Sony has just announced PS Plus Essential January 2026 monthly free games, which will go live next week. Confirming a leak from earlier today, the company revealed Need for Speed Unbound as one of the first free games of the year. The incoming games will replace a chunky December 2025 lineup, which includes five games.
Full list of PS Plus Essential January 2026 monthly free games lineup
The full PS Plus December Essential lineup includes Need for Speed Unbound (PS5), Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed (PS5), and Core Keeper (PS5).
All games will go live on Tuesday, January 6. Essential games aren’t staggered by region, so they will appear for subscribers in all regions by noon local time.
Players are reminded that they have until Monday night, January 5, to claim December’s free games: Lego Horizon Adventures (PS5), Killing Floor 3 (PS5), The Outlast Trials (PS5, PS4), Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5), and Neon White (PS5, PS4).
A reminder for PS4 players who don’t wish to upgrade to PS5, starting January, PS Plus Essential will offer the least value to last-gen players. If you use PS Plus for multiplayer, opt for an Extra membership, as there will be some PS4 games in the catalog.
Are our readers happy with next month’s free lineup? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
