So, you’ve spent your entire weekend playing video games (at least as much as you could while working/adulting/dealing with life shenanigans), you’ve put tons of hours intoDeath Stranding 2(and left a review on Game Rant), and you need something new to play. You have an entire backlog you should be working through, but that’s just not going to do it for you. The continued excellence ofPS Plus’s catalog has a little something for everyone, and it may hold the key to your existential dilemma.
There are a few interesting, upcomingPS5 releases for JulyfromTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4on July 11 toWuchang: Fallen Featherson July 24, but that’s a future-you game. You need a new-you game. The followingPS Plusrecommendations are meant to factor in someone looking for something juicy to sink their teeth into for a few weeks, at least reachingTHPS 3+4if not longer.
PS Plus Free Games for July 2025 Are Available Now
Available to All PS Plus Subscribers
As fans know, PS Plus adds three free games to its Essential tier every month. Essentially, this is a 3-for-1 recommendation because you may enjoy all three, but if just one of them catches your eye, there’s no better time to dive in. ThePS Plus free games for July 2025areDiablo 4, Jusant,andThe King of Fighters 15. It’s worth noting that, whileDiablo 4has all the content players could want,JusantandThe King of Fighters 15come in much shorter—at least campaign-wise. However, why just pick one game for the week when you could pick all three (or these and other recommendations)?
Jusantis a puzzle-platform game where a lone wanderer climbs a tower filled with artifacts of a forgotten civilization. It’s agame likePEAK, at least in genre and approach, but it’s a little more serious and meditative.KOF 15, meanwhile, is a fighting game for those who want a little pressure in their gaming. Fighting game fans who have never played KOF owe it to themselves, but luckily, it’s accessible for newcomers. And finally,Diablo 4is the latest entry in the longstanding ARPG franchise, complete with all the dungeon-crawling, loot-chasing, and demon-killing fans could want for a long or short while, depending on their preference.
Diablo 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
You’re Running Out of Time to Play Dying Light 2: Stay Human on PS Plus
Available on PS Plus Extra
Dying Light 2: Stay Humanis a prime example of a game you should play now. Not only is it chunky in terms of content, but it is a showcase of Techland’s commitment to its community, with the game receiving tons of support over the years. Techland listened to fan feedback, addressing everything from parkour with updates to firearms withDying Light 2’s Reloaded Edition, and the game is much stronger today than it was at launch. In fact, if you’ve played it before, it’s well worth revisiting, but you only have until July 15 to do so.Dying Light 2and other games will be removed on PS Plusthen.
Plus,Dying Light: The Beastreleases in August. While it’s a new storyline and returns to Kyle Crane as the protagonist, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the world ahead of that launch, as well as build a foundation to understand howDying Light: The Beastimproves on the franchise.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
It’s been 20 years since the events of the original game. The virus won, and humanity is slowly dying. You play as Aiden Caldwell, a wandering Pilgrim who delivers goods, brings news, and connects the few remaining survivor settlements in barren lands devastated by the zombie virus. However, your true goal is to find your little sister Mia, who you left behind as a kid to escape Dr. Waltz’s torturous experiments. Haunted by the past, you eventually make the decision to confront it when you learn that Mia may still be alive in Villedor — the last city standing on Earth.You quickly find yourself in a settlement torn by conflict. You’ll need to engage in creative and gory combat, so hone your skills to defeat hordes of zombies and make allies. Roam the city, free run across Villedor’s buildings and rooftops in search of loot in remote areas, and be wary of the night. With every sunset, monsters take control of the streets.
Another Crab’s Treasure
LoveSoulslike games? Then let me introduce you to one of my favorites. It’s a little different and more colorful, but seriously, my Mount Rushmore of Soulslike games isBloodborne, Lies of P, Elden Ring, andAnother Crab’s Treasure. It does something completely fun and different from the standard Soulslike game, and it’s probably the easiest on my Mount Rushmore. That’s not to say it’s easy, however, unless you want to give Kril a gun.
Players still need to learn patterns, prepare adequately, and stubbornly force themselves into being patient to win boss fights, but there’s more story and plenty of humor in the experience. It’s a must-play for Soulslike fans in my opinion, even if it’s not exactly the worldbuilding the genre is known for, and it’d be a great follow-up if yourecently beatLies of P’s Overture DLC.
Plus, if you’re enjoying viral co-op climbing gamePEAK, then what better way to support co-developer/publisher Aggro Crab than also checking out their other game? Who knows, if you’re nice, maybeAggro Crab will add cannibalism toPEAK.
As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.TRASH OR TREASURE?In this undersea society, trash is not only a way of life, but a valuable resource, used for everything from fashion to firearms. But with the presence of trash comes a mysterious infection known as the Gunk, which could spell doom for the entire ocean.LEARN FROM NATUREAs Kril explores the ocean, he’ll gain a variety of Umami Techniques—powerful attacks learned from the denizens of the seas. Punch your enemies with the overwhelming might of a Mantis Shrimp, ensnare them with the horrifying Bobbit Worm, and much more.UNEXPLORED DEPTHSThe ocean goes deeper than one can imagine. Fight your way through kelp forests, coral reefs, sand castle cities, and even the unfathomable darkness of the deep-sea trenches, all in the name of getting back your prized shell.
Frostpunk: Console Edition
Maybe you want some challenge this week, but maybe you’re not into Soulslike games. That’s totally valid. In that case, I’d recommend the console edition ofFrostpunk. Not only is it rare for a strategy game to play so well on consoles, but it’s good prep work if you want to jump into the franchise.Frostpunk 2has been available on PC for some time now, butFrostpunk 2’s console release on PlayStation and Xboxis slated for this summer. It may end up slipping back a little further, but it’s a good time to jump in now.Frostpunkis a city-building survival game and easily one of the lynchpins of the genre.
Available on PS Plus Premium
So, I play video games and have a Master’s degree in English, which is noteworthy because neither is decidedly related to math. I know what the headline says, I know I am off-track, but listen to me, playJak and Daxterif you’ve never done so before. They are some of thebest games on PS Plus Premiumif you’re paying for that tier, and they’re simply iconic.Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacyis a platformer/melee game, but it sets the world stage for the more expansive sandboxes ofJak 2andJak 3.Of everything listed below,Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontieris the only one that’s really skippable; all others are must-plays for all PlayStation fans. And if you start one, you’re going to spend your week enamored by its charm (if you’re able to forgive the age).
And, as a final note, if you’ve played all of these recommendations—maybe you should be hitting that back catalog. I’m just sayin'.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Enter a world of magic, adventure, exploration, and discovery where enormous vistas and endearing characters lead you to places beyond your imagination. Test your wits and your skills as you embark on a journey to reverse your best friend’s transformation into a furry Ottsel, even as he entangles you in his amusing antics.Discover twisted corruption and battle the sinister minds behind this chilling plot. Light Eco. Precursor Technology. Power Cells. Dark Eco. What does it all mean? Only one person holds the secret behind the power of the mysterious Eco. Together you must now take on these endeavors.
