The PlayStation Plus subscription service continues to be a primary source for U.S. gamers to access a rotating library of free games each month. For January 2026, Sony has returned to its standard three-game format after an unusually large December 2025 offering. Subscribers can claim three new titles at no additional cost, with a combined retail value of approximately $150. The lineup includes a high-profile racing game, a beloved Disney remake, and a critically acclaimed indie survival title. Additionally, a significant update for The Elder Scrolls Online promises a wealth of future seasonal content at no extra charge for PlayStation Plus Extra members. This guide details the available free games, their platforms, and the process for claiming them, based exclusively on information from official announcements and verified reporting.
The January 2026 PlayStation Plus Monthly Games
PlayStation Plus subscribers with an Essential, Extra, or Premium membership can claim three new games starting January 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. These games will remain available to claim until February 2, 2026. Once claimed, they are accessible to the subscriber for as long as their PlayStation Plus membership is active. The total retail value of this month’s free games is listed as $149.97, with an average OpenCritic score of 79.67.
Need for Speed Unbound
This arcade-style racing game from Criterion Games is the headliner for January 2026. Released in December 2022, it features a stylized take on the classic Need for Speed formula, centered around a weekly racing schedule that provides a structured progression loop. The game is available on PlayStation 5 and carries a retail value of $69.99. According to the provided data, it has an OpenCritic score of 75 and a PlayStation user score of 3.09. It is a single-player experience and does not support cooperative play.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
A remake of the classic 2010 title, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings the adventure to modern platforms. Players explore a world of forgotten Disney characters and locations, with iconic figures like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit appearing throughout the journey. The game is available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Its retail value is listed as $59.99, with an OpenCritic score of 77 and a PlayStation user score of 4.38. This title is a single-player experience.
Core Keeper
Highlighted as the standout title in the January 2026 lineup for both critical and user acclaim, Core Keeper is a top-down survival sandbox game. Developed by Pugstorm and published by Fire shine Games, it features a procedurally generated underground world. The game supports cooperative play for up to eight players, allowing them to harvest resources, craft tools, build bases, and explore a dynamic world filled with secrets. Released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in September 2024, it has the lowest retail value of the three games at $19.99. However, it boasts the highest OpenCritic score of 87 and a PlayStation user score of 4.74.
The Elder Scrolls Online Seasonal Content Update
Beyond the monthly games, PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers will receive a major content update for The Elder Scrolls Online. In April 2026, the game will transition to a new rolling three-month "Season" model. This change means that PlayStation Plus Extra members will have access to all new seasonal content at no additional cost.
The first season, "Season Zero," is scheduled to run from April 2 through July 8. According to an official announcement from the game's developer, "all new gameplay content included in a Season, be it a new zone, dungeon, storyline, system, class, or skill line, will be free for all base-game players." Season Zero will introduce: * The Night Market Event Zone * The first wave of player experience improvements * The first wave of class and combat refresh improvements * The introduction of Tamriel Tomes with the Tome of Dawn and Dusk * The introduction of the Gold Coast Bazaar
Future seasons will continue to release new content, including new zones, dungeons, storylines, and gameplay systems, all of which will be available for free to PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers.
How to Claim Free PlayStation Plus Games
The process for claiming monthly free games is consistent across all PlayStation Plus tiers (Essential, Extra, and Premium). Subscribers can access the games through the PlayStation Store on their console, the PlayStation App on a mobile device, or via a web browser.
- Log In: Sign in to the PlayStation Network account associated with an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
- Navigate to the PlayStation Plus Section: On the PlayStation Store, find the dedicated PlayStation Plus area. This is typically labeled as "PlayStation Plus" or "Subscriptions."
- Find the Monthly Games: Within the PlayStation Plus section, there will be a subsection for "Monthly Games" or "Game Catalog." For January 2026, the three titles—Need for Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper—should be prominently featured.
- Add to Library: Select each game and choose the "Add to Library" or "Claim" option. This does not download the game but adds it to your permanent PlayStation Plus game library.
- Download Later: Once claimed, the games can be downloaded at any time while the subscription is active. They will remain accessible as long as the PlayStation Plus membership is maintained.
It is important to note the claim deadline: all three games must be added to the library by February 2, 2026, to be retained permanently. After this date, they will no longer be available as part of the monthly offering.
Additional Free Content on the PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store hosts a variety of free content for PlayStation Plus subscribers beyond the monthly game downloads. This includes free downloadable content (DLC), add-ons, in-game items, and sometimes full game trials.
For example, the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers offer access to a "Game Catalog," which is a curated library of hundreds of additional titles. While not part of the monthly free game lineup, these games are included as part of the subscription and can be downloaded and played at no extra cost. As of late 2025, this catalog included titles such as Grand Theft Auto V, Pacific Drive, Still Wakes The Deep, and Insurgency: Sandstorm.
Players should regularly check the PlayStation Store's PlayStation Plus section to discover new free add-ons and content drops, which can enhance games they already own or add new items to their collections.
Conclusion
For January 2026, PlayStation Plus offers a diverse trio of free games catering to different playstyles: the high-octane racing of Need for Speed Unbound, the narrative-driven platforming of Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and the collaborative sandbox survival of Core Keeper. With a combined value of nearly $150, these titles represent significant value for subscribers. Furthermore, the upcoming seasonal content for The Elder Scrolls Online underscores the ongoing benefits of the PlayStation Plus Extra subscription, providing a continuous stream of new content at no additional charge. U.S. gamers have until February 2, 2026, to claim the monthly games, ensuring they remain in their library for the duration of their active subscription.