PS Plus August 2025: Essential, Extra, Premium – New & Leaving Games

Hey fellow PlayStation fans, if you’re subscribed to PS Plus like I am, you know how exciting it is to check out the monthly updates. August 2025 is bringing some awesome additions to the service, perfect for those long summer gaming sessions. Whether you’re into soul-crushing action RPGs, survival epics, or superhero brawlers, there’s a lot to dive into with the new PS Plus games August 2025 lineup.

In this deep dive, we’ll cover all the new games joining PS Plus in August 2025, plus the ones leaving. August 2025 is a busy, very good month for PlayStation Plus member. The Game Catalog is getting crowd-pleasers like Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, a stylish day-one indie (Sword of the Sea), and a pair of classic Resident Evil horrors for Premium. On the other side, unfortunately, some big hitters—The Witcher 3 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, & others—are leaving mid-month, so you’ve got a short time window to finish your playthroughs.

If you’re searching for PS Plus August 2025 hidden gems, best new PS Plus games this month, or games leaving PS Plus August 2025, you’re in the right spot. Let’s jump in and explore the latest PlayStation Plus updates for gamers everywhere.

What is PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus is Sony’s gaming subscription service with three main tiers:

Essential – Monthly free games to keep as long as subscribed.
Extra – Game Catalog with hundreds of downloadable PS5 and PS4 games, rotating monthly.
Premium (Deluxe) – Adds classic games, trials, and cloud streaming.

Each month, new games are added across tiers, and some older titles rotate out.

New Games Added to PS Plus in August 2025

PS Plus Essential Tier (Available August 5, 2025)

DayZ

DEVELOPER NAME: Bohemia Interactive
PLATFORMS: PS4
ADDED ON: August 5, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Essential
GENRE: Survival, Open World

DayZ feels less like a scripted video game and more like being dropped into a tough, unpredictable world where anything can happen. You’re scavenging for scraps, watching your hunger meter, and always wondering if the person you meet will help you or put a bullet in you. It’s brutal, messy, and at times lonely—but that’s exactly why it sticks with you.

✅ What Makes It Great!

True Survival Challenge
Massive Open Map
Realistic Survival Mechanics

Lies of P

DEVELOPER NAME: Round8 Studio
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 5, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Essential
GENRE: Action RPG, Soulslike

Lies of P feels like a dark, twisted take on Pinocchio, throwing you into a creepy city full of murderous puppets. The punishing combat had me sweating through every dodge, but pulling off a perfect counter felt like a rush. It’s a haunting, addictive adventure that kept me glued to the screen.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Gothic World Design
Challenging Bosses
Unique Fairytale Spin

My Hero One’s Justice 2

DEVELOPER NAME: Byking
PLATFORMS: PS4
ADDED ON: August 5, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Essential
GENRE: Fighting, Arena Brawler

My Hero One’s Justice 2 feels like jumping straight into the My Hero Academia anime, with explosive battles that let you unleash wild superpowers. Playing as my favorite heroes like Deku or villains like Shigaraki was a blast, making every combo feel like a big anime moment. It’s chaotic, colorful, and perfect for fans craving action.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Huge Character Roster
Destructible Arenas
Story Mode Adaptation

PS Plus Extra Tier (Available August 19, 2025)

Mortal Kombat 1

DEVELOPER NAME: NetherRealm Studios
PLATFORMS: PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Fighting

Mortal Kombat 1 feels like a bloody, cinematic punch to the gut, rebooting the series with a fresh timeline that’s both nostalgic and new. Playing as classic fighters like Liu Kang and Scorpion, I was hooked by the brutal combos and jaw-dropping Fatalities. It’s a gory thrill ride that kept me mashing buttons late into the night.

✅ What Makes It Great!

New Era Story Mode
Stunning Visuals
Kameo Fighters

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

DEVELOPER NAME: Insomniac Games
PLATFORMS: PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Action-Adventure, Open World

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is a polished next-gen upgrade of the 2018 classic, bringing enhanced visuals, ray-traced reflections, faster loading, and smoother performance. Players step into the shoes of Peter Parker, balancing his life as a young scientist and New York’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Seamless Web-Swinging
Enhanced PS5 Visuals
Emotional Storyline

Marvel’s Spider-Man

DEVELOPER NAME: Insomniac Games
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Action-Adventure, Open World

Marvel’s Spider-Man feels like you’re starring in your own superhero movie, swinging through New York City as Peter Parker with effortless style. The mix of heart-pounding combat and a story that balances heroics with personal struggles pulled me in deep. Every web-swing and villain takedown left me grinning like a kid.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Fluid Web-Swinging
Gripping Narrative
Vibrant Open World

Sword of the Sea

DEVELOPER NAME: Giant Squid
PLATFORMS: PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Adventure, Exploration

Sword of the Sea feels like a dreamy skate across a surreal desert, riding a Hoversword that flows like a snowboard over shifting dunes. As the Wraith, I was captivated by the serene yet thrilling quest to restore a lost ocean. It’s a chill, visually stunning adventure that made me feel connected to the world.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Spiritual Narrative
Fluid, Joyful Movement
A World that Breathes
Artistry & Soundtrack

Earth Defense Force 6

DEVELOPER NAME: Sandlot
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Third-Person Shooter, Action

Earth Defense Force 6 is all about pure chaos and fun—dropping you into huge maps packed with giant bugs, robots, and aliens to blast away. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s the charm; it feels like an over-the-top arcade experience where mayhem is the goal. If you love co-op carnage and big explosions, this is your comfort game.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Massive Enemy Waves
Variety of Classes & Weapons
B-Movie Vibes

Unicorn Overlord

DEVELOPER NAME: Vanillaware
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Tactical RPG, Strategy

Unicorn Overlord feels like commanding a grand fantasy army, leading exiled prince Alain to reclaim his kingdom with strategic battles and heartfelt bonds. The gorgeous hand-drawn art and deep tactics kept me glued, planning every move like a chess master. It’s a sprawling, epic adventure that made me feel like a true leader.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Stunning 2D Visuals
Open-Ended Exploration
Epic Fantasy Story

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

DEVELOPER NAME: Gust
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: RPG, Crafting

Atelier Ryza 3 is the grand finale of Ryza’s trilogy, closing out her journey with her friends in a vibrant, alchemy-driven adventure. The game expands exploration with larger open zones, seamless transitions between areas, and new crafting mechanics that make alchemy more dynamic and rewarding than ever.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Deep Synthesis System
Seamless Open World
Freedom & Customization

Indika

DEVELOPER NAME: Odd Meter
PLATFORMS: PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Adventure, Narrative

Indika feels like a haunting walk through a warped, snowy Russia, where you’re a nun grappling with faith and a devilish voice in your head. The surreal puzzles and eerie story had me questioning reality, blending dark humor with deep thoughts. It’s a strange, gripping journey that stuck with me long after playing.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Unique Puzzle Mechanics
Atmospheric World
Dark Humor & Satire

Harold Halibut

DEVELOPER NAME: Slow Bros.
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Narrative Adventure, Graphic Adventure

Harold Halibut feels like stepping into a handmade claymation movie, where you’re Harold, a janitor on a submerged spaceship. The quirky characters and retro-futuristic vibe pulled me into a heartfelt story about finding home. It’s slow, cozy, and oddly captivating, like flipping through a quirky, animated storybook.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Unique Stop-Motion Aesthetic
Engaging Character Interactions
Cinematic Narrative

Coral Island

DEVELOPER NAME: Stairway Games
PLATFORMS: PS5
ADDED ON: August 14, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Extra
GENRE: Farming Sim, Life Simulation, Adventure

Coral Island feels like a tropical getaway where you’re building a farm and bonding with a vibrant island community. From planting crops to diving into coral reefs, every moment is relaxing yet full of purpose. I loved chatting with the colorful locals and restoring the island—it’s like a sunny vacation in a game.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Eco-Conscious Gameplay
Vibrant Tropical World
Ocean Exploration

PS Plus Premium- Classics (Available August 19, 2025)

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (PS1 Classic)

DEVELOPER NAME: Capcom
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Premium
GENRE: Survival Horror, Action

(Video Credit: szymon)

Originally released on PlayStation in 1999, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is one of the most iconic entries in Capcom’s survival horror series. Players once again step into the shoes of Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape Raccoon City while being relentlessly pursued by the terrifying Nemesis.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Classic Survival Horror
Nemesis as a Constant Threat
Expanded Storyline

Resident Evil 2 (PS1 Classic)

DEVELOPER NAME: Capcom
PLATFORMS: PS4, PS5
ADDED ON: August 19, 2025
PS PLUS TIER NAME: Premium
GENRE: Survival Horror, Action

Resident Evil 2 (PS1 Classic) throws you into the zombie-ravaged streets of Raccoon City as either Leon or Claire, and it’s a nerve-wracking thrill ride. The clunky controls and eerie atmosphere had me jumping at every zombie moan, but surviving felt so rewarding. It’s a nostalgic horror gem that still keeps me up at night.

✅ What Makes It Great!

Dual Campaigns
Classic Survival Horror Atmosphere
Legendary Legacy

Official Source: PS Plus August 2025 – PlayStation Blog Announcement

Games Leaving PS Plus in August 2025

These titles exit the PS Plus Game Catalog on August 19, 2025. After that, you’ll need to purchase them to keep playing. If you’re mid-playthrough, now’s the moment to sprint to the finish.

Game Name	Platform(s)	Tier	Overview
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt	PS4, PS5	Extra/Premium	Vast fantasy world, monster hunting and deep story. Award-winning epic RPG.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor	PS4, PS5	Extra/Premium	Cal Kestis’ next adventure, Soulslike combat, cinematic Star Wars story.
Wild Hearts	PS5	Extra/Premium	Monster hunting in feudal Japan, creative co-op play with Karakuri gadgets.
UFC 5	PS5	Extra/Premium	Realistic MMA simulation, licensed fighters, dynamic gameplay modes.
TopSpin 2K25	PS4, PS5	Extra/Premium	Authentic pro tennis, online tournaments and ranked matches.
Ride 5	PS5	Extra/Premium	High-speed motorcycle racing, deep customization and multiple circuits.
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection	PS4, PS5	Extra/Premium	Anime heroes battle in RPG adventure, co-op and customization.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris	PS4	Extra/Premium	RPG adaptation of Alicization arc, rich combat and character growth.
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet	PS4	Extra/Premium	Shooter-style RPG, custom hero and extensive skill upgrades.
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization	PS4	Extra/Premium	Fantasy RPG in Sword Art universe, real-time combat and story.
Sword Art Online: Lost Song	PS4	Extra/Premium	Flying battles, co-op modes and anime storylines.
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker	PS4	Extra/Premium	4v4 ninja battles, custom characters and online multiplayer focus.
Bugsnax	PS4, PS5	Extra/Premium	Whimsical catching, mystery-solving and quirky snack creatures.
Vacation Simulator: Back to Job	PS4, PS5 (VR)	Extra/Premium	Playful VR minigames, creative job and activity simulation.

Quick Recommendations

Short on time, want instant thrills? Mortal Kombat 1 for fast, flashy matches; Unicorn Overlord if you love tactics but want stylish, session-friendly battles.
Comfy evenings and chill vibes? Coral Island (farm-sim cozy core) or Harold Halibut for a narrative slow burn with a handcrafted feel.
Classic horror fix? Resident Evil 2 and ResidentEvil3: Nemesis in Premium are perfect weekend nostalgia trips.
Missed a PS classic? Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is a must-play if you bounced off it before.