When do PS Plus monthly games come out?
Sony usually announces and unlocks Essential monthly games around the first Tuesday of each month. Exact titles appear on the PlayStation Blog and Store banner.
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PlayStation Plus Monthly Games — August 2026 Claim Guide
PlayStation Plus Essential monthly games for August 2026 — how to claim on PS5/PS4, when titles leave, and Essential vs Extra vs Premium differences. Claim before the first Tuesday of next month or you lose access to that month's Essential lineup.
Updated 2026-08-22
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PS Plus Essential monthly lineup (August 2026)
subscriptionPS4 / PS5 · Claim by Claim before early September removal (typically first Tuesday)
Sony announces 2–3 Essential monthly games on the PlayStation Blog and PS App. Open Store → PlayStation Plus → Games → add each title to Library. Exact titles rotate monthly — verify the current banner in-store.
PS Plus Extra / Premium catalog
subscriptionPS4 / PS5 · Claim by Catalog titles can leave any month — check Leaving Soon
Extra and Premium unlock hundreds of catalog games. Unlike Essential monthlies, catalog titles can leave — download and finish before removal dates.
How to claim PS Plus monthly games on PS5
Open the PlayStation Store → PlayStation Plus hub → Monthly Games. Select each Essential title → Add to Library. You can download later. Essential monthlies require an active subscription to play after claim. Extra/Premium members also browse Game Catalog and Classics.
Claim deadline — when do monthly games leave?
Essential monthly games typically rotate on the first Tuesday of each month. You must add them to your library before the swap. Missed claims cannot be recovered after removal. Catalog (Extra/Premium) removals are listed under Leaving Soon with separate dates.
Essential vs Extra vs Premium comparison
Essential: online multiplayer + 2–3 monthly games + cloud saves. Extra: Essential plus a large downloadable catalog. Premium: Extra plus Classics streaming/trials and game trials. Pick Essential if you only want monthlies; Extra for catalog depth; Premium for PS1–PS3 classics streaming.
Can you keep monthly games after canceling PS Plus?
Essential monthly games stay in your library but become unplayable when the subscription ends — reclaim play by renewing. Disc purchases and full-price digital buys are unaffected. Always claim monthlies even if you pause for a month; they unlock again when you resubscribe.
PS Plus claim errors and store issues
If Add to Library fails, check PSN status, free storage, and payment method on file. CE- storage errors and NP- sign-in codes often block claims during maintenance — use our PlayStation error hub and live status page before rebuilding the database.
FAQ
Do I keep PS Plus games if I cancel?
Claimed Essential monthlies remain in your library but need an active subscription to play. They unlock again when you renew.
What is the difference between PS Plus Essential and Extra?
Essential includes multiplayer and monthly games. Extra adds a rotating catalog of downloadable games. Premium adds Classics and trials on top of Extra.
Why can't I claim PS Plus games?
Confirm your subscription is active, the title is still in the monthly window, and PSN is online. Storage-full CE- errors and NP- login codes also block claims.