Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the inaugural lineup of games for its PlayStation Plus service in 2026. The company's official blog revealed the free titles that will be available to subscribers throughout January. Subscribers on all service tiers (Essential, Extra, and Premium) will be able to add these games to their libraries and begin downloading them starting Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
List of free games for January 2026
This month's lineup offers a diverse mix to satisfy a wide range of gamers, from fans of speed and racing to lovers of classic platformers, and even fans of indie survival and adventure games. The list includes the following titles:
- Need for Speed Unbound (PS5 version): This game represents the latest direction in the famous racing series developed by Criterion Games, blending realism with anime and graffiti-style art to deliver a vibrant and challenging street driving experience.
- Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4 and PS5 versions): This is the enhanced (remake) version of the classic platformer that reintroduced the character "Mickey Mouse" in the dark world of "Wasteland," where players use the magic brush to change the features of the world and the story.
- Core Keeper (PS4 and PS5 versions): A sandbox-style adventure and survival game that supports cooperative gameplay, where players explore endless caves filled with creatures, resources, and ancient secrets.
Service context and evolution of PlayStation Plus
This addition is part of Sony's ongoing strategy to enhance the value of its PlayStation Plus service, which has undergone significant changes in recent years. Since the introduction of the new tier system, free monthly games (formerly known as Instant Game Collection) have become the cornerstone of the Essential tier, the most affordable and popular among gamers. Historically, Sony has used January to offer strong titles to ensure renewals of annual subscriptions, which often expire at the end of the holiday season. Therefore, selecting titles like Need for Speed is a calculated move to maintain momentum.
The importance of the lineup and its impact on the players
The January 2026 lineup is particularly significant as it kicks off the new year, a time when gamers always look forward to a strong start. Offering a top-tier (AAA) racing game alongside a beloved family title and a successful indie game reflects a much-needed balance in the digital library. Economically, this selection saves players considerable sums compared to purchasing these games separately, further solidifying the service's position amidst fierce competition from other subscription services in the global gaming market. These games will remain available for download until the beginning of February, giving players ample time to experience them.
