In a surprising twist for July 2025, Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service has managed to outshine Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, thanks in large part to a blockbuster addition that few saw coming: Cyberpunk 2077. While Xbox Game Pass continues to offer stellar value with day-one releases and a robust catalog, Sony’s lineup this month has made waves in the gaming community.
Let’s dive into what each subscription offers this month—and why Sony’s strategic moves are turning heads.
Cyberpunk 2077 Joins PS Plus: A Redemption Story Comes Full Circle
Sony’s biggest power play this month came early, with Cyberpunk 2077 landing on PS Plus Extra on July 9. It’s a remarkable moment for a title that began its journey with controversy but has since seen a complete turnaround.
Once plagued by bugs and technical issues, Cyberpunk 2077 is now hailed as one of the best RPGs of the decade, especially after its Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023. The game currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, a testament to CD Projekt Red’s commitment to quality post-launch support.
Set in the futuristic sprawl of Night City, players assume the role of V, a mercenary hunting for a cybernetic implant that grants immortality. With deep customization, open-ended storytelling, and striking visuals, the game is a heavyweight addition to any subscription service.
PS Plus Also Delivers on Indie Gems and Day-One Releases
Beyond Cyberpunk, Sony’s subscription continues to impress in July with Abiotic Factor, launching as a day-one release on July 22. This co-op survival crafting game has already earned praise from PC players, with a unique setting that drops players into a chaotic underground research facility overrun by otherworldly threats.
Additional PS Plus Extra titles coming on July 15 include:
- Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
- Planet Zoo
- Risk of Rain 2
- New World: Aeternum
- Tropico 6
- Bluey: The Videogame
Meanwhile, Premium subscribers can relive chaotic nostalgia with Twisted Metal 3 and Twisted Metal 4.
Xbox Game Pass Remains Strong With Tony Hawk and More
Although Sony took the spotlight this month, Microsoft isn’t far behind. Game Pass subscribers were treated to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 as a day-one release on July 11, a thrilling remaster of classic skateboarding titles packed with tricks, maps, and old-school energy.
Other July additions to Xbox Game Pass include:
- Little Nightmares II
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Legend of Mana
- Trials of Mana
- Ultimate Chicken Horse
- The Ascent
- Minami Lane
- High on Life
Looking ahead, Grounded 2 (Game Preview) joins the lineup on July 29, alongside anticipated titles like RoboCop: Rogue City and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.
With multiple tiers including Game Pass Core, Game Pass for Console/PC, and Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft still delivers unmatched value, especially for players seeking variety across platforms. The Ultimate tier even offers cloud streaming and early access perks, making it ideal for power users.
Verdict: A Rare Win for Sony in the Subscription Wars
While Xbox Game Pass continues to be a dominant force in gaming subscriptions, Sony’s PS Plus Extra lineup in July 2025 is a rare and clear win, primarily due to the strategic addition of Cyberpunk 2077. It’s a high-profile game with wide appeal, paired with well-reviewed indies like Abiotic Factor, giving Sony an edge in both quality and variety this month.
Xbox fans still have plenty to celebrate—especially those nostalgic for Tony Hawk—but this time, PlayStation players are enjoying the more headline-grabbing exclusives.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re skating through Tony Hawk 3+4 or exploring the neon-drenched alleys of Night City, July 2025 has something for everyone. But when it comes to value, timing, and buzz, PlayStation Plus Extra takes the win—at least this month.
Stay tuned: With new games being announced frequently, August may tip the scales once again.
