Playstation Plus: This Brand-New Day One Release Is Already One of 2025’s Top-Rated Games
A hidden gem has just lit up the PlayStation Plus Extra catalog. Sword of the Sea, available on Sony’s service right from launch day, is already being hailed as one of 2025’s standout titles, with glowing reviews across the board.
August has been a generous month for PS Plus subscribers, with 3 free games for everyone, and nine new additions to the Extra catalog. But if there’s one release that stole the spotlight, it’s Sword of the Sea. A Day One arrival that shakes the platform, both for its quality and for what it represents for the future of Sony’s service.
Image credit: Sony
A mark of excellence for an already iconic studio
Developed by Giant Squid, the studio behind the poetic Abzû and The Pathless, Sword of the Sea has quickly become their highest-rated title to date. On Metacritic, the game boasts an impressive 89/100, with unanimous praise for its stunning art direction, fluid and immersive gameplay, and contemplative world.
Some reviewers point out its short length (around 3 to 4 hours), but rather than a drawback, many see this as a deliberate artistic choice, perfectly tuned for an intense, focused experience without unnecessary filler.
Why this release marks a turning point for PS Plus
Since Sony officially confirmed that its own exclusives would not follow the Day One strategy, it’s been third-party publishers exclusively who have brought their latest creations to the catalog. Still, this selective approach is now paying off in spectacular fashion:
- Day One releases are multiplying at an impressive pace: Blue Prince in April, Abiotic Factor in July, and now Sword of the Sea.
- Quality over quantity, with each Day One addition turning into a major event within the PlayStation community.
- Players are discovering hidden gems they might not have purchased otherwise, making the subscription a showcase for ambitious indie and AA studios.
- PS Plus Extra, long criticized for lagging behind Game Pass, now seems to be taking a bolder direction, aligned with the expectations of a more curious and demanding audience.
This shift in pace comes at the right time, especially after the recent price hikes had fueled doubts about the service’s value. But with additions like Sword of the Sea, the message is clear: quality is now at the core of the strategy, even if it means fewer but more targeted partnerships.
What’s next? The calm before the storm?
Despite the excitement surrounding Sword of the Sea, no other Day One release has yet been announced for the coming months. However, rumors of a September State of Play are gaining momentum, raising hopes for more exciting PS Plus announcements.
Players would be wise to keep a close eye on Sony’s next moves, as last August’s purge showed how quickly things can shift on the service. One thing is certain: between the quality of the recent additions and the upcoming September departures, subscribers don’t have a minute to lose.
