A Gift to Celebrate 15 Years of PlayStation Plus
A Gift to Celebrate 15 Years of PlayStation Plus
As PlayStation Plus celebrates its 15th anniversary—dating back to June 29, 2010—Sony has made July 2025 truly memorable for subscribers. To honor this milestone, the Essential tier features three standout titles, showcasing diverse genres and experiences: a blockbuster AAA RPG, a competitive fighting game, and a serene indie adventure. These titles are claimable by all PS Plus subscribers (Essential, Extra, Premium), and once added to your library during the claim window, remain playable indefinitely, so long as your subscription remains active The Times of India+15PlayStation Blog en français+15TechRadar+15TechRadar+5SI+51-Up Games+5.
1. Diablo IV – Dark Fantasy Done Right
Overview
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5
- Genre: Action RPG (Hack‑and‑slash)
- Developer/Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
What Makes It Epic
Diablo IV stands as the crown jewel of July’s lineup. As Blizzard’s acclaimed 2023 dark fantasy RPG, it plunges players into a grim world ruled by Lilith and demons. With five core classes (plus the Spiritborn via DLC), it balances brutal combat, extensive customization, and relentless loot chasing Polygon+1Gaming News+1.
Gameplay & Features
- Solo & Co‑op Play: Enjoy the campaign solo or team up with friends online.
- Cross‑play & Progression: Seamless play across platforms and shared progress Polygon+2Cloud Dosage+2GameSpot+2consolefun.fr+2PlayStation Blog en français+2Breakflip+2.
- Endgame Content: World bosses, PvP zones (Fields of Hatred), and evolving seasonal updates keep the experience fresh.
- Visuals & Atmosphere: Critics praise its “finely‑tuned combat” and a “dark open world.” Push Square rated it 9/10, calling it a “true successor” to classic Diablo titles Cloud Dosage+1GameSpot+1Push Square.
Why It Matters
Delivering Diablo IV for free on PS Plus is a major coup. It typically retails around $50–70, offering blockbuster value to subscribers. Whether you’re returning to Sanctuary or riding the hype wave of its latest updates, July is the ideal time to dive in.
2. The King of Fighters XV – Classic Combat, Modern Mechanics
Overview
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4 & 5
- Genre: Fighting (Team-based, 3‑on‑3)
- Developer/Publisher: SNK
What Makes It Stand Out
The King of Fighters XV brings together 39 fighters in its highly polished combat system. It’s built on Unreal Engine 4, offering smooth animation and responsive, competitive gameplay. The inclusion of rollback netcode makes online matches more reliable Reddit+13KOMPAS.com+13SI+13Cloud Dosage+31-Up Games+3PlayStation Blog en français+3.
Gameplay & Features
- Roster of Legends: 39 playable characters, spanning from classic favorites to new faces .
- Classic Leona DLC Costume: PS Plus versions include the nostalgic 1996 “Classic Leona” skin consolefun.fr+5Gadgets 360+5SI+5.
- Rollback Netcode: Ensures lower latency and smoother online competitive matches Reddit+6Gadgets 360+61-Up Games+6.
What You’ll Enjoy
For both longtime fighting-game fans and newcomers seeking thrilling, team-based combat, KOF XV offers a deep yet accessible experience. It’s fast-paced, stylish, and a significant value-add when bundled free.
3. Jusant – A Serene Climber’s Journey
Overview
- Platform: PlayStation 5 only
- Genre: Puzzle-platformer / Climbing adventure
- Developer/Publisher: Don’t Nod
What Makes It Unique
Jusant takes a peaceful, zen-like approach to gaming. Developed by Don’t Nod, the creators of Life is Strange, it offers an emotional, immersive journey centered around scaling a mysterious tower, where every path reveals new secrets and challenges Cloud Dosage+4PlayStation Blog en français+41-Up Games+4PlayStation LifeStyle+91-Up Games+9Gaming News+9consolefun.fr+5Polygon+5Diario AS+5.
Gameplay & Features
- Climbing from Within: Manage stamina and climbing gear to ascend ever-evolving sections of a massive tower Gadgets 360.
- Exploration & Narrative: Discover hidden routes and piece together the history of a vanished civilization.
- Pace Shift: After the intensity of Diablo IV and the adrenaline of KOF XV, Jusant offers contemplative gameplay—a calming interlude.
Why It Matters
This exclusive PS5 indie breathes artistic and emotional depth into the July lineup, giving subscribers a reflective break from high-energy blockbusters. Its compelling mechanics and atmosphere are perfect for those moments you want to settle down and savor the experience.
4. Claiming Your July Games: What You Need to Know
- Claim Window: All three games are available to claim from July 1 to August 4, 2025 Breakflip+10Polygon+10TechRadar+10.
- Available Tiers:
- Essential: All three titles
- Extra & Premium: Also eligible—but at least Essential is required The Times of India+3SI+3TechRadar+3Push Square+10PlayStation Blog en français+10SI+10.
- Retention: Once claimed, you keep the games permanently with an active subscription .
- Region Availability: These offers are worldwide; for example, in Indonesia the subscription cost is ~Rp 126,000/month for Essential Gadgets 360+2KOMPAS.com+2Cloud Dosage+2.
5. Context: What Came Before and Beyond This Month
- June’s Picks: NBA 2K25, Alone in the Dark, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk were claimable through late June Breakflip+3Polygon+3TechRadar+3.
- Extra/Premium Additions: While Essential focuses on these three, Extra/Premium tiers benefit from additional titles later in July—like Cyberpunk 2077, Banishers, Planet Zoo, Risk of Rain 2, Twisted Metal 3 & 4, etc. Diario AS+15Polygon+15Diario AS+15.
- Upcoming Surprise on August 1? Likely to bring a fresh monthly trio. But your focus should be grabbing the July batch before August 4.
6. Deep Dive: Why These Three Make July Special
Diablo IV
- Epic blockbuster status—a major title usually behind a paywall, now free.
- Balanced gameplay—co-op and solo friendly, with robust endgame support.
- Critically acclaimed—9/10 from Push Square, lauded for combat and atmosphere 1-Up GamesPush Square.
- Modern features—cross-play and cross-save across platforms are included Cloud Dosage.
The King of Fighters XV
- Revived legacy franchise, appealing to both casual fans and competitive players.
- Deep roster—39 fighters, including nostalgic DLC, perfect for street-level fights.
- Competitive ready—rollback netcode ensures solid online experience PlayStation Blog en français+5Gadgets 360+51-Up Games+5.
Jusant
- Indie standout—a refreshing change of pace, meditative and puzzle-driven.
- Unique setting—climbing offers new perspectives on adventure and exploration.
- Artistically rich—Don’t Nod’s signature storytelling adds emotional depth Gadgets 360Gadgets 360+31-Up Games+3consolefun.fr+3.
7. Strategy Guide to Maximize Your Month
To fully enjoy July’s PS Plus lineup:
- Claim early: Don’t wait—claim between July 1–August 4.
- Balance your time:
- Weekends: Dive into Diablo IV’s rich open world.
- Early evenings: Practice combos in KOF XV.
- Winding down: Relax with Jusant’s contemplative climb.
- Use the free multiplayer weekend (June 28–29): Great time to prep for co-op or online play PlayStation Blog en français+131-Up Games+13Cloud Dosage+13Push Square+13consolefun.fr+131-Up Games+13.
- Stay tuned for Extra/Premium drops: If subscribed, download other July titles when they arrive (e.g., July 15 for Cyberpunk 2077) .
8. Final Word: A Summer Blockbuster Lineup
Sony’s July PS Plus Essential lineup is more than generous—it’s a celebration of variety and quality. With Diablo IV delivering blockbuster RPG action, KOF XV offering precision fighting, and Jusant granting a serene indie escape, July covers every mood a gamer might have.
By claiming these before August 4, 2025, subscribers get an excellent bang for their buck—literally hundreds of dollars in value across genres. This trio reflects the evolution and ambition of PS Plus over its 15-year journey.
