It looks like PlayStation Plus subscribers could soon be getting their paws on one of the most beloved indie adventures of recent years. According to a new report from the ever-reliable insider Billbil-Kun, Stray is tipped to be part of the PS Plus Essential free games lineup for November 2025.
The leak comes courtesy of Dealabs, the French outlet known for consistently accurate PlayStation leaks. If true, players will be able to download Stray starting November 4, keeping it in their library for as long as their PS Plus Essential subscription remains active.
🐾 A Beloved Cat Adventure Returns to PS Plus
Originally released in 2022 as a PlayStation-console exclusive, Stray quickly became a global phenomenon. Developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive, the atmospheric sci-fi adventure lets players take on the role of a lost cat navigating a cyberpunk city populated by friendly robots, decaying machinery, and mysterious creatures known as Zurks.
Accompanied by the helpful drone B-12, players explore neon-lit alleyways, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover the secrets behind the walled metropolis. Praised for its beautiful world design, touching story, and realistic feline animations, Stray earned an 84 average on OpenCritic and multiple nominations across major gaming award shows.
If the leak proves true, this will mark the game’s first appearance on the Essential tier after being a day-one addition to PS Plus Extra in 2022. The move would give millions of new subscribers the chance to experience one of PlayStation’s most recognizable indie hits without needing a higher-tier plan.
🎮 Leak Details and Why It’s Credible
The rumor stems from Billbil-Kun’s latest post on Dealabs, where the insider claims Stray is among the three titles scheduled for PS Plus Essential in November. The other two games haven’t been confirmed yet, but the leak suggests Sony plans to close the year with another strong lineup.
Given Billbil-Kun’s near-perfect track record—accurately leaking games such as Lies of P, Alan Wake 2, and Baldur’s Gate 3 months in advance—there’s good reason to believe this latest report is legitimate. Still, until Sony makes an official announcement (expected around October 29), fans should treat the leak as highly likely but not guaranteed.
🕹️ A Strong Year for PS Plus Essential
If Stray does join the rotation, it will continue a remarkably solid year for PS Plus Essential. Throughout 2025, subscribers have received an impressive variety of top-rated titles, including Psychonauts 2, Lies of P, Diablo 4, High on Life, and Balatro.
October’s lineup was headlined by Alan Wake 2—the winner of multiple Game Awards 2024 categories—alongside Cocoon and Goat Simulator 3. Adding Stray in November would give players a lighter yet emotionally resonant experience to round out the fall season before the holiday blockbusters arrive.
🧩 Why Stray Still Matters in 2025
More than three years after release, Stray continues to rank among the most-played PlayStation Plus titles. Its short yet immersive campaign and emotionally charged storytelling have helped it maintain cult-favorite status among players who prefer atmospheric exploration over action-heavy gameplay.
The game also remains a technical showcase for Unreal Engine 4, featuring lifelike lighting, smooth performance on both PS4 and PS5, and one of the most expressive animal protagonists ever created in gaming.
Re-introducing Stray to PS Plus Essential not only brings a modern classic to a wider audience but also serves as a reminder of Sony’s commitment to supporting standout indie developers alongside its blockbuster catalog.
🗓️ When to Expect Confirmation
Sony typically announces each month’s PS Plus Essential lineup during the final week of the previous month, so fans should expect an official blog post around October 29. If the leak holds true, subscribers can claim Stray and two yet-to-be-revealed titles beginning November 4, 2025.
Until then, fans of exploration and heartfelt storytelling may want to keep some space free on their hard drives—because the cat’s probably out of the bag.
