Sony’s August PlayStation Plus lineup brings a well-rounded mix of gameplay styles. Whether you want intense solo combat, harsh survival, or a quick anime brawl, there’s something worth checking out.
This month’s selection includes Lies of P, DayZ, and My Hero One’s Justice 2. All games go live Tuesday, August 5. Download them while they’re free with your active PS Plus subscription. Once claimed, they’re yours as long as you stay subscribed.
Lies of P (PS5, PS4)
This one’s a standout. Lies of P takes the familiar Soulsborne formula and throws it into a twisted, gothic version of the Pinocchio story. You play a deadly puppet in a decaying Belle Époque city, fighting twisted machines and monsters. The game’s Legion Arms system lets you swap mechanical arms mid-game to change combat strategies. One might fire projectiles, another smash through shields. Add in perfect dodge timing, stamina management, and tricky bosses, and you’ve got a solid challenge.
The lie system isn’t just a gimmick. Your moral choices affect dialogue, relationships, and endings. If you’re the type of player who values atmosphere, deliberate pacing, and build variety, this one will click. It’s still full price in most stores, so grabbing it through Plus is solid value, especially if you missed it at launch.
DayZ (PS4)
If you like games that punish every mistake, DayZ is still one of the best at it. No map markers, no missions, no respawns. You spawn in with almost nothing and fight to stay alive, scavenging supplies while avoiding the infected and other players. The map is massive and quiet, which makes every unexpected encounter feel dangerous. One bad move and your hours-long run ends in seconds.
The survival loop is brutal, but that’s what makes it engaging. You’ll need to monitor food, water, injuries, and weather. Some players roam solo. Others group up. There’s no right way to play. Just don’t trust anyone too quickly. The game’s been around for years, but updates and modded servers have kept the community active. If you’re new to DayZ, expect some rough edges and occasional jank, but also some of the best emergent stories you’ll find in gaming.
My Hero One’s Justice 2 (PS4)
This one’s more casual, but not without its appeal. My Hero One’s Justice 2 is a flashy 3D arena fighter with characters from My Hero Academia. You get your favorite heroes and villains, each with unique Quirks that change how they fight. The gameplay is built for spectacle. Expect quick combos, big knockback effects, and cinematic supers.
It’s not deep like a proper fighter, and MY HERO ONE’S JUSTICE 2 it’s not trying to be. This is about fast matches, wild visuals, and letting fans live out their anime matchups. It works great in local versus or online for short bursts of fun. There’s a small story mode too, but this is more for fans than fighting game purists. If you’re into the anime, it’s worth the download. If not, it’s still a fun time-killer.
Free 15th Anniversary Avatars
To celebrate 15 years of PlayStation Plus, Sony is offering a free avatar pack. It includes icons from big-name games like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo IV, God of War Ragnarök, and Twisted Metal. It’s cosmetic only, but if you like customizing your profile, it’s a nice extra. These go live August 5 and are free for all members. They’re small touches, but worth grabbing, especially if you want something new to show off in your friends list.
Last Chance for July’s Games
Don’t forget to claim July’s lineup before Monday, August 4. That includes Diablo IV, The King of Fighters XV, and Jusant. Diablo IV is still being updated regularly, so it’s easily the biggest value in that batch. Even if you’re not playing now, add them to your library. You can download them anytime while subscribed. Once the deadline passes, they’re gone from the free rotation unless you buy them.
PlayStation Plus August 2025 Summary
This is one of the better PS Plus months we’ve seen in a while. Lies of P is a real highlight. A tough, polished action RPG that would cost you otherwise. DayZ is dated but still delivers one of the most intense survival experiences around. My Hero One’s Justice 2 is the least essential of the three but fun in short bursts or with friends. Add in a free avatar pack and a strong outgoing lineup, and August stacks up well.
Not every title will hit for everyone, but the variety is real. If you’ve got a subscription, these are worth locking into your library. Whether you’re in the mood for stress, style, or a few chaotic rounds of anime brawling, there’s something here to keep you busy.