Stardew Valley Meets Zelda In This PlayStation Plus Freebie

A new PlayStation Plus game combines some serious Stardew Valley vibes with Zelda-inspired gameplay for one of the most unique and enjoyable dungeon crawlers you've never played. Each month, PS Plus gets a new crop of games for subscribers, with Extra and Premium members getting even more throughout the month.

One of its latest additions is Moonlighter, an excellent dungeon-crawling RPG that's now available on PS Plus via the Extra tier. While much of the gameplay revolves around exploring Zelda-inspired dungeons, there's a pretty significant life sim aspect to Moonlighter as well, and that's a large part of its appeal.

This PlayStation Plus Freebie Is An Underrated Gem

Give Moonlighter a chance

Moonlighter is an excellent game that deserves more recognition. It combines classic 2D dungeon exploration with an equally chaotic, unpredictable type of gameplay: shop management. In Moonlighter, you play as Will, a young man who runs a local store. In order to keep your shelves stocked, though, you'll need to explore a series of dungeons and bring back the treasure found inside.

There are five procedurally generated, progressively difficult dungeons to explore (although you have to complete the first four in their entirety to unlock the fifth). Each dungeon contains numerous mini-bosses and culminates in a final boss The tougher the enemies, though, the better the treasure, and the more money you'll make when you bring it back to town. Over time, you'll also unlock new crafting recipes that allow you to turn low-level loot into better, more valuable items.

The store management aspect of Moonlighter uses a fascinating system in which you gauge the reactions of shoppers to your stock and prices, then adjust everything accordingly. The more fairly you price your items, the more popular they'll become, and the more customers you'll receive as a result. But if you charge too little or too much, you'll upset the delicate balance of supply and demand, and find yourself unable to move products or losing out on profit.

As you grow your business and unlock new areas, you can also access new services from your fellow townspeople. You can upgrade your weapon, improve your shop, craft potions, and more, powering up your character in both exploration and commerce. The more you succeed in one area, the better chance you have in the other; Moonlighter is all about striking the perfect balance between dungeon-crawling hero and shrewd businessperson.

Moonlighter Is Free To Check Out Now

PS Plus subscribers, download today

Reviewing Moonlighter's iOS release in 2020, Screen Rant's Zackerie Fairfax said, "a fantastic experience" that "manages to retain its authenticity and enjoyability on mobile platforms." Now, if you're a PS Plus Extra subscriber, you can enjoy some of that original authenticity and enjoyability at no additional cost.

PS Plus subscribers can now download and play Moonlighter on PS4 and PS5 via the Game Catalog. You can also pick up the Between Dimensions DLC for just $2.39, a special sales price only available to members.

So, if you're a fan of Zelda and/or Stardew Valley looking for something new to play this weekend, you need look no further than Moonlighter. With a uniquely satisfying gameplay loop, it's one of the most interesting titles on PlayStation Plus today.