PlayStation Plus to Remove 12 Games Including Risk of Rain 2 in July 2026

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Why This Matters: The Rotating Library Problem

PlayStation Plus’s rotating library has long been a double-edged sword. Sony’s subscription service offers a steady stream of free games, but its churn rate means titles disappear as quickly as they arrive. This month’s removals—confirmed by IGN and Push Square—highlight a persistent frustration: gamers who miss the boat on a favorite title are left scrambling to buy it again at full price. The 12 games leaving in July span genres from roguelikes (Risk of Rain 2) to city builders (Tropico 6) and even niche indie hits like Clash: Artifacts of Chaos, a turn-based strategy game that GamingBible calls “near-perfect” for its genre. The problem isn’t just the loss of access—it’s the time-sensitive nature of the removals. With no advance warning beyond Sony’s internal app listings, players often only learn about departures when it’s too late.

The stakes are higher for titles with long playtimes. Risk of Rain 2, for example, has a main story plus extras clocking in at around 44 hours, according to GamingBible. That means players who haven’t started it yet have roughly a month to complete it—or face paying $24.99 (or £19.99) to own it permanently. The financial hit isn’t trivial, especially when Sony’s own pricing for digital copies of these games often hovers near or above that threshold.

The Full List: What’s Disappearing (And Why It Hurts)

Here’s the complete lineup of games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on July 21, 2026, as verified by all four sources:

• Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm (PS4, PS5)
• Tropico 6 (PS4, PS5)
• Clash: Artifacts of Chaos (PS4, PS5)
• Roki (PS4, PS5)
• Source of Madness (PS4, PS5)
• Space Crew: Legendary Edition (PS4)
• Infinite Minigolf (PS4)
• Onechanbara Origin (PS4)
• Get Even (PS4)
• Bomber Crew (PS4)
• Cursed to Golf (PS4, PS5)
• Hundred Days (PS4, PS5)

The list includes a mix of critically praised titles (Risk of Rain 2 has a 95% rating on Steam) and niche indies that might have flown under the radar. Insider Gaming notes that while none of these are “major losses,” the absence of high-profile names like Final Fantasy XVI (which arrived in June) suggests Sony is prioritizing newer, more marketable titles over its back catalog.

The removal process isn’t arbitrary. Sony’s PlayStation Plus library operates on a first-in, first-out basis, with older titles getting shuffled out to make room for newer additions. This month’s departures were first spotted in the Japanese PS Plus app, as Push Square reported, before appearing in global listings. Regional variations are possible—some games might linger longer in certain markets—but the July 21 cutoff is firm for most subscribers.

What’s Coming In: Sony’s July Additions

While the removals are painful, Sony is simultaneously adding new titles to the library. June’s additions included Final Fantasy XVI, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance, with more arriving in July. However, the staggered rollout of these titles—some debuting as early as June 16 in certain regions—creates a logistical headache for players. IGN highlights that while Sony is introducing a “staggered arrival” for some games, the lack of transparency around timing means players might miss out on both departures and arrivals.

The contrast between what’s leaving and what’s arriving underscores a broader issue: Sony’s subscription model rewards engagement over ownership. Players who don’t actively track the library risk losing access to games they’ve already invested time in. For example, Clash: Artifacts of Chaos, a turn-based strategy game praised for its depth, might be a hidden gem for some—but if you haven’t played it by July 21, you’ll need to purchase it separately. The same goes for Tropico 6, a series staple that’s now a premium title outside the subscription.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for Gamers

PlayStation Plus’s rotating library isn’t just about convenience—it’s a business model that prioritizes recurring revenue over long-term player satisfaction. By removing games after a fixed period, Sony incentivizes subscribers to keep their membership active, even if they’re not playing every title. The trade-off is clear: access is temporary, and the cost of permanent ownership can add up quickly.

For players, the key takeaway is simple: time is running out. If you’ve been meaning to play any of the 12 departing titles, now is the time to act. The clock starts ticking on June 19, 2026, and the July 21 deadline is non-negotiable. Missing it means either paying full price or waiting—possibly indefinitely—for these games to return to the library.

There’s also a psychological dimension. Games like Risk of Rain 2 and Tropico 6 are designed to be replayable, but their removal from the library disrupts that cycle. Players who’ve grown attached to these titles may feel a sense of loss, especially if they’ve already sunk hours into them. The financial cost is real, but the emotional investment is harder to quantify.

What Happens Next: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

If you’re torn between finishing a game now or waiting for a potential sale, here’s the breakdown:

• If you’ve already started: Prioritize completing it before July 21. The time investment is already there—don’t let Sony’s library shuffle cost you progress.
• If you’ve played but not finished: Weigh the remaining playtime against the cost of buying the game. For example, Risk of Rain 2’s 44-hour main story might not be worth the $24.99 if you’re only halfway through.
• If you’ve never played it: Ask yourself whether you’d buy the game at full price. If the answer is yes, play it now. If not, let it go—there’s always a chance it’ll return to the library later.

As for future additions, Sony’s pattern suggests that high-profile titles will continue to dominate the library, while niche or older games remain at risk. The lack of transparency around removal schedules means players must stay vigilant—or risk losing access to games they love.

One silver lining? The games leaving in July aren’t gone forever. Many have digital storefronts where they can be purchased outright. Risk of Rain 2, for instance, is available on Steam for $19.99, and Tropico 6 often goes on sale for around $30. For players who’ve enjoyed these titles, the cost of ownership might be worth it—but it’s a decision that requires careful consideration.

For now, the message is clear: the clock is ticking. PlayStation Plus’s July purge is a reminder that in the world of gaming subscriptions, nothing is permanent—unless you act fast.

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