Introduction

Every month, PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers get three new titles added to their library—free to download and keep as long as their subscription remains active. On August 5, 2025, Sony is handing out Lies of P, DayZ, and My Hero One’s Justice 2 for PS4/PS5. Here’s how to make the most of August’s lineup.

What Is PS Plus Essential?

PlayStation Plus is split into three tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—each offering different benefits. The Essential plan (the base tier) costs $59.99 per year in North America and grants:

  • Monthly free games for PS4/PS5
  • Exclusive member discounts in the PlayStation Store
  • Online multiplayer access
  • Cloud storage for saves and game data
  • Share Play and other social features

August’s Free Games

Lies of P (PS5 & PS4)

  • Genre: Souls-like action RPG
  • Release: September 2023
  • Developer/Publisher: Round8 Studio / NEOWIZ
  • Why Download:
    • Dark, Belle Époque–inspired world with tight, weighty combat
    • Deep weapon-crafting and “lie” mechanic that alters boss fights
    • Strong critical acclaim for its fresh spin on the Souls formula

DayZ (PS4)

  • Genre: Open-world zombie survival
  • Release: March 2019
  • Developer/Publisher: Bohemia Interactive
  • Why Download:
    • Persistent multiplayer world with real stakes—hunger, injury, and permadeath
    • Large map filled with player-driven stories and emergent gameplay
    • Ideal for co-op sessions or competitive scavenging

My Hero One’s Justice 2 (PS4)

  • Genre: Arena fighting (anime adaptation)
  • Release: March 2020
  • Developer/Publisher: Byking / Bandai Namco
  • Why Download:
    • Fan-favorite My Hero Academia characters in 3D brawls
    • Expansive roster and customizable movesets
    • Solid online and local multiplayer modes

How to Claim Your Games

  1. Log into your PS4 or PS5 on or after August 5, 2025 (noon local time).
  2. Visit the PlayStation Plus section of the PlayStation Store.
  3. Add each game to your library.
  4. Download at your convenience—once added, they’re yours to keep.
“Don’t forget: July’s freebies will leave the service on August 4, so redeem those first if you haven’t already!”

Final Thoughts & Engagement

August’s Essential lineup has something for everyone—whether you crave the challenge of a dark souls-style romp, a tense survival sandbox, or fast-paced anime combat. Pick your favorite, jump into the action, and let us know:

  • Which game are you most excited to try this month?
  • Any strategies or early impressions you want to share?