Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the PlayStation Plus Essential free games for September 2025, and it’s quite a strong lineup. Starting September 2 until October 6, 2025, subscribers can claim three titles for free: Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley, and Viewfinder. Each offers a different style of gameplay, making this month’s selection a well-rounded treat for players.

Psychonauts 2: A Whimsical Adventure

Launched in 2021 by Double Fine, Psychonauts 2 remains one of the most creative platformers of its generation. Players step into the shoes of Raz, a young psychic agent who can literally dive into the minds of others. The game blends imaginative level design with quirky humor and heartfelt storytelling. Critics praised it as a “Freudian adventure full of empathy and warmth.” This month, Psychonauts 2 is available for PS4 users.

Stardew Valley: Peaceful Country Life

Since its release in 2016, Stardew Valley by ConcernedApe has become a farming simulator classic. But it’s far more than just planting crops. Players can befriend villagers, marry, attend festivals, and even explore dungeons filled with monsters. Regular updates continue to expand the game with new events and features, keeping it fresh nearly a decade later. For PS Plus Essential subscribers, Stardew Valley is playable on PS4.

Viewfinder: Creative Puzzle Innovation

For those who love brain-teasing challenges, Viewfinder is the highlight of this month’s lineup. This first-person puzzle game lets you place photographs into the environment, instantly transforming landscapes and creating new paths. The concept is both clever and addictive, earning the game widespread praise as a truly original puzzle experience since its 2023 release. Viewfinder is available on both PS4 and PS5.

Don’t Forget August’s Lineup

Before September’s titles arrive, subscribers still have until September 1, 2025 to claim Lies of P, DayZ, and My Hero One’s Justice 2. After that, they’ll be replaced by the new trio.

What is PS Plus Essential?

For newcomers, PlayStation Plus Essential is the base tier of Sony’s subscription service. It costs $9.99 monthly, $24.99 quarterly, or $79.99 yearly, and includes online multiplayer access, monthly free games, cloud saves, and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store.

Conclusion

The September 2025 PS Plus Essential lineup delivers a great mix of genres: imaginative platforming in Psychonauts 2, relaxing farming life in Stardew Valley, and innovative puzzles in Viewfinder. It’s the perfect chance to expand your library with three diverse games at no extra cost. Just remember to claim them before October 6, 2025.