August Looks Brutal for Playstation Plus Subscribers: Sony Is Planning a Massive Purge
August is shaping up to be a rough month for PlayStation Plus subscribers. A massive wave of removals is about to shake up the free games library, leaving many gamers in shock. Which titles are leaving, and what does the future hold? Let’s break it down!
While players are still enjoying the recent addition of Cyberpunk 2077 to the PS Plus catalog, Sony is already preparing a major summer cleanup that might ruffle some feathers. Alongside exciting new arrivals, some beloved gems will soon disappear, reshaping this summer’s game lineup.
Image credit: Sony
A wave of game removals coming in August
Each month, PlayStation Plus updates its selection by adding or removing titles, but August is set to be particularly brutal. According to Game Rant, no fewer than 14 games will be leaving the service on August 19. Among them are heavy hitters like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and EA Sports UFC 5.
- Bugsnax
- EA Sports UFC 5
- Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker
- RIDE 5
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
- Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
- Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
- Sword Art Online: Last Recollection
- Sword Art Online: Lost Song
- Top Spin 2K25
- Wild Hearts
- The Witcher 3
- Vacation Simulator
Some of these departures will leave a huge void in the hearts of subscribers. The Witcher 3, the legendary RPG that redefined the genre, is bowing out. The same goes for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a thrilling action-adventure, and for sports fans who will lose access to UFC and Top Spin.
As for Sword Art Online enthusiasts, it’s a real blow: five titles from the franchise will be leaving. Not to mention Wild Hearts, a powerful tribute to Monster Hunter, and Naruto to Boruto, which delighted multiplayer arena fans.
An uncertain lineup this fall
For now, no official announcement has been made regarding new games that might fill the gap in August. This uncertainty fuels both concern and curiosity. There is, however, a glimmer of hope: some titles could return to the PS Plus catalog in the future, as has happened before.
Despite everything, players are eagerly waiting for strong additions to help them forget these losses. However, Sony has already confirmed that Day One releases will only include third-party or indie titles, not major first-party exclusives. Bad news for those who were hoping for big blockbusters right from launch.
Price hikes on the horizon
And as if the situation wasn’t bad enough, subscribers should also brace themselves for another price increase. Sony seems determined to adjust PS Plus prices to maximize profits, much to the community’s frustration. This context makes the loss of these 14 games even harder to swallow.
To end on a more positive note, don’t miss Abiotic Factor! Already praised with an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam since its release in May 2024, this science-based survival game is arriving as a Day One release on PS Plus on July 22. A captivating co-op experience, perfect to help ease the sting of this summer’s removals!
