PS Plus Free Games for January 2026 Set Up 3 Targets and Hit Them All

PlayStation Plus had an exceptionally strong year in 2025, particularly with the free games offered through its Essential tier. Throughout the year, subscribers enjoyed popular and critically acclaimed titles like Alan Wake 2, Psychonauts 2, and Lies of P, as well as well-received smaller games such as High on Life, Stray, and Viewfinder. PlayStation Plus finished the year strong, offering a total of five free games in December, including LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, and The Outlast Trials.

PlayStation Plus faced high expectations for its free games in January 2026. While some fans felt the selection didn’t quite meet those expectations, the three available games cater to distinct player groups. This means at least some PlayStation Plus subscribers are likely to find something they enjoy this month.

PS Plus Essential Free Game for January 2026: Need for Speed Unbound

Target One: The Casual Racing Fan

The January 2026 PlayStation Plus free games lineup is causing some disagreement among players, particularly with the inclusion of Need for Speed Unbound. Released in December 2022, the game isn’t new, and many subscribers are frustrated because it was already available through PS Plus Extra and Premium until August 2024. This feels like a repeat offering, as many players likely already had a chance to play it through those other subscription tiers.

Despite its flaws, Need for Speed Unbound is still a good racing game that most casual fans will enjoy. It currently has a score of 75 on OpenCritic, which puts it somewhere in the middle of all Need for Speed games – not the best, but definitely not the worst. While critics didn’t feel it revolutionized the series, they praised its unique art style and smooth gameplay. It’s a fun game worth playing, especially if you have PS Plus.

With Need for Speed Unbound, Criterion Games returned to the Need for Speed series after a decade, following their 2012 release of Need for Speed: Most Wanted. True to Criterion’s style, Unbound offers a vibrant open world brimming with things to do and collect, plus tons of ways to customize a wide variety of cars. While serious racing enthusiasts might not appreciate the game’s quick and over-the-top driving, more casual players will likely be captivated by its engaging story and fun multiplayer options.

PS Plus Essential Free Game for January 2026 – Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

Target Two: Family-Friendly Platformer Fans

I recently got to play Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and it’s a really fun 3D platformer! It’s a remake of an older game, and honestly, it’s great for younger players, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it too. You play as Mickey Mouse, and your job is to save the world using a magical paintbrush. The levels are all themed after Disneyland, which is awesome, and you spend a lot of time painting things to bring them to life or using paint thinner to get rid of bad guys and clear your path. It’s a really creative way to play!

The original Epic Mickey game released in 2010 received mixed reviews, but the 2024 remake, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, has been better received, scoring a 77 on OpenCritic based on reviews from top critics. Many reviewers felt Rebrushed was a significant improvement, making the game smoother and more enjoyable by fixing some of the original’s frustrating parts, while also adding fun Easter eggs and references. With its colorful graphics, appealing world, and straightforward gameplay, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a good choice for younger players new to 3D platformers, and for those who remember and love the original game.

PS Plus Essential Free Game for January 2026: Core Keeper

Target Three: Survival Crafting Sandbox Fans

The most highly-rated game in January 2026’s PlayStation Plus Essentials selection is Core Keeper, currently scoring an 87 on OpenCritic. This sandbox survival game isn’t just for genre fans—players who enjoy games like Stardew Valley and Terraria will likely love it too. Originally released in early access on Steam in March 2022 and fully launched in August 2024, Core Keeper is played from a top-down view and challenges players to explore a randomly generated underground world filled with dangerous obstacles and unique structures.

Core Keeper will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2026, at the same time as the ‘Void & Voltage’ update, which will also be released for all other gaming platforms.

Like games such as Minecraft and Ark, Core Keeper focuses on crafting better and better tools to explore and mine for resources. You use those resources to create even better gear, creating a repeating cycle. While this gameplay isn’t new – it’s been popular for about ten years – Core Keeper stands out with its exciting combat, challenging boss battles, satisfying progress, and beautiful pixel art style.

What really makes Core Keeper special is that you can play the whole game online with friends – up to 8 of you can join or leave whenever you like. Getting a new game like this for free with PlayStation Plus is great, and Core Keeper is perfect for quick, relaxed gaming sessions with people you enjoy.

2026-01-09 01:07