August’s PlayStation Plus update is packed with heavy hitters, including Mortal Kombat 1, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and the brand-new Sword of the Sea, available day one. If you’ve been waiting for the right month to make that PS Plus sub worth it, this might be it.
Big names, solid variety, and even a few oddball gems to round it out. Whether you’re in the mood for cinematic brawls or low-stakes farming, there’s something here to sink time into.
What’s in the Drop
Whether you’re into bloody brawlers, slick superhero swings, chill exploration, or chaotic co-op, this drop covers all the bases. Here’s what’s landing.
Mortal Kombat 1
Set after MK11’s timeline reset, this reboots the universe with Fire God Liu Kang leading the charge. It’s a full cinematic overhaul with returning characters, twisted dynamics, and refined mechanics like Fatal Blows and Breakers. Expect brutal finishers, familiar faces with new roles, and a clean slate that makes it easy to jump in.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Whether you grab the Game of the Year Edition on PS4 or the Remastered version on PS5, it’s still one of the best superhero games around. Classic Peter Parker story, smooth swinging, and plenty of suits to mess with. If you missed it the first time, this version runs better and loads faster.
Sword of the Sea (PS5)
From the team behind Journey and ABZÛ, this one’s a surfing-focused exploration game with Hoversword movement and meditative vibes. Day-one release, straight into PS Plus. It’s stylish, minimal, and probably the chillest game in this month’s list.
Earth Defense Force 6
Giant bugs, big guns, and cheesy voice lines. EDF is back with more over-the-top alien mayhem and four-player co-op. If you like janky charm with surprisingly deep loadouts, it’s worth checking out. The sheer chaos can be a blast with friends.
Resident Evil 2 & 3: Nemesis
The original PlayStation versions are now in the Classics catalog, updated with modern features like rewind, save states, and sharper visuals. It’s full-on Raccoon City nostalgia, straight from the late ’90s with low-res models, tank controls, and all.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Five-hour trial for the upcoming sequel. Progress carries over if you pick up the full game. It’s a good way to test the weird waters before committing.
More Under-the-Radar Picks
If you’re after something slower, weirder, or just less talked about, this batch of games has plenty to offer. From handcrafted worlds to offbeat stories and deep systems, these picks fly under the radar but land solid hits if you’re in the right mood.
- Unicorn Overlord (PS4, PS5) – tactical RPG with a clean art style and layered systems
- Atelier Ryza 3 (PS4, PS5) – lighthearted alchemy adventure with a dedicated fanbase
- Indika (PS5) – surreal narrative with a nun talking to the devil. Yes, really
- Harold Halibut (PS5) – handmade stop-motion aesthetic with a slow, emotional story
- Coral Island (PS5) – chill farming sim if you’re in Stardew mode
Why This Lineup Matters
Sony’s strategy this month mixes big-ticket games with day-one indies and classic fan service. It’s not just about the headliners; the catalog is growing into something with real range. Everything drops August 19, though availability may vary by region. If you’re already subbed, this is a solid month. If you’re not, there’s finally enough here to justify a look. Either way, you’ve got options.