a wider library of perennial titles. Following the usual release schedule, PlayStation Plus revealed its three free games for December 2024 just a few days before the month began.

This December, all PS Plus subscribers will be able to access Aliens: Dark Descent, Temtem, and It Takes Two, according to the official PlayStation Blog. Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by EA, It Takes Two is a unique co-op adventure game that took home the GOTY trophy at The Game Awards in 2021. It beat Metroid Dread, Psychonauts 2, Resident Evil Village, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart in its category. It also won Best Multiplayer Game at the Golden Joystick Awards that year (and was nominated for GOTY), along with two BAFTAS for Multiplayer Game and Original Property.

It Takes Two is a co-op adventure for two players who take on the roles of Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce. When a misguided wish by their alienated daughter causes them to shrink down to the size of handmade dolls, they're forced to survive a series of existential perils within the tiny, unseen world of their suburban home, hoping that if they sufficiently impress the suave and sentient relationship book Hakim, he'll break the curse and return them to normal.

December's PS Plus Games Are A Strong Lineup

It Takes Two, Aliens: Dark Descent, & Temtem

But It Takes Two is far more than a touching journey that transforms the mundane into the magical - it also happens to be an excellent adventure game. Each level features a unique mechanic, and gives each player half of the controls. Over the course of seven chapters, they'll have to master not only the intricacies of their own new abilities, but also the complications of working together, as they solve puzzles, fight bosses, and unlock hidden mini-games.

Aliens: Dark Descent is an entirely different kind of experience, but still worth checking out. It's a top-down, real-time tactical strategy game, in which you'll have to command various squadrons of space marines as they fight against terrifying Xenomorphs. Mechanically, it's simple, but it's also spine-tinglingly tense and hair-raisingly difficult. It's excellent for fans of the Alien franchise, or anyone who loves a challenge in general.

Temtem is also entirely distinct from the other two games this month. It's a creature-collecting MMO that lands somewhere between Pokemon and Palworld. Players collect a variety of cute, cartoon creatures throughout a colorful open world, then pit them against other players' teams in 2-on-2 battles. Its seamless multiplayer mechanics set it apart from similar games, and fans of the genre will certainly find a lot to love about it.

Screen Rant's Take: It Takes Two Is The Perfect PS Plus Addition

It's The Perfect Time Of Year For Casual Co-Op Gaming

It Takes Two is the perfect game for PS Plus, primarily because PS Plus is an excellent way of distributing a game that can only be played by two. By putting it out at no additional fee, it's virtually guaranteed that every player who receives a copy will know at least one other person who owns it.

It Takes Two can also be played in local split-screen co-op.

But beyond that, as we hurtle into the holiday season, everyone and their mother is looking for a cozy, casual, multiplayer game to settle into. They need look no further than It Takes Two. It's as much a game for couples as it is a game for close friends, family , and other loved ones.

Although May and Cody's relationship is romantic in nature, the game's themes center on the general concept of togetherness in all its forms: collaboration, mutual , and shared ion. It's the perfect time of year to feel the warm and fuzzy feelings that It Takes Two evokes, which makes this the perfect time for it to come to PlayStation Plus.