Every New Game Coming to PS Plus Extra and Premium in August 2025, Ranked

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As a gaming enthusiast diving into August 2025’s PlayStation Plus selection, I can’t contain my excitement! The lineup spans a wide range of genres, from recent hits that have left an indelible mark, to a timeless classic PS4 (and, technically, PS5) game making its comeback after a brief hiatus in 2023. There’s also a captivating stop-motion narrative adventure game, two well-loved PS1 games from a massive franchise, and an entirely fresh experience from a renowned indie team known for their stunning universes. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with more titles waiting to be discovered by both Extra and Premium subscribers. Interestingly, only the two PS1 games are exclusive to the Premium tier.

Although many of these titles are concise, there’s still a considerable amount to sort through. Thus, I’ve compiled the entire list of 11 PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games for August 2025, arranged in order of rank.

Despite several titles being brief, there’s a substantial number to go through. As a result, here’s a complete, ranked list of the 11 PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games for August 2025.

11) Resident Evil 3

In most rankings of the first four Resident Evil games, Resident Evil 3 tends to be near the bottom. But when you get a chance to play it alongside its classic predecessor on PlayStation Plus, you can understand why. It leans more towards action and may not run as smoothly compared to other iterations of the formula, which is common for a third game in a trilogy. Over time, this trend is even noticeable within the franchise itself, leading up to the groundbreaking and significantly different Resident Evil 4. While battling the intimidating Nemesis is engaging and it’s far from the weakest Resident Evil, it’s easy to see why this installment isn’t usually considered one of the best.

10) Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

As a dedicated gamer diving into Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key, it’s evident from the start that this game embraces an exhilarating anime style, complete with a lengthy title that might leave some scratching their heads and a colorful cast of curvy characters reminiscent of waifus. This sequel primarily focuses on the gathering of items to craft equipment, which is further enhanced by its innovative key-based mechanic. Gathering keys during combat adds an exciting layer to gameplay, as it blends real-time and turn-based actions into a captivating mix that demands precision timing and extended attack sequences. The battles are enriched by their sweet storyline, catering specifically to fans of the series. However, due to its niche appeal, newcomers might find it less engaging compared to other games in the genre.

9) Earth Defense Force 6

Occasionally, you might need to blast some pests, and Earth Defense Force 6 is just the tool for that job – a role it’s been playing for many years. This new iteration doesn’t appear to be fresh, as it retains the graphics quality of a PS3 game, with its excessive muddy textures. However, this is part of its appeal. It’s a cheesy shooter designed primarily for cooperative play, where you fire, fire, and fire some more throughout its astoundingly lengthy 40-hour campaign. Essentially, it serves as a virtual gathering spot or chat room, and it performs that function quite well.

8) Harold Halibut

Harold Halibut” refers to an unusual titled narrative-adventure game that showcases a stop-motion aesthetic using real dolls, which were digitally scanned for the game. The visual style is quite distinctive and complements the enigmatic plot, filled with characters who frequently display dry humor. The emphasis on character development and empathy sets Harold Halibut apart, although navigating its vast underwater dioramas can feel laborious at times because of the slow movement speed.

7) Coral Island

In the crowded farming simulation genre, Coral Island stands out distinctly. This charming simulator offers a unique twist with its narrative leaning towards ecological concerns and anti-capitalist themes. The story unfolds as players work against a ruthless corporation that seeks to exploit locals following an oil spill in the town. This gives the game a deeper, more significant storyline, and infuses its farming mechanics with purpose. While the gameplay mechanics are traditional and adhere to genre standards, they are finely-tuned. Ultimately, Coral Island demonstrates that games can be greater than the sum of their parts.

6) Unicorn Overlord

The enigmatically named “Unicorn Overlord” may seem like it’s just another forgettable anime horse game, but it’s far from that. This tactical RPG hails from the creative minds at Vanillaware, who have previously produced popular titles such as Odin Sphere, Dragon’s Crown, and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Instead of a typical combat system, this game combines real-time and turn-based elements in an unconventional way, making battles semi-automatic. Strategy plays a significant role as players must carefully position their units, strategize movement across the battlefield, and select appropriate gear. The entire experience is presented with Vanillaware’s distinct artistic flair and a Game of Thrones-like fantasy setting that serves as an immersive stage for its intense gameplay.

5) Resident Evil 2

Back in the day, I’d say that Resident Evil 2 remains one of the scariest gaming experiences out there, earning its spot among the all-time great horror games. Sure, it may look a bit old-fashioned now, but let me tell you, the suspense and tension it builds are still top-notch – thanks to its deliberately awkward gunplay mechanics and limited ammo supply. This remastered version even offers rewinding and save states, which can take away some of that heart-pounding fear since you can quickly reverse a zombie bite. However, it’s a great way for gamers to relive this gaming classic, especially if they were captivated by the brilliant remake.

4) Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1‘s support might be less extensive at the moment, but it’s undeniably an exceptional combatant. The Kameo system broadens the game by granting each original character access to moves they wouldn’t usually have. In essence, a close-quarters fighter like Shao Khan could acquire ranged abilities with the Sektor Kameo, while Havik’s combos could extend indefinitely with the Mavado Kameo. The potential is immense and an inventive means to augment the Variation system from Mortal Kombat X. Regrettably, its story mode falters in the second half, and its standalone Invasions mode becomes monotonous, implying that many of its auxiliary modes are underdeveloped. Nevertheless, NetherRealm Studios has masterfully crafted the gameplay, which is the key aspect.

3) Indika

The game Indika seems designed for something similar to PlayStation Plus, as it features an enigmatic title and striking artwork that doesn’t immediately reveal what the game is about. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out to be a distinctive narrative-driven adventure featuring a nun in an alternate Russia. The game explores religion and related complexities, using the interactive medium effectively. It’s a captivating blend of themes, with a mature approach that culminates in a profound (and medium-specific) conclusion.

2) Sword of the Sea

In August, Sword of the Sea is the only new addition to PlayStation Plus, and Sony has certainly made an excellent choice. This game, which emphasizes atmosphere, is set in a stunning world bathed in brilliant blues and some of the most beautiful sand found in gaming – thanks to creative director Matt Nava’s previous role as art director on Journey. However, unlike other games that rely solely on vibes, Sword of the Sea offers a mechanical thrill through its snowboarding mechanic. The speed and simple trick system provide an exhilarating way to traverse this tightly paced adventure. While the trick system isn’t seamlessly integrated into the game’s somewhat limiting upgrade economy, it still offers a dynamic method for exploration.

1) Marvel’s Spider-Man

The game Marvel’s Spider-Man has returned to the collection of PlayStation Plus Extra following its departure in 2023, right before the sequel was released. Although the quality of the sequel is noteworthy, Insomniac Games’ debut in the Marvel universe remains a notable accomplishment. The story revolves around Peter Parker, some years after he put on the famous suit. It introduces an antagonist inspired by the classic superhero movie Spider-Man 2, which elevates the narrative’s personal stakes and demonstrates how a story can excel when it skillfully combines both Peter Parker and Spider-Man. The swinging mechanic is the standout feature, offering an effortlessly enjoyable way to traverse New York City’s skyline. It simply feels amazing, and the same goes for its combat, which is a highly adapted version of the excellent Batman: Arkham combat system. For these reasons, it ranks among the best superhero games ever made and will likely be remembered as such in the future.

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2025-08-20 17:38