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PS Plus August 2025 adds Day-One title and Death Stranding 2 trial

A new batch joins the Game Catalog on August 19, with a five-hour Death Stranding 2 trial for Premium members and several removals ahead.

August 13, 2025 at 06:12 PM
blur PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium Games For August 2025 Include This Day-One Release

A look at the August 2025 PS Plus Game Catalog refresh and what leaving titles means for subscribers.

August 2025 PS Plus Refresh Brings Day-One Title and Death Stranding 2 Trial

PlayStation Plus is refreshing its Game Catalog for August 2025, with new titles arriving on August 19. Subscribing players in Extra and Premium will see a Day-One release join the catalog, marking a first for the service. Premium members can also access a five-hour trial of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, with progress saved if they buy the full game.

The refresh also removes The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and 12 other titles, while Lies of P, DayZ, and My Hero: One's Justice 2 remain available until September 1. The mix aims to balance nostalgia with new experiences and to keep subscribers engaged through rotating options.

Key Takeaways

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Day-One title joins PS Plus Game Catalog on August 19
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Death Stranding 2 trial available for Premium members
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Progress carries over if the full game is purchased after the trial
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The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt leaves the catalog along with 12 other titles
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Lies of P, DayZ, and My Hero One's Justice 2 stay until September 1
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Catalog refresh tests value and appeal of PS Plus across tiers
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Refresh blends nostalgia with new releases to keep the catalog dynamic

"A bold step for a subscription service"

Editorial note on strategy shifting toward early access

"Premium trials can turn curiosity into a purchase"

On the Death Stranding 2 trial

"Catalog rotations test patience and value"

Impact of rotating games on user experience

This move signals Sony's ongoing effort to make PS Plus feel essential as competition with Game Pass grows. A Day-One release in the catalog and a paid trial for a major new title are signals that Sony wants subscribers to feel value immediately rather than waiting for rare discounts.

But there is risk. Rotations can frustrate players who rely on the catalog for steady access, and removing big titles like Witcher 3 could fuel backlash among fans. The real test is whether these shifts translate into longer-term engagement and more full-game purchases.

Highlights

  • Day-One access changes how players measure value
  • Trials that carry over after purchase blur lines between demo and purchase
  • Catalog shifts test if nostalgia can compete with new releases
  • Fresh content keeps PS Plus relevant in a crowded market

Catalog updates keep PS Plus feeling fresh, even as players weigh value against changing lineups.

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