Starting 2026 in Style: PS Plus Games for January Revealed!

28 JANUARY, 2026 - Core Keeper

Starting 2026 in Style: PS Plus Games for January Revealed!

Image via Electronic Arts

New year, new games: Sony is kicking off 2026 with an impressive lineup for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Whether you’re a fan of high speed, nostalgia, or survival—this month gives you a great reason to power up your console.

January Free Games (Essential)

All subscribers (Essential tier and above) can add these three diverse titles to their library from January 3, 2026, until February 2, 2026:

  • Need for Speed Unbound (PS5): The latest installment in the legendary racing series. Featuring a bold visual style that blends graffiti with anime, and intense street racing, this is one of the most unique entries in the franchise.

  • Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4/PS5): A stunning remake of the classic platformer. Join Mickey Mouse in the magical (and slightly dark) world of the "Wasteland," armed with your magic paintbrush.

  • Core Keeper (PS4/PS5): The indie hit that has become a household name. A sandbox survival and building game set in a rich underground world. If you loved Minecraft or Terraria, you’re going to be addicted to this.

Game Catalog Expansion (Extra & Deluxe)

For higher-tier subscribers, the celebration continues on January 20th with some of the biggest names in the industry joining the catalog:

  • Resident Evil Village: A top-tier horror experience that sends you to a nightmarish European village.

  • Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: A massive RPG adventure taking the famous Yakuza series to the golden shores of Hawaii.

  • Darkest Dungeon II: A challenging and strategic RPG set in a dark and merciless atmosphere.

  • A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead: A new horror game based on the hit movie franchise—where silence is the key to survival.

Also joining the catalog: Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (off-road simulator), A Little to the Left (relaxing puzzles), The Exit 8 (psychological thriller), and the visually stunning Art of Rally.

 

Not sure which subscription is right for you? Let's break it down:

Subscription Tier

What’s Included?

Who is it for?

PlayStation Plus Essential

Monthly free games, online multiplayer access, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage.

For players who primarily need online play (FC, Fortnite, etc.) and are happy with a few gifts each month.

PlayStation Plus Extra

Everything in Essential + access to the Game Catalog featuring ~400 PS4 & PS5 games for free download.

For "hardcore" gamers who want a massive library of games (like Netflix) without buying each one separately.

PlayStation Plus Deluxe

Everything in Extra + Classics Catalog (PS1, PS2, PSP) and Game Trials for new releases.

For nostalgia lovers and those who want to try new AAA games before committing to a purchase.

 

Core Keeper
Core Keeper

Core Keeper

Release date: 2020-10-06
Publishers: Larian Studios

Drawn towards a mysterious relic, you are an explorer who awakens in an ancient cavern of creatures, resources and trinkets. Trapped deep underground will your survival skills be up to the task?

Mine relics and resources to build your base, craft new equipment, survive, and power up the Core. Defeat giant monsters, discover hidden secrets, farm crops, cook new recipes and explore a procedurally generated underground world in a mining sandbox adventure for 1-8 players.

Explore a vast underground cave of endless resources. Mine resources, discover hidden crystals, fossils & trinkets and survive a procedurally generated underground world.

Expand your base from humble beginnings to a vast homestead. Build workbenches and generators to craft new equipment and technology, create your base, and power up your Core.

Customise your explorer and craft new items, armour and equipment to venture further into the cave. Craft a pickaxe to mine walls and resources, build bridges to cross underground lakes, and place torches and bonfires to light up the darkness.

Plant seeds and nurture crops to grow food, or combine ingredients in the cooking pot to discover tasty new recipes with unexpected buffs.

Explore living biomes and fight cavernous creatures in a simulated underground ecosystem. Defeat giant beasts to claim their crystals and continue the adventure.

Survive alone or play online with up to 7 other players. Visit their caverns or invite them into yours, working together to mine resources, fight, farm, craft and survive.

Find massive bosses in an infinite, procedurally generated world with endless gameplay and resources.

6 Pictures

Developers:
Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele
writer,director,producer
Geoff Keighley
Geoff Keighley
composer,producer