Ethan Crossfield 
PS5 players looking for a new game to share with friends have a strong option in Big Walk. House House’s open-world co-op title supports groups of up to 12, adapts its content for smaller lobbies, and currently holds a 92 Metacritic score. That makes it the highest-rated new release of 2026 so far at the time of writing, while its PS Plus availability lowers the barrier to trying it.
What changed for PS5 players
Big Walk is now available on PS5 as a co-op-only experience built around exploration and puzzle solving. Players move through a large open area, work out how to overcome environmental challenges, and unlock additional parts of the world and new features as they progress. The game can be played by two people or expanded to a 12-player lobby, with the experience adjusting to the group’s size rather than requiring a full party.
Its critical reception is the biggest immediate reason to pay attention. Big Walk has earned a 92 aggregate score on Metacritic, placing it above other new 2026 releases so far. The game also uses proximity chat, which suits its shared-world design by allowing communication to develop naturally around players’ locations.
Who should consider playing
Big Walk is a particularly convenient choice for PS5 owners who already have friends interested in cooperative puzzle games. It is one of the current free PS Plus games, and players who claim it by August 31 can keep access as long as they remain subscribed to the service. That arrangement is especially useful for a title that depends on having other people available to play.
There is one important limitation: Big Walk does not include matchmaking. Players must arrange sessions with people they know, so it is less suitable for anyone expecting to find a public group inside the game. On the other hand, crossplay between PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 gives friend groups more flexibility when organizing a lobby.
What comes next for your play session
The game’s standard asking price is $19.99, making it relatively inexpensive even for players who do not use PS Plus. Its cross-platform support further reduces the risk of splitting a group across different systems. House House, the developer behind Untitled Goose Game, also brings an established background in polished puzzle-focused games.
The best way to approach Big Walk is with a planned group rather than as a solo purchase. Players should first check which friends are available, confirm that everyone can access the game, and remember that voice coordination is more useful when the party spreads out across the world. Those conditions line up well, the game’s score and flexible lobby size make it a compelling PS5 co-op release.
What players should know
- Big Walk is available on PS5 and supports two-player sessions through groups of up to 12.
- The game focuses on open-world exploration, environmental puzzles, and unlocking new areas and features.
- It has a 92 Metacritic score at the time of writing, the highest rating among new 2026 releases so far.
- PS Plus subscribers can claim it by August 31 and retain access while subscribed.
- There is no matchmaking, but crossplay works between PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- The regular price is $19.99, and developer House House previously made Untitled Goose Game.
Expert View
Big Walk looks like an easy recommendation for organized groups that enjoy cooperative puzzles and playful exploration. Its high review score, crossplay, and PS Plus availability are meaningful advantages, while the lack of matchmaking is a real constraint for solo players or anyone without a ready-made group. The game is worth claiming or considering at $19.99, but its appeal depends heavily on having friends available for scheduled sessions.
