The landscape for PlayStation Plus subscribers is poised for a major shift as we enter 2026. Reports indicate that Sony is considering a complete transition to current-generation hardware, which could signal the end of monthly benefits for older consoles. This change is significant for users still gaming on the PlayStation 4, as they may soon experience a discontinuation of complimentary titles, marking an abrupt end to their access to the service.
Sony is expected to kick off 2026 with a strong lineup of complimentary titles for PlayStation Plus members. Over the past few months, the service has introduced a variety of notable games, enhancing the digital collections of its subscribers. As part of its monthly offerings, PlayStation Plus has recently provided titles like Stray, Alan Wake 2, and Lego Horizon Adventures, with December 2025 adding five more titles to the roster.
However, January 2026 will bring a significant transition to the program. While the service will continue to add three games to the PS Plus Essential tier each month, it will cease to provide titles for the PlayStation 4. Moving forward, the focus will shift exclusively to games designed for the PlayStation 5.
🎮 PlayStation Plus January 2026 Leaks
Leaks and rumors suggest big changes to PS Plus free games next month. Sony is altering how titles are revealed, leaving fans eagerly speculating about January’s lineup. Could be the start of a new era for PlayStation subscriptions!… pic.twitter.com/YjFOI3THbr
— Tech ReTry (@TechReTry) December 29, 2025
A PlayStation representative confirmed this shift, stating, “As many of our players are currently playing on PS5 and have shifted toward redeeming and accessing PS5 titles from the monthly games and game catalogue benefit, PlayStation Plus is also evolving with this trend and will focus on offering PS5 titles through the monthly games and game catalogue benefit starting January 2026.”
The anticipated lineup for January 2026 is set to be unveiled on December 31, with several titles expected to be included. Among these, Deliver Us The Moon, which debuted on the PlayStation 5, is seen as a strong candidate. Many players missed this atmospheric puzzle-adventure upon its original release due to widespread stock shortages in 2020, making its addition to the service a timely opportunity for new players.
Another title likely to feature in the lineup is Button City, a vibrant indie adventure that launched in 2021. The game combines arcade challenges within a diorama-style world, evoking a sense of 90s nostalgia that aligns well with the kind of offerings found on PlayStation Plus.
Lastly, Forspoken, following its recent appearances in the Extra and Premium tiers, is expected to join the Essential library. Players who previously enjoyed this fantasy RPG should note that claiming the Essential version might lead to conflicts with older save files, so it is advisable to back up progress to the cloud.
Preparing for the PS5 Transition
With the PlayStation 4 stepping off the stage, January 2026 signifies a definitive transition for PlayStation Plus. While this may disappoint those who have yet to upgrade, the move allows Sony to focus its resources on maximizing the capabilities of current hardware.
This shift may offer subscribers a chance to access more ambitious titles that fully leverage the performance enhancements of the PlayStation 5. As the gaming community awaits the official announcement on New Year’s Eve, players are faced with a pivotal moment: planning their final downloads from the PS4 era while anticipating what the future holds for their gaming experience on the new console.
