This July marks the 15th anniversary of PlayStation Plus Essentials, and Sony has rolled out a mix of crowd-pleasing hits, a niche indie and a handful of anniversary extras. After more than a decade of monthly drops, I’ve learned to separate the marketing sizzle from the real steak. Let’s dive into what’s worth your download queue and where the real value lies.
First up: the big Blizzard title. If you haven’t yet plunged into Diablo IV’s dark depths or rounded up friends in Overwatch 2’s arenas, this is your chance. I remember booting up Diablo IV on PS5 launch night—those first few hours of loot-driven chaos are as addictive now as they were then. For newcomers it’s a solid grab, and veterans get the advantage of fresh seasonal content without paying full price.
Next, the fighter of choice. In past months I’ve hosted weekend brawls over Street Fighter’s latest roster update, and seeing Tekken pop back on PS Plus always fills local lobbies. Whether it’s combo practice or tournament warm-ups, these all-star fighters keep the community humming—and this month you’ll find plenty of rivals queued up, especially with anniversary tourneys on the calendar.
Finally, the French indie. Sony’s occasional spotlight on local studios yielded discoveries like Ori and the Blind Forest or Hollow Knight in years past. This July’s pick is less chart-topping but brims with quirky mechanics—you might fall into a gravity-twisting platformer or a story-driven puzzle quest. I once stumbled onto a similar title at 2 AM and ended up binge-playing until dawn. Expect a palate-cleanser that could surprise you.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Release Date | Games available July 1, 2025; bonus events June 27–29, 2025 |
| Genres | Action RPG, Fighting, Platformer/Indie |
| Platforms | PS4, PS5 |
To celebrate 15 years, Sony has packed in time-limited perks. Essentials members on Premium can test-drive trial versions of upcoming blockbusters (think Monster Hunter-style hunts or WWE-style showdowns) and jump into community tournaments for titles like Tekken 8 and EA Sports FC. There’s even a cross-brand nod with a Valorant pack—proof that PlayStation Plus is branching into PC-centric shooters.
Storewide discounts and bonus loyalty points sweeten the deal, but beware: some offers come with region locks or short redemption windows. I’ve seen friends miss out on “free weekend” events simply by waiting a day too long. Mark your calendar and set reminders—you’ll thank yourself when you unlock a rare skin or snag a discounted DLC.
If you’re a diehard who already owns Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6 or your own backlog of indies, the monthly games might feel like repeats. But for anyone who skipped recent releases, this line-up delivers solid bang for your buck. The anniversary trials and tournaments add a social kick—perfect if you’re itching for new excuses to log in with old friends.
On the flip side, the bulk of these extras are window-dressing. Short-term trials and region-specific rewards won’t sustain long-term value unless you’re actively chasing achievements or community events. Consider July a celebratory pit stop: fun, varied, and a reminder of how far Sony’s service has come.
July 2025’s PlayStation Plus Essentials serves up a reliable Blizzard RPG, a familiar fighter and an inventive French indie—plus anniversary trials, tournaments and store deals. If you’re lapsed or curious about multiplayer events, this is an ideal re-entry point. Just don’t expect a revolution—treat it as a well-timed excuse to dive back in and score a few freebies along the way.
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