PS Plus Essential January 2026 Games Announced – Here’s the Full List

Sagar Mankar
3 days ago
3 min read

PlayStation Plus subscribers have something to look forward to this January, as Sony has announced the free game lineup for the month.

Members across all tiers can claim Need for Speed Unbound, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper starting January 6, with availability lasting until February 2.

Need for Speed Unbound (PS5)

Red sports car drifting on a city curve at dusk, under a pink and blue sky. Streetlights illuminate the road, with trees and buildings in view. its from Need for Speed Unbound.

Need for Speed Unbound brings the high-octane street racing experience that fans have been craving. Released back in November 2022, this entry in the legendary racing franchise drops players into Lakeshore City, a fictional urban playground that draws heavy inspiration from Chicago's architecture and vibe.

Here, players build their reputation through illegal street races, evading police via a "heat" system that escalates pursuits, and participating in a weekly cycle of qualifiers leading to "The Grand" championship.

Key features include deep car customization (body kits, bumpers, wraps with graffiti-style art), collectibles like hidden bears and billboards, and dynamic events such as drift zones and speed traps. The distinctive cel-shaded, graffiti-infused art style activates during high-speed moments.

Critics have generally praised Unbound for its stylish cel-shaded visuals and responsive handling, with many calling it the best modern Need for Speed entry. The game scored a respectable 77 on Metacritic for PlayStation 5, though some players have pointed out issues like rubberbanding AI and repetitive story elements.

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4, PS5)

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed game screenshot where Mickey mouse holding a giant key in a dark, industrial setting with glowing lights. The character appears determined and adventurous.

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed marks the return of a beloved 3D platformer that originally launched exclusively on the Wii back in 2010. This remaster from THQ Nordic hit modern consoles in September 2024, bringing Mickey Mouse's adventure through the Wasteland to a whole new generation of players.

The premise is wonderfully creative as Mickey gets transported to a twisted realm where forgotten Disney characters and concepts have been exiled over the years. Armed with a magical paintbrush, players can paint to restore beauty and make allies, or thin things out to erase obstacles and enemies.

The paint and thinner mechanics create genuine moral decisions that affect level design, character relationships, and even determine which of multiple endings you'll experience.

The remaster addresses many complaints from the original release, particularly the notorious camera issues that plagued the Wii version. According to reviews, the updated controls and improved pacing make this the definitive way to experience Mickey's journey through Wasteland.

The game also features Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney's earlier creation, who serves as Mickey's estranged brother in this narrative. Reconciling with Oswald becomes crucial for Mickey's escape from this forgotten realm.

Core Keeper (PS4, PS5)

Top-down view of four characters in a dimly lit dungeon with skulls and glowing blue symbols. One character holds a torch. Mysterious mood. its from Core Keeper.

Core Keeper rounds out the trio with something completely different from the racing and platforming action of the other two titles. This top-down sandbox survival game invites players to explore a massive underground cavern system filled with secrets, resources, and dangers lurking in the darkness.

Starting from The Core, you'll mine resources, craft increasingly sophisticated tools and equipment, build elaborate bases, and push deeper into uncharted territory. The game supports up to eight players in co-op, making it perfect for tackling the various Titan bosses with friends.

Beyond the combat and exploration, Core Keeper embraces the cozy survival sim elements that have become so popular. Players can tend to animals, cultivate crops, cast fishing lines, and even prepare elaborate meals during downtime between expeditions.

The procedurally generated world ensures that each playthrough feels fresh, with diverse biomes revealing themselves as you progress.

Critics have drawn favorable comparisons to games like Terraria and Stardew Valley, praising the satisfying gameplay loop and deep progression systems. The PC version holds an impressive 85 on Metacritic, and console players have given it equally warm reception with strong user scores across PlayStation platforms.

For anyone who hasn't grabbed December's PlayStation Plus offerings yet, there's still time before the January 5 cutoff. That month's selection includes Lego Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada, and Neon White, giving subscribers plenty of gaming variety to kick off the new year.