July is here, which means while we all brace for the looming Xbox layoffs we can at least enjoy a fresh batch of PS Plus free games. Free, of course, provided you have an active PS Plus subscription. You can snag these from July 7.

And if you fancy reading more PlayStation news, how about the fact that they basically just confirmed the PS6 will be digital only?

This month’s lineup is rather interesting because the headline game is owned and published by Xbox/Microsoft. That means somewhere along the line, the two companies had to discuss a deal to put the game in this month’s offerings. Isn’t that fun?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (PS4, PS5) — not to be confused with 2011’s Modern Warfare 3 — is the headline game this month. This is far from the first time a Call of Duty game has appeared in the PS Plus monthly lineup, but it is the first time since Microsoft acquired the franchise. The timing is interesting, too, because just a few weeks ago it was alleged that Microsoft had angered Sony by pulling Halo: Campaign Evolved from a planned State of Play appearance. Clearly, then, Sony isn’t angry enough to refuse Microsoft completely, although in fairness this PS Plus deal was almost certainly locked in long before any recent corporate handbags.

For The Queen 2 (PS4, PS5) is a turn-based roguelite RPG that looks like somebody spilled a tabletop board game into a fantasy adventure and decided not to clean it up. You can play solo or in co-op with up to four players, battling across Fahrul against a tyrannical queen, rolling with the punches as dice rolls, bad luck and questionable life choices slowly turn your brave heroes into fantasy-themed compost. Its official Steam description pitches it as a “turn-based roguelite tabletop RPG” sequel from IronOak Games and Curve Games.

Here’s the blurb: “Once beloved by her people, Queen Rosomon has turned against her subjects, casting them into servitude in the darkness of Fahrul’s mines whilst building alliances with sinister and malevolent forces. Gather your party in four player co-op or adventure alone through Fahrul as you risk everything to fight the tyrannical queen and bring an end to her oppressive reign. From the creators of For The King, the much-loved RPG that blends roguelite and tabletop gameplay comes a new chapter in Fahrul’s history, designed on an updated engine bringing innovation and gameplay refinement for returning heroes and new adventurers alike.”

The final game is CrossCode (PS4, PS5). I know absolutely nothing about this one, so here’s the blurb, instead: “This retro-inspired 2D action RPG might outright surprise you. CrossCode combines 16-bit style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story. CrossCode is all about how it plays! Take the best out of two popular genres, find a good balance between them and make a great game. That’s what CrossCode does. You get the puzzles of old school Action Adventure dungeons and are rewarded with the great variety of equipment you know and love from RPGs. During the fast-paced battles you will use the tools you find on your journey to reveal and exploit the enemies’ weaknesses and at the same time will be able to choose equipment and skills for a more in-depth approach in fighting your enemies.”

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So, that’s this month’s lineup. How are you feeling about it? Anything you want to play? I have been skipping Call of Duty for years now, but for the low cost of absolutely nothing on top of what I pay anyway, I’m inclined to fire it up for the singleplayer alone.