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The game in the headline is Sword of the Sea, an atmospheric surfing adventure from Giant Squid. It launched on PS5 on August 19, 2025, and joined the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on day one for Extra and Premium members. That date has passed: “tomorrow” referred to the original August 18, 2025 headline, not today. Catalog access is a subscription benefit, not a permanent free giveaway or an Essential monthly game.
What launched, and when?
Sony announced on August 13, 2025, that Sword of the Sea would release into the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on August 19. Sony listed it for the Extra and Premium catalog lineup in its August 2025 catalog announcement. The US PlayStation Store page says an Extra membership is required for catalog access; check your local store because catalog lineups and release dates can vary by region.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
007 First Light - Specialist Edition - PlayStation 5 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 (PS5) | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sonic X Shadow Generations - PlayStation 5 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (PS5) | $40.36 | Buy on Amazon |
“Free” in the headline means included while you have an eligible, active subscription and the game remains in your region’s catalog. It does not mean you own the game permanently. Since the launch date is historical and catalog offerings can change, check your local PlayStation Store or PS Plus catalog for current availability.
What kind of game is Sword of the Sea?
You play as the Wraith, a vessel tasked with restoring oceans to a world where the land flows in waves. Giant Squid’s game description centers on the Hoversword, which combines movement inspired by snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. Expect momentum-driven traversal, tricks, ramps, and gliding across sand and water rather than combat-heavy action.
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- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
In a June 5, 2025 hands-on report, PlayStation framed the adventure as drawing on Giant Squid’s earlier games Abzû, The Pathless, and Journey. Those are useful reference points for its atmospheric, spiritual tone, not a promise that the games play alike.
Is it a good fit for you?
- Check access first: the confirmed launch platform is PS5, and catalog access was tied to Extra or Premium in Sony’s announcement. The US Store listing specifically identifies Extra as required. Regional availability may differ.
- Consider the movement: the Hoversword and trick-focused traversal are the central hook. If you want fast, fluid movement through an evocative world, that is the draw; if you are looking for combat-heavy action, the official descriptions emphasize something else.
- Set expectations about the praise: “most beautiful” is subjective headline language. The official materials describe an atmospheric adventure, but they do not establish an objective ranking of its visuals.
Do you need a special controller?
No new controller is established as a requirement. PlayStation’s hands-on report discusses DualSense haptics during surfing; if you already have a working compatible PS5 controller, the cited sources do not indicate that you need to buy another. Matt Nava, Giant Squid founder and creative director, said the haptics add detail to the surfing experience.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- A fully modernized remake of the originals: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements make these the best versions of the games yet.
- Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
- Two legendary adventures, in one package: Experience the epic origins of the DRAGON QUEST series with both DRAGON QUEST I and DRAGON QUEST II. Two games beautifully remade and bundled together in one definitive offering.
- Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.
Rank #3
- Past meets present in SONIC GENERATIONS! Modern and Classic Sonic team up to defeat Dr. Eggman and the Time Eater to restore their timeline to normal!
- Spin dash through a greatest-hits collection of 3D and 2D versions of iconic stages from past Sonic games, now with updated visuals and reworked cinematics
- In this new standalone campaign, Black Doom has reemerged and threatens to take over the world. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
- Harness Shadow's new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!
- Rescue Chao hiding in every level, rack up the highest pinball score in the Casino Nights zone, and check out the museum for behind-the-scenes art, music, and more!
Rank #2
- Embark on an adventure of your own creation. The latest in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series.
- New story content – Experience original, streamlined story content and quests with new paths to achieve.
- Character creation – Create a customized protagonist with unique appearance, voice, motions and more.
- Town building system – Rebuild the protagonist's town as the story progresses with evolving town reconstruction mechanics and development while inviting new people to live in the town.
- HD-2D Visuals – The series’ iconic graphic style returns, bringing a striking blend of retro 2D characters in a beautiful 3D world.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
