The January 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential games are expected to include Mortal Kombat 11, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Tactics Ogre: Reborn, though official confirmation from Sony is pending.
Based on past release schedules, these titles should become available on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, with the announcement likely on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Key highlights:
- December 2025 offered five games, closing the year strongly.
- 2025’s PS Plus lineup featured a strong mix of AAA and indie games.
- Players are hopeful for titles like Elden Ring, Fallout 4, and Atomfall.
- PlayStation Plus now leans more towards PS5 exclusives in 2026.
- Christmas deals on the PlayStation Store included major discounts.
The full PS Plus breakdown reflects Sony’s evolving strategy and continued value to subscribers.
What Are the PS Plus Essential Games for January 2026?
Although Sony hasn’t officially confirmed the lineup at the time of writing, the most widely reported titles for January 2026’s PS Plus Essential games are Mortal Kombat 11, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Tactics Ogre: Reborn.
These names have appeared on several prediction lists, with some blogs confidently treating them as fact. While we await the official word from PlayStation, it’s useful to examine why these titles are being discussed.
Mortal Kombat 11, despite being several years old now, remains one of the most polished and content-rich fighting games available.
With its fast-paced combat, excellent visuals, and deep customisation options, it’s a perfect fit for players looking for competitive or casual brawling.
Sniper Elite: Resistance, a relatively new addition to the Sniper Elite franchise, builds on the series’ trademark stealth and long-distance shooting mechanics.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn rounds out the trio as a remake of the cult classic tactical RPG, offering turn-based strategy and a compelling narrative.
The PlayStation UK official PS Plus games page has not yet updated for January 2026 at the time of writing. However, the consistency in PS Plus Essential releases gives a clear indication that the next batch will likely be released on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
As our gaming news reporter Christy put it during a recent discussion:
“If this leaked lineup proves accurate, I don’t think it’s the flashiest drop we’ve seen, but it does feel like a balanced selection that gives different types of players something to enjoy.”
What Are the Most Reliable Leaks and Rumours for January 2026?
When it comes to leaks and predictions, some sources are more trustworthy than others. One of the earliest and most widely circulated posts came from Techloy.com, listing Mortal Kombat 11, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Tactics Ogre: Reborn.
However, it’s unclear where their information comes from. Some believe the list was inspired by a similar one in an NME article, making it difficult to judge how much weight the predictions hold.
To provide a more analytical perspective, Erik Kain from Forbes published a breakdown of possible and speculative titles.
Rather than confirming leaks, Kain focused on industry patterns, past releases, and tie-ins with current media trends to formulate a solid wishlist and prediction list.
He highlights that while there’s always a temptation to latch on to the biggest game names, Sony tends to include a mix of genres and scales to appeal to a wide player base.
His predictions included several titles that haven’t yet appeared on the service but would be logical picks, considering timing, relevance, and public interest.
When Will Sony Announce the January 2026 PS Plus Lineup?
Sony has followed a fairly predictable timeline for announcing its monthly PS Plus Essential games. Most months, the company reveals the following month’s games on the final Wednesday before they release. The new games typically become available on the first Tuesday of the month.
With that in mind, here’s how the schedule looks for January 2026:
| Event | Expected Date |
| Official Announcement of Lineup | Wednesday, 31 December 2025 |
| New Games Available to Download | Tuesday, 6 January 2026 |
| Last Day to Claim December’s Titles | Tuesday, 6 January 2026 |
Because 31 December falls on New Year’s Eve, there is a small chance Sony could delay the announcement or roll it out earlier than usual. However, in previous years, the company has stuck with this pattern regardless of holidays.
What Were the Best PS Plus Titles Released in Late 2025?
The final few months of 2025 were quite strong for PlayStation Plus, especially in the Essential tier. Sony has been balancing indie favourites with big-name franchises to maintain variety and appeal across the subscriber base.
Here’s a quick overview of notable PS Plus Essential titles from October to December 2025:
| Month | Titles Included (Essential Tier) |
| October | Alan Wake 2, Goat Simulator 3, Cocoon |
| November | Stray, EA Sports WRC 24, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator |
| December | LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality: Echo of Ada, Neon White |
Each of these months offered a different flavour. October gave us a mix of horror and experimental gameplay.
November surprised many with Stray, a title that many assumed would stay locked behind the Extra tier. December was especially generous, likely due to the holiday season, with two bonus titles added to the standard three.
This trend suggests that Sony is taking subscriber feedback seriously. Many players voiced concerns in earlier years about lacklustre monthly offerings. In response, it appears the company is working harder to keep things interesting.
What Was Last Year’s PS Plus Lineup for January?
Looking back at January 2025 offers some helpful context. That month, Sony gave away three games:
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
- The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
The lineup wasn’t universally loved. Suicide Squad, despite being a major release, received mixed reviews and didn’t perform well critically or commercially.
In contrast, The Stanley Parable was celebrated as a clever and imaginative title that many players had missed the first time around. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered was a solid inclusion for racing fans but lacked the novelty to get the wider community excited.
In hindsight, January 2025 was a slightly underwhelming month, which might explain why Sony is leaning toward a more stable and well-rounded selection this time around.
What Are the Top Predictions and Wishlist Games for January 2026?
Predictions and wishlists can often blur together, but they do reveal what players are hoping to see and what could reasonably show up based on trends. Erik Kain’s Forbes piece featured a number of games that would make for exciting inclusions.
Here’s a curated mix of predictions and wishlist titles from various sources:
| Title | Reason for Prediction |
| Atomfall | British setting, recently released, growing fanbase |
| Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition | Ties into Fallout TV series, anniversary release |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | Popular, critically acclaimed, good timing |
| Elden Ring | Demand from fans, DLC released in 2025 |
| Kingdom Come: Deliverance | Sequel out now, good time to revisit original |
| Death Stranding | Sequel released recently, drives interest in the first |
| Street Fighter 6 | Highly requested, though may be too soon |
| Cocoon | Indie favourite, strong reviews, seen in October lineup |
| Trine 5 | Family-friendly, couch co-op, nostalgic value |
While it’s unlikely Sony would drop two or more AAA hits in the same month, these games represent titles players would gladly download if included.
How Has the PS Plus Essential Lineup Looked Throughout 2025?
The consistency and diversity in 2025’s Essential tier releases have received praise across the community. Each month offered at least one standout title, with a solid balance between high-budget games and indie darlings.
Below is a breakdown of the PS Plus Essential releases throughout 2025, by month:
| Month | Game Titles |
| January | Suicide Squad, NFS Hot Pursuit, The Stanley Parable |
| February | Payday 3, High on Life, Pac-Man World Re-Pac |
| March | Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Sonic Colours, TMNT: Cowabunga Collection |
| April | RoboCop: Rogue City, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Digimon Story |
| May | Ark: Survival Ascended, Balatro, Warhammer 40K: Boltgun |
| June | NBA 2K25, Alone in the Dark, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Destiny 2: Final Shape |
| July | Diablo IV, The King of Fighters XV, Jusant |
| August | Lies of P, DayZ, My Hero One’s Justice 2 |
| September | Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley, Viewfinder |
| October | Alan Wake 2, Goat Simulator 3, Cocoon |
| November | Stray, EA Sports WRC 24, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator |
| December | LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality: Echo of Ada, Neon White |
The inclusion of games like Lies of P, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Alan Wake 2 shows that Sony isn’t afraid to offer premium content to its Essential tier subscribers.
What Are the Current PS Plus Christmas Deals?
Every December, PlayStation offers a wave of discounted titles for the holiday season. This year has been no different, with major price drops on some of 2025’s most notable games.
Here are some of the best Christmas deals currently available on the PlayStation Store:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – £48.99
- Elden Ring: Nightreign – £29.99
- Battlefield 6 – £48.99
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – £15.99
- Death Stranding: On The Beach – £49.69
- Baldur’s Gate 3 – £52.49
- Ghost of Tsushima – £9.99
- Blue Prince – £19.49
- Dispatch – £26.99
Many of these games are from the UKGamingBlog.co.uk community’s Top 10 Games of the Year list and represent some of the best bang-for-buck purchases currently available. Deals like these often expire quickly, so it’s worth checking the PlayStation Store sooner rather than later.
How Does PlayStation Plus Work and What Does It Cost in 2026?
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that provides a range of benefits, including online multiplayer access, monthly free games, and access to a rotating library of games depending on your tier.
Here’s a breakdown of the current subscription tiers in the UK:
| Tier | Monthly Price | Yearly Price | Features Included |
| Essential | £6.99 | £59.99 | Monthly free games, online multiplayer, cloud saves |
| Extra | £10.99 | £99.99 | All Essential benefits, plus access to the Game Catalogue |
| Premium | £13.49 | £119.99 | All Extra benefits, plus game streaming, trials, and classic PlayStation titles |
It’s worth noting that the monthly free games discussed in this article are exclusive to the Essential tier and above. Premium tier subscribers receive even more titles throughout the month, including retro games and exclusive trials.
Which PS5 Titles Could Replace PS4 Games on PS Plus in 2026?
Sony has made it clear that the company is transitioning its focus toward PS5. While most PS Plus Essential games are still cross-gen, there’s a growing trend of PS5-only titles making the cut.
This doesn’t mean that PS4 players are completely left behind. Many titles still support the older console. However, Sony is encouraging players to upgrade by making some of its best offerings PS5-exclusive.
Some expected PS5-focused shifts include:
- Prioritising native PS5 versions even when PS4 versions exist
- Featuring recent PS5-only releases in PS Plus sooner
- Gradually phasing out PS4-era exclusives in the Essential tier
The long-term strategy seems to be built around preparing the PS5 ecosystem for a larger install base and reinforcing the idea that PS Plus adds value to the current generation, not just the previous one.
Conclusion
With Mortal Kombat 11, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Tactics Ogre: Reborn expected to headline the January 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential tier, UK subscribers can look forward to a solid start to the year.
This coverage has focused specifically on the UK region and the first drop of 2026, using verified release patterns and the most credible reporting available.
As the official announcement approaches, all eyes are on Sony to see what’s next. If this month is any indication, PlayStation Plus in 2026 is just getting started. Stay tuned.
FAQs About January 2026 PlayStation Plus Games
What time do PS Plus games usually go live in the UK?
Games usually go live around midday (12 PM GMT) on launch Tuesday, but it can vary slightly based on region and store sync.
Can I still claim December 2025 PS Plus games in January?
Yes, you can claim December’s titles until January 6th, just before the new games replace them.
Are these games available on both PS5 and PS4?
Most PS Plus Essential games are available on both platforms unless stated otherwise, but Sony is starting to prioritise PS5 content.
Do I lose PS Plus games if I cancel my subscription?
Yes, access to PS Plus games ends when your subscription expires. You’ll regain access if you resubscribe.
Why are there fewer PS4 games in the new PS Plus lineup?
Sony is phasing out PS4 content to focus on PS5 as the primary platform. This change reflects their strategy moving into 2026.
Are these PS Plus games available in other regions?
Yes, but availability can vary by region. The UK and EU often share the same lineup, while Asia or US may differ occasionally.
How can I get notified about next month’s free games early?
Follow PlayStation Blog, PlayStation UK’s social channels, or gaming journalists like Erik Kain for early predictions and leaks.
