January is already a hard enough month to get through at the best of times, and now it’s looking like the PlayStation Plus free games lineup for next month could be especially bleak.
December 2025 saw PlayStation Plus Essential bring us a bumper selection of games, with LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada, and Neon White. A generous serving, to be sure. But going forward, PlayStation Plus gamers will have even less choice.
PlayStation Plus Free Games For January Will Be Tough
I’m already scared about what’s to come
As you’ve probably already heard by now, PlayStation Plus is set to start phasing out PlayStation 4 games from the monthly lineup of Essential titles.
Here’s what PlayStation had to say about the move:
“As many of our players are currently playing on PS5 and have shifted toward redeeming and accessing PS5 titles from the Monthly Games and Game Catalogue benefit, PlayStation Plus is also evolving with this trend and will focus on offering PS5 titles through the Monthly Games and Game Catalogue benefit starting January 2026.”
It’s a change that’s already proving unpopular with subscribers. And while it’s not clear if PlayStation Plus’ debut 2026 lineup will immediately eliminate PS4 games or attempt to ease subscribers in, the fact remains PS Plus gamers still using a PS4 are in for a bleak month. These changes will officially come into effect when the PlayStation Plus Extra January games are officially rolled out on January 6. We should learn which games we’re getting for the month on December 31.
It’s Not All Doom And Gloom
Try and look on the bright side
As many PlayStation Plus subscribers have pointed out, PlayStation isn’t abandoning the PS4 outright. PlayStation Plus Extra will still be stocked full of PS4 games, for instance. A cynic might point out the PlayStation Plus Extra tier is more expensive than PlayStation Plus Essential, but I wouldn’t do a thing like that. Not at Christmas.
“It’s 5 years into the launch of the PS5. There is no reason for Sony to keep supporting the PS4 in larger capacities like this,” one Reddit user argued. “I’m more than fine with the change.”
Another added: “PS4 users can still add Ps5 games to their library via the app or website for when they eventually upgrade.”
Regardless of how you feel about it, January 2026 really is the end of an era for PlayStation Plus, and that’s kinda sad. Still, we have to step into the future eventually.
- Brand
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Sony
- Original Release Date
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June 29, 2010
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$59.99 (Essential), $99.99 (Extra), $119.99 (Premium) – Per Year
- App Store
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PlayStation Store
