PlayStation 4: Everything You Need to Know

If you own a PlayStation 4 or are thinking about picking one up, you probably want to know the best games, how to keep it running smooth, and what hidden features you might have missed. This guide breaks it all down in plain language, so you can start playing more and worrying less.

Must‑Play PS4 Games

First off, the games that define the PS4 experience. You don’t need a massive library to have a great time; a handful of solid titles covers most genres.

Action & Adventure: God of War delivers a story that sticks with you, while Spider‑Man lets you swing across New York with buttery controls. Both run at 30 fps, but the world feels alive.

RPGs: The Witcher 3 still tops the list for open‑world depth, and Horizon Zero Dawn adds a fresh sci‑fi twist on tribal combat. Both have performance patches that push them to 60 fps on most PS4 models.

Sports: If you love real‑world competition, FIFA 24 and Madden NFL 24 give you the latest rosters and smoother gameplay. For a more arcade feel, NBA 2K24 offers quick matches that don’t need a lot of setup.

Indie Gems: Don’t overlook titles like Celeste, Hades, and Stardew Valley. They’re cheap, run flawlessly, and provide hours of fun.

Boost Your PS4 Experience

Now that you have a game list, let’s talk about keeping the console fast and getting extra value out of it.

Free up storage: Delete old demos and unused game data. The PS4 lets you move games to an external USB drive – a simple plug‑in that frees up tens of gigabytes.

Enable Rest Mode: Turning on Rest Mode rather than shutting down completely lets the system download updates in the background. You’ll wake up to the latest patches without waiting.

Adjust video settings: If you have a 4K TV, switch to “Performance Mode” in the game settings to prioritize smoother frame rates. For older displays, set the resolution to 1080p to avoid unnecessary processing.

Use the Share button wisely: The quick‑capture feature can create short clips without hurting performance. Set the clip length to 15 seconds for a smooth experience.

Take care of the hardware: Keep the console in a well‑ventilated spot and dust the vents once a month. Overheating can cause lag or sudden shutdowns.

With these games and tweaks, your PlayStation 4 will feel fresh even years after its release. Whether you’re chasing trophies, playing with friends, or just winding down after a long day, the PS4 still offers something for every kind of gamer.

Enjoy the ride, and remember that the best part of gaming is just hitting “Start” and diving in.