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The start of a new year is always exciting for gamers, and January 2026 looks set to begin with a major moment for PlayStation fans. Sony is preparing to announce the PlayStation Plus games for January 2026, and this month is especially important because it marks a big turning point for the subscription service.
Not only are gamers eager to know which free titles will land in their libraries, but Sony has also confirmed a huge structural change: PlayStation Plus Essential games will now be PS5-only, with PS4 titles officially dropped from the lineup starting January 2026.
So, when are the free PlayStation Plus games announced, what does this PS5-only move mean for players, and which games could be coming next? Let’s break it all down in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
When Will the PlayStation Plus Games for January 2026 Be Announced?
Sony follows a fairly predictable schedule when it comes to revealing monthly PlayStation Plus games, and January 2026 is no different.
The PlayStation Plus Essential games for January 2026 will be officially announced on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This announcement timing fits Sony’s usual pattern:
- Games are revealed in the final week of the previous month
- The titles become available to download in the first week of the new month
- Players can add them to their library as long as their PS Plus subscription is active
Once announced, the games will be available for all PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers, and of course, they’ll also be accessible to Extra and Premium members.
A Huge Change: PlayStation Plus Is Now PS5-Only
January 2026 isn’t just another monthly update — it’s a major shift in how PlayStation Plus works.
Sony has confirmed that PS4 games will no longer be included in the monthly PlayStation Plus Essential lineup.
From January 2026 onward:
- Monthly PS Plus Essential games will be PS5 only
- No new PS4 titles will be added to the service
- The focus is entirely on next-gen gaming experiences
A PlayStation spokesperson explained the decision clearly, stating that most players have already transitioned to PS5 and are actively redeeming PS5 titles from the service. In response, PlayStation Plus is evolving to reflect how its audience now plays games.
What This Means for Players
- PS5 owners will benefit the most, with more modern, technically advanced games
- PS4-only players may feel left behind, as their console is no longer supported by monthly additions
- The quality of PlayStation Plus games may improve, as developers no longer need to support older hardware
While this move may disappoint some, it also signals Sony’s full commitment to the PlayStation 5 generation.
PlayStation Plus Has Been on a Roll Recently
Sony has been delivering strong monthly lineups in recent months, which has raised expectations for January 2026.
Some notable PlayStation Plus games featured recently include:
- Stray
- Alan Wake 2
- LEGO Horizon Adventures
- Killing Floor 3
- The Outlast Trials
- Neon White
- Synduality: Echo of Ada
December 2025 was particularly impressive, with five games added instead of the usual three, giving subscribers exceptional value.
Because of this momentum, fans are hoping Sony will kick off 2026 with another strong lineup.
Predicted PlayStation Plus Games for January 2026
While Sony hasn’t officially confirmed the January lineup yet, several games are being strongly predicted based on release timing, popularity, and past PlayStation Plus trends.
Here are the top predicted PlayStation Plus games for January 2026.
Deliver Us The Moon
Deliver Us The Moon is one of the strongest predictions for January 2026.
Originally released as a PS5 launch title, many players missed it at launch due to console shortages and scalping issues in 2020. The game is a narrative-driven adventure with puzzle-solving and exploration elements, set in a beautifully crafted sci-fi world.
Why it makes sense for PS Plus:
- Critically well-received
- A perfect “second chance” title
- Ideal for PS5 hardware
- Appeals to story-driven gamers
Adding this game to PlayStation Plus would allow a new wave of players to experience it without an extra purchase.
Button City
Button City is a charming indie game that feels tailor-made for PlayStation Plus.
Released in 2021, the game features:
- A pastel-colored, blocky art style
- Arcade mini-games
- Puzzle elements
- Heavy 90s nostalgia vibes
Set in a diorama-style world, Button City stands out as a cozy, feel-good experience — exactly the kind of indie gem Sony often includes in its PlayStation Plus games lineup.
It’s also a PS5-friendly title that fits perfectly with Sony’s new direction.
Forspoken
Forspoken is perhaps the most interesting prediction.
The fantasy RPG recently left the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers, which makes it a strong candidate to reappear as an Essential tier game. Sony has done this before with other titles.
However, there’s one important warning for players.
Sometimes, when a game moves between PS Plus tiers:
- Save files may not carry over
- Progress can be wiped if not backed up
If Forspoken is announced, players are advised to create a cloud save just in case.
Despite mixed reviews at launch, Forspoken still offers:
- Fast-paced magical combat
- A large open world
- Strong visuals on PS5
As a free PlayStation Plus game, it could find a much larger audience.
Unlikely (But Dream) Predictions
Every month, fans speculate wildly — and January 2026 is no exception.
Some highly unlikely but exciting predictions include:
- Death Stranding 2
- Street Fighter 6
- Sniper Elite Resistance
While these games joining PlayStation Plus would be massive, they are considered long shots due to their popularity and sales potential. Still, hope is part of the fun.
Why January 2026 Is So Important for PlayStation Plus
January 2026 represents more than just another month of free games.
It marks:
- The first PS Plus lineup of the year
- The start of PS5-only monthly games
- A clear signal that Sony is done supporting PS4 on PlayStation Plus
This change could lead to:
- Better graphics-focused games
- More demanding titles
- A stronger lineup overall
For PS5 owners, this could be the beginning of a much stronger PlayStation Plus experience.
Should You Stay Subscribed to PlayStation Plus in 2026?
If you own a PS5, the answer is yes — more than ever.
With Sony focusing fully on PS5:
- Monthly PlayStation Plus games may improve in quality
- The service becomes more future-focused
- Subscribers get better value from modern titles
However, if you’re still using a PS4 and don’t plan to upgrade, PlayStation Plus may no longer feel worth the price going forward.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation Plus games for January 2026 are shaping up to be a turning point for Sony’s subscription service.
With the official announcement set for December 31, 2025, excitement is building fast. The move to PS5-only games marks the end of an era, but also opens the door to stronger, more ambitious titles.
If predictions like Deliver Us The Moon, Button City, and Forspoken come true, PlayStation Plus could start 2026 on a very strong note.
For gamers with a PS5, this new chapter of PlayStation Plus looks promising — and January may be just the beginning.
