As 2025 winds down and the new year approaches, PlayStation fans are once again looking ahead to Sony’s next big announcement: the PlayStation Plus free games for January 2026. Monthly PS Plus lineups are always a hot topic among gamers, sparking speculation, wishlist debates, and leak-hunting across forums and social media. With Sony entering 2026 amid changes to its subscription strategy, January’s Essential lineup could set the tone for the year ahead.

Based on recent trends, community rumors, and historical patterns, here’s everything we know so far—and what we realistically might see—when January’s PS Plus games finally drop.

A Strong Momentum Going Into 2026

The last few months of PlayStation Plus have been surprisingly generous. Toward the end of 2025, Sony delivered a steady mix of big-name titles and well-loved indies across the Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers. Games like Stray, LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, and Neon White ensured that subscribers across different tastes had something to enjoy.

On the higher tiers, the return of GTA V, the original Red Dead Redemption, and standout experiences like The Talos Principle II and Pacific Drive helped reinforce the value of Extra and Premium. December’s Premium catalog, featuring Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, further cemented Sony’s late-2025 push to keep subscribers engaged.

With that momentum, expectations for January 2026 are understandably high.

When Will the January 2026 PS Plus Games Be Revealed?

Sony usually reveals the next month’s PS Plus Essential lineup on the last Wednesday of the current month, with the games becoming available on the first Tuesday of the following month. If the usual schedule holds, we should see the official announcement on December 31, with the games going live on January 6, 2026.

That gives players a small window to claim December’s titles before they rotate out—an important reminder if you’re trying to stretch the value of your subscription or planning purchases with PlayStation Store Gift Card during the holiday season.

Rumors and Leaks: What’s Being Claimed?

So far, there are no widely confirmed leaks from trusted insiders. However, one gaming blog has confidently listed the following trio as January 2026’s PS Plus Essential lineup:

• Mortal Kombat 11

• Sniper Elite: Resistance

• Tactics Ogre Reborn

While these picks are plausible—mixing a mainstream fighter, a tactical shooter, and a classic strategy RPG—they should still be treated as speculation. None of these titles have been corroborated by multiple sources, which is usually the case when leaks are legitimate. Still, from a value and genre-diversity standpoint, they wouldn’t be out of character for Sony.

Sony’s Shift Away From PS4 Titles

One important factor shaping predictions is Sony’s stated plan to phase out PS4-focused giveaways in 2026. While PS4 owners aren’t being abandoned overnight, the emphasis is clearly shifting toward PS5-native or cross-generation titles. This narrows the pool somewhat, but it also raises the likelihood of more modern releases appearing in the Essential tier.

That shift could make January’s lineup feel more forward-looking than past years, especially compared to January 2025, which included Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered.

January 2026 Predictions and Wishlist Picks

Beyond rumored titles, several games continue to top community wishlists:

• Resident Evil 4 Remake – Released in 2023 and widely praised, this would be a massive crowd-pleaser and feels “just old enough” to make sense for PS Plus.

• Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition – With the Fallout TV series still riding high, this would be a smart cross-media tie-in.

• Death Stranding – As Kojima’s sequel gains traction, offering the original on PS Plus could attract newcomers.

• Star Wars Outlaws – Not Ubisoft’s biggest hit, but still a solid candidate for a subscription-based second life.

• Blue Prince – A standout indie from 2025 that would perfectly complement a larger AAA title in the lineup.

Some dream picks, like Elden Ring or Demon’s Souls Remake, remain firmly in wishful-thinking territory—but PlayStation has surprised us before.

Why January Matters for PS Plus

January lineups are often strategic. They aim to retain subscribers after holiday sales while enticing new players who received consoles or PSN Gift Card as gifts. A strong Essential lineup helps justify renewing subscriptions and keeps players engaged during a typically quieter release window.

Even if January 2026 doesn’t deliver a blockbuster, a balanced mix of genres and quality titles can go a long way in maintaining goodwill among the community.

Final Thoughts

While nothing is confirmed yet, January 2026’s PlayStation Plus Essential lineup is shaping up to be an interesting one. Between Sony’s shift toward PS5-focused content, lingering rumors, and an ever-growing wishlist of potential additions, there’s plenty for fans to speculate about.

Whether Sony opts for safe, proven hits or takes a chance on newer releases, the first PS Plus drop of 2026 will be closely watched. As always, the best advice is to keep expectations realistic—but stay hopeful. After all, some of the best PS Plus moments have come when players least expected them.