When it comes to gaming on the PlayStation 4 (PS4), one of the most significant considerations for many players is the cost. Games can range from relatively affordable to quite pricey, making it essential for gamers on a budget to find options that offer great value without breaking the bank. The concept of “saving money” can apply in several ways, including games that are budget-friendly from the start, offer extensive gameplay hours (thereby providing more entertainment per dollar spent), include free DLC or updates that extend gameplay, or have seen significant price drops since their initial release.
One of the best strategies for saving money on PS4 games is to look for titles that offer a high replay value, extensive single-player campaigns, or robust multiplayer components. These games can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment, making their cost per hour of gameplay significantly lower than shorter, more linear experiences. Additionally, keeping an eye on sales, discounts, and bundle deals can also help reduce the upfront cost of gaming.
Here are 12 PS4 games across various genres that can help you save money, either by being budget-friendly, offering extensive content, or providing long-term engagement:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition - This action-packed, open-world fantasy role-playing game (RPG) is renowned for its vast open world, intricate storyline, and countless character customization options. With hundreds of hours of gameplay, including the main quest, side quests, and exploration, Skyrim offers incredible value. Originally released for previous generations of consoles, the Special Edition brings updated graphics and all DLCs to the PS4, making it a complete package at a lower cost than buying the original game and its expansions separately.
Grand Theft Auto V - Although released several years ago, Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the most engaging and expansive games available on the PS4. Its single-player campaign is lengthy and full of content, and when combined with Grand Theft Auto Online, the game’s multiplayer component, players can enjoy virtually limitless gameplay hours. Regular updates with new content for GTA Online mean that even years after its release, there’s always something new to do, making it an excellent value for the cost.
Red Dead Redemption 2 - Similar to Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world masterpiece from Rockstar Games. The game features a deep, engaging storyline set in the late 1800s American West, coupled with an expansive open world to explore and a robust online multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online. With a massive open world to explore, a lengthy single-player campaign, and continuous community-driven events in its online mode, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an incredible amount of gameplay for its price.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - This critically acclaimed dark fantasy RPG offers one of the most engaging stories and expansive worlds in recent gaming history. The base game is filled with content, including a deep crafting system, an engaging combat mechanic, and a mature, well-developed narrative. Additionally, the game’s two DLC expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, add dozens of hours of additional story and gameplay, making The Witcher 3 a game that will keep you occupied for a long time.
Minecraft - Minecraft is a sandbox-style video game that has become a cultural phenomenon. Its creative freedom, combined with survival elements and a vast open world to explore, makes it a game that can be played for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. Regular updates with new content and the ability to play with friends online or locally add to its replay value. Minecraft is available at a lower price point than many other games and offers cross-play with other platforms, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a game to play with friends across different ecosystems.
Overcooked 2 - This cooking simulation game is all about teamwork and communication, making it a perfect choice for playing with friends or family. With numerous levels, each presenting a new challenge or obstacle to overcome, Overcooked 2 provides a fun, cooperative gaming experience that’s light on the wallet. Its lower cost and high replayability due to its multiplayer nature make it an excellent value.
Horizon Zero Dawn - Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans live in tribes and must fight against robotic creatures, Horizon Zero Dawn combines elements of action, RPG, and adventure games. Its strong narrative, coupled with a large open world to explore and a variety of machines to defeat, offers dozens of hours of engaging gameplay. The game’s Complete Edition, which includes the Frozen Wilds DLC, provides even more content at a value price.
Destiny 2 - While initially released at a full price, Destiny 2 has transitioned to a free-to-play model for its base game and initial expansions, with later content available for purchase. This first-person shooter with MMO elements offers a vast open world, a variety of playable characters with unique abilities, and a rich sci-fi universe. With regular updates, seasonal events, and expansions, Destiny 2 provides a nearly endless amount of content for players, all starting from a free entry point.
Rocket League - This physics-based sports game combines soccer with high-speed cars, making for a unique and incredibly fun multiplayer experience. With cross-platform play, regular seasons, and a rotation of limited-time game modes, Rocket League offers a high replay value without requiring a significant upfront cost. Its business model, which focuses on cosmetic purchases rather than pay-to-win items, means that players can enjoy the game without feeling pressured into additional spending.
Warframe - Warframe is a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter with sci-fi elements. Players control members of the Tenno, a group of ancient warriors, as they battle against numerous enemies across the solar system. With a vast array of playable characters (each with unique abilities), missions, and gear, Warframe offers thousands of hours of gameplay without any initial cost. The game is supported by cosmetic and convenience item purchases, allowing players to support the game’s development without being required to spend money to enjoy its full depth.
Path of Exile - This action RPG is known for its deep character customization, complex game mechanics, and dark fantasy setting. Similar to Warframe, Path of Exile is free to play, with a business model that focuses on cosmetic items and supporter packs, ensuring that the game can be fully enjoyed without spending a dime. Regular expansions add new story content, gameplay mechanics, and challenges, keeping the game fresh for veteran players.
Dauntless - Dauntless is a free-to-play action RPG that focuses on cooperative play, pitting players against massive monsters in a fantasy setting. With a variety of playable characters and a regular rotation of challenges and events, Dauntless offers a fun, team-based experience without any upfront cost. Its cross-platform play capability means that players can team up with friends regardless of the platform they play on, enhancing its social and replay value.
In conclusion, saving money on PS4 games involves looking beyond the initial purchase price to consider the total value offered by a game, including its replayability, the depth of its content, and any potential for free updates or expansions. By choosing games that provide extensive gameplay hours, robust multiplayer components, or regular updates with new content, gamers can enjoy a rich and varied gaming experience without breaking the bank. Whether through open-world adventures, cooperative multiplayer games, or expansive RPGs, there are numerous options on the PS4 that cater to different tastes and preferences, all while offering great value for the cost.
What makes a game a good value for the cost on PS4?
+A game offers good value when it provides a high amount of replayability, either through a lengthy single-player campaign, extensive multiplayer options, or regular updates with new content. The cost per hour of entertainment is a key factor; games that offer hundreds of hours of gameplay at a lower upfront cost are generally considered better value than shorter games, regardless of their quality.
How can I save money when buying PS4 games?
+To save money, consider waiting for sales or discounts, purchasing games during holiday seasons when prices often drop, or looking into bundles that include the base game and its DLCs at a lower cost than buying them separately. Additionally, free-to-play games and games with robust free content can provide a significant amount of entertainment without any initial cost.
Are free-to-play games on PS4 worth playing?
+Yes, many free-to-play games on the PS4 offer high-quality experiences with deep gameplay, rich narratives, and extensive multiplayer components. Games like Warframe, Path of Exile, and Dauntless provide thousands of hours of gameplay without requiring any upfront cost, making them excellent options for gamers on a budget or those looking to try out a new genre without committing to a purchase.
In the world of PS4 gaming, there’s a game for every type of player and every budget. By considering the long-term value and replayability of a game, rather than just its initial cost, gamers can enjoy a wide range of experiences without overspending. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, strategic multiplayer games, or deep, narrative-driven stories, the PS4 library has something to offer, and with a bit of planning and patience, you can enjoy these games while staying within your budget.
