PlayStation Plus Free Games Lineup For January 2026 Is Bleak

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January is usually a tough month, and it looks like the free games offered with PlayStation Plus next month might be disappointing.

Wow, December 2025’s PlayStation Plus Essential lineup was HUGE! We got , , , , and – seriously, a ton of games. But honestly, it sounds like things are going to get a little stingier going forward, with PlayStation Plus offering even fewer choices in the future. A bit of a bummer after such a great month!

PlayStation Plus Free Games For January Will Be Tough

I’m already scared about what’s to come

PlayStation Plus will soon stop including PlayStation 4 games in its monthly selection of free Essential games.

Here’s what PlayStation had to say about the move:

Because more and more players are using PlayStation 5 and getting their games through PlayStation Plus benefits like the Monthly Games and Game Catalogue, we’re focusing on providing PS5 games through these benefits starting in January 2026.

The upcoming changes are already upsetting many PlayStation Plus subscribers. It’s unknown whether the service will immediately stop offering PS4 games in 2026, or gradually phase them out, but PS4 players are likely to be disappointed. These changes will take effect on January 6th, when the new PlayStation Plus Extra games for January are released. We’ll find out which games are included on December 31st.

It’s Not All Doom And Gloom

Try and look on the bright side

Many PlayStation Plus members have noticed that PlayStation isn’t completely dropping support for the PS4. The PlayStation Plus Extra tier will continue to offer a large library of PS4 games. While some might mention that Extra costs more than the basic PlayStation Plus Essential plan, I wouldn’t bring that up, especially during the holidays.

One Reddit user pointed out that with the PS5 having been available for five years, Sony doesn’t need to continue providing significant support for the older PS4. The user expressed satisfaction with this shift in focus.

Someone also pointed out that PlayStation 4 owners can add PS5 games to their game library now through the app or website, so they’ll be ready to play them when they upgrade to a PS5.

Whether you’re happy about it or not, January 2026 will mark a significant change for PlayStation Plus, and it’s a little bittersweet to see an era end. However, progress means moving forward, and we have to embrace what comes next.

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2025-12-26 08:02