PlayStation Plus Games for July 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
July 2023 was a jam-packed month for PlayStation Plus subscribers, bringing a variety of titles across different genres and subscription tiers. In summary, the PlayStation Plus games for July 2023 included:
- Monthly Games (Available to all PS Plus subscribers):
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Cross-Gen Bundle
- Alan Wake Remastered
- Endling: Extinction is Forever
- PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium Game Catalog Additions:
- It Takes Two (PS4, PS5)
- Sniper Elite 5 (PS4, PS5)
- Snowrunner (PS4, PS5)
- World War Z (PS4, PS5)
- The Ascent (PS4, PS5)
- Undertale (PS4)
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated (PS4)
- Melty Blood: Type Lumina (PS4)
- Dysmantle (PS4, PS5)
- PlayStation Plus Classics (Premium Tier):
- Twisted Metal
This diverse selection offered something for every type of gamer, from adrenaline-pumping shooters to heartfelt adventures. Now, let’s delve deeper into what each of these titles brought to the table.
Breakdown of July’s PS Plus Offerings
Monthly Games (Essential Tier)
The monthly games for July, available to all PS Plus subscribers regardless of their tier, featured some heavy hitters. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Cross-Gen Bundle provided a classic, action-packed first-person shooter experience, complete with a thrilling campaign and robust multiplayer. Alan Wake Remastered brought the cult-classic psychological thriller to a new generation, boasting enhanced graphics and a captivating story. Rounding out the selection was Endling: Extinction is Forever, a touching and environmentally conscious adventure game about a mother fox trying to survive in a dying world.
PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium Game Catalog
The Game Catalog additions for PS Plus Extra and Premium members were arguably the highlight of July. It Takes Two, the critically acclaimed co-op adventure, made its way to the service, requiring players to work together to solve puzzles and navigate its enchanting world. Sniper Elite 5 offered a tense and tactical sniping experience, perfect for stealth enthusiasts. Snowrunner presented a unique off-road driving challenge, testing players’ skills as they traverse treacherous terrain. World War Z unleashed hordes of zombies in a fast-paced co-operative shooter. The Ascent delivered a stylish cyberpunk action RPG with a top-down perspective.
Further bolstering the lineup were Undertale, a beloved indie RPG with a unique combat system and memorable characters; SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated, a charming remaster of the classic platformer; and Melty Blood: Type Lumina, a fast-paced fighting game for genre fans. Additionally, Dysmantle, a post-apocalyptic open-world survival game where destruction is a key feature, was also added to the catalog.
PlayStation Plus Classics (Premium Tier)
For Premium members, the retro treat for July was Twisted Metal, a classic vehicular combat game. This offered a dose of nostalgia and frantic fun, appealing to veteran players who fondly remember the PlayStation’s early days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 commonly asked questions regarding PlayStation Plus and its July 2023 offerings to provide you with further clarity:
1. What is PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that enhances the PlayStation gaming experience. It offers features such as online multiplayer, monthly games, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for game saves. It comes in three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium, each with varying benefits.
2. How do I access the PlayStation Plus games for July 2023?
Essential tier subscribers can claim the monthly games through the PlayStation Store during the month they are available. Extra and Premium tier members can access the Game Catalog through their respective menus on their PlayStation consoles.
3. Do I keep the PS Plus games forever?
No, you do not keep PS Plus games forever. Monthly games (from the Essential tier) can be accessed as long as you have an active subscription. If your subscription lapses, these games become locked until you renew. Game Catalog titles are playable as long as they are included in the service and your subscription remains active.
4. What happens if I downgrade my PS Plus subscription?
If you downgrade from Extra or Premium to Essential, you lose access to the Game Catalog titles. You retain access only to the monthly Essential games.
5. Is It Takes Two only playable with online multiplayer?
While It Takes Two is designed for co-op play, you can play it either online or through local couch co-op. Both players will need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online.
6. Did any games leave PlayStation Plus in July 2023?
No specific titles left the service in July 2023. However, games periodically rotate in and out of the Extra and Premium catalogs.
7. What were the August 2023 PlayStation Plus monthly games?
The August 2023 monthly games included Sea of Stars, Moving Out 2, and Destiny 2: The Witch Queen. Additionally, Lost Judgment, Cursed to Golf, and Destroy All Humans 2 were added to the Game Catalog.
8. What is the PlayStation Plus Collection?
The PlayStation Plus Collection was a selection of games available to PS5 owners with an active PS Plus subscription. This collection has been discontinued.
9. What games are leaving PlayStation Plus in September 2023?
Several games left the service on September 19, including Deathloop, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, Death end re;Quest 2, Nidhogg 2, and Through the Darkest of Times.
10. Are there any free PlayStation Plus games in October 2023?
Yes, the October 2023 free monthly games are The Callisto Protocol, Weird West, and Farming Simulator 22.
11. How much does PS Plus cost?
The cost varies based on the tier and duration. PS Plus Premium costs $18 per month, $50 for three months, or $160 for a full year. Pricing for Essential and Extra are lower, but still competitive.
12. Why do games leave the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs?
Games leave the service due to licensing agreements between Sony and game publishers. These agreements have expiration dates, leading to the rotation of titles within the catalog.
13. Is Gotham Knights on PlayStation Plus?
Gotham Knights was available on PS Plus at a later date, but it was not a part of the July 2023 offerings.
14. Does PlayStation have free games every month?
Yes, PlayStation Plus Essential members receive a selection of free games each month. The number of titles may vary slightly from month to month.
15. Where can I find the list of games leaving PlayStation Plus each month?
Sony generally announces games leaving the service via the PlayStation Blog and social media. You can also find information from reliable gaming news outlets.
Conclusion
July 2023 was a fantastic month for PlayStation Plus subscribers, offering a rich selection of games across all tiers. From the engaging co-op adventure of It Takes Two to the intense sniping action of Sniper Elite 5 and the classic thrill of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, there was plenty to keep players entertained. By understanding the different tiers, the monthly offerings, and the mechanics of the Game Catalog, you can maximize the value of your PlayStation Plus subscription.