4 PS Plus Games You Should Play Before They Leave in August 2025

by

Periodically, games rotate into and out of the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium libraries, which is typical for a subscription-based service. Some may not be worth your time, while others should definitely be played before they could potentially disappear from the service permanently. Here are four outstanding titles departing from PlayStation Plus Extra in August 2025 that you might want to enjoy before they exit on August 19th at 10 AM Pacific Time.

1) Bugsnax

Among all the games listed, Bugsnax is likely to top many people’s wish lists first. However, it may not be the best game; rather, it stands out as the most accessible and challenging to categorize. The playtime ranges from 8 to 14 hours, depending on whether players aim to complete the game or achieve the Platinum trophy. Due to its uniqueness, it can be tough for people to determine if they’ll enjoy it before purchasing, making it an excellent candidate for a service like this.

In Bugsnax, players embark on an adventure collecting various creatures known as Bugsnax, which are quirky combinations of animals and food with amusing names like Crapple and Cinnasnail. The primary gameplay involves herding these critters, studying each one to identify their vulnerabilities before employing your tools to concoct a strategy for capture. While some strategies are simple or straightforward, others can be a bit tricky, but figuring out how to catch each one offers a distinctive challenge that may become slightly repetitive towards the end of the game. The central mechanic is soothing and even more relaxing with its peaceful background music.

In the game Bugsnax, when locals consume these peculiar creatures, their limbs transform into the very snack they ate. Although it might seem like a whimsical children’s game featuring Muppet-like characters, engaging with the inhabitants offers a surprisingly captivating experience due to its excellent writing. Each character in this world is flawed and complex, providing insights into their personal insecurities and relationships. Without the robust narrative at its core, Bugsnax might quickly lose its charm after just a few hours. The climactic events that unfold as a result of these intricate storylines culminate in an utterly bizarre yet unforgettable ending.

Approximately a year and half post the launch, developer Young Horses released a free expansion pack titled “The Isle of Bigsnax”. As suggested by its name, this update introduced larger creatures, along with customizable huts, additional story segments, and quirky hats for the Bugsnax. The unique mechanic of shrinking Bugsnax to catch them remains intriguing, but the DLC mainly offers more of the same in terms of gameplay and narrative, which is satisfactory. This expansion adds to the distinct charm of “Bugsnax”, making it an engaging experience that’s worth exploring.

2) Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

The game titled “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” is the slightly contentious follow-up to “Jedi: Fallen Order“. It requires approximately 20 to 35 hours to finish, depending on how deeply players wish to delve into its world and whether they aim to discover all its hidden secrets. Despite being substantial, it can comfortably be completed within a month.

The game titled Survivor follows a similar style as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing primarily on parrying enemy attacks. Since both the lightsaber and katana are known for their deadly precision, it’s reasonable to use them interchangeably in this context. The duels can be exhilarating, whether you’re deflecting Stormtrooper blasts or counterattacking baton swings from a Purge Trooper. However, the game’s controls sometimes hinder the smoothness it aspires for. The parrying and attacking actions can feel somewhat slow, which means swordplay tends to falter at higher difficulties, preventing the game from reaching its full potential. Despite these issues, the game is still enjoyable, particularly when played on easier settings where the controls don’t strain under excessive pressure.

The storyline is similarly complex, as Cal Kestis’ voyage raises questions about the impact of resisting an oppressive empire on oneself and those close to you. Throughout his journey, several crew members are endearing for various reasons. Unfortunately, a plot twist towards the end, which isn’t well-signaled, and an unwelcome cameo erode much of the goodwill that the story had previously generated.

In a nutshell, despite some parts of the game alternating between exceptional and average quality, the overall immersion of journeying through a Star Wars galaxy makes Jedi: Survivor worth giving a shot while it’s still available on PlayStation Plus Extra. The appeal of this universe is evident, as you can slash droids, utilize Force abilities to navigate, and discover new aspects of the cosmos, which explains its enduring popularity. Despite numerous updates, the game continues to have technical problems, making the prospect of trying it without paying the full price even more tempting.

3) Wild Hearts

In the interval between significant releases of Monster Hunter games, Wild Hearts was released, making it an attractive option for fans of Capcom’s series who were eagerly waiting. Despite the arrival of Monster Hunter Wilds, Wild Hearts continues to hold its ground in the beast-hunting genre. It may require players to invest several dozen hours to complete, which could be challenging for some to finish before it leaves PlayStation Plus Extra.

Wild Hearts builds upon the framework of Monster Hunter, infusing unique elements that make it an intriguing prospect for exploration. A notable innovation is the Karakuri system, enabling players to create various items directly in the field. Despite initial concerns about complexity, crafting these structures proves swift and user-friendly. The items span a wide array, including massive hammers, shocking walls, colossal launch pads, and springboards propelling players horizontally – merely naming a few examples.

This ingenious setup significantly affects the gameplay when it comes to defeating Wild Hearts’ collection of massive, corrupt beasts. The appropriate use of Karakiri devices can shift the course of a fight and contribute to making the game more strategic and quicker-paced. The combat feels satisfyingly robust, but it’s enhanced by the Karakiri system, particularly when players skillfully employ both types. This system allows players greater flexibility outside of battle, as they can decide where to establish camps and how to traverse the wilderness. However, its true influence is most noticeable on the battlefield.

Initially, “Wild Hearts” was released with some issues, but the developer, Omega Force, has been working diligently since then to rectify these problems by rebalancing the game, fixing bugs, enhancing user experience with quality-of-life improvements, and introducing various monster variants. As a result, it’s now a more polished game than the version that critics assessed when it debuted in February 2023. While “Monster Hunter Wilds” continues to receive updates and maintains its popularity, it’s also worthwhile to explore something fresh and new.

4) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Introducing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – a game that hardly requires an introduction, even after a decade since its release in 2015 by CD Projekt Red. Its impact on the RPG industry remains undiminished, with updates in 2023 and 2024 as well as a current-gen overhaul, keeping it fresh and engaging for players. The game is extensive, with approximately 60 hours of playtime – a figure that can quickly multiply if one chooses to delve deeper into its expansive world.

Despite some newer open-world games having been released since then, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, it’s still worth giving The Witcher 3 a try, if only to experience the hype for yourself. This expansive RPG is renowned for its top-notch writing and engrossing side quests, which have contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. The game’s richly detailed world provides an immersive setting that encourages exploration, and there’s still much to discover within it. Even though the combat might not be its strongest point, it offers a layer of depth for those who are willing to delve into it, which is essential on higher difficulty levels.

The Witcher 3 stands as a timeless classic within its genre, significantly enhanced by numerous major updates over the past decade. It’s an essential title that even non-RPG enthusiasts might appreciate. Platforms like PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium offer effortless access to acclaimed games such as this, opportunities that should not be overlooked.

Read More

2025-07-22 21:41