As a long-time PlayStation fan, I still vividly remember the excitement back in September 2020 when Sony dropped those free PS Plus games. Oh man, it was like Christmas morning! 😄 That month, we got PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Street Fighter 5, two absolute bangers that defined their genres. PUBG was the OG battle royale game that paved the way for giants like Fortnite and Warzone, while Street Fighter 5 kept the fighting game scene alive with its classic combos and intense matches. Fast forward to 2025, and PS Plus has evolved big time—now with PS5 games and even more value. But let's rewind and see how it all started, because those 2020 gems still hold a special place in my heart.

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Back in 2020, claiming those free games was a breeze if you had an active PS Plus membership. Starting September 4, players could snag PUBG and Street Fighter 5, and they'd stay in your library forever unless your sub lapsed. I recall diving into PUBG with my squad—those chaotic drops and last-man-standing moments were pure adrenaline! 🎮 And Street Fighter 5? It was a nostalgia trip, part of one of the longest-running fighting franchises ever. Sony was on a roll then, following up a strong August lineup, and it felt like the icing on the cake for PlayStation fans. With the PS5 launch just around the corner, the backward compatibility meant we could keep playing these on the new console. But honestly, the real win was how these free games often outweighed the subscription cost—total steal!

Now, let's talk about why those games rocked. PUBG wasn't just any title; it was foundational. It helped birth the battle royale craze, and even today in 2025, I see its influence in newer games. Street Fighter 5, meanwhile, kept the competitive spirit alive with its deep mechanics. Here's a quick comparison of what made them stand out:

  • PUBG: Focused on realistic survival, huge maps, and squad-based tactics. It was all about strategy and nerve-wracking finishes!

  • Street Fighter 5: Fast-paced 1v1 battles, iconic characters like Ryu and Chun-Li, and regular updates that kept it fresh.

Fast forward to 2025, and PS Plus has leveled up massively. With the PS5 fully integrated, we're getting next-gen titles like Spider-Man 2 and Horizon Forbidden West as freebies. But the core idea remains—Sony still delivers bangers every month. Remember how in 2020, fans worried about fewer PS4 games after the PS5 launch? Well, just like PS3 and Vita games stuck around post-PS4, PS4 titles are still part of the mix. In fact, September 2025's lineup includes a mix of old and new, proving that backward compatibility is a game-changer. I've been playing PUBG on my PS5, and it's smoother than ever with enhanced graphics. 🚀

Reflecting on my personal journey, those 2020 games taught me the value of PS Plus. Back then, it was about killing time before the PS5; now, it's a staple of my gaming routine. Here's a fun table comparing key aspects from 2020 to 2025:

Aspect 2020 (PS4 Era) 2025 (PS5 Era)
Free Games PUBG, Street Fighter 5 Mix like Spider-Man 2, indie gems
Subscription Value $60/year for 2-3 games/month $70/year with cloud saves and more perks
Player Experience Backward compatibility just starting Seamless play across PS4/PS5, 4K support
Community Hype High for PS5 launch Even higher with VR integrations

As a player, I've seen PS Plus grow from a nice bonus to an essential service. In 2020, Sony had a hot streak, avoiding disappointments by listening to fan feedback—like when they swapped games due to outcry. Now in 2025, they're even more responsive, with monthly drops that often include day-one releases. And let's not forget the social aspect: playing PUBG with friends back then forged bonds that still last today. If you haven't jumped on PS Plus yet, do it—the free games alone are worth it. Plus, with rumors of PS6 on the horizon, who knows what's next? One thing's for sure: PS Plus keeps getting better, and I'm here for every moment. 💪

So, whether you're a veteran or a newbie, cherish those free games. They're not just titles; they're memories. And if September 2020's lineup was spectacular, 2025's is mind-blowing. Game on, everyone!