PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers are getting an early look at April's free game lineup, with Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream emerging as the latest leaked title. According to the highly reliable leaker Billbil-kun from Dealabs, the anime-inspired multiplayer game will be part of the upcoming monthly roster. Originally launched in 2024 to mixed reviews, the game serves as a 10th-anniversary celebration for the franchise. It brings together 21 characters from across the series, offering a solo mode, a story campaign, and a massive online mode featuring challenging boss fights for up to 20 players.
This new leak follows earlier reports that the Souls-like action-RPG Lords of the Fallen will serve as the headliner for April. Specifically, subscribers will be receiving the 2023 reboot developed by Hexworks, rather than the original 2014 release. The inclusion of a high-fidelity, challenging dark fantasy game alongside a large-scale anime multiplayer title suggests Sony is aiming for a highly diversified lineup this month. You can view the Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream gameplay trailer to see the 20-player raid mechanics in action.
Games to Claim Before April
With the official announcement from Sony expected in the near future, time is running out to claim the current monthly offerings. The refreshed April list will permanently replace March's selection. If you have not already added them to your digital library, you should grab the following titles immediately:
- PGA Tour 2K25
- Monster Hunter Rise
- Slime Rancher 2
- The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road
My Take: A Balanced Month for Co-op and Solo Players
If these leaks hold true, April is shaping up to be a strategically balanced month for the PlayStation Plus Essential tier. By pairing the 2023 release of Lords of the Fallen with Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, Sony is effectively targeting two completely different player demographics. Lords of the Fallen caters directly to the hardcore, solo-focused Souls-like community, offering a grueling, high-budget Western RPG experience.
Conversely, Sword Art Online provides a much-needed casual and chaotic multiplayer element. The 20-player online raid structure of Fractured Daydream is perfect for subscription services, where instant access to a large player base is crucial for matchmaking health. While the game received mixed reviews at launch, dropping the barrier to entry via PS Plus will likely revitalize its online servers, making it a smart acquisition for Sony's ecosystem.
