PlayStation Plus March lineup live March 3: PGA Tour 2K25 headlines

Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed the PlayStation Plus Essential monthly free games for March 2026 went live March 3, and members can claim four titles through April 6. The March roster includes PGA Tour 2K25 for PS5, Monster Hunter Rise for PS5 and PS4, Slime Rancher 2 for PS5, and The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road for PS5 and PS4, with Notebookcheck noting "All four games will get added to PlayStation Plus on March 3 and will remain available until April 6."

PlayStation Lifestyle senior editor Zarmena Khan reported the rollout began in Japan and Asia on March 3 and that remaining regions will get the March games at noon local time on the 3rd, writing "March’s free games will go live in the remaining regions at noon local time on the 3rd." PSLS also reminded new subscribers that "A reminder for those jumping into PS Plus for the first time: unlike Extra and Premium games, all Essential games are yours to keep forever and can be accessed any time with an active subscription. You just need to make sure to add the games to your library before the lineup changes."

PGA Tour 2K25 is the headliner for the month, and Notebookcheck spelled out its modes and systems: "This game lets you compete on some of golf’s biggest stages, including major championships. There’s also a MyCareer mode, along with deep customization options and skill trees that can help shape your golfer. The game also includes online multiplayer with ranked and casual modes." PlayStation Universe's Michael Harradence added that leaker Dealabs "was on the mark yet again with the inclusion of PGA Tour 2K25," confirming pre-release leaks matched Sony’s announcement. Gamerant's Joshua Duckworth noted community pushback, writing "There are those that have already voiced their disapproval of one of the free PS Plus games being a sports game," and called the month "a surprise fourth bonus freebie… PGA Tour 2K25, Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, and The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road."

Notebookcheck also outlined combat details for Monster Hunter Rise, saying "This allows players to take the role of a Hunter, tasked with defeating monsters using a wide range of weapons. There are a total of 14 different weapon types to choose from, and you’ll also get help from Palamute companions in combat." TechRadar described Slime Rancher 2 as "a seriously cute game that you 'could play for hours and hours'," and confirmed members across PlayStation Plus tiers can claim the March lineup, reporting availability "starting from March 3 through to April 6" for Essential, Extra, and Premium subscribers.

For context, February’s PS Plus free games also included four titles - Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4) with free DLC, Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5, PS4), Ultros (PS5, PS4), and Undisputed (PS5) - prompting Gamerant to observe "'Twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern' applies to the recent direction of PS Plus' Essential and Extra tiers of games." Claim windows are tight: TechRadar and PSLS reminded members to claim February’s titles by March 2, and the March set must be added to libraries before April 6 to secure permanent access under an active Essential subscription.