August 2025 marks a milestone as PlayStation Plus turns 15 and Sony is pulling out all the stops. From soul-like adventures to adrenaline-fueled fighters and nostalgic horror throws you’ll want to clear your download queue this month.

Essential Tier (Available from August 5)

Members at the Essential level can download these three diverse titles at no extra charge starting August 5 through September 2:

• Lies of P (PS4, PS5) – A dark souls-like action game inspired by Pinocchio, praised for its fresh take on the genre.

• DayZ (PS4) – A tough-as-nails multiplayer survival game, pitting players against zombies and other survivors in a post-apocalyptic world.

• My Hero One’s Justice 2 (PS4) – A vibrant 3D arena fighter based on the popular My Hero Academia anime.

Plus, subscribers can snag exclusive 15th-anniversary avatars featuring fan-favorite franchises like Cyberpunk 2077and God of War Ragnarök.

Extra & Premium Tiers (Available from August 19)

For Extra and Premium subscribers, the Game Catalog explodes with high-profile releases:

• Mortal Kombat 1 (PS5) – A reboot with powerful story twists, brutal Fatalities, and refined combat — free for PS Plus subscribers starting August 19.

• Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered (PS5) & Marvel’s Spider-Man (Game of the Year on PS4) – Experience New York through the eyes of a seasoned Spider-Man defending the city.

• Sword of the Sea (PS5, day-one release) – A surfing-hoversword adventure from the creators of Journey, Abzû, and The Pathless, set in a beautifully desolate world.

• Earth Defense Force 6 (PS4/PS5) – Dive into massive alien-blasting warfare, solo or co-op, in this explosive shooter.

• Unicorn Overlord, Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key, Indika, Harold Halibut, Coral Island — a lineup rich with tactical RPGs, indie gems, and heartfelt adventures.

Premium-Only Highlights

Premium subscribers also gain access to retro horror with Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (PS1 classics) and can try out Death Stranding 2: On the Beach via a 5-hour Game Trial (progress carries over if bought later).

Quick Summary in Text

Tier: Essential
Available From: August 5
Highlights: Lies of P, DayZ, My Hero One’s Justice 2

Tier: Extra/Premium
Available From: August 19
Highlights: Mortal Kombat 1, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea, Earth Defense Force 6, Unicorn Overlord, Atelier Ryza 3, Indika, Harold Halibut, Coral Island

Tier: Premium-Only
Available From: August 19
Highlights: Resident Evil 2 (PS1 classic), Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (PS1 classic), Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (5-hour trial)

Why This Month’s Catalog Stands Out

• Genre variety at its finest: From fighters and action-adventures to charming indie and survival titles.

• Exclusive day-one release: Sword of the Sea goes live right into the catalog—rare and exciting.

• Thrill and nostalgia: Mortal Kombat 1 delivers blockbuster fighting action, while Resident Evil remakes serve nostalgia for Premium users.

• Subscriber-centric offerings: Free trials, avatars, new titles—you get more than just downloads.

Maximize Your August PlayStation Plus Picks

1. Don’t delay: Essential games drop August 5—grab Lies of P, DayZ, and My Hero One’s Justice 2 quickly.

2. Plan your play: August 19 brings the big guns—try Sword of the Sea for something artsy, or drop into Mortal Kombat 1 for fast, brutal combat.

3. Try before you buy: Premium subscribers should give Death Stranding 2: On the Beach a shot and carry over progress into the full game.

4. Claim your swag: Don’t miss those iconic avatars celebrating 15 years of PlayStation Plus.

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