permanently as long as they maintain an active subscription .

PS Plus Extra

This mid-tier builds on Essential by adding the Game Catalog – a rotating library of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games, including Ubisoft+ Classics. Subscribers can download and play any title in the catalog while it remains available .

PS Plus Premium

The Premium tier represents the complete PlayStation Plus experience, combining everything from Essential and Extra with additional features. Premium subscribers enjoy the Classics Catalog, game trials, cloud streaming, and bonus perks like Sony Pictures Core benefits .

Key Benefits of PS Plus Premium:

• Classics Catalog: Access to PS1, PS2, and PSP games

• Game Trials: Time-limited demos of new releases

• Cloud Streaming: Play select games without downloading 

• Exclusive Content: Free avatars and PlayStation Stars points 

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Full List of PS Plus Premium Games for December 2023 Free

The December 2023 PS Plus Premium lineup was announced on December 13 and went live on December 19 . Here’s the complete breakdown of all titles added to both the Game Catalog (available to Extra and Premium subscribers) and the Classics Catalog (exclusive to Premium subscribers).

PS Plus Game Catalog Titles (Extra & Premium)

The Game Catalog additions for December 2023 offered incredible variety across genres, from blockbuster open-world adventures to challenging indie experiences.

PS Plus Premium Classics Catalog

Premium subscribers received exclusive access to these classic titles, representing some of gaming’s most beloved franchises from previous generations.

• Mega Man Legacy Collection (PS4) – Includes Mega Man 1-6 with Museum and Challenge modes 

• Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 (PS4) – Features Mega Man 7, 8, 9, and 10 with bonus content 

• Thrillville (PS4, PS5) – PSP version, build and manage theme parks across 15 areas 

• Thrillville: Off the Rails (PS4, PS5) – Sequel with 34 minigames and enhanced customization 

• Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (PS4, PS5) – Classic PS1 action platformer 

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Feature Comparison Table: PS Plus Subscription Tiers

Understanding the differences between subscription tiers helps you decide which level best suits your gaming needs.

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Detailed Game Overview

Grand Theft Auto V – The Headliner

Grand Theft Auto V stands as the crown jewel of the PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free lineup. Rockstar’s masterpiece, first released in 2013, remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed games ever made. The PlayStation 5 version includes significant enhancements, making it a compelling experience even for those who played the original release .

What Makes This Version Special:

• Stunning visual upgrades with enhanced graphics

• Faster loading times on PS5

• Adaptive trigger support and haptic feedback integration

• Tempest 3D audio for immersive sound

• Exclusive GTA Online content

The game weaves together the stories of three protagonists – Franklin, Michael, and Trevor – in the sprawling open world of Los Santos and Blaine County. In addition to the single-player campaign, GTA Online continues to evolve with regular updates, including a major update that introduced animals to the multiplayer experience in December 2023 .

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

From Team NINJA comes a fresh and gritty take on the Final Fantasy universe. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin follows Jack and his allies, Ash and Jed, on a mission to defeat Chaos and restore light to the world of Cornelia .

Gameplay Highlights:

• Fast-paced action combat with weapon-based movesets

• Extensive job system for character customization

• Co-op multiplayer support for up to three players

• Challenging difficulty options for various skill levels

The game represents a significant departure from traditional Final Fantasy titles, embracing a darker, more mature tone while delivering exhilarating combat inspired by the Nioh series. Its addition to PS Plus allowed many players to experience this unique entry in the franchise for the first time .

Metal: Hellsinger – Rhythm Meets Action

Metal: Hellsinger offers one of the most innovative gaming experiences in the December 2023 lineup. This heavy-metal rhythm-action shooter combines first-person shooting with rhythm mechanics, creating a uniquely satisfying gameplay loop .

Unique Features:

• Shooting on beat enhances damage and intensity

• Dynamic music that intensifies with performance

• Demonic vengeance storyline

• Highly replayable with score-chasing mechanics

Players control “The Unknown,” a part-human, part-demon entity seeking vengeance against The Red Judge. The game’s seamless integration of music and combat creates an experience that feels fresh and exhilarating .

MotoGP 23 – Racing Simulation

For racing enthusiasts, MotoGP 23 delivers authentic motorcycle racing action with all the depth of a full simulation .

Key Features:

• Four championship classes with real riders

• Dynamic weather affecting race conditions

• Cross-play multiplayer

• Local split-screen support

The game’s inclusion in PS Plus represented significant value, offering racing fans a comprehensive MotoGP experience with updated 2023 season content and online competitive play .

Mega Man Legacy Collections – Nostalgia for Premium Subscribers

Premium subscribers received access to the complete Mega Man Legacy Collection experience, spanning the original six 8-bit classics through to Mega Man 10 .

Collection Highlights:

• Faithful reproductions of classic gameplay

• Museum Mode with high-res art and concept pieces

• Challenge Mode with remixed gameplay segments

• Time trials and online leaderboards

These collections serve as both a nostalgia trip for longtime fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers to the classic platforming series.

Shadowrun Series – Tactical RPG Excellence

The December update included all three modern Shadowrun titles, offering exceptional value for fans of tactical RPGs .

• Shadowrun Returns: The game that revived the cyberpunk-meets-fantasy franchise

• Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut: A standalone expansion with a 20+ hour campaign

• Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition: The third installment with a 6+ hour bonus campaign

All three games deliver deep turn-based combat, rich storytelling, and meaningful character choices in a unique fusion of cyberpunk and fantasy genres .

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Statistics and Trends

The December 2023 PS Plus Premium games lineup represented Sony’s commitment to delivering significant value to subscribers. According to industry analysis, PlayStation Plus saw substantial growth in 2023, with the service adding over 37 games to the Essential tier alone and hundreds more across Extra and Premium .

Key Statistics:

• 2023 PS Plus Essential Additions: 37 games valued at over $1,000 in retail price

• First-Party Titles Added: Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, and more 

• Day-One Indie Additions: 7 indie games launched directly on PS Plus in 2023

• Game Catalog Annual Value: Over 100 AAA and indie titles added across the year 

Industry Context:

• PlayStation Plus subscription prices increased in September 2023, with Essential rising to £59.99/year 

• The December lineup was widely praised as one of the strongest monthly updates of the year

• Grand Theft Auto V’s addition came at a strategic time, following the GTA 6 trailer reveal 

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Pros and Cons of the December 2023 Lineup

Pros

1. Exceptional Value: The combined retail value of the December 2023 PS Plus Extra and Premium games exceeds $300, making the subscription cost extremely worthwhile 

2. Genre Diversity: From open-world action and racing to rhythm shooters and tactical RPGs, the lineup offers something for every gaming preference 

3. Quality Over Quantity: While the number of games was impressive, the quality was even more remarkable, with multiple critically acclaimed titles 

4. Strategic Timing: GTA V’s addition following the GTA 6 trailer created significant excitement and renewed interest in the franchise 

5. Retro Value: Premium subscribers received exceptional value with the Mega Man Legacy Collections and other classic titles 

Cons

1. PS4 Focus: Many games, including Mega Man 11, were only available on PS4 without native PS5 versions 

2. Subscription Tier Confusion: Some players were unsure which titles were available at which tier, with Premium-exclusive classics 

3. Removal Concerns: Game Catalog titles are subject to removal, meaning some games may not remain available permanently 

4. Price Increase Impact: While the lineup was strong, it came after a price increase that made the subscription more expensive 

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Maximizing Your PS Plus Premium Experience

To get the most value from your PS Plus Premium subscription, consider these strategic approaches:

Essential Tips for Subscribers

• Claim Monthly Games Immediately: Essential games are only available for a limited time. Add them to your library each month even if you don’t plan to play them immediately 

• Prioritize Downloading Game Catalog Titles: These may be removed from the service eventually, so play them while they’re available

• Explore the Classics Catalog: Premium subscribers often overlook older titles, but games like the Mega Man Legacy Collections offer exceptional value

• Try Game Trials Before Buying: Premium’s game trial feature lets you sample new releases before committing to purchase 

• Watch for Removal Announcements: Sony announces games leaving the service so you can prioritize them 

Potential Internal Linking Topics

• Best PS Plus Premium Games of 2023

• How to Upgrade from Essential to Premium

• PS Plus vs. Xbox Game Pass Comparison

• PlayStation Plus Free Games Guide for 2024

• Top Indie Games on PS Plus

Suggested External Resources

• Official PlayStation Blog for PS Plus announcements

• PlayStation Store for game descriptions and trailer links

• GameSpot and Eurogamer for game reviews and coverage

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Trending FAQs

What are the PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free?

The PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free include Grand Theft Auto V, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, MotoGP 23, Metal: Hellsinger, Salt and Sacrifice, Moonscars, Mega Man 11, Gigabash, Grime, Tinykin, Prodeus, and the complete Shadowrun trilogy in the Game Catalog. Premium subscribers also get exclusive access to Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 & 2, Thrillville, Thrillville: Off the Rails, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command in the Classics Catalog .

When were the PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free available?

The PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 were announced on December 13 and became available on December 19, 2023 . PlayStation Plus Essential monthly games for December (LEGO 2K Drive, Powerwash Simulator, and Sable) were available from December 5 to January 2 .

Is GTA 5 free on PS Plus Premium?

Yes, Grand Theft Auto V was included in the PS Plus Game Catalog for both Extra and Premium subscribers starting December 19, 2023 . This was a major addition to the service, making the legendary open-world game accessible to subscribers without additional cost .

What are the PS Plus Premium classics for December 2023?

Premium subscribers received exclusive access to Mega Man Legacy Collection and Mega Man Legacy Collection 2, Thrillville, Thrillville: Off the Rails, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command . These titles represent a mix of PS1, PSP, and PS4-era games, offering diverse retro gaming experiences .

Are the PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free permanent?

Game Catalog titles added through PS Plus Extra and Premium are available for as long as Sony keeps them in the service. Essential monthly games, however, are permanently tied to your account as long as you maintain a PS Plus subscription . For the December 2023 Game Catalog titles, there’s currently no confirmed removal date, but subscribers should prioritize playing them if concerned about potential removal.

How many games were added to PS Plus Premium in December 2023?

A total of 19 games were added across PS Plus Extra and Premium in December 2023 . This includes 14 Game Catalog titles and 5 Classics Catalog titles, making it one of the largest monthly updates of the year .

Is the December 2023 PS Plus Premium lineup worth it?

Yes, the December 2023 PS Plus Premium lineup offers exceptional value. With headliners like Grand Theft Auto V, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, and Metal: Hellsinger alongside beloved classics, subscribers received games worth hundreds of dollars in retail value . Industry analysts praised the lineup as one of the strongest monthly updates of 2023 .

How do PS Plus Premium games differ from Essential?

PS Plus Premium games include everything from Essential (monthly free games, multiplayer, cloud storage) plus access to the Game Catalog (hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games), Classics Catalog (PS1, PS2, PSP games), game trials, and cloud streaming . Essential only provides the monthly free games and basic features .

Can I play PS Plus Premium games offline?

Yes, most PS Plus Premium Game Catalog and Classics Catalog games can be downloaded and played offline once installed, though you’ll need to connect to the internet periodically to verify your subscription . PS Plus Essential monthly games also work offline after downloading.

Will these games remain on PS Plus Premium forever?

No, Game Catalog titles are subject to removal as Sony refreshes the catalog each month. While some games stay for extended periods, others may leave after several months . Classic Catalog titles also rotate occasionally, so subscribers should check the PlayStation Blog for removal announcements.

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Conclusion

The PS Plus Premium games for December 2023 free lineup represented Sony’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to subscribers across all tiers. With Grand Theft Auto V leading an impressive roster that included Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, Metal: Hellsinger, and the complete Shadowrun trilogy, PlayStation Plus delivered one of its strongest monthly updates of the year .

For Premium subscribers, the exclusive Classics Catalog additions of Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 & 2, Thrillville titles, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command added substantial nostalgic value, making the upgrade from Essential or Extra particularly compelling .

Whether you’re revisiting Los Santos in GTA V, exploring the dark fantasy world of Final Fantasy Origin, or discovering the innovative rhythm-shooting mechanics of Metal: Hellsinger, the December 2023 PS Plus lineup offered something for every type of gamer. The strategic timing, following the GTA 6 trailer reveal, made this update especially exciting for the PlayStation community .

For new and existing subscribers, these games represent not just temporary entertainment but a significant return on investment for the subscription cost. As the gaming industry continues embracing subscription models, December 2023 stands as a prime example of PlayStation Plus’s potential to deliver both quantity and quality in its monthly updates .

Don’t miss out on future PS Plus updates – bookmark the official PlayStation Blog, follow gaming news outlets, and ensure your subscription is active to claim these incredible titles before they’re gone.