PlayStation Plus Essential July 2025 Free Games: A Comprehensive Guide to the Anniversary Celebration Lineup

PlayStation Plus subscribers have a significant month ahead in July 2025, marked by the service's 15th anniversary celebrations. Sony has announced a robust lineup of free games for the Essential tier, which will be available to all subscribers across all tiers, including Essential, Extra, Deluxe, and Premium. The promotion runs from July 1, 2025, through August 4, 2025, providing an extended window for users to claim their monthly titles. The July lineup is headlined by a notable collaboration between Sony and Microsoft-owned Blizzard Entertainment, making a major AAA title available at no additional cost to subscribers.

The core monthly games for PlayStation Plus Essential in July 2025 are: - Diablo 4 (PS5 and PS4) - The King of Fighters XV (PS5 and PS4) - Jusant (PS5)

These titles are available for download starting July 1, 2025. A key detail for subscribers is that any PS4 games included in the lineup can also be downloaded and played on PS5 consoles, ensuring full compatibility for users of the newer hardware. In addition to the monthly games, the 15th anniversary event includes special free online multiplayer access for all PlayStation account holders and various discounts on game expansions and titles.

The July 2025 Essential Tier Lineup

The Essential tier games for July 2025 represent a diverse mix of genres, catering to a wide range of player preferences. This selection is available to all PlayStation Plus subscribers, regardless of their specific membership level.

Diablo 4 (PS5 and PS4)

Diablo 4 is the centerpiece of the July lineup. It is a next-generation action role-playing game set in the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary. The game takes place decades after the events of Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls, with the return of Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto and "Mother of Sanctuary," who threatens the world. Players can engage in the campaign solo or with friends, featuring a shared open world. The game supports 2-player local co-op and up to 4 players online.

Once the main campaign is complete, players can continue their journey through various endgame activities, including: - Nightmare Dungeons - World Bosses - Paragon Boards for character customization - Seasonal content updates

The availability of Diablo 4 through PlayStation Plus is particularly noteworthy due to its developer, Blizzard Entertainment, being a subsidiary of Activision, which is now owned by Microsoft. This represents a significant collaboration, making a high-profile title from a competitor's ecosystem accessible to PlayStation subscribers at no extra cost.

The King of Fighters XV (PS5 and PS4)

The King of Fighters XV is a 2D fighting game that continues the long-running franchise. It features a roster of characters and the series' signature team-based combat mechanics. The game is available for both PS5 and PS4, allowing subscribers to enjoy competitive fighting action on either console generation.

Jusant (PS5)

Jusant is an action-puzzle climbing game. It offers a unique gameplay experience focused on ascending a massive tower. The game is available exclusively for the PS5, leveraging the console's capabilities for its atmospheric and mechanical design.

15th Anniversary Celebration Details

The July 2025 game lineup is part of a larger 15th anniversary celebration for PlayStation Plus. The celebration officially began with the release of the monthly games on July 1 and is scheduled to continue until August 4, 2025. Sony has expressed gratitude to its fans for 15 years of support since the service launched on June 29, 2010. The company highlighted its focus on providing access to quality game experiences, online multiplayer access, cloud game streaming, and exclusive PlayStation Store discounts.

Free Online Multiplayer Weekend

To mark the anniversary, Sony offered a limited-time free online multiplayer weekend. This promotion allowed any PlayStation account holder with a PS4 or PS5 to play online without a subscription. The free multiplayer access was available from June 28 at 12:01 a.m. to June 29 at 11:59 p.m. This event provided an opportunity for non-subscribers to experience the online features that are typically exclusive to PlayStation Plus members, with the exception of free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, which do not require a subscription.

Additional Games and Content for Higher Tiers

While the Essential tier lineup is available to all subscribers, sources indicate that additional games and content were added to the Game Catalog for Extra and Premium tier subscribers during this period. These additions supplement the core monthly games.

Announced Additions for July 2025

A more extensive list of games was revealed for the broader PlayStation Plus service, with staggered release dates throughout July: - July 15: - Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (an emotional action-RPG set in 1695 North America) - Bluey: The Video Game (family-friendly) - Planet Zoo (simulation) - Risk of Rain 2 (action) - Tropico 6 (strategy) - New World: Aeternum (MMORPG) - July 22: - Abiotic Factor (a quirky sci-fi survival adventure for up to six players, featuring crafting and co-op gameplay in a research facility overrun by extra-dimensional threats)

Premium Tier Exclusives

PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will receive two classic games from the Twisted Metal series on July 31: - Twisted Metal 3 - Twisted Metal 4

These classic vehicular combat games are being added in anticipation of the second season of the Twisted Metal TV series. Access to these titles requires a Premium tier subscription. The addition of these classics is part of the anniversary festivities, aiming to provide nostalgic value to long-time fans.

Game Details and Context

Understanding the context and features of the games offered can help subscribers decide how to spend their gaming time.

Abiotic Factor

Abiotic Factor is described as a 6-player survival game with a heavy story element. It is a sci-fi adventure where players, as scientists, must survive in a facility compromised by extra-dimensional threats. The game emphasizes crafting, co-op chaos, and a 90s-inspired aesthetic. Its addition on July 22 expands the survival and cooperative gaming options for Extra and Premium subscribers.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

This title is an emotional action-RPG set in 1695 North America. It joins the catalog on July 15, offering a narrative-driven experience focused on supernatural themes.

Cyberpunk 2077

While not part of the Essential tier for July, Cyberpunk 2077 was mentioned in the broader context of the July promotions for Extra and Premium subscribers. It is an acclaimed open-world RPG from CD Projekt Red, set in the futuristic, chaotic sprawl of Night City. Players assume the role of V, a mercenary seeking immortality. The game is known for its deep customization, consequence-driven storytelling, and atmospheric world. For those with higher-tier subscriptions, this is a major addition. Furthermore, a 30% discount on the Phantom Liberty expansion is available until July 23, 2025, providing an incentive for players to expand their experience.

How to Access and Claim Games

PlayStation Plus subscribers can claim the monthly free games through the PlayStation Store on their console or via the official PlayStation website. The process is straightforward for all tiers.

Log In: Sign in to your PlayStation Network account on a PS5, PS4, or through a web browser.
Navigate to PlayStation Plus: Access the PlayStation Plus hub on your console or the dedicated section on the website.
Browse Monthly Games: Locate the "Monthly Games" or "Games Catalog" section (the terminology may vary slightly between Essential and higher tiers).
Add to Library: Select each game and add it to your game library. Once claimed, they are yours to download and play as long as you maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Download: After adding to your library, you can download the games directly to your console storage.

The games for July 2025—the King of Fighters XV, Jusant, and Diablo 4—are available to claim starting July 1, 2025. The window to claim these games typically closes when the next month's lineup is announced, but the August 4 end date for the anniversary celebration provides a clear timeframe for this specific promotion.

Conclusion

The PlayStation Plus service for July 2025 offers a compelling package, centered around its 15th anniversary. The Essential tier lineup, featuring Diablo 4, The King of Fighters XV, and Jusant, provides immediate value to all subscribers. The inclusion of Diablo 4, in particular, stands out as a major event due to its developer's corporate ownership and the game's status as a premium AAA title.

Beyond the core monthly offerings, the celebration extends through a variety of additional games for Extra and Premium subscribers, including major titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Abiotic Factor, and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. The event is further enhanced by the addition of classic titles like Twisted Metal 3 and 4 for Premium members and a limited-time free online multiplayer weekend that was available to all PlayStation account holders. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a concerted effort by Sony to celebrate the milestone anniversary by providing substantial value and diverse gaming experiences across its entire subscriber base.