PlayStation Plus subscribers are about to get a second chance at one of the most beloved indie games in recent memory. According to a reliable leak from Dealabs insider billbil-kun, Stray will headline the PS Plus Essential lineup for November 2025. The official announcement is expected on Wednesday, October 29, with the games going live on November 4, 2025.
This leak is particularly significant because Stray has a unique history with PlayStation Plus. The game originally launched day one into PS Plus Extra back in July 2022, becoming an instant hit among subscribers. However, it was removed from the catalog after just one year, leaving many players who missed that window unable to access it through the service. Now, Essential tier subscribers will finally get their chance to claim the game permanently.
Who Leaked the Information
The source of this leak is billbil-kun, a user on French deals website Dealabs who has built an exceptional track record for accurate PlayStation Plus predictions. This leaker correctly revealed October 2025’s lineup featuring Alan Wake 2, and has previously leaked details about the PS5 Pro, Death Stranding 2 pre-orders, and numerous other PS Plus monthly games with remarkable accuracy. When billbil-kun speaks, the gaming community listens because they’re rarely wrong.
The leak currently only confirms Stray as one of the three games coming to PS Plus Essential in November. The other two titles haven’t been revealed yet, but Sony typically announces the full lineup on the last Wednesday of the month. Given that pattern, we should know the complete November selection within the next 48 hours.
Why This Matters for Different Subscribers
The return of Stray is good news for PlayStation Plus members across all tiers, though for different reasons. Essential subscribers who never had access to the game when it was in the Extra catalog can now claim it permanently. Extra and Premium subscribers who missed the original window can also claim it through Essential, granting them permanent access even if they later downgrade their subscription.
This is an important distinction because games in PS Plus Extra can only be played while they remain in the rotating catalog. Once a game leaves Extra, it’s gone unless you purchase it separately. By claiming Stray through Essential, you keep it in your library for as long as you maintain any active PS Plus subscription.
What Makes Stray Special
For those unfamiliar with the game, Stray is a third-person adventure developed by BlueTwelve Studio, a small indie team from southern France. You play as an unnamed stray cat who falls into a walled cybercity inhabited entirely by robots and dangerous creatures. Lost and alone, you must navigate the neon-lit alleys and murky underbelly of this decaying metropolis to find your way back home.
The game’s unique perspective sets it apart from typical adventure titles. You experience the world authentically through a cat’s eyes, which means you can knock objects off tables, scratch carpets, meow at robots, and curl up for naps. These aren’t just cute gimmicks but integral parts of how you interact with the environment and solve puzzles. The developers studied real cats extensively during development, basing much of the movement and behavior on their own pets, Murtaugh and Riggs.
Critical Reception and Awards
Stray received widespread critical acclaim when it launched in July 2022. IGN gave it an 8 out of 10, calling it a delightful platforming adventure in a cyberpunk world worth exploring. GameSpot praised how expertly the game embodies feline abilities to create a captivating puzzle adventure. The artistic design, inspired by Hong Kong’s demolished Kowloon Walled City, creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for your journey.
The game collected multiple awards including Best Indie Game at The Game Awards 2022. It also received nominations at the Game Developers Choice Awards and Golden Joystick Awards. Beyond the critical praise, Stray resonated with players on an emotional level, with many reporting they cried during the story. The relationship you build with B-12, your drone companion who translates robot language and helps solve puzzles, forms the emotional core of the narrative.
Gameplay and Length
One aspect that makes Stray perfect for PS Plus is its length. The main story takes approximately 5 to 8 hours to complete, making it an ideal weekend playthrough. It’s the kind of game you can finish in one or two sittings, which appeals to players who want a complete, satisfying experience without a massive time commitment.
The gameplay blends exploration, platforming, light stealth, and puzzle-solving. You’ll leap across rooftops, squeeze through tight spaces, and use your feline agility to reach hidden areas. The game also features hostile enemies called Zurks, small bacterial creatures that swarm and attack you, requiring careful navigation to avoid. Later in the game, you encounter Sentinels, robotic guards that add a stealth element to certain sections.
Platform Availability
Stray will be available on both PS5 and PS4 through PS Plus Essential, which is notable because Sony has announced that starting in January 2026, they’ll begin prioritizing PS5 games for the monthly lineup. This means PS4 players only have a couple more months to enjoy current-generation games through the service, making November’s inclusion of a PS4 version particularly valuable for last-gen console owners.
The game has expanded significantly since its PlayStation launch. It released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in August 2023, where it also joined Xbox Game Pass. A macOS version arrived in December 2023, and most recently, the game launched on Nintendo Switch in November 2024. An animated film adaptation is currently in development by Annapurna Animation, showing the property’s growing reach beyond gaming.
What to Expect from the Official Announcement
Sony will officially reveal the complete PS Plus Essential lineup for November 2025 on Wednesday, October 29, at 8:30 AM Pacific Time. Based on the typical pattern, we’ll get two additional games alongside Stray. Recent months have featured strong lineups, with October bringing Alan Wake 2, Goat Simulator 3, and Cocoon.
Community predictors on Reddit have suggested possible games like Lords of the Fallen, Wo Long Fallen Dynasty, Scarlet Nexus, or Gotham Knights could fill out the remaining slots. November historically tends to include at least one RPG based on patterns from previous years. However, until Sony makes the official announcement, these remain speculation.
When You Can Claim the Games
The November 2025 PS Plus Essential games will become available on Tuesday, November 4. They’ll remain claimable until Monday, December 1, giving subscribers nearly a month to add them to their library. Make sure to claim October’s current lineup before November 4, as those games will no longer be available once the new month begins.
Remember that you need to actively claim the games while they’re available. Simply having an active subscription doesn’t automatically add them to your library. Once claimed, the games remain yours to play as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription at any tier.
FAQs
Is the PS Plus November 2025 Stray leak confirmed?
While not officially confirmed by Sony yet, the leak comes from billbil-kun, who has an exceptional track record for accurate PlayStation Plus predictions. They correctly leaked October’s lineup and numerous other PS Plus months. The official announcement is expected on October 29, 2025.
Can I play Stray if I already claimed it on PS Plus Extra?
If you claimed Stray when it was available on PS Plus Extra from July 2022 to July 2023, you could play it during that period. However, since it left the Extra catalog, it’s no longer accessible unless you purchase it. Claiming it through Essential in November will give you permanent access as long as you maintain any PS Plus subscription.
What’s the difference between PS Plus Essential and Extra?
PS Plus Essential is the base tier that includes three monthly games you claim and keep, online multiplayer, and exclusive discounts. PS Plus Extra includes everything in Essential plus access to a rotating catalog of hundreds of PS5 and PS4 games. Extra costs more per month but offers a larger game library.
How long does it take to beat Stray?
Stray takes approximately 5 to 8 hours to complete the main story. If you want to find all collectibles and explore thoroughly, expect around 8 to 10 hours. It’s a relatively short game compared to most modern releases, making it perfect for players who want a complete experience over a weekend.
Will Stray work on PS4 or is it PS5 only?
Stray works on both PS4 and PS5. The November PS Plus Essential version will be available for both platforms. However, Sony has announced that starting in January 2026, they’ll prioritize PS5 games for monthly lineups, so PS4 owners should take advantage of cross-gen releases while they last.
What other games are coming to PS Plus Essential in November 2025?
Only Stray has been leaked so far. Sony typically includes three games in the Essential lineup, so two more titles will be revealed during the official announcement on October 29. The full lineup becomes available to claim on November 4.
Do I need to pay extra to get Stray on PS Plus?
No, Stray will be included with any PS Plus subscription tier at no additional cost. You just need an active Essential, Extra, or Premium subscription to claim it. Once claimed, you can play it anytime as long as your subscription remains active.
Conclusion
The leaked return of Stray to PlayStation Plus represents a rare second chance for subscribers who missed this critically acclaimed indie gem during its original Extra catalog run. With its unique feline perspective, gorgeous cyberpunk environments, and emotionally resonant story, Stray offers something genuinely special in a market saturated with generic shooters and live service games. The fact that Essential subscribers can now claim it permanently is excellent news, especially for those who’ve been waiting years for another opportunity. Whether you’re a cat lover, cyberpunk enthusiast, or just someone looking for a beautiful, compact adventure that respects your time, Stray deserves a spot in your library. Mark your calendars for November 4 and don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most charming and heartfelt games of the past few years.