June 2022 is all set to be a big deal for PlayStation fans. The month kicks off with a bang, promising not just new game reveals but also the much-anticipated launch of PS Plus's new subscription tiers. Talk about a packed schedule! Sony has officially pulled back the curtain on the three free games PS Plus Essential subscribers can claim starting June 7th, confirming earlier whispers from the rumor mill. It's a lineup that seems to have something for everyone, from epic single-player adventures to frantic multiplayer brawls.
The Confirmed June 2022 PS Plus Lineup
The games will be available to add to your library from June 7 until July 5. Here's the official rundown:
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God of War (2018): The headliner of the month, no question. This critically acclaimed reboot of Kratos's saga is a masterclass in storytelling and combat. Releasing this title now is a genius move, as it serves as the perfect primer for the upcoming sequel, God of War: Ragnarok. It's like Sony is handing players the essential backstory right before the next chapter drops.
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Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker: This one's for the anime and multiplayer crowd. It's a 4v4 online team battle game set in the beloved Naruto universe. A cool feature? It was the first game in the series to let players create their own custom ninja. The action takes place during the Chunin Exams in the Boruto era. Gotta be honest, though—critics weren't completely wowed by this one. It holds a "Weak" rating on OpenCritic with a top critic average of 64.
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Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl: Ever wondered who would win in a fight between SpongeBob SquarePants and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? This game lets you find out. It's a platform fighter that plays in a similar vein to Super Smash Bros., featuring a wild roster of characters from across Nickelodeon's history. From Avatar: The Last Airbender to Danny Phantom, the crossover potential is huge. Critics gave it a similar reception to Shinobi Striker, with a top critic average of 65 on OpenCritic.
A Month of Major PlayStation Events
June isn't just about free games. Sony has a whole calendar of events planned that makes this feel like PlayStation's big summer showcase. It's a one-two punch of content and new services:
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June 2: State of Play – A digital showcase event where Sony will reveal new third-party games for PS4 and PS5, and even some titles for the upcoming PS VR2 headset. The hype train is leaving the station!
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June 7: Free PS Plus Games Go Live – Claim God of War, Naruto to Boruto, and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl.
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June 13: PS Plus Extra & Premium Launch in North America – This is the big one. The new tiered subscription service, offering a catalog of hundreds of games, officially goes live. The Premium tier will also include classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games, complete with new trophy support for some titles.
How Does June Stack Up?
It's always fun to compare lineups. May 2022 offered FIFA 22, Tribes of Midgard, and Curse of the Dead Gods—a solid mix of sports, survival, and roguelike action. June, however, brings a heavyweight champion to the ring with God of War. That single inclusion arguably tips the scales, offering immense value, especially for players who haven't yet experienced Kratos's Norse journey. The two multiplayer titles add variety, even if they aren't critical darlings. Ultimately, fan reception will depend on personal taste, but from a sheer "bang for your buck" perspective, June delivers a legendary title.
Don't Forget to Grab May's Games!
A quick reminder for anyone who might have missed it: you still have a short window to claim May 2022's PS Plus games (FIFA 22, Tribes of Midgard, Curse of the Dead Gods) before they are replaced on June 7. Once they're gone, they're gone for good!
| Aspect | May 2022 Lineup | June 2022 Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| Headliner | FIFA 22 (Sports) | God of War (Action/Adventure) |
| Genre Variety | Sports, Survival, Roguelike | Action, Anime Fighter, Platform Fighter |
| Critical Reception | Generally Positive | Mixed (for the two multiplayer titles) |
| Overall Vibe | Solid, well-rounded | Blockbuster-driven with niche extras |
All in all, June 2022 is shaping up to be a landmark moment. Between the free games, the State of Play reveals, and the launch of the new PS Plus tiers, PlayStation is giving fans plenty of reasons to be excited. It feels like the company is really leaning into this new era for its subscription service. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a Leviathan Axe to prepare for...
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