The PlayStation Plus July 2025 Essential games are officially available, offering a mix of major IPs and indie surprises. While some may debate the value of the Essential tier due to the requirement for online access, the monthly offerings continue to show consistent effort from Sony. This month features three titles: Diablo IV, The King of Fighters XV, and Jusant, each targeting different gaming audiences.
Diablo IV Joins PlayStation Plus Essential
Diablo IV headlines the July lineup as a big-name inclusion. Despite criticism since launch, it remains one of Blizzard’s most well-known properties. The game continues to receive live service updates and seasonal content, with a major expansion currently live. While some players avoid it due to microtransactions and cosmetic monetization, the core action-RPG experience still provides dozens of hours of content. For PlayStation Plus subscribers, this is a solid opportunity to try it without additional cost.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July are Diablo IV, The King of Fighters XV, Jusant
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The title isn’t flawless, and long-time fans may have mixed feelings. However, even casual players can find value in its moment-to-moment gameplay, especially as part of the subscription. The presence of Diablo IV also fits Sony’s strategy of offering at least one marquee title each month on the Essential tier.
King of Fighters XV: Fighting Game Classic Enters the Ring (PlayStation Plus Essential July 2025)
SNK’s The King of Fighters XV is also part of the July 2025 Essential catalog. Known for its deep team-based mechanics and legacy roster, the latest installment includes 39 fighters, rollback netcode for smoother online matches, and classic DLC costumes such as Leona’s KOF ’96 outfit.
Though it doesn’t have the same widespread recognition as Tekken or Street Fighter, the King of Fighters series maintains a dedicated fan base. This release gives casual fighting fans and newcomers a chance to experience its unique 3v3 team format without needing to make a full purchase. While not every PS Plus subscriber may dive deep into competitive matches, the inclusion rounds out the lineup with genre diversity.
Jusant Rounds Out the July Lineup
Developed and published by Don’t Nod, Jusant is the third and most low-profile addition this month. This action-puzzle climbing game focuses on exploration and environmental storytelling. Players ascend a mysterious tower, using climbing tools and stamina management to progress. As the player climbs, they uncover clues about a lost civilization through a calm, meditative journey.
Released in October 2023, the game earned strong reviews and currently holds an 83 on Metacritic. Jusant may not be widely known, but it’s well-suited for players who enjoy slower-paced, atmospheric experiences. As part of the PS Plus package, it’s an excellent addition for those looking to try something different between more action-heavy titles.
15th Anniversary Celebration: Trials, Packs, and Tournaments (PlayStation Plus Essential July 2025)
Sony is also promoting the 15th anniversary of PlayStation Plus with several timed updates. These include new Premium trials for WWE 2K25 and Mach, a Valorant PS+ pack, PlayStation Tournaments, and an online multiplayer weekend. However, the branding of this as a “celebration” has raised some questions.
The anniversary additions are mostly limited to features that subscribers would expect under regular monthly updates. Trials, cosmetic bundles, and minor events feel more like standard content delivery than anything worth celebrating. Some fans have questioned the logic behind calling it an anniversary “event” given rising prices and value concerns with the Extra and Premium tiers.
Still, the July 2025 Essential lineup itself shows a clear pattern: one AAA title, one mid-tier or niche game, and one indie or experimental title. That structure works well, especially when the main game is as recognizable as Diablo IV. Whether subscribers are action-RPG fans, fighting game enthusiasts, or atmospheric indie explorers, there’s something to play this month.
