PlayStation Plus Essential Free Games for January 2026 Confirmed

Sony has officially confirmed the PlayStation Plus Essential free games for January 2026, giving subscribers access to three titles across racing, platforming, and sandbox adventure genres. The games will be available to claim from January 6, 2026, through February 2, 2026, for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users.

The January lineup continues Sony’s approach of balancing blockbuster franchises with indie and family-friendly experiences.

Summary

The January 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential lineup includes Need for Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper. The selection offers a mix of high-speed racing, remastered platforming, and cooperative sandbox gameplay, available to subscribers at no additional cost.

January 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential Lineup

Need for Speed Unbound (PS5)

Need for Speed Unbound delivers arcade-style street racing with a bold visual identity that blends realistic vehicles with stylized effects. Set in the open-world environment of Lakeshore City, the game focuses on underground racing, police pursuits, and deep car customization.

Released in 2022, the title marked a creative shift for the franchise and was designed to take advantage of current-generation hardware. Its inclusion gives subscribers access to a major racing release without additional cost.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS5, PS4)

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a modern remaster of the 2010 platformer centered around Mickey Mouse’s journey through the Wasteland, a world built from forgotten Disney creations.

The Rebrushed edition features enhanced visuals, improved performance, and refined controls. Its narrative-driven gameplay and creative mechanics make it a strong addition for fans of classic platformers and family-friendly titles.

Core Keeper (PS5, PS4)

Core Keeper is a sandbox survival game focused on underground exploration, crafting, base building, and cooperative play. Players mine resources, defeat bosses, and uncover secrets hidden beneath the surface, either solo or with friends.

The game has built a strong reputation for its relaxed pacing and flexible progression systems. Its inclusion expands the January lineup with a popular indie experience.

Availability and Claim Window

All three games will be available for PlayStation Plus Essential members to claim between January 6 and February 2, 2026. Once claimed, the games remain accessible for as long as the subscription remains active.

Subscribers who miss the claim window will no longer be able to add the titles once the February lineup replaces January’s selection.

About PlayStation Plus Essential

PlayStation Plus Essential is the base tier of Sony’s subscription service. It includes:

• Monthly free games
• Online multiplayer access
• Cloud save storage
• Exclusive PlayStation Store discounts

While higher tiers offer expanded game catalogs and classic titles, Essential continues to serve as the entry point for monthly game offerings.

Conclusion

The PlayStation Plus Essential free games for January 2026 offer a well-rounded lineup that appeals to racing fans, platformer enthusiasts, and sandbox players alike. With support across PS5 and PS4, the selection provides strong value for subscribers starting the new year.

Players are encouraged to claim all three titles before the February 2 deadline to ensure continued access.

Key Highlights

• Three free games included with PlayStation Plus Essential
• Available from January 6 to February 2, 2026
• Supports PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
• Mix of AAA, remastered, and indie titles