The year is almost over, which means it’s time to start guessing what games Sony will include in next month’s PlayStation Plus lineup. After a strong 2025 that saw major titles like Alan Wake 2, Diablo IV, and Stray hit the service, expectations are high for what January 2026 might bring.
- What Is PlayStation Plus?
- When Will Sony Announce the January 2026 Games?
- What We Got Last January
- December 2025 Recap: What’s Available Now
- January 2026 Leaks and Rumours
- Our Predictions and Wishlist
- PS Plus Essential Games Released in 2025
- PS6 Delays and the RAM Shortage
- When to Expect the Official Announcement
- Final Thoughts
Here’s everything we know—and everything we’re hoping for—from the first PS Plus Essential lineup of the new year.
What Is PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service that grants access to online multiplayer gaming. You don’t need it for streaming apps like Netflix or for free-to-play games like Fortnite and Warzone, but any paid online game requires a membership.
There are three tiers:
| Tier | Monthly | Yearly | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99 | $79.99 | Online multiplayer, monthly free games, cloud storage |
| Extra | $14.99 | $134.99 | Everything in Essential plus access to a game catalogue |
| Premium | $17.99 | $159.99 | Everything in Extra plus classic games from PS1, PS2, PS3 and more |
For this article, we’re focusing on the three free games coming to PS Plus Essential in January.
When Will Sony Announce the January 2026 Games?
Sony typically reveals the following month’s games on the last Wednesday of the current month. The new lineup almost always goes live on the first Tuesday of the month.
Based on this pattern:
- Reveal date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Release date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
You’ll have until January 6th to download December’s free games (LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality: Echo of Ada, and Neon White), so make sure you claim them before they’re gone.
The holidays may shift things slightly, but these dates are the most likely.
What We Got Last January
Looking back at January 2025, Sony gave away:
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – The troubled live-service game from Rocksteady
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered – A classic racing game with updated visuals
- The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe – A brilliant indie narrative experience
It was a mixed bag—one disappointing AAA title balanced by a racing classic and a beloved indie gem. January 2026 could follow a similar pattern or surprise us with something bigger.
December 2025 Recap: What’s Available Now
Before we look ahead, here’s what’s currently available for PS Plus subscribers:
Essential Tier (December 2025):
- LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5)
- Killing Floor 3 (PS5)
- The Outlast Trials (PS4/PS5)
- Synduality: Echo of Ada (PS5)
- Neon White (PS4/PS5)
Premium Tier (December 2025):
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
- Granblue Fantasy: Relink
- Skate Story
- Cat Quest III
- Planet Coaster 2
- Soulcalibur III
It’s been a strong month—and a strong year overall. The pressure is on for January to keep the momentum going.
January 2026 Leaks and Rumours
There’s been some chatter online about potential January releases. One blog has listed the following as the January 2026 Essential lineup:
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Sniper Elite: Resistance
- Tactics Ogre Reborn
However, the source of this information isn’t clear, and it appears to be based on predictions rather than confirmed leaks. These are all reasonable guesses, but take them with a grain of salt until Sony makes an official announcement.
Our Predictions and Wishlist
Based on past patterns, upcoming releases, and general wishful thinking, here are some games that could—or should—show up in January:
Likely Candidates
Atomfall
This first-person survival game set in an alternate-history 1960s Britain after a nuclear disaster has been on many wishlists. It only released in early 2025, which is relatively recent for a PS Plus inclusion, but we’ve seen quick turnarounds before.
Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition
With the second season of Amazon’s Fallout series currently streaming, some kind of Fallout tie-in makes sense. The Anniversary Edition would be a crowd-pleaser.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
The excellent medieval RPG is several years old now, and the sequel just released. Offering the original on PS Plus would be a smart way to drive interest in the franchise.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
The 2023 remake of the 2005 classic was widely praised. It’s old enough to be a contender and would definitely generate excitement.
Wishful Thinking
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s massive action-RPG would be a huge win for subscribers. With the standalone multiplayer spinoff Nightreign recently released, it’s not impossible—but it’s probably still too valuable to give away.
Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft’s open-world Star Wars game didn’t hit the sales targets the company needed, but it’s still a fun adventure. A PS Plus release could give it a second life.
Death Stranding
With the sequel out in 2025, it would make sense to get the original onto PS Plus to drive interest in the franchise.
Blue Prince
One of the standout indie games of 2025, this would make a perfect smaller title to pair with bigger releases.
Cocoon
Developer Jeppe Carlsen’s innovative puzzle game has been on wishlists for a while. It would be an excellent indie addition.
PS Plus Essential Games Released in 2025
For context, here’s a look back at every game released to the Essential tier in 2025:
| Month | Games |
|---|---|
| January | Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe |
| February | Payday 3, High on Life, Pac-Man World Re-Pac |
| March | Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Sonic Colors: Ultimate, TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection |
| April | RoboCop: Rogue City, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory |
| May | Ark: Survival Ascended, Balatro, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun |
| June | NBA 2K25, Alone in the Dark, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Destiny 2: The Final Shape |
| July | Diablo IV, The King of Fighters XV, Jusant |
| August | Lies of P, DayZ, My Hero One’s Justice 2 |
| September | Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley, Viewfinder |
| October | Alan Wake 2, Goat Simulator 3, Cocoon |
| November | Stray, EA Sports WRC 24, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator |
| December | LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality: Echo of Ada, Neon White |
It’s been one of the strongest years for PS Plus in recent memory, with major titles like Diablo IV, Alan Wake 2, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard all hitting the service.
PS6 Delays and the RAM Shortage
While we’re talking PlayStation, it’s worth noting that the next-generation console may be delayed. According to reports, global RAM shortages caused by the AI boom are leading Sony to consider pushing back the PS6 beyond its rumoured November 2027 release window.
The issue comes down to cost. Sony would either have to pass the higher component prices onto customers—potentially hurting sales—or absorb the costs themselves. A third option is simply waiting until memory supplies increase and prices drop.
For now, the PS5 remains the focus, and PS Plus will continue to be a key part of Sony’s strategy to keep subscribers engaged.
When to Expect the Official Announcement
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 31st. That’s when Sony is most likely to reveal the January 2026 PS Plus Essential lineup.
Once announced, you’ll have until Tuesday, January 6th to download December’s games before they’re replaced by the new roster.
Final Thoughts
January 2026 could go in a lot of directions. After a stellar 2025, expectations are high for Sony to continue delivering value to subscribers. Whether we get a major AAA title, a beloved indie gem, or a surprise announcement, the reveal is just days away.
What games would you like to see come to PS Plus this January? Let us know in the comments.
