Is it worth free? — Games leaving PS Plus in August 2025
It’s your last chance to play these 13 games before they depart next month
Editorials
Goodbyes are never easy. The pain in the pit of your stomach when a romantic summer liaison must ultimately come to an end. The bittersweet feeling of leaving your hometown behind for new adventures in the big city. And the pang of sorrow in seeing your favourite titles leave the PS Plus Game Catalog.
It is the harsh reality of being beholden to ever-changing subscription services and, as tragic as it may seem, we must remember that the departure of the old leaves room for the new. With the new July titles being added to the service recently, so too has the ‘Last Chance To Play’ section been updated, revealing the games that are departing the service in August.
EA Sports UFC 5 (PS5)
GamingTrend Score: 85
UFC 5 review — Winner, by Split Decision
The UFC has been using the tagline “As real as it gets” for quite some time, and with each iteration on EA Sports UFC, we’ve gotten closer and closer. Overhauled to run exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, and running on the Frostbite engine, could
Ron Burke
‘As real as it gets’ is clearly an appropriate tagline for the EA Sports UFC franchise, and doubly so, it seems, for this latest entry. And why, pray tell, is this the case? Well, running in the Frostbite engine and exclusively on the latest generation of hardware has allowed EA Vancouver to render every bead of sweat and drop of fluid as you beat the everloving snot out of your opponents with an array of strikes, knees, and grapples.
Compelling stuff, right? And with a short tenure of only five months on the service, subscribers may have yet to have had the chance to try UFC 5 out for themselves. Favourable reviews from critics and a short completion time may well place this mixed martial arts sim as a viable play option for those against the clock, although it would be remiss not to mention that UFC 5 did not fare well in the ring against its broader player base, sporting a less-than-title-winning user review score.
Is it worth free?: Maybe. Although it seems fans of the franchise would recommend you skip this entry and play its predecessor.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5, PS4)
GamingTrend Score: 95
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review — I am one with the Force and the Force is with me
As always, we steadfastly refuse to ruin the storyline of any game we review, so rest assured – you are safe to read on. Other than some initial setup, we’ll be as light a touch as possible with regards to spoilers – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has a fantastic story, and
Ron Burke
Really, EA? Do you have a heart? Yes, we’re losing another EA-published game in the form of the exceptional Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Pegged by GamingTrend’s own Ron Burke as an “early contender for game of the year”, this 2023 sequel sees our favourite Jedi Knight Cal Kestis reassemble his old team to face not only the Empire but a rogue High Republic Jedi obsessed with a mysterious planet.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor builds on Fallen Order in a near-perfect fashion and, with sprawling worlds to explore, secrets to unearth, and a variety of lightsaber combat forms to master, players will not be disappointed to live their Force-sensitive fantasy through the eyes of Kestis.
Is it worth free?: Yes. C’mon, Star Wars Soulslike framed in a Metroidvania-inspired structure? It’s a no-brainer.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS5, PS4)
So, it seems CD Projekt Red subscribes to the old adage of giving with one hand and taking away with the other. At least, that’s the conclusion I’m coming to given their recent moves on PS Plus. Hot off the heels of Cyberpunk 2077 joining the service, we’re saying goodbye to the genre-defining The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Like many of August’s departing titles, this monster-slaying RPG epic joined the service one year ago and, to be frank, I don’t think it's the worst thing in the world that we’re seeing it leave. Wait, as blasphemous as that sounds, the game is a decade old at this point and is regularly available at discounted prices. Besides, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an immersive experience, and is not a game that should be rushed.
Is it worth free?: Slightly tricky to answer. In short, absolutely. But the time pressure is not conducive to the attention this title deserves, so I would recommend picking it up in a sale.
Wild Hearts (PS5)
GamingTrend Score: 90
Wild Hearts Review – A new hunt for the thread of life
Back in October we gave you a small taste of what you had to look forward to in the most recent endeavor from Koei Tecmo and Omega Force. Now we’re back to give you the final verdict after all we’ve been through in the beautiful land of Azuma.
Cassie Peterson
Ok, it's official. EA is doing a cleanout, and number three on their list is Wild Hearts from Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force. Described by Cassie in our own review of the game as “giving fans of the genre a new reason to get excited”, this monster-hunting action role-player sees players battling massive preternatural creatures against the backdrop of a fantasy world taking cues from feudal Japan.
In a niche where one particular franchise in which one hunts large monsters (points for any correct guesses) has a monopoly, Omega Force’s attempt to muscle in on the turf has generally paid off, being critically well-received and even receiving a Switch 2 port which releases later this month. At around 40 hours to main story completion, and far more for completionists, it won’t be the quickest of experiences, but for those with a hunting itch to scratch, it’ll be time well spent.
Is it worth free?: Most likely. This feels like the perfect entry point for those looking to dip their toes in the ocean of monster-hunting RPGs, and established fans of the genre need look no further for another great experience.
Ride 5 (PS5)
GamingTrend Score: 85
Ride 5 review – revving up the revelry
Motorcycle racing enthusiasts have long anticipated the release of Ride 5, a game that promised to redefine the landscape of motorcycle simulation games. With its predecessor, Ride 4, leaving a considerable mark on the genre, the question on everyone’s mind was: how does Ride 5 stack up? After spending
Mindful Phill
Italian game developer Milestone’s Ride series seems to have garnered a reputation as the Gran Turismo of motorcycle simulation games. Whether impressive or reductive as a comparison, it is clear that the series is made for motorcycle enthusiasts, and the mantra is no different in the latest installment, Ride 5.
With stunning graphics, an immersive physics engine, and an array of bikes and tracks to choose from, Ride 5 is as comprehensive an experience as it gets for everything motorcycle racing. Having been on the service for one year at the time of departure, it feels unlikely that any fans of this simulation franchise have slept on this but if you fall into that very specific Venn diagram, then playing this before it leaves should be a priority.
Is it worth free?: For the casual gamer, it's probably a skip. For fans and enthusiasts, what have you been doing all this time? Get on this ASAP.
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker (PS4)
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Strikers is trying to wear a lot of hats. It’s an anime tie-in, an online experience, a 4 vs 4 fighter, and a shooter all at once. That’s a fair amount of genres to cram into one game, and, from looking at the critical reception, it seems that it shows.
It’s not all bad though, as there were plenty of critics and players who commented on the potential of this effort from Soleil and, if you’re a fan of the source material, there’s little doubt that you would find some enjoyment here (although fans of Naruto are positively spoilt for choice when it comes to video games). One thing to note, however, is the online nature of the game and its player base, which, whilst not dead, has waned 7 years on from its release.
Is it worth free?: Probably not. A mix of middling reviews and necessary online for what is a dated game make this a recommended skip.
Sword Art Online: Last Recollection (PS5, PS4)
My heart goes out to all Sword Art Online fans, as August is going to be a pretty rough month for the franchise, at least in the context of PS Plus. All currently available entries in the franchise (that’s 5 games total) are leaving the service, and the only one with a PS5 version is Sword Art Online: Last Recollection.
Released in 2023 and joining the Game Catalog relatively soon after, Last Recollection serves as the conclusion of the SAO Gameverse canon, which, as far as I can tell, broadly follows its anime source material’s narrative with some deviations. For fans and critics alike, however, this JRPG finale fell flat, so perhaps checking this one out is a die-hard fans-only activity.
Is it worth free?: No. Even to fans, the consensus on this entry is lukewarm, and an inaccessible narrative will leave newcomers recollecting very little.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris (PS4)
Honestly, Sword Art Online fans, I have tried my best to become a SAO expert in the past half an hour, so bear with me here. Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris was released in 2020 and follows the familiar pattern of sticking to the anime plot for a while before shooting off down its own continuity.
Gameplay-wise, it’s the standard for the series: a JRPG with flashy, vibrant visuals. There is also 4-player co-op available in the game, although it is walled off behind up to 20 hours of progression, and the utter bizarreness of this choice has been echoing throughout the internet since the game was released.
Is it worth free?: Again, it's likely a no. Mixed reviews, performance issues and a large time commitment make this an easy skip.
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet (PS4)
So, it's an SAO game with guns, and I assume calling it ‘Gun Art Online’ would have messed with the brand recognition somewhat. Can you tell I’m running out of things to say yet? In all seriousness, the change to a third-person shooter RPG is actually quite the shift from a gameplay perspective, and Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is far from the worst-received in the franchise.
Whilst all of the SOA games on this list have been on the Game Catalog since August last year, the expansive nature of entries in this franchise may well mean that even fans of the JRPG genre haven’t managed a playthrough yet, and Fatal Bullet is one of the better-reviewed ones.
Is it worth free?: For fans, it’s a pretty solid yes, but I doubt there are many who have yet to experience the game.
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization (PS4)
In the context of the world of anime tie-in video games, it seems that Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization is a relative success, with particular note given to its expansive, engaging world and a nice balance of JRPG and MMO elements.
Indeed, out of the 5 SOA games spoken about here, Hollow Realization is the highest reviewed, and perhaps that makes it the most ideal place to start considering the available PS Plus options and the inaccessibility of the plot generally. Regardless, it seems that this 2016 entry in the series will have those familiar with SAO feeling pretty cozy with its engaging visuals and fun battle system.
Is it worth free? A tentative yes, if for nothing else but to dip your toe into the world of SOA. It’s as ideal a place as any, it seems.
Sword Art Online: Lost Song (PS4)
GamingTrend Score: 70
Anime with a dash of fay- Sword Art Online: Lost Song review
For those who might be unfamiliar with it, Sword Art Online is a popular manga and anime series which has been taking the genre by storm for the better part of the last two years. The focus of the plot shifts around quite a bit over course of the franchise’
Lucious Barnes
On to the final SAO game leaving PS Plus next month, Sword Art Online: Lost Song is the oldest entry included here, and the third game in the overall series. It boasts a praised combat system and an intriguing flight mechanic that separates it from the pack somewhat, although even for a SOA mega-enthusiast, it’d be a feat of might to manage all 5 of the departing titles by August 19th.
In our review, Lucian commented that the game was “really only built with fans in mind”, so it seems a degree in Sword Art Online lore is still a necessity to penetrate the dense narrative. But we’ve just spent five entries on the franchise, so as a shock that cometh not.
Is it worth free?: Probably not, unless again you’re a fan. But let’s be honest, you’ve already played them all.
Vacation Simulator (PS5, PS4)
GamingTrend Score: 90
Time to Vacation, Human! — Vacation Simulator Vive review
You might recall that we had lots of fun [JOBBING] in the Job Simulator game from Owlchemy lab back in 2017. The game was set up as a series of simulation sandboxes that gave you the chance to make copies, answer phones, and other cubicle fun, then flip some burgers,
Ron Burke
I suppose there is quite a logical connection between working a job to going on holiday, and it’s this link that American developer Owlchemy Labs has leaned on in the sequel to their popular VR title Job Simulator. After slaving away in offices, kitchens, and shops, players were treated to a relaxing holiday on Vacation Island in 2019’s Vacation Simulator, or broad approximations of relaxing at least.
Another August 2024 service debuter, Vacation Simulator, provides players with a cavalcade of minigames to enjoy and the kind of simulation shenanigans one would expect from Owlchemy Labs. It’s not a long experience by any stretch, but in this context, that works in its favour. So, if you have a PSVR, you’d be remiss not to enjoy a little holiday. Go on, you deserve it.
Is it worth free?: If you’ve got PSVR, then it’s a strong yes. A fun and silly experience that will keep you entertained for a while, at least.
Bugsnax (PS5, PS4)
GamingTrend Score: 80
Like Pokémon, but you eat them — Bugsnax Review
I, like many, wasn’t sure what the heck I saw when Bugsnax was announced at the June PlayStation Showcase. I mean, from the ridiculously catchy song I was able to pick up a little bit. These creatures were kinda bugs, yet kinda snacks. It all seemed quite outlandish to
David Burdette
I remember it like it was yesterday. June 2020 and the PS5 hardware reveal event. What a glorious time it is when we get our first glimpse of a new console. The surprise came when Bugsnax from indie developer Young Horses was also announced as a PS5 launch title, a strange old offering involving muppet-like Grumpuses, a mysterious island, and, of course, the eponymous Bugsnax (half bug, half snack for those who need catching up).
Despite not pushing the then-new hardware to its limits, Bugsnax is a bizarre and delightful experience full of unique characters, engaging gameplay, and surprisingly complex themes. Having been free to PS Plus subscribers from the PS5’s launch until 2021, and then available on the Game Catalog since August 2022, it is a sad day to see Bugsnax depart from the service. Together, the base game and its 2022 free expansion, Isle of Bigsnax, will take around 15-20 hours to complete, and I highly recommend taking the time to experience everything the game has to offer.
Is it worth free?: Absolutely. Please play this game and let it take you on a spectacularly wacky ride.
As usual, these titles will be leaving the Game Catalog on the third Tuesday of the month, which in this case is 19th August. This should give even the busiest amongst us enough time to try a couple of these games out.
Are you planning on squeezing any of these PS Extra games into your play schedule before they leave the service in August? Leave a comment letting us know, and stay tuned to GamingTrend for the latest PS Plus news and more!
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