Is it worth free? — PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium Game Catalog July 2025

As PlayStation Plus celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, we at GamingTrend (or more accurately the self-proclaimed PlayStation enthusiast who sat writing this article) thought this would be the perfect time to start a new series of articles covering everything subscribers can expect to receive every month on PS Plus across all three subscription tiers: Essential, Extra and Premium.

But that’s not all. Let’s be honest, with so much vying for our attention nowadays, time has become as much of a commodity as any, and just because something is ‘free’ doesn’t mean it automatically gains an ever-exclusive spot in your upcoming playlist. With that in mind, the goal here is to not only correlate all the new additions, availability dates, last chance to play and other offers across PS Plus, but also to give a rundown of each game being added along with how it fared critically and where it sits in today’s gaming ecosystem.

With the preamble out of the way and without further adieu, let’s dive into what July’s PS Plus Extra/Premium catalog has to offer and ask the ultimate question: is it worth free?

Extra

Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5, PS4)

Metacritic Score: 75

It feels like a lifetime ago that Cyberpunk 2077 released to what can objectively be described as a disastrous launch, an event now only discussed in hoarse whispers around campfires in the dead of night. Despite this less than stellar first impression, developer CD Projekt Red made a titanic effort to bring the game up to their usual high standard, and they didn’t stop there, blasting past acceptable, good, and great into the stratosphere of sci-fi dystopian excellence.

In 2025, this action-RPG is as heavy a hitter as they come, so it’s no wonder it has been framed as this month’s flagship addition. It has wholly earned this reputation, and with Sony also offering 30% off its equally brilliant expansion Phantom Liberty for PS Plus members, there is plenty to lure you into the streets of Night City. Furthermore, Cyberpunk 2077 is available in the Game Catalog as of 9th July, so you really have no excuse.

Is it worth free?: Absolutely. In fact, go and play this right now. Who am I kidding? You’re already playing it, aren’t you?

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (PS5)

Metacritic Score: 78

GamingTrend Score: 80

“Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a grim and gripping tale of two lovers coming to terms with love and sacrifice” is what Cassie said in our review of developer Don’t Nod’s ghost-hunting romp through 17th century North America, and I am inclined to agree. A staple of the ever-nebulous ‘AA’ camp of games, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden has more than enough going for it to provide a unique and enjoyable experience.

Don’t Nod’s games have had a long history on PS Plus, with their latest game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage debuting on the service, so it’s great to see one of their action-RPG efforts being given a chance to shine again. There are choices that influence the game’s story also, because whilst Don’t Nod can dabble in other genres, you can’t take the branching story paths out of the developer. 

Is it worth free?: Definitely, the game didn’t make as much of a splash despite relatively good reviews and deserves more eyes on it.

Bluey: The Video Game (PS5, PS4)

Metacritic Score: 56 on Xbox Series X

I’ll be honest, I’ve never played Bluey: The Video Game and I think I’m ok with that. I have seen snippets of the show however and I did laugh at one point, and I think I’m ok with that too. Released in 2023 and brought to us by British developer Outright Games (whose output seems to be solely licensed games for children), I don’t think it would be controversial to state that this addition is the weak link in what is otherwise an extremely solid chain.

In all seriousness, Bluey: The Video Game was clearly made for a certain demographic and I’m certain that any subscribers with children will get something out of it. Saying that, with a runtime of only around an hour and criticisms of repetitive gameplay, the game may not serve as the perfect distraction one was hoping for.  

Is it worth free?: Only if you have little gamers of your own, and even then, it will become quickly excruciating.

Planet Zoo (PS5)

Metacritic Score: 79

GamingTrend Score: 90

Frontier Developments have been at the forefront of simulation games since the 1990s. With Planet Zoo, they combined everything they had learnt in 24 years to create a zoo management and construction game that’ll “keep [you] building sprawling and ever evolving parks for hundreds of hours to come” as per our own review.

With a favorable critical response across the board, Planet Zoo is a giant addition to the Game Catalog, although note the term ‘giant’ as it was indeed a loaded use. Bringing with it an average completion time of over 60 hours, this game is not designed for the zoo-curious, and it requires attention and commitment to fully experience. There’s also the most adorable baby elephant on the game’s cover art. I don’t know if that’ll make you want to check out the game or anything. I just really thought you should know. 

Is it worth free?: Perhaps. If management and construction sims are your bag, then there’s no doubt but, if not, it’s a high wall to scale for curiosity’s sake.

Risk of Rain 2 (PS5, PS4)

Metacritic Score: 85 on PC

There seems to be no shortage of hostile alien worlds for protagonists of rogue-like third-person shooters to become stranded on, but make no mistake, Hopoo Games’ Risk of Rain 2 is anything but generic and ordinary. Addictingly replayable and with mechanics that synergize and satisfy, it would be a real shame if anyone slept on this game.

Risk of Rain 2 has gone through an extensive early access process, with the PS5 version only releasing in August last year, and the resultant experience is a must-play whether you’re partial to a rogue-like or not. It’s a tough game, no doubt about it, but it’s a critical darling for a reason and is an exciting addition to PS Plus.    

Is it worth free?: Yes, and don’t let the difficulty turn you away. It’s a rewarding experience if you persevere.

Tropico 6 (PS5, PS4)

Metacritic Score: 76

GamingTrend Score: 85

Have you ever dreamed of running your very own island nation? Managing infrastructure, deciding economic policies and playing the great game of politics? I’m glad you answered yes to these prompts mute readers. You’re in luck, as Tropico 6 will be another addition to the Game Catalog in a month that is spoiling fans of the management sim genre.

The newest entry in this series is an overhaul in a myriad of ways, flaunting a new developer, new game engine and new gameplay features. Conceptually a dictatorship simulator (a reductive angle? Indeed. Accurate? Absolutely), everything Tropico 6 presents players with is done with its tongue planted firmly in its cheek. 

Note: It’s also worth mentioning that the PS5 version on offer is the ‘Next Gen Edition’, which includes an extra mission and a multitude of customization options for those who desire something more snazzy for their El Presidente.  

Is it worth free?: Yes. Whilst still targeted at genre fans, there is arguably a more broad appeal here for those wanting to dip their toes.

New World: Aeternum (PS5)

Metacritic Score: 75

GamingTrend Score: 80

It’s the 17th century and the Age of Discovery has unearthed an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where one can become immortal. The next logical step? Colonization, obviously. There you have the premise for Amazon Games’ MMORPG New World: Aeternum, a rebranded version of the PC game originally released back in 2021.

New World: Aeternum did not review badly by any stretch of the imagination, but still hasn’t quite managed to gain a foothold despite its rebranded release on consoles last year. Saying that, the game does offer an approachable and fleshed out experience and perhaps its addition to the Game Catalog will give its player base the boost it needs.  

Is it worth free?: Maybe. It’s an MMORPG, so the time sink will be far from cursory.

BONUS GAME – Abiotic Factor (PS5)

Metacritic Score: tbd

Surprise! We’ve also got a cheeky bonus game this month in the form of six-player survival crafter Abiotic Factor. Ok, it’s not much of a surprise considering the game’s jump to PlayStation as a day-one release was announced back in February during a State of Play, but it’s a welcome addition nonetheless. 

Having been in early access on PC since May last year, and since then garnering some significant hype from its player base and beyond, Abiotic Factor seems bound to make some noise when it drops on 22nd July (one week after the rest of this month’s new additions).

Is it worth free?: Considering the positive early access response, Abiotic Factor should be more than worth checking out.

Premium

Twisted Metal III (PS5, PS4) & Twisted Metal 4 (PS5, PS4)

Metacritic Score: unavailable for both games

Another announcement from a State of Play (this time at Summer Game Fest last month), Twisted Metal III and Twisted Metal 4 are chaotically careening onto the PS Classics line-up. Joining the first two games in the franchise, Premium subscribers can now access every Twisted Metal game released on the PS1, which is great news for fans of vehicular carnage.

The Premium game additions are always worth a look, even if it is just a cursory one. Whether you’re a diehard fan looking for some nostalgic vehicle violence or a fresh-faced newbie ready to learn just who this Sweet Tooth clown really is, playing the classics tends to be a rewarding experience for everyone. With Twisted Metal’s second season arriving on Peacock at the end of the month, it’s a good time to be a Twisted Metal fan.

Are they worth free?: For fans of the series, it’s a no-brainer, and short main stories could make it worth the time sink for curious players.

All Extra tier games (bar Cyberpunk 2077 and Abiotic Factor) will be available to play on Tuesday 15th July, with Premium games also dropping at the same time. As always, PS Plus Game Catalog and Premium line-ups as well as exact timings on when games become available may differ by region.

These games will of course be joining this month’s Essential games, which are available now until Monday 4th August. They are: 

Diablo IV (PS5, PS4)

The King of Fighters XV (PS5, PS4)

Jusant (PS5)

Also, a reminder that we’re seeing 6 games leave the service on Tuesday 15th July. Admittedly, we’re seeing the departure of some heavy hitters, but the number is a mercifully small one relative to the mass exodus we saw back in May. They are as follows:

Dying Light 2 (PS5, PS4)

Remnant II (PS5)

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion (PS5, PS4)

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (PS5, PS4)

Job Simulator (PSVR2)

Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong (PS5, PS4)

Are you happy with July’s PS Plus offerings? Leave a comment letting us know your thoughts and stay tuned to GamingTrend for the latest PS Plus news and more!

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