July 2022 marked a pivotal moment for PlayStation Plus subscribers as Sony officially rolled out its newly restructured three-tier subscription system worldwide. This major overhaul brought a robust selection of monthly titles for Essential tier members, while significantly expanding the Extra and Premium game catalogs with blockbuster hits and day-one indie releases. Understanding the full lineup helps players evaluate the long-term value of these distinct membership tiers.
PlayStation Plus Essential Monthly Titles
The July 2022 Essential lineup delivered three distinct gaming experiences available to all active subscribers starting on July 5. Headlining the drop was the acclaimed platformer Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, offering challenging gameplay for both PS4 and PS5 users. Players were also treated to narrative horror in The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan and cooperative shooter action in Arcadegeddon.
These monthly claimable titles remained accessible as long as players maintained an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Offering a balanced mix of genre variety, this tier ensured that casual gamers and dedicated trophy hunters alike had fresh content to explore during the summer month.
Game Catalog Additions for Extra and Premium Members
Subscribers on the higher Extra and Premium tiers gained access to a massive expansion of the downloadable Game Catalog starting July 19, 2022. The highlight of the drop was the day-one release of Stray, a charming third-person adventure centered around a lost cat navigating a futuristic cybercity. Fans of major franchises were also rewarded with high-profile additions including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Marvel's Avengers.
Ubisoft heavily supported the July update by contributing numerous stealth and action titles to the service. The expansion featured five separate Assassin's Creed entries alongside two Saints Row titles, providing hundreds of hours of open-world content. Additionally, family-friendly options like Paw Patrol on a Roll! and Ice Age: Scrat's Nutty Adventure rounded out the diverse catalog.
Classics Catalog and Premium Exclusive Retro Additions
PlayStation Plus Premium members received exclusive access to nostalgic titles added to the Classics Catalog during the July update. Retro enthusiasts gained access to classic PlayStation Portable games, including the puzzle titles Echoshift, No Heroes Allowed!, and LocoRoco Midnight Carnival. These legacy additions enhanced the value proposition for long-time PlayStation fans seeking classic handheld experiences.
By blending modern blockbusters, day-one indie debuts, and nostalgic handheld titles, the July 2022 release demonstrated Sony's commitment to building a competitive multi-tier gaming service. Players interested in managing their digital subscriptions or exploring official console support features can learn more through .
