It's the holiday season, and that means it is officially one of the best times of year to snag presents. PlayStation users have a huge selection of games to pick from, be it native PS5 titles or PS4 releases that have been out for a while. As tempting as the latest AAA game can be, spending $69.99 is not required to have a good time with a PlayStation console.
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From kid-friendly classics to indie darlings, there are plenty of options for every type of gamer looking to save a few bucks. The PlayStation Store is always running some sort of sale, especially during a year's final stretch, but there are also some games that are always priced below $9.99. These PS4 games might be inexpensive but they are anything but "cheap."
Here are some of the best PlayStation games under $10. A few of the games are also available on PS5, but no PS3 titles will be included since most of those are under $10 by this point.
Updated May 12, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Even though it is considered the "affordable" alternative to setting up a beefy PC, console gaming can be an expensive hobby. Sure, PS Plus provides PS5 owners with a means to access hundreds of games for a monthly fee, but the selection is limited in the grand scheme of things. Free-to-play titles are a valid alternative to premium projects, but even these titles tend to require some investment if someone spends to really get into them. Thankfully, there are some great cheap PS5 and PS4 games.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
VEWO Interactive Inc.
Genre
RPG
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Looking for something similar to Pokemon but don't feel like investing in Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth? If the answer is yes, then Nexomon is the game to consider. This PS5 and PS4 game doesn't hide the fact it is inspired by Nintendo's popular franchise, with the visuals, monster designs, and gameplay all sharing plenty in common with Pokemon; however, Nexomon should not be dismissed as just a cheap clone.
Nexomon's selling point is its massive roster of monsters, most of which have cute and charming designs. The turn-based combat gets the job done, although it does have some balancing issues.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
Digital Dreams
Genre
Puzzle
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Originally released on the PS Vita before being ported to the PS4, Metrico+ is an eye-catching indie game that has a fascinating central mechanic. The environment changes depending on the player's actions; for example, moving to the right could cause a platform to do the same.
This idea is executed quite well by the puzzle platformer, and the game maintains a steady level of difficulty throughout its 4-hour campaign.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Inti Creates
Genre
Metroidvania
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Released alongside Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Curse of the Moon has a convincing case for being the superior game of the two. Inspired by Castlevania's 8-bit era, Curse of the Moon is a short but sweet Metroidvania that pays homage to the classics while modernizing enough elements to qualify as more than just a nostalgia kick.
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With four playable characters, a robust selection of difficulty options, and detailed retro visuals, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon will impress even those people who never played Simon's Quest or Dracula's Curse.
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is even better but costs $14.99.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Innersloth
Genre
Social Deduction
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Among Us has been borderline inescapable for a number of years, and its low price is at least partially responsible for the title's popularity and accessibility. The social deduction game casts players as astronauts trying to complete certain responsibilities within a spaceship; however, some of the Crewmates are secretly Impostors whose goals are to murder and sabotage their way to victory. Everyone else has to complete their tasks or signal out the betrayers.
Easy to grasp but consistently unpredictable, Among Us delivers hilarity and suspense in equal measure. Naturally, as this game is intended for multiplayer, the quality of matches varies depending on the people involved. Still, Among Us can be relied upon for a good time.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Image & Form
Genre
Action-Adventure
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
At the behest of his uncle, Rusty heads to Tumbleton to excavate a mine. Unfortunately, his relative passes away before he can reveal anything, forcing Rusty to dig into the mine to collect materials, fight off some creepy crawlies, and figure out why Tumbleton has fallen on such hard times.
SteamWorld Dig is a confident indie game that accomplishes a lot in its relatively short length. As Rusty trades materials for coins, he can upgrade himself and his equipment, providing the game with a constant sense of progression.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS1
Developer
Japan Studio
Genre
JRPG
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
Yes (Premium Only)
For the most part, the best cheap PlayStation games tend to be short indie titles that can be completed within a few hours. However, there are exceptions. The Legend of Dragoon is a lengthy PS1 JRPG that debuted toward the end of the console's lifespan, which somewhat limited its commercial potential. Despite its release window, Japan Studio's game was more than good enough to attract attention and garner a cult following.
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Over the years, The Legend of Dragoon has steadily become rare, with copies being hard to find and Sony opting to avoid re-releases or remasters. At least, that was the case until 2023 when the decorated JRPG finally made its way to modern consoles in the form of a port. Even though the launch was hardly flawless, the game's newfound accessibility should be celebrated. PS Plus Premium subscribers can give this classic a spin without spending any more cash as well.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
id Software
Genre
First-Person Shooter
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
Yes (Premium)
Once a classic, always a classic. Doom is roughly 30 years old, and id Software's influential first-person shooter is still an absolute blast to play. Sure, nobody is going to mistake it for a modern FPS, but nobody should want 1993's Doom to play like recent games. It is an old-school run-n'-gun shooter done to perfection, one that features some of the strongest and most timeless maps in the genre. Doomguy's weapons are and will forever be satisfying to use, while not being so overpowered that they strip the campaign of any challenge.
Doom 2, Doom 64, and Doom 3 can also be picked up for less than $10. Even if they are not all as highly regarded as their predecessor, they are nevertheless good-to-great first-person shooters in their own right.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
Inti Creates
Genre
Platformer
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Developed by Inti Creates, Blaster Master Zero 2 builds upon the foundations of its 2017 predecessor, which is also available on the PS4 for the same price. The sequel improves in small but notable ways over the first Blaster Master Zero, providing more variety in weaponry and level design. The game is split into a few different gameplay styles, although the majority of the campaign is spent in side-scrolling platforming and top-down action.
Blaster Master Zero 2 is a throwback to retro games, and nostalgia for the Blaster Master NES and SNES classics might influence someone's appreciation for the new titles. That said, Zero 2 is a polished project with charming characters and solid gameplay.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
Night School Studio
Genre
Adventure, Horror
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Five teenagers head to an island for a weekend getaway, only to learn about a creepy myth revolving around a radio. This description could be used to describe dozens upon dozens of horror stories, but Oxenfree is not just another in a long line of gore fests. Despite its somewhat predictable premise, the game sets itself apart by largely focusing on the main characters' relationships, which are molded by the player's choices.
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Oxenfree has very good writing, an interesting story drenched in mystery, and atmospheric visuals. While most people will probably just stick around for one playthrough due to the fairly simplistic gameplay, the title does have some replayability due to offering multiple endings.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
Awfully Nice Studios, 2Awesome Studio, Triangle Studios
Genre
Shoot 'Em Up
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Reminiscent of Super Buster Bros., an arcade classic from the early '90s, The Bug Butcher stars an exterminator who is hired by a research facility to fix their insect problem. Naturally, the only way to get rid of an infestation is to shoot every creepy crawly in the face, which is a lot more enjoyable than it sounds.
Like its spiritual predecessor, The Bug Butcher only lets players shoot up. On the surface, this might sound restrictive, but the game does a fantastic job of introducing new weapons, perks, and enemy types to ensure the process does not grow dull quickly.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS2
Developer
Japan Studio
Genre
3D Platformer
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
Yes (Premium Only)
A lovable classic, Ape Escape 2 made its way to the 2013 console as part of Sony's underutilized PS2 to PS4 project. Only a small percentage of the PS2's library made the cut, and Ape Escape 2 is one of the best games to be featured.
The whole point of Ape Escape 2 is to catch monkeys, with Hikaru having access to an arsenal of gadgets designed to make the process as straightforward as possible. On the surface, this might sound like it should get repetitive quickly, but Ape Escape 2 has such an overabundance of personality that the gameplay doesn't become dull.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Yacht Club Games
Genre
Action-Platformer
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
A prequel to the original Shovel Knight, Specter of Torment chronicles Specter Knight's quest to form the Order of No Quarter, the Enchantress' powerful knights. Primarily split into stages, Specter of Torment is not a rethread of Shovel Knight, and that goes for both the game and the protagonist.
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Specter Knight is a joy to control since his whole stick is executing accurate movement, giving battles a frantic but controlled pace. Fans of Shovel Knight should have a blast with Specter of Torment, while the uninitiated can dip their toes into the franchise with a cheap PS4 game.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Vblank Entertainment
Genre
Action-Adventure
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
Yes (Premium Only)
Available across a wide array of Native PlayStation Platforms, Retro City Rampage DX is an over-the-top parody of old-school gaming and '80s movies. In the main city, the game plays out like the top-down Grand Theft Auto entries, and Retro City Rampage DX matches Rockstar's projects in terms of pure chaos and violence. The map is littered with stages that present a short gameplay diversion, and they often take inspiration from classic genres and franchises.
Retro City Rampage DX is a love letter to gaming's past that also manages to be a fun time for those who did not grow up with the NES or Genesis. As variety is the name of the game, levels fluctuate in terms of quality, but they rarely completely miss the mark. When they land, they hit a bullseye.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Terry Cavanagh
Genre
Puzzle-Platformer
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Released in 2010, VVVVVV is a creative platformer that eliminates one of the genre's staples: jumping. The game revolves around gravity, enabling players to swap the pull's direction, a mechanic they will need to master to overcome each level's obstacles.
On the surface, VVVVVV might look like a traditional 2D platformer, but this core gimmick essentially changes it to a puzzle game. While not particularly long, this indie darling is fun and challenging.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
Treasure
Genre
Shoot 'Em Up
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Regarded as one of the best shmups to ever grace gaming, 2001's Ikaruga has aged like a fine glass of wine. In a genre notoriously known for being unforgivably difficult, Ikaruga makes most of its contemporaries look like walks in the park. Despite its high challenge, the shoot 'em up's tight gameplay means that it rarely feels unfair.
Shmups, in general, are not easy games to recommend to people who are not already fans of the genre. That said, if there is one 2D shooter that can convert a nonbeliever, it is Ikaruga. For $9.99, this game is a steal.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS4
Developer
Adam Robinson-Yu
Genre
Adventure
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Claire, a bird, arrives at a park where she will be spending the day. As she is waiting for an important call, she decides to climb up to the top of the trail in order to get a signal. Along the way, Claire can interact with other travelers who are just going about their day.
A Short Hike is a short and sweet game that encourages players to explore Hawk Peak Provincial Park and seek out NPCs. Claire's journey lasts as long as someone wants it to, and the trip is generally relaxing.
Native PlayStation Platforms
PS2
Developer
Double Fine Productions
Genre
3D Platformer
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
Psychonauts 2 made quite a splash earlier this year, hopefully introducing a whole new audience to Double Fine's creative series. Newcomers who wish to get the full experience should consider picking up 2005's Psychonauts since the PS2 game was ported to the PS4.
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Although dated in a few ways, Psychonauts holds up surprisingly well, particularly its ambitious narrative, awesome characters, and imaginative level design. The gameplay isn't quite as enjoyable as some of the platforming genre's biggest names, but it is more than serviceable.
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
id Software, Nightdive Studios
Genre
First-Person Shooter
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
No
One of 2021's most random surprises, Quake was suddenly released on previous and current generation consoles. The original game helped cement the FPS genre as a staple of gaming, and the remaster goes out of its way to not only do justice by Quake's legacy but also enhance the experience.
This version of Quake is the nicest the game has ever looked, and it comes packaged with a ridiculous amount of content. Along with the base campaign and its mission packs, the remaster includes MachineGames' "Dimension of the Past" and a whole new episode called "Dimension of the Machine."
Native PlayStation Platforms
Developer
Playdead
Genre
Platformer
Available on PS Plus Extra & Premium
Yes (Premium Only)
Limbo is impeccable. Playdead's puzzle-platformer revolves around a child who is trying to find his missing sister, and the indie game makes this intense adventure one to remember. Boasting a stylish aesthetic that complements the grim storyline, Limbo looks great, plays splendidly, and features some truly unforgettable imagery.
This is one of those games that almost everyone should try to play at one point or another. While typically costing $9.99, Limbo is often on sale and can be picked up for much cheaper.
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