Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Sony has officially revealed the PlayStation Plus Essential games for February, and starting Tuesday, February 3, subscribers on PS5 and PS4 can grab four solid titles across survival, boxing, metroidvania, and modern air combat.
This month’s lineup offers a nice mix of long single-player experiences, skill-based challenges, and something for trophy hunters as well.
Let’s break down what you’re getting.
Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5 & PS4)
One of the highlights of this month is Subnautica: Below Zero, the much-loved survival adventure that sends players back to Planet 4546B, this time exploring its frozen Arctic regions.
Much like the original Subnautica, the core objectives remain the same:
explore, study, and survive.
You’ll gather raw materials, craft tools, build underwater bases, and pilot advanced vehicles like high-tech submarines. The world is filled with strange and beautiful wildlife, but not everything you encounter is friendly — some creatures are best admired from a safe distance.
All classic survival mechanics return here, including managing hunger, thirst, and body temperature, which adds an extra layer of tension in the icy environment. For players who want a real challenge, there’s a permadeath mode, while those who just want to explore can jump into Creative Mode, similar to Minecraft, with no survival pressure.
- Average playtime: ~25 hours
- Platinum trophy: ~10 hours
- Review score: 8/10
A fantastic pickup whether you’re new to the series or returning for another deep-sea adventure.
Undisputed (PS5)
Released in 2024, Undisputed is the first fully licensed boxing game in over a decade, and it shows just how much care went into its development.
The game features both male and female fighters, realistic arenas, and an impressive combat system with 60+ punching styles, detailed stances, and a footwork system designed to closely mimic real professional boxing.
The single-player career mode lets you create your own boxer and rise from backstreet amateur fights all the way to becoming a world title contender. Multiplayer is also available, and while online issues were reported at launch, most have since been patched.
- Campaign length: ~15 hours
- Multiplayer: Yes
- Review score: 70/100
- Platinum trophy: ~30 hours
Be warned though — the platinum is skill-based, with one particularly tough trophy requiring five consecutive online wins, where losses don’t count toward progress.
Ultros (PS5 & PS4)
Ultros is a stylish metroidvania released in 2024, and its art style is the first thing that grabs your attention. If it gives you Hotline Miami vibes, that’s no coincidence — the same artist is involved here.
You play as a space traveler trapped on a strange planet that imprisons a powerful demon named Ultros, and your goal is to stop it from awakening. The game embraces classic metroidvania design, with backtracking, ability upgrades, and exploration, but the combat is far more close-range and punishing than most games in the genre.
Boss fights demand precision, and death sends you straight back to your last save point — no shortcuts.
- First playthrough: ~12 hours
- Completionist run: ~30 hours
- Metacritic score: 79/100
A great pick for players who appreciate challenging combat and bold artistic direction.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4)
Rounding out the lineup is Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, a modern air-combat classic that puts you in the cockpit of some of the world’s most iconic fighter jets.
You’ll pilot aircraft like the F-22 Raptor, F-4E Phantom, and A-10C Thunderbolt II, taking on high-speed missions filled with dogfights, missile locks, and cinematic moments straight out of Top Gun.
The game strikes a nice balance between realism and arcade fun, making it accessible while still rewarding skillful flying. As you progress, your performance improves alongside the jets you unlock.
- Campaign length: ~14 hours
- Platinum trophy: ~50 hours
- Review score: 8/10
If you love fighter jets and aerial combat, this one is a must-play.
Final Thoughts
February’s PlayStation Plus Essential lineup delivers strong variety and real value, especially for players who enjoy single-player experiences. From underwater survival and brutal boxing to psychedelic metroidvania action and high-octane air combat, there’s something here for almost every type of gamer.
Make sure to add all four titles to your library before they rotate out.
