PS Plus Essential January 2026 monthly free games have begun rolling out, starting with Japan and Asia where it’s Tuesday, January 6. Following a bumper month with five games, members are getting three new games, two of which are also available on the PS4.
PS Plus Essential January 2026 games lineup criticized by members
This month, PS Plus subscribers can claim Need for Speed Unbound (PS5), Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS5, PS4), and Core Keeper (PS5, PS4).
January’s free games will go live in the remaining regions at noon local time on the 6th, making this your last chance to claim December’s monthly games, if you haven’t already. Last month’s lineup includes Lego Horizon Adventures (PS5), Killing Floor 3 (PS5), The Outlast Trials (PS5, PS4), Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5), Neon White (PS5, PS4).
PS Plus Essential isn’t off to a strong start in 2026, with the first freebies of the year widely panned by members. Sony had previously said that it would focus on PS5 games starting this month, leading many to assume that current-gen titles would be prioritized.
Instead, we’ve received a remake of a 2010 game and a niche 2022 game (albeit a good one). As for Need for Speed Unbound, the complete edition of the game — which includes DLC — is just $12.74 on the PS Store until January 8.
