PS Plus March Drop: Is It a Spellbinding Haul or Just More Potions for the Backlog?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
This month's PS Plus lineup is a curious mix, with the acclaimed Monster Hunter Rise leading a diverse pack that includes the charming Slime Rancher 2, the surprisingly deep PGA Tour 2K25, and a colossal Elder Scrolls Online collection, promising a bit of magic for every gamer's backlog.
Right, so another month, another round of PlayStation Plus reveals. It’s like a monthly digital lottery, isn't it? You’re there, hovering over the announcement, wondering if Sony’s pixies have conjured up something truly magical or just, well, another golf game. No shade on golf, mind you, but my wand usually points towards dragons and intergalactic farming. But hey, let's dive into what's brewing for March, because even golf can be a surprisingly deep rabbit hole if you let it.
First up, the big one, the headline grabber, the beast that devours countless hours: **Monster Hunter Rise** for both PS5 and PS4. Now, this absolute behemoth has been lauded as one of the most accessible yet deepest entries in the series, a perfect blend of high-octane combat, gorgeous environments, and those utterly addictive crafting loops. If you’ve ever seen those incredible clips of hunters riding Palamutes into battle or swinging through the air with Wirebugs, but felt intimidated by the franchise’s notorious learning curve, this is your moment. It streamlines a bunch of the older mechanics while still giving you that epic feeling of taking down colossal creatures with nothing but your wits and a ridiculously oversized sword. It's truly a marvel, and if you haven't experienced the thrill of a successful hunt, prepare to lose a significant chunk of your spring to it. It’s got that “just one more hunt” magic.
Then we swing (pun intended, maybe) into **PGA Tour 2K25** for PS5. Ah, the sports entry. Every month needs one, it seems, to balance out the monster slaying and slime wrangling. For those of you who find solace in the meticulously rendered greens, the perfect swing mechanics, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-placed putt, this is your jam. I reckon it’s the sort of game you might download on a whim, thinking it's just background noise, and then accidentally find yourself utterly consumed by the pursuit of virtual golf perfection. Don't knock it till you've shanked a drive into the digital rough, mate.
Next, something a bit more my speed: **Slime Rancher 2** for PS5. Now, this one sounds like an absolute delight, described by some as both 'glorious' and 'ghastly' in equal measure – a delightful paradox if you ask me. Imagine a duvet-soft archipelago filled with thick waving grass, sun-warmed rocks, and dreamy coastal vistas. It's all about exploring, capturing adorable (and sometimes weirdly dangerous) slimes, and building up your own alien ranch. The 'ghastly' part probably comes from the sheer addiction of resource management and expansion, the relentless pursuit of more slimes, more upgrades, more... everything! It's got that wonderful chill vibe with just enough underlying complexity to keep your brain happily whirring. A perfect palate cleanser after a stressful day of, say, fighting a Rathalos.
And for the truly committed, the adventurers who never want their quests to end, we have **The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road** for PS5 and PS4. Now, this isn't just a game; it's practically a whole new digital continent. ESO has been plugging along for years, providing a persistent slice of Tamriel for millions of players. The 'Gold Road' collection likely bundles a massive chunk of content, including the latest expansion, offering new zones, quests, and lore to sink your teeth into. If you've ever wanted to explore Tamriel with friends, or just get utterly lost in a sprawling fantasy world without having to worry about an ending, this could be your new home. Fair warning, though: diving into an MMO can be like stepping through a portal into another dimension – time behaves... differently.
Now, while we’re busy planning our monster hunts and slime ranches, let's not forget the digital door that’s about to close on some other fantastic titles. You’ve only got until Monday, March 2nd, to snag **Undisputed**, **Subnautica: Below Zero**, **Ultros**, and **Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown** before they vanish from the service. So, if any of those have been sitting in your 'maybe later' pile, now's the time to cast that download spell!
So, what’s the verdict, mate? A magical haul with something for everyone, or a bit of a mixed potion? PlayStation Plus continues to be that interesting monthly experiment, a constant influx of games designed to fill our backlogs to bursting. It's a neat way to discover titles you might have overlooked or to finally jump into a franchise you've been curious about. This month feels like a solid offering, especially with a heavy-hitter like Monster Hunter Rise leading the charge. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear the distant roar of a Zinogre... or maybe that's just my kettle boiling. Time to brew up some more thoughts on these digital wonders.
Tags: PlayStation Plus, Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, Elder Scrolls Online, Gaming Subscriptions
Original article: Eurogamer