Everyone is looking for that one massive leak. You know the one—the blurry screenshot from a "verified" source or the cryptic tweet from a leaker with a track record that’s basically a coin flip. But honestly, predicting the April 2025 lineup isn't about magic; it’s about looking at how Sony has been playing the game lately.
They’ve been weirdly consistent.
Last year, specifically in April, we saw a lineup that felt like a love letter to cult classics and niche hits. Remember RoboCop: Rogue City? It was the headliner. Most people didn't see it coming because it wasn't a "mainstream" blockbuster, but it was exactly what the service needed to keep people from hitting that cancel button.
The logic behind the PS Plus April 2025 predictions
If you're trying to figure out what's landing in your library, stop looking at the newest $70 releases. Sony usually picks games that are roughly 18 to 24 months old. They want titles that have finished their primary sales cycle but still have enough "cool factor" to drive subscriptions.
Also, April is a transitional month. Spring sales are usually winding down, and the big summer droughts haven't hit yet. Sony likes to use this window to drop something "experimental" or a game that had a rough launch but has since been patched into greatness.
Why a first-party title might actually happen
It has been a minute since we saw a heavy-hitting Sony exclusive in the Essential tier. We've seen God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West floating around the Extra and Premium tiers for ages. Putting one of these into the Essential monthly games for April 2025 would be a massive power move.
Think about God of War Ragnarök.
By April 2025, the game will be over two years old. Most people who wanted to buy it already have. Moving it to Essential serves as a giant "thank you" to the base-level subscribers who feel like they've been getting the short end of the stick compared to the Extra/Premium tiers. It’s a calculated risk.
The "Sleeper Hit" Slot
Every month has one. It’s that indie game you’ve heard of but never quite pulled the trigger on. For April 2025, keep your eyes on Pacific Drive. It’s atmospheric, it’s unique, and it fits that "weird but good" vibe Sony loves for the spring. Or maybe Trepang2. It’s fast, it’s gory, and it’s the kind of game that goes viral on TikTok for three days before everyone moves on. That’s prime PS Plus material.
The multiplayer factor
Sony almost always includes one game with a strong online component. They need to justify the fact that you're paying for the ability to play online in the first place. Last year, it was The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
For 2025? It’s probably time for Exoprimal or maybe even Payday 3. Both games had... let’s call them "complicated" launches. They need players. Being a "free" game on PS Plus is the ultimate CPR for a dying player base.
What usually trips people up
The biggest mistake is assuming a game is "too big" for the service. We’ve seen Final Fantasy VII Remake and Control drop on day one or shortly after. Nothing is strictly off the table if the marketing budget is right.
However, don't expect Marvel's Spider-Man 2 yet. Sony still treats that like a crown jewel. They'll milk every last cent of retail value out of that before it ever touches the Essential tier.
Final thoughts on the April lineup
Basically, expect a mix of one older AAA title, one high-energy indie, and one multiplayer-focused game. That is the "Sony Formula" and they rarely deviate from it unless there's a major event or anniversary.
If you’re looking to maximize your subscription, here is what you should actually do:
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- Check the "Last Chance to Play" section in the PS Plus tab by the last week of March. Sony usually telegraphs what’s leaving, which can give you a hint about the genres they’re looking to replace.
- Don't buy any mid-tier games that are currently on sale for $15 or less in March. Those are the prime candidates for a PS Plus drop.
- Keep an eye on the official PlayStation Blog on the last Wednesday of March. That’s the "Gold Hour" when the official reveal usually happens around 11:30 AM EST.
The wait is almost over. Whether we get a masterpiece or a "meh" month, the cycle of hype and disappointment is part of the fun. Make sure your storage is cleared out; you're going to need it if those AAA rumors turn out to be true.