July 2025 marks a significant milestone for Sony’s gaming service: the 15th anniversary of <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/07/03/microsoft-gaming-division-suffers-further-layoffs/" title="Breaking: Xbox Layoffs Confirmed, Studio Closed, games Cut”>playstation Plus! To kick off the month-long celebration, Sony is immediately releasing three fantastic free games for all PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers. This is a brilliant way for PlayStation to honor its long-standing community and inject some fresh titles into players’ libraries without any extra cost. Whether you’re looking for a deep action RPG, a unique indie experience, or a fast-paced fighter, this month’s lineup offers exciting options ready for download right now. Get ready to add some serious value to your digital collection as the anniversary festivities begin!
Celebrating 15 Years of PlayStation Plus
Fifteen years is a remarkable journey in the ever-evolving world of video games. Since its launch, PlayStation Plus has transformed from a service primarily focused on online multiplayer access and discounts into a core pillar of the PlayStation ecosystem. It has provided subscribers with a consistent stream of monthly games, exclusive deals, cloud storage, and access to online features across the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 generations. This 15th anniversary in July 2025 isn’t just about acknowledging the service’s longevity; it’s a moment to celebrate the community it has built and the value it continues to deliver. Sony understands that the best way to celebrate gamers is with, well, games!
Three Must-Play Free Games for Essential Members
The highlight of this initial anniversary wave for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers is undoubtedly the trio of games now available for download. This diverse selection ensures there’s something for many different tastes, from dark fantasy enthusiasts to fans of contemplative journeys and competitive combat. Adding these titles to your library is simple; as an Essential member, they are ready to be claimed and enjoyed immediately.
Diablo IV: A Resurgent ARPG Powerhouse
Headlining the July 2025 PS Plus Essential lineup is Diablo IV. This action RPG from Blizzard Entertainment offers a sprawling, dark fantasy world filled with demons to slay, loot to collect, and powerful character builds to master. While the game experienced some challenges at launch, consistent updates and seasonal content additions have dramatically improved the experience. The game now stands as a brilliant example of the ARPG genre, boasting a compelling, dark narrative and an abundance of content to keep you engaged for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. It’s a fantastic entry point for newcomers and a rewarding experience for returning players.
It is important to note that the version of Diablo IV included with PlayStation Plus Essential does not come packaged with the recently released Vessel of Hatred expansion. This DLC introduces significant new content, including a new character class and a large map expansion. However, if you find yourself captivated by the base game’s addictive loop and dark world, the Vessel of Hatred DLC is highly recommended for those looking to delve even deeper. The core game available via PS Plus provides a robust and complete experience on its own, offering plenty to explore and conquer.
Jusant: An Unforgettable Indie Climbing Adventure
Offering a completely different pace and mood, Jusant is a truly wonderful indie game that comes to PlayStation Plus this month. This title takes players on a unique meditative journey focused entirely on the art of climbing. Set in a world where a mysterious civilization has vanished from the towering peaks they once inhabited, you ascend breathtaking landscapes, unraveling the history of this deserted place as you go.
Jusant’s core gameplay revolves around simulated climbing mechanics, requiring thoughtful use of your hands and stamina to navigate steep, challenging ascents. The experience is both relaxing and surprisingly engaging, offering moments of peaceful exploration interspersed with satisfying, puzzle-like climbing challenges. The visuals are stunning, and the atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making Jusant a standout title for those seeking something serene and different from typical high-action games.
King of Fighters XV: Modern Fighting Game Excellence
Rounding out the trio is King of Fighters XV, the latest installment in the legendary fighting game franchise. The King of Fighters series boasts a long and celebrated history in the competitive fighting game scene, known for its deep mechanics and vibrant roster of characters. KOF XV continues this legacy, and many consider it one of the absolute best entries in the franchise to date.
This fighting game looks absolutely stunning in motion, featuring fluid animations and flashy special moves that make every match a visual spectacle. If you’re a fan of fighting games or looking to jump into the genre, KOF XV provides a polished and highly competitive experience. Its inclusion on PlayStation Plus Essential this month is a fantastic opportunity for players to try out a top-tier fighter and potentially join its dedicated online community.
More Anniversary Perks: A Premium Tier Bonus
While the three free Essential games are the main attraction for many, the 15th-anniversary celebrations extend to other PlayStation Plus tiers as well. Subscribers to the higher-tier PlayStation Plus Premium service can take advantage of additional benefits throughout July 2025. One notable perk is a limited-time game trial for the highly anticipated open-world title, Monster Hunter Wilds.
Monster Hunter Wilds builds upon the successful foundation of Monster Hunter World, thrusting players into a vast and dynamic open world teeming with colossal creatures. The core gameplay loop remains addictive: hunt fearsome monsters, gather materials from both your quarry and the environment, and craft powerful new armor and weapons to take on even greater challenges. The game features an engaging story that guides your progression, but the real longevity comes from grinding high-rank hunts and continuously improving your hunter. According to reports, the open world in Monster Hunter Wilds feels more alive and interconnected than ever before. The full game supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing you to team up with friends to tackle the most daunting hunts, though details on co-op availability within the specific trial are currently unclear. Premium members interested in this massive action RPG should definitely check out the trial while it’s available during the anniversary period.
The Festivities Continue Throughout July
The free games and the Monster Hunter Wilds trial are just the beginning of PlayStation’s 15th-anniversary celebration for PlayStation Plus. Sony has indicated that the festivities will continue throughout the entire month of July 2025. Players can look forward to various community events, such as tournaments centered around popular multiplayer titles available on the service. Free multiplayer weekends, which temporarily lift the online play requirement for certain games, might also be part of the celebration, encouraging even more players to connect and compete. Furthermore, Sony promises exciting upcoming PlayStation news and hints at the possibility of a few more surprises being unveiled as the month progresses. It’s worth keeping an eye on official PlayStation channels for further announcements regarding the ongoing anniversary events.
The Enduring Value of PlayStation Plus
This anniversary game drop highlights the consistent value that PlayStation Plus aims to provide its subscribers. Beyond enabling online multiplayer and offering exclusive discounts, the service has built a strong reputation for its monthly free game lineups. These collections often include a mix of major AAA releases, critically acclaimed indie titles, and hidden gems, providing subscribers with a constantly expanding library. For instance, a previous notable PS Plus drop earlier in 2025 included acclaimed titles like the superb Metroidvania Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and the retro Armored Core trilogy for Premium members, showcasing the breadth and quality sometimes offered. By consistently adding new titles across different genres and tiers, PlayStation Plus remains a compelling subscription for both veteran PlayStation owners and those new to the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free games are available for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers in July 2025?
As part of the 15th-anniversary celebration of PlayStation Plus in July 2025, Essential tier subscribers can download three complimentary games right now. These titles are Diablo IV, a dark fantasy action RPG; Jusant, a unique and meditative climbing adventure indie game; and King of Fighters XV, the latest installment in the acclaimed fighting game series. All three are immediately accessible to Essential members to add to their game library.
How do I download the free PlayStation Plus anniversary games?
Downloading the free PlayStation Plus anniversary games is straightforward if you are an active PlayStation Plus Essential subscriber. Simply navigate to the PlayStation Store either on your PS4 or PS5 console, or via the web browser. Locate the PlayStation Plus section, usually prominently featured, where you will find the monthly free games listed. Select each game individually and choose the option to “Add to Library” or “Download.” Once added, they are yours to keep and play as long as you maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Does the free Diablo IV game include the Vessel of Hatred DLC?
No, the version of Diablo IV offered as a free game for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers for the 15th anniversary does not include the Vessel of Hatred downloadable content (DLC). The free download provides the base game experience. However, if you thoroughly enjoy the core Diablo IV game and wish to expand upon it, the Vessel of Hatred DLC is a separate purchase that adds significant new content, including a new character class and map area, and is highly recommended by many players for fans of the base game.
The 15th anniversary of PlayStation Plus is shaping up to be an exciting period for subscribers. With three high-quality games immediately available for Essential members – ranging from the vast ARPG world of Diablo IV to the unique tranquility of Jusant and the competitive thrill of King of Fighters XV – there’s plenty to dive into. Premium subscribers also benefit from valuable additions like the Monster Hunter Wilds trial. Coupled with promises of tournaments, news, and potential surprises throughout July 2025, this celebration reinforces PlayStation’s commitment to delivering value through its subscription service. Don’t miss out – log in, claim your free titles, and join the anniversary fun!
