Look, summer’s winding down, and you know what that means: less sun, more screen. August 2025 is straight-up stacked with fresh, fiery PS5 games that are basically begging for your thumbs.
Whether you’re into emotional rollercoasters, chaotic combat, artsy indie vibes, or just some classic “blow-it-all-up” action, there’s something here with your name on it.
So grab your headset, hydrate like a gamer should (with… probably an energy drink), and let’s dive into the best games you need to be playing on PS5 this month.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – The Mind-Bending Comeback
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Hellblade is back, baby, and it’s bigger, darker, and prettier than ever. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II brings psychological storytelling to a whole new level. The game uses Unreal Engine 5 to create cinematic visuals so real, your brain might glitch.
But the PS5 version isn’t just a port. It’s packing a new roguelike mode, a silky smooth 60fps upgrade, and a full deluxe edition with the original Hellblade bundled in.
There’s even new photo and video capture tools so you can show off your most cursed moments. And yes, the combat? It hits harder than your morning anxiety.
If you’re into layered storytelling, Norse mythology, and games that don’t baby you, this one’s your August main quest.
Mafia: The Old Country – Say Hello to the Family
Release Date: August 8, 2025
We’re going full Godfather with this one. Mafia: The Old Country is a prequel to the OG Mafia games, set in the dusty, sun-drenched streets of 1900s Sicily. Think vendettas, family honor, and mob drama with chef’s kiss acting.
Hangar 13 poured emotion, depth, and vintage violence into this title. It’s like watching a prestige HBO series, but you get to decide who gets whacked. The voice acting? Crisp. The world-building? Immersive. The slow-motion executions? Look, we’re not saying it’s a good habit, but it’s stylish.
Perfect for players who crave story-driven gameplay with cinematic flair. Light a cigar (not really), and dive in.
Sword of the Sea – The Chillest Game You’ll Ever Obsess Over
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Ready to vibe? Sword of the Sea is what happens when an art director from Journey and Abzû decides to feed your soul. You ride a hover-sword (yes, that’s a thing) through ruined cities, massive Leviathans, and sweeping dunes. There’s no dialogue, no combat—just movement, mystery, and melancholy.
This is the kind of game you play when your brain’s been fried from shooters and loot grinds. It’s atmospheric, beautiful, and possibly the most calming thing on a console since Flower. Ideal for gamers who need a soul-reset after getting clapped in multiplayer.
Gears of War: Reloaded – Surprise Drop That No One Saw Coming
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Here’s the twist no one expected: Xbox classic Gears of War just landed on PS5. Gears of War: Reloaded is a full remaster with 4K graphics, 60fps campaign mode, and up to 120fps in multiplayer. Oh, and it’s cross-platform—so your Xbox frenemies can finally get these chainsaw hands.
Reloaded includes all original DLC and even throws in some spicy visual reworks for iconic levels. If you missed this series the first time around, now’s the moment to jump in with both boots and a lancer.
It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s pure serotonin for your inner 2008 gamer.
Lost Soul Aside – Your Anime Combat Dreams Come to Life
Release Date: August 29, 2025
This one’s been in dev hell for so long, we thought it was vaporware. But no—Lost Soul Aside is real, and it’s glorious. An ultra-fast action-RPG that mashes up Final Fantasy, Devil May Cry, and a dash of Kingdom Hearts edge? Sign us up.
You play as Kaser, a sword-wielding dude who’s bonded with a talking, shapeshifting dragon-weapon named Arena. Their banter? Peak anime energy. The gameplay? All high-speed combos, aerial juggles, flashy finishers, and transforming weapons mid-fight. The aesthetic? Straight-up trailer bait—in the best way.
If you’ve got a soft spot for JRPGs with gorgeous visuals and high drama, this one’s your late-August obsession.
Dying Light: The Beast – Parkour Plus Monster Mode
Release Date: August 22, 2025
What happens when you mix Dying Light’s parkour with supernatural mutations and a touch of open-world chaos? You get The Beast. This standalone spin-off from Dying Light 2 takes the franchise in a wild new direction.
You’re basically a super-powered version of Kyle Crane with nightmarish abilities. Wall-run into a zombie? Smash. Leap off a skyscraper and ground-pound an infested horde? Also smash. Oh, and did we mention there’s a 4×4 off-roading mode now?
It’s brutal, messy, and somehow still strategic. Bring a friend or go solo, but whatever you do—don’t go out at night unless you’re ready to beast.
PS Plus Freebies – Because Free Games Hit Different
If you’re subbed to PS Plus Essential, you’re getting some serious bang for your zero additional bucks this month:
- Lies of P – A soulslike game based on Pinocchio (yeah, seriously) that goes hard with style, storytelling, and difficulty. This one blew up last year, and now it’s free. Go suffer beautifully.
- DayZ – Survive the zombie apocalypse with nothing but your fists and poor decision-making. It’s chaos, it’s stressful, and it’s weirdly fun with friends.
- My Hero One’s Justice 2 – For anime fans looking to throw hands with quirks. It’s flashy and faithful to My Hero Academia lore. Probably not an esports pick, but still a blast for couch duels.
Don’t skip these—they’re only free until September 2.
So, What Should You Play First?
Here’s your August gaming cheat sheet:
| If You’re Feeling… | Play This |
| Deep and emotional | Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II |
| In a mafia mood | Mafia: The Old Country |
| Tranquil and introspective | Sword of the Sea |
| Like reliving shooter glory | Gears of War: Reloaded |
| Anime protagonist syndrome | Lost Soul Aside |
| Zombie-smashing power trip | Dying Light: The Beast |
| Broke but blessed with PS Plus | Lies of P, DayZ, MHA 2 |
Final Take
August 2025 on PS5 is like that one pizza order where every topping just hits. It’s got action, story, vibes, nostalgia, and indie spice. Whether you’re loading up on emotional trauma (Hellblade), sliding through sandscapes (Sword of the Sea), or spinning around like a caffeinated anime hero (Lost Soul Aside), the lineup is a certified banger.
And honestly? This might be one of the strongest PlayStation months we’ve had in years. So cancel your weekend plans, charge your controller, and let your couch know you’ll be seeing a lot of it.
Also Read: Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Review – This Bird Has Claws (and a Few Bruises)
