The PlayStation 4 (PS4) remains one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world, boasting a library of thousands of titles. Whether you are a new owner or a long-time player, understanding the different types of games available and how to manage them is key to a great experience. This guide covers the best games to play, where to find them, and how to get the most out of your console.
Understanding PS4 Game Formats
When looking for PS4 games, you generally have two choices: physical discs or digital downloads. Both formats have specific benefits depending on your preferences for storage and convenience.
Physical Games are traditional discs that you insert into the console. One major advantage of physical games is that you can trade them in, sell them, or lend them to friends. They also often go on sale at local retailers.
Digital Games are purchased directly from the PlayStation Store and stored on your console’s hard drive. These are convenient because you do not have to swap discs to change games. However, digital games cannot be resold or traded.
Top PS4 Game Recommendations by Genre
The PS4 library is diverse, offering something for every age group and interest. If you are unsure where to start, these highly-rated titles are excellent choices for any collection.
Action and Adventure
- God of War: A cinematic journey through Norse mythology featuring intense combat and a deep story.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: An open-world game that lets you swing through New York City as the iconic superhero.
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End: A fast-paced adventure focused on treasure hunting and platforming.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: A massive open-world fantasy game with hundreds of hours of content.
- Persona 5 Royal: A stylish, turn-based game that blends high school life with supernatural battles.
- Horizon Zero Dawn: A unique story about a world overrun by robotic creatures.
Family and Kids
- Ratchet & Clank: A colorful and humorous space adventure suitable for all ages.
- LittleBigPlanet 3: A creative platformer that allows players to build their own levels.
- Minecraft: The world-famous building game that encourages endless creativity and exploration.
How to Buy PS4 Games at the Best Prices
Building a game library can be expensive, but there are several ways to find deals. Knowing when and where to shop can save you a significant amount of money over time.
The PlayStation Store hosts frequent seasonal sales, such as the “Days of Play” or “Holiday Sale.” During these events, even major titles can be discounted by 50% or more. You can add games to your “Wishlist” on the store to receive notifications when they go on sale.
Buying used games is another effective strategy. Many gaming retailers and online marketplaces offer pre-owned discs at a fraction of the original price. Since PS4 discs are durable, buying used is generally a safe way to expand your library.
PlayStation Plus: A Subscription for More Games
PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) is a monthly subscription service that provides several benefits to PS4 owners. Depending on the tier you choose, it can be a cost-effective way to access many games at once.
The Essential tier provides a few free games every month that you can keep as long as you remain a subscriber. It also allows you to play games online with friends and provides cloud storage for your game saves.
The Extra and Premium tiers offer access to a large catalog of hundreds of PS4 games. This is similar to a streaming service for movies, allowing you to download and play any game in the catalog without buying them individually.
Managing Your PS4 Storage
Modern PS4 games are large, often requiring between 30GB and 100GB of space. Because the console’s internal hard drive can fill up quickly, you may need to manage your storage effectively.
To see what is taking up space, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage. From here, you can delete games you are no longer playing. Deleting a game will not delete your progress or “save data,” which is stored separately.
If you need more space, you can use an external hard drive. By plugging a compatible USB 3.0 drive into your PS4, you can format it as “extended storage” and install games directly onto it. This is the easiest way to store hundreds of games at once.
Playing PS4 Games on a PlayStation 5
If you decide to upgrade to a PlayStation 5 (PS5), you do not have to leave your PS4 games behind. The PS5 is backwards compatible, meaning it can play almost every PS4 game ever made.
If you have physical discs, you can simply insert them into the PS5 disc drive. If you have digital games, you can download them from your library on the new console. In many cases, PS4 games actually run better on the PS5, featuring faster loading times and smoother performance.
Safety and Parental Controls
For parents, the PS4 offers robust tools to ensure children are playing age-appropriate content. Every game has an ESRB rating (such as E for Everyone or M for Mature) printed on the box or displayed in the digital store.
You can set up “Family Management” in the console settings. This allows you to restrict games based on their age rating, set spending limits on the store, and even limit the amount of time a child can play each day.
Conclusion
The PS4 offers one of the most impressive collections of entertainment available today. By understanding the difference between physical and digital formats, utilizing subscription services like PS Plus, and managing your storage, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Whether you prefer epic adventures or simple family fun, there is a PS4 game for everyone.
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