Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream Incoming to PS Plus Essential This Month

PlayStation Plus Essential keeps adding substance. Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is confirmed for April, joining an already solid lineup that includes Lords of the Fallen.

If you're subscribed to PS Plus Essential, here's what you're getting: a 21-character anime action RPG with solo campaign and up to 20-player multiplayer. Made by Dimps Corporation and Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game is centered on ALfheim Online, where players hunt through a time-fractured world alongside familiar SAO characters.

Why This Matters

PS Plus Essential has shifted toward variety. A month ago it was premium AAA titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake. Now we're seeing anime licenses and mid-tier action games. That's actually smart subscriber value if you're not picky about genre.

For anime fans specifically, this justifies the subscription alone. The game supports both solo play and co-op, so there's real content here, not just a filler title.

The Real Deal

Here's the thing: you're not "saving" money on a PS Plus title. You either subscribe or you don't. But if you're already paying for Essential (the £50/year tier), this is a bonus. April's full lineup is shaping up strong across platforms, and having free anime action alongside other games makes the subscription feel less bare.

The official announcement drops today (April 1), but the leak has proven reliable before. Games become available April 7.

Bottom Line

If you own a PS5 and want access to a diverse game library, PS Plus keeps making the case. If anime action specifically appeals to you, even better. No surprise price hike on this one, just a solid addition to your library if you're already in.