It’s that time of the month, folks! The March batch of ‘free’ PlayStation Plus Essential games have arrived and are available to download right now.
As usual, this month’s selection is a bit of a mixed bag. However, one of March’s titles certainly stands out as an interesting inclusion.
Of course, if you want to play any of this month’s games, you’ll need a PlayStation Plus Essential subscription. Essential is the bottom tier of Sony’s new PS Plus model, which also features Extra and Premium membership options.
These packages are more expensive but provide players with an extensive catalogue of games to play at no extra cost. Essential simply offers three free games each month, just like classic PS Plus.
Without further ado, check out this month’s games (which are available until Monday 3 April).
March 2023 PlayStation Plus Essential free games
Battlefield 2042 (PS4/PS5)
Yes, Battlefield 2042 was a total mess at launch and remains an ugly stain on the once revered franchise.
However, DICE has pressed ahead with consistent updates for the futuristic first-person shooter and it’s apparently in a better place now.
Season 4 of Battlefield 2042 – called “Eleventh Hour” – launched on 28 February, so now is as good a time as any to give it a try.
With Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 facing significant criticism right now, 2042 may make for a decent alternative.
Code Vein (PS4) – March 2023 PlayStation Plus Essential games
Code Vein is a 2019 action RPG from Bandai Namco. It probably flew under the radar for many when it first launched. But its unique post-apocalyptic setting may make it an attractive offering for fans of role-playing games, despite the mixed reception it received on release.
Multiplayer is also an option in Code Vein. Players can “Team up and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare”.
Its third-person combat was reportedly inspired by Dark Souls, so Code Vein‘s worth a go if you enjoy Soulsborne titles and are looking for something similar.
Minecraft Dungeons (PS4)
Minecraft fans rejoice! There’s something for you this month. Minecraft Dungeons – the dungeon crawler spin-off of the ever-popular sandbox game – is included in March 2023’s PlayStation Plus Essential game line-up.
While it doesn’t feature many of the elements that made the original game so popular – such as building and mining – players can look forward to experiencing a fun hack and slash experience in the Minecraft universe.
Will you give this month’s PS Plus Essential freebies a try? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
